"By the way, why did Kang Haewoon and Lee Hamin say they won't come because they're talking to Yoo Seowoo?"
"Um... maybe they're giving a sermon?"
"A sermon? Seriously?"
At the unexpected suggestion, Haru, who caught the dagger thrown by Sihyun, nodded his head.
"Yeah, probably something like that..."
"Funny..."
It was hard to imagine Hamin and Haewoon giving a sermon to Seowoo. Sihyun didn't know what went wrong, but if Seowoo said so, there must be a reason.
Sihyun reached out as he dodged the dagger thrown by Haru. Blue water engulfed Haru's face. The purpose was to solidify the water, inducing suffocation, but suffocation didn't happen, and the water didn't solidify. Sihyun licked his lips, looking at the flowing water.
"It seems like this still doesn't work."
"...Are you okay?"
"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine. Didn't overdo it."
Using only water attribute skills worried them unnecessarily. Sihyun didn't seem bothered by getting his head soaked. He glanced at the members of Team B, who were now practicing individually after coming out of nowhere. Hamin and Haewoon were the only ones who hadn't arrived yet.
It wouldn't be good to say they were late for the meeting.
As he was thinking that, like a tiger, Haewoon and Hamin opened the door and entered. Both of their faces looked as if they had just worked on a construction site for three days, giving the impression of someone who had been through a lot.
"Why are you guys so late?"
As if scolding them for walking weakly, Hamin sat hesitantly on the bench when Sihyun asked. Haewoon sat down next to him. They both seemed drained of energy.
"...I don't think Shin Ijae likes me much these days."
Haewoon spoke with a pout. Sihyun recalled the pyramid he had envisioned in his mind. There was always Haewoon at the top, but today it seemed like it could be Seowoo.
Gentle but strong, something like that.
Curious about what they heard to make them act like this, he was about to ask, but both of them closed their mouths as if they had made a promise. If he had known, he would have stayed and practiced individually instead of following Shin Ijae.
"Why are you following him and making a fuss?"
"Why are you suddenly blaming me?"
Why pick on me out of nowhere?
Startled by the unexpected accusation, Hamin sighed and muttered, "Yeah, it's my fault for not holding back." Haewoon said, "I messed up too," muttering like a person out of his mind.
"Why are you guys like this?"
"Sihyun, hyung!"
While mumbling in a bewildered tone, Shin Ijae called me.
"Hmm?"
"Hajin, hyung said he wants to see your skill! Can you show us the sustained heal once more?"
"Oh? Uh, sure."
Feeling like it could be done, I nodded, but suddenly, Hamin grabbed my wrist. It happened so quickly that it was scary. Wondering if there was any reason for this, I turned around, and Hamin, who had been like a dead body until now, dragged me towards where there was a metal scarecrow.
"We should coordinate with each other too."
"Yeah, yeah!"
"...Sure."
When Hamin finished, Haewoon continued, and Haru concluded. Sihyun raised his head with a puzzled expression towards the scarecrow.
"What is there to coordinate?"
Members who had coordinated many times already. Considering the lack of practice time, it seemed unnecessary to break it down and do unnecessary rehearsals. When he mentioned this, Hamin suggested that we practice together just in case.
"Oh, it's okay, hyung, if you're busy!"
In the end, when Shin Ijae took a step back, Haewoon and Hamin high-fived each other. It was strangely unfamiliar to see them not at each other's throats like usual.
Reluctantly, Sihyun nodded in agreement with their rhythm.
So, the practice went on as usual, suffering through it. Because of Haewoon and Hamin, who didn't give in and leave practice to hold on to Shin Ijae, and struggling with the increased amount of food during mealtime, time passed, and the end-of-month evaluation arrived.
Whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, it was hard to tell.
"I feel like I've gained some weight lately..."
"If you eat like that and don't gain weight, are you even human?"
While talking on the way to the auditorium, Hamin received a strange response in a bewildered tone. Sihyun remembered the boy who used to cry when I touched his wrist. Now, he could probably hear that he had become healthier.
"Will they set up a separate field for this evaluation too?"
"Well, judging by the fact that they told us to gather in the auditorium, it could be virtual reality."
As they discussed Haeun's question, footsteps of the 207-class arrived at the auditorium. Unlike the last evaluation, where they stood in line by class, this time there were teachers holding signs with alphabets in the auditorium.
Walking towards the teacher holding the 'B' sign, Shin Ijae and Hajin greeted them first. Sihyun, who was looking around, saw Gunwoo and Seowoo in the D-class row, Daun and Jihye in the A-class row.
Glancing at Yesol and Haeyeon, who arrived a bit late, Sihyun turned his head.
As everyone gathered, the teachers held a brief meeting about today's evaluation. While covering his ears and making a wry smile, Sihyun looked at the platform.
"Ah, greetings, everyone from Class 1 of the Strongest High School!"
The usual greeting from the school principal echoed. As the principal spoke, the students exchanged glances, silently expressing their wish for the annoying noise to be fixed whenever the microphone was turned on. The principal, accustomed to such looks, repeated the standard words about looking after the students. The main topic emerged a little over five minutes into the speech.
"Now, let me explain the details of the third monthly evaluation. Three days ago, each of you received missions to handle Irregulars and clear them. I assume you've been practicing in teams to clear these missions effectively. It's time to showcase your skills in real combat. Unlike the previous evaluations, this month's evaluation won't take place within the school premises."
"Hmm?"
Sihyun, who was listening attentively, raised an unexpected question. Wondering where it would take place, he looked at the principal, who paused and then opened his mouth.
"For this evaluation, each team will move to their evaluation site with the evaluation cameras held by the accompanying teachers."
"Really?"
The mention of movement surprised the students. They expected to use virtual reality or release Irregulars in the field, but they didn't anticipate physically moving. Concerns were voiced.
"...Is it guaranteed to be safe?"
There was a similar incident during the school trip...
A cautious student spoke, and as others started to murmur, the principal raised his hand twice, calling for silence. Once the students hushed, he continued.
"In this evaluation, each team will be accompanied by two A-rank Awakened Individuals. The school prioritizes your safety during evaluations. We understand your concerns after the incident during the school trip. However, facing the Mirgun, who may become the forefront of the war against Irregulars, you must not let fear control you."
The principal spoke solemnly. Any dissenting remark would lead to an atmosphere of expulsion from school.
"There are citizens behind you whom you must protect. Are you going to run away just because you encounter powerful Irregulars?"
"..."
"The school will always do its best to ensure your safety. So, I sincerely hope you overcome your fears and grow through this evaluation."
There were no responses from the students. However, Sihyun could sense a change in the eyes of the students looking at the principal, except for a few. The principal, noticing their gaze, smiled kindly and spoke again.
"Now, let's start the third monthly evaluation. The detailed instructions will be provided by the teachers accompanying each team with the evaluation cameras. I hope all teams will show outstanding performances."
After finishing his words, the principal stepped back from the podium. The teachers holding placards called the students of each team. Team B was no exception.
"Team B, gather around me in a circle, please!"
Sihyun and the students encircled their teacher. Now, he noticed the teacher holding a large camera.
"From now on, you'll be teleporting with me to the teleportation point leading to the Orc Stronghold! Two A-rank Awakened Individuals from the Association will accompany you to ensure your safety in case of unexpected situations. So, don't worry too much!"
It seemed they were not going to catch a released Irregular but enter the place where Irregulars lived. Understanding this after listening to the teacher's explanation, Sihyun, feeling the staff in his hand, looked anxiously at Haeyeon, who raised her hand.
"Can we not see the evaluations of other teams?"
"All teams will be conducting different missions in different locations. You won't be able to see other teams' battles. However, five teachers, including the principal, in the auditorium, will be able to monitor your progress through the evaluation cameras."
"Are all teams conducting the evaluation simultaneously?"
"The teleportation destinations are set as 'safe zones' where you won't be attacked by Irregulars. You can prepare for the battle within the safe zone, and once you leave, the evaluation begins. So, the starting times for all teams may differ slightly."
It didn't seem like they would immediately engage in combat upon arrival. Sihyun wondered if it was kindness or something else. With a question about whether there were any more details, Sihyun spoke up.
"Is there a possibility that other Orc troops from different strongholds might interfere during the battle?"
"Yes."
"...What?"
The immediate and nonchalant response surprised Sihyun. The teacher, seizing the camera with a determined expression, continued.
"This evaluation is different from the others you've experienced. It's a perfect 'real-world' evaluation, not altered for your convenience or safety. That's why A-rank Awakened Individuals are waiting for each team in case of unexpected situations. So, other Orc troops may intervene while you're in battle. However, there won't be any Orc Lords present in those areas."
There was only one type of Irregular per Lord.
Sihyun, who had learned this fact during theoretical classes, mumbled as he looked at the teacher. Well, shall we go now? Unwillingly, Sihyun, with an uneasy gaze, stepped onto the teleportation circle drawn by the Association on the sports field.
"Alright, Team B, let's move!"
At the teacher's shout, Sihyun tightly held Haeyeon's hand. As they did,
Flash!
A bright light poured in.
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