Graduation Exam (1)
Yusoha remained silent the entire time she was carried in Eclipse's arms. No, she couldn't speak. She was too busy suppressing the embarrassment surging within her. Blushing over a single line like that was utterly unbecoming of her. In the end, her legs had even given out. How ridiculous. She stole a glance at Eclipse through the gap in her covered eyes. He looked at her with a slightly worried expression and asked, "Are you all right?"
"……I'm fine, so don't worry about it. It was just too strong a stimulus, that's all."
Eclipse was always so serious and earnest. Where on earth had he picked up those crude lines he'd used earlier? Were they common in the world he came from? Yusoha found herself wondering. Even as the question occupied her mind, the heat in her face refused to fade. Even his concerned demeanor was far too stimulating for her right now. If she wasn't careful, she feared she might end up like those other princesses who became obsessed with him.
'No. Get a grip. I can't let myself look like that.'
Getting swept away by someone's appearance was something her personality would never allow. She did prefer good looks, but that didn't mean she would fall for someone based solely on the outside. Upon finally arriving at the hotel, Yusoha changed into comfortable clothes and leaned against the window, gazing outside as she tried to calm her heart. At that moment, Eclipse's voice reached her ears.
"Soha."
"……Yeah?"
"May I ask why you only chose the girl who gave you her business card? She was better than the others, but not by much."
"Determination. You saw it too. The moment their swords broke, every single one of them gave up. That left an impression. Honestly, when choosing among people with similar talent, I'd rather pick the one with the strongest resolve."
"……Fair enough."
"Besides, how skilled could these academy kids really be? Even the best are at most B-class, and that's being generous. And when you throw them into real combat, they often perform below even that level. So it's better to nurture those who show potential, even if their talent isn't transcendent."
"I see."
Eclipse already knew what kind of people Yusoha respected. Kwon I-hyeon must have met that standard.
"So does that mean Kwon I-hyeon is accepted?"
"Yeah. I'll contact her and bring her into the team right away. Though she'll need to prepare accordingly."
"……That girl has quite the ordeal ahead of her."
"I have no intention of adding someone who'd just be used up and discarded. What I need are people I can trust with my back, even if it means risking death."
"Hwanryeong Team 2 was made up of people like that."
"I didn't have high expectations at first…… I never thought it would turn out that way."
Yusoha recalled the fight against the Orc King. Even when given the chance to flee, they had chosen to fight alongside her. That was when she had felt the bond with Hwanryeong Team 2.
"Someone like Kwon I-hyeon won't be common. That's why I handed out my card so readily."
"……Is that so?"
"By the time she's ready, plenty of guilds will be after her. Not fearing battle is the most important quality for a novice Awakened. Even if her talent had been a bit lacking, I still would've picked her. Resolve is what awakens talent."
"A fine attitude. Those who recognize their shortcomings and overcome them with determination achieve far more than those who grow arrogant over mediocre talent."
"And more importantly, with some training from you, her skills will improve rapidly. There's no need to worry about her growth."
"Haha. Is that so? Thank you for the recognition."
"Is there anyone on Earth who wouldn't recognize you?"
Eclipse gave an awkward smile and simply gazed out the hotel window. The rather splendid view of the academy grounds caught his eye.
"So, I'll be counting on you from now on, Teacher."
"Understood. Leave it to me."
Yusoha looked at Eclipse's face bathed in moonlight, then quickly turned her head away. As expected, that face was far too stimulating. One wrong move and she might fall for him instantly. She stared out the window with a little more vigilance. Yet for some reason, her reflection in the glass showed slightly flushed cheeks, and she had no choice but to gently close her eyes.
* * *
"Today's the graduation exam, right?"
"Yeah. The other guilds have probably started sending scouts by now."
"I see. Where's the venue?"
"Graduation exams are always held in the public arena, so it'll probably be the same this time."
"Did you come last year too?"
"I didn't come last year. My sister did."
"Ah, I see."
"That's why I said it's been a few years since I last came."
"The public arena, huh."
"Anyway, we should probably head out soon. Let's go."
"Right."
Yusoha put on her suit jacket and straightened her clothes. She gave up on wearing sunglasses. They'd recognize her anyway because of her hair color.
"Not wearing sunglasses?"
"They'll spot me because of my hair color anyway…… And today isn't just a date…… I mean, it's not just for your hobby. We're going for official business, so there's no need to wear them."
"Understood."
"Anyway, put on your coat too."
"Got it."
Eclipse donned his coat and clumsily tried to tie his necktie.
"Still not good with neckties?"
"Honestly, I'm not very used to them."
"Give it here."
Yusoha took the necktie from him and neatly tied it around his neck.
"Suits are convenient to wear, but these neckties…… Do I really have to?"
"It's about formality. It's the same as wearing a uniform in your world."
"……I see."
"I'll teach you how to tie it properly tonight, so watch and learn."
"Understood."
"Let's go. Time to see the kids. There should be one or two more gems besides Kwon I-hyeon."
* * *
The public arena was, as expected, packed with reporters and guild scouts from all over. Which promising talent would make the headlines? Which one would catch the guilds' eyes and become the next generation's star Awakened? As that anticipation filled the air, the students sat in the arena seats, glancing sideways at the scouts watching them with a mix of expectation and tension.
Yusoha smiled in amusement as she took in the scene.
"This should be fun."
"……You think so?"
"Yeah. Let's take a look. They'll probably have them spar to assess their skills. I wonder what kind of performances we'll see……"
"Aren't you worried about others snatching them away?"
"Worried? No need for that. I'm from Hwanryeong. If I step forward, they'll line up to join me."
"……I knew you'd say that."
As Yusoha grinned confidently, Eclipse smiled as if he'd expected nothing less.
"The other guilds will probably be desperately trying to promote themselves…… but we'll just enjoy the show and pick up anyone promising."
"How convenient."
"And since we've already found someone quite promising, just watching how she performs will be a success in itself."
"Will one person really be enough?"
"One person? How many do you think we can recruit from the Awakened Academy anyway? Even if we don't pick anyone here, plenty of Awakened will come knocking on Hwanryeong's door on their own."
"Ah, that's true."
"Besides, these academy kids aren't necessarily more skilled than active Awakened. Their youth is an advantage, but it also means there's more to look after, so there's no need to recruit too many. Just a few who stand out is enough."
"So you really do intend to just watch."
"Yeah. Ah, it's starting."
While the two chatted, the 42nd graduation exam of the Awakened Academy began.
* * *
Kwon I-hyeon calmly accepted the wary glances from the other students. What had happened yesterday felt like a miracle. The fact that Yusoha of Hwanryeong had acknowledged her…… All day yesterday, she could only answer her curious friends with "I don't know." Yet she couldn't help feeling as if she were floating in a dream. Even before taking the graduation exam, she had already caught Hwanryeong's attention. What's more, she had even received Yusoha's contact information.
She recalled Yusoha's face at that moment. Her always confident expression and the unique aura of self-assurance that radiated from her entire being. There was also her recent achievement. The absurd feat of purifying the entire North Korean region. Of course, her Guardian Star Eclipse had helped at the end…… but a Guardian Star's power was no different from the Awakened's own power, so it could be considered Yusoha's strength as well.
She still couldn't forget it. That video uploaded to Hwanryeong's official website. The exhilaration of battle, the sight of Hwanryeong Team 2 and Yusoha throwing themselves to protect their comrades in moments of crisis—it was exactly the image of an Awakened she had dreamed of. From that moment on, she had come to admire Yusoha. Being acknowledged by the person she admired, it was only natural that Kwon I-hyeon felt this excited.
But she steeled herself with vigilance. There had clearly been students at the training center yesterday who possessed greater skill than her. Yet among them, she had been chosen, which meant she possessed something Yusoha was looking for. Being as perceptive as she was, Kwon I-hyeon had correctly understood Yusoha's intent. If she didn't give her all and performed poorly in the graduation exam just because she had made contact with Yusoha, she wouldn't be able to avoid a cold gaze from her. Not wanting to receive such a look, she slapped her own cheeks several times. Her excited heart instantly settled, and a burning determination rose within her. Then, hearing her name called, Kwon I-hyeon stood up and headed toward the center of the arena.