episode_0008

A large-scale practice involving the entire second year.

The vast Gallia Mountain in the west, unlike the northern forest I had visited.

More than twice the size of the northern forest I had visited to reach the dungeon lies a vast, expansive forest and gorge in the west.

And a colossal mountain that could only be found in martial arts novels. That’s Gallia Mountain.

Myself and the students from Class C were all simply mesmerized by the overwhelmingly beautiful scenery.

Perhaps because in the first year, we mostly learned theoretical things or took written exams, for the first time, many students were quite excited about the practical training outside the academy.

However, once we actually started, those feelings would likely disappear.

The objective of this practice is to find hidden objects in the mountains and forests.

There might be fights during the process, and one could even get injured.

Well, there are magical tools placed around for injuries, and teachers or safety guards are stationed to monitor the situation.

Moreover, this event is quite significant for me.

If I score well here, it will contribute to a favorable evaluation during the assessment to advance to Class B.

In that sense, I was confident in placing among the top students out of the 1000 gathered here.

Until hearing the details of the practice.

“This practice will be conducted in groups of four, not individually.”

“Teams will be randomly assigned regardless of class or skill level, so please do not complain.”

“Now, each class will have their signs posted, so please check your group and gather with your teammates.”

“I lost.”

Let’s see which team I’m on.

“Since I’m number 9, let’s see… Number 9.”

Here it is.

—————————

Number 9 | Bern Flame | Team B-3

—————————

So, I’m in Team B.

Shall I check if there are any classmates from our class in the same group?

I scanned through the massive sign hanging at our class’s base camp.

“No one here?”

Well, it doesn’t matter.

I didn’t have friends to begin with, and being in the same team wouldn’t change much except inviting unwelcome glances.

But being in a different class wouldn’t make a big difference either.

Not that I dislike group tasks, but given the circumstances, there’s no choice.

Everyone gathered here was swiftly moving towards their designated group locations after confirming their teams and signs.

I also headed towards the spot marked with a ‘B.’

With 1000 students forming teams of four for the practice, there exist 250 teams.

This won’t be an easy game.

After some time passed, all second-year students had assembled at their respective group spots.

The teachers, having checked all the students, began explaining the details of the practice before commencing.

“Once again, this practice is a team effort, not individual. The goal is for each team to cooperate and find the objects hidden in Gallia Mountain.”

“There are four types of objects. Blue objects are worth 5 points, red objects 10 points, purple objects 20 points. You need to collect a total of 100 points.”

As he spoke, Karun reached into his pocket and pulled out an item shining with a golden hue.

“Lastly, the golden object. A masterpiece crafted day and night by the Magic Department. Unlike the others, this one holds a minute amount of magic power. It cannot be detected with standard detection spells.”

“Only those capable of precise magic manipulation can find it.”

“By the way, this object is worth 100 points.”

Tension began to fill the air among everyone present.

Of course, it’s understandable. With 100 points, it’s as good as getting a perfect score.

But his words weren’t over yet.

“There are two of these in total. One is hidden, and the other is concealed at the summit of the mountain.”

“The objects are all limited. That means you can interfere with each other or steal the objects.”

“However, causing severe injuries is prohibited. Depending on the situation, the most severe disciplinary action may be taken, so be aware of that.”

“The test will begin in an hour. Make sure everyone is prepared.”

With those words, another teacher grabbed the microphone made of mana stone and finished explaining safety rules and what to do in case of an emergency from the podium.

For the remaining hour, I started exchanging simple greetings with my teammates who had become part of the same team.

Well, they are colleagues now, so we should at least exchange greetings.

“Um… Nice to meet you. I’m Ellyn from Class D, and I don’t belong to any department. Please take care of me.”

“I am Ron Kais from Class D’s Magic Department. Nice to meet you!”

“Hello! I’m Lloyd Fowler from Class B’s Swordsmanship Department!”

“I’m Bern Flame from Class C, and I haven’t joined any clubs yet.”

…Is this it? It feels incredibly awkward.

This is so awkward!

Could it be because of my reputation?

No, these guys are indifferent to rumors. They probably don’t even know.

“It might be awkward because it’s our first meeting.”

Still, I’m relieved to see familiar faces.

Ron, who has a slightly gloomy expression, and Lloyd, a muscular man whose height matches mine.

Ron, the gloomy nerd wizard with gray hair pressed deep into his robe and dark circles under his eyes.

Lloyd, with tanned skin, blonde hair, and slight eyebrow scars, another muscular inspector.

These two are a common duo even in games.

It’s like having a skinny friend and a bulky friend in a typical comic.

But these guys are fools who love black magic, so they are trustworthy.

That’s why we’ve always been together until graduation.

But their skills are as real as it gets.

They may still be in Classes D and B, but they’re A-class in talent.

Let’s have Lloyd as the tank and Ron as the main dealer.

And the remaining one is…

…Who is the last member?

I should remember most of the named students, right?

If there’s a student I can’t remember, then it’s either

a common extra character or a character who doesn’t appear due to death.

Remembering over 3000 students is impossible.

But I couldn’t have forgotten such a noticeable person.

With pink hair flowing down to her shoulders and blue eyes different from Elisha’s, Ellen had deep ocean-like eyes.

And she had looks that rivaled most heroines.

Not knowing such a person is unlikely.

As expected, it’s a bit different from the original.

The first event after becoming a second-year was originally a solo play, but it changed to team play.

Some things I knew are changing little by little; it’s an inevitable part.

After all, this is reality. It’s a world that truly exists.

But it excites me in its own way.

Changes happening in a game I’ve played enough to get bored of…

I can’t resist this.

But are we going to keep up this awkward atmosphere?

Clap!

As I clapped, the guys who were zoning out turned their gaze towards me.

“I’ll say it again, my name is Bern Flame. I’d like to discuss this practical session a bit.”

“Y-yeah.”

“Sure.”

“….”

Their reactions aren’t very positive.

Oh well. I lead this team.

“I’m aiming for a perfect score on this test.”

“..!!”

“This practical is called a practical, but it’s actually an evaluation of our abilities. So, I’m aiming for a perfect score.”

With that statement, silence fell between us.

These kids… If you’re going to do something, aim for first place. Don’t back down for no reason.

“I will make us all achieve a perfect score.”

“H-How can we believe that…? We’re all just in the lower to mid-tier…”

“I hate to admit it, but what this magician is saying doesn’t seem wrong. However, I do like their audacity.”

…”

As I was about to hit her, she broke her silence after just greeting me and started speaking.

“I… I believe!”

Huh? I don’t know you; what’s going on?

Have we met before?

It couldn’t have been me; maybe it was when I was in Bern.

“Do you know me?”

“Y-Yes! You helped me back there! But because of disciplinary action, I couldn’t even thank you…”

“Um… Do you not remember me?” she said.

Hmm, what’s this all about?

“I don’t remember.”

I have to tell the truth.

If I don’t remember, I should say so. What else can I do?

Elin seemed quite shocked by what I said, her face showing various emotions.

If this were a comic, there would probably be sound effects like a thunderbolt striking next to her or a thud! or bam! appearing.

It’s kind of funny how her emotions are so transparent.

She’s an amusing friend.

“She’s somewhat like a raccoon.”

I really love animals, but I also like people who are like animals, not in a bad way, but those who are like dogs or cats.

Anyway, she knows Bern.

And Bern helped her?

What’s going on here?

I’m getting so curious about a story I don’t even know that my palms start itching.

“So, Elin, what do you mean by saying I helped you?”

I’m the kind of guy who needs to know things right away when I don’t understand. That’s just who I am.

“T-That’s…”

Just as she was about to speak.

The teacher’s voice began to come through the magic tool.

“The time limit is until tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. Search well, everyone.”

“Scores? I’ll give them if you want. Search well! I’ve left all the scores there!”

Bang!

With the signal flare, everyone present here started running.

Damn it, I haven’t heard yet.

“We don’t have time for this! Run, everyone! The stories can wait!”

For now, run!

The test has already begun.