Instant Kill, Time-Stop Spellcaster

The First Day in the Guild

Aden and Kang Hyun, both dressed in suits, were greeted by Yoo Chae young, who gave them an approving nod.

“You both look great,” she said.

“Seems like there’s a strict dress code here,” Kang Hyun remarked.

“Yes, it’s either a formal suit or full combat gear,” Chae young replied.

“Ah, so it’s either sharp and clean or full-on awakened mode,” Aden summarized.

“Exactly.”

“I like it! I always thought awakened guild members in suits looked super cool,” Aden added enthusiastically.

“That’s the whole point,” Chae young smiled. “Awakened individuals are naturally admired, so we care a lot about our guild’s image.”

Chae young explained that their suits were actually special combat attire, made by a master artisan from Thea.

“These are high-quality, custom-made outfits, so take good care of them,” she advised.

Aden and I parted ways.

“This is Lucien Marchand, who will be your mentor, Kang Hyun.”

“Hi, hi! Nice to meet you, mister!” Marchand greeted cheerfully.

“Just call me Mar,” she said with a voice that was unusually pleasant to hear.

“Mar is a quarter harpy from Thea, just like Aden,” someone explained.

“Ah, that explains it.”

A quarter harpy meant one-fourth harpy blood. There weren’t any notable harpy traits, except for the blue hair reminiscent of a bluebird and her voice.

“But Lucien…”

“Where have I heard that before?”

It felt like a name from a past life.

“Oh, this is the guy Chae-young picked?” Mar asked with a teasing grin.

“…Don’t say unnecessary things. Mar may look carefree, but he’s a C-class ace.”

“Hey, what do you mean by ‘may look’?”

Being C-class meant being in the top 10%, a rank that dwindled significantly the higher one climbed.

‘Quite a skilled individual.’

After saying temporary goodbyes to Yoo Chae-young, Kang Hyun and Mar were left alone.

“Let’s go, let’s go! I’ll give you a tour of the building.”

Following Mar, Kang Hyun noted her petite frame—typical for a harpy.

“So, you’ve heard about the benefits, right? Like the salary?”

“Yes.”

The starting salary was an impressive 200 million won, even at the entry-level E-class, which was low due to his rank and freelance status.

“Let’s drop the formal speech. You’re older, aren’t you?”

“Can I hit you?”

“Wow, your first casual phrase is insubordination? You’re moving fast!” Mar chirped like a bird perched on an air conditioner at 6 a.m., yet it wasn’t unpleasant thanks to herr voice.

“Here’s the infirmary! You’ll be spending a lot of time here.”

“For an infirmary, it’s small.”

“Yeah, it’s for emergencies only. For anything major, we’ve partnered with a nearby university hospital. You can visit for free, even for checkups.”

“Oh, for an ER, it’s pretty big.”

“Right? With the current medical crisis, emergency rooms are overcrowded, but ours is exclusively for guild members—wait, what’s going on?”

A group of more than ten patients was being brought in. Mar’s usual upbeat demeanor faltered, and she stopped a passerby.

“What happened?”

“Ah, Mar… It’s a dungeon anomaly. Our guild was affected this time.”

“Oh, no!”

Dungeon anomalies had been a growing concern, with one or two teams from neighboring guilds being impacted. The rumors had been spreading, and this time it hit close to home.

“This is the second time for our guild alone.”

“Excuse me?”

Mar peeked into the hospital rooms, which were mostly empty aside from the new arrivals.

“Total wipeout?”

“No, everyone survived.”

“Wow, that’s a relief! But how?”

“Beats me; it’s incredible.”

The passerby hesitated, then added, “This is just something I overheard from the higher-ups…”

“What is it? Tell me!”

“They said the anomaly that everyone survived was A-class.”

“What?!”

That didn’t seem possible. Who could have—

“They’ll probably announce it soon. It’s definitely worth publicizing.”

Kang Hyun silently listened in, hands clasped behind his back, pondering the situation.

‘If it’s going to spread, it will do so on its own.’

The tour continued with Mar cheerfully detailing the guild’s many perks.

“And, and there are many other benefits. Counseling for Awakened individuals, curse checks, various insurances, family care…”

“That’s a lot, it’s too much.”

“Right, right, there’s no end to it if I start talking.”

Even the miscellaneous benefits, excluding the real ones, were listed.

The real ones were the various supports.

“Hey, you’re a parachute, right?”

That came in quickly.

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Wow, that’s cool. But could you not copy my tone?”

“The important thing is skill. Well, for someone who’s so amazed, it doesn’t seem like you’re trying to criticize me, though?”

“Right, right. As you said, if I prove myself with skills, then I’m fine.”

I thought she were just a chatterbox.

Surprisingly, She didn’t seem to be the type to be swayed by rumors.

“Do you really have no complaints?”

“No, no, honestly, I was a bit annoyed. But, you know, the boss picked you, right?”

“The boss? Ah, Team Leader Yoo Chae young.”

They seemed pretty close.

“She has an incredible eye for talent. When I joined, I was picked by her too! I may not believe in parachutes, but I trust her judgment.”

“I see.”

“Since you’re someone the boss chose, I’m sure you’ll prove yourself.”

They weren’t the type of person to be a hassle to have around.

“You know, I think you’re a decent person.”

“How long have you known me?”

“There are a lot of weird people among the Awakened, so I’m glad you’re normal!”

I had noticed it earlier.

There were occasional sharp undertones in their words.

“Hmm. Everyone gets tired when they’re with me, though.”

Both Kyle and Kang Hyun had rough paths.

“I don’t think your personality is bad though?”

“On what basis?”

“You don’t mind that I speak informally, right?”

“Hmm….”

They were so used to informal speech.

‘Must be because they’re a mercenary.’

Who uses formal language as a mercenary?

In this industry, if you’re looked down upon, either you get cheated or stabbed, those are the choices.

“Think however you want.”

By the time the company tour ended, an interesting conversation came up.

“And also, if you build up your achievements and increase your authority, you get many benefits.”

“For example?”

“Treasure support, special mission arrangements, information networks…”

“Information?”

“Yeah, yeah. Interested?”

“I have a guild I want to look into.”

The 5th ranked guild in the country.

Kang Hyun’s adversary, Oh Hyuk Jun, who is involved with demons.

The guild he belongs to, Palan.

“Wait, are you already thinking about switching jobs? You’re dropping hints?”

“I had something to take care of.”

“You’re not fun, huh? It was a joke.”

It seemed like I could gather information about that guy here.

###

Aden’s mentor, A+ ranked Ahn Seong-min.

Her ears were nearly glued to her mouth.

‘He’s a super ace sub-mentor!’

An A-rank rookie who started with a bang.

Who would have thought she’d have the chance to build a relationship as a mentor with someone like this?

‘With connections like these, it’s a rare opportunity!’

Ahn Seong-min, who had excessive ambition for fame and success, clung to Aden.

“Haha! You catch on so quickly! A-rank really is different!”

Aden awkwardly smiled.

‘Is it really that much…?’

Flattering and overly kind people were always a bit uncomfortable.

‘Shouldn’t someone who’s teaching be more serious?’

The people I know are like that.

Just as she entered the break room, she saw Kang Hyun and his mentor.

“You done with the tour?”

“Eh! Is that Aden? Hello, hello!”

The break room was spacious, typical of a large guild.

It was lunchtime, so there were plenty of people around.

Aden’s name drew the attention of many guild members.

Aden, likewise, was about to call out to her mentor in joy.

However…

Ahn Seong-min, who locked eyes with Kang Hyun.

“YOU…!”

“Huh?”

The person who had humiliated him by saying he had no talent.

“You swindler…!”

It was that swindler from the Academy of Word Magic.

How humiliating that moment was.

“Who?”

“What? What!?”

“You know me?”

“Ha!”

They say the perpetrator quickly forgets.

Look at that arrogant attitude!

“Hmm? Wait…”

The fact that this guy was with Mar means…

“You swindler! You’re the parachute hire!”

A shout without a hint of filtering.

The onlookers’ curiosity grew immediately.

“So that’s the guy?”

“Wow, Seong-min doesn’t back down! Refreshing!”

“…You don’t think they’ll actually fight, right?”

“Ahn Seong-min! Teach him a lesson about parachutes!”

As expected from battle-ready people, the reactions were fiery.

Of course, there were a few sane voices of concern, but they were drowned out.

Kang Hyun quickly assessed the atmosphere.

The vibe was one of strong hatred for parachute hires.

‘This is getting troublesome.’

They would be family for a while.

This was problematic.

It would be best to resolve it now.

If left alone, the tension would only escalate.

“Let’s go for a proper lesson!”

“Parachute swindler? I can’t let that go!”

“But what’s the deal with him being a swindler?”

“I don’t know! He’s a swindler!”

“In that case, we have to educate him!”

Despite being a big company, some of the voices of reason tried to stop the madness.

“Wait! Are you all crazy!? Any kind of violence or allowing it between awakeners is a serious crime!”

“Hey! Senior, why are you ruining the fun? It’s all going according to tradition!”

“That’s right! Just as long as it’s ‘love’s punishment’!”

“Love’s punishment” refers to an old, harmful practice where new members are belittled and humiliated under the guise of education.

Listening to this, Aden grew increasingly flustered, soon turning red with anger.

‘These damn bastards…!’

They were mocking her mentor.

In truth, if Aden stepped in, it would all be settled quickly.

It would be a fun event, but that’s where it would end.

No one would be serious enough to oppose an A-rank star.

Kang Hyun knew this too.

So, he lowered his mask and spoke up.

‘Stay still, you idiot.’

“…!”

Aden, understanding her mentor’s intentions, calmed down.

She knew well how bold Kang Hyun could be.

‘You assholes.’

She’d remember every single one of their faces.

But unexpectedly, someone else spoke up.

“Excuse me, excuse me~”

A sweet, high-pitched voice caught everyone’s attention.

It was Mar.

“You know, traditions are great, but ‘love’s punishment’ is for ranks under 5th, you know~”

Ahn Seong-min was C+, Kang Hyun was E-.

It wasn’t a difference of less than 5 ranks, so it was awkward to invoke tradition.

Not to mention, the speaker was ace Mar, which held far more weight.

“And by the way, this newbie is my Mentee, you know?”

The audience flinched.

He was her Mentee?

“If you’re unhappy, I’ll educate you first!”

Like any organization, there are always political dynamics at play.

Her opponent was Lady Lucien Marchand, the daughter of a Count of Thea.

No one in this room would dare oppose her.

“…”

“…”

The atmosphere quieted down, but Ahn Seong-min’s frustration burned even more.

‘Mar, why…!’

Why was she defending that guy?

Shouldn’t she be defending her fellow teammate?

It was a childish thought, but…

Ahn Seong-min, who had secretly had a crush on Mar, grimaced.

However, he couldn’t do anything further.

It would be too embarrassing.

Just as it seemed the situation would end there…

“Shall we just do it?”

Kang Hyun spoke.

“…Mister?”

“Mentor, I’m thankful for you looking out for me.”

Kang Hyun was a former mercenary.

“I’ve done wrong, after all.”

He knew that it was important to establish rank early to avoid future complications.

“I need to clear up this misunderstanding.”

And so, the stage was set.

###

Defensive magic prepared on the walls of the break room.

The onlookers pressed against the walls.

Kang Hyun and Ahn Seong-min stood facing each other.

‘I’ll make that swindler walk out on his own.’

Not only had he cheated, but he had the nerve to parachute into the guild?

‘I’ve been rejected multiple times in final interviews!’

I struggled, even experiencing bloody stools because of it!

A parachute hire?

That bad habit needed to be eradicated.

The crowd buzzed with anticipation.

Everyone was waiting eagerly.

“Is it a misunderstanding?”

“You’ll know when you see it. Whether he’s a swindler or not.”

“What did he teach at the academy that made him called a swindler?”

“Teach us that awesome lesson, parachute!”

Their words were meant to mock, of course.

The goal was to ridicule and humiliate.

It was a match between E- and C+ ranks.

However, Kang Hyun was intrigued.

“Sounds good.”

The current generation was off.

From battle, training, and even attitudes towards strength, it was all wrong.

‘But they’ll be part of the organization for a while.’

And, they would be allies against the World Tree.

Though I don’t like their mentality,

I should fix what I can while I can.

Ahn Seong-min was C+, Kang Hyun was E-.

In terms of conventional knowledge, it was an unwinnable match.

But it was important to teach them that stats were not everything.

“You better listen up.”

“Yes!”

Aden answered loudly.

Ahn Seong-min cast a spell.

‘It would be bad if he became a cripple.’

But I couldn’t just go easy.

Maximum power spell.

Fourth circle, !

‘I’ll just lower the output.’

A magic circle floated in the air.

“Oh… Seong-min can cast fourth circle now?”

“That guy may look like this, but he’s C+. An ace in the making.”

However, Ahn Seong-min took forever just to cast it.

It was a stark contrast to Aden’s speed.

“Student.”

“Yes!”

The audience was puzzled for a moment.

Didn’t Aden just answer?

“If the formula is unstable like that, it’s easily affected by external factors.”

“I understand!”

I pulled out a mana stone from my inventory.

A small one, barely the size of a fingernail.

“Look.”

I casted a first-circle spell on the mana stone.

A basic, fundamental spell.

Even non-mages would know it.

It simply stores mana in an object.

Then, one more.

Another basic, first-circle explosive spell.

It had the power of a small pellet, so it wasn’t commonly used.

The crowd watching this could only wonder.

What was he going to do with that?

Ahn Seong-min was also confused.

How could someone with first-circle spells beat a fourth-circle one?

“Kids these days are weak in person-to-person combat. Just like you.”

“I will correct myself!”

In Thea, there are both thieves and demons.

So everyone was always on edge, even when moving between villages.

But nowadays, the world was different.

Especially for mages?

They only used magic in dungeons, mostly for the positioning of teams in the back.

Magic was simply a means to massacre demons in dungeons.

They didn’t think much about improving its power.

“Because they overlook these small details.”

The mana stone with and was flicked with his thumb.

It flew toward the magic circle and stopped right in the center of the air.

Ahn Seong-min was stunned.

“Huh?”

What was that?

Why did the mana stone stop there?

Then, .

The mana stone made a light pop sound and exploded easily.

But the shockwave was far from light.

The mana that had been stored in the mana stone by Kang Hyun shook the magic and shattered the magic circle.

Boom!

“…!”

A first-circle spell destroyed a fourth-circle spell with ease.

This was something that would be impossible in conventional logic.

Ahn Seong-min was thrown back, crashing into the wall.

The magic circle collapsed, and mana flowed back, causing chaos inside.

“Ah, aaah-!”

The crowd, Ahn Seong-min, and even Mar were wide-eyed.

It was an unexpected scene.

The one rolling on the floor wasn’t the E- rank, but the C+ rank.