Chapter 8

 

Testeron dislikes Seo Woojin.

 

No, to be more precise, it was closer to contempt.

 

It wasn’t simply because of his low rank.

 

‘A weakling.’

 

Since the first day at the Massive Guardian, Seo Woojin was busy paying attention to the people around him.

 

He tried to understand it was due to the unfamiliar environment and tension, but even after adapting, it didn’t change.

 

He was always conscious of others’ gazes and couldn’t find any desire to improve.

 

That was something Testeron, as a knight, couldn’t understand.

 

How could a guy like him, who could easily become stronger and more skilled than anyone if he set his mind to it, not seek improvement?

 

So, he decided not to treat Seo Woojin as a Hero.

 

He thought it was only fitting for such trash to be treated that way.

 

However, a few days ago, something changed.

 

Even while trembling with fear, Seo Woojin stood in front of Draconis to protect Irene.

 

Of course, he didn’t directly do anything.

 

But that action was not something a coward or a weak person could do.

 

It was truly an impossible feat without risking one’s life.

 

Since then, Testeron started to see Seo Woojin differently.

 

Well, he didn’t show it, but still.

 

“You just need to get stronger.”

 

That one sentence was the best compliment and encouragement Testeron could give to Seo Woojin.

 

‘What? Is he in his right mind?’

 

Seo Woojin doubted his ears.

 

This is because Testeron’s words were so benevolent that it was hard to believe them.

 

When Seo Woojin looked at him with suspicious eyes, Testeron turned his gaze forward while snorting.

 

“Of course, I don’t know if that’s possible.”

 

Then he quickened his pace.

 

*Snickering*

 

Seo Woojin burst into laughter.

 

Testeron’s behavior was like that of a tsundere.

 

‘Having such monstrous muscles doesn’t suit him.’

 

Among the Blue Shield Knights, the Hell Tank stood out as a tsundere.

 

It was impossible not to laugh.

 

“What’s so amusing? I’ll laugh with you.”

 

At that moment, the voice of Van Slaine was heard.

 

They had already reached their destination.

 

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

 

Seo Woojin quickly adjusted his expression and lowered his head.

 

Seeing his actions, Van Slaine, who was slightly disappointed with his attitude of keeping distance, soon smiled.

 

“You finally leveled up. Congratulations.”

 

He was sincerely pleased with Seo Woo Jin’s growth.

 

“Thank you. It’s thanks to you, my lord.”

 

It wasn’t a false statement.

 

If it weren’t for Van Slaine, Seo Woojin would have already run away from the Massive Guardian and wouldn’t have participated in the subjugation.

 

The meaning within was understood, and Van Slane’s smile deepened.

 

“You seem to have changed a bit.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

It wasn’t just because of the bold words.

 

“Your physical balance has improved, and though faint, I can sense some magic.”

 

It wasn’t yet at a usable level.

 

The faint magic that wouldn’t have been noticed if it weren’t for Van Slane.

 

But the quantity didn’t matter much.

 

The fact that Seo Woojin possessed magic was already astonishing.

 

To emit magic just by reaching Level 2 was remarkable.

 

Normal people might practice their entire lives without feeling magic.

 

Achieving it with just one level-up was truly extraordinary and would be hard to believe without seeing it with your own eyes.

 

But most importantly, the most significant change was…

 

“Your gaze has changed.”

 

Seo Woojin’s pupils, when first seen, were almost lifeless.

 

Timid, lacking confidence, and seemingly only thinking about escaping.

 

But now, it has clearly changed.

 

‘I gained confidence.’

 

This development was on a different scale compared to the changes in his physique and the emergence of magic.

 

Gaining confidence meant actively taking action in the future, which was directly related to rapid growth.

 

“Really?”

 

Seo Woojin scratched his head.

 

“Good, good.”

 

Though it seemed cool, Van Slaine was satisfied because the previous timidity was no longer visible.

 

“But why did you call me…?”

 

It couldn’t just be for small talk.

 

Van Slaine’s position wasn’t that light, especially now when the battle hadn’t completely ended.

 

“Oh my, I keep forgetting things as I get older.”

 

Seo Woojin chuckled at Van Slaine’s forehead-tapping gesture while speaking.

 

No matter how you looked at it, acting like an old man with a similar age appearance was just not something you get used to.

 

“I called you because I have something to give.”

 

‘Something to give?’

 

Swo Woojin tilted his head.

 

“Is this some kind of congratulatory gift?”

 

Seo Woojin asked with a smile.

 

It was a joking question, but surprisingly, Van Slaine nodded.

 

“How did you know?”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Bring it.”

 

Leaving the confused Seo Woo-jin behind, Van Slaine gestured to the knight behind him.

 

Then the knight brought something, as if he had been waiting.

 

“A sword?”

 

It was a sword.

 

A beautiful sword with a black blade that seemed to be forged from the night sky, adorned with golden decorations.

 

“Being a Hero, you can’t just carry around a standard-issue sword.”

 

Van Slaine, who was handed the sword, held it out to Seo Woojin.

 

“It’s a sword made of black iron, a specialty of the Kingdom Zenroitz. It has quite a reputation for its hardness throughout the continent.”

 

“Isn’t this too extravagant?”

 

It was impressive.

 

From the appearance alone, it was a world of difference from a standard-issue sword…

 

But it was also burdensome.

 

Thinking about carrying such a flashy sword with skills not even comparable to regular soldiers made his face flush.

 

“No need to feel burdened. Honestly, it’s a bit regrettable that we can only provide something like this.”

 

Heroes from other kingdoms were growing with tremendous support, receiving not only buses but also national-grade equipment.

 

“Unfortunately, our kingdom’s finances aren’t that generous.”

 

It wasn’t just a lack of generosity; it was close to poverty.

 

The terrain didn’t produce any special resources, and just providing rewards for the numerous fallen warriors each year was tight.

 

Even from Sion’s perspective, providing such a sword was a considerable burden.

 

“Still…”

 

“Take it.”

 

In fact, compared to the swords used by other Heroes, it was modest.

 

Superficially, it was splendid, but the sword itself was slightly better than the knight order.

 

Therefore, Van Slaine handed over the sword with an embarrassed expression.

 

Seo Woo Jin could not refuse the sword that was half forcefully handed to him.

 

“Ah…”

 

Without realizing it, he pulled out the sword, feeling a snug sensation in his hand.

 

With a sound like a swish, the black blade, similar to the scabbard, revealed itself.

 

It felt sharper than the standard-issue sword, but…

 

“It’s heavy.”

 

For Seo Woojin at his current level, it was burdensome.

 

If he fought monsters with this sword now, he would likely tire out and collapse without even swinging it a few times.

 

Even though he had leveled up, he was only level 2.

 

He needed to become stronger, at least to Irene’s level, to properly wield this sword.

 

“You don’t have to use it right away. Use what you’ve been using for a while, and when you grow more, you can use it then.”

 

The reason I gave you a gift right now was not only to congratulate you but also for another reason.

 

It was an urgent message for you to become strong enough to use this sword.

 

There was no way Seo Woojin, who was quick-witted, could not understand that.

 

“…Thank you.”

 

In the end, he expressed his gratitude and sheathed the sword.

 

Internally, he sighed.

 

“It suits you well.”

 

Van Slaine gave a satisfied smile.

 

On the other hand, Seo Woojin still had a hesitant expression.

 

‘Suits my ass.’

 

Wasn’t this what they called pearls before swine?

 

Thinking about carrying around a splendid sword that he couldn’t even handle, a sigh escaped involuntarily.

 

His face already seemed to be turning red.

 

Nevertheless, orders were orders, so he had to carry it around.

 

“By the way, it seems like the battle is coming to an end, so you should take a break for today as well.”

 

Turning around, as he said, the battlefield was gradually heading towards its conclusion.

 

What was once an overwhelming snow wolf pack were now scattered and being massacred by the soldiers.

 

‘I fought over there.’

 

He laughed inwardly.

 

Seems like he managed to survive without dying.

 

The first battle and the first level-up.

 

On top of that, a burdensome gift.

 

Seo Woojin, who had undoubtedly spent an unusual day, felt fatigue overwhelming him.

 

Although his body fully recovered with the level-up, mentally, he was exhausted.

 

“Thank you.”

 

After bowing his head to Van Slaine, he turned with Irene.

 

“You’ve worked hard.”

 

While returning to the barracks assigned to Seo Woojin, Irene suddenly spoke.

 

“Haha….”

 

He wanted to say it was okay, but honestly, it was tough, so he responded with just a smile.

 

“You should rest well today. It’s going to get even harder from tomorrow.”

 

The subjugation was starting now.

 

Snow wolves were fearsome monsters, but in this northern region, they were weak enough not to even present a proper business card.

 

The deeper you go, the more powerful monsters there are.

 

It is natural that it will become more dangerous than today.

 

To avoid such situations as much as possible, it was necessary to rest well today.

 

“What kind of creatures will we face tomorrow?”

 

Irene was slightly surprised at Seo Woojin’s question.

 

“It’s a good attitude.”

 

Information is crucial.

 

Knowing about the monsters they would face would make the battles a bit easier.

 

Seo Woojin’s proactive attitude, different from before, led Irene to explain in detail about the monsters they would face in the future.

 

It continued until it was time to retire for the night after the evening meal.

 

“Let’s stop here for today. I’ve taken up too much of your time.”

 

Feeling unnecessarily excited, Irlen had been teaching various things, and so much time had passed.

 

Irene looked embarrassed, perhaps because she had stayed up so late after telling him to get some rest.

 

“It’s something I asked for.”

 

In reality, Irene’s explanation had been a great help to Seo Woojin. He could think in advance about how to fight in some way.

 

Of course, it would be quite different in practice, but…

 

‘It’s much better than heading straight into it blindly.’

 

He had just leveled up; honestly, he was looking forward to tomorrow.

 

“Having confidence is good, but don’t be arrogant.”

 

Has Seo Woojin’s expression been seen?

 

Irlen warned quietly.

 

“I can feel that you’ve become a bit stronger through leveling up. However, Mr. Seo Woojin is still weak.”

 

“Ugh.”

 

He felt the impact properly.

 

“I know that better than anyone else.”

 

Only when you become at least as strong as the Irene in front of you will you be able to relax a little.

 

Until then, he was weak in this place.

 

He had to remember that.

 

‘If you don’t want to die.’

 

When Seo Woojin answered with a wry smile, Irlen nodded with a cool farewell.

 

“Then, see you tomorrow.”

 

With a chilly farewell, Irene left the barracks.

 

“Sigh.”

 

Scratching his head, he watched her back.

 

“I thought we were getting a bit closer.”

 

It must have been a misunderstanding.

 

Feeling embarrassed for no reason, he quickly threw himself onto the bed.