Time passed quickly.
During that time, Seo Woojin lived the same routine.
Morning, afternoon, evening training.
After sweating it out with Irene and Lee Ji-ah, he went to bed.
What he didn't expect was that Kim Da-hye joined the training.
"I want to join too."
Welcoming Kim Da-hye, who approached hesitantly, was not a difficult task.
Honestly, he had a slight desire to try shooting the K-2.
In the end, Yu Hong-seol did not join, but it didn't matter to Seo Woojin.
He had no intention of forcing her to join if she wanted to continue living among the greenhouse flowers.
The day before the official academy schedule began like this.
After finishing intense training as usual and taking a break, Lee Ji-ah approached discreetly and asked.
"Why are you so strong, sir? Are you really D-class? I'm A-class, so why do I keep losing to you?"
It's not like Lee Ji-ah didn't notice.
If she didn't realize the numerous wounds on Seo Woojin's body, she would just be a fool.
But it wasn't unreasonable for her not to understand.
Grades and levels are absolute.
Lee Ji-ah's words were probably something she had heard countless times.
It was common sense in this world.
What is strange is that Van Slein did not agree with that common sense and pushed Seo Woojin around.
"You'll get stronger if you keep training."
That was all Seo Woojin could say.
In fact, he couldn't say that he was not D-class but an 'Unmeasurable Class.'
'If you think that way, isn't it wrong to say that grades are absolute?'
I don't know.
I don't really want to think about such complicated thoughts.
Instead of worrying about such things, it was better to swing the sword once more.
"Still, if I use my skills, I might win…."
Lee Ji-ah has not yet given in.
She took pride in being an A-class Hero, and the fact that there were many restrictions in sparring also played a significant role in her thoughts.
"Let's do it next time, next time."
However, it was difficult to spar using skills.
Even if it was Seo Woo-jin, it would be challenging to easily overpower Lee Ji-ah using skills.
'I'll probably get hurt a lot.'
It might be impossible to take into account the situation in hand-to-hand combat, so she could really get seriously injured.
Now was the time to focus on getting used to the practical sense of combat like this.
"What about me?"
At that moment, Kim Da-hye subtly joined the conversation.
"You… um."
Sparring with her was a little different.
She wasn't originally in a physical profession.
To be honest, her abilities were a bit vague.
She could summon what she had seen in person, but there were limitations.
"I think it would be a good idea to go all in on leveling up?"
The abilities of summoned creatures were proportional to Kim Da-hye's level.
So, unlike Lee Ji-ah, it meant that she could ignorantly raise her level like crazy.
However, that didn't mean this sparring had no meaning.
'I've learned quite a lot of practical uses in a short amount of time.'
During the sparring with Kim Da-hye, she was allowed to use her skills.
Due to the nature of "Alchemy," restricting skills would make it impossible for her to spar.
Thanks to that, Kim Da-hye could use skills more flexibly than before.
It wasn't just summoning monsters in front of dying monsters; now she could also actively react during battles.
"Don't forget to draw in the gaps."
"Got it."
During the battle, where would there be time to draw pictures every time?
Seo Woojin suggested drawing things in advance that could be helpful in battle and summoning them as needed in the situation.
Kim Da-hye accepted the idea and daily drew and saved pictures in a sketchbook she named a picture book.
"But don't you have any combat skills?"
"I do, but they're not very effective."
Skills are usually granted based on one's profession.
However, not everyone follows this rule, and sometimes things like 'swordsmanship' can come up for a magician.
Despite being an 'Alchemist' Kim Da-hye also had several swordsmanship skills.
"Let's think about how to use that. There might be times when you have to swing the pen."
A pen is mightier than a sword.
It was a classic maxim, but Kim Da-hye is a Hero.
She actually had the strength to break a sword with a pen.
"Wow."
As if she had gained some significant insight, Kim Da-hye nodded her head.
'…She's really peculiar.'
Always seeming absent-minded and occasionally doing unexpected things.
It's impossible to know what she's thinking.
But one thing is certain.
'She's still a good kid.'
She has no flaws and is virtuous, considering others first.
'But she is indeed peculiar.'
Remembering the times when she applied medicine and crawled on the ground like a caterpillar without screaming, Seo Woojin chuckled.
"Should we stop here for today?"
"Yes. Besides, the official academy schedule starts tomorrow."
At Lee Ji-ah's words, Seo Woojin recalled the education curriculum the academy provided not long ago.
'Will it be okay?'
It seemed like even in the Empire, they were aware that the experiences of the Heroes were lacking.
Well, since it was something they had done several times, it would have been even weirder if they didn't know the side effects.
Because of that, most of the education was geared towards training in dealing with monsters or practicing combat.
What about job specific education?
The intention seemed to accumulate combat experience and enhance skills step by step.
If they practice as much as Seo Woojin did in Massive Guardian, the strength of the Heroes would undoubtedly improve.
But would that be easy?
They would have to receive training to know the exact details, but honestly, Seo Woojin was skeptical.
Just by observing the attitudes of the Heroes, it was apparent.
Even on Earth, life was mostly about a few fistfights here and there.
The same goes for being summoned here.
These are people who are accustomed to only having meals served to them or spoon-fed..
Could such people become accustomed to a life-and-death battle?
'Well, we'll win the war anyway.'
They had managed well enough with fewer than ten Heroes.
But this time, with a hundred, they would likely be able to hold their ground.
Of course, sacrifices would be significant, but…
From their perspective, the probability of caring about how many Heroes died was low.
What mattered to them was this world.
While Heroes were appreciated, they were, in fact, expendable.
'Well, it's amusing that I'm having such thoughts.'
Who cares about worrying for whom?
Right now, my nose is stuffy.
Seo Woojin just needs to continue as he is now.
Become strong so that you don't get killed in war for no reason.
And not drawing too much attention from those around him.
The latter seemed to be a bit off course already, but there was still plenty of time.
Continuing to live a mundane life would undoubtedly blur his presence.
"That's right, Sir. I secretly overheard the knights talking about it yesterday. It seems like we'll be mobilized for monster subjugation soon."
At the mention of monster subjugation, Seo Woojin and Irene's eyebrows twitched.
"What does that mean?"
"Where was it? Somewhere to the west of the empire, monsters have been appearing. So, it seems like we'll go there for subjugation and training."
Lee Ji-ah spoke casually.
From her perspective, monsters were weak creatures that could be easily killed with a snap.
After all, they had always dealt with such creatures.
Though they may think in their minds that actual combat wouldn't be easy, the realization might not sink in.
Seo Woojin felt the same way.
Monsters, he didn't worry much when he just heard the name.
But what about when he first encountered Draconis and Snow Wolf?
He almost wet his pants.
Now, he could probably handle a group of Snow Wolf alone, but…
'I wonder if other Heroes feel the same way.'
It would depend on the type of monster.
"Do you know when we're departing?"
"Yes, of course! Who do you think I am? I haven't missed such rumors, no, information at all!"
Although Lee Ji-ah laughter made his head ache a bit, Seo Woojin awkwardly smiled and asked, "So when is it?"
"Tomorrow."
"What? No way. Are they handling the mission like roasting beans over a fire?"
"Suddenly, a monster subjugation?"
"It seems the time has come to show my strength!"
Surprisingly, Lee Ji-ah's information was indeed true.
Thanks to this, the Heroes were confused.
Some had tension and fear due to the sudden subjugation, while others were excited, boasting their accumulated strength.
Lee Ji-ah belonged to the latter.
She was already confident in herself, but she gained even more confidence through training with Seo Woojin.
And Seo Woojin had no particular thoughts.
He wasn't scared or excited.
He was simply preparing his body and mind before the subjugation.
"It's been a while."
Irene spoke from behind Seo Woojin.
"Yeah. Almost a year, right?"
"Yes. It's about time to start in Sion too."
Coincidentally, the schedule for the Massive Guardian's subjugation overlapped.
"Are you nervous?"
Irene asked.
"A little."
It would be a lie to say he wasn't nervous at all.
Even though he had fought monsters to the point of boredom, it was inevitable to feel tension.
"I don't have anyone to protect me this time."
There are no soldiers.
Only Heroes and knights are going on the subjugation.
Even if Seo Woojin doesn't step forward, they are sufficient to protect their own lives.
'I might get injured a bit though.'
The knights of the empire will never just stand by and watch the death of a Hero.
"What kind of monsters are they?"
Seo Woojin turned to speak.
"There aren't many monsters that would appear in the imperial territory at this time."
At most, Goblins or Orcs.
"And there might be wyvern."
"Wyvern?"
It was a famous creature, but not one seen in the northern regions.
"It's a dragon species. Unlike Draconis, they hunt by flying in the sky."
It had a difficult physical structure to survive in the north, where bitter snow storms blow every day.
"Is it powerful?"
"I haven't personally fought it, but I've heard it's more tricky than strong."
Indeed, it would be troublesome for knights to deal with a creature flying in the sky.
"Still, since there are many mages here, we don't have to worry even if it appears."
Among the Heroes, there were many professions capable of long-range attacks.
There were mage classes, as well as those who used weapons like bows and summoned spirits.
"So, they're not really threatening?"
"Well, that's why the empire sent out an expedition, I suppose."
A crazy place where strong individuals were gathered from the beginning…
'Oh, there was a Massive Guardian.'
No matter how much he thought about it, surviving there was a stroke of luck.
"I guess it's to instill confidence."
The intention may be to dull the emotions by starting with these small battles.
In fact, it was quite conventional.
Seo Woojin nodded and looked around.
Heroes with excited expressions were engaging in lively conversations.
It felt more like a field trip than a subjugation.
Seo Woojin captured their images with heavily sunken eyes.
"Heroes, please line up in the order of your calling!"
One of the Empire's administrators shouted loudly using magic.
Only then did the chaotic atmosphere subside, and things began to fall into order.
And soon after…
Seo Woojin's second monster subjugation began.