TSCPTE 16

Chapter : 16

Training Battle.

As the meaning suggests, it is a battle conducted purely for training purposes.

Unlike an Advanced Battle, where points are earned, or a Rank Battle, where promotion is on the line, this is not a fight with any real stakes.

It is simply a way to accumulate combat experience in preparation for real combat.

Of course, because the barrier system is active, injuries are extremely rare.

‘Where is Kang Jinha…’

Seo Hyunwoo carefully scanned the indoor training grounds of the Transformation Department.

It was possible to conduct training inside the department building as well, not necessarily outdoors.

Besides, wasn’t this where Kang Jinha had first used his ability after entering Miterich?

‘Kang Jinha’s ability belongs to the transformation type. The form he transforms into is a nine-tailed fox. Since it is not a real existing animal or monster, it draws a lot of attention.’

Transforming into a nine-tailed fox was not simply a matter of rarity.

Kang Jinha himself probably hadn’t realized it yet, but the nine-tailed fox hid many abilities within it.

Not only did it include the basic enhancement abilities inherent to transformation types, but later it would even allow him to use abilities from other categories as well.

In other words, Kang Jinha was not just a transformation-type awakener, but a special-type awakener.

‘Because of that trait, the Chairman will eventually approach Kang Jinha. The founding of Miterich is also related to that. The Chairman’s goal is to find awakeners with qualities similar to that person.’

Seo Hyunwoo knew very well who that “person” was.

At some point, they had disappeared without a trace, yet no one was unaware of their existence.

Even S-rank Hunters at the highest level, known as Setinos Hunters, had been unable to defeat them—a legendary Hunter who could use all types of abilities, the first of all Awakeners.

‘Even the Chairman cannot defeat that person. No—there is no Hunter who can. They are called the strongest in history for a reason. Kang Jinha will eventually be chosen as that person’s successor.’

Seo Hyunwoo soon noticed a group of students and fixed his gaze on them.

As expected, members of the Transformation Department were conducting internal training battles among themselves.

Among them, one stood out immediately—Kang Jinha.

“Shall we take a look for a moment? That friend is here as well.”

“Friend? Who are you referring to?”

“The new student who was with the Attribute Department’s head.”

Seo Hyunwoo raised his right index finger and pointed to one side.

There, Kang Jinha was using his ability.

Baek Seoyeon and Min Hayoung simultaneously turned their attention to observe him.

“Oh, that kid? He does stand out. He’s quite handsome—girls talk about him a lot.”

“I remember now. He’s the new student who met the Attribute Department head by chance.”

“His ability seems quite unusual. Hmm… I’d say it’s a nine-tailed fox.”

Seo Hyunwoo guided the direction of the conversation in a speculative tone.

Kang Jinha’s black hair had already turned silver, and his red eyes seemed to glow even more intensely.

On top of that, two fox ears protruded from his head, and nine silver tails radiated a strange aura.

“Seems like it, right? I didn’t expect even the chairman to take interest in him.”

“His appearance is certainly noticeable, but I’m not sure about his actual skill. Types like that often lack substance.”

“From what I see, I think he’ll win. Just a feeling.”

Seo Hyunwoo casually continued speaking as he walked into the indoor training area.

Students nearby quickly recognized him, but he simply raised his hand lightly, signaling them to continue.

The outcome of the training battle had essentially already been decided.

He simply wanted Baek Seoyeon and Min Hayoung to become aware of Kang Jinha’s existence.

“The chairman is saying things like that?”

“So he must like that new student.”

“I don’t particularly. It’s not that I like him—he’s just unusual enough to catch my attention.”

Seo Hyunwoo replied indifferently while watching Kang Jinha.

The official member facing Kang Jinha was breathing heavily.

What had started as a trivial quarrel had escalated into a serious training battle.

Pride was likely preventing him from admitting defeat, causing his wild instincts to spiral out of control.

“Huff… huff… I can still go on.”

“It’s already over.”

Kang Jinha looked down at the battle watch on his left hand and answered.

A signal sounded from the battle watch, and the barrier system was released.

Since the set time had elapsed, the system calculated accumulated damage and determined the winner.

“No way… How could I lose to someone like you…”

“Next time, don’t step in unnecessarily. Even showing mercy because you’re a senior has limits.”

“Gghh….”

Kang Jinha deactivated his ability and immediately turned away.

However, the official member’s eyes widened as rage boiled over.

His vision blurred, muscles swelling throughout his body.

He was about to lose control and enter a berserk state, launching a surprise attack on Kang Jinha.

“Everyone fall back! His wild instincts are going to go berserk!”

“What?”

“There’s no way it would trigger from just that…”

“Uwaaaah!”

The official member roared as he lost his reason.

The surrounding students quickly scattered as Kang Jinha reactivated his ability.

The berserk student glanced around for a moment, then suddenly charged in another direction.

‘Hm? What? Why is he coming toward me instead of Kang Jinha?’

Seo Hyunwoo frowned and instinctively took a stance.

The official member, who was supposed to attack Kang Jinha, was rushing straight at him instead.

At the same time, Baek Seoyeon and Min Hayoung moved first to prepare for the sudden attack.

‘…Everything keeps going wrong in the most absurd ways. And this time, I didn’t even do anything.’

Seo Hyunwoo immediately copied an ability and extended his right hand.

In a situation like this, Min Hayoung’s ability would be more effective than Baek Seoyeon’s.

No matter how wildly the opponent rampaged, they couldn’t simply be killed.

‘The Security Department won’t arrive in time. I’ll have to restrain him first and knock him out.’

Seo Hyunwoo’s eyes gradually turned red.

His skin color continued to fade until it became completely pale.

His fangs seemed to grow slightly longer, but that was not important right now.

‘So this is what it feels like to become a vampire. I don’t particularly feel like drinking blood though.’

With a gesture from Seo Hyunwoo, a red current formed and surged toward the official member.

The red flow spread rapidly and wrapped around his limbs.

It then bound his upper and lower body, completely restricting his movement.

‘I don’t hold any grudge, but I can’t waste my strength on you.’

Seo Hyunwoo focused and lightly twisted his hand.

The red current reformed and began to rotate slowly.

Then it struck the official member’s abdomen directly.

“Guhk!”

The official member gasped and went limp.

Seo Hyunwoo confirmed he had lost consciousness and only then withdrew the red current.

Members of the Transformation Department rushed over and carried him away.

“Department Head of the Transformation Department, it seems your subordinates’ wild instinct control training isn’t properly managed.”

“Uh… could you let this slide? No matter how much we train, wild instinct isn’t something that can be fully controlled. You know that too, Vice President.”

“Then I suppose I don’t know it. I’ve never been influenced by wild instincts.”

Min Hayoung looked flustered and stole glances at Seo Hyunwoo and Baek Seoyeon.

It wasn’t exactly her fault, but as the representative of the department, she couldn’t completely avoid responsibility.

Hadn’t there been previous incidents where wild instinct rampages caused chaos inside and outside the department?

If this incident were reported again, an official directive would certainly come down.

“Report it will be submitted. However, improvement measures must also be requested separately. The current wild instinct control training has clear limitations. This is not something the Student Council and Transformation Department can solve alone. The President and the Administration Office are likely already aware of this.”

Seo Hyunwoo straightened his collar and added firmly.

Any transformation-type awakener inevitably gained unique combat instincts through wild instinct, but that also meant there was always a risk of losing control.

That was why a separate training system existed to control it.

However, the current system was clearly insufficient, so improvements were necessary.

“Chairman, even so, the higher-ups won’t just sit still. They’ll definitely push responsibility onto me.”

“Your responsibility is my responsibility as well. And you and your staff alone cannot fully train all department members. I’ll handle it, so focus on your duties.”

“Uh… alright.”

Min Hayoung reluctantly agreed, still confused.

There was both responsibility and a sense of humanity in his response.

No matter how much Seo Hyunwoo had changed, could he really say something like that?

‘What… that’s kind of cool. Is this why the Vice President is interested in the Chairman? With that face and even kindness, no wonder girls are shaken.’

Min Hayoung looked at Seo Hyunwoo, who had turned into a vampire, with a strange feeling.

His already handsome face now looked even more mysterious with the vampire traits added.

And the fact that he had perfectly replicated her own technique earlier also made him seem slightly frightening.

“….”

Baek Seoyeon glanced at Min Hayoung, then walked up to Seo Hyunwoo.

She leaned in close to his ear and spoke quietly.

“While it is not incorrect, wouldn’t it be better to pressure the Department Head of the Transformation Department a bit more? There are no operational issues, but I believe his conduct should be improved.”

“That’s true. But excessive pressure wouldn’t be good either. I prefer resolving things in a more cooperative manner.”

“…Understood. If that is your decision, there must be a reason.”

Baek Seoyeon withdrew without further objection.

If it had been her past self, she would have questioned him more thoroughly.

But there was no need to push further—it might be better to observe for now.

‘Did I make a mistake by not stepping in? But Kang Jinha wasn’t in a situation where he could act. The timing was off.’

Seo Hyunwoo frowned slightly and looked at Kang Jinha.

Kang Jinha had returned to his normal form and was facing him.

He likely saw him as someone he needed to surpass and was thinking deeply.

“Vice President, is there anywhere left to inspect?”

“The Department Office and Equipment Storage Room remain.”

“Let’s finish quickly. I’d like to complete the report and leave on time.”

“Understood.”

Seo Hyunwoo and Baek Seoyeon left the indoor training ground.

His original intention of connecting Baek Seoyeon and Kang Jinha had completely failed.

But why did that official member attack him instead of Kang Jinha?

‘I don’t understand this. There were no variables at all. And yet this result? Hm…’

Inside the Student Council President’s Office.

Seo Hyunwoo had finished all inspections and completed the report belatedly.

He was now resting while reviewing an official cooperation request document from the Administration Office.

The contents of the document were not directly related to Kang Jinha, but it was not something that could be ignored.

More importantly, it would bring major changes to the world going forward, so it had to be accepted without question.