This place is a reality that feels like a game world.
It’s a world similar to the balance-breaking game “Savior.”
There are towers and dungeons that don’t exist in reality, along with magic and unique abilities.
In this game-like world, it’s possible to turn an entire city upside down with individual power.
But at the same time, it’s also reality.
In the capital of China, which was tilting towards disaster, the emergence of a Tier 3 monster led to millions of deaths, leaving the vast land to rot in poison.
If a dungeon opens in a city where people are living their daily lives, hundreds can die in a blink of an eye.
A tier 3 monster’s influence can flip an entire continent into a demonic realm.
If one keeps viewing this world like just a game, the day will come when they’ll face dire consequences.
This isn’t a place with rigidly set paths like a game. One choice can create countless possibilities.
If there are 100 people, there are 100 different lives.
Thinking of those who have their own lives as mere NPCs is a huge delusion and a rude thought.
I definitely reflected on this this morning.
I was sure that this thinking would lead to unfavorable outcomes for my future, and I promised not to make hasty conclusions with just my game knowledge anymore.
Because humans are simple yet complex… it’s hard to define them.
“…Would you like some candy?”
A voice cutting through my thoughts came from right next to me. Hong Yeon-hwa, sitting beside me, hesitated and then extended her hand.
In her palm was candy. The luxurious packaging was particularly eye-catching.
Isn’t this a ridiculously expensive candy?
[Thank you]
I accepted the candy. Initially, I thought about putting it in my pocket, but I froze as Hong Yeon-hwa’s gaze suddenly fixed on the candy.
Her gaze seemed tense… as if anxiously watching the candy in my hand.
‘Hmm…’
Since it was a gift, it felt awkward to just stuff it in my pocket, so I unwrapped it and popped it into my mouth. Unsurprisingly, I couldn’t taste it.
As I started rolling the candy in my mouth, Hong Yeon-hwa’s anxious expression brightened in an instant. It was a dramatic change that anyone could notice.
‘…….’
The surrounding gazes felt prickly. As if they were witnessing an impossible miracle.
Baek Ahrin, who turned to look at me, blinked her eyes in confusion. Her mouth was slightly agape, looking pretty dumbfounded.
Is she capable of making such expressions? It was astonishing.
For a bit, Hong Yeon-hwa was someone I held the biggest prejudice against.
Unlike in the original work, she was fiery, impatient, and not dirty at all.
I also realized she wasn’t someone I should be afraid of.
She was someone who would bow her head and ask for forgiveness if she made a mistake.
I get it, but…
“Is it good? It’s my favorite kind.”
[Yes. It’s delicious.]
“Really? I bought a bunch in advance. Should I send you some more?”
Why is she sitting next to me instead of leaving Baek Ahrin up front?
Why is she glancing at me and flinching at my every move?
Why is she nervously handing me candy, and then when I say it’s delicious, her eyes sparkle and she asks if she should get me more? I still don’t get it.
If I had been meeting more people, would I have understood the reasons behind Hong Yeon-hwa’s antics?
I remembered my internet friend, who had barely managed to talk to me until now, with a sense of regret.
▶Agapanthus: You should go out a bit.
▶Me: No, thanks.
▶Agapanthus: How can you spend an entire year stuck at home? You need sunlight and some wind. Go meet people too.
▶Me: No, thanks.
▶Agapanthus: Oh come on, I’m really worried and giving you advice. You’re not going to live your life on the internet, are you?
▶Me: I’ll think about it.
My internet friend Agapanthus, somehow keeping in touch a bit.
They poked and prodded, saying I should go out, meet people, and that I wouldn’t be so anti-social if I’d stop staying locked up at home…
Wouldn’t I have understood why Hong Yeon-hwa is acting this way if I had listened to their advice?
‘Maybe I should’ve gone out a bit…’
I never thought my comfort in being alone would come back to haunt me like this.
– Creak
At that moment, the front door of the classroom opened. Thanks to my spatial perception, I was aware beforehand.
Currently, my spatial perception comes in a version that includes a 100m diameter with colors. It’s now an advantage in my daily life rather than a hindrance.
I almost feel guilty for receiving so much consideration because I’m blind and physically weak.
With the current conditions, I have much better visual circumstances than the average person.
Aren’t I essentially a fashion-disabled person? Getting sympathetic gazes as if I were a disability advocate, when in truth, I have better conditions than regular people…
Even though I’d told Hong Yeon-hwa that there was nothing difficult for me, her attitude didn’t change.
From Hong Yeon-hwa’s perspective, am I just a fragile weakling who could drop dead any moment?
Regardless, all the attention that was on me suddenly shifted to the front door.
The sound of heels clicking echoed. I fidgeted with my long legs a few times and quickly stepped up to the platform.
The newcomer was a woman with striking green eyes.
It seems like everyone who resembles a mage in this world wears robes; she too was clad in a huge robe.
Standing in front of the podium, she swept her gaze across the classroom and gave a bright smile.
From the moment the front door opened, the murmurs ceased. It was because of the strong aura she exuded.
“Hello! I’m Liana Velus, the professor in charge of the Ipchun Class and the Basic Elemental Magic course~”
Her bright voice stood in contrast to her imposing presence and spread throughout the classroom.
When the professor announced her name, there were quiet murmurs around.
Keywords like Elementalist, Retirement, and African Demonic Realm were thrown around.
I recognized her as well.
Liana Velus. A supporting character you might occasionally see in the academy’s demonic realm field, her official rank is highest level, if I remember correctly.
A highest-level hero should be a world-class powerhouse capable of fighting off a Tier 3 monster.
In this world, causing the destruction of an entire city would be child’s play for a Tier 3… I have a rough idea of just how monstrous her strength must be.
“The hero ranked 297th in the upper tier! Despite that, she’s within the top 0.1 percent of powerhouses!”
So she’s not the absolute top yet?
Well, it makes sense that she wouldn’t visit the African Demonic Realm until at least her second year. A lot can change in two years.
The cadets’ eyes sparkled with anticipation at the professor’s introduction.
Not “highest level” but rather “upper level.” However, no madman would feel disappointed by that.
The association, run by the Tower of Space and Harmony, categorizes the ranks according to achievements like monster subjugations.
There are six ranks: Highest, Upper, Intermediate Upper, Intermediate Lower, and Lowest.
Among them, less than 300 worldwide hold the highest rank, and there aren’t even 30,000 categorized as upper.
If I remember correctly, there are around 5 million heroes worldwide.
From that, being an upper-tier superhuman ranked within 300 is highly impressive.
As a faculty member of Shio-ram, she’s more than qualified.
“Even though I’m tired in the morning, we must do our jobs, right? You’ve probably all seen the academic schedule announcement, but I’ll explain it myself per protocol.”
Despite stating she was a rookie, she was skillfully guiding the cadets’ reactions.
“This semester is called a ‘Free Academic Semester,’ right? As the name suggests, it’s a period where you can take various courses regardless of major or field.”
“I saw the announcement, but I don’t quite understand.”
“I’m here to clarify that for you!”
The professor pointed at the male cadet, who asked the question, as if he was validated for speaking up.
“In essence, a student who majors in melee combat can take magic-related classes without any issues.”
A free academic semester.
It’s a term I’ve definitely heard before back on Earth.
It literally means a period where students can take various classes regardless of major.
There are many reasons for creating a free academic semester.
For those like me, who got accepted based on potential but still haven’t figured out their proper career direction.
Also, even if they have chosen a career path, it’s a means of checking that there aren’t any potential abilities they might have not discovered yet, as well as fostering perspective by exposing them to various classes… that’s the setting.
In other words, it means to let them try out different things.
For me, who has the ability called Jack of All Trades, it’s a delightful opportunity.
“During the Free Academic Semester, you’ll attend communal classes in the morning based on your academic level and specialized classes in the afternoon based on your rank.”
The professor’s explanation adhered closely to the original settings.
In the mornings, there are communal classes for each class, and in the afternoons, the lectures are assigned depending on admission scores.
Shio-ram divides students into three categories: ‘Basic’, ‘Skilled’, and ‘Advanced’ based on admission scores.
The level of class increases in order of Basic, Skilled, and Advanced.
There’s no reason to get upset about being in the Basic class; if you have the skills, you can advance to a higher class through testing.
Also, just because someone is in the Basic class doesn’t mean it’s at a lower standard. The level of lectures is still the best, despite being ‘basic.’
Those who enroll via special admission start from the Basic class. Likewise, those who were brought in based on their potential are in the same boat.
It wouldn’t make sense to push those who haven’t properly learned anything into Skilled or Advanced classes.
“Phew… That concludes the announcements!”
Liana, having explained the lengthy academic and examination schedules, the timing for entering the Tower of Growth, and the rules first-year students should know for several tens of minutes, let out a big sigh.
With various questions coming in between, the time extended even longer.
“The first year’s free academic semester is especially known for having a heavy curriculum, right? Let’s endure this together! Next semester, things will be much easier!”
With a quickly restored complexion, Liana wore a mischievous smile.
“Well then, it’s the first day, so you all know what’s coming, right?”
The first day of lectures. It’s usually referred to as orientation, isn’t it?
Anyways, events like this are random and it was hard to predict them from the original work.
But I wasn’t too worried.
Since in the original, it was merely a simple event wrapped up in a few lines of text.
It’s likely that nothing special will happen during the first impressions, led by the professor in charge, which aren’t related to common or specialized lectures.
At most, they might introduce the overview of their class, reassess abilities, or share stories from their current active times─
“On the first day, it’s all about self-introductions! Alright, the student sitting in the far front row on the right, come on up!”
‘Oh no?’
.
.
.
Self-introduction.
The act of presenting oneself—such as name and background—to someone you meet for the first time…
At first, I was taken aback. Because in the original work, there was no event of self-introduction. I had never introduced myself, especially not in front of this many people.
However, upon reflection, it’s not that strange to introduce oneself. In fact, it may be a normal procedure.
In this industry where connections are extremely important, introducing oneself to make an impression might be only natural.
One thing for sure is that I didn’t have the qualification to judge while being stuck at home.
“Ha-yul, are you sick?”
[No, I’m fine.]
So, I had nothing to worry about. There was no need to feel pressure. All I had to do was step up, say my name and a few traits.
It’s an incredibly simple task.
Hearing Hong Yeon-hwa express concern for my poor color, I reassured her not to worry and adjusted my spatial perception.
While doing this, self-introductions continued.
“I am Katsuki Yusei, a major in combat. I possess a unique ability related to swords. Feel free to ask me anything regarding martial arts.”
Katsuki Yusei, the one who knocked me out during the banquet.
“I am Elia Slade, a major in support! Let’s get close!”
Elia, who seemed to have many friends, received enthusiastic applause.
“I am Baek Ahrin, a major in combat! Currently searching for new friends in real-time!”
A free-spirited attitude despite her impressive family background, Baek Ahrin attracted positive responses from fellow cadets.
Self-introductions continued without any issues. Although they seemed a bit awkward, some light banter arose in between, especially with Liana guiding the friendly atmosphere.
Most students had finished introducing themselves.
“I am Hong Yeon-hwa, a major in combat. Let’s get along well.”
Gone was the nervously cautious attitude she displayed a moment ago as she finished her intro with a nonchalant expression.
In other words, it was finally my turn, right next to Hong Yeon-hwa.
“Now, next! Lee Ha-yul, student!”
The gentle atmosphere abruptly ceased. Silence cloaked the classroom, carrying a medley of emotions.
‘Hoo…’
As I stood up, all eyes turned to me. Earlier, it was a mere charade, but now, they openly gazed.
I trudged down to the front of the classroom. Liana, perched on the platform, sparkled with anticipation.
Surely, she must have thought there’d be some significance in my introduction, but a suspicion arose that it was simply for her own enjoyment.
I stood in front of the podium. Feeling the gazes trained in this direction intensified.
“……”
In an instant, my throat seized up.
The attention fell on me. I had experienced it before. While wandering the city, on trains and buses, at gate terminals, in the commercial district while purchasing essentials, and during welcome parties.
The gazes were fixed. Interest was concentrated. I had received countless requests for handshakes at the welcome party. I shirked off offers for drinks while making excuses.
But right now, there was no escaping. This wasn’t a bustling atmosphere. Even the sound of swallowed saliva was audible in the oppressive silence where I had to speak.
Formidable pressure weighed heavily over me. My head spun.
My mouth’s corners were quivering.
Swallowing a dry gulp, I opened my mouth.
‘I—’
“—am a girl, cough! Guh, kuh…! Kek, kek kek…!”
“Ha-yul!?”
“Kek, kek…!”
Oh crap.
The curse of silence.
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