Yi Sungjin's desperate scream cut through the air, and then-

*shnick*

The sound of flesh being split apart followed after it.

That kind and caring young woman moved, as if to reach out to Sungjin. But then her body started falling into pieces.

Sungjin's scream stopped.

Seeing that, I stopped too.

I... was too slow?

Did the monster sense my approach and speed up its actions? I could have sworn that it didn't immediately kill Seol-Ah in the novel-

"Dammit."

I scowled and pulled out my knife anyway. But as I did, the room became quiet.

As for the reason...

A head emerged from the shattered floor. Four times larger than any man's normal head. A single eye that covered half the face... and then chunks of bloody flesh coming from its maw, with shredded pieces of Seol-Ah's skirt dangling from it.

Pandemonium ensued and the crowd of people ran off, scattering.

As for me...

I grit my teeth and then slid out the blade from my box cutter. "Dammit...!"

I wanted to change it. To avoid this fate. But instead...

The monster roared and jumped out of the hole, landing on the floorboards. Its full form was revealed, long unkempt hair and a spindly body with limbs twisted the wrong ways and sharp talons.

With a sinister grin, it turned to look at me. Perhaps expecting me to be easy prey, it stepped forward.

My mind calmed down. At the same time, invisible currents wrapped around my blade. Without any hesitation, I spun it around in my hand in a reverse grip and then slowly walked forward.

-Kill it.

Only that thought filled my mind.

The question of how didn't enter. There wasn't a need for it.

I could kill it. Because I didn't kill it, someone died. And because someone died, I-

A shrill scream. Not from me, but from the monster. Before I could even blink, it ran off, breaking through the doors that the other people had gone through as well.

And then I was alone in the assembly hall, clutching my knife.

I stood there for a few moments, gathering my thoughts. And then, I let out a long sigh. "You fucking idiot..."

I slid the blade on my box cutter back and tucked it into my sleeve once more. After that, I stared at the place where Seol-Ah died and then muttered, "I'll right this injustice later."

But for now...

I closed my eyes and reflected on what just happened.

Slow. I had been too slow. Instead of attacking from a distance, I tried to charge instead.

That wasn't enough. No, instead, it had caused the monster to flinch and kill instead of capture.

Then... Stronger. Sharper. More intense.

If I could not make it in time, I had to devise a way to buy time. If I couldn't buy time, I had to find a way to make time.

So...

[The Ability <Focused Killing Intent - C> has been obtained]

I opened my eyes.

There was still a chance to save her later. Until that point-

"Huh? You're still in here?" A man with a green cap walked in. That other guy who ignored Kang Seok earlier. He frowned and said, "I would have thought you of all people would have left. What happened to the monster?"

"...It ran away."

The man crossed his hands behind his head and said, "Man, you're one lucky guy. To think that the monster just ran off like that... Well, I suppose it's good that I came back here to check." He smiled and walked forward, pointing a hand at himself. "Name's Hyun Sangmin."

I stared at him and then nodded. "Jihu."

"Jihu, eh? Nice to meet you." He grinned and then pulled out a box of cigarettes. As he did, he paused and gestured one towards me. "Want one?"

I shook my head. "No thanks. I stopped a while back."

"That so?" He pulled out a lighter and then lit his cigarette.

[Mister Kang Seok, Mister Yi Hyungsik, and Mister Jeong Minwoo have arrived at the second-floor waiting area]

The system voice called out.

Hyun Sangmin paused and said, "They got there already, huh? Seems like they're pretty fast."

That was true. But then to go there so fast... Did they just rush it?

I glanced at my phone again to check the timer. There were well over twenty minutes. Since there was that much time to just go upstairs, I might as well start preparing.

That decided, I started walking out of the assembly hall and to explore the building.

"H-Hey! Wait for me!" Hyun Sangmin quickly started following after me.

I glanced at him and said, "Did you need something?"

"Yeah! Do you think I could team up with you?"

I paused and stared at him.

He stared back, but then perhaps because of the intensity of my gaze, he quickly started talking. "It'll be worth your while, I promise! Listen man, I don't need an equal partnership. What I'm proposing is a vertical one, you see? You're the boss and I'm your man. You say jump, I say how high."

"Is that so?" I stared at him, still thinking.

Colors didn't shine, meaning he wasn't a danger or cause for concern. As for his status... A self-centered temperament, an aptitude of extraordinary and discerning eye...

Was that it? He seemed to have good instincts since he was putting on a sincere show.

"What do you say?" He held out his right hand with a bright and eager smile. Even so, I could see a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead.

"...Alright." I shook his hand and said, "But I'm a man who holds others to their words. The consequence of betrayal... Well." I let loose a bit of my killing intent and smiled. "I'm sure you can guess."

Hyun Sangmin tensed, but he kept on his relaxed smile. "No worries, boss! I wouldn't even dare to think about that!"

I smiled back. "Good. And don't worry." I let go of his hand and said, "I'm not one to return goodwill with malice. Since you've thrown your lot in with me, I'll make sure you're treated well. Ah, for now..." I pulled out my box cutter and tossed it to him. "Here."

"H-Huh?" Sangmin caught it and frowned. "A... box cutter?" He blinked and then said, "Wait. Did you bring this with you?"

"Of course. You should always have a weapon on hand. And you're probably going to need that more than I do." With that, I started walking off.

Hyun Sangmin blinked in confusion and then tucked the box cutter in his sleeves before following after me.

xxx

"A convenience store?" Hyun Sangmin blinked and said, "Why are we here?"

I kicked the door open and said, "Did you think this mission will be over in a day? We have a lot of time until we have to meet upstairs and we have this entire building to search. Preparations and supplies are a given, no?"

"That's..." Sangmin's eyes widened. "Wow. You're pretty smart, Boss. No wonder you were a gold stamp."

"Mm."

I stared inside the convenience store.

It was a small place. Since it was meant for the school, it was only the size of a small room. Still, the shelves were lined with chips, instant food, and packaged lunch boxes.

I started to sweep them in my bag, but Sangmin stepped up. "Hold on, Boss!"

He patted his chest and said, "Leave the grunt work to me!" He smiled and said, "There'd be no point to having me if you did this by yourself, right?"

"True. But..." I glanced at his bag and said, "Do you think your bag can hold all of this?"

"Hm?" He paused in the middle of tossing some cans in his bag and said, "What do you mean?"

I shook my head and then started pulling things into my bag.

He frowned and started to ask why I was doing that... and then he noticed it. "Wait. Is your bag... Not getting full?"

"The benefits of being a gold mark." I lifted my bag and said, "Bag of holding."

"...Ah. Well, guess I'll just follow your lead then."

We cleaned out the convenience store and then left.

We were in an underground corridor, which would eventually lead to the stairs up to the second floor. But before then...

"There's a library and a stationary store too." I tossed my bag over to Hyun Sangmin and said, "You know the drill, right?"

His eyes widened as he grabbed my bag and said, "This... You're really trusting me with this, Boss?"

I stared at him and said, "You haven't tried to cheat me, and you seem to be a man of your word. Besides, I said it, didn't I? I'll treat those on my side well."

Hyun Sangmin blinked and then a real smile crossed his face. "Guess I underestimated you. Alright." He patted his chest again and said, "Leave this to me! I'll make sure you don't regret your decision!"

With that, he ran inside the stationary store.

In the meanwhile, I pulled open the map I was given from my bonus.

"Next is..."

xxx

"The hell happened here?" Hyun Sangmin muttered as he looked at the bloodstained staircase.

I adjusted the bag under my arms and said, "A trap."

"A trap?" Hyun Sangmin flinched as he looked at the staircase I was walking towards. "Then, do you think-?"

"This one's safe."

"And how do you know that, Boss?" Sangmin jogged after me, adjusting his green cap. "What if that map of yours isn't reliable?"

"Then I'll go first and you stay behind. If it's a trap, I can handle it."

"What? No, no!" Sangmin tried to get ahead and said, "If Boss is willing to do it, then at least I should-"

"Calm down." I looked at him and said, "I say jump and you say how high, right?"

He paused and then sighed. "Sorry, Boss. But-"

"Trust me. We'll be fine." Saying that, I stepped on the stairs.

Hyun Sangmin flinched, but seeing nothing happened, he sighed. "Seems like you're right."

I ignored him and walked up the stairs.

Footsteps echoed, and then we arrived at a doorway blocked by metal spikes.

"What the...?" Hyun Sangmin blinked and then looked at me. "Are you sure this was the right way, Boss?"

I walked forward and touched the spokes. The moment I did...

[A new user has been registered.]

With that soft voice, the spikes receded.

"...I guess I should have expected as much from you, Boss." Hyun Sangmin shook his head. He looked at me and said, "Should I go first?"

"These will retract the moment I let go, so yes."

"What? In that case-"

"I can make it go down once again when you pass. But unless you want to try and charge through before the timer runs out-"

There didn't need to be a second warning. Hyun Sangmin immediately ran through.

[Mister Hyun Sangmin has arrived at the second-floor waiting area.]

When he did, I stepped forward as well.

The spikes started to shudder when I passed, but they quickly stopped, recognizing me.

By chance, I glanced at them and analyzed them.

[Seol Jihu. Bounded gateway]

A gateway bounded to Seol Jihu. Allows access through physical contact.

Inner workings are through registration of mana signature.

"Hm."

I stepped onto the second floor waiting area. Once more, an announcement echoed, saying "Seol" has entered the area.

Not a moment later, Kang Seok's voice echoed. "You really teamed up with that guy?"

I glanced over at him and nodded. "He's a good follower and a decent man."

Hyun Sangmin let out a smug smile and said, "That's right-" He paused, realizing my words and spun around. "Wait, Boss. Only decent?"

I walked into the center of the room beside him and said, "Well if you were great, you would have been able to go on your own, wouldn't you?"

"...Can't argue with you there."

Kang Seok stared at me and shook his head.

I shifted my gaze and took a look at the surroundings.

There were a series of doors leading out of the area.

That guy's goons, Yi Hyungsik the fat guy and Jeong Minwoo the skinny guy, were nearby.

Although there were windows along the corridor, the doors and windows themselves were barred up.

Sangmin noticed and frowned. "This place is like a prison... That monster can't possibly enter here, right?"

It was a rhetorical question, but I answered it anyway. "That thing only seemed to have physical force, so it shouldn't be able to break through. At least not easily. But I doubt that these barriers will be up forever."

Sangmin tensed and then said, "That's right. It'd be too easy, huh?"

Kang Seok gave me an approving gaze and said, "That's a good point. All the better that we got here first then, isn't it?"

I nodded and then glanced at the other doors. "I suppose, considering this is like a game of musical chairs."

"Hm? What do you mean, Boss?"

Kang Seok laughed. "Sharp. No wonder you're the Gold Mark." He smiled and said, "That's right." Walking over to the passage, he pressed a button on the wall. "The first person to claim these entrances can choose who can enter. But most importantly..."

"It's controlled from the inside." I cut him off and said, "And it's one to a person. Moreover, you three already claimed the doors on that side."

Kang Seok's smile dimmed a bit. At the same time, he seemed cautious. "That's right... So you figured that much out, didn't you?"

I shrugged and then leaned against the wall. "It's obvious. In a situation like this with such a violent opening, the stakes are bound to be high. And what better way to do so then incentivizing it through restrictions?"

"...Damn, Boss." Hyun Sangmin whistled. "You figured out all of that just from us entering?"

"It's basic level design in a hardcore game."

Kang Seok chimed in. "Game, huh? Are you a gamer then?"

I glanced at him and said, "Something like that." I shifted my gaze away and then looked at Hyun Sangmin. "I'll be taking a nap." I tossed him my bag and said, "Keep this safe."

Hyun Sangmin caught it and then let out a wry smile. "You... Boss. You really have no fear, do you?" He glanced at Kang Seok and his goons.

I shook my head. "It's not that. I trust in your abilities." Saying that, I moved over to a corner of the room and then leaned against the wall, closing my eyes. "Ah. And feel free to share some food with the others. Since they got here first, they probably need it, right?"

"...Balls. Steel balls." Hyun Sangmin sighed and then said, "Got it, Boss. Rest easy."

"Mm."

With that, I shifted my focus from my surroundings to inside.

Of course, that wasn't to say I let my guard down. But I was certain that I would be fine even if someone attacked me. Just in case though, I placed down an invisible layer of mana just over my skin.

That done, I focused inside.

An energy core. That was my new innate ability. Following it, I could sense that divine power pulsing out and drawing in ambient mana, trapping it inside. Using that, the mana was stripped apart to a more fundamental form, pure energy, and then re-fused. When that happened, the connected circuits drew that energy out and into my body, adding to the total I had available.

It was efficient, but not the best. Then again, it seemed to also not have any traces of the gods' intermeddling.

But I still didn't trust it.

The fact that it showed up on the status window meant that it could be read. And from that grading, it showed that it also wasn't the best.

So then, refining it.

Right now, the core was just a ball of energy haphazardly stuck together, using the divine energy as a gravitational pull.

I carefully studied it.

The thing was similar to a celestial body. Specifically, a comet. Some wisps of mana were whirling around it like gas, but it was ultimately transient. Just from looking at it, I could tell that the thing would run dry without careful management. After that, it would take time to replenish.

That wasn't what I wanted.

Even though it wasn't just mana it could use, the fact was that it was a finite resource, and one that was too finite for my tastes.

Realizing that, I collapsed it.

Purposefully draining out the energy, suspending it in my body, filling my mana circuits... While that happened, I drew out the dissolved divine energy in my body and then started spinning it.

Using the model of a galaxy with a black hole at the core, particles that flickered in and out of existence, the splitting releasing energy...

It was shabby. The principles were there, but I still lacked the necessary startup cost.

Even so, it was enough for now. At least, it wouldn't be running dry anytime soon without some insane attempt.

[Energy Core has turned into Energy Core - Unranked]

Good. That worked.

Then... My next hypothesis.

'Synthesis' was my next ability. From what I gathered, it was similar to creation, but not quite. Instead of creating something from nothing, it took existing materials and combined them to a greater whole.

Rather than creating one from zero plus zero, it took one plus one and made it equal three.

A transformation rather than true creation.

But that was fine. I had always been doing that, so it was a natural result. Furthermore, with my insight it was even better this way.

After all, what point was there in creation when you lacked the principles? And even if you managed to make something from zero, that didn't guarantee it would be great.

So then Synthesis.

If I was right... it should be what I needed.

I took a strand of the divine energy and then a strand of mana, comparing the two. After that, I took in some electricity and magnetic fields.

Nature versus divinity. Natural versus supernatural.

Even though different, the principle was the same. Rather, they were similar in that they shared 'principles'. Rules. Then-

"Are you crazy?! Open the barrier right now!!"

A shrill female voice.

I opened my eyes.

Hyun Sangmin glanced over with an apologetic smile.

I frowned and said, "Trouble?"

He shifted his gaze to the passages on Kang Seok's side and said, "Something like that."

There were a group of five people standing on the other side. Two familiar faces as well, Shin Sang-Ah and Yi Sungjin.

Glancing around the room, I saw Kang Seok and his goons gloating over the group.

Yun Seora appeared to have arrived sometime when I was concentrating, as well as a man who looked broken inside.

Hyun Sangmin stared at Kang Seok and frowned. Glancing at me, he said, "Should we do something about it, Boss?"

I watched the situation and said, "...Not yet."

"Mm... I suppose that's the smart move." Hyun Sangmin nodded.

Kang Seok gloated some more and then let a few people in. All except Shin Sang-ah.

When Yi Sungjin entered, he immediately tried to let Shin Sang-Ah in as well, but it failed. Then he tried to force Kang Seok, but that guy immediately tossed Sungjin aside, easily overpowering the teenager.

And then next...

"Well, why don't you strip then?"

A lecherous gaze. Desire and satisfaction.

Shin Sang-Ah who trembled with fear and shame, started to obey Kang Seok's words...

I stood up.

"Boss?" Hyun Sangmin looked at me with surprise.

Seeing me stride forward, he shook his head and then followed.

"Hm?" Kang Seok turned around to look at me. He was confused and then let out a mocking smile. "What, did Mister Golden Mark decide to become a hero? Or what, did you want to be that girl's knight in shining armor?"

I glanced at Shin Sang-Ah and then said, "Open it."

Kang Seok crossed his arms. "I don't want to."

I approached Kang Seok.

His goons, that Yi Hyungsik and Jeong Minwoo started to move, but Kang Seok waved them down.

The greasy man smiled and said, "What? Are you mad? Well, Mister Gold Mark." He wagged his finger and said, "Even if you are, that's not going to change-"

I stepped forward and then jabbed his stomach.

"Kuh-!?"

As he was doubling over from the pain, I swept his legs and then grabbed his arm, dragging him over to the wall.

"Kang Seok!" The other two tried to step forward, but I released my murderous intent.

[Focused Killing Intent ranked up : C->B]

As expected the two froze.

I dragged Kang Seok's groaning body over to the wall and then placed his hand on the button. When it did, the passageway opened.

Shin Sang-Ah looked shocked, her gaze shifting between me and Kang Seok.

I looked at her and said, "Grab your clothes and come in."

"...Thank you." She lowered her head in thanks and then picked up her clothes before walking in.

[Miss Shin Sang-Ah has entered the second-floor waiting area.]

When I heard that announcement, I let go of Kang Seok and stepped back.

Shin Sang-Ah quickly moved over to Yi Sungjin. At the same time, Hyun Sangmin moved to my side, keeping an eye on Kang Seok's goons and fiddling with his sleeve.

He glanced at me and said, "What now, Boss? Are we going all the way?" He looked to Kang Seok.

"...No. This is enough for now." I turned around and walked back to our bags.

Not long after...

[The first Tutorial mission, 'Escape from the Assembly Hall' has concluded. Number of remaining survivors: 12]

[A new message from the Guide has arrived.]

[The second mission of the Tutorial, 'Breaking Through Traps' has begun.]

That announcement echoed through the hall. Not long after, the sturdy locked gate at the far side of the room away from the doors unlocked.

"Gaaah! You bastard...!" Kang Seok rolled on the floor and supported himself with the wall. Clutching his belly, he glared at me with murderous intent. "I'll...!"

I glared back, meeting his murderous intent with my own.

He flinched and instinctively took a step back. The moment he did, he grit his teeth and then spun on his heels. Picking up his bag, he hastily ran towards the open passage. "We'll see what happens later, you fucking son of a bitch!"

His goons followed after him.

Next, Yun Seora, who had been quietly watching me the entire time, turned to leave.

After that, Hyun Sangmin let out a deep sigh. "That was pretty intense." He looked to me and said, "Are you sure that was a good idea, Boss?"

"I-"

Before I could respond, a teary voice called out. "T...Thank you. Thank you so much...!"

Shin Sang-Ah stared at me, tears dripping from her eyes. Beside her, Yi Sungjin's head dropped low as well.

Clear gratitude. The first person I had 'saved' since I arrived.

"...Don't thank me."

"H-Huh?"

Hyun Sangmin looked at me and then nodded before looking back at Shin Sang-Ah. "That's right. Boss isn't a gracious man, you know? Don't expect us to do anything else for you!"

"Th-That's fine." Shin Sang-Ah sniffled. "Even so... You didn't have to. So..." She smiled and said, "Thank you."

"..." I didn't respond.

Was it because it reminded me of Jinhee? For some reason... for some reason I was feeling pissed.

Was it at myself for inaction? Was it at that bastard for being such a vile person?

I didn't know, but...

[Sender: The Guide]

[1. Enter the classroom "3-1" on the fourth floor of the main building via annex's third floor before time runs out.]

[Remaining time: 01:57:56]

...After confirming the mission I walked off, my heart pounding.

xxx

Kim Hannah stared at the screen, her mouth set in a thin frown.

That guy...

The supervisors and other invitees were groaning at the unfolding events. Especially whining about 24 people already dying.

As for the one she invited...

"What the hell...?"

Shocked silence filled the room. No, that wasn't true. In that silence, there was a noise. The metallic clang of steel.

From the nature of the second mission, it would be assumed to be some idiots falling victims to traps. But...

"H-Hey? Isn't that guy cutting through the traps? How is he doing that? And with a metal bar too?"

The speaker was a tall bald man. The one supervising this part of the tutorial level. Shaking his head in disbelief, he turned to Kim Hannah and said, "Where did you find this guy, Kim Hannah?"

A flurry of spears flew towards Seol from the ceiling, floor, and walls. A blinding speed, only a little slower than a bullet.

Even so...

*clang clang clang*

Graceful movements that blurred through the air. A staccato of steel notes that shattered the silence.

Without missing a step, Seol moved forward, carving the way for everyone behind him. Like an immovable storm.

Kim Hannah's lips twitched.

This motherfucker... Did he really not get sent to this side before?

It was a good thing that she dealt with the situation at Young Sin Bar. If Sinyoung found out that someone like that existed on Earth and could fight that well without ever entering Paradise BEFORE the enhancements...

"Oi! Kim Hannah!" The bald guy turned to her and said, "Seriously? What's up with that guy?"

Kim Hannah was quiet for a while and then said, "The record for the second mission. What was the fastest clear time again?"

"Hm? You mean Sung Shihyun-nim's legendary 29 minutes and 38 seconds?" As he said that, the bald man seemed proud.

But...

"...This is crazy."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

Kim Hannah pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a sudden headache coming on.

The first mission made her doubt that guy's abilities since he didn't seem to be anything special... But did he sense her irritation or something?

As if to make up for it, Jihu started running forward.

Only five minutes had passed since the start of the mission.

"W-Wait! What's that guy-?"

Olympic level sprinting. Combat skills and attacks as smooth as clear water. Not only that, but attacks dealt with enough force to shatter the shrapnel of the traps to clear the way for everyone behind him.

The corridor wasn't very far. An average person could probably run across it in ten minutes or so. But the problem was the traps that triggered along the way.

Even then, a trained Earthling would be able to clear it in 30 minutes.

So it wasn't that impressive a feat.

But that guy...

He wasn't just crossing the hall. Running at a blinding speed, triggering and destroying every trap along the way, running along and on top of the walls.

[Area 1's second mission has been cleared.]

Dumbfounded silence.

"T-The time. W-What was the clear time?" The bald man muttered.

Kim Hannah closed her eyes. "Eight minutes and five seconds."

That son of a bitch...

Though she cursed him in her mind... Kim Hannah couldn't help the faint smile on her face.