Chapter 44

 

“…Trolls?”

 

Seo Woojin’s expression showed a slight surprise.

 

The first day of the official academy schedule.

 

It was quite surprising that trolls wearing leashes appeared in front of the warriors gathered in the large training hall.

 

“Some of you Heroes have already seen the troll.”

 

The speaker was a high-ranking knight of the empire and an instructor at the academy.

 

“I think I killed one around level 10.”

 

“The recovery was so fast that it was surprising.”

 

Most of the Heroes seemed to have encountered trolls as the instructor mentioned.

 

Seo Woojin had also experienced it.

 

Especially the trolls from the north were much more powerful than those in front of them.

 

‘I almost died.’

 

It has the ability to heal most wounds within a few breaths.

 

Strength that could withstand an entire battalion of soldiers.

 

And a cleverness that didn’t match their size.

 

Trolls were monsters renowned even in the north.

 

Now, a hundred trolls were lined up in front of the Heroes.

 

“Today, we will engage in combat with the trolls.”

 

Upon the instructor’s words, the Heroes chuckled and grinned.

 

“We thought it would be something grand, but just trolls?”

 

“Well, it might be fun because it’s a bit unexpected.”

 

The Heroes exchanged jokes.

 

They didn’t seem to care much about the trolls in front of them.

 

‘Do you guys, who can’t even handle goblins, have anything to say?’

 

The trolls they saw were probably on the verge of death.

 

They were weakened to the point where a few slashes and punches would have killed them.

 

They were so confident because they had killed such trolls a few times.

 

“But I haven’t fought with a burly one…”

 

“Isn’t that a bit dangerous?”

 

Of course, there were Heroes with clear minds.

 

The problem was that their number was so small that you could count them on one hand.

 

“You cannot let your guard down. The trolls you Heroes will fight today will be a bit different from the ones you’ve seen before.”

 

The instructor looked around at the Heroes with cold eyes.

 

He had already heard about the recent incident.

 

Even disregarding Gerald, Heroes with levels exceeding 20 had almost died at the hands of a mere goblin horde.

 

If they hadn’t been complacent, they could have easily wiped out the goblin lair with just ordinary soldiers.

 

However, the hope to stop the Demon King lies only with the Heroes…

 

Yet, whether the Heroes understood the instructor’s sentiments or not.

 

There were even those who chattered away and made bets.

 

Seeing this, the instructor unconsciously sighed and continued explaining.

 

“This battle is not only to enhance the Heroes’ practical sense but also to measure their precise abilities and determine the direction of future education. So please give it your best.”

 

At the instructor’s words, Seo Woojin nodded.

 

In truth, he didn’t think the academy would be of much help.

 

Originally, the plan at the academy was to hunt monsters for leveling up.

 

So far, the only difference was doing what other Heroes had done outside the academy, except for riding buses.

 

Of course, it seemed to gradually develop practical senses and provide various kinds of education during the process…

 

Seo Woo-jin, who was taught by Van Slein, did not think that would be of much help.

 

But things have changed.

 

Whether it was because of goblins or Gerald…

 

‘The academy’s education system has completely changed.’

 

A battle with trolls?

 

He hadn’t expected to do something like this.

 

‘Is it okay?’

 

Honestly, trolls were too easy opponents for the current Seo Woojin.

 

It was the same when he was in the Massive Guardian, and now, having leveled up to level 16, it was even more so.

 

But what about other Heroes?

 

Those who were almost overwhelmed by goblins, could they really demonstrate their skills against trolls?

 

Seo Woojin was skeptical.

 

Heroes facing the ferocious vitality of trolls would have trouble catching their breath properly.

 

Seo Woojin, who had experienced it firsthand, knew it best.

 

“As called, one person at a time will step forward for the battle.”

 

The Heroes moved to the waiting area prepared at one end of the training ground.

 

And the first person called was…

 

“Go Hanseong.”

 

He was someone Seo Woojin didn’t know.

 

* * *

 

As soon as his name was called, Go Hanseong stood up in surprise.

 

C-class, level 20.

 

When lined up with 100 Heroes based on skill, he was among the last ten.

 

He was well aware of the fact that he wasn’t outstanding among the Heroes.

 

But Go Hanseong snorted and walked forward.

 

‘For trolls, one stab is enough.’

 

His profession was a “Spearman.”

 

It was a relatively ordinary occupation, with a few abilities related to wielding a spear.

 

Of course, even that alone was quite remarkable.

 

In fact, Go Hanseong had pierced five trolls in a single strike before.

 

The fact that it was a creature with all limbs severed and unable to resist, had long been erased from his memory.

 

To Go Hanseong, trolls were nothing more than large, stab-friendly sandbags.

 

“Are you ready?”

 

In response to the instructor’s question, Go Hanseong nodded.

 

There was no need to prepare to face trolls.

 

The instructor frowned as he observed Go Hanseong, who was casually handling his spear on the ground, but he didn’t say anything.

 

“Well then, let’s begin.”

 

When the instructor gestured, the leash of one troll was released.

 

Krrrr-

 

As soon as the leash was released, the calm troll started spewing out ferocious murderous intent, probably due to some kind of magical treatment.

 

“Huh?”

 

Go Hanseong made a bewildered expression.

 

As soon as it started, he attempted to pierce the troll’s head with his spear, using his most flashy and spectacular skill, “Flash Strike.”

 

Even though the rank was low, he thought that if he could kill the troll in one blow with this skill, the way others looked at him might change a bit.

 

However, Go Hanseong’s plan couldn’t even get started.

 

‘Why, why can’t I move my body?’

 

Instead of piercing the troll’s head, he couldn’t even twitch a finger.

 

He could only blink his eyes involuntarily as the sweat poured down like rain.

 

Kraaaaah!

 

A giant creature, reaching three meters in size, charged towards Go Hanseong.

 

It moved at a speed incompatible with its massive size.

 

“Uh, aaaaah!”

 

Only then was Go Hanseong finally able to move.

 

However, his movement was far from the splendid and magnificent plan he had envisioned.

 

No, it was quite the opposite.

 

He fell on his butt in shock and struggled to escape from the troll.

 

The spear that had supported him, a treasure of the kingdom, was now rolling on the training ground.

 

But the troll’s speed in chasing him was several times faster than his attempt to escape.

 

In an instant, the troll, who had reached Go Hanseong, reached out with both hands.

 

It seemed like he was about to tear apart his prey right in front of him.

 

“Stop right there.”

 

Slash!

 

Fortunately, Go Hanseong did not meet his end at the hands of the troll.

 

An instructor, who had been watching from the side, stepped forward and severed the troll’s neck with a sword.

 

With a thud, the troll kneeled, and even with its remarkable recovery ability, it couldn’t regenerate a severed head.

 

“Hahaha!”

 

“What’s that? You’re putting all the Heroes to shame.”

 

Laughter erupted from the spectators on the grandstand.

 

The Heroes, who had witnessed Go Hanseong wet himself, began to mock him with contemptuous eyes.

 

It was a disgraceful moment.

 

However, Go Hanseong paid no attention to such emotions.

 

He couldn’t believe the fact that he was still alive.

 

“I, I… I was going to die…”

 

Even though the troll was already dead, Go Hanseong continued to tremble with a terrified expression.

 

“Sigh….”

 

Seeing his state, the instructor sighed.

 

He had expected it to some extent, but he didn’t know it would be this bad.

 

Just a troll, as the Heroes put it.

 

But to not even launch a single attack and end up wetting himself.

 

It was a disgrace that even the ordinary soldiers of the empire wouldn’t show.

 

“Escort him.”

 

At the instructor’s command, attendants came forward, taking the trembling Go Hanseong, and they left the training ground.

 

‘I see why the training curriculum suddenly changed.’

 

From Go Hanseong’s appearance, the instructor could understand what the true needs of the Heroes were.

 

“Next.”

 

Courtesy had disappeared from the instructor’s tone before anyone realized.

 

* * *

 

Gulp-

 

The sound of someone swallowing dry saliva echoed.

 

More than ten Heroes who faced the troll were already sitting, wetting themselves.

 

Most of them couldn’t even stand properly, let alone make a proper attack.

 

The Heroes who mocked Go Hansung couldn’t laugh anymore after a level 27 A-Class Hero wet himself.

 

‘Tsk tsk.’

 

Seo Woojin clicked his tongue inwardly.

 

The level of the Heroes was much worse than expected.

 

Honestly, he had expected a bit more from A-class Heroes…

 

If they could swing their swords properly just once, the troll would be easily defeated.

 

However, they couldn’t manage that one swing.

 

They were overwhelmed by the overwhelming presence they encountered for the first time.

 

From the Heroes who had only ridden buses until now, it would have been nearly impossible to endure.

 

In the midst of the silence, the awaited turn finally arrived.

 

“Seo Woojin.”

 

Seo Woojin’s name came out of the instructor’s mouth.

 

“… D-class, right?”

 

“Isn’t he going to pass out?”

 

“He might get a heart attack.”

 

The heavy atmosphere changed slightly.

 

It was Seo Woojin’s turn, the lowest class among the 100 Heroes.

 

Humans often found comfort in seeing someone weaker than themselves.

 

Though there were murmurs, Seo Woojin ignored them.

 

“Are you ready?”

 

The instructor asked Seo Woojin with an expression devoid of any expectations.

 

“Yes.”

 

He answered as he drew his sword.

 

Upon that, the instructor gestured again, and the troll was released.

 

Kraaaaah!

 

He burst out the suppressed resentment that had been building up due to the long-awaited freedom.

 

And then, he galred at Seo Woojin.

 

The cries, full of life, were oppressive.

 

It was the vitality that other Heroes couldn’t withstand.

 

‘It’s weak as expected.’

 

However, Seo Woojin had the experience of catching and killing countless northern trolls.

 

He had no intention of cowering before such low-quality vitality.

 

‘What should I do, then?’

 

Although he wanted to show the least noticeable appearance possible, he didn’t want to appear weak either.

 

‘But killing them all at once is too conspicuous.’

 

The method to attract the least attention.

 

It was when Seo Woojin was briefly lost in thought to find that.

 

The troll misunderstood that his appearance had scared Seo Woojin, thinking it was frozen in fear.

 

Just like other trolls until now, he also charged towards Seo Woojin.

 

And Seo Woojin unconsciously swung his sword.

 

His body reacted involuntarily to the sudden burst of vitality.

 

And…

 

Slash—

 

A thin line appeared on the troll’s body.

 

From head to tail.

 

With a clean sword strike, the troll fell without even a scream, split in two on either side.

 

‘Ah, this is…’

 

Seo Woojin lifted his head with a perplexed expression.

 

The instructor with an astonished look was staring at him.