Exam Period # 1
Exam Period # 1
So, the training camp wrapped up. We took one day off, crushed the final training exercise, then got on the bus back.
A lot of shit went down, but I'd say it was a damn rewarding camp. My skills definitely improved. I feel way more confident now, in all kinds of ways.
Haven't I basically joined the ranks of the true elites?
"Alright, good news. Normal classes resume tomorrow."
"Wait, Instructor?"
What did she just say?
"Normal classes? Didn't a dungeon gate show up at the school?"
No way. Did our ultra-competent Hero seniors just smash the whole dungeon to pieces?
Isn't that a little too competent?
"I was just about to get to that. Let's see. While you were all training, the Heroes and soldiers conducted an exploration of the dungeon in question. And apparently, it's a rather unusual dungeon."
An unusual dungeon?
"They can't seem to estimate its size. Ordinarily, dungeons have a limited size, but this one is still under exploration."
Normal dungeons aren't that big. Even if the field stretches on, eventually, the ground just cuts off like some flat-Earth theory. From that point, a kind of dimensional barrier blocks you, so you can't go any further.
"Anyway, even if there are monsters inside, they've secured the area near the entrance. They've set up a military base there."
"Ohhh."
"Therefore, since safety has been secured, we will proceed with normal classes. Leaving Ares Academy idle would be an enormous loss. A national loss. A really huge one, at that."
Well, she's got a point.
Heroes are the most critical military asset, after all.
"The Chairwoman said we needn't worry, as soldiers and Heroes are permanently stationed inside the dungeon. So, normal classes it is."
At that, the classmates on the bus nodded. If the Chairwoman said we needn't worry, then it's probably fine.
"Well, with a dungeon right in front of the school, they apparently have plans for special classes, so look forward to that. Now then, everyone sit down. We're departing. The training camp isn't over until you get back."
Instructor Lee So-ra sat down, and the bus immediately set off.
"Ohhh... a dungeon field trip. Hey, Ryu. You ever been in a dungeon?"
"Of course I have. A dungeon is nothing special."
"For real? What was it like? Do a bunch of freaky-ass monsters show up?"
"They're all the same. It's just the background that's different. Honestly."
Ryu answered indifferently. He didn't seem too interested in dungeons.
"Whoa, wait. So you were training in places like that even before you got into school?"
"What do you take the Ryuseong Family for? That much is only natural. A future Hero like myself getting early field experience is nothing special."
"Man, that's still wild to me. So you've seen some action inside a dungeon too?"
"What? Action?"
"Yeah. With your skills, you'd dominate even in a dungeon, right? Didn't you just smash everything up?"
"Th-That's... of course I did!"
"Knew it! Ryu, you're the real deal!"
"Stop pestering me now!"
—Hmph!
Ryu immediately turned his head toward the window.
Anyway, a dungeon, huh. That place is literally a different world. We learned that dungeons are spaces connected to fragments of other dimensions. Just thinking about it being another world makes my heart race with excitement.
Maybe there's a planet where monsters live, and a dungeon is like a passageway connected to that planet because of an unstable dimension.
I'm looking forward to those special classes.
"Yawn."
Guess I'll catch some shut-eye too.
* * *
We went back to Leona's hotel and packed our bags.
"Leona. I really owe you big time."
"Oh, please. I was just lending a hand to Kim Geun-cheol, future man of service. Anyway, Geun-cheol? Did you gain a thing or two from this training camp?"
"Heh heh heh, of course I did."
A whole lot, in fact.
"I'll show you at school. The form of a true master, that is me."
"Fufufu, I'll look forward to it. Let's go, then."
"Yeah. Si-hoo! Let's roll!"
"Okay!"
And like that, we took Leona's car and returned to school. With the normal class order issued, the dorms were already open. After saying goodbye to Leona, I headed back to my dearly missed dorm room.
"Ahh, now this is my cozy, beloved home."
Coming back to the dorm after a long time really hits different. It feels like it's been ages since I had a space all to myself. Yeah. This right here is my home.
—Pssht.
I immediately cracked open a can of cola and drank. The cola Ryu gave me was still overflowing, after all.
"Ah, but..."
They said normal classes start tomorrow, but I'm kinda uneasy about it. I heard the Disciplinary Committee was convening as soon as we got to school.
I really hope I dodge a heavy punishment.
But then, what can you do?
The rules are the rules.
Let's just accept it.
* * *
The next day.
"Then we shall commence the Disciplinary Committee."
The Disciplinary Committee convened the moment we got to school.
"Kim Geun-cheol. And Mun Min. These two fought at the training camp. The cause originated from Mun Min insulting Kim Geun-cheol, but Kim Geun-cheol assaulted Mun Min beyond an appropriate degree. While retaliation for an insult is not a crime per se, and is a common occurrence, assaulting an opponent who has been neutralized is judged to have been excessive. As such,"
Judged to have been, what?
"Mun Min, who provided the cause, is sentenced to 10 hours of school volunteer service. And to Kim Geun-cheol, who used excessive force, a sentence of 100 hours of school volunteer service will be handed down."
Wh-What?
100 hours?
"This sentence takes into account that Mun Min and Kim Geun-cheol have amicably reconciled, so please be careful when attacking a neutralized opponent in the future. That is all."
"Yes. Understood. Thank you."
I immediately bowed and showed my gratitude.
"If there is no applicable volunteer work available on campus, external volunteer activities will also be recognized. Now then, Instructor Lee So-ra? I'll leave the guidance to you."
"Understood."
100 hours is a shit-ton, sure, but it's no big deal if they recognize external volunteer work. I can just go volunteer hard with Leona.
I bet Leona is gonna absolutely love this.
"100 hours of volunteer work... you're screwed. Kim Geun-cheol."
"Ha, seriously. It's all your fault, man."
"So who told you to beat me up that bad? Be grateful we made up."
"Mun Min, you little shit, you're so damn annoying!"
"You're more annoying!"
Ah, to hell with this!
Anyway, even if I do 5 hours every single Saturday, I'll have to do it 20 times. That means I'll be busting my ass in volunteer work without a break for two or three months, huh? I'm getting the feeling this is a bigger punishment than I thought.
"Geun-cheol. If you fail to complete the volunteer hours, you could be held back a year, so make sure you finish and submit them within this semester."
"Understood. I'll do it properly and submit it."
"See that you do."
And with that, I went back to the classroom with Mun Min.
Was it break time already?
My friends came right over.
"So, Geun-cheol? What was your sentence?"
"Don't freak out when you hear this. They told me to clock 100 hours of volunteer service within this semester."
"What?! 100 hours?!"
"Yeah."
"That's wonderful! Kyaaa!"
I knew it.
She's over the moon about this.
"From now on, you'll be going to volunteer without a minute to rest! That's right! Attacking a neutralized opponent—who isn't even a villain—should be done with moderation! Let's soothe your mind and body through the beauty of volunteer work!"
"Thanks, Leona. But you'll come with me, right?"
"How could I possibly resist? Of course I will."
Truly an angel!
"Then let's start this weekend. What will you do, Lee Si-hoo?"
"U-Uhm? I'll go every once in a while. If I go every day, I'll be exhausted..."
"That's a shame."
Leona, arms crossed, sighed with a hint of disappointment.
"Hey, Si-hoo. You're gonna bail on me here?"
"Geun-cheol. Let me have some break time and training time, will you."
"You traitor! You're a total traitor!"
"Quiet, you Thigh-Slurping Geun-cheol!"
"H-Hurk!"
Wh-What kind of insane nickname is that!
I refuse to accept it!
—Ding-dong-ding.
While we were at it, the bell for class rang. Man. Come to think of it, it's been forever since I actually sat in a classroom for a lesson.
I sat right down, and Instructor Maikes walked in.
"Long time no see. Did you enjoy the training camp?"
So it's a theory class today.
—Flip.
I immediately pulled out my notebook and got ready to take notes.
* * *
"Yo. Geun-cheol. Let's go."
"Yeah. Okay."
As soon as school ended, Yu-ri came to pick me up.
Starting again today.
Woo Yu-ri's Swordsmanship Classroom.
Somehow, thinking about heading to a classroom after school makes me think of Kim Choong-won's Murder Classroom. Back in the day, I used to fire up Starcraft the moment school was over.
But what I'm learning now is... well, not so different from Murder Classroom, I guess. Since swordsmanship is that kind of thing.
"From what I saw, looks like you built up your fundamentals at the camp. Starting today, I'll watch you while we spar. Didn't you say you got better after fighting Mun Min? Let's start by seeing how much."
"Heh heh heh. Hey. Don't cry when you see it."
"Cry, my ass. You crazy bastard."
"Wouldn't tears come streaming down when you witness my overwhelming talent?"
"Yeah. Stop talking shit."
The instant we arrived at the training ground, I pointed my sword and took my stance. Yeah. My swordsmanship has definitely improved. Yu-ri should be able to see it.
"Come at me first."
"Wait, Yu-ri? You sure you're okay with that? Letting me have the first move?"
"You little punk. Keep squawking and you'll end up dead for real, so just come at me. If you fool around during training, I won't forgive you. Come at me fast before you die."
"Sorry! Sorry! Here I come! Hahp!"
—Boom!
Shouting a battle cry, I kicked off with a stamping step and launched my body forward. Maybe it's because I practiced using mana so much at the training camp. The sensation of releasing mana and blasting my body forward felt so natural.
"Oh. Your mana handling seems to have gotten noticeably better."
Aiming at Yu-ri, who was complimenting me.
—Swoosh!
I thrust my sword!
—Clang!
Naturally, there's no way it would land. Yu-ri skillfully deflected my blade and spoke.
"If you've grabbed the offensive initiative with a preemptive strike, actively use it. The one who keeps attacking has the advantage."
"Got it!"
—Whoosh!
—Clang!
Just like Yu-ri said, I pressed an aggressive offensive, swinging my sword and forcing clashes of strength. Yu-ri only stepped back and defended, not launching any particular counterattack.
She's adjusting to my level for now.
"At times like this, strike the opponent with your knee. Or just stomp down hard on their foot. You've got more you can use besides your sword, so always keep it in mind. It'll work on monsterkin or villains."
"Right!"
"Hmm, well. Not bad. Let's stop here."
"Okay."
—Phew.
Only then did I relax my stance.
Is it because I was attacking too hard? I'm out of breath.
"Yu-ri. How was it?"
"Hey."
"Hm?"
"Have you ever learned swordsmanship before?"
Me?
"Never have."
"Huh? For real?"
"Why would I lie about that? But what's up? Was I that good?"
"No, I'm pretty sure you didn't have this feel before you left for the training camp. It's clumsy, but it feels like you've got a handle on the basics somehow... Didn't you do any specific swordsmanship training at camp?"
"Ah, that."
There's a reason.
"When I was fighting Mun Min, I saw the swordsmanship he was using and thought about it, you know? I think that's why. It's like... I absorbed it a little."
"What kind of crazy bullshit is that? You can do that just by watching?"
"I could."
"Stop screwing around and—no, wait. If that's actually true... is this bastard a real combat genius?"
Seems that way to me.
"Let's go again. You might actually have more talent for swordsmanship than I thought. This is gonna be fun to teach."
"Oh my! If our dear Instructor Yu-ri says so, then it must be so!"
Hearing that from an expert like Yu-ri makes my confidence explode!
"Praise makes even whales dance! Then I'm coming again! Instructor!"
"Pfft... seriously, stop screwing around, you little punk. Come at me again."
Like that, I continued my spar with Yu-ri.