Chapter 225

The conversation among the representatives of each clan was nothing special.

The discussion revolved around how to assign the roles of the instructors and who would take on the position of the head instructor, much like Kang Seong-jun, who had previously been the Clan Master of Hwasin Clan, had done in the past.

In the end, three people were recommended for the role of head instructor.

Yoon Yeon, Ha Yu-ri, and Ahn Yeon-ho.

Each of them was a master of one of the three major clans—no, four major clans.

If Seo Yoo-ju had been present, she would have been considered a candidate as well, but unfortunately, she wasn’t there.

Ultimately, it was decided that Yoon Yeon would take on the role of head instructor.

The reason? Both Ha Yu-ri and Ahn Yeon-ho had refused the position.

Yoon Yeon wasn’t exactly eager to take on the role either, but with those two out of the picture, she was the only suitable candidate left.

“It’s not like anyone else could really handle it anyway.”

The position of head instructor is highly symbolic. Just think about how Kang Seong-jun had once held that role—it adds even more weight to it.

******

Those who had just passed the tutorial were gathered in the auditorium, just like we had been in the past.

“…It’s normal for them to be this anxious.”

Our party and Seo Yoo-ju were the exceptions; usually, it’s normal for everyone to be this nervous.

I figured I’d take my time to assess the situation, so I started scanning the status windows of the people in the front rows.

As I was scanning, I could hear them whispering to each other.

“What the hell… I thought it was over… What is this place, damn it…”

“Damn it, damn it…!”

“Hey, calm down.”

“Damn it, Seong-hoon is dead!”

“Everyone, shut up. Didn’t you see what happened to those who resisted earlier?”

Most of them were in a state of panic, but there were a few who seemed to have a better grasp of the situation.

‘Hmm.’

It was clear that the guys in the front row were part of the dungeon raiding team.

However, based on their status windows, none of them seemed particularly outstanding.

‘They all have generic job classes. At best, their stats are slightly above average.’

Just as I was about to shift my gaze to the back, something caught my eye.

‘What the…?’

I was momentarily stunned. It was a face I recognized.

‘Why is that guy here?’

He hadn’t noticed me yet, but I was sure it was him.

It wasn’t a face I was happy to see. To put it bluntly, it was an unwelcome face.

“Ha…”

I let out a small laugh, and Kang I-seo, who was next to me, asked, “What’s up? Why are you laughing? Did something happen?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

Kang I-seo gave me a suspicious look but didn’t press further.

A short while later, Yoon Yeon stepped onto the stage.

Everyone stopped talking and held their breath. Instinctively, they must have realized that the woman in front of them was the person in charge here and the one who would answer their questions.

Some were even staring at Yoon Yeon’s appearance in awe, but well…

“Ah, hello, trainees.”

“…..”

“I’m Yoon Yeon, the head instructor of the training facility under the jurisdiction of the neutral country, Baronia. I’m sure you all have a lot of questions, so let me get straight to the point: you won’t be able to return to Earth.”

The same opening line that Kang Seong-jun had used before.

And the trainees’ reaction to the news that they couldn’t return was no different from two years ago.

“What…?”

“W-we can’t go back…?”

After a brief pause, Yoon Yeon continued.

“I’m in the same situation as all of you. The other instructors here, including myself, were also brought here against our will.”

As soon as she finished speaking, someone raised their hand to ask a question.

“…So, does that mean we have to live here forever?”

The way their pupils shook as they asked the question made it seem like they were begging for a different answer.

But as always, reality is often cruel.

“…Yes. That’s correct.”

Most of the people in the room turned pale, as if they couldn’t believe what they were hearing.

“I understand that you’re sad about not being able to return to Earth, but let me give you a piece of advice: I strongly recommend that you get used to this place as quickly as possible. If you don’t, you’ll die.”

“…D-die?”

“I mean it literally. You should already be familiar with the concept of death, right? Passing the tutorial means you’ve witnessed someone die—whether it was someone else or someone close to you.”

There was no way to argue against that.

Surviving this far meant that, whether you liked it or not, you had seen someone die.

‘Well, a lot of them probably killed someone themselves.’

Not that I was blaming them. In the tutorial, you had to kill to survive.

Even on Earth, human life isn’t always respected, and in this place, it’s even worse.

“In this continent, unlike on Earth, not all conveniences are given freely. How well you adapt to Eras will determine the treatment you receive.”

“Treatment…?”

“In this world, the factions of Earthlings—or foreigners—are called clans. After three months of training at this facility, you may receive an offer from a clan… or you may not.”

“…What happens if we don’t get an offer?”

“…If you successfully complete the training program, you’ll receive a certain amount of money, and you’ll be on your own.”

“Huh?”

The man who asked the question had a dumbfounded look on his face, as if he couldn’t believe what he had just heard.

Naturally, the room erupted into chaos after Yoon Yeon’s answer.

It was like being told you’d be abandoned with no family, no home, nothing.

One woman screamed, “That’s ridiculous!”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized what she had done.

Her voice came out loud, and I quickly covered my mouth, catching her attention.

But hey, when the going gets tough, people can get shamelessly bold.

After rolling her eyes for a moment, she actually started raising her voice even more.

“Y-you have to take responsibility! We don’t know anything about this place! How can the people who came in first just abandon us?!”

*Pfft!*

Seems like even after going through the tutorial, she hasn’t realized a thing.

I can guarantee it—that girl will be screaming her head off in less than three months. Or maybe…

She might end up in a situation worse than death.

I’m not just saying this. Based on her stats, her abilities are barely average at best.

Even if she works her butt off and learns everything, it’s still not enough. With that attitude, her future is crystal clear.

‘Does she think the stuff provided by the training facility just pops out of the ground?’

Yoon Yeon’s expression hardened, and she spoke coldly.

“Hey, what’s your name?”

“Huh?”

“I said, what’s your name?”

The sudden change in Yoon Yeon’s demeanor left the girl flustered.

And the other trainees sitting around weren’t spared either.

“…Oh, uh, Hwang Yu-kyung.”

“Alright, Ms. Hwang Yu-kyung. I’ll let this one slide. I’ve been through the trainee phase too, so I get it.”

“Ah… um…”

“Let me give you some advice. With that mindset, you’ll be dead in no time. No, actually, dying would be a mercy. You might end up in a situation worse than death.”

“What do you mean…”

“You don’t get it? Do you think human rights exist in a place like this?”

“…..”

She looked like a mute who just ate honey. Of course, she’d realize it now.

From the very beginning, the tutorial was a place where people died mercilessly. There’s no way human rights exist here.

“So, if you want to live, or at least be treated like a human, you all need to give it your all for the next three months. At least the basic knowledge and skills are taught here in the training facility.”

No one dared to even breathe.

Yoon Yeon had completely taken control of the atmosphere, and the reality of their situation was sinking in.

“And while it’s possible to leave the training facility without completing the training, I don’t recommend it. Because statistically, the survival rate of those who didn’t receive training here is close to zero.”

Of course, unless you’re insane, it’s better to receive training here. At least for three months, your safety is guaranteed, and you’re provided with food and shelter.

Yoon Yeon glanced around the room and spoke.

“Now, if anyone here doesn’t want to receive training, please raise your hand. Training isn’t mandatory. The instructors and the training facility respect your opinions.”

After hearing all that, it’s unlikely anyone would refuse training.

“…..”

As expected, no one raised their hand.

‘Well, refusing training is pretty much suicide.’

“…Good. Then I’ll assume everyone is on board with the training, and I’ll introduce the other instructors as well.”

Right after Yoon Yeon finished speaking, I and the other instructors started making our way to the podium.

It was only natural for all eyes to be on us.

One by one, the big shots took their places on the stage, and it was impossible not to notice.

Unless you’re a complete idiot, you’d know that the people on that podium are the real powers of this continent.

“The instructors here will teach you trainees or assist you in various ways. They’re here to help you.”

“Ah…”

“If you have any questions during your time at the training facility, feel free to ask me or the other instructors. We’ll gladly answer.”

A man raised his hand and asked a question.

“So, does that mean all the instructors here belong to a clan?”

‘Not a bad question.’

It was a pretty good question. Unlike the previous ones, this guy seemed to be adapting quickly.

“Of course. I’m the master of the Myth Clan, one of the clans in the Neutral Country. The other instructors here are also masters or hold high positions in their respective clans.”

“The Myth Clan… one of the four major clans…”

The man swallowed hard at Yoon Yeon’s answer. He must have heard something about the Myth Clan.

‘Did he do some research beforehand?’

Just like I did before my trainee days, it’s not impossible for others to have done the same.

‘His stats are slightly above average, though.’

One by one, Yoon Yeon began introducing the instructors.

I stayed at the back, not wanting to stand out, so I was the last to be introduced.

Finally, it was the Eternity Clan’s turn, and I stepped forward.

Yoon Yeon exchanged glances with me and slowly began explaining to the trainees.

“The people standing here now are from the Eternity Clan. In order…”

While Yoon Yeon was introducing me and the clan members, my attention was focused on one person.

He had finally recognized me, his eyes wide open.

The way he was gaping like an idiot was almost comical.

‘He probably never expected to see me here.’

Just as I didn’t expect to see him here, he probably didn’t expect to see me either.

So, while Yoon Yeon was explaining, I kept exchanging glances with him.