'Irregulars'
I knew it was something dangerous, even though I didn't know exactly what it was. I still vividly remember the news article about over a thousand people dying at the hands of a dangerous irregular.
"Are they asking us to fight this irregular...?"
"It's the lowest level, right? Maybe we could give it a shot?"
"Are you out of your mind? Haven't you seen news where people die even against lower levels? We're just starting to awaken our abilities, do you want to mess that up and get hurt?"
The lowest rank, huh?
Sihyun picked up bits of information from students whispering, feeling a sinking sensation at the mention of the lowest rank. It was fortunate that the irregular they had to deal with was of a lower rank, but the real issue was the level of each rank. He had no idea on what basis these ranks were determined.
He was still clueless. Contemplating a cram session, Sihyun pulled out his phone and searched for the irregular ranks. Clicking on the chart compiled by the Awakened Association, a well-organized table filled his screen.
<Irregular Danger Ranks>
1. Restraint - Irregular capable of causing death to a few or severe injuries to many. If four or more E-rank hunters gather, or two or more D-rank hunters, it can be eliminated. Although it doesn't matter if it's an individual, if they move in groups, the danger level increases to a Warning. To safely eliminate, five D-rank hunters or one C-rank hunter's abilities are required.
2. Warning - Irregular capable of causing immediate death to ten or more people. If ten D-rank or two C-rank hunters gather, it can be eliminated. To safely eliminate, four C-rank or one B-rank hunter's abilities are required.
3. Danger - Irregular capable of causing immediate death to a town. If ten B-rank hunters gather, it can be eliminated. To safely eliminate, two A-rank hunters' abilities are required.
4. Catastrophe - Irregular capable of collapsing an entire city. If ten A-rank hunters gather, it can be eliminated. To safely eliminate, two S-rank hunters' abilities are required.
5. Apocalypse - Irregular capable of causing the destruction of a country. Theoretical existence, it's analyzed that at least ten S-rank hunters are needed for elimination.
The table indicated the danger posed by a single irregular per rank, with 'safe elimination' criteria based on less than ten deaths.
"...."
Sihyun's mouth gaped as he quickly learned about the irregular ranks. The part about 'causing death to a few people' in the Restraint category caught his attention. The current placement test situation was clearly the school forcing students into life-threatening circumstances.
The principal, noticing most students displaying negative reactions, tapped the microphone. The anxious gazes of the students turned toward the principal. Some held hopes for a reversal, but there would be none.
"We understand this sudden news might be shocking. You might worry and feel anxious. However, rest assured. Here at Choaegang High School, only Rankers of B-level and above are on duty. The teachers in front of you will take responsibility for your lives, so you can fully bloom with your talents and abilities."
As if that would happen.
Sihyun's expression crumpled at the talk that sounded good but was quite far-fetched. However, the students seemed to have a different opinion. Slowly, the majority seemed to accept it positively, perhaps because they thought if they were B-level or higher, they could trust it.
"Do you really think they'd let us die in school? They said it's Restraint level. If we gather five D-levels, we can handle it without a scratch. What's with the panic?"
"Some of the teachers are healers, right? If that's the case, Restraint level should be manageable."
"I don't like it. It's scary... I've only learned about facing irregulars in theory, never experienced it in practice. Plus, my ability is Enhancement. I don't even have a weapon; I can only strengthen my legs and run away?"
Opinions were split. Until a moment ago, most were negative, but now there was a mix of positive and negative opinions. Watching the surrounding reactions, Sihyun glanced at Daun.
"What do you think?"
"It's Restraint level. If there are teachers too, what's there to worry about? Just use your ability quickly."
"…Alright."
With a nonchalant expression, Daun shrugged and toyed with her ring. Seeing her calm response, Sihyun, with a thoughtful expression, looked at the girl next to him. Seowoo smiled subtly, a somewhat idealistic smile.
"What class were you?"
"Me? Oh."
Though he remembered seeing her on stage, he couldn't recall her class name. When he asked, Seowoo lightly laughed and pointed to herself with a finger.
"I'm from the Fire attribute class."
"Oh..."
Contrary to her gentle appearance, her class seemed fiery. Watching Daun control the air, Sihyun couldn't help but imagine Seowoo engulfed in flames, tensing slightly before shaking off the thought.
Gotta be considerate.
The combination of air and fire attributes wasn't bad. He thought they made quite an appropriate partnership.
"What about you, Hyung?"
Instead of the seemingly carefree pair, Sihyun asked Haru, who hadn't spoken a word until now. While staring at his own hand as if contemplating something, Haru glanced up at Sihyun.
"It doesn't matter much to me..."
It was an unexpected answer. Sihyun thought Haru might be more anxious or fearful, but his reaction seemed unexpectedly nonchalant.
"I mean, even if I agree to that..."
"Oh, was it not okay?"
"No, it's not that. But what if I drag you down to a lower class because of me?"
Honestly, Sihyun didn't think Haru would move to a higher class, but if it were a possibility... Was he unnecessarily holding Haru back? Puzzled by his own thoughts, he scratched his cheek, and Haru, who seemed a bit embarrassed, tousled Sihyun's hair.
"I just... want to be with you."
"…."
Was this a selection?
Yoo Sihyun, now known as Kang Sihyun, vividly recalled the day of the entrance ceremony when he stood alone, hesitating before speaking. Understanding the potential loneliness without a friend by his side, Sihyun briefly pondered before moving his fingers.
"You've responded with 'agree.' Thank you for participating in the survey."
The voice he'd heard moments ago echoed from the ring. As Haru toyed with the pairing, his fingers paused.
"Well then, I agree too."
As long as he didn't end up with the Supreme Kings, everything else seemed fine to him. Pressing 'agree' without hesitation, Haru's gaze shifted towards Sihyun. Though he couldn't see, Sihyun sensed Haru gazing at him intently.
"...If you pressed agree too, why the hesitation?"
Feeling as if he was prying unnecessarily, Sihyun attempted to explain, but Haru simply shook his head, dismissing it as nothing. Yet, there seemed to be something he wanted to say.
"If it bothers you, I can just—"
"We've confirmed that all students have responded to the survey. Now, let's begin the 2019 Choaegang High School placement test!"
Timing couldn't have been worse.
Sihyun had thought of mentioning it to the teacher if it made Haru uncomfortable, but now even that option seemed unavailable. As the principal concluded, Haru asked what he'd said, to which Sihyun replied with a sigh, facing him squarely.
Though the principal's proclamation was thunderous, no student screamed in excitement as before. With the placement test announced, the teachers, who had been marking the classes, began distributing weapons among the students. As Haru received two curved daggers from a teacher donning a mask, the teacher who had guided during the healer class approached Sihyun.
"I'll be cheering for you, Sihyun!"
Handing him a crudely made staff that resembled something out of a kindergarten play, the smiling teacher prompted a furrowed brow from Sihyun. It looked more like a toy from a cheap store.
"...Is this some magical girl thing?"
"Uh, um, it's nothing..."
Haru's muttered response to the awkward comment made Sihyun narrow the gap between their eyebrows. The staff he received felt like it had been coated with cheap paint, quite different from the one the healer held in the guide video. It seemed almost like something from a toy store.
Surely, that couldn't be the case.
Just as he checked the staff for any "Made in China" label, the teachers who had handed out weapons encircled the field, resembling security guards.
"Now, we'll introduce the 30 Irregulars you'll be facing. We hope this boosts your confidence in your safety, knowing these Irregulars have been captured by our teachers."
30?
They mentioned five D-grade for each restraint, but 30?
This information hadn't been disclosed. Surprised by the larger number, Sihyun looked towards the principal when suddenly, a circular ring appeared in the middle of the field.
A rumbling sound emanated from the vibrating ring, causing the students standing on it to flee in terror.
"Introducing! The 'Restraint-Class' Irregular, Warmen!"
With the cheerful announcement akin to a recreational instructor, a dazzling pillar of light emerged from the ring. Closing his eyes due to the radiant light, when he reopened them, instead of the beauty, a shocking sight filled his vision.
"Ugh."
One student unable to bear the sight covered their mouth, feeling nauseated. Amidst this scene, the sharp teeth and nails on the beings called Warmen were more vivid than he expected.
Reacting to the disgust, the Warmen stamped their feet in response. Each thud released a viscous black liquid. Horrified, Sihyun instinctively grabbed Haru's sleeve, feeling dizzy.
The students were silenced by the shocking appearance. Amidst the quiet, a familiar voice filled the field.
"Now, let's commence the evaluation!"
"Keeyaaak!"
As the shimmering ring disappeared, the Warmen spread their wings and screeched. Reacting swiftly, Sihyun erected a barrier, gazing at the intimidating Warmen. The sight of oversized cockroach-like creatures with human limbs was more horrifying than he'd imagined. And the sharp teeth and claws displayed with every scream were more acute than anticipated.
Overwhelmed.
He wondered if there could be no casualties amidst this chaos, as he gaped at them.
Suddenly, a sharp sound came from beside Sihyun.
"Keeyaaak!"
One of the flapping Warmen screamed, clutching its eyes.
Drip, black blood flowed from the blade. The boy holding it, wiping blood off his wrist, stood tall. The students were wide-eyed.
"Keuk, kiiik!"
The screaming Warmen reached out towards the boy. Despite their sharp nails and teeth, the boy leaped into the air before Sihyun could warn.
Twisting his waist, he raised his arms. When his glasses fell to the ground, a crimson glint flashed amid his black hair.
-Swoosh!
As the boy landed, black blood splattered. Despite a screeching Warmen with a torn face, eerie silence engulfed the field.
The first among 96 students to react to the Irregulars was Ban Haru.
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