novelraw Chapter 38 : Chapter 38
Chapter 38 : Chapter 38
Chapter 38: Midterm Exams (3)
Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!
A refreshing… or rather, not-so-refreshing morning.
I opened my eyes to the sound of the alarm ringing loudly.
The urge to sleep still lingered, but since it was a significant day, I did not mutter "five more minutes."
"Yawn……."
Click!
After turning off the alarm, I rubbed my eyes and stood up from the bed.
However, even though I had turned off the alarm, noisy sounds could be heard bit by bit.
Move that over there!
Hey, hey! Not there, you brat!!
Checking for the source, I found it was coming from outside the dormitory.
It seemed they were preparing to welcome the external figures coming for the practical exam—which was essentially a festival.
They were shouting instructions through megaphones; I wondered just how loud they were for the sound to reach all the way here…….
Well, thanks to that, my sleepiness vanished instantly.
"I should get ready before it is too late."
I went straight into the bathroom before the slumber could overtake me again.
Then, I thoroughly scrubbed my entire body clean.
Is it not true that the basics must be perfect for the advanced courses to go smoothly?
In that sense, cleanliness, the most basic of the basics, is always important
"Good. This is good~."
Having finished my shower and coming out feeling quite refreshed, I looked at the clothes placed in the living room.
Two sets of cadet uniforms were lying there.
One was white, and the other was black.
"Which one should I wear?"
Normally, I would have worn the white cadet uniform without hesitation.
Although one is free to wear what they want, cadets generally wear the white cadet uniform.
Usually, the black cadet uniform was only worn when a cadet passed away due to an unfortunate incident, out of a heart to mourn the deceased.
Nevertheless, there was one reason why I was agonizing like this.
"When one thinks of Shin Yu-hwan, they think of black, and black belongs to Shin Yu-hwan."
Despite my internal grumbling and complaining, Shin Yu-hwan is a precious existence to me.
For my part, I want the hero I admire to feel a bit more empowered.
Shin Yu-hwan is someone who stands out even if he does not do anything, but would he not like it even more if I did something?
"Though I will attract quite a bit of attention in the process."
Since all the other cadets will be wearing white, it would be strange not to attract attention.
But it is fine.
Since the bracket itself will already draw all the attention anyway, what would be the problem?
With that thought, I picked up the black cadet uniform.
"I should change quickly and head out."
Since I have an early turn, I do not have time to dawdle.
Is taking one’s time not always a privilege of the strong?
Just like how in fantasy novels, a Sword Master always appears in a disadvantageous situation instead of a mere Soldier 1.
Therefore, as a mere 899th-place ranker, I had to prepare to go out quickly.
***
"It is truly a fine day."
As the early spring had passed and a warm breeze blew, Shin Yu-hwan wore a fresh smile as if he felt good.
Seeing that, Cha Yu-na looked at Shin Yu-hwan as if she found him absurd.
"Has there ever been a bad day for you? You spend every day just idling around."
"Haha! Big Sister. As I told you last time, I am not playing; I am on standby."
"What?"
"Since I am a field agent, I am on standby for deployment. Everyone would actually hate it if I picked up paperwork, right? Hahahaha!"
"……."
Cha Yu-na stared silently at the laughing Shin Yu-hwan and shook her head.
Is it not said that a conversation must be with a human you can communicate with for it to be called a conversation?
Besides, just what on earth had he done for people to hate him picking up paperwork?
Knowing well that she would only get tired if she spoke further, Cha Yu-na decided to save her breath.
And she was more interested in something else rather than this predictable routine.
"By the way, you usually never come to things like this, so what is going on?"
"Hmm?"
"The Glory practical exams. You have never come even once, saying you hate seeing them put on a show every time. I am going to see if there are any kids worth recruiting, but you are not, are you?"
Cha Yu-na's question was perfectly normal.
Originally, Shin Yu-hwan extremely disliked this midterm practical exam that Glory first-years held every year.
He called it a trashy exam that considered players as clowns, or something like that.
Because of that, Shin Yu-hwan had never attended such an event even once since graduating from Glory.
"Just consider it a whim."
"What 'whim'? You are going because of that kid, Choi Yu-seong, are you not?"
"Haha! That is true. I do want to see what the boy's growth rate is like."
Shin Yu-hwan spoke and laughed again, as if something were amusing.
Still, this time Cha Yu-na did not particularly challenge him.
She had only heard about him from Shin Yu-hwan, but she had never properly seen the boy named Choi Yu-seong's skills.
If he was enough to gain the interest of Shin Yu-hwan, who has absolutely no interest in anything in life except for villains, then it was natural to be curious, was it not?
Therefore, filled with rising curiosity, Cha Yu-na muttered to herself.
"Then who will that child duel? Will it be an instructor, or an invited player?"
At that murmur, Shin Yu-hwan only laughed and gave no answer.
It was not because there was a particularly important reason to keep it a secret.
The reason Shin Yu-hwan said nothing was simply because it seemed like it would be fun.
'It is so much fun to tease Big Sister, so it would be boring if I told her beforehand.'
Shin Yu-hwan thought of things that would earn him a few hits if Cha Yu-na knew.
However, since he knew he would get hit if he actually said them out loud, Shin Yu-hwan brought up a different topic.
"Big Sister, shall we make a bet then?"
"Huh? What kind of bet?"
"About who the boy's opponent will be. Let's have the loser grant a wish."
"It is not bad, but is the range not too broad? Think of how many instructors and players there are."
As if he had thought of everything, Shin Yu-hwan smirked.
"The one who bets on a rank closest to the opponent's rank wins. How about it?"
"Hmm. That is fine. Then I will bet on C-Rank."
"Haha, fine. I will bet on S-Rank."
If he said A-Rank here, Cha Yu-na might catch on, so Shin Yu-hwan said S-Rank.
Although he usually acted without tact, he was not actually a man who lacked it.
And just as Shin Yu-hwan expected, Cha Yu-na smiled as if she had already won, rather than being suspicious.
"Are you sure you will not regret this?"
"Of course. I always evaluate the boy highly, you know?"
"Fine, then the bet is on."
"Hahahaha!! Right, right. I am already looking forward to it."
How could he not look forward to it, when it was a bet he had already won?
Shin Yu-hwan, who had already decided on the wish he would ask for, maintained his smile and continued walking.
Thinking to himself that today was a truly wonderful day, between the duel with the boy and the wish he would get from Cha Yu-na.
***
While moving for the fest—no, the practical exam duel, I had no choice but to stop in my tracks due to a voice calling from behind.
"Hey, suspicious guy."
"Do Gang-ho?"
The one who called me was Do Gang-ho.
He looked at me with an odd expression.
"Why a black cadet uniform? Did something happen?"
"Ah……."
I had expected to receive strange looks, but I did not know I would be questioned so soon.
"Because of today's duel."
"Today's duel? Oh, now that I think about it, you are third?"
"Yeah, somehow it turned out that way."
At my words, Do Gang-ho frowned slightly, as if thinking about something.
And the words that followed were enough to surprise me.
"You are dueling Mr. Shin Yu-hwan, are you not?"
"Ho-How did you know?"
"If it is your turn, you must be facing a famous player, and if it is black, it is Shin Yu-hwan. Am I right?"
"You figured that out??"
"What did you say, you brat?"
Do Gang-ho got worked up, but this was a truly surprising event.
For Do Gang-ho, who is far from words like "deliberation" and "thought," to make such an inference.
Seeing my expression, Do Gang-ho spoke with a somewhat proud look.
"I studied quite a bit while preparing for this written exam."
"…You did?"
"This brat, seriously. Whatever, just get going. If you are third, you should be in the waiting room."
"Ah, right."
At Do Gang-ho's words, I recalled the fact I had briefly forgotten.
That was how shocking Do Gang-ho's inference had been.
However, since I felt like it would not end with just insults if I said that out loud, I did not add any unnecessary words.
"Then, I will be going."
"Yeah."
As soon as I finished the conversation with Do Gang-ho, I ran quickly and arrived at the waiting room.
I tried to enter immediately, but I could not because someone seeing me from afar stopped me.
Looking at the outfit, he seemed to be the security personnel for the waiting room.
"I am sorry. I will just check your identity for a moment."
"Okay."
He checked something for a moment, then soon nodded and cleared the way.
It felt like it took about a minute? I liked that I did not have to wait long.
"Cadet Choi Yu-seong. You are confirmed. You may go inside."
"Thank you."
"Do not mention it. Good luck with your exam today."
At the security personnel's words, who offered a polite encouragement with a bright smile, I nodded appropriately and entered the waiting room.
Then, as expected, a familiar face and a familiar voice greeted me first.
"Yu-seong! Over here, over here!"
I do not even need to say it by now, but the one who called me was Kim Su-hyeok.
At that call, I waved my hand slightly and moved toward where Kim Su-hyeok was.
Then, I felt sharp glares from several places.
'Honestly, they would be resentful.'
Rank speaks of skill. It is a world where skill is everything.
Yet, a mere 899th-place ranker is decorating the opening ceremony?
How could they look upon me with good eyes?
These were stares I could sufficiently endure.
"Yu-seong… but why are your clothes black?"
Kim Su-hyeok tilted his head as he looked at me once I arrived right in front of him.
It was the same question I had received earlier.
I nodded at Kim Su-hyeok's question and answered.
"Yeah, considering who my dueling opponent is."
"Who is your dueling opponent?"
"You will know if you see later."
At my answer, I felt sharp glares from the surroundings once again.
Was everyone curious about my dueling opponent?
'Well, I would be curious too.'
Wondering just what kind of player it could be for someone of my rank to stand on the sparring arena third.
I slowly turned my head toward those sharp glares.
'They are definitely all guys I know.'
I did not know their faces exactly, but the names on their name tags were familiar.
Even if they were not the main characters, they were all names that had appeared in the novel at least once.
Since they were the kids decorating the first day, the room was filled with at least minor characters.
It was in that moment, as I was turning my gaze.
'…Oops.'
My eyes met those of Ryu Jin-oh, who was sending a fierce look toward me.
"……."
"……."
Ryu Jin-oh glared at me without saying a single word.
Normally, he would not have taken much interest, acting as if I were trivial, but today was different.
Even after several seconds, then dozens of seconds passed, Ryu Jin-oh did not look away from me.
'…Even so, I do not want to be the one to look away first.'
I do not know why he keeps looking at me, but I do not want to lower my gaze first.
To lower one's gaze first against Ryu Jin-oh's stare, which is made entirely of self-esteem, is no different from admitting defeat.
Thinking of the future, bowing down here is something that cannot happen.
It was just as Ryu Jin-oh and I continued our unplanned staring contest for several minutes.
Now! From this moment on, we will begin the Year 1 midterm practical exam, the duels!!
Whoaaa!!!
The host's voice and the cheers of the audience could be heard from outside.
At that sound, Ryu Jin-oh and I looked away at the same time.
My eyes were starting to hurt anyway, so it was good timing.
As soon as we both looked away, Kim Su-hyeok spoke to Ryu Jin-oh and me.
"Since I am first, I will head out now. Jin-oh and Yu-seong, you work hard too!"
"Sure."
I was the only one who answered, but Kim Su-hyeok left the waiting room as if it did not matter.
Not long after Kim Su-hyeok left, the host's voice was heard again.
The first turn will be a duel between Glory Year 1, 1st place, Cadet Kim Su-hyeok, and the Academy Swordsmanship Instructor!
At those words, I snorted involuntarily.
As I thought, no matter how much I considered it, this was more fitting for a festival than an exam.
'Whatever it is, it does not matter.'
Whether it is a festival or an exam, what does it matter?
As long as I do well, that is enough.
With that thought, I watched Kim Su-hyeok stepping onto the sparring arena through the screen in the waiting room.
I could sense Kim Su-hyeok looking a bit nervous, and the Swordsmanship Instructor standing on the opposite side.
'It is starting now.'
Soon after, at the sound of the duel's commencement, the two immediately rushed toward each other.
The practical exam of Glory's first midterm.
Its beginning had finally been announced.