Chapter 49

“It’s like an official duel. You could express it that way. The only difference is that a regular duel would get you punished, but this is not only legal but also gets you a good score.”

“Hmm… Yes.”

What I proposed to Han Min-ha was the Human Combat Ability Evaluation that corresponds to the practical exam at the end of the semester.

It’s a form of sparring where the goal is to incapacitate the opponent using any means or techniques learned during the semester.

There are no rules.

As long as you don’t use tools, anything goes.

If it’s deemed truly dangerous, the professors will intervene.

Aside from that, one must purely and fully utilize their combat power to fight.

An evaluation representing Graford Academy, which only assesses students by their combat abilities to produce strong heroes.

I was in the process of suggesting to Han Min-ha that she challenge Song Do-yoon in this evaluation.

“The Human Combat Ability Evaluation is an opportunity. Every year, not only academy officials but also headhunters from broadcasting companies and renowned hero agencies arrive to watch. What do you think they would think if they see a lower-class student overpower an upper-class elite?”

To be honest, I’m somewhat more focused on the end-of-semester evaluation than Song Do-yoon’s revenge.

Song Do-yoon’s revenge is merely an excuse or motivation for the semester-end evaluation.

That’s why I continued to persuade and encourage Han Min-ha to seek her revenge.

Anyone would agree that ‘I’ll crush the one who insulted me’ is a stronger driving force than ‘I’ll study hard to ace the exam.’

“I understand what you mean.”

“Then, challenge Song Do-yoon. According to the evaluation guidelines, if a student ranked in the bottom 10% defeats an upper-class student, they receive bonus points. Conversely, the upper-class student will face heavy deductions and might even be demoted to a lower class. Thus, Min-ha is definitely at an advantage. This is the chance to move up to the upper class while taking Song Do-yoon down.”

“Yes… I fully understand.”

Han Min-ha slowly nodded, but her face was filled with anxiety.

I understand the part she’s worried about very well.

“You might be worried that you won’t be able to defeat Song Do-yoon, but don’t worry. Based on what I’ve predicted about Song Do-yoon’s ability, Min-ha would not be able to lose.”

While no one yet knows exactly what Song Do-yoon’s main ability is, I judged it to be either telekinesis or taming.

When I asked other professors, Song Do-yoon has never significantly demonstrated her abilities, but it’s likely one of the two.

I believe she either attracted or tamed birds to carry out a form of harassment against Han Min-ha.

Taming is essentially a meaningless ability that can be disregarded during the evaluation, so the main focus should be on telekinesis.

Even though Song Do-yoon is a student, being in the upper class implies a considerable level of telekinetic strength. Thus, I have decided to counter this with Han Min-ha’s heavy and solid aura.

“Telekinesis is the ability to move objects without touching them. Min-ha’s aura is extremely heavy, so telekinesis will be ineffective against her.”

“Is that because both skills involve aura?”

“Yes. Skills that utilize aura are best countered with aura itself. Neutralize telekinesis with a collection of auras, and strike decisively from a distance with I-race energy.”

“But does it really have to be I-race? If I miss, I might get flustered.”

Han Min-ha is correct.

If the decisive blow doesn’t land, it could be problematic.

“There are other methods. For instance, aura clashes or close-range combat could work. You can adapt depending on the situation.”

Han Min-ha can win.

When considering the opposing abilities, Song Do-yoon is at a distinct disadvantage, and Han Min-ha’s aura is powerful.

There’s a good chance of victory if it turns into a brawl with her abilities neutralized.

“Anyway… do your best. There’s not much time left.”

“I understand, Professor…!”

Han Min-ha answered with a resolute gaze.

* * * * *

Since Han Min-ha found satisfaction at the shooting range, she has approached her training with tremendous enthusiasm.

For Han Min-ha, who until now felt like she had achieved nothing, the gratification of accomplishment must feel as intoxicating as narcotics.

Yu Hye-won helped Han Min-ha well despite her rough words.

This was especially evident when she was mastering close-range combat, as follows:

“Ugh…! It hurts…!”

“Get up! If you can’t dodge this, you won’t get a good score!”

Yu Hye-won firmly pulled up Han Min-ha, who had fallen to the ground.

“If I had surrounded myself with aura just now, your ribcage would have shattered. Reset your stance. Stop looking around and focus on my feet!”

“Uh…! I’m looking!”

“If you want to initiate with a punch or anything, your feet must move first. Watching your opponent’s feet allows you to predict their next move. Look carefully!”

Just in the blink of an eye, Han Min-ha barely blocked Yu Hye-won’s kick by keeping her arms tight against her body.

A huge thud echoed, but Han Min-ha managed to hold her ground without falling.

“Ugh…”

“Hold your head up! If you drop it, you’ll die!”

“I get it! Ugh!”

Yu Hye-won’s punch whizzed past Han Min-ha’s ear as she sharply bent her back.

This avoidance surprised even Yu Hye-won, judging by her expression.

Her gaze seemed to say, “Not bad…”

“Excellent. Now, let’s wrap ourselves in aura and try again.”

Yu Hye-won’s body was enveloped with a gold-colored aura.

Without hesitation, Han Min-ha also raised a purple-colored aura around herself.

Just moments ago, Han Min-ha didn’t even know what “aura” meant.

But now she could evoke her own aura at will.

It’s an incredible speed of mastery.

As the purple and golden auras collided, powerful sparks flew in the air.

Since the intensity of the auras was evenly matched, the atmosphere was quite intimidating.

“Good. Now we begin.”

“I’m going to give it my all now, Hye-won. So… uh… Yaaah!”

Han Min-ha was propelled straight across the training field after being struck by Yu Hye-won’s attack.

* * * * *

Han Min-ha’s special training continued.

Yu Hye-won and I did everything in our power to toughen her.

We’ve been pulling her along strenuously to make up for her late start in awakening her aura.

If she doesn’t achieve a good score this time, her future is not guaranteed.

As Yu Hye-won put it, “She’ll end up floundering in the sewage and eventually get eliminated.”

That’s why I intensely trained Han Min-ha, even if it was hard on her.

But Han Min-ha didn’t give up, though it was difficult for her.

Her drive for revenge against Song Do-yoon and the confidence gained from awakening her aura were the fuel propelling her forward.

Meanwhile, Song Do-yoon continued tormenting Han Min-ha in ways that remained subtle enough to avoid being noticed by Yu Hye-won.

I strictly instructed Han Min-ha not to react or retaliate.

“Always back off. There’s no need to react to it.”

“I understand, Professor.”

“Think of it like pulling back a bowstring; the further you draw it back, the stronger the arrow’s impact will be. Once she feels confident and lets down her guard, that’s when you strike right at her heart.”

“Yes…!”

Han Min-ha answered clearly, despite having numerous bruises on her face from consecutive spars with Yu Hye-won.

“Good. Now, I will give you one tip.”

In front of Han Min-ha, I conjured a small square defensive barrier.

“This is a Basic Physical Barrier. It blocks basic attacks and, when dealing with powerful attacks, it absorbs part of the shock as it breaks, acting as a buffer. When layered, it can provide protection similar to a bulletproof vest.”

“Yes. But is this really a tip?”

“Not exactly.”

I tilted the defensive barrier slightly from its original position facing head-on.

“By adjusting the angle of the barrier, you can deflect attacks that you wouldn’t normally be able to withstand. This is especially useful in emergencies.”

Han Min-ha observed my barrier closely and attempted to create one similarly angled.

“Great job. The Basic Physical Barrier is just that—basic—and can be quickly formed with endless possibilities. Always think creatively. ‘In the field,’ a stuck-in-their-ways hero will not survive.”

“I understand, Professor. I will keep it in mind!”

Han Min-ha confidently answered while creating a second barrier connected to the first.

Excellent. Very good.

* * * * *

As the semester-end evaluation approached, the academy atmosphere became quite chaotic.

It’s a very sensitive period, as it can be both an opportunity for lower-class students and a potential risk for upper-class ones.

The faculty went through the procedure of creating the Human Combat Ability Evaluation match-ups.

The process involves combining two plans: Faculty Plan A, where student levels are carefully considered for balanced pairings, and Student Request Plan B, ultimately resulting in a final Compromise Plan C.

The entire faculty worked late nights to produce an optimal bracket, ensuring no grossly mismatched fights where one side would have an overwhelming disadvantage.

Han Min-ha’s request list became a hot topic within the faculty for this reason.

While it’s not uncommon for a lower-class student to challenge an upper-class one, and in those cases, the challenger’s preference is usually respected, the fact that it’s Han Min-ha drew particular attention.

“Professor. Is it really Min-ha’s request?”

After seeing the brackets, Professor Jin asked me in a low voice.

“Yes. She says she really wants to move to the upper class next semester.”

“Is that so? She certainly has ambition, but… is she really ready? Song Do-yoon, she’s a bit intimidating.”

Our conversation caught the attention of Professor Hyun Ju, who joined in.

“If you mean the girl who acts like Secretary Yu Hye-won?”

“Yes, she is indeed talented, but isn’t she a little…scary?”

“She does have that side. Honestly, I’m also concerned about pairing Min-ha against her.”

In response to the concerns of the two professors, I shook my head with a smile.

“No, I think it’s best to proceed as it is. This is an opportunity for Min-ha. We shouldn’t deprive her of this chance just because we’re worried.”

“That’s true…”

Professor Hyun Ju nodded as if understanding, while Professor Jin still looked uneasy.

But what can be done, it’s all part of my plan.

* * * * *

When the match-up list was posted in the lecture hall lobby a few days later, the students reacted much like the professors had.

[Han Min-ha vs. Song Do-yoon]

“Who’s Han Min-ha…? Who’s this?”

“Isn’t she that kid who fainted during the initial assessment? She’s in the lower class, right?”

“What?! This match-up? Isn’t this a mistake?”

Behind such students, Yu Hye-won glanced at the list and smirked cruelly.

“Huh? Interesting. Hey, Song Do-yoon, what do you think about this?”

“Hmm… I see.”

Song Do-yoon’s expression turned cold as she looked at the match-up list.