Chapter 11

EP.11 D Class

[Class Assignment Evaluation Results]

1st. Luce Eltania 8350 points

2nd. Kaya Astraean 8200 points

3rd. Siel Carneadas 8020 points

4th. Tristan Humphrey 7720 points

5th. Doji Tu Mars 7600 points

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300th. Isaac 20 points

“Ian, that guy is surprising. He’s 240th despite being in the E rank...”

“Maybe he got lucky.”

“Haha, even getting lucky is something to commend. Look at Isaac, who’s also in the E rank. He has 20 points, 20 points.”

“20 points? Is he even human...?”

In the Magic Department building, 'Orphin Hall.'

The first-year students of the Magic Department were gathered in the hall on the first floor.

A large parchment was hung on the central wall, inscribed with the results of the class assignment evaluation.

'Last place...?'

300th out of 300 first-year students in the Magic Department.

I had expected it, but... indeed, I was last.

On the other hand, Ian, who is also in the E rank, is 240th, making my poor performance even more noticeable.

The students who glance at me with mocking eyes.

Sigh... Nothing in this world goes as I wish.

The class assignment evaluation is, as the name suggests, a test to determine which class each student will be assigned to. The temporary classes we were in until now were just that—temporary.

I will undoubtedly be assigned to the lowest class, D Class.

For reference, class assignments are determined not only by the results of the class assignment evaluation but also by the results of the magic power measurement. That means Ian Fairytail, who is also in the E rank, will be assigned to the same D Class as me.

In the game, when I played "The Magic Knight of Merhen," the class assignment evaluation result was always D Class. Ultimately, it was a fate Ian couldn't avoid.

D Class itself isn't a problem. No matter which class I'm in, I plan to do my best to become stronger.

The problem is... money.

'20 points, so 20 gels...'

The gels I will receive are 20 gels.

Enough to buy two 10-gel breads.

How am I supposed to live on just this?

"Is there no other choice but to take a loan?"

It seems I can't avoid becoming a debtor.

The academy and the bank share student information because the bank on this island is under the academy's jurisdiction.

If a loan becomes a bad debt, the student's credit rating drops, and they suffer disadvantages in their performance evaluations.

It means that if you lack ability, you either leave the academy or work extremely hard.

This is a ruthless system that fits the eliteism and survival-of-the-fittest educational policy of Merhen Academy.

'My life...'

I sighed deeply.

...

Right after the class assignment evaluation, Luce reported to the administration that a demon had appeared.

The faculty held an emergency meeting. I know what they discussed because it was in the game.

The demon's appearance will be kept secret to prevent confusion among the students.

Since there were no signs of external intrusion, they concluded that the demon had been in the Delphin Forest from the beginning.

Therefore, the administration will thoroughly investigate the academy grounds to identify and eliminate any potential threats.

However, the administration's measures will not be very effective.

Even if they thoroughly investigate the exam venue and set up barriers before the exam.

The demon, which was in the form of mana buried underground, will still appear during the exam...

It can't be stopped, it can't be stopped.

Ultimately, the burden will fall on the dean and the principal. Still, the academy will continue to function, so there's no need to worry.

However, this time, there is a difference from the original game story.

'I got involved.'

Specifically, my existence, Isaac.

Luce also reported about the monster that defeated the demon, which was me.

I learned this from the announcement posted on the academy square bulletin board.

The announcement featured a drawing of a human-shaped monster with bulging muscles and a request for students who have seen such a creature to report it.

'So, this is the appearance...'

In the game, when you wear the magic disguise suit, the character changes as if wearing a skin. I already knew how terrifying a Berserker looks.

Over 2 meters tall, with muscles that seem about to burst. The massive creature has a fierce, monstrous face.

The skin is pitch black, and the mouth is large.

Large, sharp teeth are prominently displayed, and the canines are as large as those of a saber-toothed tiger.

Wearing a hood, the eyes are dark, but the round, ominous red eyes that peek out are very threatening.

'I might be mistaken for a demon.'

Demons are expected to continue appearing until Ian graduates, and I plan to continue capturing them.

If the administration, which will be troubled by the demons, learns about me, it could lead to a complicated situation.

It's only a matter of time before my existence reaches the student council president, Alice Carroll.

The same goes for if the students start spreading rumors. Just thinking about it gives me a headache.

The best course of action is to minimize variables and reach the final boss, the evil deity Nepid.

That's why I bought the magic disguise suit, but it had to be the Berserker skin...

If I get misunderstood and attacked while hunting demons due to my appearance, it would be a huge setback.

Still, there was no choice.

At first, I didn't know what concept the suit had, and it was the only one in stock. The shop owner didn't give any explanation...

'Now, I can't buy anything else...'

One of the characteristics of the secret shop is that there are no refunds or exchanges. Besides, the price of other magic disguise suits is quite burdensome.

I'm in a position where buying two 10-gel breads would deplete my entire fortune.

It's questionable whether new stock will even come in.

"I'm hungry..."

My stomach growls. I'm hungry...

But all I have in my hand is one 10-gel bread.

Basking in the midday sun, I sit on a random bench and start munching on the bread.

Now, I have 10 gels left. I'll have to go to the bank and take out a loan...

I just took the class assignment evaluation, and I'm already in debt.

I've never been in this situation, even after playing the game countless times...

It's heartbreaking, really.

"Alone?"

A deep male voice suddenly came from behind.

A voice I was very familiar with from playing "The Magic Knight of Merhen."

I turned my head to see the owner of the voice.

[Matteo Jordana]

Lv: 75

Race: Human

Attribute: Rock

Danger Level: X

His brown hair was parted to reveal his forehead, and his features were distinct. He was a well-built guy, fitting the image of a rock element attribute.

Matteo Jordana.

He will soon face Ian Fairytail and later become a named character with a significant role.

Staring at him, Matteo introduced himself.

"I'm Matteo Jordana. Isaac, right?"

Leaning on the bench and slightly bending forward, Matteo asked.

His voice echoed as if he was in a cave. I wish my voice had that much masculinity.

"Right, why?"

"Just one bread... Haven't you had a proper meal?"

"I don't have gels."

"Already spent all your gels? No, could you have been robbed?"

Matteo frowned.

It was a reaction as if he was on my side. It was natural. He is a commoner, so he feels a sense of kinship with me, another commoner.

All the members of Matteo's gang, which will be formed later, are commoners. Matteo plans to raise a banner against the nobles, and his first conflict will be with Ian.

And Isaac, that's me, will have to become his subordinate for a while.

To prevent a bad ending.

"Something like that."

I deliberately lied. I wanted to elicit sympathy and get a meal.

Matteo, who has a strong sense of camaraderie, can't easily ignore someone like me who looks pitiful. And his camaraderie is currently directed at "commoners."

Moreover, he is frugal and has high magical skills, so he will definitely have gels left over.

"Damn, the work of those noble bastards...! Come with me. I'll balance your nutrition."

Without knowing whether I was robbed by nobles or commoners, Matteo jumped to conclusions.

As long as I could get a meal, it didn't matter. Given his personality, I could probably get meals for a while.

It's great.

Of course, I plan to settle the debt all at once later.

I went to the student cafeteria with Matteo and got a 50-gel meal. He asked who had robbed me, but I brushed it off, saying it happened at night and I didn't know.

...

"The results of the magic power measurement and the class assignment evaluation have been combined to determine the classes. This is the lowest, D Class."

In the lecture room, where 20 people were gathered, I was sitting in the middle.

The top A Class has 5 people, and the lowest D Class has 20 people. The rest of the students are in B and C Classes.

In other words, this is the D Class lecture room.

"You are the least capable students in the first-year Magic Department."

At the front of the lecture room, the D Class instructor, Professor Fernando, scanned the students with his blue eyes and spoke in a cold, emotionless voice.

A handsome man with silver hair, Professor Fernando.

The D Class female students were fidgeting, and some even made jokes about being glad to be in D Class.

...Who said they were happy to be here?

"This is Merhen Academy. A world of survival of the fittest."

Professor Fernando, with his hands behind his back, slowly paced back and forth. The sound of his shoes echoed in the lecture room.

"Opportunities for education are equal, but there is no consideration for the weak in the results. If you don't become strong, you will be devoured by the top-class students. Survive. Failing is expulsion."

Failing means expulsion. Three failures mean expulsion.

Now that I think about it, the reason Isaac didn't appear after the early part of the game was... did he get expelled?

...I need to work hard.

"Even in D Class, you must become elite among elites, worthy of being Merhen Academy students. Develop thoroughly. Strive with all your might. That is your duty as aspiring mages and students of Merhen Academy. And you will graduate with a diploma. Understand?"

Stopping, Professor Fernando asked the students with a voice as cold as ice.

The female students squealed and responded enthusiastically, "Yes─!"

Professor Fernando seemed surprised by the lack of the solemn atmosphere he expected.

I have heard this short orientation so many times that I can almost recite it. I can even do a voice imitation.

"Hmm. Now, I will explain the D Class curriculum."

In the game, this is where the cutscene ends, and the scene transitions to "Act 2, Chapter 1: D Class," marking the start of the second act.

However, here, the orientation by Professor Fernando continues. This is the story outside the game.

For reference, the part where you defeat the evil Treveon is "Act 1, Chapter 1: Ian Fairytail."

The magic power measurement part is "Act 1, Chapter 2: The Passion of the E Rank."

The class assignment evaluation part is "Act 1, Chapter 3: Class Assignment Evaluation."

"During the first semester, focus on mastering one elemental attribute. The first-semester curriculum is designed accordingly. Mastering one elemental attribute will make you a competent mage."

Following the academy curriculum, it would be efficient to focus on ice magic during the first semester.

The second elemental attribute can be learned in the second semester of the first year.

Professor Fernando then explained the future schedule, all of which I already knew.

Unrelated to the curriculum, "Act 2, Chapter 2: Kidnapping of a Childhood Friend" will start soon. This is the part where Ian and Matteo are involved, and you can obtain the "Heart Loop," a trophy that allows you to read the opponent's mind.

Next is "Act 2, Chapter 3: Practical Training."

During the practical training, the notorious "Act 2, Chapter 4: Ant Swarm" part follows. The "Hidden Garzia," commonly known as "Ant Brat," appears.

One of the walls of despair in the hell difficulty of "The Magic Knight of Merhen." A demon that has received all kinds of abuse from players.

The pattern is very tricky, and the level is a whopping 140. Even with the [Demon Slayer] trait, it's hard to defeat with my current strength.

Moreover, Garzia's minions, the "Disaster Ants," have excellent collective intelligence and pressure the player with various human wave tactics.

Why does the difficulty suddenly spike? The reason lies in Garzia's setting.

I already have a plan to deal with Garzia. I just hope it works.

And Garzia, being a wall of despair, will grant a very useful item, the "Disaster Sheath," upon defeat.

'That's definitely mine.'

The "Disaster Sheath" is something I cannot give up to anyone, no matter what.

Next is "Act 3, Chapter 1: Duel."

A performance evaluation for one-on-one combat is scheduled. In other words, a duel. First-year students will fight each other one-on-one.

The key part is when Ian uses light attribute magic to surprise the students while fighting Luce.

'Who will I fight?'

By then, I should be a bit stronger. It will be a good measure of how much I've improved.

I'll avoid someone like Kaya, who is a wall of difficulty. It's obvious I'll be overwhelmed.

Next is "Act 3, Chapter 2: Familiar." This is when you can obtain a familiar.

And the grand finale of the first semester, "Act 3, Chapter 3: Final Exam," which leads to "Act 3, Chapter 4: Brain Deity Squad Elimination."

Once Act 3, Chapter 4 is completed, the first semester ends, and the summer break begins. To become stronger, I need to plan my summer break in detail. But first, I need to survive the Brain Deity Squad.

I need to keep thinking. I need to recall each episode in as much detail as possible and extract every bit of goodness.

And.

'I need to clear this game.'

I need to defeat the evil deity Nepid and clear this game.

* * *

Luce couldn't concentrate on her class.

It was natural for her to be assigned to A Class.

One student was already trying to build connections.

"Luce Eltania, nice to meet you. I'm from the Whiteclark family..."

Flick.

After arriving at the lecture room, Luce ignored the student trying to befriend her and maintained a cold attitude.

She had little interest in others. Networking and a vibrant youth life were not her concerns.

She had entered the academy with the sole goal of graduating as the top student of the Magic Department at Merhen Academy.

That would pave the way for a successful life, and she could achieve her goal of becoming the head of the Magic Tower.

"..."

However...

There was something that kept nagging at her, like a fish bone stuck in her throat.

The content of Professor Philip's lecture for A Class didn't register at all. It was a review of what she already knew, so it didn't matter.

'Demon, Grung...'

After reporting the incident during the class assignment evaluation to the administration, Luce learned that there were no signs of external intrusion.

In other words, Grung and the demon had been in the Delphin Forest from the beginning.

'Only the first-year students of the Magic Department were in the Delphin Forest at that time. Could it have been a Magic Department student using a disguise spell? ...At least not the demon.'

New students at Merhen Academy undergo a thorough verification process to determine their elemental attributes.

If an intelligent demon had somehow entered the academy, it would have been detected for its dark attribute mana. So, at least the demon couldn't have been an official student.

'But Grung is different.'