[Initiating Level 3 test…]
[Initiating Level 4 test…]
[Initiating Level 5 test…]
"Wow, I'm so fed up with this. Seriously."
It finally came to an end after enduring a total of 10 tests.
[Test results.]
Shrrrr…
A hologram appeared about two steps ahead of where I was standing.
——————–
Lee Hoyeon.
Mana purity: S
Magic strength: C
Casting speed: A
Gap between spells: S
.
.
.
One-line summary: The proficiency appears abnormally skewed. Honing your outstanding areas into specialties or filling in the gaps to achieve a balanced skill set is recommended.
I was slightly amazed. Just a while ago, I had no concept of mana or magic as an ordinary person.
To think that I could come this far.
Having two S-grades meant I was on par with S-rank hunters in those specific fields. It was a remarkable achievement, but there was no need to stress over it since those privileges were part of my own abilities.
I had accomplished my goal of assessing my current level.
Judging solely from the specifications, I had far surpassed the average academy student. Sure, my proficiency was still lacking, hindering me from fully unleashing my potential, but I was cool with that. I believed that with dedication and hard work, I would eventually get there.
With this level, I wasn't weak by any means. Although I hadn't experienced real combat yet, keeping up with the classes would offer plenty of chances to test my prowess.
"Should I keep going a little longer… even though time is tight?"
While I didn't have the complete schedule for all the classes, I knew Victoria Academy's theory classes often involved note-taking exams.
Whether it was a textbook, reference book, or research paper, I had the knack for memorizing them after just one read, thanks to Memory Enhancement. It would be smart to use any spare time I had to study in advance for future reference. But I was torn because magical training had turned out to be so darn enjoyable.
It was a joy I had never experienced in my previous life. I didn't want to let go of the exhilarating feeling that danced between fantasy and reality.
"Yeah, practicing magic is important too. I'll just skim through some theory before calling it a night."
***
In the end, yesterday I ended up practicing magic until late and as soon as I got to the dormitory, I couldn't resist my fatigue and collapsed.
Since I had some free time after today's classes, I thought, "Why bother studying theory today?"
Today is Wednesday.
The first class is Dungeon Studies. It's a class where we learn about various aspects related to dungeon strategies and the practical tactics used in real battles. It's considered the theory class with the most content to memorize in the academy.
But honestly, it doesn't bother me. Once I read something, I can memorize it all anyway, thanks to Memory Enhancement.
I don't need to go through the textbooks and reference books again since I've already done that.
[If the external mana value of a dungeon is 1500 ppm and the initial mana value at the entrance is below 473 ppm, it indicates the presence of a boss room or an equally strong named monster. If the initial mana value is above 2897, it's an open-type dungeon without a boss.]
[However, different formulas apply for mid-level dungeons with a mana value of 10,000 ppm or higher…]
So, I was searching for relevant research papers. If I can memorize all the dungeon-related papers, even if I don't fully understand them, I should be able to tackle most of the practical problems.
"Um… Hello…"
"Yeah? Oh, Lumi?"
"Good morning… I'm sorry for not replying yesterday… I ended up falling asleep…"
While Lumi was talking in front of me, I quickly scanned the classroom.
I wonder what Lucy's up to?
After yesterday's incident at the training facility, I couldn't risk getting caught in a conversation with Lumi by Lucy, who has a serious sister complex. Luckily, she seemed preoccupied chatting with other classmates. Lumi seized the opportunity to come over and say hi to me.
"Nah, it's all good. I was busy with training yesterday too."
"Training on the first day… that's impressive! Um, if I get a chance, I'd love to train together sometime…"
Dring-
"Good morning, everyone. I'm Professor Min Jihee, and I'll be teaching Dungeon Studies."
The professor cut Lumi off as she entered the room.
The students' chatter subsided, and Lumie quickly exclaimed, "I'll head back to my seat!" before returning to her spot, right next to Lucy.
"Even though some of you may not be familiar with dungeon education, the importance of dungeons cannot be emphasized enough…"
The class was a breeze on the first day. While the professor continued talking, I already knew the material and casually glanced at the other students.
Lucy rested her chin on her left hand and twirled her pen with her right hand. Boredom was written all over her face. Meanwhile, Lumi furrowed her brow, focusing on the blackboard.
Nam Daeun was lying down. She didn't seem interested in taking notes. She knew as long as she excelled in the practical exams, everything would be fine.
I, too, doodled in the corner of my notebook with my pen.
1. Conquering the Heroines
First things first, it's the ultimate goal. Honestly, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed about how to tackle it. Trying to conquer six heroines all at once? It's a bit of a stretch. I mean, who has six legs? If I had just a couple more, I'd practically be an octopus.
Should I resort to using drugs? Nah, no drugs for me…
Hold on a sec.
"Is it really okay…?"
In Sex Academy game, they even have guide routes for players who have already beaten the game multiple times. By accumulating money through various playthroughs, you can unlock various routes in the black market and stuff like that. Naturally, I've got those routes stored in my head too.
"Well, for now, let's just think about it."
It's kinda unsettling to think about actually going through with those actions in real life, unlike in a game. Oh, and I just realized, I owe Lucy an apology. Honestly, I was hoping she'd just forget about it, but based on her reaction yesterday, it's clear that she remembers.
I had planned to apologize right away yesterday, but Lucy, being the social butterfly she is, went off to grab a meal with her team, so I missed my chance to say sorry.
I absolutely have to make time for it today, without fail.
2. Improving My Capabilities
Realistically, it's my top priority. Above all else, I need to become stronger, no matter what. Trying to conquer six heroines all at once is quite a challenge. I mean, who has six legs? If I stretch myself too thin, I'll probably end up in big trouble, so I need the strength to protect myself.
And just like in that darn game, there are plenty of events where the heroines get attacked, so it's a great opportunity to score some points there.
For now, I should focus on daily training and dive into studying and practicing magic.
"Or maybe I should give exercise a try? It's different from the game…"
In the game, once you choose a profession, the act of "training" itself becomes an activity that boosts specific stats.
For example, if you choose to be a mage, training won't improve your stamina or physical strength, but it will enhance your magical power. But this is real life. Just because I'm a mage doesn't mean I can't exercise to improve my physical abilities, right?
"Student Lee Hoyeon? Your pen has been idle for a while. Do you already know all the material?"
"Huh?"
Taken aback by the sudden call, I accidentally bit my tongue.
"Yeah, that's right. If it's not new content, it's hard to stay focused, huh? So how about you explain the problem displayed on the screen, Lee Hoyeon? Depending on the quality of your answer, I'll decide whether to deduct attitude points."
"You are currently in a maze-type dungeon at the beginning with a mana value of 500ppm. In a party formation consisting of 2 melee, 1 ranged, and 1 support, when encountering a boss-type Warmbat, what is the appropriate course of action?"
As I looked at the hologram screen in front of me, I realized it was a problem that seemed familiar. Although I hadn't seen the exact problem before, memories of similar content from a research paper came to mind.
"If you can't answer, it'll be minus one point. Don't know?"
"No, just give me a moment."
There are students twirling pens and even some dozing off, so why in the world are you singling me out, Professor?!
Due to the stares from my peers, the pressure from the professor, and the injustice of it all, it took me a little while, but the answer came to mind clearly.
"In a maze-type dungeon, the mana value is the same in all areas. Therefore, it's unlikely that the boss-type Warmbat is in its proper state."
"Hmm?"
"With a low mana value of 500ppm, the Warmbat's primary food source, Yucaltus, cannot thrive. However, if it has managed to grow into a boss-type despite that, there's a high possibility that it evolved into a boss form as the last surviving specimen through cannibalism."
"Oh, interesting. What's next?"
"There was a research paper conducted three years ago on the growth of Warmbats through cannibalism. According to that paper, unlike the naturally defensive Warmbats, they become more aggressive, develop sharp fangs for carnivorous purposes, and sharpen their claws. As a result…"
Once I started blabbering, the words just kept flowing. I mean, I was practically reading straight from the paper, so it was a piece of cake.
"…to summarize, their aggression increases while they become simpler, losing strong resilience and attentiveness. So, the ideal approach would be for the two melee fighters to stall for time while the ranged and support members focus on exploiting the weak point, the temple region, with powerful strikes."
"…"
Nobody uttered a word. Well, obviously. It was a greenhorn freshman mumbling about a research paper from three years back and nailing the answer perfectly.
The other students were scratching their heads, unsure if it was right or not. But the professor, with a smile on their face, clapped and finally spoke up.
"Impressive. I also read that paper three years ago. It served as inspiration for this question, and it doesn't seem like Lee Hoyeon merely stumbled upon that one paper by chance. It would be impossible to give such an answer without personal investigation. I can only say that you must have thoroughly prepared. Plus one point."
"Thank you."
"However, even if you know all the content, if you give off an impression that you're not paying attention in class, many professors won't appreciate it."
"I apologize. I'll be more attentive from now on!"
Whew, luckily, it passed. I sighed and took my seat.
The class resumed. The next slide displayed the explanation for the problem I had just solved, and the professor continued the lecture while looking at it. Since I had just been called upon, I tried to pay attention to the lecture and focused my gaze forward, but I overheard some whispers from behind.
"Hey, I couldn't understand a word that guy said."
"Isn't it strange that he understood? Didn't you hear what the professor said? He read about it in a research paper from three years ago. It doesn't make sense for a freshman at the academy to know that."
"Guess he just got lucky stumbling upon it."
"But didn't his answer provide more details than the professor's explanation?"
Hmm, did I answer too enthusiastically? Oh well, it should be fine. After all, even in the original game, the protagonist achieved the top rank in their grade.
During that process, he also encountered Alice, the top student, and Nam Daeun, the first-place winner in practical skills.
"Well then, see you in the next class. Remember to thoroughly prepare with pre-reading and review. There might be surprise exams."
As soon as the class ended, the lecture hall buzzed with activity. The awkward atmosphere from the first day had mostly disappeared. Well, except for me.
I quietly packed my bag and prepared for the next class when I overheard voices from behind.
"What's with all that talk about a research paper from three years ago? You just lucked out finding it."
"Yeah, if you're so smart, why aren't you the top student?"
They openly criticized me, and when I turned around, a group of boys and girls were looking at me and giggling.
"What are you looking at? If you have a problem, bring it on."
"Hey, cut it out. Can't you see he's trembling like a coward? Hahaha!"
Among the bunch of guys mocking and laughing, there was one guy at the center.
That guy, who was mischievously laughing, was Do Jinhyuk, without a doubt. He played the role of the antagonist in the game, and here he was doing the same thing.
Consistency, I gotta give him credit for that.
In the game, Do Jinhyuk and Lee Hoyeon were enemies, but it didn't happen this quickly. Seemed like I caught his attention for no reason.
How should I react?
While I was contemplating, a hand reached over Do Jinhyuk's shoulder.
"Do Jinhyuk, stop bothering him and get lost."
"Get your hand off me."
Do Jinhyuk brushed off the hand on his shoulder, and disappeared somewhere with his gang. A typical reaction from an extra, playing the villain I would say.
"Hey, how's it going?"
It was the guy who had put his hand on Do Jinhyuk's shoulder earlier. The man approached me with a faint smile.
Who is this guy…? Oh, wait a moment.
As I caught sight of his flowing blond hair, it hit me. The blond troublemaker. Yep, that's Kim Yeonghan, the protagonist's sidekick and close friend.
With his buzz cut blond hair and the tattoo peeking out from between his sleeves, he embodies the delinquent vibe. But he's not a real troublemaker, though.
"Hmm? Oh… Kim Yeonghan, right?"
"Oh, hey, you know me? Maybe I'm some sort of celebrity?"
In the game, Kim Yeonghan became friends with the protagonist after saving him from Do Jinhyuk's provocation.
It's a bit fast, but who cares?
"I was bored because there weren't any interesting guys around, but you seem amusing."
With such an upfront personality, it's no surprise he's popular. I'm a tad envious, to be honest.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Lee Hoyeon."
I came to suck your spine.
***