I Entered an Academy in a Ruined Game

Chapter 31 : Public Training Exercise (1)

When I returned to the dormitory, it was already close to four in the morning.

'It's way too late.'

Unlike when I left, Nam Tae-hoon was also fast asleep, snoring away.

'Tomorrow's going to be a problem.'

At this point, it would be better to just stay up rather than getting a short nap.

'I can handle at least one day anyway.'

With a young and strong body, plus the Unlimited characteristic, this level of fatigue wasn't something to worry about.

'If I can just get through tomorrow, then it's the weekend.'

That was actually the biggest reason.

So I decided to spend the remaining time lying in bed, fiddling with my phone.

'It's been a while since I've been this lazy.'

Jeong Su-hyeon wasn't exactly wealthy, so it was quite an outdated budget model.

But it was sufficient for entertaining myself alone like this.

'Come to think of it, this will be my first weekend since enrollment.'

Honestly, from my perspective, I felt nothing special about it.

Meanwhile, the other cadets were desperate for this long week to end so they could enjoy the weekend.

Everyone was making a fuss about going to see movies, visiting good restaurants, or playing a soccer match with the neighboring class.

Of course, even though it's the weekend, outside visits or overnight leaves weren't permitted yet.

All we could do was sleep in a bit, rest, and wander around the campus.

'It's like a military-style weekend.'

I suppose it's better than nothing since they don't make us work duty shifts.

'I'll still be doing my individual training anyway.'

Still, having some free time during regular hours was definitely an advantage.

Of course, there were cadets trying to reach out to me.

-Hey Su-hyeon

-Wanna crush a solid hour of workout with me on the weekend then get some sweet sleep?

-"Exercise like a dog, rest like a nobleman"

-That's what Instructor Jang Jin-won said

First, the workout fanatic Kwon Seung-yeon was making a fuss.

-Su-hyeon, should we start sparring a bit earlier on Saturday?

-And maybe watch a movie or something afterward

-It's been a long time since I watched a movie

-(Sparkling puppy eyes emoji)

Lee Yu-jin, who unlike her usual self, enjoyed using cute emoticons in messages, was also trying to make plans.

-Want to spar with me a bit?

-Hmm. Let's have a match sometime soon. Or we could work out too.

Even Hong In-hyeon and Kang Geon-woo had sent messages.

Hmm.

I need to think about what I should do.

'More importantly.......'

I put down my phone and fell into thought.

'So far I've collected 9.3 skill points. And about 2025 achievement points.'

Considering that 100 achievement points convert to 1 point, that means I've gathered a total of 29 points.

Having already acquired Eye Power, my highest priority skill.

Among the next skills I should equip, there were two with the highest priority.

One was a skill that increases defense and can also be applied to attacks.

The other maximizes mobility and also creates an overwhelming enhancement when attacking.

'The second one is too expensive though.'

Initially, people complained about why a mere movement skill was so expensive.

But once methods of applying it to attacks were discovered, it instantly became every gamer's most wanted skill.

'If you're going for an AOE dealer or tank build, it's not really necessary though.'

Anyway, I didn't need such a skill yet.

To purchase the first skill, I only needed a few more points.

'Just need 6 more points.'

But it wasn't something I urgently needed right now.

After all, I'd already received more than enough power-up just from eating the Blue Thornhorn Mushroom.

'I'm looking forward to the class this afternoon.'

How I perform in that class could be considered, so to speak, like fastening the second button of the first semester.

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Before morning assembly, the instructors were chatting while busily preparing their schedules.

"Instructor Kim."

"Yes?"

Instructor Kim Cheol-han turned his head at Instructor Kang Jun-man's call.

"You seem busy. Is everything alright?"

Instructor Kim replied nonchalantly.

"I've finished everything. Being busy is unavoidable. Today's the day, isn't it?"

"That's right."

Kang Jun-man said that was exactly what he wanted to discuss and asked again.

"Have you informed the cadets about today's class?"

The class scheduled for this afternoon was the first team combat training since enrollment.

And it was a large-scale practical training class with all cadets from Classes 1, 2, and 3 participating simultaneously.

It was quite an elaborate class for an event held during the first week after enrollment.

'I'd prefer to conduct it as a real combat exercise if possible.'

Kim Cheol-han thought.

Due to safety concerns and various circumstances, today's training would be conducted in virtual simulation mode, using the academy's pride—its cutting-edge training system.

'Of course, it's an excellent training method, but I suppose it's still somewhat distant from real combat capabilities. That has to be taken into account.'

Having finished his thought, Kim Cheol-han said:

"Hmm. I didn't specifically tell them. I'll inform them during this morning's assembly."

"I think Classes 2 and 3 were given a heads-up. Won't that put us at a disadvantage?"

"The core of today's class is to observe each cadet's individual capabilities, and adaptability is an important criterion in that assessment."

It was a principle of not wanting to introduce impure elements when judging cadets due to competition with other classes.

And at the same time, it was an expression of confidence that there was no need to go that far.

"In any case, I'm curious too. I wonder what the cadets will show us in their first simulated combat."

The enemy they would face today was a Ma-in implemented through simulation.

'Basically, one-on-one engagement with a Ma-in is not recommended.'

One of the core principles of the Execution Force doctrine was to "form appropriate squads considering the characteristics and skills of members to efficiently subdue Ma-in."

Considering that the majority of cases still involved professional hunters with numerous achievements transforming into Ma-in.

It was dangerous for squad members to individually confront Ma-in who had increased their power through demonic corruption.

"I'm looking forward to seeing which cadets will shine."

Instructor Kim Cheol-han nodded at Instructor Kang Jun-man's words.

"So after today, you'll also make up your mind, Instructor Kang."

"That's right."

There was one more reason why today's class was important.

The academy had a "guidance instructor" system.

This system allowed cadets to choose an instructor they desired and receive specialized guidance for three years, and today's practical class served as the demonstration arena that would be the basis for that decision.

Therefore, this class was open for observation through screens by any instructors, assistants, or senior cadets who had time.

"Do you all have cadets in mind already?"

At Instructor Kim Cheol-han's question, the other instructors added their thoughts one by one.

"I'd like to guide a cadet with abilities similar to mine."

"In any case, I'll be focusing on how well they can utilize their characteristics in actual combat."

"Hmm. I'm more interested in seeing potential."

Among them.

'This is an opportunity to see the true face of that kid named Jeong Su-hyeon.'

One instructor's eyes quietly gleamed.

"Eun-seo! Lim Eun-seo!"

Bang bang bang!

Just after the morning roll call ended, Lim Eun-seo was excitedly dismantling the special A-rank quality materials that Su-hyeon had obtained for her in the workshop when she frowned at the knocking sound at the door.

"Damn. I was just having fun, what now?"

She felt like completely ignoring it, but since it was probably a senior, she couldn't just not open the door.

"What is it?"

"Are you going to watch that thing this afternoon?"

At the third-year senior's question, Lim Eun-seo tilted her head quizzically.

"What thing?"

"You know. That thing the first-year kids are doing this afternoon."

"How would I know what 'that thing' is?"

"Oh come on. That thing where the kids form teams and beat up Ma-in. The team-up class."

"Ah~ that?"

Finally, Lim Eun-seo understood.

Of course, those most interested would be the instructors who would directly guide the cadets, but.

From the perspective of senior cadets, this class was highly anticipated every year because it was the first stage where they could see the rumored abilities of the new students.

"You should take more interest in school events no matter what."

"Why should I care? Anyway, I got it. Now go."

"But—"

Bang!

"Why should I watch something like that? I'm already busy enough in the morning without these annoyances."

As she turned around grumbling after closing the door, Lim Eun-seo's eyes widened belatedly.

"...Huh?"

Just then, she thought of Su-hyeon.

'He probably barely got any sleep.'

There was such an important class, yet he had hunted a Cockatrice for her in the early hours of yesterday morning.

"Wait. Why didn't he just postpone it or something......"

Then again, she had just learned about it herself, so how could Su-hyeon, a freshman, have known in advance?

"...Ah, damn."

Her conscience pricked her.

"Maybe I should give him something to help with fatigue recovery?"

Her gaze quickly scanned the workshop.

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Class 1 cadets, who first heard about the practical training class during the morning assembly, were unable to contain their excitement throughout the morning.

"Ugh. I'm nervous, so nervous."

Nam Tae-hoon was making a fuss, stroking his own arm as they returned to the classroom after finishing lunch.

"I had no idea this would determine our guidance instructors."

"I never thought they'd move ahead this quickly in the first week......"

Yu-jin also muttered with a serious expression.

"I'm curious how the teams will be formed," said Seo Jun-seong.

Yu-jin replied, "They'll probably put one leader-type in each team."

She added, "That would be the best standard."

"Yeah. No matter who it is, the ability to improvise and draw out the optimal tactics will be important."

As both of them were clearly leadership material likely to lead a team, their concerns were even deeper.

"I'm just going to blend in quietly," Nam Tae-hoon chuckled.

'Hmm.'

I quietly listened to the conversation and thought.

'Which combination I'll end up with is something we'll only know when the time comes.'

But.

'They'll definitely assign us with a clear purpose in mind.'

In other words, the arrangement would reflect Kim Cheol-han's intentions—what skills he wanted to see from each cadet, what weaknesses he needed to point out, or what strengths he wanted to highlight to guide their future path.

'And it will also be a trial not easily overcome.'

The issue was that most instructors, assistants, and even senior cadets would be watching this class.

'I shouldn't stand out too much.'

I was already inclined to avoid excessive attention.

Having finished my thoughts, I turned my gaze toward Yu-jin.

'Come to think of it, this could be quite burdensome for Yu-jin.'

Yu-jin was considered the key figure who achieved a passing grade against Oh Chang-seong, who wore restraints, through unprecedented teamwork during the entrance exam.

However, that combination and tactics were possible because I was the one who devised them.

It would be absurd to expect the current Yu-jin, who was still just a freshman who hadn't received relevant education, to demonstrate such performance again.

'I could give her some advice though.'

I said to Yu-jin:

"Share opinions with everyone, but you need to establish the core direction. Even if it leads to a wrong outcome, the responsibility is yours."

"...Yeah."

Yu-jin answered with a stern face.

"But being too dictatorial isn't good either. It might even be worse than being indecisive."

"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

'That should be enough.'

Yu-jin might be somewhat principled, but she's quite intelligent.

'She's not the type who excels on her own like Seo Jun-seong or Hwang Ji-su, but if you set her in the right direction, she'll grow steadily.'

Even if she experiences some trial and error, that's also a necessary process.

"By the way."

Seo Jun-seong, who had been observing us intently, said:

"Hmm?"

"You. I feel like your mana aura has gotten stronger since yesterday. Is that just my imagination?"

'Indeed, his sensory perception is sensitive.'

I hadn't particularly shown anything, yet he detected it immediately.

"Hey hey hey! Jeong Su-hyeon!"

Just as I was about to answer, Lim Eun-seo's voice called from a distance.

'What is it?'

Everyone's attention turned to us as she waved from afar, covered in oil stains and dirt.

'Oh no.'

It's a bit awkward when she acts so friendly in front of everyone.

"...What is it, senior?"

"Oh nothing. I heard you have an important class today?"

"Ah."

'Is that what she's concerned about?'

She has quite a thoughtful personality when you see things like this.

'The timing isn't great, but.'

Lim Eun-seo came close to my ear and whispered:

"I felt bad so I brought you something. This works wonders for fatigue recovery, you know? Did you eat?"

"Yes."

"Okay. Then you can take it right away."

And with that, she coolly turned around and left.

"I'm off!"

"Yes."

"Good luck today!"

"Yes."

"...Su-hyeon?"

I felt a somewhat dark aura from behind me.

"When did you get acquainted with that senior? And Lim Eun-seo-sunbae of all people......"

Seo Jun-seong also spoke with surprise.

"This, this is no ordinary matter."

Nam Tae-hoon openly snickered.

Hmm.

Since I had to keep the Cockatrice incident confidential, there wasn't much I could say about their suspicions.

"...Just one of those things."

"...Just? One of those things?"

Somehow.

There seemed to be sword energy infused in Yu-jin's muttering voice.

'...Has she reached the level of infusing sword energy into her voice too?'

A cold streak of sweat ran down Su-hyeon's spine.