episode_0049

Lying blankly on the dormitory bed, I turned on the TT Academy app. The results of the Summer School entrance exam I had seen today came into view.

[Korean: 100 points]

[Math: 100 points]

[English: Grade 1]

It was a perfect score. Even considering the raw score for English, it was still a perfect score.

However, just because it was a perfect score doesn’t mean I defeated Eunyuri. I closed my eyes tightly and recalled what had happened today.

*

*

*

“TT Academy calculates grades quickly, which is nice.”

Eunyuri said that as she opened the app. Following her lead, I also opened the app.

After checking our respective scores, we exchanged glances. Eunyuri read my expression and spoke.

“Perfect score?”

“…Seems like it’s the same on your end.”

The results showed that both Eunyuri and I had achieved perfect scores. In this case, rankings would be determined by percentiles or standard scores.

Firstly, my Korean and Math percentiles were both 100. This was because the sample level for 2nd graders was low.

Since Eunyuri was in 3rd grade, including Nth-year students in the sample affected her percentiles. Her Korean and Math percentiles were 100 and 99, respectively.

Due to the intense competition among Nth-year students in Math, a disaster occurred. Therefore, in terms of percentiles, I had the upper hand.

However, the story changes when it comes to standard scores.

Being a 2nd grader, I couldn’t take the elective subjects. Eunyuri’s elective subjects were Literature 2 and Science 2.

“Luckily, the grading scale for this elective subject was set quite high.”

“….”

“But determining victory based on scores isn’t fair. Since your percentile is higher, let’s call it a draw.”

I glared at Eunyuri coldly as she made the proposal with a hint of kindness.

In the end, academics are for college entrance exams, and most universities consider standard scores in regular admissions. So, if this were the real test, Eunyuri would have been accepted to a better university than me.

‘A judgment match.’

Exhaling deeply, I followed Eunyuri as she briskly left the academy.

*

*

*

‘I did my best within my capabilities.’

Having achieved a perfect score, I had worked hard enough. However, standard scores belong to the realm of the heavens, not individuals.

Man proposes, heaven disposes.

Since I couldn’t control even that, it was inevitable.

With mixed feelings, I browsed through the Academic Forum. As expected, today’s main topics were the fight that broke out and the entrance exam.

[Tidying up the Rotary Fighting Tournament in the Academy District.txt (Views 5,531) (Recommendations 2,067)]

[Two Perfect Scorers in TT Academy Summer School Entrance Exam (Views 1,899) (Recommendations 320)]

[Ezra and Hana used to know each other in the past (Views 601) (Recommendations 208)]

[Kim Noeul seems to fight better than expected, thumbs up lol (Views 574) (Recommendations 389)]

I touched the post with the highest views.

– Summary of today’s Rotary Fighting Tournament.

– Classified into three major fights. Ezra vs. Hana, Kim Noeul vs. Jegalyeonhwa, Kim Maru vs. Eunyuri.

– For now, opinions are divided on Ezra vs. Hana, but the atmosphere mostly predicts Ezra’s victory. Hana fell first, and then Ezra got tired and lay down.

– Kim Noeul vs. Jegalyeonhwa seems to slightly favor Kim Noeul. Since Kim Noeul landed a few hits, Jegalyeonhwa couldn’t approach.

– Kim Maru vs. Eunyuri ended with Eunyuri’s victory. Kim Maru couldn’t take the elective subject due to being in 2nd grade, so he lost based on standard scores. But since both got perfect scores, it’s practically a tie.

– Conclusion: Ojakgyo wins by decision.

– Damn, if you’re a student at Heaven High, thumbs up lol

[Comments (551)]

[A: But didn’t Ezra used to call Hana ‘big sister’? Wasn’t Hana a tough girl before?]

[PacificShoulderLick: I used to be a troublemaker in the past, now I’m a team leader?]

[A: Isn’t Ezra just sticking around? They’re following along regardless of Hana’s intentions.]

[InnerSigh: If I were there today, I would have sorted out Jegalyeonhwa, Ezra

[질내쥬지: This time, I got a grade 5 in the 6th-grade math test.]

[미중년불륜녀: That’s something to boast about, damn.]

[앨리스(223.68): From now on, let the school be dominated by Ojakgyo, and make sure to walk with your head bowed starting tomorrow.]

[ㅇㅇ: No fun, no touch.]

[ㅇㅇ: Is this really Alice?]

[파팡꼬추조: You’re like a guarantee… I’m done talking now.]

[Yuna(38.14): Even though Haenggo was disadvantaged, isn’t it impressive that she endured this well? After organizing her power, who knows what might happen when she competes again in the second semester.]

[ㅇㅇ: Haenggo IP tracked.]

[Yuna(38.14): Nah, not true.]

[ㅇㅇ: If today Kim Maru saw the real deal and got shocked, it must have been hilarious. Keke.]

[ㅇㅇ: I thought she had acne glasses, but light was shining from her face;; Life is truly unfair.]

[질내쥬지: Those kinds of girls are actually so promiscuous… Ugh! Look, I’ll give you some secret tutoring!]

[파팡꼬추조: Will she tutor someone who got a grade 5?]

[ㅇㅇ: Probably came out after getting it on with Eun Yoori in the academy restroom, yeah.]

[질내쥬지: Envious of Eun Yoori…]

After confirming the outcome of the fight between Kim Noeul and Handoa, I felt secretly satisfied.

‘Well, this is… In the original work, there was an awakening event during vacation, so it should be interesting for the second semester.’

Although they themselves might feel depressed, as someone who knows future events, I thought it wasn’t a bad result.

Come to think of it, it seems like the rankings might have changed due to today’s fight.

As I skimmed through the posts, I found a ranking-related post and tapped on it.

[Hakdo Community Ranking Update (Views 10,097) (Likes 5,473)]

– As you all know, the rankings have changed quite a bit due to the Rotary Melee… I know someone who’s well-informed about Hakdo news, so I’ll summarize based on the information received in advance.

– 1st place is obviously Alice. Even if it was a Rotary Melee, since only those below 3rd place fought each other, the top 2 spots remain unchanged. But even if Alice participated in the melee, her rank would probably have stayed the same. Personally, I’m curious about the reaction when she returns to Hakdo and sees the results of this melee.

– 2nd place is Seoyoon. Everyone probably expected this, but she didn’t participate in the melee. Since she’s always been on her own path, people probably didn’t pay much attention. However, there was a friction with an external student at the SC building, which might have led to disciplinary action and her absence from the melee.

– 3rd place is Kim Noeul. Undoubtedly the super rookie of Hakdo. Until the beginning of the semester, she quietly went about her business, but after establishing the Counseling Department, she rose rapidly. Such a sensational debut is unparalleled except for Alice. She almost dismantled Jegalyeonhwa in this melee. Now, everyone expects a showdown between Kim Noeul and Seoyoon.

– 4th place is Lee Jihye. She did what she always does. This time too, she aggressively attacked her opponents as if she were crazy and put their joints back in place. However, her ranking dropped due to Kim Noeul.

– 5th place is Jegalyeonhwa. It feels like she ended up lower than Lee Jihye because she lost to Kim Noeul this time. But if Lee Jihye had faced Kim Noeul, it seems like the consensus is that she would have lost. Considering her notoriety, she was placed lower than Lee Jihye once again.

– 6th place is Handoa. She suffered a significant defeat unexpectedly from Lee Jihye. Onlookers say she didn’t fight as usual and seemed aloof, possibly related to what Lee Jihye mentioned about a “big sister.” But regardless, a loss is a loss, so she settled for 6th place.

– There are probably already some people who have expectations, but Alice likely won’t stay quiet. She probably won’t act immediately herself, but she might instruct Se

‘Yuna(38.14): Of course, not recommended.’

[Middle-aged Adulteress: Head smashed in?]

[ㅇㅇ: But judging from Kim Noeul’s fighting style, she seems to have good strength and stamina compared to her physique. Considering this aspect, there might not be no chance at all.]

[Middle-aged Adulteress: Regardless of strength or whatever, the difference in physique is significant;; Kim Noeul fights like a bull, but if she faces Seo Yoon, once Seo Yoon slams Kim Noeul to the ground, it’s over for her.]

[Alice(223.68): When you guys speak nicely, hit the recommend button. “It’s an order.”]

[ㅇㅇ: Starting to get tired of this too.]

[Papangkkochoojo: Ooh- go back to your studies-]

[ㅇㅇ: Stop being brain-dead, you idiot.]

“Kim Noeul and Seo Yoon….”

Finally, signs of the battle between 2nd and 3rd place began to emerge. It was similar to the original storyline.

Both had a commonality of painful pasts, but their current paths were polar opposites. After their future fight, both women would undergo significant emotional changes.

After browsing through the Hakdo Gallery, I collapsed into bed, overwhelmed by exhaustion. Today must have been eventful as I felt drained.

The next day, as I arrived at the classroom, I had to endure the piercing gazes of numerous students.

“Kim Maruda…. Kim Maru….”

“I heard Eun Yuri got the same score as the top scorer.”

“I envy those who witnessed that fierce debate.”

As I made my way to my seat, I locked eyes with a familiar female student.

It was An Hyojin, who had clashed with me and Kim Noeul at the beginning of the semester. She was taken aback when our eyes met and quickly lowered her head.

At this point, both Kim Noeul and I were distant figures to her.

Even Heo Yoonsoo seemed more observant of my actions than before, perhaps aware of the dynamics around us.

He even discreetly placed a strawberry milk carton on my desk.

“I used to drink this often, so I bought one for you….”

“I don’t need it.”

“Sorry!”

Despite trying to dismiss Heo Yoonsoo in this manner, both Heo Yoonsoo and An Hyojin continued to make me uncomfortable with their presence.

‘It will sort itself out.’

“Everyone, take your seats. Let’s begin the morning assembly.”

The homeroom teacher proceeded with the assembly with a lethargic expression.

“Don’t get too relaxed just because the vacation ceremony is coming up. You need to study hard during the break to surpass your competitors.”

The teacher listed volunteer activities and extracurricular activities that could be done during the vacation period on the board.

“Make sure to participate in these extracurricular activities. If you only play during the vacation, you’ll end up playing even after entering society.”

Among the things the teacher wrote, the volunteer activity called ‘Angel’s House’ caught my eye.

Perhaps due to my background in orphanages, I had always wanted to participate in orphanage volunteer work.

‘I should try that this vacation.’

Since it could also fill up my resume, it seemed like a good idea.

“And our class president was injured quite badly. If you have time, go visit them at the hospital.”

Upon hearing that, I glanced at the empty seat next to me. There would have been a girl who usually bothered me, but she wasn’t there now.

‘She’s popular, so she’ll probably receive many visitors. I’ll go later.’

After quietly attending classes at school, it was time for after-school activities. I entered the counseling room chat.

[Na Yuna: When are you getting discharged?]

[Kim Noeul: Just a few more days.]

[Na Yuna: What about Doa?]

[Kim Noeul: Seems like it’ll take a while… Lee Jihye has been particularly harsh towards her.]

[Me: Yuna senior, shall we go visit together?]

[Na Yuna: Sorry… I have a shoot today…]

[Me: Then I’ll go alone.]

[Kim Noeul: Bring back some Melona ice cream.]

Reading Kim Noeul’s light-hearted joke, I narrowed my eyes.

‘Even if she’s feeling down, is she purposely hiding her emotions?’

Regardless, visiting the hospital would reveal the truth. After studying at a nearby café to pass the time, I headed to the hospital where Kim Noeul and Handoa were admitted.

I filled out the forms handed to me by the nurse at the hospital desk.

“Kim Noeul’s patient is on the 2nd floor, and Handoa’s patient is on the 3rd floor. The room numbers are written on this paper, so you can just take a look.”

“Thank you.”

I took the paper and waited for the elevator. However, it seemed like I would have to wait quite a while, so I decided to just take the stairs.

As I climbed the stairs, there were men coming down from above.

Interestingly, the man who seemed to be leading the group was wearing a modified hanbok.

When I stepped aside, the man in the modified hanbok smiled and nodded his head.

“Thank you, student.”

“Yes.”

“Mr. Kim Namsu, this way.”

The man dressed in hanbok as Kim Namsu disappeared from my sight.

‘Wait, Kim Namsu?’

It was a name I had heard somewhere before. Lost in thought, someone’s face flashed through my mind, but I quickly dismissed the thought.

‘It could be a namesake….’

After reaching the 2nd floor, I knocked on the door of the room where Kim Noeul was.

“Yes~.”

A voice other than Kim Noeul’s was heard from inside the room. Finally, when the door opened, a woman resembling Kim Noeul looked at me.

“Oh? Maru Oppa?”

“Kim Gaeul?”

“You’re here for a hospital visit?”

She greeted me warmly and pointed to an empty bed with her hand.

“My sister stepped out for a moment. She’ll be back soon.”

“I see. This is a gift for the hospital visit.”

I handed Kim Gaeul a box of vitamin C drink.

“Yes, thank you….”

Seeming like she wanted to say something, she hesitated with her lips pursed, then started peeling an apple without speaking to me.

“You can tell me.”

As I encouraged her, Kim Gaeul showed signs of hesitation, then sighed and began to speak.

“I originally didn’t want to say anything… but I think it’s better to talk to you after all.”

Placing the rabbit-shaped apple on the plate, she turned her gaze towards Kim Noeul’s bed.

“It’s a bit awkward to talk here, so could you follow me for a moment?”