[ Chick Class Teacher (5) ]
“It’s a shame I can’t take photos in the dungeon.”
Yerim said as she gently set me down. Why bring up phone cameras now? Was she hoping to snap a picture of the first SS-class monster we encountered?
Because she flew slowly to avoid shaking me off, the other four had already reached Babar’s back. The broad, rocky surface of its back barely shook, making it feel like we were standing on the side of a mountain.
“There’s really no reaction at all?”
Moon Hyunah tapped the ground with her toe.
“It’s like a fly landing on a down jacket. But don’t go stabbing it with your spear just yet.”
At my warning, Moon Hyunah raised her spear as if to thrust it, but lowered it with a smirk. Seriously, I can’t let my guard down around her.
“Where’s Kim Seonghan?”
Babar’s back was so wide it was hard to see down from where we stood. Yerim floated up a bit and scanned the area before answering.
“He’s moving away with the bow. Looks like he already fired.”
“Alright, then…”
Now seemed like the right time to apply the keyword to Moon Hyunah, even if it felt a bit forced.
The teacher skill warned that the higher the target’s abilities, the greater the strain on me. And right now, there were five S-classes. It’d be safer to apply the keyword to Moon Hyunah to reduce the burden.
“Hyunah, please take good care of Peace. He doesn’t have much experience as a mount, and this is practically his first dungeon.”
I approached Moon Hyunah, speaking earnestly. I really was worried. I hadn’t expected Peace to face such a strong monster so soon.
“Don’t worry, Dad. As long as Peace keeps up, there won’t be any problems.”
“Just hearing that is reassuring.”
I forced a smile that was obviously fake, and, as expected, Moon Hyunah frowned in displeasure.
“If you’re nervous, just say so. You really don’t trust me, do you?”
“…Is it that obvious?”
I scratched my head awkwardly and continued.
“To be honest, I am a bit nervous. But it’s not because I don’t trust you, Hyunah. Actually, I feel really reassured and thankful. I was pretty worried before we entered the dungeon. I mean, I’m surrounded by people who I can’t even begin to compare to.”
If I didn’t have fear resistance, my F-class stats would probably have given me an ulcer from the stress by now.
“I felt at ease with the Haeyeon guild members since I already knew them, but with the other two, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d be okay. But you turned out to be much more considerate than I expected and were open to my opinions, which made me relax quickly. If I’ve been too casual and made you uncomfortable, I’m sorry.”
“Hey, no need to apologize. It’s fine. Be as casual as you want.”
She laughed and reached out to ruffle my hair. If I count my pre-regression years, I’m older than her, but she sure doesn’t act like it.
“If you’re really thankful, how about you lend me your griffon more often? Why not let me use it exclusively until I find a top-tier mount?”
“That’s a bit difficult. But I’ll give you my heart instead. I love you, Moon Hyunah. Please keep taking care of me.”
“It’s a bit disappointing that all I get is your heart. But since it’s you, I’ll let it slide.”
She made a strange expression then.
“It’s funny, but I didn’t mind when you scolded me earlier. Maybe it reminded me of my old senior. There’s something about you that feels similar to them.”
Hearing her mention a “senior,” I knew it was a success without even needing to check the status window. She was probably referring to an older senior from her athletic days, maybe in school or sports. Most likely a female senior, but hey, I’ll take it. At least it’s not her mother.
To the unknown senior, thank you for looking after Moon Hyunah.
After calming down Peace and syncing well with Moon Hyunah, I applied the growth buff from my My Kid Is The Best skill to Yuhyun. Once we finish this SS-class hunt, he’ll be ready for S-class dungeons, so now’s the perfect time.
“I’m about to use a skill now.”
As soon as I said that, all eyes turned to me. The sudden attention was a little overwhelming.
“It’s a command-type special skill that I got this morning. I haven’t used it before, so I’m not entirely sure of its effects, but according to the description, it helps the targets work closely together. The most important thing now is executing our skills quickly and precisely, so I think it will be useful.”
“You got a new skill this morning?”
“Yeah. I think it’s something I missed when I hit level 20, probably because certain conditions weren’t met. It’s likely related to having multiple S-class hunters together.”
Actually, it’s a level 10 skill, but officially my level 10 skill is Beast Tamer, so I went with level 20 for consistency. Besides, my level 20 skill hasn’t even shown up yet.
“Mister, you really don’t have any combat aptitude at all, huh?”
Yerim’s words hit where it hurts. It’s fine. My stats are F-class anyway. Even with a great offensive skill, or even if I had a skill that doubled the effects of attacks, at best I’d be like a mouse that became a slightly bigger mouse in the eyes of the people here.
Support skills that aren’t heavily reliant on stats are better for me.
After warning everyone not to reject the skill, I applied it to Yuhyun first. As soon as the skill took effect, I ‘understood’ Yuhyun’s movements. Not just what he was doing but also how much strength he was using and how he adjusted it.
Yuhyun opened his mouth—or rather, he was about to open his mouth.
“I don’t feel anything different yet. How about you?”
Instead of answering, I applied the skill to Yerim next. Even without looking, I could feel her expectant gaze. Yuhyun, too, was watching me.
I could sense three sets of eyes on me at the same time, including my own.
‘So that’s why I need mental power.’
It should’ve been disorienting, but thanks to the skill’s adjustment—or perhaps the keyword—it wasn’t too overwhelming. However, if the number of targets increased, I might not be able to handle it.
Additionally, I could choose to relay what I was feeling to the others.
One-way or two-way communication—it was all under my control.
“I’m going to link the two of you now.”
If they could feel everything I was experiencing, it might become more of a hindrance than a help. Let’s see how it goes.
“Huh? This is really cool!”
Yerim exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. Yuhyun looked equally surprised.
“I can actually sense how the other person is going to move. This will make coordination so much easier.”
“Isn’t it distracting? Like, confusing your own senses or something?”
“Not at all. It’s cleanly separated. There’s no worry about anything getting mixed up.”
So it’s different for them than it is for me. Am I acting as some kind of filter? Is this skill grinding down the user’s sanity to boost cooperation among the others?
‘…I’m just a glorified kindergarten teacher.’
Especially when it’s time for a school recital, and the teacher’s desperately trying to keep the kids’ choreography in sync. Come to think of it, Yuhyun’s preschool class was called the Chick Class.
“Use it on me too!”
As requested, I applied the skill to Moon Hyunah, then to Peace as well. With four targets linked, I was starting to feel mentally drained. I was getting slightly dizzy. I won’t be able to keep this up for long.
“Yerim!”
Clang!
Moon Hyunah’s white spear clashed with Yerim’s Icewood Spear. Normally, Yerim would have been overpowered instantly, but despite the size and strength difference between the two weapons, they were locked in place, perfectly balanced. Neither moved an inch.
Their coordination was so precise that it sent chills down my spine.
“Wow, this worked on the first try.”
“I know, right? Mister, can’t you just come with us on every dungeon run?”
Are you trying to kill me?
The only one left is Seong Hyunjae. He’s the strongest among us, with no keyword applied. I really don’t think I can handle this.
‘But he’s got the final blow, so I can’t leave him out.’
Babar wouldn’t react to Yuhyun’s attack, but once Moon Hyunah cracked the shell, it would definitely activate its regeneration skill to heal itself.
“Is something wrong?”
Seong Hyunjae, who had quietly come up behind me, asked. He must’ve been wondering why I hadn’t applied the skill to him yet.
“Let me just take a potion first.”
I still had more than half of my mana left, but I figured I should top it off just in case. I pulled out a potion—stupid apple-flavored, as usual—and drank it down. I had asked the Association about custom potion orders, but they said special accommodations weren’t possible. Typical inflexible bureaucrats.
Then, I used the skill on Seong Hyunjae.
‘…It’s manageable.’
The strain was definitely heavier compared to the others, especially since he wasn’t a keyword target. But still, it was about 1.5 times harder. Not too bad—
“How interesting.”
Suddenly, my entire body shook violently, and my vision blurred. My legs gave out, and Seong Hyunjae had to grab my arm to keep me from collapsing.
Damn it, Seong Hyunjae, you bastard…
“I told you not to resist.”
“I only gave it a light touch.”
He replied shamelessly. I said don’t do it, damn it. Is this what the system meant by extra strain with non-keyword targets? Everyone else—Moon Hyunah included—was cooperating just fine, but this guy just had to mess things up.
“What’s going on?”
Yuhyun approached, glaring at Seong Hyunjae’s hand, which was still holding my arm. Seriously, this guy is the worst. He’s the oldest here, and yet he’s always causing trouble.
“Nothing. Just feeling a little dizzy because there are more targets now.”
“You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine.”
As long as this troublemaker stays quiet, I can handle it. Then, Seong Hyunjae took off his coat and draped it over my shoulders.
“It’s got S-class fire resistance. Keep it on. Yuhyun’s skill will have the most impact here, so it’ll help. The defense isn’t bad either.”
“I have my bracelet, so I’ll be fine.”
“If I were you, I wouldn’t use it until I was certain the hunt would succeed. Wouldn’t you agree?”
He’s spot on. Still, he could’ve waited until Yuhyun wasn’t around. Look at him—his expression’s getting darker again.
“Hyung?”
“It’s nothing. I’ve got a defense earring too, but since I can only use it once… I’ll keep the coat on.”
I slipped my arms into the sleeves. They were too long and baggy, but the coat quickly resized itself to fit perfectly.
‘I want to steal this.’
If I took this with me, Yuhyun would have a much easier time in future ranking matches. Could I just stash it in my inventory and play dumb?
“Don’t worry. I’ll use the bracelet at the right time.”
Yuhyun turned away, still sulking. I’ll have to make it up to him after we leave the dungeon, or he might explode again.
Just then, I felt Yerim activate Shadowless Day.
“We’re ready!”
Immediately after, Seong Hyunjae lifted me in one arm. With my F-class strength, it was impossible for me to hold on during the battle, so I had no choice. Still, it felt unsettling.
I’m just baggage. A literal piece of luggage.
“I’m going to share the skill now, so don’t let go of me.”
I used the skill that allows me to share certain S-class or lower skills with those I’m in physical contact with. The skill I shared with Seong Hyunjae was Veteran F-rank (S), the one that doubles the effect of attack skills.
Seong Hyunjae pulled out the Elegant Chain of the Searcher from his inventory. The golden chain, as thick as a finger, slithered through the air like a snake, crackling with powerful electrical energy.
Since I didn’t need my sight, I closed my eyes. I wanted to minimize the information flooding into me.
Centered around Babar’s steep, cliff-like back, a powerful magical field spread.
Shadowless Day.
Hovering over her domain, Park Yerim floated, as confident as ever. She faced a monster that even her powers couldn’t scratch, yet she was still enjoying herself.
The ice enhancement of her Icewood Spear activated. A chilling cold began to flow, so intense it could freeze the breath in your lungs.
If she hadn’t raised her level recently to gain ice resistance, the skill would’ve harmed her too.
Srrrrr
The cold sigh of her skill draped over the area like a veil. What was once a white mist now glowed an eerie blue, amplified by the maximum power of her ice-element enhancements.
And then—
Swoosh!
Frozen rain poured down.
She narrowed the area of effect as much as possible, turning the rain into thick spears, wrapped in icy mist as they hurtled downward.
Crack! Shatter!
The temperature plummeted rapidly.
Without pausing to admire her handiwork, Yerim disappeared.
Almost instantly, the area she had vacated was engulfed—
Rooooar!
—in a wave of furious flames.
The frozen rock surface melted in an instant, turning red-hot. The flames, hungrily licking at the surface, grew darker and darker.
From crimson to deep violet, and finally, to pitch-black fire.
Even though the fire-resistant coat prevented any of the heat from reaching me, just the information flooding in from the link made it hard to breathe. The temperature was unbearably high.
“Now’s the perfect time, isn’t it?!”
Despite the risk signals I sent warning her of the danger, Moon Hyunah was itching to charge in. What a reckless personality.
It’s true that this is the softest the shell will get, but it’s pointless if Moon Hyunah’s spear loses its strength to the heat and fails to break through.
I calculate how much damage she can tolerate. She’s tough, so I won’t have to wait long. Just a moment.
Her charging speed, the distance, how long the fire will last—my head feels a bit nauseous. My mind’s a complete mess.
Now.
Crunch—
Peace dug his claws into the ground, tensing his muscles. His sharp nails scratched at the surface.
With their coordination perfectly synced, Moon Hyunah and Peace sprang forward, and I activated my bracelet’s skill just as her spear pierced the weakened shell. Seong Hyunjae had to move now to deliver the final blow.
Without a word, Seong Hyunjae took a step forward.
Then—
BOOM!
A deafening explosion echoed through the air. The spear, like a massive drill, pierced Babar’s shell, sending shards flying everywhere.
Even though parts of her clothes were burning and her face and hands were singed red, Moon Hyunah was laughing. She was having a blast. In stark contrast—
Groooooan
—the giant toad finally reacted. It let out a deep, rumbling sound, as if startled, and began to move. The partially destroyed castle beneath it crumbled completely. It would try to activate its regeneration skill, but it was already too late.
The exposed flesh, pierced by Moon Hyunah’s spear, bled dark green fluid. The thick, pulsating flesh was soaked in the liquid.
Moon Hyunah and Peace withdrew swiftly, just as Seong Hyunjae finished preparing his final attack.
Clatter!
The Searcher’s Chain, brimming with its master’s electric energy, spread wide.
Then, with a crackling sound—
Thunk! Crack!
—the chain shot forward like an arrow, piercing Babar’s exposed flesh.
Rumble!
A massive bolt of lightning struck the perfect lightning rod.
Blinding white light flashed across my vision, and the smell of burning flesh filled the air. Shards of rock flew everywhere.
The overwhelming electrical power poured down relentlessly, like a torrential storm. Babar’s thick flesh, impervious to physical damage, burned and boiled, the surrounding area melting into a gooey mess. Brief flashes of bone could be seen before they, too, were charred black.
The massive toad’s entire body convulsed as the electricity spread through it, devouring it from within.
Guooooooong!
With a final, ear-splitting wail, Babar’s enormous body collapsed. The once tightly-bound shell lost its cohesion and began to crumble away.
A literal landslide of rocks.
Once I confirmed that everyone had safely avoided the falling debris, I deactivated the teacher skill.
For a moment, everything went dark, and I panicked. But then I opened my eyes, though they soon fluttered shut again. I think I saw a rewards window pop up, but I didn’t even have the strength to check it.
‘This is brutal.’
It felt like my soul had been run through a juicer and wrung dry.
“…I’m going to close my eyes for a bit, so don’t fight.”
As the eldest, please finish this dungeon raid with the kids without causing any more trouble, okay? Though I was worried, I quickly passed out, as if sinking into a deep sleep.
–TL Notes–
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