Chapter 10: First Day of Class (3)

“I’m Juyeon, the instructor in charge of Class 1.”

Just her presence alone made Rohan feel overwhelmed.

He felt it instinctively that he couldn’t compare to her, regardless of his current or past life’s strength.

Insane…

There are people who give off such a strong impression just by looking at them. It’s to the point where I doubt she’s even human.

The big-shot Hunters I faced in my past life? They wouldn’t even be able to present their business card to Juyeon.

As Rohan continued to marvel, his eyes wide with admiration…

A notification window popped up with perfect timing.

…!

The meaning of ‘encounter’ when it came to achievements meant more than just passing by.

While it varied from character to character, it still required achieving a minimum level of favorability or forming a connection.

And the current achievement was unlocked because a connection was established between Juyeon and Rohan as instructor and Cadet.

It’s much faster than in the game, huh?

While Rohan was busily imprinting new information in his mind…

Juyeon grabbed the thick pen hanging on the board and continued speaking.

“I’ll keep it brief since it’s the first day. So pay attention.”

Her sharp gaze swept over the cadets.

“First, I will explain the upcoming schedule and the goals for Class 1 over the next two years.”

Orion Academy was a two-year long program. Once assigned to an instructor, you stayed with them until you graduated.

A time that was long yet short, ambiguous yet not indefinitely distant. Setting goals was crucial to progress steadily through that time.

“First, to develop and grow stronger day by day. But at the same time, you must not neglect theory.”

It was a clear message directed at specific individuals.

Under Juyeon’s gaze, Rohan remained silent, while Noa wagged her tail and smiled brightly.

“There will definitely be times when theory feels useless in actual combat. However, when you’re truly cornered, it can become a lifeline.”

Juyeon, who wasn’t able to attend the meeting due to other duties, read the evaluation sheets of the assigned cadets thoroughly and grasped their tendencies as soon as she returned to Academy City.

She wanted to praise Noa Frozenheart and Rohan for their practical exam scores, but recalling the straight line they’d marked in the written exam gave her a slight headache.

“And… there needs to be a clear standard. Does any cadet know the criteria for an F-grade Monster?”

The majority raised their hands.

Among them, Juyeon looked at the Cadet sitting next to Noa Frozenheart.

Is that Ichinose Jun’s daughter?

First place in the written exam among all cadets. And looking at her evaluation sheet, her practical skills weren’t lacking either.

To achieve that much at such a young age, perhaps she possessed even more talent than her father.

“Cadet Ichinose Yui. Explain.”

“F-grade Monsters are Monsters that even an average adult male can sufficiently counter if armed.”

“That’s right. Then what about B-grade?”

“They are Monsters enveloped by a special barrier known as the ‘Abyss,’ making ordinary Physical Attribute force completely ineffective. Sufficient Mana must be used to penetrate the Abyss to inflict damage.”

“…Excellent. Sit down.”

The explanation came out mechanically and smoothly.

It seemed that Ichinose Yui had memorized the Orion Academy textbook as part of her pre-study.

It’s highly likely she finished the theory through advanced learning.

Juyeon swallowed a wry smile as she recalled Ichinose Yui’s parents.

“I’ll keep it brief. The goal for Class 1 is to reach B-grade by the time you graduate.”

“!?”

The eyes of several cadets shook like an earthquake.

B-grade was the level where renowned armed forces were dispatched for suppression as soon as they appeared.

“Monsters that fall within that grade and appear most frequently according to statistics… are Owlbears and Frost Golems.”

As she finished speaking, the silence that filled the space was heavy, unlike before.

As expected, Juyeon began to explain in detail.

“Of course, I’m not saying you have to catch a B-grade Monster all by yourself. I wouldn’t make such an insane demand. It’s enough if you can reach a level where you can penetrate the Abyss surrounding the Monster and inflict damage.”

It meant having the output or concentration to penetrate the barrier with a Mana-infused attack.

Even if just one more person capable of that was added, it would breathe life into the battlefield.

If you achieved that by the time you graduated from the Academy, you’d have skills that would be valued anywhere.

In fact, there were cadets in this very room who were already capable of that.

“You don’t need to think deeply about how to reach that point. I will maximize the talents you have been given. Understood?”

“““Understood!”””

As if they had planned it, the cadets answered resoundingly.

Clearly showing the deep charisma Juyeon possessed that compelled them to answer in unison.

“Next.”

Juyeon began writing large numbers on the board.

The meaning of those eleven digits was clear.

“If there’s anything you’re unsure about deciding on your own or if you have any questions, it doesn’t matter whether it’s night or dawn. I’ve already registered all the numbers of Class 1, so feel free to contact me.”

The cadets began taking out their phones to register the number.

Rohan also took out his Smartphone from his pocket.

I should ask her about a part-time job.

His phonebook and photo gallery, which were empty until he touched them…

While the gallery had quite a few photos taken for the sake of achievements, the phonebook was still empty.

It was a touching moment as the first number was finally added.

“Within Orion Academy and under my watch, the instructors, including myself, will guarantee your safety. All instructors have that obligation.”

However, after Academy classes ended and the cadets returned to their Dormitory, that was not possible.

That didn’t mean the instructors neglected matters outside.

“So, the same applies if you’re caught up in a dangerous incident or encounter some trouble outside. Don’t be afraid of getting scolded, and be sure to contact me.”

Rohan was impressed by her unwavering voice.

Personally experiencing the story he had only seen in text, the sincerity and appeal conveyed in her voice were exceptional.

She’s amazing.

Juyeon was a righteous person who fulfilled her responsibilities.

She was one of the key figures who saved the Protagonist several times when he or she was in danger.

“And lastly.”

Having hung the pen next to the board, Juyeon checked the time briefly and decided to give the cadets one final warning.

Her voice lowered slightly, as if to emphasize focus.

“There have been quite a few unsettling rumors coming from the Public Security Bureau recently, so cadets should refrain from going out late at night.”

Rohan blinked at the instructor’s words of caution.

That sentence…?

A strong sense of déjà vu washed over him after hearing the last words Juyeon spoke.

His mind went blank.

“That’s all.”

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After the first day of the Academy…

Rohan returned to his Dormitory and kept mulling over Juyeon’s words.

He had only installed the part-time job app and hadn’t even looked at it yet.

─There have been quite a few unsettling rumors coming from the Public Security Bureau recently, so cadets should refrain from going out late at night.

That’s…

He was certain. It had been quite some time, but he remembered it clearly.

The prelude to the tutorial where you experience the combat system as the Main Character for the first time.

There’s definitely no Protagonist at the Academy. And if there’s no Protagonist in this world?

What exactly happened then?

He was curious to see how this incident would be resolved.

Realistically speaking, there’s a possibility the Elysium Security Bureau will suppress it.

Rohan stared at the ceiling and continued his speculation, assuming there was no Protagonist.

The more he thought about it, the more ridiculous and unexpected conclusions he reached, causing him to furrow his brows and stroke his chin.

…It’s a problem even if there is a Protagonist?

A righteous personality that couldn’t stand injustice wasn’t bad. Thanks to that, various secrets were uncovered.

But coldly speaking, if asked whether that impulsive behavior was always good, well…

Abyss City was based on forming a party of three members drawn from gacha.

As with most subculture games, the Main Character wasn’t very powerful. In fact, he didn’t even remember using them except for the early stages.

Maybe just forced appearances during the story.

If there is one, they’ll probably be running around stirring things up.

At best, that was all.

What about the current reality? This wasn’t a game anymore.

How far could the Protagonist delve without powerful party members?

“Hmm…”

He took time to ponder and arrived at a conclusion.

Then he clicked his tongue.

It was all just speculation, and that frustrated Rohan.

Should I go and see for myself?

The timing was just right for the tutorial.

Rohan opened his wardrobe and put on a black hoodie.

Click!

Rohan turned the doorknob and stepped out of the Dormitory, feeling the cold air, incomparable to the afternoon.

He first stopped by a convenience store and bought the cheapest mask to cover his mouth.

“…”

Whether those guys would be there today or not…

Rohan couldn’t be sure of anything due to the absence of the Protagonist.

Step. Step. Step.

There was no hesitation in his steps as he headed towards the female Dormitory.

He spotted a vehicle parked on the way to the Dormitory.

…There it is.

A gray van with dark tinted windows obscuring the interior.

A vehicle identical to the one he saw in the game, but it was still too early to be certain.

Rohan approached the vehicle.

And tapped on the driver’s side window.