Chapter 5

5. Entrance Exam (2)

To have someone like In-seong, who immediately declares he will kill you just for a glance, is quite something.

This level of behavior isn't tsundere; it's tsuntsun psychopath.

However.

‘I actually like it.’

A personality that absolutely cannot make friends.

This is the only and absolute condition for someone to become my comrade.

What do I mean?

I need to choose as my comrade someone who has difficulty getting along with others.

People with lively, positive personalities and good skills are likely to join the protagonist's party.

Currently, I am the only person in this world who can intentionally create a butterfly effect.

With even a minor action, I don't know how big a storm could be stirred up, so I can't just make famous characters my comrades.

This means that the composition of the protagonist's party could change based on my actions.

It could decrease, but it could also increase.

"Hero of the Academy" is a game that provides such a high degree of freedom.

‘If a well-raised child is taken away by the protagonist's party, it would be the saddest thing.’

After seeing the game's clear conditions, I have already conceived the most basic framework for clearing it.

‘Using two parties to tackle the final boss.’

Supporting the protagonist's party from behind, giving them a few hidden pieces, and turning them into monsters.

With that, they should be able to easily defeat the main boss even without me.

At the same time, I will form my own party to tackle the hidden boss and clear the episode.

And.

‘In the final episode, the two parties will combine their strengths to tackle the final boss.’

The combined power of the protagonist's party and my party.

Using the old player's calculation method, it is calculated to be sufficiently possible.

“Huh, this is very good.”

“...You're crazy.”

Luna frowned and turned her body sharply.

I checked Luna's information window again.

An abnormal status: 'Anger Management Disorder.'

Already with a bad temper, and now with this abnormal status, there's no way she can make friends.

‘Well, there is a somewhat sad reason why Luna became this way.’

Using such a child for my own purposes, isn't that too much?

No. Joining my party would actually be beneficial for her.

‘Not only can she avoid death, but she can also take revenge.’

Luna lives solely for revenge.

The black curtain that appears in the middle and the final boss are somewhat related.

If Luna joins my party, it can be seen as me helping her.

‘The problem is... no one has ever succeeded.’

Despite the high degree of freedom in the game, there are certainly things that cannot be done.

One of them is bringing 'Luna' to the stage where the final boss is.

Many old players have challenged this but have failed repeatedly.

This is inevitable.

One of the 'Five Monsters of the Academy' will tear off Luna's arm.

‘On par with Rodelin... no, even stronger. Rodelin hasn't grown yet.’

Facing such an existence makes my whole body tremble.

Not out of fear, but out of 'thrill.'

If I succeed in something no old player has ever accomplished?

As a gamer, there's nothing more exciting than that.

“The first exam will now be announced! Everyone, please pay attention!”

A man with a beard spoke.

The gazes of the thirty children, including me, were focused.

He exchanged glances with each of us and then spoke again.

“The first exam is to navigate a maze while avoiding slimes!”

“You can form parties, and the use of all magic is allowed.”

“The only prohibition is combat and fighting among the prospective students!”

“Be careful, as disqualification will occur the moment weapons touch!”

Hmm, I already know all this.

The children's expressions brightened slightly.

Slimes are not particularly difficult monsters to deal with.

Of course, for me, they are formidable opponents.

“Huh, a battle... I'm scared.”

“What kind of person can't even catch a slime?”

“Maybe you came here to meet me?”

“You really are crazy. If I meet you inside, you'll die.”

“But that would mean disqualification, wouldn't it?”

Luna's lips twitched.

Though she spoke softly to herself, I clearly heard her.

To be able to use such creative insults is impressive.

I thought this was only possible in Korea, but it seems it's possible elsewhere too!

“Hey, it's too noisy. Some people are trying to concentrate, so please be quiet.”

I turned my head at a familiar voice.

There stood the vice president, Rodelin.

Despite her kind expression, she was grinding her teeth.

Why is she like that? Did she see someone she dislikes?

“Vice President, that's not a good attitude, is it?”

“Is it? Thanks for the advice. You must definitely be admitted. As soon as you're admitted, I'll give you both shop points and demerits.”

“What are the demerits for? Surely not because of what happened earlier?”

“No way. The reason for the demerits is your lack of preparation.”

Rodelin's eyes scanned my body, specifically my waist.

She was pointing out that I don't have any weapons.

“Hmm... I see.”

“Hmph! Don't worry. I distinguish between public and private matters.”

Rodelin had already returned to her usual self.

Her characteristic calmness and strength. The childlike heart hidden within.

Just looking at her makes me smile.

I want to tease her a bit more.

I want to see her blushing face again, but I'll hold back.

I don't want to be disqualified for causing a disturbance.

‘Still, I really don't have any weapons.’

I searched my body, but only found dust.

There's no consideration for those who have been transported into the game. But it's fine.

Andwood Academy is generous.

“Huh, speaking of which... can I borrow a weapon? I didn't expect to have to fight monsters from the first exam. Wow... I really didn't imagine it.”

1st, 2nd, 3rd. Even the secret test that no one knows about.

I knew all of this but scratched the back of my head and acted surprised.

Rodelin kicked a sword leaning against the wall, sending it slightly into the air, and then threw it to me.

Whirr- Thud!

“Use it. It's a supply sword, but it should be usable.”

Attack Power: 10

A simple but sturdy sword.

The Andwood Academy emblem is engraved on the scabbard.

A hidden piece that activates when you discard the weapon you were equipped with during gameplay and proceed.

I didn't expect to use this here.

The scabbard had a strap, so it wasn't difficult to attach it to my waist.

The only issue is the unfamiliar weight.

It will take some time to get used to it.

“Huh, couldn't you give me a better one? We are acquaintances, after all.”

“What acquaintances...”

“No, the correct term is that we know each other's secrets.”

“My, if others hear that...!”

Rodelin's face turned slightly red as she quickly looked around.

Ah, she's so cute.

To not be able to form a party with such a character is truly a pity.

“The door is opening! Prepare to enter!”

Oh, it seems it's really starting now.

As I was about to head towards the door, Rodelin muttered.

“...I don't think everything you said earlier was a lie.”

“Huh, is that so?”

“Your difficult personality must have had its reasons. So... when you're having a hard time, rely on me. I am a senior, after all.”

Rodelin seems to be shining.

Yes, Rodelin is such a character.

Always striving to uphold justice, with a gentle heart despite her strong tone.

A beloved character who walked into hell to protect her family.

The only thing I can say to her is this.

“Huh, I'll do my best.”

Clearing the game and saving Rodelin.

I've never succeeded before.

But I'll do my best to the extent that I can.

That's what it means to be an old player.

Because I am a gamer.

* * *

“Don't follow me! I'll really kill you!”

“I'm not following you. We just happen to be going the same way.”

Luna growled fiercely, but the more she did, the better I felt.

To others, she's a fierce cat, but to me, she's an excellent talent!

Clang!

Luna drew her sword and pointed it at my neck.

“Do you really want to die?”

“Huh, is this okay? The instructors are watching, you know.”

“...”

Luna, after checking the surroundings, retracted her sword.

She knows I'm telling the truth.

Even though we are still prospective students, Andwood Academy won't let a student die.

This is a prestigious academy, after all.

‘The game's setting is that instructors are monitoring us closely, too.’

Of course, there are still those who cause accidents.

One person will cause an accident and become corrupted soon.

A fork in the road appeared as we walked.

“Two paths. Good. You go first.”

Luna urged me to make a choice, but I can't.

If I choose the wrong path, it will result in Luna not going to 'that place.'

So, I'll let her choose. I'll also use this opportunity to build some goodwill!

“Huh, I have no choice. I'll let you this time. Very specially!”

“...”

Luna's expression soured.

I don't understand why she's making that face. I even gave her the choice.

I genuinely want to know the reason.

“I'm going left. If you follow me this time, watch out. I won't let you off easily!”

Even with her fierce warning, Luna turned her head back a few times.

I smiled at her and headed towards the right path.

I need her help, but is she giving up too easily?

No.

‘We'll meet again anyway.’

Not only because Luna is a terrible navigator, but also because the hidden piece in this first exam will be encountered by...

Luna, that child.

‘I can defeat slimes with my own strength. I was looking for a hidden piece to help someone... and it's her.’

There's no need to worry about the maze.

Memorizing the maze, which is part of the Andwood Academy's first exam, is a given for an old player like me.

So, I'll level up a bit and head to where the hidden piece is.

I'll obtain the hidden piece and help Luna when she's in danger, gaining her favor.

A perfect plan!

“Huh, huh, huh, what a perfect plan I came up with!”

Squish, squish.

Was my self-indulgence displeasing?

Something between white and blue.

A slightly lighter blue liquid mass squirmed and appeared.

A slime.