It's been almost a full month since students in all 3 grades have been diligently trying to collect scores for the goal that every student dreams of are received a gold armband interspersed with red letters engraved with the word "Outstanding Room", which is a sign of effort and perseverance in doing good and studying hard to gain acceptance from other classes.
But who knows what the real goal is to stay in a luxurious and stylish lounge where students can eat various special menus at affordable prices. There are many more desserts that the chef has carefully prepared. Especially the rainbow cake which is famous everywhere.
"The total score of our class is 9587 points, ranking 2nd among the scores of all first-year students. The 1st place is Class 2 with a total of 9698 points, which is 111 points higher than our class, which is considered not far enough away. We still have time." Bellany said in a very dissatisfied voice.
"The male students in class 2 have more than our class. The missions or quests they receive will naturally get slightly more points but as they accumulate more and more, they will start to reach a distance from us like this." Jerrick said as he walked into the classroom with the rest of his group of friends.
"And where are their scores measured?" a woman in the Bellany group asked.
"Missions outside of school, hunting for materials, delivering important documents to people in the city or work that requires physical energy, such as transporting parcels to deliver and do some social work as well." Jerrick explained in detail.
"We also have a lot of men in our class, 20 men and 30 women." Bellany said.
"That's true, but we're also trying our best this way. Who wouldn't want to win the Outstanding Classroom Award? It is an incredible honor." Jerrick said.
"In the few days remaining, we must try harder, let's fight together!" Bellany gave a speech to others as they responded.
Mariel also received these extra points from the exercise club. When she has a goal each day of how many times she must do push-ups. How many times has she run around the field before passing the test. Once successful, the officer will give the scores through the school system. Each time she will get 2 points or 3 points depending on the difficulty of the mission every day.
As for Beatrix, she earns points by helping her professor conduct various magical experiments as an assistant. She also earns points by working extra hours at the school restaurant each evening, the same as Mania who works part-time at the same place. but she also additional gain points accumulated from being a library assistant too.
"I'm so tired. Working in addition to having to exchange for money and we also have to be given points. Nevertheless, we still have to do our homework every day." Beatrix said as she stretched out after finishing her homework together.
"That is it, but it is also what others want. We have to do our best." Mania said.
"We do what we can. Don't worry too much." Mariel tried to encourage everyone.
The sounds of the three girls' stomachs rumbling loudly echoed throughout the room.
"It's almost noon. So, let's have something to eat?" Mariel asked.
"Sure." the others answered.
Then they went into the kitchen to cook together. At 1:00 p.m., they immediately dispersed to their own clubs.
"My lovely Mariel." A familiar voice came from behind again...
"Here we go again." Mariel said.
"Are you tired of rushing to collect points because the first month is almost over? I always want to help you. If you're tired, you can come and rest your head on the left side of my chest or you can always let me be your personal masseuse. I don't charge any cost." Senior Jack offered.
Mariel turned around, smiled at him, and slowly walked towards him. Then she lovingly adjusted the collar of the other person's shirt.
"Thank you, Senior Jack ...but...you don't have to worry that much!" Mariel said and grabbed Senior Jack, then she threw him away and hit a big tree until he immediately fainted.
"Ouch!" Senior Jack cried out before he instantly fainted.
"Take him back to your dormitory!" Mariel said, turning to Senior Jack henchmen before they all hurriedly carried Senior Jack's unconscious body away.
After this, Mariel came to the exercise club, did tasks today with Senior Ken and the other men, such as doing 100 push-ups or more, which was considered quite tough. But for Mariel, everything went smoothly, and she used the time to exercise in other ways until the time passed more than 2 hours quickly.
"Excellent. Today's mission score: 2 points." The officer congratulated and gave 2 points to Mariel.
"Getting each point is really tiring." Mariel moaned and sat on the floor.
"How are you, Mariel?" Senior Ken came to talk to her.
"I'm ok, just a little tired." Mariel replied.
"It's almost the first month. I am happy to help you with this. When I was in my first year, we used to hunt for scores very seriously as well. But for the most part, our goal will not come true because those in rooms 1-3 always get the prize." Senior Ken explained.
"And has your room ever received an award for outstanding room at one time?" Mariel inquired.
"Um..let me think about it first. I feel like I happened once in 2nd year. It must have been around the middle of the year if I remember correctly. After that, we never win the prize again." Senior Ken thought for a moment and spoke.
"So, what is the atmosphere inside the outstanding room?" Mariel immediately asked about the room's appearance.
"It's like the heaven. I'm not surprised that the women are so dedicated to win this prize. It's like you are sitting in a large, spacious, luxurious guest room with a white theme and decorated with tables. Many expensive chairs, especially sitting next to the window. The outside is the scenery of the capital city, which is even more beautiful and has a very good atmosphere." Senior Ken explained the beauty of the outstanding room to her.
"Oh, I forgot one more thing. In addition, you will also have a special gift to use in another special room. But what's important in it? Let's prove it with your own eyes. I will not tell you because it's a secret, but I can assure you that you will be extremely impressive." Senior Ken added.
"I understand now about this why do my classmates keep pushing everyone to score so much." Mariel said, recalling the fierce look on Bellany's face who serious this past morning.
"When you see the atmosphere inside there and you will understand it. But for men it is not so serious because they usually invite each other to practice or talk under the school building. But when women ask for help, they are always ready to fight for this prize too." Senior Ken said.
"Thank you very much for the information, Senior Ken." Mariel said and bowed slightly.
"You're always welcome, my dear sister." Senior Ken replied.
After completing all daily tasks, Mariel walked past the board showing the total scores for each class every year. It was found that room 1 was still behind room 2 by almost 200 points.
"There are only two days left. Is there any chance of turning the situation around?" Mariel said with a slight sadness in her voice.
As time passed until the last day, Room 1's score still trailed Room 2 by approximately 195 points. Bellany, as class leader, became more and more frustrated with the pressure.
"I feel very disappointed in myself for not being able to lead our class to No. 1." Bellany said, blaming herself over and over until other people have to help console her.
"Come on, let's keep trying until midnight today. There might be a chance to be the winner." Jerrick said encouragingly.
As for Mariel, they sat and watched from a distance, but they had different feelings. Everyone tried their best, but it must be admitted that Room 2 had more determination. In the end, they can only accept the total score that they have done throughout the month.
After finishing studying advanced magic with Professor Kiros, it was almost noon. Everyone's stomachs began to growl with hunger. So, students prepared to go down to the common cafeteria or go back to their rooms to cook lunch.
Mariel, Beatrix, and Mania shared the cost of food with other ingredients because they can save more than buying their own foods at the cafeteria each day. Moreover, the food that Mariel makes each day is as delicious as any cafeteria because she learned many recipes from Claudia.
"The food is as delicious as every day. Thank you, Mariel." Beatrix praised her friend after setting down her fork from the empty bowl of mixed seafood spaghetti on the table.
"I will have the energy to continue with activities in the afternoon and do extra work in the evening." Mania said, rubbing her hand over her very swollen stomach.
"Eating with the two of you together every day, it makes me very happy too." Mariel said with a smile.
Knock, knock, knock! The sound of knocking on the door of the room.
"Come in." Mariel said.
When the door opened, it turned out to be Assistant Principal Hector who is Elizabeth.
"Mariel, may I talk to you for a moment?" Elizabeth asked.
"Sure." Mariel responded immediately.
Mariel then walked outside the room to talk to Elizabeth. It was understood that Headmaster Hector and Elizabeth had to attend a meeting with other leaders in the center of the capital. So, they'd like to ask Mariel to help Professor Kiros with setting up the headmaster's room because today there was a lot of luggage gathered in front of the principal's room.
"I have some free time in the afternoon, so I am happy to help him." Mariel said.
"Thank you very much. When you're finished, I'll give you extra points. See you later in the evening." Elizabeth thanked her.
"Then I'll take a moment to put away the dishes and wash them at first." Mariel said.
"Alright, I'll wait outside the building," Elizabeth said, walking away.
After taking care of everything, they headed out of the building. Beatrix and Mania had to go their separate ways to their own clubs. Then they'll go to work part-time at the school restaurant in the evening.
"See you in the evening, Mariel." the two of them said, waving goodbye.
"See you later." Mariel replied, waving as well, with Elizabeth standing beside him.
*Wink*
"What???" Mariel suddenly felt something strange after walking away for a while. Turning around to look at Beatrix and Mania to check to see if there was anything unusual but there was nothing suspicious at all.
"Is something wrong, Mariel?" Elizabeth asked.
"It's nothing. I probably just thought about it too much." Mariel replied.
In the evening, Mariel helps Professor Kiros tidy up the bookshelves, move various cabinets and tables in the principal's room. Including bringing new pieces of luggage that were piled up in front of the room and arranging them in the corners of the room inside until they could barely rest. In addition, they also have to help wipe various equipment that is dusty and make it clean.
"You can take a rest if you're tired, Mariel." Professor Kiros said after the two of them had worked together to arrange the room until 3 hours had passed together, and they had barely gotten a break at all.
" I'm still okay." Mariel said, wiping the sweat off her forehead with her hand.
"You have a lot of strength, like a man." Professor Kiros teased.
"Not that much, Professor Kiros." Mariel blushed.
"I rarely see a female student who is determined to become a swordsman. It has very few people are successful in this profession." Professor Kiros said.
"I intend to become a famous swordsman. No matter how many obstacles there are, I will fight to the utmost." Mariel said with confidence.
"You are really like Victor, with such a determination in your eyes." Professor Kiros said, recalling the old days.
"How good is Mr. Victor?" Mariel asked curiously.
"The most outstanding student in over 100 years, proficient in swordsmanship. He's smart and not afraid of anyone." Professor Kiros said in a serious look.
(Victor's personality who is the legendary Swordman is similar to me. There's nothing wrong with that. No wonder I got targeted by Professor Kiros last time.) (Chai thinking)
"You have some similarities as Victor, but at least you don't do the something threaten me like him." Professor Kiros said, staring at his student with a serious expression.
"I wouldn't do that, Professor Kiros. I promise." Mariel responded with a frightened expression on her face.
(Who would dare to argue with Professor Kiros? But the future is uncertain...I have the characteristics of a real man inside this body. When men deciding what to do, they are always impulsive.) (Chai thinking)
After that, they talked about many other things. They exchanged ideas for using various spells while tidying up the room until Mariel gained a lot of new knowledge from Professor Kiros.
"I spent almost half a day with Professor Kiros. It was very worthwhile, and I gained a lot of knowledge. Thank you very much." Mariel said and bowed to him after they finished organizing a room, it was almost 6 p.m. now.
"Excellent, you can go back to your dormitory now. I will take care of the rest. Extra points given to Room 1 for this mission: 20 points!" Professor Kiros said as he raised his personal magic wand and a white light flashed out, signaling to the scoreboard to give Room 1-1 an additional 20 points.
"Thank you very much. Professor Kiros." Mariel said, bowing again with a happy expression. Then she left the principal's room and headed back to her room.
As soon as she came down to the building, her stomach suddenly rumbled again. She looked at the time again and found that it was just after 6:00 p.m., almost another hour until Beatrix and Mania would finish their part-time job at the restaurant.
"Good, let's go back and make dinner and wait for my friends. What should I cook for dinner? Beef steak with side dishes is a good choice. Let's do it!" Mariel said with a smile and walked back to the dormitory in a good mood.
"Thank you very much for your work today, everyone. Once you're finished dressing, you'll receive your daily wages plus 3 points each." The female who owned the school restaurant thanked her students.
All the students who worked in the restaurant returned to the changing room and prepared to return to the dormitory.
"What is she going to make the dinner for us today? I'm so hungry." Beatrix said, while thinking of the many delicious dishes in her head.
"That's it. I'll eat until my stomach is full." Mania said.
Then they came out from the changing room before the others. As they walked past inside the restaurant, they found that there was still one black trash bag containing food scraps that had just been taken out, the last bag from the kitchen. After the chef had thrown away the other bags first.
"Mania, wait me outside. I'm going to take this black trash bag and throw it away first." Beatrix said as she walked up and told the owner that she would volunteer to take the black trash bag and throw it out back.
"Thank you, Beatrix." the owner said gratefully.
"With pleasure." Beatrix said, taking the bag out to the back door of the restaurant.
The sound of black garbage bags being dropped into a large garbage dump ready to be sorted again.
"Finished." Beatrix said as she opened the back door and prepared to return to the dormitory.
"What is that noise?" Beatrix said, turning to look at the large wall behind her, but…
Beatrix was suddenly hypnotized. The body did not respond to its own thoughts for a moment. Her eyes seemed to wander. Then, the school wall gradually appeared into a human-sized warp, revealing that outside the wall was a community of 10 houses lined up next to each other.
"Come out." A mysterious and frightening voice commanded Beatrix to slowly walk into the warp and walk outside of the school. The most advanced magic defense pillar system was unable to catch even the slightest bit of this abnormality.
Then the warp on the wall quickly disappeared. Beatrix, who was still unconscious, continued to follow the voice leading her and she didn't know that danger was waiting for her.
"Just like that. Come to the meeting point and you will have a good memory that you will never forget for the rest of your life." the mysterious voice said with a terrifying voice.