“I’m Juyun, the instructor in charge of Class 1.”
Rohan was overwhelmed just by facing her.
He instinctively felt that even with his current or past life’s strength, he couldn’t even compare.
‘Crazy…’
So there really are people who give off such a strong impression just by looking at them. It’s to the point where you’d doubt if they’re even human.
Those big-shot Hunters he faced in his past life? They wouldn’t even stand a chance to hand her their business cards.
As Rohan kept marveling and blinking at the instructor, a notification popped up at just the right time.
[You have encountered a Dragon Slayer. Achievement unlocked.]
[You have earned 50P as an achievement reward.]
‘…!’
The meaning of “encounter” in achievements isn’t just passing by.
It varies by character, but you need to at least achieve a minimum level of favorability or establish some kind of relationship.
The achievement was unlocked because a connection was formed between Juyun and Rohan as instructor and cadet.
‘It’s way faster than in the game?’
While Rohan was processing this new information in his head, Juyun picked up a thick marker from the board and continued speaking.
“Since it’s the first day, I’ll keep it simple and let you go early. So pay attention.”
Her sharp eyes scanned the cadets.
“First, I’ll explain the schedule and the goals our Class 1 will aim for over the next two years.”
Orion Academy lasts two years. Once assigned to an instructor, you stay with them until graduation.
It’s a time that’s neither too short nor too long. To keep running steadily through it, setting goals was crucial.
“First, grow stronger every day. But don’t neglect theory either.”
Her words were clearly directed at someone.
Rohan, who met Juyun’s gaze, stayed silent, while Noah wagged her tail and smiled brightly.
“There will definitely be moments in real combat where theory feels useless. But when you’re truly cornered, it can be the lifeline that saves you.”
Juyun, who couldn’t attend the meeting due to other duties, thoroughly read the evaluation sheets of her assigned cadets as soon as she returned to the academy city and understood their tendencies.
She wanted to praise Noah Frozenheart and Rohan for their practical skills, but remembering how they barely wrote anything in their notes gave her a slight headache.
“And… we need clear standards. Does any cadet know the criteria for an F-rank monster?”
Most raised their hands.
Juyun’s gaze shifted to the cadet sitting next to Noah Frozenheart.
‘Is that Ichinose Yui’s daughter?’
Among all the cadets, she ranked first in written exams.
Looking at the evaluation sheet, there’s no lack of practical skills either.
At such a young age, achieving that much—couldn’t it be talent surpassing even his father’s?
“Cadet Ichinose Yui. Explain.”
“F-rank monsters are creatures that, with a weapon, an average adult male can handle without much trouble.”
“Correct. Then what about B-rank?”
“They possess a special barrier called the ‘Abyss,’ making ordinary physical attacks completely useless. You need sufficient magical power to pierce the Abyss and inflict damage.”
“…Impressive. Sit down.”
The explanation came out as smoothly as a machine.
It seemed Ichinose Yui had memorized the Orion Academy textbook word for word during her pre-study.
‘She probably finished all the theoretical prep in advance.’
Juyun swallowed a bitter smile as she thought of Ichinose Yui’s parents.
“Let me make it clear. Our goal for Class 1 is to reach B-rank by graduation.”
“!?”
The eyes of some cadets shook as if an earthquake had hit.
B-rank monsters are the kind that, upon appearing, prompt renowned military units to mobilize immediately for suppression.
“Among that rank, the most frequently appearing monsters statistically would be… Owlbears or Frost Golems.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the room was filled with a heavy silence, unlike before.
Juyun began explaining the anticipated scenario in detail.
“Of course, I’m not saying you should take down a B-rank alone. That’s an insane demand, and I’m not making it. You just need to reach a level where you can pierce the Abyss and inflict damage.”
All you need is the output or concentration of magical power to break through the barrier.
Even if just one more person can do that, it’ll make a huge difference on the battlefield.
By the time you graduate from the Academy, achieving that will make you highly sought after anywhere.
And there are already cadets here who can do that.
“Don’t overthink how to get there. I’ll help you maximize the talents you’ve been given. Understood?”
“““Understood!”””
The cadets responded in unison, as if rehearsed.
Juyun had a commanding charisma that made everyone answer in sync.
“Next.”
Juyun began writing large numbers on the board.
The meaning of the 11 numbers was clear.
“If there’s anything ambiguous or you have questions, day or night, don’t hesitate. I’ve registered all of Class 1’s numbers, so feel free to contact me.”
The cadets started pulling out their phones to save the number.
Rohan also took out his smartphone from his pocket.
‘I’ll ask about part-time jobs.’
The phone remained blank until he touched it.
The phonebook and photo gallery.
The gallery had quite a few photos taken for achievements, but the phonebook was still empty.
Finally, a touching moment arrived as one number was added.
“Within the Orion Academy and within our line of sight, the instructors, including myself, will ensure your safety. It’s our duty as instructors.”
However, once the academy classes end and the cadets return to the dormitory, that’s no longer possible.
That doesn’t mean the instructors are neglectful about outside matters.
“So, if you find yourself caught up in dangerous incidents or troublesome situations outside, don’t be afraid of getting scolded. Make sure to contact us.”
Rohan was impressed by her unwavering voice.
Hearing the story in person, rather than just reading it, the sincerity and appeal in her voice were truly something else.
‘She’s amazing.’
Juyun is a straightforward and upright person who fulfills her responsibilities.
She’s one of the key figures who has saved the protagonist multiple times in crises.
“And lastly.”
Juyun, who had hung the pen next to the board, checked the time briefly and decided to give the cadets a warning.
Her voice lowered slightly, as if urging them to pay attention.
“Recently, there have been quite a few unsettling rumors coming from the Security Bureau, so cadets should refrain from going out late at night.”
Rohan blinked at the instructor’s admonishing voice.
‘That sentence…?’
A strong sense of déjà vu from the last words Juyun spoke.
His mind went blank.
“That’s all.”
··
··
After the first day of the academy ended.
Rohan returned to the dormitory and kept pondering over what Juyun had said.
He had installed an app to look for part-time jobs but hadn’t even opened it yet.
─Recently, there have been quite a few unsettling rumors coming from the Security Bureau, so cadets should refrain from going out late at night.
‘That…’
It’s clear. It’s from quite a while ago, but I remember it well.
The precursor to the tutorial where you experience the combat system as the protagonist character.
‘It’s certain that there’s no protagonist in the academy. What if there’s no protagonist in this world?’
What on earth would happen?
I was curious about how this incident would be resolved.
‘Realistically, there’s also the possibility that the Elysium Security Bureau could handle it.’
Rohan continued his speculations while looking at the ceiling, assuming there was no protagonist character.
The deeper he thought about it, the more absurd and unexpected conclusions he drew, causing Rohan to furrow his brows and stroke his chin.
‘…Even if there is a protagonist, it seems like a problem?’
A righteous personality that can’t stand injustice isn’t bad. Thanks to that, various secrets get uncovered.
But if you ask me coldly if that impulsive behavior is all good, well…?
In Abyss City, the basic setup is forming a party with three characters pulled from the gacha.
Like most subculture games, the main character isn’t that great in terms of performance. Except for the early game, I don’t even remember using them.
At best, they show up in the story when forced.
“If they were around, they’d probably be good at bridging gaps here and there.”
At best, that’s as far as it goes.
What about the current reality? This isn’t a game anymore.
How far can the protagonist go alone without a strong party?
“Hmm…”
After taking time to think it over, I came to a conclusion.
Then I clicked my tongue.
Even so, it’s all just speculation, and Rohan found that frustrating.
“Should I just go and see for myself?”
It’s the perfect dark time for a tutorial.
Rohan opened the closet and threw on a black hoodie.
*Clunk!*
Turning the doorknob, Rohan stepped outside the dormitory and walked, feeling the cold air incomparable to the afternoon.
He stopped by a convenience store and bought the cheapest mask to cover his mouth.
“…”
Whether those guys would be there today or not.
Thanks to the protagonist who wasn’t where they should be, Rohan couldn’t guarantee anything.
*Step. Step. Step.*
Rohan’s footsteps headed straight toward the direction of the girls’ dormitory.
On the way to the dormitory, he noticed a parked car.
“…They’re here.”
A gray van with dark tinted windows, making the interior invisible.
It was the same vehicle he saw in the game, but it was still too early to be sure.
Rohan approached the vehicle.
And tapped on the driver’s side window, knocking lightly.
