Chapter 6. Exam Preparation
Fruit-selling orcs, soliciting lizardmen, performing trolls, wealthy goblins, fairies hauling goods... All sorts of races had adapted to life here just to survive. The saying about not believing you'd get your nose slit while wide awake held true anywhere—especially here, where even a lowly goblin wasn't to be trifled with.
Eizel and Ji-hyuk stepped down from the carriage and began walking. The massive city gates were manned by countless inspectors, their job to weed out those of unclear identity. ...Of course, a discreet bribe usually did the trick, but it wasn't a small sum by any means.
Since the two had proper identification, they presented it and passed through the gates smoothly. The interior was less chaotic than outside, though by no means empty. The clamor was just a bit more subdued.
"Follow me."
Eizel strode ahead purposefully, navigating alleyways so twisting they seemed designed to swallow newcomers whole—like she owned the place. Occasionally, ragged children would swarm them in a pack, begging for food. The fairy would glare ferociously and threaten them to back off. A flash of the sword at her waist was enough to make them scatter. No one wanted to mess with an armed stranger and risk getting hurt.
"Watch out for kids like that. They'll rob you blind if you're not careful."
Eizel issued the warning and kept walking. After a long trek, they emerged onto a main thoroughfare teeming with nonstop carriage traffic. People deftly dodged the wagons as they crossed.
Soon, they arrived at Arhobent Academy, nestled in the eastern district of the capital. Its sheer scale was staggering—the continent's oldest and most prestigious hero academy. It was also the place where Eizel had spent decades, training countless heroes.
The fairy shot her disciple a smug glance, as if to say, Well, what do you think now that you've seen it yourself—?
"Impressive," Ji-hyuk said.
His response was underwhelming. This little shit... Can't even pretend to be amazed— Eizel shot him a dissatisfied look and moved on.
They approached the academy's main entrance slowly. The arched iron gate bore the name Arhobent in elegant, antique script. Two guards stood at the post, but they didn't recognize Eizel—likely new hires.
"Who might you be?"
The academy attracted all sorts of heavyweights, so visitors were often of high status. The guards' demeanor was impeccably polite; one wrong move could spell disaster.
"Fetch your captain, please."
"The captain, ma'am?"
"Yes."
The guard looked puzzled—who was this that warranted summoning the captain?—but orders were orders. Soon, a middle-aged man who appeared to be the captain emerged. He leaped in shock at the sight of her.
"Lady Eizel—!"
He rushed over and bowed deeply.
"What brings you here?"
"I have some business."
"Please, come in! What are you idiots doing—open the gate!"
"...Pardon?"
"Open the main gate—now!"
The main gate was rarely flung wide except for major events. And these two had no carriage. Ordering it open signaled the arrival of someone truly extraordinary. The guard, wondering just who the hell is this fairy?, complied fully.
Eizel, hands clasped behind her back, strolled through the yawning gates with her disciple in tow.
The academy erupted in chaos. Word spread like wildfire: a living legend of Arhobent Academy had returned. Training students poured out in droves to gawk, forcing instructors to shout themselves hoarse just to regain control.
Eizel acknowledged the commotion with a faint smile and a slight nod. Not much has changed here, either—
"Master—!"
Many of the instructors were her former disciples, beaming with joy at the reunion.
"Good to see you all well."
"How have you been, Master?"
"Same as always."
Exchanging light greetings, she entered the main building. Familiar faces greeted her nonstop. It wasn't until they reached the third floor that the hallway quieted down. Ji-hyuk, who had been following silently, finally spoke.
"You're really popular."
"I'm a famous fairy. I told you—the duke himself doesn't mess with me."
Eizel tilted her chin up proudly, as if to emphasize just how remarkable her master was. Fairies were known for their immense self-regard, and she took it to another level. ...How the hell did she end up working as a maid, anyway?
They soon reached the dean's office. A young woman who seemed to be his secretary asked their business.
"Tell him Eizel is here."
The secretary ducked inside to relay the message. Moments later, she emerged, bowing deeply and urging them to enter.
"Ji-hyuk, wait here a moment."
"Yes, Master."
The fairy left her disciple outside and stepped in. A wizened old man lit up at the sight of her, arms wide in welcome, his face beaming.
"...I thought my ears were playing tricks when I first heard."
"Your hearing's going in your old age, huh?"
"Don't rub it in that you don't age."
"Then become a fairy yourself, you old coot."
The two laughed and embraced warmly. Seeing her old friend stirred tender emotions in Eizel's chest.
"I figured you'd be sick of me by now..."
"Eizel, you have gotten old. You're even saying sentimental stuff like that now, huh?"
They chuckled. The dean offered her a seat and a steaming cup of tea.
"So, why are you here? Not just to see my ugly mug after that long trip. ...It's about that guy outside, right?"
"Spot on."
No need to hide it.
"Who is he?"
"My disciple."
"...Your disciple?!"
The dean was genuinely shocked. Three years ago, she'd declared she'd never train another soul and left. Given her ironclad word, it was hard to believe.
"Didn't you say you were done raising heroes?"
"...Things just kinda happened."
Eizel smiled enigmatically.
"This is really the last one. For real this time."
"Then why bring him here?"
"A recommendation letter."
The dean's expression turned serious.
"...You're serious."
"I've staked everything on him. ...Meeting him was fate."
"That big a deal?"
"My honor, my life—everything. He'll be the continent's greatest."
Her eyes burned with unshakeable conviction. ...Frankly, it was the kind of news that could turn the continent upside down. Eizel, the fairy known as the heroes' master, wagering her life on someone? How phenomenal must this talent be!
"An unprecedented genius. I doubt we'll see another like him."
Hoo— The dean wanted to meet him now. Just how exceptional was he to inspire such faith?
"Mind if I see him?"
"Go ahead."
Ding-a-ling—
The dean rang a bell. The secretary entered.
"Bring in the guest."
"Yes, Dean."
Ji-hyuk stepped inside. The dean sensed from his restrained aura alone that this was no ordinary man. Definitely the real deal— He glanced at his fairy friend, face asking where she'd found such a gem.
"Remember Elraim?"
"...Ah, that fairy."
"She told him to come see me. That's why he's here."
"Guess I owe her a gift next time, eh?"
The dean smiled kindly.
"What's your name, young man?"
"Kang Ji-hyuk."
"As a fellow human, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see such outstanding talent. A human, no less—!"
Eizel's face soured slightly.
"...You just shaded me, didn't you?"
"Shade? Me?"
The dean feigned innocence. ...He'd absolutely poked a little. How many times had Eizel sung the tune that humans lacked talent?
"Anyway, pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise, Dean. Master has told me so much about you."
"Really? ...Not all good, I hope?"
"...I won't deny it."
The two humans shared a laugh. The fairy pouted.
"So... you're here to register for the hero exam."
"And to scout teammates early."
The dean swallowed a comment about it being premature. If he was confident in acing the first round, lining up allies ahead made sense—it dodged competition. Normally, teams formed after round one, since no one could guarantee passage amid such fierce rivals.
"By the way, mind if we crash here until the exam's over?"
"Of course not."
"Oh, and tell the students not to bother me. It'll be a hassle. Got it?"
"...Easier said than done. You know that."
"Just make the announcement anyway."
"So many demands... Fine, fine, I'll do it."
As the fairy glared, the dean waved her off placatingly. Ji-hyuk and the dean's eyes met briefly.
— Tough job, huh.
— You too.
"Anyway, we'll head out. We're beat."
"You know where the guest quarters are. Use whatever you like."
"Got it. Don't worry about us—we'll manage. You've got enough on your plate."
"Make yourselves at home. Anything you need, just say the word."
Eizel and Ji-hyuk left the office. The secretary stood and bowed again. They exited the main building and headed to the guest lodgings, reserved for visiting dignitaries.
Eizel unpacked immediately and addressed Ji-hyuk.
"Great spot for training. But don't draw too much attention from the students. ...You'll get stares anyway—brace for it. And starting tomorrow, it'll be hectic. Lots to do."
"Understood."
"Get some rest."
"You too, Master."
They retired to their rooms. Ji-hyuk approached the window and gazed at the distant training grounds. The students looked like ants, sweating for hero status.
Been a while since I was here—
He hadn't returned since becoming a hero in his 14th loop—16 years by rough count. ...Everything felt both alien and familiar.
He pondered the hero exam. Round one was straightforward: a tournament to rank contestants. Simple, but crucial—the rankings determined pick order for round two.
Round two involved selecting a real hero mission. Missions varied wildly in difficulty, making order vital. Lower ranks meant tougher quests. Fail, and you're out—on to the next exam cycle.
That's why team-building mattered. ...And having solid backing helped immensely. Candidates from powerful families snagged top teammates easily.
It seemed unfair to Earthlings, but locals saw lineage as just another asset. Why not leverage what you had?
In that light, Ji-hyuk—with Eizel as his patron—was starting strong. Few from Arhobent Academy wielded her influence.
...Hope there's someone worth recruiting—
Whether they'd meet his standards remained to be seen.