Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Midterm Evaluation (1)
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Midterm evaluation.
In a regular school, a midterm evaluation means exams to assess the knowledge students have accumulated so far.
At Arena Academy, however, it refers to a period for evaluating how much students' abilities have grown.
Of course, unlike major annual events like Duel Season—where rankings are determined and classes reshuffled—nothing of the sort happens here.
It literally means there's no penalty, even if you intentionally drop out the moment the evaluation begins.
That said, no student takes it lightly.
After all, it's still an official evaluation.
Just like during the entrance exam, instructors monitor everything and record the results in your student file.
Unless you're planning to quit being a hero, you'll give it your all to impress the top guilds.
"It's been a while since we've been in the auditorium."
"Yeah, first time since the entrance exam—five months now?"
"It was freezing back then, but it's scorching hot today."
"That's Korean weather for you."
Under the guidance of their class instructors, students from Classes A, B, and C filed into the auditorium one by one.
It seemed like they were planning another mass teleport from the principal, just like at the entrance ceremony.
But contrary to my expectations...
"Is everyone here?"
The floor of the podium split open—not from thin air, but from below—and the person who emerged wasn't the principal.
"Huh? That's not the principal."
"Yeah, who is it? Another instructor?"
"...Whoa, she's stunning."
The students began buzzing as a woman appeared on the podium in the principal's stead.
And as one student put it, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
Red bob hair falling to her shoulders, crimson eyes.
An alluring beauty that could make anyone—man or woman—do a double-take.
A toned figure that suited her white dress shirt and black suit pants perfectly.
With an elegant, refined air like a chaebol heiress, most students in Classes B and C stared up at her in a daze.
Class A, on the other hand—used to beauties like Lee Seo-yeon and Shuhei Asuka, the top stunners in the region—barely reacted.
"Hmm... She's pretty, sure, but is it really worth all the fuss?"
"Hey, we're just desensitized to Seo-yeon and Asuka's looks. If we weren't, we'd be the same."
"...Isn't that a bad thing? Means our standards are sky-high."
Unlike the kids in B and C, we felt no particular thrill.
I smirked at my classmates' reactions and glanced up at the woman on the podium.
The woman who had appeared in the principal's place.
Her identity? None other than Vice Principal Sung Yu-ri.
The reason students didn't recognize her was twofold.
First, the academy intranet listed only "Sung Yu-ri / Vice Principal" with no photo.
Second, she spent most days holed up in her office, lab, or personal workshop.
'The vice principal showing up instead of the principal... Looks like it's Korea's turn for Transcender duty.'
Otherwise, she'd never tear herself away from her workload to be here.
And what was Transcender duty?
Closing the ultra-high-danger rifts among Earth's countless cracks—ones even top-tier heroes struggle with.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
"Class instructors, report headcounts."
The class instructors began reporting one after another at the vice principal's command.
"Class A: Total 100, present 100—all accounted for."
"Class B: Total 97, present 97—all accounted for."
"Class C: Total 93, 3 absent, present 90—all accounted for."
...Already ten dropouts?
And it's only midway through the first semester?
As if agreeing with my thoughts, the vice principal frowned after hearing the reports.
"We're barely midway through the first semester, and already ten dropouts."
She fixed her cold gaze on the B and C instructors and continued.
"This casts serious doubt on the guidance from those two instructors."
"W-We apologize!"
The B and C instructors snapped to attention and apologized in unison.
The vice principal let out a short sigh at their display, then turned to Kang Cheol-su with a pleased smile—as if her frown had never existed.
"As expected of Instructor Kang Cheol-su. Unlike these two, you never disappoint."
The B and C instructors' heads drooped lower at her words.
Kang Cheol-su scratched his forehead scar awkwardly.
But ignoring that, the vice principal kept heaping praise on him.
Each time, the two instructors' faces flushed deeper with shame.
And the students from their classes began glaring at us with open hostility.
I sighed under those venomous stares and looked back at the vice principal.
"Continue setting an example for the other instructors."
As she said it, her eyes flicked briefly toward the two instructors.
She then shifted her gaze from Kang Cheol-su, surveying the B and C students with a curt nod.
'...She did that on purpose.'
Praise Kang Cheol-su to bruise the other instructors' egos.
In turn, fire up their students against us Class A.
'Even if our class has the edge, was that necessary?'
As far as I could tell, that was her only reason.
To keep B and C from cowering before A.
And to push their skills beyond their limits.
'...Typical Arena Academy vice principal.'
Loves talent, just like the chairman.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Before we begin the midterm evaluation, allow me to relay the guidelines."
The vice principal had no sooner spoken than my smart watch chimed with an alarm.
"Everyone, check your smart watches."
I raised my wrist with the smart watch.
[Midterm Evaluation Guidelines] □ No killing. □ No external food. □ No external items. - Academy-produced items and standard supplies are permitted. ■ Violate any rule: immediate disqualification.
Hmm... Academy-produced items and supplies are fair game.
'Means most of my gear is good to go.'
Of course, Thunderbolt and my custom rifle from the points shop are out.
But my new firearms, special rounds, explosives, and gadgets are all academy-made.
'Figured we'd be stuck with training weapons and rubber bullets like in drills.'
Guess midterm evals come with lenient rules.
"Everyone confirmed?"
"Yes!"
The vice principal nodded at our response and snapped her fingers.
The floor to our right surged upward to waist height, split open, and revealed the metal bracelets from the entrance exam—aka "HP" bracelets—and a scroll each.
"Everyone, put on your bracelets."
The students slipped them on without hesitation.
Just to be safe, I appraised mine and the scroll with the system.
'Looks good.'
Only once confirmed safe did I clasp the bracelet on my wrist.
Beep.
HP: ■■■■■■■■■■
The "HP" bar appeared on the bracelet's surface.
Students gazed down at them with a mix of nostalgia and excitement.
But only for a moment.
"All bracelets on?"
"Yes!"
"Now, tear your scrolls."
At her words, we all shifted focus to the scrolls.
And ripped them vigorously.
Rip, tear! Tear!
Sounds of tearing echoed everywhere.
Teleportation magic circles bloomed under our feet from the scrolls' effects.
Moments later...
The circles activated, bright light pouring out.
"Do your utmost to survive."
And with the vice principal's final words...
Flash.
The scenery shifted.
From the auditorium to the uninhabited island.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
⚙ Arena Academy 1st Year Midterm Evaluation ⚙
The theme is 'Survival'. Survive for a total of '5 days' using the power, skills, and knowledge you've built up. - Lose all 'HP' on bracelet: evaluation ends, return to auditorium. - To forfeit: press smart watch forfeit button. Remaining HP vanishes, return to auditorium. Tip: Supplies airdrop once per day. Location random. - Near supplies? Smart watch alarms. Tip 2: Supplies hidden across island. Tip 3: Island monsters are 'edible'.
"Supplies airdrop, huh..."
Midterms change every round—always keeps things fresh.
I lowered my smart watch arm and scanned my surroundings.
Unfortunately, not the forest this time—a beach.
"Beach means slim pickings on items..."
And the few beach items are useless at my level anyway.
No, items from every region are pointless for me now.
The only useful ones are stealth gear from the forest or observation tools from the central area.
"Wait... Among observation items, isn't there 'Clairvoyance'?"
I grinned at the item name and effect that popped into mind.
Because the uninhabited island exclusive 'Clairvoyance' lets you...
"Observe every region?"
"Difficulty just dropped from easy to super easy."
"No way I can hold back."
Heading out now.
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