Chapter 120: Are You Busy at Lunch?

Orion Academy’s first-year cadets’ unexpected sweet holiday came to an end.

A small event took place as their daily routine resumed.

Today, both the first and second-year students had gathered in the grand auditorium for an assembly.

High-ranking Peacekeepers were seated in the auditorium, exchanging greetings with the Instructors.

And then, the assembly began.

Juyeon, standing in a corner with a microphone, tapped it gently, and the cadets stopped chatting and looked forward.

─ The morning assembly will now begin.

She went through each and every trivial procedure.

Rohan sang a song he had never heard of in his life, which was introduced as the Orion Academy anthem.

They each saluted, thinking of their own countries.

And then, the long-awaited moment.

─ Next, we will have an award ceremony. Cadet Lee Rohan, first year, please come forward.

As Juyeon called his name, Rohan, who had been seated, jumped up and walked forward.

He moved as instructed.

He climbed the six steps and stood in front of the wooden podium with the microphone.

A middle-aged male Peacekeeper with ornate rank insignia was seated at the podium.

The Peacekeeper, holding a stiff paper, began to read the text in a resonant voice.

“Certificate of Commendation. The above cadet has made a significant contribution to the rescue of innocent hostages by severely punishing criminals who disrupted public order and single-handedly annihilating their organization…”

The Public Security Bureau had concluded their investigation.

He had finally received the reward money for dealing with the Yellow Toad Gang with Clara.

The amount was substantial, and he had planned to use it as a deposit for Clara’s house.

But since Shion had procured a mansion, he could simply split the money in half.

“For his contribution, this certificate is awarded on behalf of the Chief of the Elysium Security Bureau.”

─ Please give a big round of applause.

Juyeon took the microphone again, and the sound of applause from the cadets could be heard from behind.

“You did a wonderful job. With a cadet like you, I think I can retire soon.”

The Peacekeeper turned off the microphone and added a personal remark with a smile.

Rohan expressed his gratitude and received the certificate politely, tucking it under his arm.

Then, a thick hand was extended.

Rohan didn’t refuse and shook hands.

…Look at this old man.

The calluses and energy he felt from the thick hand were unusual.

He could tell even without the man actively emitting mana.

This middle-aged Peacekeeper.

While not as strong as Juyeon, he was stronger than the average Instructor.

─ This concludes the award ceremony.

Rohan recalled what he had learned, turned around, saluted, and descended the steps.

Returning to his seat, he calmed Gilbert, who seemed ready to scream.

This is burdensome.

Sitting down, Rohan could feel the various gazes directed at him.

Indeed, just as Juyeon said.

There were many cadets in the Academy who valued honor, carrying the weight of their family names on their shoulders.

That was why she said giving an award in front of everyone would be a good motivator.

While they might need some mental training to prevent them from doing something reckless with unfounded confidence, he realized that her words about it being good motivation for the cadets weren’t wrong.

─ …

Juyeon lowered the microphone and spoke with the Instructors who had approached her.

After receiving information, she brought the microphone close to her lips again.

─ The Dean will now give a speech. Cadets, please stand.

The cadets rose in unison.

The Academy Dean walked out from behind the curtain.

An elderly man with a long, white beard.

Contrasting his wrinkled face was a sturdy body, clad in the flowing, oriental attire of the Three Kingdoms Union.

The Dean, exuding a weighty presence, stood At the podium.

As the Dean faced the fresh-faced cadets, the atmosphere shifted instantly, and he gave a gentle smile.

“Everyone, please sit and listen comfortably.”

─ Be seated.

As Juyeon’s words followed, the cadets sat down simultaneously.

“The word ‘speech’ often carries the image of something tedious, where old people show off their pedantry.”

Everyone listened quietly.

It wasn’t a question that required an answer.

“That’s not entirely wrong. I will now remind you of the current situation based on past experiences, for you who will lead the future.”

He had a strong feeling about what topic would be brought up.

“Everyone is aware that Dimensional Rifts have recently been occurring not only in Academy City, but also in numerous other countries.”

The Dean, his smile gone, continued speaking.

“There have been many natural disasters throughout history. Cruel calamities, too terrible to speak of, have always threatened humanity.”

Rohan’s eyes met Juyeon’s, who was standing next to the podium.

He figured the calamities too terrible to speak of that the Dean mentioned likely included the destruction of the Southern Region.

“Therefore, it is time to renew our resolve. We must now clearly understand the value of everyday life and peace.”

The Dean and the Instructors hadn’t intended to address the value of peace directly.

They believed the cadets should experience and realize it themselves while enjoying their academy life and improving their skills.

However, the rapidly changing situation didn’t allow for such leisure.

“A major overhaul of the Academy curriculum is planned. I hope you will all strive to improve and enhance your capabilities.”

The Dean stepped away from the podium and bowed before everyone.

His beard touched the floor.

“And I apologize for the unpleasant incident the first-year cadets experienced. I’m sorry.”

His voice echoed through the spacious auditorium.

Rohan, watching, felt a complex mix of emotions. It was something that couldn’t have been prevented no matter what preparations were made.

The position of responsibility was indeed bitter, even just to watch.

“However, the rights of growing cadets must not be infringed upon by such barbaric individuals. We do not plan to shrink back and start classes passively. We will further strengthen security and increase the budget.”

In his past life’s schools, such a statement would have caused an uproar among students and parents.

But for Orion Academy, this was the right way. No one objected and everyone accepted it.

Each with their own purpose.

This was a place where most people were determined to make combat their profession.

“I will now distribute the midterm report cards.”

Back in Class 1 returned after the assembly.

Juyeon held up a stack of papers.

“Noa Frozenheart.”

“Huh…”

Noa perked up her ears and came forward looking nervous.

Juyeon handed Noa her report card while stroking her head.

“Well done. You kept your promise.”

“!”

First place in theory was Ichinose Yui; last place was Noa Frozenheart.

Noa’s average score was in the 40s, but Juyeon didn’t spare her praise.

The fact that she didn’t guess the answers like she did in the past, but solved them herself, was a great first step.

“Rohan.”

“Yes…”

“Excellent. You surprised the instructor.”

“Thank you!”

Rohan’s average was in the 70s.

It seemed like a decent score, but considering everyone in the Academy focused on their studies, it placed him slightly below average in ranking.

He wasn’t able to avoid the subjective questions that determined the top ranks and the traps hidden like dust particles properly.

If he had practiced more types of questions, he could have aimed for the mid-tier, but…

Since he had to desperately raise his grades in unfamiliar subjects from zero in a short period, this was his limit, time-wise.

He couldn’t just put aside physical training and only hold a pen.

Strictly speaking, there was a hierarchy of importance.

It’s hard to get along with numbers.

Rohan stared at the report card, feeling a sense of regret.

Looking at the scores, there were definitely subjects that dragged down his average.

“Don’t be relieved yet as the Practical Exam scores will determine the rankings as well.”

Juyeon, with a faint smile, placed a new stack of papers on the desk.

“First place in the Practical Exam is…”

Everyone’s eyes were focused on Juyeon’s lips. It was a tense moment, wondering whose name would be called.

Juyeon intentionally paused for a moment, then called out the names.

“Rohan and Ichinose Yui.”

““!!!””

Rohan’s head turned, and Ichinose looked his way as well.

They smiled at each other when their eyes met. They exchanged a thumbs-up gesture.

“Not only did they keep their stickers on, but the decisive factor was that they subdued another cadet’s attempt to harm them during the acquisition of Supplies cleanly.”

Someone had been watching the fight with Ok Myeongjin.

Since he hadn’t sensed any gaze at all, he was only surprised.

“When your name is called, please receive your Practical Exam report card. Both bonus and penalty points are listed. Objections will be accepted until next week.”

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Before the first class began.

Rohan, with his textbooks out, was appreciating his Practical Exam report card, which melted away the regret from his theory score.

At that moment.

A ball of fur approached and poked Rohan’s cheek.

It was Noa’s tail, with a white base and black stripes.

“Hey! Hey!”

“What? Want me to grab your tail?”

As Rohan moved his hand to grab the plump tail, Noa hid her tail behind her and brought up the main topic.

“Are you busy during lunch today?”

“Lunch? I don’t have anything specific planned.”

He was just thinking about returning to Shion’s mansion and eating with the three of them.

There was nothing definitively promised.

“Then let’s eat together with Nose. I have something to give you.”

“Ah, right.”

There was a similar promise last time.

He had apologetically declined back then.

Rohan’s gaze naturally shifted towards Ichinose’s seat,

“Hic…!“

And he saw Aeng-ae Nose, who had been watching him, flinch and turn her head away.