Variable Tuesday
Tuesday morning classes were all theory. Monster ecology and demonology. After monster ecology ended and a short break passed, demonology class began. The specialist instructor, Lee Jin-ah, spoke.
"Humanity first became aware of demons' existence ten years after the Outbound Incident. The first person to make contact with a demon was, coincidentally, a woman named Lilith...."
Lee Jin-ah explained the definition and nature of demons, adding that they were born from human desires and fears.
"So, cadets aspiring to be heroes, you must also work on your mental discipline. The more vulnerable you are to desire, the easier it is to fall for a demon's temptation, and the more fear you feel, the stronger the demon becomes."
I already knew all this setup, so I couldn't focus. I spaced out listening to the explanation, and before I knew it, class was over.
"Good work listening. Enjoy your lunch, everyone."
Lee Jin-ah disappeared, and I yawned. Finally done. As I stretched lazily, the sliding door to the lecture hall opened, and a group entered.
"Hold up. Everyone, don't leave yet—pay attention here for a sec."
A good-looking male cadet and a cute female cadet stepped inside. What now? As I wondered, the male cadet smiled awkwardly.
"Hey, guys. We're from the Travel Circle here to promote. Got a minute?"
Speak of the devil. The academy had circles instead of clubs. Basically the same concept, just a different name, but new cadets were forced into one each for "emotional stability."
"Our Travel Circle explores countries around the world, learning their cultures, with regular trips once a month...."
Ah, I gotta join one too.... The thought hit me, and it felt grim. Considering points and hidden rewards, I needed more than three circles. How diligently did I have to live?
"......Hah."
I grumbled internally, and the explanation ended. Lunchtime now? The Travel Circle group left, and cadets poured out. I stood up too. Rushing wouldn't help anyway—the line would be long regardless.
As I started to step away—
"...Zzz."
A snore right in front of me.
"She's so consistent."
Impressive, really. I stared curiously at Go Su-young, sprawled out asleep. If only I could sleep without a care like that. It'd suit me perfectly.
...Jealous.
But lunch was calling—no leaving her like this. "Su-young."
"...Nng, sssnff."
Ugh, gross. As expected, drool pooling like the Han River. But her pretty face made it feel like a bonus.
"Hey, wake up. Class is over."
"...Huh?"
Go Su-young finally lifted her head, blinking. Her eyelashes were ridiculously long.
"Lunchtime."
"Ehhh... Already?"
Already? "Here, wipe... Never mind, take this."
I pulled tissues from my pocket—originally for Mo Ye-ji—and handed them over. Prepared for points, but used on someone unexpected.
"...Ah, thangs. Goma... woo...."
She wiped the desk first, then her mouth. Shouldn't it be the other way? Still half-asleep, probably.
"Anyway, I'm heading out."
"...Achuu!"
"......"
Sleepy and chilly, huh. That sneeze sound was hilarious. Achuu? Heh.
"Here, more."
"Uh... Ah, thangs... Achuu!"
I shoved a wad of tissues at her and headed to the cafeteria.
After lunch, afternoon classes started with dungeon practice. The lead instructor was Kang Il-nam, notoriously strict at the academy. Even in his seventies, he taught here diligently.
"Uh... Dungeon practice class is... as announced, form groups beforehand... create an environment as close to real combat as possible... uh, prioritizing safety...."
Of course, it was for his own goals, but outsiders saw him as admirable.
"Heard the lead instructor? Points are nice, but don't get greedy. Safety first. I'll be on standby for emergencies, but abandoning if it's too risky is smart. Got it?"
With sub-instructor Yang Han-na's words, team announcements began. Dungeon practice emphasized 3-person teams mimicking real scenarios, auto-assigned for balance by the academy's AI evaluation system.
My turn came soon. An unexpected result. Teaming with that Mo Ye-ji. Big win for points.
"...Huh."
Wait. Something clicked. Normally, Choi Ji-seong and Mo Ye-ji should team up here—the first danger event.
"Same team, huh?"
Mo Ye-ji approached as I pondered.
"......Yeah."
"Please take care of me."
"Uh... Yeah. You too."
I was lost in thought, missing her mutter, "Still casual to the end..." Normally, Choi Ji-seong teams with her here, building their bond. Why me instead?
"Nice to meet you. I'm Yoon Sam-won."
A plain-faced male cadet adjusted his glasses and approached. He chattered enthusiastically at Mo Ye-ji, who responded half-heartedly. My presence must be the variable. No other changes from the original.
So, who gets the first danger event? Choi Ji-seong? Or Mo Ye-ji? Former's fine, but latter... I'm screwed.
"Decide team leader, vanguard, rearguard, support by discussion. In emergencies, request rescue via smartwatch immediately. Keep safety rules in mind—practice starts at 1:25 PM. Team 1, enter."
With sub-instructor Yang Han-na's cue, dungeon practice began.
The dungeon practice site was in the academy's back mountain, a modified abandoned dungeon once home to giant ants—swarming insect monsters. Wide, maze-like paths.
In the original, Mo Ye-ji visits with Choi Ji-seong, encounters a superior variant mid-clear, and he defeats it after a struggle.
"......"
Why'd I end up with her? Is my memory wrong? No, it's spot on.
"Who's team leader?"
Yoon Sam-won asked. I scrapped my plan to coast.
"Me for leader and vanguard. You rearguard. Ye-ji, support. Hand signals: standard set."
"Uh......"
If the danger hits Mo Ye-ji instead... my team... Choi Ji-seong might be safe, but I'm not. Stats up a bit, but talent proficiency barely 10th grade. No decent skills. Spending saved points is an option, but wasteful.
"Vanguard and rearguard: 2 meters apart. Support behind rearguard—standard 3-man formation. Activity: 80% explore, 20% caution. You navigate, Ye-ji. You judge and call emergencies too."
"Uh, uh... Okay."
Yoon Sam-won stammered acceptance. Mo Ye-ji flinched but nodded.
"Yeah... Sounds good."
Good, compliant. Roles set, we entered tense, strolling the dungeon. Goal: simple flag retrieval. Timed for rankings, extension of basic practice. But a superior monster? No longer training.
"Which way?"
"Left."
Usually, a dedicated pathfinder or vanguard leads. But with her precog cheat, no need.
"...Tch."
Mo Ye-ji wondered how I knew her ability for that call. Her expression soured.