The next day, the midterms that would run for six days, from today through Saturday, began.
Some classes did not hold exams, replacing them with assignments or the next final exam instead.
The History of Eastern and Western Swordsmanship 1 and Beginner Swordsmanship Sparring 1 that I was taking were among those cases.
Thanks to that, the burden was a little lighter.
The morning classes with heavy study loads had also been scheduled for Saturday, which eased the pressure and let me focus on the exams for my other subjects right away.
‘Of all things, I got the hardest one first.’
The first subject I took an exam for was Beginner Swordsmanship 1, held during periods six and seven on Mondays.
The students had to demonstrate one of the sword dances they had learned so far, randomly assigned by the instructor in charge.
The evaluation criteria were exactly as announced in advance: accuracy of movement, continuity between movements, posture when swinging the sword, consistency of the sword path, placement of the feet, and so on.
‘Still, well… it’s not like I can’t do it.’
The sword dance Su Hoguk, the instructor in charge, assigned me was a type where students often made mistakes, with many subtly tricky parts.
He had probably chosen it with my ability in mind.
Without panicking, I responded to the sword dance he presented.
They called it difficult, but there was nothing in beginner swordsmanship that I would consider hard.
In truth, I should have been taking intermediate swordsmanship, but I was only taking beginner swordsmanship because the curriculum required it.
‘…This should be enough.’
I performed the sword dance smoothly, without making a single mistake along the way.
Then I looked back at Su Hoguk, who would be evaluating my grade.
Just then, he opened his mouth.
“Do Gyeonu, full marks. It was a clean and perfect sword dance, without a single flaw.”
“Thank you.”
It was the result I had expected.
After bowing my head to Su Hoguk, I left the classroom.
I decided to use the remaining time to prepare for the next exam.
The class for periods eight and nine was Understanding Light Elemental Magic (2nd Tier), taught by Hong Yena.
Considering her personality, it was obvious the exam would be extremely difficult.
So even if I had some spare time, I couldn’t exactly relax.
‘Where should I go to study…? Should I just go to the clubroom and study there?’
Since I needed to practice magic, a café was not a suitable place.
But if I went to the clubroom, it seemed likely to be packed with members.
After leaving the Training Hall, I pondered over it.
Then, I ran into No Hyowon.
“Do Gyeonu.”
“Ah, Hyowon.”
“Looks like your exam just ended too. How was it?”
“I did pretty well. It was beginner swordsmanship, so it wasn’t that hard. What about you?”
“Mine was beginner swordsmanship too. Since you weren’t in my class, it seems we had different instructors.”
The Fighting Princess of the Crimson No Family, No Hyowon.
The girl with striking crimson-tinted hair spoke to me.
I stood there and exchanged a casual conversation with her about the exam.
It was then that she passed on some information.
“I was planning to tell you anyway, so this works out well.”
“What is it?”
“It’s about Do Seungwu… though it’s not certain yet.”
“Do Seungwu?”
No Hyowon’s expression hardened as she spoke my cousin’s name.
At my question, she nodded and paused for a moment to choose her words.
“Do Seungwu’s faction has been acting suspiciously. Since a while ago, they seem to have been training as a group in the Training Center. You could say they’re simply preparing for exams to build solidarity, but…”
“With that many people training together, it would have to be for a required course within their track, but you’re saying the training doesn’t seem related to that.”
“…Right. But there’s no way they’d be doing unrelated training during exam period, so what I suspect is…”
“They might be preparing for the year practical exam. Even though information about the practical exam hasn’t been released yet.”
“On top of that, circumstances have been spotted suggesting that Do Seungwu made contact with several instructors who will be overseeing the practical exam…”
“Meaning there’s a possibility that Do Seungwu lured the instructors in and leaked the information?”
“…Exactly. I didn’t expect you to be this quick on the uptake.”
No Hyowon clicked her tongue in amazement.
Receiving a look from her as if she couldn’t believe it, I shrugged for no particular reason.
‘Come to think of it, it is about time for that bastard Do Seungwu to make his move.’
In truth, the reason I had guessed the situation was partly because I had a keen eye, but more than that, it was because I knew the flow of the game.
In the game, Do Seungwu appeared as the boss of the first semester midterm exam in the first year.
According to the game’s story.
As every group Do Seungwu sent after Gang Hanbyeol failed one after another, his influence diminished day by day.
「Do Seungwu」
—Gang Hanbyeol… As a member of the Divine Sword Do Family, I cannot fall behind the disciple of the Fighting Demon. Never…
In order to preserve his standing, Do Seungwu resolved to earn excellent grades on the midterm exam.
However, wary of Gang Hanbyeol’s ability, he ended up committing an unfair act instead of competing honorably.
He secretly won over people involved in the midterm exam and obtained information about the year practical exam in advance.
‘And when the game version of me found out about that, I tried to stop him during the midterms, only to get done in instead.’
What Do Seungwu had done was conduct unbefitting of a member of the Divine Sword Do Family.
It was grounds for disqualification.
Trying to erase evidence of his cheating, he attempted to kill the game’s Do Gyeonu by disguising it as an accident during the exam.
That was when Gang Hanbyeol appeared at the moment of crisis, just like a protagonist.
「Gang Hanbyeol」
—What are you doing right now? Wasn’t Gyeonu your cousin!?
「Do Gyeonu」
—Ha, Hanbyeol… Sob… Seungwu… Seungwu…
During the exam, Gang Hanbyeol discovered the game’s Do Gyeonu, who had nearly faced death, and heard the whole story.
Then he fought Do Seungwu.
「Do Gyeonu」
—I’m begging you. In my place… Stop Seungwu in my place!
「Gang Hanbyeol」
—You held him back until you ended up like this because you were trying to stop him, didn’t you? That’s amazing. I respect you. So don’t worry. Leave it to me from here on out! I’ll take that bastard down.
Through this episode, Gang Hanbyeol ended up seizing the Brooch of Wind and Waves that Do Seungwu possessed.
‘Even if you failed to clear the episode, the world didn’t end.’
In that case, you simply returned to the previous save point.
Of course, in reality, not in a game, failure was not allowed.
On the other hand, it was a little unexpected.
‘It looks like Do Seungwu intends to move just like he did in the game.’
Once I awakened the memories of my past life, my position and Do Seungwu’s completely changed.
As a result, the circumstances that led him to appear as a villain in the game had disappeared.
Naturally, I had no choice but to consider the possibility that the midterm exam episode might not happen.
And yet, if that bastard intended to cause an incident anyway…
‘That’s perfect.’
I decided to respect my cousin’s choice and gladly accept it.
This episode would help Gang Hanbyeol grow.
We could also obtain the Brooch of Wind and Waves.
Though Gang Hanbyeol would be the one to get it, not me.
Most importantly…
‘Once the midterms are over, I won’t have to see that bastard’s face anymore.’
Gang Hanbyeol’s victory would lead directly to Do Seungwu’s cheating being exposed.
Because of that, he would incur Grandfather’s wrath and not only be treated coldly within the family, but also transfer to another academy.
‘Goodbye, Seungwu.’
Just thinking about Do Seungwu’s misfortune made the corners of my mouth rise on their own.
That was how much I hated him.
He probably hated me just as much as I imagined, and wished for my misfortune too.
At that moment, No Hyowon snapped me back to reality.
“So I wanted to consult you about what to do with this matter. As expected, we should warn Do Seungwu…”
“No, don’t. Pretend you don’t know.”
“What?”
“That bastard isn’t the kind of guy who changes his mind easily once he’s made it up. He’s stubborn as hell. Especially if I say something, he’ll only try to rebel harder.”
“…”
I couldn’t miss this opportunity to send Do Seungwu somewhere better.
I gave No Hyowon an instruction.
She blinked her brown eyes, looking as if she must have misheard me.
“The fact that he’s been driven this far means it’s useless no matter who tries to stop him. So rather than stopping him, it’s better to respond. Hyowon, have your factions keep an eye on them. If possible, it would be good if you could find evidence too.”
“…Understood. I’ll do that. I’ll also question or recruit people from his faction and find out what I can.”
“I’m counting on you.”
“That aside, you’re frightening. I knew it was the right choice to be conquered by you.”
“What is?”
“You’re saying you’ll use this opportunity to expel Do Seungwu and firmly establish your position as the representative of the first years. If you succeed in this matter, all the students in the swordsmanship track will have no choice but to follow you.”
“…”
“To think you don’t even hesitate to drive a blade into your own cousin for that purpose… I see. Does a lion show no mercy to protect its territory? The family culture of the Divine Sword Do Family is terrifying.”
…That’s not it. I didn’t mean it that way.
No Hyowon stroked her chin and misunderstood things however she pleased.
I was about to correct her misunderstanding, but decided to just let it be.
* * *
The first exam on Monday ended without any particular difficulty.
It was thanks to memorizing the exam range thoroughly, and thanks to having been rigorously educated for five years by the Seven-Colored Witch, Hong Yena.
Feeling proud, Yeon Haneul headed to the Dimensional Hall, where her next exam would be held.
As if reflecting her mood, her rabbit ears perked up amid the spring-tinted scenery, and her buoyant steps were like those of a rabbit hopping along.
From time to time, she even hummed.
‘There’s still some time until the next exam. Would it be better to rest somewhere nearby before going?’
Perhaps the classroom where the exam would be held was still being used by the people taking the previous class.
Even if she went early, she wouldn’t be able to enter.
In that case, wouldn’t it be better to wait nearby and move when the time came?
‘Since the exam is held inside a gate, there’s no need to save a seat in advance either.’
She did not want to stand awkwardly in front of the classroom with people she was not particularly close to.
As it happened, on the way to the Dimensional Hall was Indigo Lake, one of Geumgang Academy’s three great lakes.
Yeon Haneul decided to spend some time looking at the lake, which held a deep blue hue under the influence of the academy city’s unique mana environment.
“Ah, it’s nice and quiet.”
Sitting on a bench beneath the shade of a tree, Yeon Haneul enjoyed the scenery.
Lately, she had been studying through the night, and she had already been worried about whether her eyes, which bothered her enough as it was, might have become even redder.
It felt as if the fatigue in her eyes was melting away.
Soon, she glanced at the tote bag placed beside her.
‘Should I look at it, or not?’
Inside the tote bag was the secret manual of the Arcane Min Family.
Yeon Haneul, who had been reading it whenever she found spare time, fell into conflict.
She was someone who went weak in the face of content that offered intellectual stimulation, such as books and dramas.
‘No. I can read this whenever I want once midterms are over, can’t I? For now, I have to focus on exams. Besides, if I get absorbed in it, I might end up reading without realizing how much time has passed….’
Fortunately, Yeon Haneul exercised restraint and pulled back the hand that had been reaching for the tote bag.
She should clear her mind by simply admiring the scenery of Indigo Lake.
Changing her train of thought, she captured the view of the lake on her smartphone.
‘I should send it to Gyeonu too.’
A smile spread across her face without her even realizing it.
Yeon Haneul sent the photo to Do Gyeonu.
[Me]: Exams must be tiring, right?
[Me]: (Photo)
[Me]: Ta-da! Look at this and do your best on your exams haha
The read mark disappeared faster than she had expected.
Do Gyeonu had read the message.
[Little Gyeonu]: That’s Indigo Lake, isn’t it?
[Little Gyeonu]: Is your exam over?
[Me]: Yup yup
[Me]: I have time before the next exam, so I’m resting by the lake
[Me]: What about you? Are you done?
[Little Gyeonu]: Finished one, and now I’m on my way to take the Witch’s exam
[Me]: Master’s exam will be tricky... Do your best
[Little Gyeonu]: How about showing your support through action instead of just words?
[Me]: Through action??
[Little Gyeonu]: Not a scenery photo
[Little Gyeonu]: Send me a photo of yourself
[Little Gyeonu]: I think that’d give me strength
[Me]: ......
[Little Gyeonu]: You don’t want to?
[Little Gyeonu]: If it makes you uncomfortable, then I can’t help it
[Me]: It’s not that...
[Me]: Wait a second
Really, her childhood friend was so sudden.
He struck, struck, and struck again without warning.
She could only feel flustered by the abrupt request.
Still, Yeon Haneul did not dislike it outright, so she hurriedly took out her hand mirror and examined her face closely.
“There’s nothing weird, right…?”
She looked, and looked again, and then again.
She reflected herself in her smartphone camera, flipping her hair this way and that as she searched for the angle that made her look pretty.
Only then did Yeon Haneul take several selfies.
Though in the end, all she sent Do Gyeonu was the single photo that had come out best.
[Me]: (photo)
[Me]: How is it?
[Gyeonu Kid]: Nice
[Gyeonu Kid]: It came out well
[Me]: Think you’ll do well on the exam now?
[Gyeonu Kid]: (carrot emoji) Of course
[Gyeonu Kid]: I’ll come back with a perfect score!!!
[Me]: Just try not getting one?
[Me]: I’ll be looking forward to it ^^
It was nothing more than a single chat message, and yet the corners of her mouth rose for no reason.
Feeling better, Yeon Haneul now made a demand of Do Gyeonu in return.
[Me]: Show me yours too
[Me]: I’ll look at yours and get energized
[Gyeonu Kid]: I don’t really take photos...
[Me]: So you won’t show me? ㅜㅜ
[Gyeonu Kid]: It might come out weird, you know?
[Me]: I’m fine with that
[Me]: I like anything! Haha
[Gyeonu Kid]: Hold on
…(A little while later)…
[Gyeonu Kid]: (photo)
[Gyeonu Kid]: There, happy?
[Me]: Yeah, yeah! It came out well!
[Me]: Looks like you can take good ones by yourself now?
[Gyeonu Kid]: It’s thanks to a certain someone teaching me whenever she had the chance
[Gyeonu Kid]: Think you’ll do well on the exam now?
Saying it twice would only be nagging.
Even though Do Gyeonu was not beside her, Yeon Haneul answered aloud.
“Yeah!”
She felt as though she could get every question right.
* * *
“Welcome. I’m curious what brings all of you here to see me. For now, please have a seat….”
“No, Chairwoman. We will remain standing.”
“Is that so? Do the other instructors share the same opinion as Instructor Su Hoguk?”
“....”
“Very well. Do as you like.”
The top floor of the Academic Affairs Building, the chairwoman’s office.
The Star Witch, So Hyeyul, received the instructors who had requested a meeting without prior notice.
The Punishment Sword Su Hoguk, the Seven-Colored Witch Hong Yena, the Gambler So Gukjin, and others….
Most of the instructors who had come were famous figures with established reputations in the field.
With smiling yellow eyes, she looked over each of their faces.
Then she turned her gaze to the materials Su Hoguk had brought.
“Please take a look.”
“Yes, I will.”
Su Hoguk, who seemed to be speaking on behalf of the instructors, addressed her.
Their business was likely contained in these documents.
So Hyeyul nodded, then leafed through the materials and skimmed the contents.
Before long, she let out a low hum and furrowed her brow.
‘...They investigated this in quite some detail.’
Coincidentally, the contents of the materials were the very thing So Hyeyul had been having her chief secretary, Oh Seung-a, look into.
No, they were even more detailed than that.
The materials even included private matters that would not have been easy to access unless one was a fellow instructor.
‘Who made this…?’
While inwardly admiring the completeness of the report, So Hyeyul glanced over the instructors present.
Only then did one instructor she had passed over without thinking a moment ago catch her eye.
Among the instructors, a female instructor who looked especially young was standing in the corner, suppressing her presence.
‘That child did it.’
A rookie instructor appointed this year, Yu Noeul.
Age, twenty-five.
Recalling her background, So Hyeyul readily understood.
Even if she had severed ties with her family, her skills would not have gone anywhere.
‘It was a good thing I hired her.’
So Hyeyul inwardly praised the decision she had once made and tapped the desk with her finger.
Her deliberation did not last long.
Having read the board and calculated the gains and losses, she put on a bright smile.
“The fact that you brought this to me means you intend to get in the same boat with me, correct? Very well. A wise choice.”
I Became the Childhood Friend of the Mid-Boss