Ch.52Second Semester Evaluation (5)

In the cold silence that had settled, rough breathing could be heard.

With bodies fatigued from consecutive battles failing to exert their full strength, the fight showed no signs of ending.

Considering this was their first adventure, it seemed natural, and yet…

‘Life is precious.’

Just because it’s their first time doesn’t mean monsters will go easy on them.

Of course, if such a situation arose, I would step in first, but one shouldn’t rely on that reassurance.

In this evaluation, what they need to learn goes beyond practical combat techniques—they must also develop the mindset to risk their lives in every battle.

In my opinion, the latter might be more important.

Practical combat skills can be taught by someone at any time, but…

That’s only possible when you’re still alive.

Surviving is more important than anything else.

Clang—!

A sharp sound rang out as the Poison Spider’s fangs collided with Flan’s sword.

While Flan faltered under the tremendous force, the Poison Spider quickly lunged again, unwilling to miss the opening.

Just as the fangs dripping with purple liquid loomed over Flan and were about to touch her shoulder—

“Ugh—!”

Denevan somehow blocked the attack with his sword. However, his posture was poor due to the rushed defense.

Combined with the fatigue that must have accumulated, his stance rapidly collapsed.

As another crisis approached—

Red mana shot from Frit’s dagger, but the Poison Spider easily dodged it.

“Denevan, are you okay?!”

Denevan nodded in response to Ed’s concern.

They were the perfect example of an excellent party, struggling together while caring for each other.

They probably didn’t realize yet.

That all of this was going according to Lael’s plan.

It’s certain that the Poison Spider is still too much for them. Add fatigue on top of that, and it’s even more challenging.

But even considering that…

‘The battle has dragged on too long.’

Not only was the end nowhere in sight, but they hadn’t even landed a proper effective hit yet.

Well, I suppose it’s to be expected.

Placing Flan and Denevan, who received A’s in Black Magic, at the vanguard with swords.

Positioning Ed and Frit, who handle weapons better than Black Magic, in the middle.

It was like forcing them to fight with their weaknesses.

Though they themselves didn’t seem to realize it.

Just then, Flan’s sword sliced through the approaching Poison Spider’s legs.

Slash—

Two legs fell to the ground with a thud, and as the monster hastily retreated, its body lost balance and tilted to one side.

The tide of battle had completely turned in their favor.

After that, Denevan cut off more legs, Ed and Frit restricted its movement with Black Magic, and Ludmila, true to her rear position, finished it off with powerful firepower.

They had finally shown some semblance of proper party coordination.

Lael smiled, seemingly satisfied with their performance, but…

“Everyone, get treated and gather around.”

What followed was only the leader’s harsh criticism.

“Flan, you need to apply force and hold your ground. And Denevan, a sword isn’t a shield. If you think you can withstand it, it’s better to strike back strongly. As for Ed and Frit…”

Perhaps because of what I’d heard during the night watch, I felt somewhat uncomfortable in a corner of my heart.

* * * * *

And so, about 5 days passed.

Thanks to the student party’s hard-fought progress, the adventure had reached its middle stage.

They had managed to wash themselves whenever they found valleys, but they still looked quite disheveled.

As an adventurer who had seen such appearances countless times, I was used to it, but for them, on their first adventure, it was extremely awkward.

“Hey, you stink. Don’t get close.”

“What are you talking about? You stink too.”

“You both smell the same, so stop it.”

“You smell the worst. Man.”

At the campsite during mealtime, they all complained about each other.

At a glance, one might misunderstand it as a hostile atmosphere, but having fought together risking their lives multiple times, their bond had grown stronger.

Turning my gaze away from them, I tried to look at Derin sitting beside me, but…

‘What’s this? Why did she move away?’

She had originally been sitting right next to me but was now positioned slightly apart.

When our eyes met, Derin smiled awkwardly and said:

“Um… do I smell…?”

We’re not much different from them, so of course we smell, but…

I’d think we’re at least better than them.

After all, she hasn’t been in a single battle.

I expressed this thought by shaking my head.

“It’s fine.”

Besides, it’s funny to worry about such things now.

When we were in the Black Crows, we saw each other at our worst.

To the point where this level of smell could be considered fragrant.

But Derin still hesitated to come closer to me.

“Ah, I said it’s fine. Come quickly. Aren’t you going to eat?”

“I-I’m coming.”

Though she seemed reluctant when I snapped at her, her expression was smiling.

As if she had been hoping I would say that.

After that, we had light conversations while eating, and as the night grew deeper:

“Crow, I’m going to bed first. If anything happens, make sure to wake me up. See you when it’s time to switch.”

“Sure, sleep well.”

After Derin went to bed, I ended up taking the night watch with Frit.

His handsome appearance with short black hair had lost its luster in just 5 days.

It must have been quite tough.

But he’ll have to get used to it.

Especially Frit, more than anyone else.

After all, he said he wanted to become an adventurer right after graduating from the Academy.

“Professor, I’m still struggling with using Black Magic.”

“I can see that. You seem to have mastered handling the medium, so the issue must be with mana.”

“Yes… I think the problem is the method I learned before. It comes out like a habit, and even though the method you taught me is better, I can’t do it well.”

This is why a master is crucial when first learning Black Magic.

Since Warlocks don’t interfere with each other’s methods, they often become fixed in their ways without developing better techniques, and disciples inevitably learn these fixed methods.

But that’s not to say Frit’s master was like that.

He simply taught Frit the ordinary, conventional way of using mana.

It’s just that Master Riano’s independently developed mana utilization method matched Black Magic perfectly, and Frit became confused while learning it.

In the end, it’s nobody’s fault—it happened because my master was too exceptional.

I wonder if she’s eating well.

I spoke to Frit, who was resting his chin on his hand, lost in thought:

“The only solution is constant effort. If you keep using it until it becomes second nature, you’ll eventually become proficient. If not that…”

There is one more method…

“Try creating your own mana utilization method. Whether it’s the speed of mana circulation or the process of infusing attributes into the core. Even changing the order can significantly alter the results.”

It would be difficult, of course. But once you break through that wall, the path forward will undoubtedly be smooth sailing.

“No matter how I think about it, I don’t think I can surpass the method you taught me, Professor…”

“Nothing is impossible. The moment you make such a definitive judgment, it really becomes that way.”

“I guess doing something is better than doing nothing.”

Frit leaned back and looked up at the sky.

The worried expression he had just moments ago was gone, replaced by a refreshed smile, which made me satisfied as well.

I had helped a student.

That’s when a professor feels the most rewarded.

“Professor, may I…”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Could I go relieve myself for a moment? It feels a bit awkward to do it near where my friends are sleeping.”

While an aspiring adventurer should get used to that too…

Well, he’s still a student, so I can certainly understand his feelings.

“Go ahead. Just don’t go too far, and if anything happens, make sure to call for help.”

“Thank you.”

After he bowed his head and disappeared into the bushes, I turned my attention to the campfire.

We had already reached the edge of the Great Forest.

The Great Forest is where elves gather to live.

Lael’s diary mentioned that Elin had headed to the Great Forest.

Though I didn’t choose the evaluation route for that reason, now that we’re here…

‘It might be possible.’

She’s a fool after all. Maybe she got lost and we might run into her.

As such futile thoughts filled my mind, I heard rustling from the bushes behind me.

Since the sound came from a different direction than where Frit had gone, I immediately created a sharp, needle-like rock and assumed a combat stance.

Tension filled the cold silence…

And my imagination became reality.

“Crow, is that really you? Is it really Crow?”

Even in the darkness, I could clearly see the beautiful golden hair, the cute, delicate features, and those large eyes that were moist as if about to shed tears.

But since I’d heard that other elves looked similar, I couldn’t be certain until—

Two massive hills emerged from the bushes.

“Elin…?”