Chapter 45
The Summer Comprehensive Training School is basically a closed society. Rumors spread like wildfire across a field. It took less than half a day for the news that Kiru and Esmeralda had snuck out of the dormitory at night and got caught by the dorm supervisor to spread to every single first-year cadet.
Kiru, fine, whatever—but Esmeralda? That didn't fit her character at all. What the hell happened? And did Kiru and Esmeralda even have any connection to begin with? At this stage, nothing stood out. ...Well, whatever. They're in the same class, so maybe they got close through some random opportunity.
"I've sullied my father's honor! What a disgrace! Kyiiiiit!!!"
Watching the rumors spread, Esmeralda gnawed on her handkerchief in fury. And for some reason, she kept glaring at me and Yujin. Why? But when our eyes actually met, her face would flush bright red and she'd look away. Hmm.
Come to think of it, thanks to those two getting caught, the aggro got scattered, letting us slip back to the dorm unnoticed. If that's the case, thanks. Not that the sentiment would ever reach them.
"Seriously, aren't they idiots? If you're gonna sneak out anyway, just don't get caught like we did, right?"
"Y-Yeah."
Yujin ambiguously affirmed my words, like his conscience was pricking him or something. Get thicker-skinned, man. Breaking rules doesn't count if you don't get caught, got it?
"Hey, you dumb bitches. If you're gonna slack off outside the dorm, at least don't get nabbed. Now I've got a bad taste in my mouth too, pathetic."
See? Even Instructor Sonya was saying it. Judging by her tone, she'd pulled off plenty of unauthorized outings back in her academy days.
"Sorry~ Esmeralda insisted on going no matter what, so I had no choice~"
"What did you say!? You were the one who dragged me out when I said we didn't have to go! Don't lie like a coward!"
"Shut up, idiots. I don't care who suggested it first. You're all hot-blooded twenty-somethings dying to run wild. I never expected you'd follow rules perfectly. But since you're at the academy, as your instructor, I have to rein you in. So at least don't get caught."
Is it okay to say that out loud in class? As I thought that, Instructor Sonya's eyes met mine.
"...Oh, and keep the boy-girl hanky-panky in check too. I get you're young and full of fire, but there's such a thing as moderation, right?"
...How does she know? Creepy.
"Anyway... You lot are aware that the summer comprehensive training is coming up soon, yeah?"
Ah, finally, this event. It reviews all the training from the first semester, throws cadets into near-realistic scenarios for simulated combat experience, and assigns grades. Like finals in college, roughly speaking.
In the original story, this is when the protagonist starts making waves in the academy. It's the moment the higher-ups realize Yujin's Unique Ability has way more potential than expected.
It's meaningful in itself, but the exam results matter too. Hitting top grade gets you perks for summer break after the semester ends. To motivate participation, higher ranks mean longer vacations, wider travel radius, vehicle support, and such.
I'll snag top grade for sure. Honestly, who else could if not me right now? Team up with Yujin, toss in one promising kid as a bus driver, and we can all aim for vacation perks. Use the extra time to suck up every bit of opportunity at the eastern sea's hidden qi spot—not just my growth, but Yujin's too. This is a golden chance!
...Or so I thought.
"So, uh, for this training, the academy's pre-assigned the teams. Spend the remaining time reviewing what you've learned and syncing up."
"Huh!?"
Why decide teams arbitrarily!? That's not how it went in the original!!!
"Um, Instructor! Shouldn't team formation be left to the cadets for autonomy's sake?"
It'd been ages since I last raised my hand to speak up. Instructor Sonya shrugged.
"Sometimes yes, sometimes no. This semester, academy decided. Gates don't wait for familiar teams— you'll fight with total strangers plenty. Gotta learn to gel fast with unknowns."
Fair point. Totally fair, but that tanks Yujin's shot at top grade, doesn't it? Among first-years, few have properly awakened their Unique Ability. Accounting for that, Yujin could hit mid-to-upper with effort. But top grade? Impossible. Not against Kiru or Esmeralda, and honestly not even Ayumi yet. Though last night's unexpected application showed infinite potential.
...No, let's not spiral into wishful thinking. Academy assignment doesn't doom us. Worst case, throw a fit and beg to team with him.
"Oh, and Hyowon, you're solo evaluation. No team."
"Why!?"
"You're a special case. Can't fairly grade teams you're on. For equity, you've got a custom exam."
No way! What did I even do? Special treatment like this will piss everyone off!
"Ah, Hyowon's separate. Makes sense."
"Honestly, she's not even first-year level. Same test would be unfair."
"I saw her fight from afar once— totally different league. Could pass for an active Hero."
"Kinda disappointing, though. Hoped teaming with her meant bus ride."
No objections!? Can't you see I'm getting special perks, guys? Say it's unfair or something! Even Esmeralda, who'd whine most, stayed mum!
"Teams are set. Check the board at lunch for yours."
Instructor Sonya wrapped up the training topic there. This is bad.
"Don't worry too much. You'll ace it solo anyway. Honestly, better without dragging other cadets down, right?"
Thanks for the comfort, Yujin, but you're missing the point. I'm worried about your grades, not mine. What now?
※
"Hmm, that's your worry? Seems fine to me. No need to obsess over top grade. Yujin's working hard despite looks—heard his scores are solid. Top grade's talent territory anyway. Isn't growth what matters?"
At lunch, I consulted Ayumi alone about Yujin, but she didn't see it as dire. To outsiders, it wouldn't look serious.
"But you know how grades affect vacation length and range. I gotta spend break with that guy."
"One or two grades won't make that big a difference, right? Wanna stick to him 24/7 all break?"
"Not that, but... there's a place we have to go together."
Emphasizing my desperation, Ayumi's pretty face stretched into a sleazy old-man grin. Stop that.
"Oho~ Secret date spot, huh~ Guess no helping it then."
"Not like that."
Even I couldn't explain what it was like, but anyway, it's not. Definitely not.
"Wanna help somehow, but... nothing I can do. Just cheer for Yujin."
"Yeah, figured."
No royal road to better scores or strength. If Yujin's power-up was self-sex-based, fine—but he's the booster. Guess cram special training it is.
"...Aha. Got an idea."
"Oh? What?"
Childhood friend of 20 years—must've hit on Yujin-trigger magic.
"...How 'bout trying this?"
"Ew, no. Gross."
"Huh? Why noooot~ Just once? Guaranteed effect!"
"No way it'd dramatically boost scores. And if it did? Even grosser."
I shot down Ayumi's suggestion hard, but she nagged relentlessly to try it once. Ugh, really hate this....
※
Late lunch hour, a text from Joo Hyowon pinged Hwa Yujin's phone.
Confidence soared, oblivious to the sky's limits.