Ch.183Episode 37. Certification Exam (2)

As March arrived, I found myself busy spending time with the special class students, celebrating Lunar New Year with them, remembering their birthdays, and various other activities.

The written certification exam was approaching. With the academy life officially resuming, I could no longer help them with their studies. Though I was still supervising their afternoon practical training, I was guiding Yu Ari and Yeon Muhui, now third-year students, to prioritize studying over physical training.

“Only two weeks left now.”

It had been a while since our morning assembly.

The special class students were noticeably calmer compared to a year ago. This was evidence of how much had happened in the past year.

I think what changed the most was my relationship with them. Not something I could openly talk about elsewhere, though.

“Yes.”

“Yeah.”

Third-years Yeon Muhui and Yu Ari responded nonchalantly. Having invested nearly three months in studying, they should be able to pass.

“You’ll do well. Let’s maintain this pace until the exam day, just as we’ve been studying.”

I didn’t have anything special to say to the others. I’d have to speak with Bin Yuni about the eX potion privately.

“Since it’s the first class, do your best today. I’ll see you at the training ground this afternoon.”

As I was leaving the classroom after finishing the morning assembly, Bin Yuni followed me. I naturally asked her:

“How’s the eX potion coming along?”

“It’s not perfect yet… but I can counteract it to some extent now.”

“I see.”

I was truly grateful that she hadn’t given up despite months of frustrating research. At this point, Bin Yuni was the only one I could trust.

“But to make it perfect, I think I need to restructure it once more.”

Listening to Bin Yuni talk made me realize that potion-making was truly her calling. It seemed like a field that one couldn’t pursue without genuine aptitude.

It was like solving a Rubik’s cube—having to turn it over and over again to match different sides after getting one side right.

“Alright. Just hang in there a little longer. I believe in you.”

I said, gripping her shoulder. Bin Yuni looked at my hand on her shoulder and gave me a thumbs up.

“Don’t worry. I’m Bin Yuni. I’ll definitely make it happen.”

While I found her confidence admirable, it was hard to smile. The dark circles under her eyes revealed just how exhausted she was.

“Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“I have to push myself. If I don’t, innocent citizens will die.”

“That’s true.”

It was an undeniable fact. That’s why I found myself wishing I could detect Akcheon early and eliminate them all.

* * *

Two more weeks passed, and the exam day arrived.

The exam venue was the trainee hero education facility next to the Association.

“How are you feeling? Nervous?”

Since it was the weekend and there were no lectures, I decided to drive them there myself.

“Hmm. I’m, I’m doing okay, I guess. But a hug might make me feel even better…?”

“I’ll give you one before you enter the exam hall.”

“Hehe. Thank you.”

Yu Ari smiled broadly as she got into the passenger seat. Yeon Muhui flinched, glanced at the passenger seat, then sat in the back. Seems like she wanted the front seat too.

“We’re off. I’ll probably be back late. You two take a break today.”

“Aww, that’s too bad.”

“Yay! Time to watch anime!”

Jeong Iyeon and Gu Yeonhwa showed different reactions as they saw us off. I left Bin Yuni alone since she seemed to have stayed up all night researching.

I got in the car and headed to the exam venue.

I didn’t talk to them during the drive. I didn’t want to disturb them while they were managing their condition.

When we arrived at the exam venue, it was more crowded than I expected.

Not only were there academy students, but also graduates who hadn’t yet obtained their certification.

“We’re here. I can’t drive all the way in, so let’s park here and walk.”

Upon arrival, both of them seemed somewhat tense.

Even if they failed once, there would be another opportunity before summer vacation, but passing early would ease their future schedule.

I parked inside the trainee hero education facility, and we headed toward the exam building together.

“Hey! Hey!”

“Look over there! It’s Brain God!”

Despite wearing a hat and dressing casually, people started recognizing me.

It’s been several months since my name became known, yet I’m still respected by those who admire heroes. Even though I’m not that great of a person.

“Are those students with him?”

“Come to think of it, didn’t Brain God rehabilitate those problem students from the special class?”

“He must be an excellent teacher too.”

“Wouldn’t it be awesome to have Brain God as your mentor?”

“Agreed. Why did he have to come after I graduated…”

I can hear everything.

At times like this, having keen senses is a drawback. It’s annoying to hear things I’d rather not.

I hope they don’t get intimidated by all this unnecessary chatter…

“Hmph. Of course. How strong do you think Yujin is?”

“As expected, in-instructor is recognized wherever he goes. So cool.”

Contrary to my concerns, both of them were smiling, even though they weren’t the ones being praised.

“…You too can become heroes that others admire.”

“Really?”

“Really?”

“Yes. Because you’re my disciples.”

I patted their shoulders as I spoke.

“So don’t feel intimidated wherever you go.”

These girls, who will become heroes rather than villains, have already reached S-rank level. They’re different from others from the start and will lead alongside other top heroes.

I’m already looking forward to that day.

* * *

I checked their classroom locations based on their exam tickets.

“Muhui, you’re in Room 10 on the second floor, and Ari, you’re in Room 14 on the third floor.”

I had hoped they’d at least be on the same floor, if not in the same classroom. Too bad. Well, considering how they often bicker, maybe being separated isn’t so bad.

“There’s still about thirty minutes until the exam starts. What do you want to do? Should I give you that hug I promised earlier?”

“Here? Aren’t there too many people?”

Yu Ari hurriedly looked around as she asked. Indeed, people’s attention was focused on me right now. Hugging in this situation would be embarrassing.

I also felt uncomfortable with public displays of affection, so I shook my head.

“Of course, somewhere private. If we did it here, we might make the front page news.”

“Heheh. Maybe. I, I wouldn’t mind that much though…”

I chuckled at her tone, which clearly revealed mischievous intentions, and led the two of them inside.

“Let’s go in first.”

“Don’t you need to do anything to help Muhui relax?”

“I-I’m fine. I’ll go ahead since I’m on the second floor.”

She rushed off as soon as we reached the second floor.

“Alright. Good luck on your exam.”

I thought she had become more comfortable with skinship after our trip together and our subsequent intimate encounters, but it seems that’s not entirely the case.

Yeon Muhui has a somewhat conservative side, so I decided to be understanding.

After climbing to the third-floor landing and confirming no one was around:

“Ari.”

When I opened my arms, Yu Ari threw herself into my embrace as if tackling me. She hugged me tightly, as if trying to absorb my body heat.

“Do well on your exam.”

I patted her back as I spoke.

“Yes, Instructor!”

After seeing Yu Ari off to her classroom, I headed back down and found Yeon Muhui standing blankly on the landing.

“Muhui? Didn’t you go in earlier?”

As I approached in confusion, Yeon Muhui silently threw herself into my arms.

“…Huh? Muhui?”

It seems she didn’t dislike skinship; she was just embarrassed with Yu Ari around. Rather than conservative, she was just shy.

“Good luck on your exam.”

“…Yeah. Thanks.”

I gently stroked her head. She buried her face in my chest and softly laughed.

After a long embrace, I saw Yeon Muhui off to her classroom and left the building.

I planned to stay nearby until they finished their exam, but I couldn’t find anything to do.

What should I do to pass the time…

* * *

Around noon, people started coming out of the building one by one.

Having inadvertently held an impromptu signing session while standing around, I finished giving autographs to the remaining people and stood at the building entrance, waiting for the two of them.

Soon after, I saw them walking down together.

“Oh, how did it go? How do you feel about it?”

“I think I’ll pass.”

“I think I can pass.”

With this level of confidence, it seems they encountered questions they knew well. I could probably rest easy.

“Really? That’s great. Your hard work paid off.”

“It did.”

“Yes.”

After patting both their shoulders, I pointed toward the parking lot.

“You both worked hard. Getting hungry? Let’s go eat. My treat. No more thinking about anything else today.”

“Your voice sounds really excited?”

“Yeah. Are you that happy that we might pass?”

“Of course I am.”

What, do I not look excited?

“You’ll be heroes soon. Of course I’m happy.”

Although the practical exam still remains, they’ll manage to overcome it somehow. After all, they’re students with S-rank potential, no matter what anyone says.

It’s really not far off now. The day I’ve been longing for—seeing them active as heroes.