In the Name of God - vanish into fiction

Seeming to answer as if it were the most obvious question, his words came out slightly slower for a moment.

“…Well, I also do not think you will fail, Lee Sunho.”

Among the eighth- and ninth-rank awakeners I have seen while running dungeons, no one comes close to Lee Sunho. Not only his skill, but his basic combat sense is excellent. Up until now, he has never suffered even a scratch or a torn piece of clothing.

“Then, see you later.”

Turning my back to Lee Sunho’s gaze, I headed outside.

***

Walking out into the vast test arena, I followed the guidance and stood in front of the semi-transparent D Barrier, the fourth combat zone.

In barriers A and B, awakeners like me were engaged in battles with monsters. In barrier C, a monster screamed while chained, and judging by the blood around it, the awakener taking the test had been seriously injured and carried away.

‘Even though this is a lower-rank promotion test, they said injuries occur frequently because monsters are released.’

Many had said it was too dangerous, but in my opinion, this was the best approach.

After all, all the candidates who chose the combat track had run dungeons at least ten times, whether they passed the test or not. Then it only made sense that the test should focus on practical combat against monsters.

While thinking this, I waited for the barrier manager to open the D Barrier gate. Again, I felt piercing eyes. Surely it was Seong Do-wan, and there seemed to be other persistent gazes as well.

As I tried to locate the source of the gaze, the manager and the responsible examiner approached.

“Awakener Number 198, Seong Do-yoon, correct?”

“Yes.”

“The test is to render the assigned monster incapable of combat within ten minutes. Weapon use is free. You may quit midway, and if your life is judged to be at risk, the test may be forcibly terminated.”

Listening to the simple, mechanical instructions, I saw a portion of the tall semi-transparent barrier slide open like an automatic door.

As I stepped inside, the floor on the opposite side opened.

Like taking an elevator, a bull-headed monster bound in golden chains rose from underground. Clearly enraged, it snorted furiously.

There was no countdown to signal the start.

As soon as the open barrier door closed, the golden chains restraining the monster shattered into a dazzling burst.

The moment the monster aimed its horns and charged, I drew my revolver almost simultaneously.

The distance was about seven meters.

Close enough that even with eyes closed, a shot would hardly miss.

It was also dangerously close enough to become a near-quarters battle with even a moment’s hesitation.

I had no intention of dodging and simply raised the revolver.

Bang!

The bullet struck the center of its forehead and hit the solid skull. I realized I needed to upgrade my weapons and ammo. At this level, it only cracked the skull slightly.

But that did not mean I needed to aim anywhere else.

Bang!

The second bullet hit the same spot with no deviation. The first bullet, crushed along with the skull, shot through and pierced the back of the monster’s head.

A loud thud echoed as the monster, which had seemed ready to gore me with its horns, fell forward, leaving just one meter of space.

Thump!

Its heavy weight shook the floor.

I looked down at the fallen monster without concern.

‘Maybe I should have put on more of a performance.’

I had finished too simply. It also made me question whether standing in one spot and just shooting would suffice to pass.

‘Should I switch to a dagger as my main weapon and try the close-combat test?’

I turned to ask the examiner about a retest. From outside the barrier, I saw the examiner flinch in surprise as our eyes met.

“Uh… Number 198…?”

“Um, if a retest is possible, may I try it with a dagger?”

I pointed to the spare dagger strapped to my thigh. The examiner quickly shook his head.

“Ah, no, that is not necessary…”

The examiner alternated his gaze between the unmoving monster and the red tag on my chest, clearing his throat.

“Cough… Ahem! …You passed. Please move to the team test waiting area.”

“Yes, thank you.”

It seemed I did not need a second test.

This should put Lee Sunho at ease as well.

As I left the barrier and headed toward the corridor with the team test waiting area, I deliberately cast a glance toward Seong Do-wan in the stands. Though far away, my sharp eyes caught the tremble around his eyes clearly.

I raised the corner of my mouth slightly toward Seong Do-wan in a teasing manner and turned my gaze away without hesitation.