Chapter 32
Predator (5)
Inside a portable tent set up at the entrance of the basin, several professors were gathered around a table.
To alleviate their boredom, they were engaged in various conversations. Although they were dispatched to lead and manage the students, there wasn’t a need to be on high alert at all times.
After all, the principle was non-interference in whatever happened within the basin, and even if minor incidents occurred, the parents wouldn’t bat an eye.
Their preparation was merely for emergency situations.
“So, Professor Moon, who do you think will take first place?”
Kwon Chanyul, a professor with a lazy impression and a ponytail, turned his head and asked. In response, a woman with a short bob and an elegant demeanor covered her mouth and lightly laughed.
“Hehe, how would I know… But if I had to choose… Seunghun has a fair chance…”
“Pffft, are you already favoring him because he’s your nephew’s fiancé? The other students might feel a bit left out if they hear this.”
Professor Kwon chuckled. She was from a prestigious family and also the aunt of the new student, Moon Yeowool. Naturally, she seemed somewhat partial to Ryu Seunghun, her niece’s fiancé.
“Ryu Seunghun is indeed a remarkable talent. However, I believe Woojin or Yeseo have better chances.”
“Ah, those kids are quite skilled as well. Really, how did we end up with such talents appearing consecutively for two years?”
Moon Seonkyung nodded at the words of another professor sitting opposite, who had a haughty appearance and a mustache, No Jongha.
Kwon Chanyul didn’t like him much. Professor No was notorious for subtly discriminating against students with less favorable backgrounds.
He was particularly odious because he maintained just enough decorum to stay within the confines of the law.
“So, what about you, Professor Shin?”
T h i s wa s c o pi e d fr o m k i n g m t l . o r g
Professor Kwon turned his head to a healthy-looking woman beside him. Shin Jae-yu, the professor of physical training and magical combat studies, was in her usual light exercise attire.
After a moment of contemplation, she finally spoke.
“Well… I think Yu Jinhyun also has a good chance… Actually, I believe he might have the highest probability…”
At Professor Shin’s words, Professor No across the table displayed a displeased expression.
“Professor Shin, it seems you still need to improve your judgment of people. From what I see, that boy is… lacking.”
Though she couldn’t openly argue due to the difference in seniority, Professor Shin lightly pouted, unable to hide her discomfort.
Jin Yeseo, a talent expected to finally fulfill the long-cherished wish of the Heukryeon Sashi family.
Ryu Seunghun, the heir of Ok-gye Ryu family, which owns Dain Heavy Industries, a supplier of standard particle arrays and various equipment to the Cradle. His skills were also exceptional.
Choi Woojin, from the Seongsan Choi family, known for circulation-based enhancement magic, who, despite being a freshman, had maintained an undefeated record in numerous unofficial duels, half of which were against senior students.
T h is w a s co pied f r o m ki n g mtl . or g
This year’s freshmen at the Cradle were notably talented and well-connected.
The students mentioned were representative examples.
Though they didn’t quite match the overwhelming skills and charisma of the two exemplary students from last year, considering the recent turmoil, they were nothing short of a blessing.
T h i s w a s c o p i ed f r o m k in g m t l . o rg
Yet, among them, a particularly unusual student stood out: Yu Jinhyun.
The fact that he was recommended by the Heukryeon Sashi family after 18 years had become quite a topic among the students, but now he was considered somewhat peculiar.
His distinctive appearance, always wearing a mask, and his unsociable, solitary nature contributed to this perception, but the most compelling reason was the rumor that he openly clashed with Baek Seoyeon, the most popular student in the Cradle.
Moreover, it was well known that Professor No had strained relations with the Heukryeon Sashi family and was rumored to be supported by the Paechun Baek family.
It was no wonder that he didn’t think highly of Yu Jinhyun.
“His theoretical scores are average, and his internal particle count barely exceeds 3000 rubins… At least he’s somewhat decent at physical tasks.”
Professor No commented while flipping through Yu Jinhyun’s academic records.
“This kid supposedly achieved level 5 in the Predictive Analysis? It seems rather dubious to me. I think he should be re-evaluated…”
“Professor No, please choose your words carefully. You know well that the Cradle cannot intervene in each family’s unique magic. We only teach publicly known general magic. Counseling is purely optional…”
T h i s w a s c op i ed f rom k i ng m t l . o r g
“Who doesn’t know that? I’m just saying, inflating achievements might cause discord among the students. Frankly, I’m not keen on having someone like him at the Cradle…”
“You’re going too far…!”
“Enough, enough!”
Just as Professor Shin was about to protest, another figure, who had been silently sipping tea at the head of the table, intervened. It was Professor Song Daewon, dressed in a perfectly fitted suit and wearing a monocle in one eye.
“What kind of disgraceful behavior is this among professors who should be setting an example for students? Aren’t you ashamed? Huh?”
With the intervention of the most senior person present, the situation quickly calmed down.
The lively atmosphere was replaced by a cold silence.
“So, do you think this is really safe? Even if the Supreme Council requested it… Having the first exam in such a location…”
Professor Moon Seonkyung brought up a different topic to change the atmosphere.
“It should be fine. We have complete control over the northern section. And the dangerous species were driven deep into the basin long ago.”
“That’s right. We also confirmed that the ‘Tendril Snake’ entered hibernation not long ago. If not for that observation, Lady Hae Wolhwa wouldn’t have granted permission.”
Professor Kwon quickly responded to Professor Song Daewon’s statement.
The Tendril Snake is a top-tier designated beast inhabiting the Celestial Basin, with a territory spanning more than half the basin. Due to its danger, it was given a special identification name and continuously tracked and monitored.
If it were active, the freshmen’s exam wouldn’t have taken place. But now, the Tendril Snake was deeply hibernating in the basin.
Researchers believed it was an attempt to alleviate the overload from the massive particles within its body.
T h i s w a s co p ie d f r o m k i n g m t l . o r g
“Once a high-level beast enters hibernation, it becomes extremely insensitive to external stimuli. Unless a very powerful wave interference occurs nearby, it won’t wake up at this time.”
T h i s w a s co p i e d f r o m k in gm t l. org
High-level beasts have greater sensitivity to particles than even mages. Their cores are several times larger, and their internal particle count is incomparably higher.
To wake such a beast from hibernation would require a stimulus far exceeding its particle count, which is practically impossible for humans.
“I hope nothing happens…”
Professor Moon Seonkyung murmured with a worried tone.
***
From the outside, it looked like an ordinary forest, but the deeper we ventured into the Celestial Basin, the more its unique flora revealed itself.
The trees were so massive that it would take three adults holding hands to encircle one. The leaves and fallen foliage were a dull mix of brown and purple rather than a fresh green, and strange ferns not seen even in the outskirts sprouted everywhere.
Occasionally, we saw traces of large, slug-like creatures passing by and even huge carnivorous plants that seemed capable of swallowing small vehicles.
The particles emitted from the meteor seemed to have had a twisted effect on all life here.
“Wow, I was skeptical at first, but you’re really good.”
Muyoung muttered as he replaced the cartridge of my blade, dulled by blood and fat.
“See, I knew I had a good eye. I expected this.”
In front of us lay a pile of corpses from a moderate-sized pack of Lupus that had attacked us. I had stuck blades into their snouts and collected a fang as a trophy from each.
“You seem quite adept at dealing with beasts. Have you fought them before? I don’t think even the professors showed such movements.”
“…I’ve faced them a few times. And it helped that you informed me beforehand with your spirits. If I hadn’t known their movements in advance, it wouldn’t have been this easy.”
“Pfft. It feels like I’m just riding on your coattails. I’m grateful, team leader.”
It wasn’t just flattery. In terms of hiding presence in the forest, no human could beat a beast.
If we had realized the ambush after being surrounded, it wouldn’t have been as clean and easy to handle.
“…Am I the team leader?”
Muyoung let my question flow away like water.
“Wasn’t it obvious? Anyway, team leader, it looks like the sun is setting. What do we do? Should we head back to a safe zone?”
Following Muyoung’s gesture, I saw the crimson sun setting beyond the cliffs surrounding the basin.
Moving at night usually wasn’t a good choice, but I wanted to minimize wasted time.
Furthermore, many beasts are nocturnal, so taking them down could earn more points. Thanks to the presence of a spirit mage, we could sense suspicious movements in advance.
“I think we should keep going, but what do you think?”
“Shouldn’t I follow if the team leader wants to go?”
Muyoung shrugged his shoulders.
“Alright, let’s keep moving. If it gets too much, we’ll rest. Let me know if it gets tough.”
Having reached a conclusion, we started moving again. The beast pack we dealt with earlier seemed to be the dominant species in this area, allowing us to travel without much threat for a while.
We slowly advanced along paths formed by animals between the high and low hills.
The unique terrain of the basin trapped the mist and clouds, making it seem like we were walking inside a cloud.
“So, what I’m saying is, men shouldn’t let themselves be too controlled by women.”
Once we got acquainted, Muyoung turned out to be quite talkative.
Bored by the lack of findings from his spirits, he kept talking even when I didn’t respond much.
“The times have changed. Frankly, I don’t understand the kids who attended the social gathering. Just because a senior they barely know was friendly, they act like they’d give anything. Isn’t that absurd? You think the same, right? That’s why you acted so differently.”
I didn’t have much to say in response. From our short time together, I gathered that Muyoung didn’t seem to like women as a species very much.
“They act like they’d give everything but switch to a better man if one appears. Isn’t that unfair?”
“…”
“Why do men always bear such risks? The answer is simple. Our animal instincts make us monkeys… Wait.”
In the midst of his animated rant, Muyoung suddenly stopped and fell silent. Then he whispered softly.
“Something’s coming from the 3 o’clock direction. It’s not far. At this speed, we’ll encounter it soon.”
I gripped the handle of the blade at my waist, ready to draw it at any moment.
“…What is it?”
T h i s w as co p i ed f r o m k in g m t l . o r g
“…I don’t know. It’s night and the fog is thick, limiting visibility. It’s only one, though.”
A solitary beast? A ground dragon? A land leech? We halted our movements and hid, preparing for any situation.
T hi s w a s c o p ie d f ro m ki ng m t l . o r g
Soon, I also sensed something approaching. Just as the presence reached us, I drew my blade, ready to strike.
“Kyaaaaah!!”
The creature I encountered stumbled backward with a strange scream. It sounded almost human… Wait. Stumbling? Screaming?
Come to think of it, the voice was familiar. I approached the fallen creature cautiously.
And I soon recognized the figure.
T h i s w as c o p i e d f rom k i n g m t l . o r g
“…Yena?”
***
“H-H-H-H-Hyun-ah…? Is that you…?”
Yena, who had fallen to the ground, mumbled in a trembling voice. She was shaking so much that she couldn’t even pronounce my name properly. Her large, round eyes were filled with tears.
She seemed to have been wandering somewhere, as she was covered in branches and vines.
Her backpack looked empty, as if she had lost her belongings.
“…H-Hyun-ah… I’m so glad it’s you… I thought I was going to die here…”
Relieved to see me, Yena melted down on the spot.
“Hyun-ah… But do you know where we are…? Or did you get lost too…”
“…No. This is about the midpoint of the western route…”
“The western… route…? I started from the central route…”
“…”
It seemed Yena had wandered off and gotten lost.
But our route was supposed to be densely populated by beasts. How did Yena get through that danger alone?
Though her theoretical knowledge was much better than mine, Yena was not very adept at physical tasks due to her clumsiness.
“Beasts…? I didn’t see any… I had no idea I was in the western route… I’m really lucky… If I had encountered one alone, I might have cried…”
“…”
It seemed I had drawn all the beasts in the area. I felt slightly aggrieved, but it was fortunate that Yena was safe.
If she had been injured, she would have been stuck with the lowest score…
“…Anyway, good thing nothing major happened. So, what will you do now?”
“Yeah… What should I do… I didn’t plan to come via the western route…”
Yena made a slightly troubled face.
“How about teaming up with me?”
“Huh? Uh, I’d like that… but I said I’d do it alone and coming back with you feels a bit…”
“It’s fine. I don’t mind. So, we’re teaming up?”
“Uh… yes… hehe, alright. Actually, it was a bit scary being alone… hee…”
Yena smiled awkwardly. She was practically the first friend I made at the Cradle. Since I could afford to, helping her wasn’t a bad idea.
“Then come this way. I have a teammate already. I’ll introduce you.”
“Oh… a teammate? Is it a girl…?”
“A guy. Why?”
“Oh, nothing… hee…”
I led Yena back to where Muyoung was hiding. I gave the agreed signal twice, and Muyoung emerged from his hiding spot, walking out of the fog.
“I see you handled it well… huh?”
Muyoung made a puzzled sound upon seeing Yena.
“It wasn’t a beast but my friend. I was thinking of teaming up with her. What do you think?”
“…”
I thought he would readily agree, but instead, he seemed displeased seeing Yena.
“…?”
Muyoung’s expression became increasingly stiff. He even put his hand to his head as if he had a headache.
“Uh… nice to meet you?”
Seeing his strange behavior, Yena spoke hesitantly.
“…”
“I’m Ha Yena…”
“Phew, I tried to hold back, but I really can’t.”
Th i s w as c op i ed f r o m k i n g m tl. o r g
“…Huh?”
Muyoung suddenly interrupted her. Then, with a determined expression, he spoke.
“…I’m really sorry and I know it’s rude, but can I ask you one thing?”
“Uh… what is it…?”
“In your life, how many guys have you had?”
End of Chapter