Chapter 280

I ate so much sweet potato that I gained a bit of weight, but it didn’t take long before I lost it again.

I’ve always burned a lot of energy, so this amount of weight disappears quickly.

Especially lately, I’ve been pushing myself hard with personal training alongside Rod, so it was bound to drop off.

“Can I have one more, please?”

“Aren’t you eating too much?”

“One more, please?”

“Oh boy. Fine.”

But my habit of eating regularly didn’t change. I ended up scarfing down sweet potatoes whenever I got bored, and before I knew it, they were all gone.

I could buy some in stores, but they aren’t cheap, so I had to hold back.

It’s no surprise they’re pricey since they’re imported from the Eastern Empire.

‘By the way, did Rize give these to me?’

I heard Rize was the one who recommended sweet potatoes. Did she know I’d enjoy them this much?

For whatever reason, Rize seemed to know me quite well, so there’s a chance she might be on to something.

Of course, sweet potatoes are a winter delicacy, so maybe this was pushing it a bit. I should just enjoy eating them and be done with it.

“Want one?”

“Uh… Thank you?”

I felt too guilty eating them all by myself, so whenever I got bored, I shared half with those around me.

The reason I offered half instead of a whole one was that I couldn’t finish an entire one. Especially without milk, it would get stuck in my throat.

Even people like Grace, who were conscious about their figures, didn’t turn down sweet potatoes. They’re pretty much a diet food.

As long as you don’t eat like a madman like I do, it’s all good. Just the other day, my abs showed a bit of a belly bulge—acceptable size and all.

“Meow.”

“You’ve gained some weight too. Time to cut back.”

Even Neoburi had a plump belly. I could gauge how much I’d eaten from that.

Sweet potatoes are usually the favorite food of pets, but overeating can be risky.

In the end, I decided moderation was key, meaning I rarely had sweet potatoes piling up in the dorm.

As time went by and the winter chill got sharper, the final exam was fast approaching.

“Is everyone here? First off, let me remind you that final exams are just around the corner.”

Before I knew it, the final exams were right at our doorstep.

The impending final exams also meant that the demons’ invasion was not far off.

Essentially, once final exams were over, the demons would strike. So yeah, it was imminent.

“As I mentioned before, the final exam will combine theory and practice. If you can conduct the practices according to the theory, you’ll score big.”

The content of the final exam itself hadn’t changed a bit. Honestly, there wasn’t anything that could really be changed.

If there was any change, it was probably just the ratio between the two. Initially, it was 50-50, but I heard one side was altered.

Everybody knows it’s all my fault. With me going around wrecking the practice sessions, it’s no wonder we got here.

“And in a week, the final exam will take place, and I’ll share the exam content. You might find it familiar.”

Malboro began speaking in his usual solemn voice. Honestly, I felt confident no matter what came up.

To be precise, I was just thinking about breezing through it. Theory might be a bit of an issue, but I’d manage.

I’ve been diligently drilling with my friends on the theory. I certainly hadn’t just been loafing around.

‘All I remember is just eating sweet potatoes…’

I’m sure I can do well. I can guarantee it.

Even if I scribbled nonsense for the theory, that wouldn’t matter. To me, it would be just fine.

“The exam involves dungeon exploration. There will be various traps and monsters lurking. Also, the items for completion are limited.”

“So we can’t start off with weapons?”

“Correct. You’ll need to break through with bare hands or use the terrain.”

The difference from previous practices is that we have nothing but our bare hands. But honestly, that’s not such a big problem.

As long as I can find a weapon lying around, I should be fine. But it might be good to check on any variables.

“Here’s where the exam will be conducted. However, you will only have two opportunities to look around, after which you’ll only have information written on paper to rely on.”

“That sounds tough. Will the theory even matter?”

“Maybe.”

Hearing we only get two chances to look around, the students voiced their dissatisfaction.

That’s a natural reaction; it’s too tight as it is. Will we even have a chance to properly establish the theory?

Malboro didn’t say much about this though. But with his smirk, it seemed like he’d expected this response.

‘We’re just testing resilience here, huh?’

What’s crucial in this test won’t be the theory or practice. It’s likely the improvisation that springs up in unexpected situations.

Improvisation ties directly to wisdom. The better this ability, the lesser the chance of biting the dust unexpectedly.

“It will probably be tough. But overcoming difficulties is a kind of trial, right? You’re not complaining already, are you?”

“…”

“I was initially going to limit the opportunity to one for the round, so don’t complain since this is generous enough.”

As Malboro poked at their pride, the students quickly fell silent. Fair enough; action speaks louder than words.

Hitting their pride is usually the best way to motivate geniuses. Call it a common tactic.

Professors aren’t fools; they likely have quite a bit of accumulated know-how.

“Well, that’ll be all for today. During the afternoon training, I’ll show you the exam site.”

As the first class ended, break time was approaching. The moment Malboro exited, students began whispering amongst themselves.

From what I could gather, most of the chatter was complaints. They seemed to think the exam method was too unfair.

The professors had anticipated this and significantly increased the theory ratio. It could easily have led to me taking the heat.

‘It feels like they’re being considerate all while trying to keep tabs on me.’

If I hadn’t been around, the professors wouldn’t have had to go through this hassle. I felt both bad and thankful.

Of course, that didn’t mean I intended to let it slide smoothly. It’d be great if I could ace my grades.

To do that, I really had to put in the effort for the theory… to be honest, it’s going to be quite tough.

“Wow, the first year is nearly over.”

“Right? Can you believe a year has flown by? I feel like I haven’t accomplished anything.”

Aside from finals, the day to mark the end of the year was fast approaching.

With the end of the year closing in, the academy was pretty busy. Not to mention the anniversary was just around the corner.

Those who didn’t know what was coming were probably busy preparing for the anniversary. But not us.

“Hey, you guys. Got anything planned for the anniversary?”

Among them, Antonio was one of the oblivious ones. I wonder if he’s still into stocks.

With Antonio’s question from the back row, the eyes of my friends, including myself, turned his way.

He was waiting for the upcoming festival, completely oblivious. His face was already brimming with excitement.

“Are you really thinking about the festival when the exam is so near?”

“Well, the festival is close too! I can think about it!”

“Hmm…”

Even when Grace teased him, Antonio smoothly brushed it aside. Grace didn’t say anything further either.

She probably wanted to fill him in on the details. But this wasn’t the place for that.

Even if she did tell him, he’d likely be dismissed as crazy. Who would believe that demons would invade during the academy’s anniversary, right?

“Speaking of, doesn’t the academy go all out for the anniversary?”

Now even Karas chimed in. As usual, his thoughts were hard to gauge.

He looked as if his eyes were gleaming with excitement, like a madman, and it felt awkward to meet his gaze.

“Aren’t you going back?”

“Huh? Why would I go back?”

“Because you’re a prince.”

But now I was curious. Is this guy actually aware of his position?

It seems odd for someone who’s a prince not to return to his homeland.

While Danyerin would probably be on the brink of death if she went home, that’s not the case for Karas.

“I like it here! I can act freely without worrying about anyone.”

“…”

I had nothing to say back. Isn’t that the same in the Matra Empire?

Karas was firmly in control of his power. No one could stop whatever he chose to do.

There’s the emperor, but even he doesn’t intervene in the prince’s business.

“Anyway, I’m looking forward to what’s going to happen during the festival. I hope it becomes a memorable event for life.”

As the saying goes, words can manifest—just like Karas said, it’s bound to become an unforgettable event.

Fortunately, all measures were taken, so the damage shouldn’t be too great. The real issue was what came next.

“Oh, right! I heard there’s going to be a performance. Anyone interested in participating? They’re bringing in quite a famous bard, apparently.”

“Are you going to sing?”

“I heard the first prize is something massive!”

That performance Antonio mentioned? That’s where the real event is supposed to kick off.

“Anyone wanna go together?”

“Go by yourself.”

“Come on, that’s harsh! Hey, Sivar, let’s go!”

“Eh?”

Why am I suddenly being dragged in? I stared at him with wide eyes.

When have I ever sung before? To my recollection, never.

“Me? Why?”

“Because you’ve got the looks! Honestly, the face will account for more than half!”

“Don’t drag Sivar into this! And it’s a performance, so you need to sing well, right?”

Grace shot back immediately. It seemed she was trying hard to oppose Antonio’s suggestion.

But there was an unexpected wild card in play…

“Sivar sings well.”

“Eh?”

“What?”

“Yeah, Sivar can actually sing quite decently.”

It was none other than Kara who chimed in with a smirk.

As everyone turned their attention to her, she looked at me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Give it a try; you might surprise everyone!”

“Sister, have you ever seen Sivar sing?”

“Yep.”

“When?”

“During the final exam of the first semester. He blew everyone away with his singing.”

“…”

“Oh, right! He was also great at dancing! He moved forward and backward at the same time—was he using some technique back then?”

Ah.

“If you show that, first prize will be a sure thing. Just give it a shot!”

“…No thanks.”

“If you do it, I’ll give you something nice. You won’t forget it for the rest of your life.”

“…”

Looks like she’s really pushing for it.

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