Chapter 30

Cheongdam 2nd Guard Unit.

As an institution responsible for a district of Seoul, those handling the work here are quite special.

‘In a word, it’s an elite gathering place.’

Only talents who have proven their excellence—from the Three Great Noble Families and other prominent clans, to those who have passed through various training institutions across the country—can set foot here.

Given it’s a densely populated area, the importance of defense is also high.

‘It’s also a course that those aiming for higher positions pass through at least once.’

For Guard Units in the capital region and other densely populated areas, even 1st-Rank and 2nd-Rank Exorcists serve as members, which says it all.

‘And soon, a major incident will occur here.’

An A+-Rank Specter, the Red Oni. Its sudden appearance triggers a danger alert across Seoul.

Naturally, the main forces from nearby Guard Units also hastily gather to prevent damage. Consequently, a gap forms in the protective system.

‘And through that gap, a single Specter emerges into the world and hides itself.’

That is the Fire Goblin.

It was the target I was personally aiming for.

“Looks like we’re all here?”

After meeting Cheong Joohwa at the Academy, I filled out the entry log, took a taxi, and headed to the Guard Unit.

Upon arrival, I saw a clean, objective-looking building. It perfectly fit the image of a public institution.

‘Just like real-world police officers and firefighters, this is also a tough workplace.’

It’s extremely arduous and dangerous work, but precisely for that reason, it’s highly respected in society.

As I was feeling a sense of emotion seeing the Guard Unit’s appearance in reality, not in-game, a young woman who appeared to be in her twenties emerged from inside the building.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Seo Jihye, a 3rd-Rank Exorcist who will be in charge of you during your training period.”

“Hello.”

Cheong Joohwa lightly greeted her, and I also gave a slight nod.

Seo Jihye continued with a somewhat curt tone, wearing a smile that seemed a bit put-on.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard the news, but given the recent situation, the others will probably be too busy to pay much attention to you two. So if you have any questions, please ask me.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Her expression seemed slightly dissatisfied. It appeared she wasn’t too pleased about having visitors during such an unstable time.

Entering the building, we first received an explanation of the Guard Unit’s internal structure.

After being briefed on the basic details like departmental roles and duties, Seo Jihye, with a wry smile, immediately presented the next task.

“So, what do you think is the first thing you should do when you first enter a Guard Unit?”

“Uh… patrol?”

At Cheong Joohwa’s answer, Seo Jihye shook her head side to side.

Then, bringing over a stack of papers, she said:

“It’s administrative work.”

“Ah…”

After letting out a brief complaint, Seo Jihye looked at me and Cheong Joohwa with a beaming expression and continued.

“So, shall we handle these together, treating it as a learning experience first?”

“Ah, yes…”

For the rest of the day, we had to pour all our time into a mountain of endless work.

The fourth day of Guard Unit training.

Cheong Joohwa threw a question mixed with doubt at me, who by now was not just accustomed to the work but processing it mechanically.

“Why are you so proficient?”

A glance showed her expression was one of disbelief. It was understandable, as I was the only one easily handling unfamiliar tasks seen and heard for the first time.

But there was no helping it.

‘I’ve done it enough in the game to be sick of it.’

Throughout the series, the Guard Unit storyline appeared quite frequently. From my perspective, I naturally had that much background knowledge.

Also, my experience in the workforce couldn’t be ignored. In fact, my workplace was the very company that created this Exorcism Academy series, so I was feeling thoroughly at home.

“Guess it suits my aptitude.”

“Eeeeh…?”

Cheong Joohwa showed a subtly suspicious face, but soon seemed to reluctantly accept it.

Watching her grumble and focus on work again, I sank into thought.

‘Not bad.’

Seo Jihye, currently in charge of us, probably belongs to the junior-most line in the Guard Unit. I could roughly sense it.

‘Actually, that’s more convenient.’

The relentlessly busy atmosphere for four days, the problematic incident likely happening soon, and most of the senior-line Exorcists above Seo Jihye will probably be absent for on-site support.

Perhaps Seo Jihye will be tasked with forming a secondary defense line and standby patrol duty in this vicinity?

‘Things might work out easier than I thought.’

The reason I chose the bustling Cheongdam 2nd Guard Unit over many others was simple.

Because the 2nd Guard Unit is responsible for the area where the Fire Goblin first appears.

‘If most other members are absent a few days later due to the appearance of an A+-Rank Specter?’

Then the role of discovering and responding to the Fire Goblin naturally falls to Seo Jihye’s line, who will be on backup duty near the Guard Unit.

It’s a situation tailor-made for me.

As I was thinking that, Seo Jihye, looking like she had something to say, appeared at the edge of my vision.

‘Is it about time?’

Finally, the time to move had come.

“You’re better than I thought…”

It was already the fourth day since training began.

Watching Han Kangyoon and Cheong Joohwa silently handling basic tasks, Seo Jihye muttered to herself without realizing.

‘No, really, why are they so good?’

I heard it was their first training, but it doesn’t look like it at all. Honestly, I was impressed.

Especially Han Kangyoon—it seemed like he must have grinded through the Guard Unit for at least a few years.

‘There’s nothing to nitpick about him. Tsk.’

I didn’t want to admit it, but he was far better than I was as a rookie. He was an incredibly sharp talent.

‘If someone like that came in as my successor, work would be a joy.’

At first, I wasn’t pleased with Han Kangyoon, who used connections to worm his way in for training during such a busy period.

But since he hasn’t caused any particular problems and is already helping out, that feeling has now melted away like snow.

‘The 1st Guard Unit is all puffed up, saying they landed a major rookie this time.’

If Han Kangyoon were really my successor, I could have thrown a barb at the 1st Guard Unit, which is currently riding high.

Anyway, it seemed about time to try some other work together. Seo Jihye shrugged her shoulders, approached Han Kangyoon and Cheong Joohwa, and said:

“You probably have a feel for the basic tasks by now, right?”

“…Vividly.”

“Then let’s experience another side as a change of pace. We need to go outside, so let me get permission first.”

After briefly following procedure and heading outside, Seo Jihye told us:

“The Guard Unit’s duties are varied, but ultimately, the safety of citizens is the biggest goal.”

Then, in modern society, what is the most important thing to prioritize for citizen safety?

It was really simple.

“We’ll now start patrolling Route 1. In the evening, Route 2, and tomorrow, up to Route 3. You’ve probably seen it often, so you roughly know what it is, right?”

To respond most immediately to Specter appearances, the Exorcists of the Guard Unit take shifts for 24-hour patrols.

They periodically and constantly check their assigned areas.

Some might say that’s a foolish thing to do, but it’s actually the most effective method, so there’s no choice.

Probably Cheong Joohwa and others of the current generation all grew up seeing such scenes.

‘First, it’s about learning the geography.’

I need to take this opportunity to patrol the routes and memorize the surrounding terrain in my head.

That way, when the Fire Goblin appears, I can move a step ahead and easily choose the engagement area.

Following Seo Jihye’s guidance, Cheong Joohwa and I began the patrol.

The current Route 1 was a path focusing on the central commercial district and checking residential areas overall. Since it overlaps with the residents’ direct living spaces, we were told to be attentive.

And on that Route 1, a problem occurred right from the start.

Weeeing!

Beep.

An emergency signal came in on the terminal Seo Jihye was carrying, and sirens and broadcasts began to echo through the streets.

“Is this a real situation?”

“Yes. It seems to be in our area… right over there.”

Now it was visible to the naked eye. A Specter that had clearly revealed itself was looking around, searching for its prey.

And not just one, but multiple entities.

“Th, three at once?”

Seo Jihye showed obvious signs of panic.

The simultaneous appearance of Specters in a closely connected area—such an event would be her first experience as a junior-line member, so it was understandable.

‘…In this state, an incident will definitely happen soon.’

Abnormal Specter appearances are like heralds announcing the precursor to an incident.

To move smoothly later, I’ll first show my ability here and gain a certain level of trust.

Finishing my thought, I exchanged a glance with Cheong Joohwa and moved quickly.

Three Specters had appeared. And coincidentally, there were also three Exorcists here.

Then, it’s a simple matter of each person handling one.

Whoosh.

After sharing a glance, Cheong Joohwa and I moved immediately. Seo Jihye turned her head towards us, looking surprised.

“Wait a sec… Hah, no, fine. Just hold them off for a moment! I’ll take the biggest one.”

Leaving behind Seo Jihye’s hurried shout, I looked at the Specter rolling its eyes before me and muttered in my heart.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding!

【Geomdonggari】

▶Level 35

▶Stats

【Stamina: C】

【Monstrous Power: C+】

【Art Formula: D-】

【Mental Power: C-】

▶Traits (3/10)

【Toxic Aura (B-)】

【Hardening (C)】

【Strong Body (C-)

Not an easy level. It possesses sufficiently threatening power. Especially if hit by the B-Rank trait Toxic Aura, one could suffer fatal injuries in an instant.

But.

“Soul Blaze Rending Wave.”

For the current me, who has had some stat restrictions lifted after the Yeongwoldo incident, honestly, it wasn’t that difficult an opponent.

Whoosh!

Leap!

“Kyeek!”

The Geomdonggari barely dodged the Intermediate-Rank Art Formula fired without warning and spewed Toxic Aura. Its power was considerable, but its movements were predictable enough to make one yawn.

Whoosh.

Crackle.

I trapped the Toxic Aura with a simple Barrier Technique I had pre-formed and prepared the finishing blow.

Tszztztz.

Whoosh.

“Fear-Bringing Delusion.”

Crash!

“Keeeek—!”

The quickly deployed Intermediate-Rank Curse Art hit the Geomdonggari directly. Thanks to the power boosted by the Forbidden Technique Value correction, the opponent fell into a critical state from that single hit.

After roughly sending a Binding Spell Formula its way, I looked at the other side. Sure enough, the situation was being resolved quickly.

Cheong Joohwa’s final strike landed on one Specter, its arms severed and tightly bound by dozens of chains, unable to move a muscle.

Simultaneously, Seo Jihye also performed Spirit Dismissal on the opponent she was facing and hurriedly approached my side.

“What the…”

She seemed quite surprised.

It wasn’t a strange reaction. Usually, the level of first or second-year students coming for training around this time was such that they barely gained an upper hand against D-Rank Specters.

Clearing them this easily was no simple feat.

Seo Jihye, who had been wearing a dazed expression for a moment, asked as if she didn’t understand.

“…Are all students like this these days?”

“Probably not.”

“Huh.”

At Cheong Joohwa’s bold answer, she let out a sigh as if finding it absurd.

The slight smile on her face was definitely not just a trick of the mood.