episode_0226

“Alright, this is our stage!”

What we had to do for the experiential learning was simple: go around to seven checkpoints and complete the missions.

Each team just had to follow their designated course.

After that, we’d come out, submit the black box attached to our bodies and the items we collected, and then return to the dorms.

In other words, the faster we finished, the sooner we could go back home.

*Alright, then the first checkpoint is… north!*

*Violet Bus, depart!*

Violet checked the map and took the lead. Levi, carrying his ballista, and three other students followed us.

As we moved forward, I organized the locations of the checkpoints and the list of tasks we had to complete.

*What are the missions?*

*Solving simulated magical calculations, finding imitation artifacts. Cargo transport and enemy extermination.*

In summary, one was solving magic puzzles, another was a treasure hunt, and the rest were a survival game and delivery.

According to the previous explanation, various enemies were hidden throughout the Asterados Hills. They said not to worry, as we wouldn’t get seriously hurt.

They also said that if anything happened, an ambulance crew waiting nearby would immediately rush over.

*This is easier than the Polaris field trip.*

*It looks like they intentionally adjusted the difficulty because of the accident that happened last time.*

After creating clones, I dispatched them to the fields and hills. Based on the reconnaissance information, we compared it with the map and moved, quickly arriving at the first point.

Don’t forget to tag the terminal!

At each checkpoint, a machine was set up to check our visit. After tagging the checkpoint with the terminal assigned to each team to confirm our visit, we started the mission.

*It’s a puzzle here!*

Leaving the others on standby behind me, I touched the artifact in front of my eyes.

A complex magical calculation formula appeared on the flat surface of the artifact.

This was a gimmick that could be activated by properly flowing magic into it.

*Violet calculations, full throttle!*

We quickly solved the calculations and headed to the next checkpoint.

*Slice!*

The lead scout team also didn’t forget to butcher the magic beasts that occasionally popped out.

*It’s so peaceful…*

At the second checkpoint, we carried out a hidden artifact search mission.

“Alright, this is what we…”

“No, we’ll do it!”

The others just got in the way. Violets rummaged through the grass.

*Rustle rustle!*

Finding the artifacts wasn’t difficult. The clones just had to search every suspicious-looking place.

As we approached the third checkpoint, the Violet scout team encountered a new enemy.

“What’s that? It’s moving?”

*Rat-a-tat-tat!*

“Aargh! They’re shooting!”

From atop the overgrown hill, an unmanned turret popped out with a clunking sound.

Crude-looking training dummies, hidden who knew when, also stood up and fired rifles.

*Screech! Get down!*

*I got hit!…Huh? I’m fine?*

Their surprise lasted only a moment before the Violet search team was bewildered by the unexpectedly low power. The things rolling on the ground turned out to be rubber bullets.

*This is laughable!*

At this level, it was like a water gun’s power even for the lowest-ranked Awakened.

“Hey! Woof-woof! Attack!”

“Woof!”

While the Mech Hound returned fire with its gun at our command, the Violets calmly raised their shields.

“Alright, Levi. Finish them off!”

“Leave it to me!”

Soon, with a loud boom, beams of light poured out, and the wooden dummies shattered into pieces.

*Beep!*

As we destroyed all of them, the terminal made a sound, and the number of destroyed targets and the time appeared. I examined the training dummies out of curiosity.

*It’s magic!*

The dolls’ limbs were scattered, but the damage was less than expected.

Their bodies and parts themselves weren’t broken; only their joints had come apart.

They looked as if they had fallen apart like toys dropped from a shelf.

As I stared blankly at the dolls, the other team members cautiously approached.

“Team leader! What are you doing? Is this your first time seeing training dummies?”

“Yeah, my academy didn’t use these.”

I’d already heard the explanation, but it was still a fascinating item. The fact that their limbs would reattach and they’d repair themselves over time made them perfect for training.

While I was observing the unfortunate end of the doll squadron, the team members’ gazes were fixed on one spot.

At the end of that gaze was Levi’s enormous ballista.

*The more I look at it, the more amazing it is.*

On the surface, it looked like nothing more than an oversized crossbow, but its power was comparable to a tank cannon.

When I personally fired that gun once, it didn’t produce as much power as expected. But when its true owner fired it, it displayed incredible destructive power.

It was truly amazing, making me wonder what its principle was.

Indeed, I wasn’t the only one who found it interesting. Two boys, unable to resist their curiosity, approached with sparkling eyes.

“By the way, what is that ballista? Isn’t it heavy?”

“Can I touch it? Is that okay?”

The moment the boy named Yuri reached out his hand, Levi suddenly shrieked.

“Hands off!”

“Ah, sorry. I didn’t know you’d get angry.”

“N-no, it’s not that. S-sorry for shouting…”

The team members waved their hands and apologized for the unexpected outburst. Levi, as if nothing had happened, returned to his usual timid self.

*Those idiots.*

Aside from the brief story of it being a family heirloom, I didn’t know much about it, but Levi cherished it dearly.

That’s why even we Violets only got to touch it after much begging.

*Well, I’ll ask him later!*

To break the momentarily awkward atmosphere, I stood up and gave instructions.

“Alright, let’s move on!”

I, along with Levi, urged the other team members on as if cracking a whip.

*Forward! Forward!*

There’s no rest for the Violet Corps. Our goal is to pass through all checkpoints and exit as quickly as possible.

*First place is ours!*

And we are Awakened. Awakened ones have superior stamina compared to ordinary people.

*It’s a blitzkrieg!*

Thus, destruction and explosions erupted wherever Team Violet went.

*Boom!*

Too bothered to stop and engage in combat, we decided to resolve battles with long-range bombardment.

The clone Violets identified the locations where dummies were hidden or magic beasts were ambushing in advance.

Next came a volley of ballista bolts.

*Oh no! It shot a bit high.*

“Levi! Adjust 3 mil to the right, 5 mil down!”

“Got it!”

Once again, an explosion occurred.

The observation team Violet announced another victory.

“They’re all taken care of!”

“Ahahaha!”

As we passed the fifth checkpoint, Alex, with an awkward expression, spoke from behind.

“Um, Violet. Is there anything for us to do?”

“Oh? Carry that.”

“Th-that’s all?”

“Yep!”

All the students on the Violet Bus had to do was carry imitation artifacts or cargo.

The three students awkwardly carried the luggage and followed behind.

Before we knew it, we reached the final checkpoint, tagged the terminal, and ran towards the gate like the wind.

It’s polite to jump when going through gates.

“It’s over!”

Coming out into reality through the portal, I saw the eyes of the waiting faculty members widen.

“Team 5? This fast?”

“Here are the terminal and the black box! Class is over, right? I’m leaving!”

I handed in the things I needed to submit and prepared to leave.

Perhaps because we passed through too quickly, the other team members were also dumbfounded. A female team member slowly opened her mouth.

“T-team leader. What should we do now? When do we have to send the report? What about the presentation materials?”

“Oh, that? Just write your individual reports. I’ll do the rest, so just sit still!”

“…?”

I left the other team members and went back to the dorm. Group projects are faster and more convenient when done alone.

*Units 156, 1225, 871! Start working!*

*Staaart!*

I returned home and lazed around, and before I knew it, the report and presentation materials were complete.

*At this rate, our team will surely be first place, right?*

Thinking I had once again proven Violet’s greatness, I took a nap.

**

Unfortunately, reality was different from Violet’s expectations.

The next class after the experiential learning concluded. Each team’s evaluation was underway.

“Team 5, why did the team leader handle everything alone?”

The person in charge of this experiential learning was Professor Larc from the Exploration Department.

The professor pushed up his glasses and looked our way with sharp eyes.

“I didn’t do it alone? The other kids helped diligently.”

At that moment, deep wrinkles formed around Professor Larc’s eyes.

“I checked all the black boxes. From reconnaissance to combat, most of the work was done by just the team leader and two other students. Why was that?”

Oh, right, there was that.

Unable to hide from the professor’s sharp criticism, I answered without hesitation.

“I thought it was more efficient. And the other team members diligently carried the luggage, so isn’t that enough?”

As soon as I answered, Professor Larc relentlessly poured out criticisms.

“This experiential learning was meant to assess your teamwork. You weren’t told to handle things alone with your unique abilities. And the rest of Team 5, excluding Levi, should be ashamed. Why did you rely only on your team leader?”

“Th-the team leader told us to…”

“And you just followed along?”

At the professor’s stinging rebuke, Alex and the two students bowed their heads.

*No, this is strange. What’s the problem?*

In the end, our team couldn’t avoid deductions in the teamwork aspect, and we didn’t receive a very high score.

*What an exasperating professor, he doesn’t understand efficiency!*

Group projects are more convenient when done alone, so I don’t understand why he’s talking about teamwork.

So, when it was time for the first principal’s meeting in February, I expressed my grievances.

“Shouldn’t we get a perfect score? Just passively riding along is teamwork too, isn’t it? They listened to me well.”

“Haha, I see. From Miss Violet’s perspective, it might feel a bit unfair. I understand that feeling.”

Principal Brecht, having heard my argument, continued slowly with a benevolent smile.

“However, Violet. If you only unilaterally help others, it may not ultimately be of true help to them. If you make them dependent, you’re taking away their opportunity to grow on their own.”

“But that’s a bit inefficient, isn’t it?”

“Life isn’t always about efficiency. What seems inefficient now can sometimes return as a greater reward later. True growth comes from the time spent thinking together, and the process of complementing each other’s shortcomings.”

I tilted my head at the principal’s words, which were both understandable and not.

“I don’t really get it.”

“You might be at an age where it’s difficult to fully grasp its depth now. However, always keep that teaching in mind and try to put it into practice going forward. The day will come when you yourself realize the true value of teamwork and cooperation.”

The principal’s words didn’t quite resonate with me.

I replied that I would do so for now and left the principal’s office.

Perhaps because I didn’t understand, the thought kept circling in my mind.

Maybe that’s why I complained to the inspector, repeating the same thing.

“What do you think?”

“For now, it’s best to adjust to the level of the other students.”

“Whine…”

Perhaps my current level isn’t a good fit for me after all. Maybe I should aim for an accelerated promotion.

Suddenly, the inspector asked a question with a meaningful expression.

“By the way, how have you been getting along with Miss Adela lately?”

“Great! Senior-nim is busy, so we don’t meet often, but when we do, she buys me lots of delicious things! Later, we’re even going to Cascadian Island.”

“Cascadian Island?”

“Yeah, I’m going to send one of me there to live. When I told her that, Adela Unnie seemed to like it too?”

“Is that so? Her taste hasn’t changed, after all…”

The inspector’s short sigh caught my eye.

“Is there a problem?”

“No, it’s nothing. More importantly, you said you’re still close with Miss Adela, right? I just happen to have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“It’s nothing major, but since I thought of it, it’s better to tell you now. The heir of one of the Three Great Clans is expected to re-enroll at Aegis Academy soon. Within one to two weeks.”

I was surprised. The heir of one of the Three Great Clans was an Aegis Academy student? That was a fact I hadn’t known at all.

Seijis, seeing my surprised expression, continued calmly.

“It’s understandable that you’re surprised. They were originally on a leave of absence, but it seems they decided to re-enroll due to recent circumstances. It looks like they want to graduate quickly and help their father with his work. This was unexpected, but…”

“So, which family are they from?”

I instinctively began devising murder plans, wondering if it might be the villainous offspring of the Raphlaxia Foundation.

*Revenge! Buy a drill right now!*

*Let’s stick 100 needles in their head!*

The inspector, perhaps reading something from my expression before I could even speak, opened his mouth first.

“No, don’t worry, it’s not from Luminex. It’s a scion of the Restraid family.”

At his words, I halted the 1900 murder plans I was formulating within my network.

“His name is Sebastian Restraid. He’s in the same grade as Miss Adela and has been on a leave of absence for several years.”

“Ah, I see. Thanks for telling me. But is he also a psychopathic murderer? Should I kill him?”

“He’s not that kind of person, so don’t.

I’m just telling you because it might be good to be a little careful if you meet him with Miss Adela.

He’s still an arrogant young man who hasn’t come to his senses yet. I’m just saying this because there might be minor friction.

Oh, and there’s one more minor thing to consider.”

“What is it?”

I couldn’t help but be quite surprised by the inspector’s next words.

“Sebastian is Miss Adela’s former fiancé. Though it was a long time ago.”

Good heavens, my beautiful student council president Unnie had a fiancé? I didn’t know this.

*He’s not some weirdo like Kroshel, is he?*

*It’s fine, he’s her former fiancé, right? Nothing serious will happen.*

I stored the inspector’s words in my mind. He’s a senior student anyway, so how often would I even run into him? Still, I should be careful.