Chapter 7 : Reality (2)

Hunter registration required three tests: Basic Knowledge, Physical Ability, and Practical Application.

‘I don’t need to study for Basic Knowledge. And Physical Ability and Practical Application should be easy.’ With that in mind, I approached the reception desk on the first floor.

“Hello, I’m here to register as a Hunter.”

“Ah, registration?”

“Yes.”

“Please submit your ID.”

I handed over my ID.

“Hmm, your appearance is different. Did you manifest a passive Trait?”

“Yes.”

“Then we’ll start with biometric authentication.”

Passive Traits changed one’s appearance, but biometric data like blood type, DNA, and fingerprints remained the same. So, passive Trait manifesters used their pre-awakening biometrics for identification and received a new ID.

“Confirmed. You’re Lee Yoohyun, 22 years old, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Please come this way.”

The staff member led me to a small room with a desk, chair, and a pen.

“The test is 30 minutes, 10 questions. Failing 4 or more questions results in disqualification. We’ll begin now.”

“Okay.”

The questions covered basic Hunter conduct: procedures inside Gates, precautions during mana beast hunts, party etiquette, and responsible use of Hunter abilities. It was high school-level material at best. I finished in 10 minutes.

“Here you go.”

“Please wait while I check.”

The staff member graded the test immediately.

“Perfect score. You passed. Let’s move on to the next test.”

I followed her to the measurement room, where a sphere rested on a waist-high pedestal.

“This is the Orb of Wisdom, an artifact that measures physical abilities and mana. Please place your hand on it.”

Artifacts were mana-infused objects with supernatural properties.

I placed my hand on the Orb.

[Please wait.]

I waited.

Strength: 33

Agility: 37

Stamina: 33

Mana: 41

My Status Window values. The staff member recorded the results.

“Confirmed. Now, let’s move on to the final test in the virtual training room.”

“Before we begin, I’ll explain the precautions. The Practical Application test has three difficulty levels: High, Medium, and Low.”

The staff member explained: High involved three D-rank mana beasts, Medium involved five E-rank, and Low involved ten F-rank. The choice was mine. I could use my own weapons or the standard ones provided by the association. There were no restrictions on Trait or skill usage. I was encouraged to do my best.

“I’ll choose High.”

“High?”

“Yes.”

“Understood. Please enter the training room.”

I entered and activated my aura.

“Huu.” I felt the stat boost and took a deep breath, slightly nervous. This was my first time facing mana beasts. Well, not technically.

‘I’ve defeated something similar before, even if it wasn’t a proper mana beast.’ Still, that was an exception. This was my first real encounter.

“Please begin.”

[The final test will now commence. You will face three D-rank Hobgoblins.]

Despite my nerves, I wasn’t worried.

[Good luck.]

Three two-meter-tall Hobgoblins appeared. I began chanting.

Even virtual mana beasts were dangerous. They possessed superhuman physical abilities and wielded mana.

I had a goal: evolve Radiant Swordsmanship, Mana Regeneration, and Mana Manipulation, all nearing max proficiency.

‘It’s possible.’ I was confident. I could achieve this against these D-rank Hobgoblins, thanks to one skill:

<Skill: Growth Acceleration (C)>

Accelerates all types of growth.

Ability:

• 50% Growth Acceleration

The skill had evolved, boosting the acceleration from 30% to 50%.

“Here I go.”

“Kiirrr!”

“Kiaaaa!”

“Kiiiik!”

With a spell in one hand and my sword ready in the other, I charged.

Hobgoblins were evolved Goblins, two ranks higher and far stronger. My average stats were around 30, barely F-rank, below even E-rank.

But I wasn’t worried. I was much stronger than an average F-rank, closer to E-rank or even D-rank.

‘First, I’m not a normal human.’ I was an angel, with superior physical abilities, flight, and mana. At the same stats, I was far stronger than a human.

Plus…

• Low-Grade Radiant Magic

• Radiant Spear

• Radiant Spear

…I had powerful magic capable of piercing D-rank mana beasts, and…

“Haa!”

…dangerous swordsmanship, though I wasn’t planning to use it yet. This fight was mine to win.

“Kiek!”

I threw both Radiant Spears at the leading Hobgoblin.

Thud!

Thud!

The spears embedded themselves in its chest, but not deep enough to kill. It ripped them out, snapping them in half, and continued its charge. But I was happy.

[Low-Grade Radiant Magic proficiency increased by 1%.]

[Lowest-Grade Mana Manipulation proficiency increased by 3%.]

[Lowest-Grade Mana Regeneration proficiency increased by 3%.]

This was an opportunity to grow stronger.

“Good.” Mana Manipulation and Mana Regeneration needed 9% and 8% more proficiency to evolve, respectively.

“More!”

• Low-Grade Radiant Magic

• Radiant Spear

• Radiant Spear

I continued casting and throwing Radiant Spears, targeting each Hobgoblin equally. The one in front, the one sneaking up from behind, and the cautious one observing from afar.

After throwing over ten spears…

“Kiek!”

“Kik!”

Two Hobgoblins fell, spears embedded in their heads.

[Lowest-Grade Mana Manipulation (F) has evolved into Low-Grade Mana Manipulation (E)!]

[Lowest-Grade Mana Regeneration (F) has evolved into Low-Grade Mana Regeneration (E)!]

“Round two.” I stopped casting and drew the Holy Sword. It was time to evolve Radiant Swordsmanship.

“Kieee!” The remaining Hobgoblin, which had been dodging my spears, charged, sensing my mana depletion.

“Even without mana, you’re no match for me.”

I channeled mana into the Holy Sword and swung.

Swish.

The blade grazed its nose.

“Kkik!” It flinched and backed away. It would try to stall, waiting for me to tire. I wasn’t going to let that happen.

Flap! I took to the air, my extra pair of wings providing increased speed, and swooped down, swinging my sword.

“Kkiik! Kieek!” It could only shriek, unable to react to my attacks.

[Lowest-Grade Radiant Swordsmanship proficiency increased by 3%.]

My swordsmanship grew more menacing.

[Growth Acceleration (C) proficiency increased by 2%.]

My growth accelerated.

What followed was a one-sided slaughter. It couldn’t withstand my increasingly swift and sharp attacks. I kept it alive, relentlessly attacking, until it was drenched in its own green blood.

[Lowest-Grade Radiant Swordsmanship (F) has evolved into Low-Grade Radiant Swordsmanship (E)!]

[Congratulations. You have passed the test. Your Hunter rank is D. We wish you a safe and successful Hunter career.]

I had successfully registered as a Hunter.