Chapter 927
Chapter 927
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 927
Chapter Title: Academy's Savior
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The class war was finally underway.
Along with my classmates, every first-year student from Class 1 stepped into the massive artificial dungeon that served as the stage for our conflict.
A vibrant blue sky, a blazing sun, lush forests, jagged mountains, shimmering lakes, and wide-open plains—the students let out collective gasps of awe at the sheer scale of the recreation. It was perfect. I was impressed myself, but then again, this was a world born from fiction. In a place like this, anything was possible.
"Don't stand there gaping like country bumpkins. Get your heads in the game," I barked.
Every eye in Class 1 snapped toward me, their expressions instantly sharpening. They knew the score; this wasn't a field trip, it was a battlefield.
I scanned the group. No one dared to ignore my command. My biggest concern had been potential defiance from Choi Da-yeon—I’d played the original game enough to know she was prone to unpredictable stunts. Fortunately, she was focused. No signs of an outburst yet.
"Moka."
I summoned my spirit, the thunder owl Moka.
"Kkuuuk!"
Moka materialized in midair, its white wings beating against the artificial breeze before it shot into the sky at my silent command. Simultaneously, I activated Spirit Eye (S). My pupils flared gold as my vision synced with the owl's.
'If I layer Heavenly Eye on top of this, it should create a combined link.'
I’d tested the theory before we entered. Moka's vision sharpened significantly, allowing me to see across vast distances and even peer through solid obstacles.
"I’ve located Class 4. They’re at the far end of the lake."
A fresh wave of admiration rippled through the class.
"Ooh... As expected of the Class Rep."
"We knew he was good, but that scouting range is insane."
"It’s like having a private tactical satellite. Victory is already ours."
A satellite. That wasn't a bad analogy. If I pushed Moka higher, it could certainly function as one. And with Heavenly Eye's X-ray capabilities, it was arguably even more effective.
"I’ve marked the monsters' positions as well. Most are concentrated in the mountains, but there's a group heading toward the forest right next to us. Class 4 is currently making a move for the mountain range."
Disrupting Class 4 was my responsibility. The rest of the class needed to focus on the hunt without getting bogged down in a premature skirmish.
"Choi Da-yeon. You’re in charge of the main force. You can handle the lead, right?"
"Who do you think you're talking to? That's child's play. Honestly, I'd rather go mess with Class 4 with you. That sounds like a lot more fun."
"Hunting is where you shine. I’m counting on you."
"...Fine. Whatever. Hunting is my specialty, after all."
Da-yeon nocked a traditional arrow and checked the tension of her bow. With the wide-open terrain and an abundance of monsters, this environment was tailor-made for her skills.
I caught Kim Cheon-woo's eye and signaled him over. Originally, I’d planned to disrupt Class 4 solo, but the backlash from the girls in class had been loud enough that I had to bring a partner.
"Just follow the plan to the letter. Do that, and we win."
The operation was officially a go.
I glanced up at the ceiling of the artificial sky. I knew the supervising teachers were watching from the outside, and academy staff members were likely embedded within the dungeon as a safety precaution. I didn't know the exact count, but I knew one thing for certain: there was an assassin among them.
"Yu-jin... are you sure just the two of us can disrupt Class 4? They aren't exactly pushovers," Cheon-woo asked as we moved.
"They look like pushovers to me, so yeah, I'm sure."
"......"
Kim Cheon-woo gave me a look that said I was being ridiculous, but he didn't slow his pace.
We soon had Class 4 in our sights—visible now with my own eyes, not just Moka's. They were nearing the base of the mountains, and Ryu Ha-na was playing her part perfectly, exactly as we had discussed.
"There they are. Let's start with a warm greeting to get them rattled."
"Wait, Yu-jin, hold—!"
Too late.
I had already called down the lightning.
Kurrrung-kwang!
A deafening roar of thunder echoed as jagged blue bolts slammed into the earth. It was a coordinated strike with Moka. Three successive strikes later, and four members of Class 4 were already 'retired.' They lay motionless on the ground.
I looked down at the black garments I was wearing.
Barrier Clothes.
Specially enchanted gear designed specifically for the artificial dungeon. They acted as a safety net, preventing lethal damage unless the barrier was forcibly nullified or the clothes were removed.
"...Yu-jin, this isn't good. We took four out, but now they know we're here. They've already activated magic defenses, so lightning won't work again. Class 4 is going to cluster up and come for us."
That was exactly the point.
By forcing them to huddle in a defensive formation, they would be much safer from a potential assassination attempt. This had been Ryu Ha-na's strategy all along.
"We’ve effectively paralyzed them," I explained. "They're too paranoid about another raid to move freely now."
"...Ah! I see. You never intended to fight the whole class head-on! That makes sense. Disruption doesn't always mean a direct confrontation," Cheon-woo said, his voice filled with newfound admiration.
I was about to accept the compliment when a barrage of projectiles flew our way from the Class 4 encampment.
I ducked behind a massive tree. Kim Cheon-woo, a split second behind, swung his sword to intercept an incoming orb of water. It detonated on impact, the resulting shockwave sending him tumbling across the dirt and splintering several nearby trees.
"Urgh... I underestimated it just because it was water."
"Heads up, here comes the rest," I said calmly.
Cheon-woo scrambled up and threw himself into a roll as more orbs followed.
Pung! Peong! Peong! Peong!
Water orbs exploded with the force of grenades. Trees were uprooted and crashed to the forest floor as the ground groaned under the pressure.
In the middle of the chaos, I remained perfectly calm, tracking the movements through Moka's eyes.
"Kim Cheon-woo! Class 4 is moving! It looks like they’ve decided to eliminate us before they start the hunt."
"The entire class?"
"Yep."
"......What’s the move?"
Cheon-woo looked stressed, clearly thinking the situation had spiraled out of control. Technically, I was to blame for attacking without consulting him, but he wasn't the type to point fingers. He really was a gullible pushover.
"Split up. You go left, I'll go right. Don't worry about regrouping—just focus on harassing them as much as possible on your own."
"Got it. That might actually be more effective."
Cheon-woo took off to the left. So far, everything was unfolding according to plan.
Class 4's formation shifted in response. Ryu Ha-na broke off to pursue me, while the rest of the class turned their attention to Kim Cheon-woo.
I ran for a few minutes before coming to a deliberate halt. Ryu Ha-na, radiating a convincing aura of murderous intent, stopped a short distance away.
"This is as far as you go."
She drew her twin swords in a fluid motion. It was all a performance for the observers outside. If anyone suspected we were working together, we’d be branded as traitors, making our remaining years at the academy a nightmare.
'Besides, to draw out the assassin, it's better if we look exhausted.'
I opted for a javelin instead of my sword.
"As far as I go? We'll see about that."
I hurled the spear at her. She deflected it effortlessly and closed the distance. She was playing her role with total commitment—even now, she was genuinely trying to test my limits.
I widened the gap and bolted again.
"...Running? Why?" she asked.
The plan was to fake a fight here, but I could sense the assassin was further away than I anticipated. If we started a high-intensity duel now, Ryu Ha-na would be drained before the real threat arrived.
I could probably handle the assassin on my own, but I had other plans. 'With so many hidden powers lurking in this academy, it’s better if I don't reveal my full hand yet.'
I continued to attack while retreating, calling down lightning and throwing javelins. Ha-na dodged and countered with relentless precision, never letting up the chase.
"Stand still...!" she yelled, a hint of genuine irritation coloring her voice. It was a new side to her, but understandable. She might be stoic, but she wasn't emotionless.
Shaaaeaeak!
One of her swords whistled through the air, aimed squarely at my back. It would have been easy to dodge, but I chose not to. I twisted just enough so the blade grazed my shoulder. The Barrier Clothes prevented it from cutting me, but the sheer kinetic force of the impact was immense.
"Urgh!"
"......!"
My groan of pain seemed to startle her, her momentum faltering for a split second. I used the opening to hurl another javelin, snapping her back into the fight.
She dodged, but her eyes were conflicted now. The raw killing intent from before had started to fade.
The chase eventually led us to a small clearing by the lake. My supply of javelins was spent, so I finally drew my blade.
"Tired yet?"
"...Maybe a little."
We charged. Our swords clashed, the sound of ringing steel echoing across the water. As we traded blows, I sent a telepathic message.
-The assassin is closing in.
Her eyes widened almost imperceptibly before she regained her composure.
-If you know who they are... we should call for help now.
Her telepathic reply was accompanied by heavy breathing; unlike me, she was genuinely fatigued. It was a logical suggestion—true to her character, she sought an honorable resolution rather than glory.
-The problem is we have no proof. And think about it—why would an assassin choose the artificial dungeon as their kill zone? They know outsiders can't interfere easily once the barriers are up.
-An assassin capable of bypassing the academy's security to that extent...
Her expression turned grim.
I swung my sword without another word, launching an upward slash. Knowing my physical strength, Ha-na crossed her blades to block. It was a feint. I parried her defense easily and followed up with a powerful side-kick to her forearm, sending her flying into the lake with a massive splash.
In that exact moment, a spear hissed out of the forest—one of my discarded javelins, aimed with lethal accuracy at Ha-na as she broke the surface of the water.
Not on my watch.
I intercepted the projectile mid-air, batting it aside. My arm went numb from the impact. Just as Ha-na had feared, this was no ordinary assassin.
"Who's there! Show yourself!" I shouted.
A figure dressed in the standard academy staff uniform stepped slowly into the clearing. He was using a high-level stealth skill to remain nearly invisible, but to my Spirit Eye and Heavenly Eye, he was as clear as day.
The assassin reached into his pocket and clicked a small switch.
Jijik, zzijik!
Our Barrier Clothes flickered and died, their protection nullified.
"Wh-what the hell...?"
I feigned a look of panic, fumbling with my jacket. The assassin drew closer, his eyes locked on Ryu Ha-na as she waded out of the lake. She could sense him thanks to her Sword Shrine Maiden (SS) trait, but she hadn't pinpointed his exact location yet.
Ha-na shifted into an aggressive stance. Seeing his window closing, the assassin lunged with a jagged dagger.
"Not so fast."
I stepped between them, my sword flared with a brilliant aura. A dull gray aura ignited on the assassin's dagger in response.
Kwang!
The impact sent the assassin recoiling. His physical specs were slightly superior to Ha-na's.
"So you two knew from the beginning?" the assassin asked, his low voice devoid of any real emotion.
"What gave it away?"
"Your composure. And your positioning—you were perfectly placed to guard her. I thought it was a coincidence at first... but clearly, I was wrong."
"Sharp as a tack, aren't you?"
Drenched and shivering, Ryu Ha-na moved to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me in a battle stance.
"How did you spot me?" the assassin pressed, his curiosity about my source of intel clearly outweighing his urge to attack.
"You honestly thought I wouldn't notice a tail?"
He stared into my golden eyes and clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"...The Spirit Eye's reputation is well-earned, it seems. Still, my stealth isn't so amateurish that it should be spotted by a mere student."
"I don't know where that confidence comes from, but you're a dead man walking. If I wanted, I could end this in ten seconds."
"......Fine. If you won't talk... then die."
The assassin's form blurred, splitting into two identical figures—a clone and the original. Naturally, the true body held the bulk of the power.
My eyes don't lie. The one on the right is the real deal.
I lunged for the figure on the right, leaving the clone to engage Ryu Ha-na.
I'll just stall him for a while before I finish this.
The assassin’s dagger whipped toward my throat. I didn't even need Moment; I simply tilted my head and counter-swung. I managed to slice his thigh, blood spraying across the grass, but the wound was shallow.
"......Tch."
The assassin became more guarded, clicking his tongue as he lowered his center of gravity. He feinted a frontal lunge before pivoting to my right with blistering footwork.
"Sung Yu-jin! Look out!" Ha-na shouted.
I used my sword to bat away the dagger thrown by the clone from behind. The real assassin smirked faintly, thrusting his blade directly toward my heart.