How To Use Regressors

10 – Camp (2)

After waking up in the morning and having a meal with the children, it didn’t take long for Antaeu to come looking for them.

“Did you all sleep well?”

“Yes. Camping is definitely more comfortable. Compared to camping in a place where monsters might be wandering around, this is like heaven.”

“Haha… I’m glad you think so. The reason I mentioned it is because Yujoo said she has something to say to everyone. Please get ready within 20 minutes and gather in the center.”

“Yes. I understand.”

After finishing their conversation, Antaeu hastily left to inform others as well.

Perhaps the reason the returning person gathered everyone was because of the exploration mission mentioned yesterday.

Even though they said they needed to prepare, the only things they had to bring were their equipment and provisions, so they walked slowly with the children towards the center.

While walking, they could hear people talking as they moved.

“… What could be the reason for gathering? Do you happen to know?”

“No, I’m not sure either… Well, maybe they found some food and brought it back?”

Upon hearing the conversation between the woman and the man, a hollow laugh escaped.

“Damn fools.”

The thought of expecting that they brought food after hearing the mobilization order was absurd. As the favors continued, the more I listened to their conversation, the more annoyed I became.

Thinking that it wasn’t a meaningful conversation, I turned my attention away from the two.

“Can anyone among them actually be useful even if they come forward?”

Most of them had deviated from their mindset, regardless of their status or abilities.

I haven’t observed everyone yet, but even without expecting anything, I could only feel disappointment.

As soon as it seemed like everyone had gathered in the center, the returnees began to appear.

The attention of the people started to focus on her.

“…. I’m sure you’re all curious why I called you all from early morning. Before going into details, some of you, please come forward.”

She gestured towards our group. I and the others slowly moved towards her. Others seemed curious about why she was calling our group forward.

“Mr. Yoonseong and the students who came here will be exploring with me. However, this time, we will select candidates to explore together, not just among ourselves.”

People seemed agitated upon hearing her words.

“I hope you won’t be too afraid of going outside. Of course, I understand that it’s scary to face monsters, but there are things to gain as well. Going on an exploration is beneficial for all of you too.”

A man asked her a question.

“Um… Does it help? Are you talking about provisions?”

‘These guys seem to have nothing but thoughts of food in their heads.’

She raised her head and replied.

“No, it’s not just about getting provisions. Of course, that’s one benefit. But this is different. If you look at your status windows, you’ll probably see that your occupation slot is empty. I don’t know if you’re aware, but when you kill monsters, you can gain an occupation. You can become stronger, just like me. Yoon Sung and the students here have also killed monsters and gained occupations.”

Perhaps some of them already knew. Right now, there may be people outside, but I heard that there were a few people here in the camp who had gained occupations. However, most of the people who heard Seo Yooju’s words seemed surprised.

“So, this is a really good opportunity for all of you. Oh, and because too many people going out for exploration can be a problem, this time, we’ll only take two to four people at most. If you’re willing to volunteer, please raise your hand.”

For about 30 seconds, no one raised their hand. But as time passed, a woman raised her hand. She was someone new to the camp.

“Um… I’m Ha Eun Song… It’s scary, but… can I also become stronger?”

I opened the woman’s status window.

[Name: Ha Eun Song]

[Age: 22]

[Occupation: Not yet selected.]

[Title: None.]

[Unique Traits]

Blessing of the Spirits (Grade Measurement) – The spirits have an incredible sense of familiarity with you. The spirits are always paying attention to you, no matter when or where.

Perfect Mana Mechanism (Grade Measurement) – Your mana mechanism is astonishingly clean. You receive bonus points in all acts that involve using mana.

[Stats]

Strength – 06 Agility – 09

Endurance – 08 Luck – 10

Mana – 08 Resistance – 06

“Damn it.”

Two unique traits. Furthermore, considering that Yunhyeon’s mana stat was originally 3, the mana value of 8 is overwhelming.

This woman is a monster. Although I don’t know the exact grade of her traits since the measurement is still in progress, just by looking at the names of the traits, I can sense something.

“…I have to get closer to this woman, no matter what.”

I should also pay attention to the regressors, but honestly, I have no memories with her.

I apologize to the regressors, but I had to prioritize those who seemed to have talent. However, it’s strange that the regressor had no reaction even when looking at this woman’s face.

From this…

“…Did she die quickly in the first round?”

It was a plausible guess. When I saw her status window, I thought she would have made a big impact in the first round, but if she had performed after the tutorial, there’s no way the regressor wouldn’t recognize her.

“Or… I could have lived quietly.”

“Of course, Song Haeun. Thank you for being brave.”

Although some time had passed since Song Haeun revealed her intentions, no one else raised their hand afterwards.

The regressive person seemed quite disappointed, as if they had never considered that there would be so few candidates.

Finally, she began to speak, just as she had discussed with them yesterday.

“…. And there is something else I need to tell you all. We will reduce the distribution amount due to difficulties in food supply. We will prioritize distribution to those going on explorations.”

Upon hearing the regressive person’s words, several people, who thought they had misheard, remained quiet for a moment before starting to voice their objections.

“… What?! The food distribution is decreasing?!”

“This is unacceptable! Why…?!”

“…..”

The regressive person’s complexion darkened significantly. It seemed they hadn’t anticipated people being so audacious.

“People tend to think that favors should continue indefinitely. Well, these people seem to be taking it a bit too far.”

“… It’s because there are fewer people going on explorations. There are many people, but the ones retrieving food are limited.”

“No, even so, it’s not right. Do you know how many elderly people are here with Yoo Ju’s parents?! How can this be happening?! Would Yoo Ju treat her own parents like this?!”

The person who spoke was the uncle whom An Taeu had briefly seen when he was being guided.

“… Are you kidding me in this situation?”

If humans were individuals, they would be capable of rational judgment. However, when they become a group, they seemed prone to madness.

They seemed to not think about who they were raising their voices to, despite the fact that their own food bowl could diminish or disappear.

Sure enough, the atmosphere suddenly turned cold. It wasn’t just the atmosphere. It was…

“What the hell…! This crazy bastard…! Talking nonsense for no reason…!”

“W-Wait…?!”

The old man, unable to withstand the energy being poured onto him, collapsed with weak legs.

The regressor slowly walked towards the man. The others were terrified of her momentum and stepped back, clearing a path.

“… Say it again. What did you say?”

“W-Well, that’s…”

“Do I look easy because I take care of you and provide food? Am I underestimated?”

Finally realizing to whom he had spoken those words, the man’s complexion turned pale.

“… Hey, what was your name again? I can’t remember. Can’t you answer quickly? Is your brain still not working? Hey, here’s a reminder, this isn’t Earth. Age doesn’t matter. It’s your turn to crawl now. Still don’t get it? Or do you want me to make you understand?”

“I-I’m sorry! I-I spoke thoughtlessly! Please…!”

The man kneeled down and begged.

Everyone except our group felt fear at the sight of the regressor, who they saw for the first time. In the midst of this, I wondered if the regressor was considerate of our group. However, there was no sign of support from them towards us.

Whether the regressor was deliberately directing their energy towards the man or not, suddenly the man started urinating frantically.

“Heuk… Heeek… Hweoook…”

“Sir, please be careful in the future. There will be no more next time. Understand?”

The man nodded quickly with a desperate expression.

The regressor returned to their original position and continued speaking with a chilly expression.

“…I am not your parents. I hope you remember this fact well. Anyway, I will continue to accept applicants. Food will be distributed to applicants first. If you are willing to apply, please raise your hand. I must clarify that it is not a forced action. Only those who truly wish to apply should raise their hand.”

A man raised his hand. It was Ahn Tae-woo.

“Um… Mr. Ahn Tae-woo, are you sure about this? Of course, it’s great from my perspective, but…”

“No, it’s okay. If Yu-ju is okay with it, I want to explore together with Yu-ju.”

“Why… Why does his expression look like that?”

Ahn Tae-woo’s expression seemed very excited.

“That’s great. Thank you for your courage, Mr. Ahn Tae-woo.”

“I will rely on you, Yu-ju.”

“Alright, now that all the applicants have come out, you can disband. Thank you all for your hard work. Those who are going to explore can go to your original positions, excluding the ones who will stay.”

It seemed that the regressor decided there would be no more applicants, as they dispersed the people. Seeing everyone quickly disperse as soon as they heard their words, it seemed like they were frightened because of what they had witnessed from Seo Yooju earlier.

“Members of the exploration team, please come this way. The total number of individuals is… six. Would it be alright if I ask what weapons Song Haeun and Ahn Taeu are using?”

“I chose a spear like Yooju.”

“Um… I, I chose a dagger… I was a bit disoriented at first…”

“Well then, the composition is two spears, three daggers, and one person with a blunt weapon and shield. Yoon Sung is a black magician, but…”

“… I did change to a black magician, but I don’t think I’ll be able to use magic much. At most, I can use it two or three times a day.”

I can use magic about three times a day. And even then, I can only use one type of magic. I should save magic for urgent situations and use my weapon and shield to deal with monsters in normal situations.

“That should be enough, Yoon Sung. Okay. Then please gather what you need. We’ll depart in about 30 minutes. The goal of the exploration is the job change for those without professions, securing food, and finding clues to clear the tutorial. Please be prepared, everyone.”