episode_0012

013

The day of the performance evaluation had arrived.

The trainees made their way to Training Room 4.

After a ten-minute ride on the campus shuttle, they could see a massive dome-shaped auditorium.

The inside of the auditorium was incredibly spacious.

Numerous lights adorned the ceiling.

The seats, including those on the first and second floors, seemed to number in the thousands.

As it was a multipurpose gym or training room, various state-of-the-art facilities were installed.

“Oh, it’s so spacious.”

“The facilities seem top-notch.”

“Definitely Union’s work.”

The kids scanned the training ground with awe in their eyes.

I, too, was quite impressed.

I had only seen this place in games.

Fascinating.

“Alright, enough with the idle chatter.”

The trainees’ attention shifted to Hong Daye’s voice.

“We will begin the first test in 25 minutes from now.”

Some of the kids swallowed nervously.

They seemed a bit tense.

Of course, Yoo Seolhyun and Seonari were exceptions.

Seonari even yawned, looking completely relaxed.

Yoo Seolhyun seemed disinterested, almost bored.

“…Am I the only one in our team feeling nervous?”

I chuckled inwardly.

Despite the complexity in my mind about how things would unfold, seeing their calm demeanor subtly eased my tension.

Since it was the first match, even if things went wrong, their abilities alone would be enough to cover it.

So, let’s not get too worked up.

“Each team will wait at the end of the training ground, and when the game starts, whoever takes the flag and plants it in their camp wins.”

Hong Daye pointed towards the training ground, where a flag was already planted in the center.

“You can only use the training equipment provided by the Academy, and there are no special restrictions on using your abilities.”

The equipment provided by the Academy is non-lethal, with safety measures in place.

“However, causing fatal injuries to the opponent is prohibited. In case of such an incident, the game will be immediately stopped and disqualified at the discretion of the school officials.”

With the training equipment, it would be quite difficult to cause fatal injuries.

“And even if you sustain major injuries, Healing Specialist Kang Yeona and Health Instructor will be on standby, so rest assured.”

“Kids, don’t get hurt, okay? I want to be lazy.”

The health instructor, who looked like she was in her late twenties, had a decadent look.

With a mole under her eye and a very desirable midriff.

She genuinely cared for the kids, but one of her character settings was having a lazy personality.

“If Kang Yeona were a hero, she would be a renowned healing specialist in Korea.”

“Hey, I’ve seen her heal injuries during training, damn, her healing abilities are amazing.”

“Wow, so cool.”

Healing specialists are very rare in the game.

Even more so, those who can heal moderate to severe wounds.

“We will provide you with sparring protective gear, so change in the dressing room and return in 10 minutes.”

With that, the kids headed towards the dressing rooms.

Upon arriving at the spacious dressing room, I immediately began changing my clothes.

As I was changing slowly, I caught a glimpse of Lee Siwoon next to me.

Lee Siwoon was also changing, and his abs were no joke.

He might as well be the male lead.

With a six-pack like that, no wonder the girls swoon.

“Lee Siwoon.”

I casually spoke to Lee Siwoon.

“You’re going up against Kang Daehan in the first match, are you okay with that?”

“Hmm.”

Lee Siwoon nodded confidently as if it was a given.

“Oh, confidence. Just show Soyeon a great performance since you’re facing off anyway.”

“…”

I patted Lee Siwoon’s shoulder out of the blue and walked away.

Personally, I hope that the opponent in the final match is Team Lee Si-woon.

It’s not because they are easier to deal with, but because Jin So-yeon is on Lee Si-woon’s team.

Jin So-yeon needed to experience the events that would unfold in the final match firsthand.

It would be a good experience for her to think about the many things she would face in the future.

“You too.”

“Huh?”

“You too, stay strong.”

I chuckled at Lee Si-woon’s words.

At least he’s the best among the male leads.

I mean in terms of personality, not strength.

He’s not as arrogant as Kang Dae-han.

“Yeah.”

I stepped out of the dressing room.

Many trainees were gathered outside, discussing what to do next.

“Alright, everyone is here. Good. It’s time, Team 1 and Team 2, come forward.”

“Yes.”

At Hong Da-ye’s words, members of Team 1 and Team 2 nodded and stepped forward.

They each ascended to the training ground.

I watched Jin So-yeon, who was slowly walking, from a distance.

She nervously played with the ends of her hair.

She seemed a bit anxious, as it was the first match.

“Go Si-woon!”

“Scream! Scream! Si-woon!”

“Show us the skills of the leader! Si-woon!”

Surprise.

The girls who were watching suddenly cheered loudly.

If you didn’t know, you’d think they were spectators cheering for the game.

Hey, hey. They are your competitors.

I glanced at them silently and then turned my head.

Cheering, cheering…

Should I try it too?

To help Jin So-yeon relax a bit.

She shouldn’t be eliminated because of unnecessary tension, she needed to make it to the final match.

“Jin So-yeon, fighting!”

My voice seemed to reach Jin So-yeon’s ears as she flinched.

She slowly turned her head to check the stands, and our eyes met.

Jin So-yeon hesitated for a moment, then raised her hand and waved it.

“You’re too nervous! Just be yourself, like usual.”

“I’m not nervous!”

Jin So-yeon smiled, seeming to relax a bit.

It was her usual self.

“….”

Lee Si-woon glanced at me with a wry smile.

Our eyes met for a moment.

Eyes that couldn’t be read.

…No.

I just cheered once, that’s all.

So don’t look at me like that.

“What’s with her?”

“Isn’t Jin So-yeon her ex-boyfriend?”

“They were childhood friends, but even though they broke up, they seem to get along well.”

The girls murmured slightly.

“But Jin So-yeon apparently used Lee Jin-hyuk to approach Si-woon.”

“Oh? Really? They don’t seem to have a bad relationship for that.”

They were discussing the relationship between me and Jin So-yeon.

“Don’t be so loud.”

Hong Da-ye subdued the rising noise.

“Alright… Are both teams ready?”

Alternating between Team 1 and Team 2, Hong Da-ye used a remote control to cover the entire training ground with a protective barrier.

With resistance to physical, magic, and anomalies, attacks from students’ levels would not even make a dent.

Not just attacks from students.

Even if it was Hong Da-ye, without proper equipment, breaking through this barrier would take quite some time.

It was a safety measure in case the building was destroyed or spectators were harmed due to paranormal abilities.

…This episode might cause some problems because of that.

“Let’s get started.”

With Hong Da-ye’s words, the first performance evaluation and main story officially began.

Alright, the dice have already been rolled.

Since it’s come to this, let’s do our best.

***

“…”

For a moment, the training ground fell into a quiet stillness.

Neither team rushed to grab the flag recklessly.

Each team leader, Lee Siwoon and Kang Daehan, were sneakily watching each other’s moves.

“It’s no fun to just steal the flag… huh?”

It was truly unexpected.

With a swift motion, Siwoon swung his sword horizontally.

Swish!

“Wow?”

“What, what is that?”

In just one strike.

Even though he swung his sword from a distance, a bluish magical attack surged like a shining light and hit Kang Daehan.

Kang Daehan, with reflexes like a beast, skillfully blocked the magical attack with his spear.

“Oh, I see.”

It was a Sword Qi Wound.

In the game setting, it was a technique that could harm people with just sword energy, boasting an incredible level of difficulty.

Even a top 10% hero like Hyunhyuk would struggle to use the Sword Qi Wound.

Yet, a trainee was using such a skill.

A trainee who had just entered the academy.

…Well, it seems the power is quite low.

“Wow, that’s amazing. Impressive. Very impressive.”

“Indeed, the top class is different.”

“Siwoon! I didn’t even realize I swung my sword!”

“You’re supposed to be a sword disciple… Wow, but you’re not a master yet?”

The kids gasped in surprise.

It was understandable.

Even if they became active heroes, they might not be able to acquire such skills.

‘Is this a talent gap?’

I can’t help but feel a bit envious.

“He’s a Sword Qi Wound user. I haven’t seen anyone other than Baek Yurin among the new students this year.”

Hong Daye seemed slightly surprised as she muttered.

“…You must know that won’t work in this distance. Is it a provocation? Interesting. Looking like a saint.”

Instead of being intimidated, Kang Daehan smirked as if he found it amusing.

He realized that the Sword Qi Wound user’s proficiency was not high.

Moreover, the high magical consumption made it difficult to use frequently.

“Alright, let’s go head-to-head!”

Kang Daehan charged forward.

His teammates followed suit.

Siwoon raised his sword to face Kang Daehan.

Currently, Siwoon was the only one who could hold Kang Daehan back.

Clang!

Bang!

Loud clashing sounds.

Sparks flew.

While the two were fighting, the rest of the team had to watch.

In fact, the outcome of the match depended on the other team members.

Siwoon’s team consisted of Jin Soyeon and Yuliya Troianova.

Kang Daehan’s team consisted of Kim Taeo and Park Sujin.

Except for Jin Soyeon, all of them were top students ranking within the top 100.

“Park Sujin, I’ll take care of Yuliya, so mark Jin Soyeon.”

“Okay. I’ll finish her off quickly.”

With a confident expression, Park Sujin approached Jin Soyeon and swung her whip.

She seemed confident that she wouldn’t lose in a 1v1.

“Jin Soyeon, where are you going to run with your back against the wall?”

“…Well, I won’t deny that.”

Jin Soyeon calmly replied while blocking the whip.

With each strike of the whip, a sound of impact echoed.

But she couldn’t block every attack.

Shoulders, thighs, arms, and more.

She took several hits.

Blood oozed with each strike.

Despite that, Jin Soyeon remained focused on defense.

“Hey! Park Sujin, how long are you going to stall for! Hurry up and help me!”

“Shut up! She’s so stubborn!”

Perhaps feeling pressured by Kim Taeo’s urgent call, Park Sujin twisted her body to deliver a decisive blow.

She planned to break through Jin Soyeon’s defense with a powerful swing.

However.

“Huh? What is this!”

Anticipating the moment, Jin Soyeon swiftly dodged and Park Sujin quickly swung her whip, but…

As if she had already predicted it, Jin Soyeon slightly lowered her head and evaded the whip. Then, she skillfully inserted the hilt of her sword into Park Sujin’s neck.

“Argh! Ugh.”

Oh, a critical hit.

As Park Su-jin held her neck and coughed, Jin So-yeon took advantage of the opportunity and forcefully slapped Park Su-jin’s chin.

“Oof?!”

And that was the end of it.

It seems like she fainted along with a concussion.

“Hey, hey! Damn it! Park Su-jin!”

“Oh my. Impressive, So-yeon.”

“Damn it! You’re not letting go of this?!”

“So-yeon, I’ll hold her, so grab the flag.”

“Okay!”

Quickly, Jin So-yeon ran and pulled out the flag that was stuck in the center.

Watching this, Kim Tae-oh tried to intervene somehow, but Yuriya’s persistent attacks made it difficult for him to do anything.

In the end, with no interference, Jin So-yeon planted the flag in her own territory, ending the match.

Although the duel between Lee Si-woon and Kang Dae-han ended in a draw, the victory was determined by the team members.

“Already over? Team 1 wins.”

Except for Kang Dae-han, the members of Team 2 looked gloomy.

Losing the first match was embarrassing for them.

Kang Dae-han muttered, “Tch, how boring. Let’s settle this next time,” as he walked down to the training ground.

“By the way, So-yeon. You did well as I advised, focusing on defense against Park Su-jin and aiming for a counterattack when the opportunity arises.”

I didn’t expect her to execute it so well.

Indeed, the protagonist is the protagonist.

“Phew….”

Wiping off the sweat, Jin So-yeon looked at me and smiled.

“I’ll take the first win. Come up to the finals. Let’s face off, Jin-hyuk?”

“…Sure. I’ll be waiting. Show me what you’ve got.”

I chuckled and responded to Jin So-yeon’s not-so-subtle provocation.

“Next, Teams 3 and 4….”

“Teams 9 and 10 next….”

“Teams 12 and 14 next….”

How much time has passed like this?

“Finally, Teams 15 and 16, step forward.”

Finally, it was my turn.