Ch.7171 – Results Announcement

<71 – Results Announcement>

Everyone was watching as the instructor spoke.

“The competition isn’t over yet. I’ll announce the results after everyone has either completed the course or forfeited.”

“Ehhh~”

“That’s so mean~”

Though the students expressed disappointment, they thought the outcome was already obvious.

“That Morb guy, he ran like a complete disaster, so last place is already confirmed.”

“Anyway, Layve will be third and Carnegie fourth.”

The competition of those who fell behind.

Among the students waiting for the results without much expectation, Oknodie perked up her ears.

Due to the perception-blocking magic, she couldn’t see anything happening on the course.

But if she concentrated, she could faintly hear the sounds.

“…on!”

“…just a bit more…”

“Don’t give…up!”

The cheers grew louder.

The third-place finisher came down the rope and ran through the final course.

When their identity was revealed, everyone was shocked.

* * *

The third-year seniors attending the “Zeneger’s Tactics” lecture.

Those who had been engrossed in betting points on the rankings of first-year students soon forgot about who they had bet on.

While the competition between Oknodie and Skola had people on the edge of their seats, the battle among those who fell behind was even more heart-stopping.

“Lane 2, don’t get caught!”

“Don’t give up, Lane 4!”

Morb began climbing the cliff with surprising determination, enduring his injuries.

His climb utilized all available safety ropes considering his condition, but thanks to this thorough preparation, he managed to ascend little by little.

In contrast, Layve, after his morale was crushed when Oknodie quickly caught up to him despite his reckless attempt, couldn’t regain his speed.

In that moment when concentration breaks.

A person’s strength drains away as if a spell has been lifted.

That was Layve’s current state.

“Hang in there!”

“Just a bit more effort!”

“Don’t give up!”

Despite the continued cheers, Layve, having lost his momentum, eventually fell behind even Morb.

Morb, who had climbed up using safety equipment, realized he could use the same equipment for the lift.

“Ugh. My whole body is killing me.”

He didn’t even dare to look for where the target might be.

Just completing the course was his only goal.

When the lift stopped, his body was thrown forward and landed with a thud.

He pressed the button to release his belt, took off his vest, and struggled to his feet, revealing the final section.

As he crossed the finish line with a limping, staggering gait, everyone looked at him with surprised faces.

No one had expected him to come in third.

“Oknodie. Did you get first place?”

“I don’t know. It was pretty close.”

“They’re about to announce it.”

Zhang, who was usually unpleasant, spoke to her unexpectedly kindly.

“You’ve got quite the tenacity.”

“Uh, what? Me?”

“The stuttering is a bit much though.”

“Ugh.”

“Kyahaha! This guy would make a perfect pirate! A pirate needs the guts to fight even against rough waves!”

“I only remember fighting with the track though?”

“That kind of stubbornness is important for pirates too!”

It seems a bit pitiful that she only scored points with dangerous people.

“Alright. That’s enough chatting. I’ll announce the results.”

[Student: Skola] – 1st in group

[Running: +20 points (Elven running ability)]

[Obstacles: +19 points (Orcish breakthrough power)]

[Accuracy: +18 points (Slightly lacking in rapid fire)]

[Composure: +18 points (Slightly lacking in altitude resistance)]

[Technique: +20 points (Divine technique)]

[Total: +95 points (Better than the instructor)]

[Student: Layve]

[Failed to complete, outside ranking]

[Forfeited – Failed cliff climbing in 3rd course]

[Student: Carnegie]

[Failed to complete, outside ranking]

[Forfeited – Failed swamp escape in 1st course]

[Student: Morb] – 3rd in group

[Running: +8 points (Impressive endurance running)]

[Obstacles: -60 points (Why not just smash everything?)]

[Accuracy: -20 points (This is an archery class)]

[Composure: +12 points (Strong will to complete the course)]

[Technique: -20 points (Orcish technique)]

[Total: -80 points (Quasi-human, breathing protozoan)]

[Student: Oknodie] – 2nd in group

[Running: +18 points (Backtracking was the only flaw)]

[Obstacles: +20 points (Orcish breakthrough power)]

[Accuracy: +15 points (Good target hits)]

[Composure: +20 points (Guardian’s composure)]

[Technique: +16 points (Bold technique)]

[Total: +89 points (Better than the instructor 2)]

1st place, Skola.

2nd place, Oknodie.

3rd place, Morb.

Unfortunately, Oknodie failed to achieve first place.

“I’m sorry, Morb.”

“What are you apologizing for? Just looking at the scorecard, I can tell how hard you fought against that monster.”

Morb was satisfied.

It wasn’t first place, but everyone acknowledged her.

They all recognized Oknodie’s true value.

Descendant of the divine archer.

Against the unrivaled first place who was said to have no equal in archery, it was 95 points versus 89 points.

A somewhat regrettable match, but a worthy contest.

“Skola. As expected, skills worthy of a divine archer’s descendant.”

“Thank you.”

“Oknodie. You exceeded expectations too. Though that backtracking during the competition was a bit much.”

“Hehe. I get embarrassed when you praise me like that.”

“It wasn’t praise, you idiot.”

The instructor, looking at Oknodie with disapproval, turned to Morb.

“Morb. Are you being defiant?”

“I’m sorry. I just wanted to somehow ensure that Oknodie wouldn’t fall behind because of me and could advance to the front, so I tried to boost her morale.”

“Morb’s test-taking attitude was the worst. Course deviation with massive point deductions, and because of the mess at the beginning, you ended up injured and couldn’t even run properly later. In a real situation, such a subordinate would be nothing but trouble.”

It was a rebuke that made him unable to lift his head.

However, the instructor didn’t just scold him.

“Still, you were much better than the other two. Your run boosted Oknodie’s morale, and despite your injuries, you admirably completed the course.”

“Th-thank you!”

“Carnegie. You were stuck in the swamp for too long.”

“I apologize.”

“Layve. Test your abilities only after you’ve completed sufficient training.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

The competition that had heated everyone’s hearts was over.

“The next lecture will be tailored individual education based on today’s performance, strengths, and weaknesses.”

“Note that those who failed to complete or received negative scores are all subject to supplementary classes, so be sure to attend on the weekend.”

“Dismissed!”

As the students dispersed.

Behind them, the screams of the third-year students could be heard.

“Argh! I got the third place wrong!”

“That guy… His run was impressive, but he blew the points.”

“How was anyone supposed to predict this…”

“But didn’t it make your heart race a bit?”

“I lost points, but I feel like some passion has been rekindled.”

“So what about our lost points?”

“…So that’s why the passion disappeared.”

“I’ve realized things I didn’t want to know…”

* *

[You achieved 2nd place in your group in the “Ranged Weapon Mastery” lecture.]

[You acquire 10 points as consolation.]

[You had an epic match with Skola.]

[You acquire 100 points as a reward for being a quality supporting character.]

[Group A students are deeply moved by your care for your teammates even during a scored competition.]

[The basic likability of Group A students who heard the rumor rises across the board.]

After the lecture, students gathered around Oknodie and Morb.

“How did you do it?”

“You’re so good at cliff climbing.”

“How did you pass the fourth course?”

“I hung by my feet and shot the bow.”

“Wow… You maintained your core strength to raise your upper body and shoot while hanging by your legs? Your core strength is no joke.”

Students who had taken the same test asked about the sections they found difficult.

“It wasn’t that hard! I’ve done it before.”

“Before? This kind of thing? Where?”

“Ah. Well, that’s… s-similar things!”

The students’ gazes became meaningful.

The theory that Oknodie had received assassination training gained more credibility.

“Still, it was clever to think of running together. Backtracking, huh.”

“I’ve done a lot of solo entries before. This time I wondered what it would be like with two people!”

“What happened to the friends you competed with before? Are they as strong as you?”

That was an awkward question to answer.

They were academy friends, but from previous cycles.

Strictly speaking, it’s impossible to meet those she interacted with in previous cycles again.

“Some were strong and some were weak, but I can’t meet any of them now.”

The students poked and kicked the one who had asked the unnecessary question.

“Oh… sorry. I didn’t know and said something thoughtless.”

“It’s okay. I have all of you now, don’t I?”

The cycle has changed anyway.

Such a casual remark made the students even more moved.

“Di is really such a kind person!”

Arcadia Ceviche emerged from among the students and gave Oknodie a big hug.

“Such a kind person would never go around hitting people or making threats.”

“From now on, if anyone spreads false rumors about Di threatening students or instigating violence, this Arcadia won’t forgive them!”

‘…I think I know why those rumors are spreading.’

Oknodie awkwardly smiled and avoided Arcadia’s gaze full of infinite trust.