RE: Player again

358

[Chapter 107] [Hell is Always Near (2)]

Although they said they would randomly place parties.

The instructors in charge of the 2nd year middle school academy final evaluation had previously discussed where to place the parties composed by students.

To adjust the so-called balance.

Instructors evaluated students' skills as objectively as possible and listed parties by comprehensive scores.

Thus, they planned to place parties with lower scores closer to Bijobong.

"At first I thought they were just kids with wet behind their ears no matter what they do..."

"...I understand the instructor's words now. At that level, it's worth placing them in a place like this on purpose."

"These days people are saying the future is bright starting from students graduating next year and the term golden generation is popping up, I guess they really are a golden generation. This is completely different quality from our time, I wonder if there will be a place for us later."

Among them, instructors placed parties created by Eunha and Minho, two people, in the most difficult positions.

Honestly, the instructor in charge of Eunha's party thought that no matter how Eunha's party was, they wouldn't be able to do anything in waters with no land to step on and monsters appearing occasionally.

He thought he would leisurely watch from behind as Eunha and party members struggled, then quickly break their spirit and move them to a moderately difficult position.

...Is this real now.

However, the instructor's thoughts were wrong.

He couldn't say anything to the players' words while watching party members facing monsters that suddenly appeared from the sea.

Of course, he had told the players in advance that Eunha's party was the party middle school academy was paying the most attention to.

The existence of Noh Eunha and students who got along with him were those who would refresh prejudices about 2nd year students treated as the "tragic grade".

However, even so─

"Wow, it's amazing the more I look. He hits every arrow he shoots."

"It seems like we won't have anything to do?"

"I guess we're just receiving money and staying still then leaving."

─It was unrealistic.

Although players seemed to have optimistic personalities and weren't surprised by students battling 7th tier fish-type monsters.

The instructor who usually taught students knew well that the skills they were showing now were not the skills of mere 2nd years.

They should be floundering unable to make proper judgments when seeing monsters since they're still young kids...

They're moving like they've experienced some actual combat.

The instructor recalled when monsters first appeared earlier.

At that time, all students except Eunha were flustered seeing sailfish-type monsters jumping out of the sea.

But that was only for a moment.

[─Everyone prepare for battle.]

Seona transmitted telepathy to those on the boat.

Generally, in panic situations people can't properly hear sounds coming through their ears.

Because they're in a hurry to speak themselves in such situations.

But telepathy echoed in the mind, having the force to make even those who don't want to listen eventually hear.

Seona regained her senses first, and by sending telepathy to party members, party members were able to quickly organize their posture.

And from then on, what happened?

Hoshitoru (Star Catching)

Hoshimiya Kaede who maintained balance even on the shaking boat pulled her bowstring and shot an arrow towards one trying to go below the surface.

Then she fixed her body on the railing and pulled the mana thread tied to the arrow fletching with all her might to try pulling it up to the surface.

Nevertheless, there was no way a 15-year-old girl could handle the strength of a 7th tier monster.

Right at that moment.

Whirlwind

Subin who suddenly hugged Hoshimiya's waist just before falling into the sea deployed magic with her other hand holding a staff.

Then the surface where the sailfish's body was half submerged instantly shook.

While wind easily lifting one up gushed, seawater poured down like rain onto the boat.

And Eunhyeok who jumped out of the boat while being hit by rain─

─Wolf Fang

Mana Crasher

He swung his sword towards the monster falling from the sky while walking on the water surface too naturally.

The instructor didn't know what words to say seeing Eunhyeok who safely landed on the water surface smiling and showing a mana stone to people on the boat.

Honestly, even players were just blankly opening their mouths at that time.

[We absolutely can't let it go into the sea! We have to end it on the surface somehow! The Player Library says it will bring companions if we lose it once!]

"Just one person come here and help!"

"Hoshimiya! You go forward! I'll back you up!"

"I was thinking that too."

The party commanded by Jin Seona honestly left no room for instructors or other players to intervene.

Although Seona's instructions were immature, Hoshimiya Kaede was fully demonstrating ranger qualities and constantly supplementing lacking parts.

Then she stepped up to support Choi Eunhyeok fighting alone in front, and Bae Subin supported her role as ranger checking from behind.

Although Hoshimiya Kaede said it was her first time matching breath with party members, they were quickly matching breath.

Just from that, the instructor realized how great their talent was.

Above all─

"─Ah, water splashed on the stir-fried kimchi."

"Why are you getting annoyed over something like that? There's still plenty of uneaten stir-fried kimchi left here."

"Well, that's true."

[You guys! Just try stealing ours!?]

To unite internally, they needed an enemy for them to unite against.

The instructor looked at Noh Eunha who seemed to have resolved to personally become the enemy with a sour face.

His gaze and the players' gazes were almost no different.

As if looking at trash with contempt.

Actually, Eunha who received those gazes raised his head while eating.

"Why?"

With his mouth wide open to finish eating rice stuck to the spork.

"...It's nothing."

The instructor was dumbfounded by him asking so nonchalantly.

He couldn't understand at all how food could go down so well when his party members were struggling to fight in front.

"Wow, this is really delicious. Combat rations are quite edible."

"Do you know why?"

"Why?"

Yoo Dojun was the same.

He was eating as if what was happening outside the boat was irrelevant to him.

"Originally, food eaten when other people are struggling tastes like honey."

"Oh, that's quite persuasive."

[Eunha you just wait─!!]

The instructor could no longer hide his contempt.

He who openly sighed looked back at students still battling monsters.

All four people including Seona had faces like they were harboring resentment.

Meanwhile, the battle was showing signs of ending.

Yes, I acknowledge your skills.

I acknowledge but...

But what on earth can you do in a place with nothing?

The instructor crossed his arms watching Eunhyeok collecting mana stones while huffing.

Their skills completely exceeded his expectations.

Nevertheless, they wouldn't think of walking on the water surface to go to Deokjeok Island.

They who are tired from fighting monsters on the sea will eventually come ask to move the boat.

When that time comes, I'll punish Noh Eunha and Yoo Dojun who are just kindly eating.

Let's see when that time comes.

The instructor smiled thinking of that time.

However─

"─Why is that instructor grinning like crazy?"

"I don't know. I guess he didn't bring combat rations. Let's just eat. Eunha, this seems quite tasty? Hoshimiya's combat ration is Type II not Type I?"

"Ah, is that so?"

Noh Eunha was still carefree.

☆

The second party instructors in charge of 2nd year middle school academy final evaluation were paying attention to was Mok Minho's party.

Therefore, they landed in an area quite far from Bijobong.

The party that landed in a place where Seonmi Island could be seen behind was enveloped in an awkward atmosphere.

It was understandable.

"I don't know. Maybe because I got motion sickness, I need to rest a bit before going. If you're going, just go by yourselves."

"Gain... Hayang said it seems far to go to Bijobong, so let's walk a little more. Okay?"

"Eunwoo, did you eat something wrong recently? I don't know why I see you trying to act up these days."

"Ah geez. When did I..."

"Just now."

"......"

It was because of Choi Gain.

Choi Gain who became depressed from severe motion sickness immediately scolded Eunwoo who was trying to soothe her as soon as she got off the boat.

Eunwoo who was trying to coax her slyly soon hardened his face.

"What's with your face?"

"W-what?"

"No, it looks just like the expression of a dog that used to bark whenever it saw me in the past."

"......"

"When I kicked it a few times with my foot, it whimpered then suddenly disappeared."

"......"

"Eunwoo, you know?"

"...I'm sorry."

Choi Gain sharply pulled the red choker Eunwoo was wearing around his neck.

Eunwoo who tightly closed his eyes from momentary pain apologized to Choi Gain who had suddenly come close.

"Damn, this is really getting out of hand, what the hell is she doing now? Hey, why are you spouting such nonsense to my friend?"

"Really... I told him to get close to Eunha but he's friends with such a low-class bitch..."

"...What? b***h?"

"Why, what, why."

Jin Parang who was trying to defend Eunwoo soon lost his mind after hearing curses from Choi Gain.

To Parang, it didn't matter at all that Choi Gain was Galaxy Group's direct descendant.

Therefore, he tried to kill her even while filling Blue Claw with mana.

Nevertheless, although Choi Gain flinched, she didn't bend her pride.

"─Jin Parang, stop."

"...Tsk, I really... Ugh, tsk... I'm so angry!"

Mok Minho who quickly drew a knife from his waist and intervened between the two at that time.

Parang huffed then soon released his mana and jumped around.

He couldn't disobey Mok Minho who was 'delegated full authority' by 'Eunha'.

He wanted to ignore Mok Minho and act on his emotions, but Jung Hayang was even monitoring him.

"Now, now, now. Guys, let's not do this and rest first. We need to figure out where this is first, right?"

"...Hmph, at least he has some sense."

Meanwhile, Kim Minji tried to mediate the atmosphere while grabbing Parang.

She was acting as if used to it now, since this atmosphere had been flowing since they boarded the boat.

She seemed tired to that extent now.

"Cha Eunwoo, come here. Are you hurt?"

"...This much is fine."

"There are nail marks."

"I can remove them with healing magic."

"That doesn't mean it's okay to get hurt."

"...Sorry."

Meanwhile, Mok Minho grabbed Cha Eunwoo's hand and separated from the party once the situation was settled.

He who treated her wounds with first aid scolded her saying not to provoke Choi Gain.

"I didn't provoke her. I just... said what I had to say."

"You used to endure everything before..."

"So you don't like it?"

"......"

"Should I just endure everything again?"

Cha Eunwoo suddenly interrupting and asking.

For a moment, Minho was at a loss for words. He saw her clear eyes looking up at him and unnecessarily avoided her gaze.

Soon he who slightly covered his mouth with the back of his hand spoke in a sour tone.

"Just... do it moderately. There's no need to unnecessarily get hurt and make your parents upset."

"...Yeah, you're right."

Then she smiled broadly.

Minho still couldn't adapt to the ambiguous atmosphere that had started to surround them at some point.

Even so, he liked the current Cha Eunwoo more than the previous Cha Eunwoo.

It was then.

[Hey, huge incident!! Come quickly!]

A voice ruthlessly digging into his mind.

Minho who received Jin Parang's telepathy immediately frowned.

It was truly a rude telepathy.

Minho was about to return taking Eunwoo who also frowned.

And when he returned to the shore, what he saw was─

"─What? You're telling me to boil water?"

"Why? Can't you do even that?"

Choi Gain and Jung Hayang were having a battle of nerves with a pot bowl fallen on the ground between them.

Galaxy Group's direct descendant Choi Gain.

Alice Group's direct descendant Jung Hayang.

If any problems arose between the two, it could spread to discord between the two groups.

Mok Minho sighed while approaching the two.

I wish 5 days would pass quickly...

I shouldn't have accepted Noh Eunha's request if I knew this would happen.

Mok Minho had been annoyed since they were on the boat due to the battle of nerves between the two, or more precisely, Choi Gain picking fights trying to clearly establish a hierarchical relationship.

However, he who had to follow her had to treat her with public emotions even while suppressing his personal emotions.

Fortunately, he could put aside one worry because Jung Hayang hadn't tried to fight with Choi Gain so far.

"─Don't you have hands or feet?"

""""...."""

It was past tense.

It seemed the 5 days trapped on the island would be mentally exhausting.

Ah, I should have just put Jin Seona in the party.

Mok Minho regretted belatedly.

☆

Actually, Eunha was inwardly surprised.

Because more monsters appeared than he expected, Eunha was thinking of helping his friends.

But needlessly.

Although cursing, his friends stubbornly blocked the monsters.

When Eunhyeok drew aggro facing multiple monsters, Kaede checked monsters around, and Subin covered the two people fighting fiercely at the front or monsters approaching the boat.

Lastly, Seona prevented the two people from being surrounded by monsters with accurate instructions.

I thought they grew a lot, but this is quite satisfactory?

Eunha looked down at Eunhyeok and Kaede who returned to the boat after defeating all monsters.

Eunhyeok was lying down panting out of breath, and Kaede was sweating while gulping down water Seona handed her.

Bae Subin was spacing out getting some air as if she used her head too much.

Even Seona who was giving instructions seemed to have no strength to say anything.

Therefore, Eunha nodded at his friends' growth and said.

"Good work guys. The food is cold but eat well."

""""...."""

The four people looked up at him with faces wanting to say something.

However, friends including Kaede were aware that they might get beaten instead if they touched Eunha in a state where their strength had greatly fallen.

Therefore, friends glanced at Eunha once with sharp gazes, then tried to eat lunch completely ignoring him.

The combat rations were quite cold.

Nevertheless, they had to eat rice reluctantly to survive.

"...It's delicious."

"Hey, don't cry. Why are you crying just eating this? Even I'm not crying..."

"...I'll kill him. I'll really kill that bastard someday."

"...Noh Eunha. You participate too from next time."

Then friends who found strength opened their mouths one by one.

Especially Kaede spoke to Eunha with her eyes wide open.

"Of course. I only sent you out this time to see your skills. Don't worry, I'll participate next time too. Well, I'll just back up Eunhyeok though."

"...Okay... That's fine too."

Eunha answered while shrugging his shoulders.

Hoshimiya Kaede focused on eating lunch

Here's the English translation of the text you provided:

Then Eunhyeok who was crying while eating stopped his tears and asked.

"But boss, what do we do from now on? What can we do in the middle of the sea?"

A belated question.

Friends who were struggling with monsters finally began to question where they were.

According to Seona's assessment, their current position was waters located near Mungap Island.

They were quite far from Bijobong on Deokjeok Island.

"...Even if we jump across the water surface, crossing this distance is impossible. We could rest briefly here on Heukdo... but there's a high chance of encountering monsters like earlier while crossing the sea, this is just insane."

Jin Seona narrowing her eyes while examining the map.

She looked at the instructor watching them while pouting her lips.

"Instructor. Isn't this too much? How on earth are we supposed to go?"

"Why? You guys can do it, can't you?"

Seona asked with a blank gaze.

The instructor who cleared his throat jokingly responded to her question.

And as if agreeing with his opinion.

"That's right. We just need to cross the sea."

""""...."""

Eunha answered as if it was obvious.

At that moment, friends as well as the instructor and players became dumbstruck.

"...Boss, are we really going to cross?"

"Are you crazy?"

"...We really need to throw him in the sea."

"Hah..."

Friends' reactions breaking the silence were naturally negative.

"Why? There's nothing we can't do. I said I'll do it together too?"

Nevertheless, Eunha's opinion remained consistent.

Friends who knew his personality all had faces turning into crying expressions.

And among them, even Yoo Dojun was frowning─

"─Hey! What about me!?"

"I'll carry you on my back."

"Ah, really?"

Yoo Dojun soon smiled brightly.

Friends' faces rotted away.