Hunter Kindergarten, Dolphin Class! - Chapter 54

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Episode 054

 

I lightly pushed the unconscious man with my foot and called out to An Param, who was kneeling outside the iron cage.

 

“Param.”

 

“….”

 

“An Param?”

 

When I shook his shoulder, his upper body swayed limply like a bean sprout.

 

“An Param.”

 

When I called him once more, his body finally stiffened and suddenly An Param jerked his head up.

 

“Yes, yep!”

 

“Keep your voice down.”

 

“…Yes, yep.”

 

I looked down at the Cult Leader who was unconscious with a nosebleed.

 

It was fortunate that Yu Jin-chae had easily subdued the Cult Leader. I was really wondering what to do about him, but when I blinked, it was already over.

 

‘As expected of a former Field Teams captain.’

 

While Yu Jin-chae approached and was closely examining the Cult Leader’s face and build, I lightly patted An Param’s shoulder and said.

 

“Do you see that sleeping man over there?”

 

“…Is he really sleeping? No way! I have eyes too! That lady beat him up and that’s how he ended up like that!!”

 

“Oh my, you saw that? Well…. Anyway, there’s something you need to do.”

 

“No, no, I can’t! I don’t want to… Let the adults handle it! I’m going to stay here like I’m dead, and, uh, uh! Quietly slip away!”

 

An Param shook his head frantically a hundred times per second with a pale face.

 

‘He really hates the idea.’

 

…Actually, it would be fine without this guy. Still, I was planning to keep him close by and release him when safety was secured.

 

“Hmm…. Is that so?”

 

I nodded as if I wasn’t disappointed.

 

“Still, all those people outside saw your face, so it’d be better to leave a bit later. Unless you want to get caught again.”

 

Then I let go of his shoulder and started stretching my arms and legs.

 

Well…. I should at least say this much.

 

He was a talkative and noisy guy, but still, a kid is a kid.

 

I interlaced my fingers and stretched my arms up while opening my mouth.

 

“Later, people will leave all at once, so leave then. And cut contact with that Jae-hong hyung or whoever as soon as you get out of here…. Go straight home. Your parents are worried.”

 

He’s a high school student, so he should be able to get home alone.

 

“Should we take his clothes too?”

 

Then Yu Jin-chae lifted the hem of the Cult Leader’s clothes and asked me. It was white ceremonial robes like those worn by clergy.

 

I picked up the crown that had rolled to my feet and handed it to Yu Jin-chae, saying.

 

“Good idea. Since we’re doing this, let’s do it properly.”

 

I helped Yu Jin-chae take the Cult Leader’s clothes while quickly scanning the surroundings.

 

Fortunately, our commotion seemed to be drowned out by the chatter of people below the platform.

 

‘No one’s coming.’

 

More than that…. What’s that?

 

I briefly moved positions and looked at the platform again. Something strange had caught my eye.

 

‘What’s that now?’

 

On the platform, there was a long table prepared, and on top of it…. there was an antique short sword and a beautifully carved marble washbasin.

 

“Do you normally need a knife and washbasin for demon summoning?”

 

At the sudden voice, I turned my head to see Yu Jin-chae, now with a height more than a span taller than before and a changed face.

 

Looking exactly like the Cult Leader to anyone who saw her.

 

“Already…. You’ve transformed?”

 

“My mana recovered quite a bit while lying down. Though the thin build remains the same, probably due to the skill affecting the building.”

 

Wow, she really looks exactly the same.

 

Even the mole that was on the Cult Leader’s cheek was perfectly reproduced. While I was stupidly admiring Yu Jin-chae’s flawless transformation, suddenly a mobile phone notification sound rang out.

 

Without the slightest flinch, she used her lengthened legs to search through the man’s pants pocket, pulled out the mobile phone, and brought it back over here.

 

“It seems time is up.”

 

He must have set an alarm or something.

 

The start of the summoning ritual that the Cult Leader mentioned was almost upon us.

 

…Finally, it was time to execute the plan.

 

I quietly shouted toward An Param, who was still staring blankly in our direction.

 

“What are you doing over there? Aren’t you going to get ready to leave?”

 

For a moment, a look of contemplation flashed across An Param’s face.

 

‘I thought he had already made his decision.’

 

I expected him to refuse in disgust and run away. But An Param swallowed once, then slowly approached us and said.

 

“I’ll just… do whatever Teacher tells me to do.”

 

What kind of change of heart was this?

 

“Why did you suddenly change your mind?”

 

“With this lady’s combat ability, and Teacher’s demon, this side seems to have higher survival chances.”

 

Well, well.

 

“So you’re going to flip-flop like a bat?”

 

Yu Jin-chae crossed her arms and looked at An Param with narrowed eyes. An Param lowered his gaze and answered in a crawling voice.

 

“Ah… well, this is due to a thorough survival instinct.”

 

“You keep changing how you address us too, don’t you?”

 

“That’s also survival instinct…”

 

“If you can’t even speak properly, geez.”

 

Yu Jin-chae shook her head and pressed down on An Param’s head. This was possible because she had grown taller than An Param.

 

I watched the two of them, then went to get something I had been keeping an eye on from the corner.

 

‘I spotted this while being dragged here. Did they prepare this for the summoning ritual too?’

 

And Yu Jin-chae looked down at what I held in both hands and asked with a reluctant expression.

 

“Are you really… going to do it?”

 

I carefully set them down on the floor.

 

“Of course.”

 

***

 

I grabbed Yu Jin-chae as she was about to head straight for the platform.

 

If she climbed onto this platform, she would inevitably see the sky floor. But…

 

‘Just because mental stability increased doesn’t mean the phobia got better.’

 

I couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t collapse again due to her fear of heights.

 

I opened my mouth while looking at Yu Jin-chae, who turned to look at me with a deliberately calm expression.

 

“Teacher, if my plan succeeds, this place will become a sea of fire, right?”

 

“…I suppose so? You said that’s gasoline.”

 

Yu Jin-chae pointed to the plastic container at my feet.

 

Two bright red plastic containers labeled ‘Gasoline’ were showing off their presence.

 

“Yes, so what you’ll be doing from now on is no different from evacuating the people below that platform from a fire.”

 

“…Excuse me?”

 

“Just look ahead and go. Don’t stop, don’t look down, just think that you’re going to save people.”

 

“But… I don’t think those people will think of it that way. I’d be lucky if they don’t throw stones at me later, calling me a fraud.”

 

“Who would dare think of throwing stones at the Cult Leader’s face? Don’t worry about that and let’s do our assigned roles properly. You’re the hero, I’m the villain with gasoline. Just be faithful to your role only. Don’t think about anything else.”

 

“…I know I’m not trustworthy because I showed you a bad side of me, but I’m not a child…”

 

Yu Jin-chae’s lips trembled as she looked flustered. However, I firmly shook my head.

 

‘Oh no, not a chance.’

 

I need to plant even this childish thought so she won’t think about other things.

 

Let me say it again, Yu Jin-chae is a frighteningly rational person.

 

To prevent her from being consumed by fear again, giving her an immediate task to do would be more effective than emotional comfort or famous quotes heard somewhere.

 

Even if it’s somewhat childish role-playing.

 

“You’re the hero, I’m the villain. Okay? A believer should listen well to the Cult Leader. You joined the ‘Butterfly Cult,’ didn’t you, Teacher?”

 

“…Really, how childish of you. But…. I suppose it’s also my fault for joining that religion without knowing anything.”

 

“Please be more careful about joining religions in the future.”

 

“….”

 

It can’t be helped if you think it’s childish. First, we all need to return home safely.

 

I grabbed Yu Jin-chae’s broadened shoulders and turned her forward. Then I gently patted her arm, and after a brief hesitation, she boldly stepped up the stairs leading to the platform.

 

Shortly after, the noise of adjusting the microphone continued… then a gentle man’s voice flowed out.

 

“Everyone, thank you for waiting so long.”

 

Natural acting without any stuttering.

 

Drawing a graceful curve on her lips, she leisurely captivated the gazes of the excited people below the platform.

 

Watching Yu Jin-chae who had become the perfect cult leader, I approached An Param and gestured with my chin.

 

“See that mister over there? Pick him up and follow me.”

 

“That unconscious mister over there? …I have to carry that? Me? I’m a high school student!”

 

“Whether you carry him or piggyback him, do whatever you want…. Where did that kid who said he’d become my dog go?”

 

“…Ugh, this is really annoying….”

 

An Param glared at the cult leader crumpled in the corner with a completely deflated expression, then let out a sigh.

 

When I picked up the two containers of gasoline and called An Param, he lifted the cult leader onto his shoulder in one motion with his face all scrunched up.

 

‘An Awakener acting all dramatic.’

 

Just as we finished preparing, Yu Jin-chae brought out the opening she had prepared to incite the people.

 

“Everyone, but haven’t you thought about this? To bring the demon lord here…. isn’t it too cramped?”

 

It was a trivial question, but the people’s murmuring gradually grew like spreading paint.

 

“Is that so?”

 

“That’s right. The illustration in the scripture book also showed Lord Astaroth’s size was quite large.”

 

“That’s a reasonable point.”

 

Then, amidst the commotion, someone below the platform raised their hand high and asked this.

 

“Then what should we do? The summoning location has already been decided as this underground.”

 

And at that moment, a benevolent smile bloomed on Yu Jin-chae’s lips.

 

Because they had asked the right question.

 

“Don’t worry. That’s why I’ve thought of an alternative.”

 

“Ooh, as expected of our cult leader!”

 

“We can conduct the summoning ritual outside.”

 

“….”

 

Suddenly the hall became as quiet as a mouse. However, Yu Jin-chae continued speaking with a low laugh, paying no mind.

 

“Haha, I understand you’re confused by the sudden change of location. But, on such a good day, wouldn’t it be better than ruining things by worrying about means and methods?”

 

And furthermore, she was subtly shifting responsibility.

 

Implying that if the summoning failed because they didn’t agree here, wouldn’t that also be their responsibility?

 

People are easily swayed. If anyone here shows agreement….

 

“Good! Let’s go outside and do it! For Lord Astaroth!”

 

“Yes yes! That’s good! Let’s do that!”

 

“Well, there’s really nothing to worry about, as long as we succeed!”

 

The outcome is predetermined.

 

Unanimous agreement.

 

“Good. Those in front can start coming out by following behind me.”

 

4:30 AM.

 

An abandoned commercial building in the mountain foothills of Gangwon Province.

 

The demon-worshipping fanatic group that had been in the underground of that building began crawling out of the building little by little.

 

And behind them waited a high school student carrying the real cult leader on his back and a kindergarten teacher holding 20L gasoline containers in both hands.

 

To burn all of this down.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————