The Unranked Monsters That I Raised

• 3 • Currently Thinking.

With the shuffle of moving passengers, chatter filled the rundown subway car.

A certain man absent-mindedly gazed outside the window as he sat, submerged in his thoughts.

Nature's Aroma.

The name Lee Soo Hyuk decided to give his new scent-based ability.

Kim Rok Soo would have preferred a combative type of power like a shield, but he wasn't going to waste time complaining. He couldn't change his ability, so why do something useless? He was at least glad that it didn't require any work to use and had zero side effects, unlike his other ability, 'Record'.

Thinking about the ways he could use 'Nature's Aroma', his eyes focused on the window's reflection. He could see his three teammates squished together while holding the subway handles.

Tap. Tap. His index finger tapped against his arm as the conversation they had at his house replayed in his mind.

"It's hard to describe, but if I had to choose a word...I'd say you smell like nature?"

Lee Soo Hyuk spoke with a nostalgic tone. He had the same look on his face whenever he drank a cup of instant coffee.

"Mmm, I agree with the team leader. It's a pleasant scent that makes you feel strangely warm."

Turning to his left, Choi Jung Soo poked the older man who hadn't said a word.

"How about you, Jin Tae?"

Park Jin Tae let out a scoff and looked toward Kim Rok Soo with a hint of disgust.

"You smell like shit."

Of course, he would never tell the person he used to bully that he smelled nice. The other three shared knowing looks, but did not point out the obvious lie.

Hiding his laugh behind a fake cough, Choi Jung Soo began to speak.

"Ahem, I noticed that Rok Soo's ability seems to have a calming effect."

He then added on with a sharp look in his eyes.

"After Soo Hyuk slashed through your door, all my nerves-"

"Wait. You slashed my door-"

Lee Soo Hyuk patted his shoulder at that moment.

"Rok Soo, we're here."

Getting up from his seat with a sigh, he grabbed his bag from the floor and followed behind as they entered the crowded terminal. He then felt an arm placed around his shoulders as Choi Jung Soo's laughter rang in his ears.

"Kekeke, with his new ability, we'll never lose him again."

Looking back, Lee Soo Hyuk let out a chuckle as he took in the youngest's annoyed face.

"It's not like it was hard to find him in the first place."

Park Jin Tae's lips twisted up as he glanced at Rok Soo's above-average height and overstuffed backpack that made him stick out like a sore thumb.

Shoving off the heavy arm, Kim Rok Soo decided to ignore them as he mulled over Choi Jung Soo's words. His ability essentially gave away his location and drew unnecessary attention to his already weak self.

Fortunately for him, it seemed like only a select group of people were affected. When they had stopped by the company to pick up their new mission, he went around the office and found that no one else could detect 'Nature's Aroma.'

His eyebrows furrowed as the image of three figures appeared in his mind.

Lee Soo Hyuk, Choi Jung Soo, Park Jin Tae.

What made them different from the rest?

The other members of Team 1 weren't able to sense it either.

What criteria did his ability have?

And if humans could sense it...how about monsters?

How would monsters react?

Countless scenarios appeared in his mind as an odd sunken gaze settled on his face.

'Bait.'

A corner of his lip was raised.

'I could be used as bait.'

Kim Rok Soo was amazed at this idea for some reason.

A chill suddenly went down Choi Jung Soo's spine as he subconsciously touched the sword around his waist. Glancing around the station, he inched closer to Lee Soo Hyuk with a nervous smile.

"We're only dealing with Grade 7-10 monsters, right team leader?"

***
author's note: if the ability name sucks...blame lsh.