Chapter 29

< Goblin (1) >

After washing up, changing clothes, and having breakfast and lunch, my head finally cooled down a bit. Still, my heart feels more restless than usual.

I thought the hangover was gone, but maybe not. It feels like my mental stats have been cut down.

‘Considering I discovered an unexpected skill effect from yesterday’s events, it’s understandable.’

Still, it’s a bit strange.

Let’s organize my thoughts first.

1. I must never, under any circumstances, tell anyone about the keyword effects.

There are hardly any people in this world I can trust with my life. Even if I could read minds, how could I possibly know everything about them?

I can’t trust anyone blindly, not even someone like Yoo Hyun, who risked his life to save me.

My stats are F-class.

I need to always remember and be careful. If I boast about having an L-class skill, a passing S-class might just knock me out.

2. I need to be extremely cautious when using keywords.

Right now, only four people know, but if I keep using the same keywords, someone might notice. Most importantly, using them in crowded places like yesterday is absolutely forbidden.

If the keyword was only revealed to prevent the growth skill from working, it would be manageable, but if the mental indoctrination effect is exposed, it will be a disaster.

So, if I have to use a keyword, it should be in a one-on-one situation, and I should mix in other words to stay safe.

3. I need to focus on monsters rather than people and quickly find S-class level demons that can protect me.

In the five years since, no monsters that could communicate with humans have appeared. So, Pice and the monsters I will get later are safe from the skill effect.

Having even two S-class monsters by my side would give me enough peace of mind.

4. Lastly, don’t underestimate the damn system. There might be other traps hidden, so be careful, and be even more careful.

‘If my stats were S-class, I wouldn’t be this worried.’

It’s really too much. Ah, I feel my mental strength weakening again. Why am I like this today? It feels like I’ve thrown off my armor.

…Maybe I’ve overworked myself.

‘I’ll go to the training session.’

I’ll be fine after a day or two of rest. After all, excessive drinking is bad for the body.

“Uncle!”

As I stepped outside, Yelim, who was waiting for me, greeted me warmly. She looks cute today, as if she has a personal stylist.

“You were really drunk, right? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“I’m glad. Don’t drink too much. It’s bad for your health.”

I’m already feeling the negative effects in real-time. Look, my heart is racing again.

I need to ask Yoo Myung-woo quickly before he comes out.

“Yelim, by any chance….”

I hesitated but decided to ask directly since there was no one else around.

“Is there anyone you think of when you see me?”

“Think of someone?”

Yelim’s eyes darted around, looking flustered. Bingo. There is someone.

“Well… I tried not to show it….”

“It’s okay. Tell me.”

As long as it’s not my mom.

“When I was little… I lived in a house, and there was an uncle next door who took care of me.”

Uncle! Hooray! Thank you, the unknown uncle next door to Yelim’s house.

“He was younger than an uncle, but I was even younger back then. My mom said he was a student, but to me, he looked like a grown-up, so I called him uncle. He wasn’t like me, though. He was sickly. I could tell he was in bad shape even as a child.”

Yelim’s gaze was directed at me, but it seemed to be focused on the distant past. She continued, recalling old memories.

“Our family was well-off, but the neighbors were even better. They had a beautiful yard, a white swing chair, and a big dog. The uncle was often sick and didn’t go out much, but he played with me every day.”

“You must have liked him a lot.”

Yelim nodded vigorously.

“Yes, I really did. I spent more time with him than with my mom or dad. My dad was busy, and my mom went to church with the neighbor’s aunt because I played well with the uncle.”

So, that uncle… the student became the most influential caregiver. It might have been different if Yelim’s parents had lived longer, but they passed away early.

“And when I grew up, I thought I would be stronger than the uncle and protect him….”

Her voice trailed off. I could guess the rest without hearing it.

Yelim swallowed, whether it was a tear or a sigh, and looked at me with an anxious expression.

“Of course, you must feel bad. You thought of someone else when you saw the uncle… People usually don’t like that.”

“No, it’s okay. He wasn’t a criminal or anything, and you said he was a good person. I feel good that you think of me that way.”

Of course, many people would feel bad, but I brought this upon myself. A sickly but good-natured rich kid, how grateful I am.

Yelim smiled in relief.

“Really? You’re a really good person. I thought you were kind from the moment I met you!”

…After saying I wouldn’t date.

“Do you remember when you first thought of that uncle when you saw me?”

“Yes. At the meat restaurant, after you started rambling. Your helpless appearance reminded me of him.”

After rambling, that must have been right after I said the keyword “love.”

Indeed, the effect of the keyword is clear.

“I’ll definitely protect you, Uncle!”

“Thanks.”

Yelim clung to me as usual, but I felt a chill in my chest, different from usual. Thinking it’s all due to the skill made me a bit scared.

…If I just be careful, there shouldn’t be any problems, but why am I so worried? Is it really because of my liver? Did it lose its taste overnight? Or is there another reason—

Bam

“Did you wait long?”

Yoo Myung-woo came out of the door.

“No, not really. Let’s go. We’ll be late.”

Today is a theory class, so I’ll listen carefully and come back early to rest.

The new hunter theory classroom was smaller than expected. Unlike the association facility that can accommodate a hundred people, there were only five desks. Considering the strict selection process in Hae-yeon, it would be surprising if more than five new hunters joined at once. Right now, Yelim is the only real new recruit.

‘The chair is comfortable.’

It must be expensive.

After everyone sat down, the person in charge of the theory class appeared. It was a young woman in her early twenties, wearing light sandals and a tropical long dress.

She looks ready for a summer vacation, but is she really the instructor? Her round glasses made her face look familiar.

“Hello.”

The woman standing in front of the lectern put down her materials and said.

“My name is Seok Hae-yan. I’m the instructor for today’s theory class.”

Seok Hae-yan! Her name rang a bell. She is Dr. White, an authority on dungeon studies.

Originally a statistics major, she conducted research on dungeons and Awakeners in Korea and then moved to the U.S., where she played a significant role in uncovering the principles of dungeon creation.

She looks much younger than I remember. I thought she was older than me, but her makeup and clothing make her look much younger.

Why is such a great person here? She’s still in Korea, but isn’t this below her level to teach new hunters?

“First, I’ll teach you the basics of dungeons.”

Seok Hae-yan placed the printed materials on each desk and stopped in front of mine. Her round glasses and round eyes looked directly at me.

What is it?

“…Do you have something to say?”

“Are you Han Yujin?”

She said it as if she had been waiting.

“Yes, that’s me, but—”

“I’ve heard a lot from your uncle, or rather, the head of the Hae-yeon personnel department.”

…Personnel department? Uncle? Now that I think about it, we have the same last name. But what did she hear? Mr. Seok Shimyeong, the guild leader, promised to keep my information as secure as the guild’s, but did he not hold back and spill the beans? Even before the dungeon was verified?

That doesn’t sound like him.

“I don’t know what you heard, but Mr. Seok, the team leader, is overestimating me.”

“You’re modest. You’re not the type to overestimate someone. How picky can you be?”

Seok Hae-yan smiled and said. The uncle is picky, but his assessment of me is exaggerated.

“I’m not being modest. Can you tell me what he said about me?”

“I heard you have a vast knowledge of Awakeners and dungeons that would surprise anyone.”

She didn’t mention knowing the types of dungeons in advance. I’m glad I didn’t misjudge her. I regained my composure and smiled.

“Still, that’s an exaggeration. If you came here based on what Mr. Seok said, you might be disappointed.”

“I came to Hae-yeon to meet the Goblin. Of course, I’m here to teach because of Han Yujin.”

“You mean the hunter, not the real Goblin?”

“Yes. A hunter famous for special skills.”

I know the Goblin well. Well, I can’t say I know him well.

This unique hunter, who wears a goblin mask and dresses like he’s in a traditional play, has never revealed his name, age, or gender, even five years later.

He is famous for his special skills: mid-range spatial teleportation and invisibility.

Unlike instant teleportation, which can only cross obstacles, spatial teleportation can go anywhere. Combined with invisibility, he truly embodies the elusive nature of a goblin.

‘He also had good social skills.’

The ability to enter anywhere secretly is extremely threatening. If revealed recklessly, he could become a target for everyone.

But the Goblin openly revealed his abilities.

‘As long as I am safe, the secrets in my bag will never be revealed.’

He declared.

He is a hunter who is extremely difficult to catch due to his skill characteristics. Now, instead of being attacked, he needs to be protected. After all, no one, especially no organization, is without secrets.

Thanks to this, the Goblin operates freely without belonging to any group. He rarely participates in dungeon raids and mainly acts as a messenger, delivering important items or letters.

Because he can uncover all secrets, he is the most trustworthy person.

‘And a few years later, it was revealed that he could create long-distance portals.’

People were amazed, saying he should be a Goblin King or a god. His abilities were so useful that he received many offers, but the Goblin only used them for rescue operations.

During dungeon breaks and various natural disasters, he saved many people, making him famous and highly respected.

Despite his somewhat strange personality, he is a good and remarkable person.

“I didn’t know he was in Hae-yeon. I’d like to meet him too.”

“It’s not impossible. If you have a conversation with me until our meeting time, I can arrange it.”

“Won’t you teach the class, instructor?”

“You sound like a professor.”

Seok Hae-yan rolled her eyes and went up to the lectern.

Her lecture was excellent. She had a deep understanding of both dungeons and Awakeners and explained them clearly and easily. She also used visual aids skillfully.

Even though I knew the content, I found myself focusing intently. Still, there were a few parts where she was incorrect. No matter how hard she studied, the data is three years old, so it can’t be as up-to-date as the data from eight years later.

“Thank you for listening to my lecture. I appreciate your attention, Professor.”

…Why is it ‘Professor’ again? I’ve never even set foot in a university.

“I didn’t find it lacking at all. Your lecture was very skilled, easy to understand, and clear.”

Calling me ‘Professor’ made me give a review. Seok Hae-yan rolled her eyes again.

“Thank you for the compliment, but I noticed you had a ‘that’s not right’ expression a few times. Your gaze was exactly like a professor’s, making me feel like I was back in college.”

Did I really do that?

“The first time was when you explained awakening. Awakening usually occurs when one feels threatened, and the initial skill is for self-protection. That part.”

She has a sharp mind and good memory. Considering she’s a genius, it’s not surprising.

I smiled awkwardly.

“It’s not entirely wrong. It’s mostly correct. However, the initial awakening skill is usually….”

“Usually?”

Seok Hae-yan’s eyes widened, urging me to continue. Should I really spill everything? It’s not crucial information, but—

“It depends on talent and environment. Some skills are not immediately useful in combat, despite being for self-protection.”

“But most are related to combat or combat support, right?”

“Most, but not all. And the environment for most awakenings was combat-related. If you check, you’ll find that the ratio of non-combat skills has increased recently.”

Of course, the most common awakening situation is still “I’m going to die!” so combat skills still dominate. However, with dungeons rarely appearing now, the ratio of awakenings in daily life has naturally increased.

A few months ago, the Hunter Association had someone with a sea fishing skill and a worm-summoning skill.

Seok Hae-yan pursed her lips and nodded.

“Alright, I’ll check. The second time you smiled was….”

“Hold on. Are you going to check everything?”

“I don’t have time, but you do.”

“I don’t have time to waste on you, Seok Hae-yan.”

Seok Hae-yan looked at a loss.

“…Do you want something? I can pay for research funding.”

“I just want to rest.”

“I’ll book you a 5-star hotel room. A suite with a great view.”

Why is a hotel involved? My room has a great view and is comfortable.

‘What should I do?’

Building a relationship wouldn’t hurt. She’ll leave for the U.S. eventually, but… Wait, if I give her a hint, can she figure out the dungeon creation principles in Korea? Hmm… There aren’t enough dungeons for that.

The number of dungeons is proportional to the population and land area. So, Seok Hae-yan had to go abroad to continue her research on dungeon creation principles, as few places allow foreigners to investigate dungeons.

It’s a shame to waste such talent. Is there a way to have her research in Korea?

“I do want to meet the Goblin, so I’ll spend some time with you. I can’t answer everything, though.”

“Really? Thank you!”

Seok Hae-yan clapped her hands, clearly excited.

< Goblin (1) > End

ⓒ Geunseo

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