The Last Bead -1-
The final day of the practical exam, 8 a.m.
I replenished my nutrients with supplements and glucose candies, loosening up my muscles.
After rotating my ankles to stretch them out, I clenched and unclenched my fists to check my condition.
Yeah, this should be fine.
The back of my hand, torn by the axe yesterday, had been healed by Instructor Marcel.
Even though the treatment was done quickly right after the exam, it was amazing that not even the foreign sensation of the blade digging in remained.
I could only marvel at the academy's wealth in freely using potions on cadets like that and Instructor Marcel's exceptional healing skills.
"Rohan."
Turning my head, I saw Ichinose.
We'd caught glimpses of each other during the exam while keeping our distance, but we'd been too focused to talk properly.
This soft atmosphere felt like it had been ages, and I found myself smiling faintly without realizing it.
"How's the exam going?"
"One left. Same for Noah."
"Figured as much. Same here."
From my perspective, there was no reason to be surprised. I'd expected it from the start.
Those two were more than capable of pulling it off.
"Did you see the Orion Circle yesterday?"
"Why?"
"It was total chaos. It was all about you."
"No wonder I felt so many eyes on me. Guess it wasn't my imagination."
I'd forgotten about the community app yesterday since I wasn't in the mood to check for info.
I'd been too busy training at Sion's mansion and planning things out.
"We'll talk details later. After today's exam... we're eating with those two, right?"
"Ooh, how'd you know?"
"We've been texting nonstop."
Lately, Sion and Clara had gotten really close with Ichinose. They'd warmed up to Noah too since she came over to the mansion, but they were especially tight with Ichinose.
They never ran out of things to chat about. I had no idea what they talked about, but the three of them messaged constantly.
From my standpoint, it was just great.
These relationships hadn't existed before and were beyond anything I'd imagined. Watching from the sidelines was fun enough.
"As you can see, I owe those two big time. Least I can do is buy a nice meal."
"Hmm."
"You're coming too, right? With Noah."
"Well... if you say it's okay..."
Watching Baby Yui fidget with her sword, I lifted the corner of my mouth higher.
"'Okay' sounds too formal, doesn't it? Just come casual."
"Yeah...! I will! Thanks..."
Her response came off oddly lovable and coquettish.
Maybe because of the teasing distance we'd kept during the exam, but today it felt especially stimulating.
It reminded me of the feelings I'd had looking at Sion and Clara after returning from the dungeon.
My gaze traveled from the eyes of the girl with them closed, naturally drifting to her lips.
"... ."
Ichinose noticed where my eyes were headed and held her breath.
Recalling our kiss in the dungeon, heat rushed to her face.
A heavy tension weighed on the girl's heart.
— Orion Academy practical exam, Day 3, commencing.
The broadcast sound saved Ichinose's heart.
Baby Yui took the chance to breathe deeply, riding the wave of the mood-breaking announcement.
I double-checked my weapons and spoke up.
"We're headed the same way anyway. Wanna go together?"
"I'd love to, but... I want to focus even more while there's time."
With her mind melting like this, she couldn't challenge Juyeon. She needed to sharpen herself to the max.
I nodded at her desire to meditate somewhere quiet, then turned to look for Noah.
Still the same.
The tiger girl was sprawled on the grass, sleeping soundly. Cadets bustled around her, but she slept like a rock.
Piles of food wrappers beside her suggested she was aiming for peak condition by eating and sleeping to her heart's content.
Ichinose and Noah were prepping in their own ways.
I felt proud knowing they understood that impatience wouldn't help at all.
"You know if I get the bead first, it's over, right?"
"I'll accept the results. But it won't take long to prep. And... Noah and I already challenged Instructor Juyeon yesterday."
No need to ask the outcome.
Their repeated preparations were answer enough.
..
..
Juyeon was bored.
The cadets had swarmed only on the first day of the exam.
The second day had been quiet.
A few came by occasionally, but the results were always the same.
They left utterly convinced it was impossible and turned to other exams.
And on the final day.
Juyeon had a feeling it wouldn't be boring today.
That hunch proved right as a cadet approached.
Class 1's problem child is here.
Sitting in her chair, Juyeon closed her book with a satisfied smile.
She'd been certain Rohan would come.
"Instructor."
"So, any progress?"
"Got all but one."
"Ho..."
Knowing how picky the exam instructors were, Juyeon was genuinely impressed.
"Thanks to your teachings, Instructor."
"It's your own hard work. Be proud."
In truth, Juyeon didn't see it as her own power.
The training time was barely a semester at most. She'd just pushed hard.
Still.
Hearing a cadet say that felt good as an instructor.
Seeing him push on without complaint despite coming from far away was admirable.
"Rohan. Enough chit-chat. You're here for the exam, right?"
Juyeon flicked the red bead at her waist with her finger.
I nodded and set my bag down.
Scorching Blade and Weakness Infliction were all I needed on me.
Confirming me step forward, Juyeon continued her explanation.
"I don't have skills like Instructor Marcel or Instructor Palkenhain. Killing monsters is my only specialty."
"..."
"That's why I think a method like Instructor Carrot or Instructor Ed's suits me best. Never even considered anything else."
Just listening made my breath catch.
I'd thought up and prepped a lot, but nothing connected with certainty against Juyeon.
Gotta scrap some.
Time was limited, and so were my mana and stamina.
Select and focus. Cross out anything that seemed like a waste.
"Don't worry, though. Even with mana limits, letting cadets go all-out freely was deemed too much. I agree."
"..."
Juyeon clasped her hands behind her back with her left and extended her right, showing her index finger.
"This is my only attack method—and my sword. I won't use my legs for anything but moving."
Explanation over.
Words left Juyeon's mouth: Try taking the bead now. The exam began.
My eyes locked on the bead.
It hung from a single thread, yet looked impossibly sturdy.
"Huuuuh..."
I exhaled long and, as always, pressed the hidden trigger device.
Silence. No matter how many times, no activation.
Only one answer.
It's broken.
Hiding my dismay, I drew Scorching Blade.
Juyeon smirked as if saying go ahead, try more.
*****
— This is my only attack method—and my sword. I won't use my legs for anything but moving.
Sion and Clara checked the exam details.
"Sion sis... I'll move positions."
Clara knew sniper rifles well enough, with the savvy to seize opportunities.
Not on Sion's level, but a proper sniper with professional training.
"Be careful. Radio if even something minor goes wrong."
"Yes!"
Clara grabbed her gear case and headed to another building.
Her movements between structures were light and silent.
Confirming Clara settled safely, Sion picked up her sniper rifle.
She scoped Rohan's face once—enough to make her heart flutter—then looked away.
Using the binoculars around her neck, she scanned the surroundings again.
Mapping useful objects and buildings.
Rohan. This one's gonna cost you big.
Hadn't he said he'd grant her anything she wanted?
A man who knew the weight of words wouldn't stop at one date.
"Hehehe..."
Sion swallowed hard at the ensuing naughty fantasies.
Her motivation for the job surged. She wiped the drool threatening her lips and gripped the rifle again.
Calming her excitement with steady breaths.
She aimed at Juyeon through the scope.
"!?"
The instant she did, Juyeon glanced her way.
Sion's instinct kicked in.
...Busted.
A chill brought cold sweat.
Caught before even firing. Despite the distant range outside the academy, just watching had given her away.
She'd thought that male instructor yesterday was quick to notice.
Juyeon was on another level entirely.
Her trigger finger stiffened, refusing to pull.