Chapter 283

Games are meant to be enjoyed. Pursuing extreme efficiency just loses the essence of gaming.

So normally, I wouldn’t be fixated on efficiency. I would have mixed things up for more fun, especially with the many variables involved in the exams.

But all that aside, I approached the situation efficiently just to see Kara dance and sing.

The problem was, when it came to theory, extreme efficiency basically boiled down to memorization, which meant no one could properly pull it off.

So, I asked Karas for help. He was the type to join in if something looked fun anyway.

“Kara.”

“What?”

“You have to keep your promise.”

“No…”

Kara seemed caught off guard, not expecting my theory to actually be executed flawlessly without any margin for error. She had bet against it, only to see it succeed spectacularly. The content of the bet? Performing.

From Kara’s perspective, having to dance on stage is probably the last thing she wants. The dance is for the heavens—specifically for Gulrak.

Dancing that in front of people? That feels like some serious blasphemy and, above all, Gulrak would absolutely hate it.

“I’m just messing with her.”

I knew that well enough, and that’s exactly why I was teasing her. Kara would likely have other requests.

Kara, dressed as a dancer, performing in front of a big crowd? Honestly, I wouldn’t want that either.

As I said before, if that’s what Kara was going to do, I’d rather jump on stage myself and dance away.

“Isn’t there something more urgent? I heard something’s coming up by year-end?”

Kara changed the subject, perhaps having nothing else to say. The only thing more urgent than a performance would likely be the demon invasion.

As Kara said, the demon invasion was indeed more important. It was set to kick off right when the performance began.

“Don’t change the subject. You have to keep your promise.”

“…”

Regardless, I was determined to get what I wanted. Kara chuckled at my stubbornness.

I had also promised to give Karas a reward for taking my exam instead of me—something very minor.

Knowing Karas, he might ask for something bizarre as a reward, so I nipped that in the bud. Fortunately, he seemed to take it in stride.

“Sis, do you know any songs?”

“Would I? The only thing I know is our country’s traditional songs. And even those are more tribal tunes than anything national.”

“Can you sing one now? That might get Sivar’s attention.”

“Do you want to die?”

Luna chimed in too, throwing some playful barbs at Kara, making her even more anxious.

I found it fun to have more ways to pressure Kara. I intended to keep this up for a while.

“Everyone, you’ve all worked hard this past year. I imagine it’s been tough to get here.”

The exams were finally over and we returned to the classroom. Malboro, looking as tired as ever, encouraged us.

The examination ground was a literal sea of flames, causing the exams to be a bit delayed, but somehow, we managed to finish.

He then glanced at me, his voice weary as he spoke up.

“The exam results will come out within a week. Until then, it’s officially class time, but it’s practically vacation. You don’t have to show up for classes, but if you want, you can duel with the professors.”

Typically, as soon as finals wrap up, vacation starts immediately, but the Academy works a bit differently.

It’s vacation, but similar to third-year high school students after the college entrance exam, you could say.

You can rest well to wrap up the year, or you can duel with the professors if you wish.

“Once the week’s over, most of the professors will head back to their hometowns.”

Many professors would likely head back home. The number of professors remaining at the Academy would be quite small.

Among them would be Malboro, who essentially lives here with his family.

Who would’ve known that would become the spark of tragedy? Thankfully, it seems that won’t happen.

“Who else is sticking around? With the future slightly altered, I can’t quite tell.”

Usually, most professors prefer to go home for vacation. Not many stay until the end of the year.

The sure ones are the professors from our class, including Malboro.

Most have no reason to go back home or shouldn’t go back.

If the Academy’s collapse begins, they’ll certainly be a reliable force, though it could also swing the other way.

“This past year has been a real effort for everyone, and I hope we can meet again next time.”

Malboro said that and stepped out of the classroom. He probably hinted at something without directly saying it.

Once assigned, professors stick around till the end. In other words, we’ll still be with Malboro and the other professors during our second year.

“As long as there are no casualties during the demon invasion, that is.”

From my end, it’s great to be with familiar faces among the professors. They could be a huge help for our future plans.

Especially, no matter what, Godin must survive. If Godin dies, the progress of magic will have to stop abruptly.

“I should also check on what Jane is up to.”

I wonder if she’ll still be holed up in the workshop during the year-end. That might actually be preferable.

The workshop isn’t too far out of the way, and it’s fortified enough that it’s unlikely to be broken into.

True, Jane may lack in physical power, but the workshop is packed with various weapons.

With those weapons, she should be more than capable of defending herself.

“Sis, are you coming to class?”

“Why should I? I’d rather focus on personal training. What about you?”

“Me too. You know who I train with.”

“Oh. That’s true.”

I’d just check the exam results and be done. I could train with Rod afterward.

I’d be treated like a dog by Rod for a week according to my plans.

Even without Rod, I could train with Rize. It would mainly be about building my regeneration powers.

“Kara.”

“Yeah?”

“We should practice singing.”

“…”

Oh, she’s trying to sneak out casually, huh? Kara gazed off into the distance, possibly realizing she should keep her mouth shut to avoid a mess.

“Hmm… Sivar?”

“Yeah?”

“Let’s talk about this later. I really don’t want to be the clown.”

“Got it.”

If that’s the case, I’m all for it. That was my original goal anyway.

After that, before heading back to our dorms, my friends and I headed to Rod’s Residence.

As you might expect, demons are set to invade soon, and we needed to map out a detailed plan.

“Welcome.”

“Saint? And next to you…?”

“Ah, hello…”

To my surprise, there were unexpected figures at Rod’s Residence—none other than Rize and Erica.

Rize, as always, wore her nun’s habit and exuded a calm aura, while Erica looked somewhat haggard.

The confident demeanor I’d seen before was gone, evidently worn down by Rize.

‘She probably deserved it.’

Not the most welcoming faces, but it’s a undeniable fact they’d be a significant help to our power.

In addition, perhaps she had called ahead, but Eli and Porori were also there. It seemed she’d gathered everyone and everything that could be summoned.

‘But doesn’t Erica not know about Porori?’

If they were going to include her in future plans, she might have mentioned it beforehand. If that’s the case, I don’t mind.

After all, Porori is also expected to play a big role during the Academy’s collapse. Even if it has gained a bit—no, a lot of weight, it should still maintain its combat ability.

Anyway, with everyone gathered, we filled in the gaps with chairs and started chatting comfortably.

“So what happened is…”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I…”

They say when three women gather, plates break. The number of people here is far greater than that.

While they chatted away, I occupied myself with some snacks prepared in advance. Of course, it’s sweet potato.

Porori seemed to have nothing to say, so it was happily munching on its sweet potato. And that includes Neoburi and Pijon-tu.

“What do you think they’re talking about?”

“Not sure.”

Even Kara was laughing loudly and chatting away. Definitely a woman at heart despite her boisterousness.

But this didn’t last long either. There were moments when the chatter died down, at which point Rod intervened appropriately.

“It’s best to wrap up small talk here. There isn’t much time left.”

“….”

“….”

As soon as Rod brought up a heavy topic, the atmosphere sank. There’s hardly any time left for idle chatter now.

Afterward, Rod glanced at Rize, signaling her to speak first.

Rize understood the hint, nodded, and opened her mouth with her usual warm voice.

“As you all may have heard, there’s a very high possibility that demons will invade the Academy this year-end, especially on the anniversary. The evidence we’ve gathered suggests so.”

“….”

“When considering this, it’s highly likely that the Academy Monument will be destroyed by any means necessary. Even if we join forces, it’s going to be tough.”

Rize is right. No matter what means are employed, the Academy Monument is destined to fall.

You could consider it an inevitable event. Even if Rize and Rod teamed up, it wouldn’t make much difference.

“If the monument falls, monsters from outside will likely enter a state of chaos. And that increases the possibility of them pushing inwards.”

“Does that mean…?”

“It could mean the monsters inside might also come into the Academy. The boundaries would be immediately blurred.”

The Academy Monument is recognized as a ‘territory’ by instinctive monsters.

Occasionally, a starving monster might crawl in, but that’s somewhat different—they invaded to survive.

However, the Monument is strong enough to deceive monsters’ instincts. If it gets neutralized, those monsters would descend into chaos.

“First, it’s best to stop those monsters and stabilize the confusion. But just because we repel monsters doesn’t mean demons won’t come through.”

“Does that mean it becomes real the moment the demons invade?”

“That’s true, but demons will likely play puppet masters and step back. If they act directly, they could become public enemies.”

As Rize mentioned, it’s risky for demons to step in directly. The primary goal is to lure them out.

“To do that, we need to draw the demons’ attention. Plus, to stabilize the chaos, we must gather as many people as possible.”

“Gathering people… could it be a performance?”

“Yes. We said there’d be a performance on the anniversary, so grabbing attention there would work.”

Rize said that and turned to look at me.

“Sivar bro.”

“?”

“I’m counting on you.”

“… huh?”

With that request, everyone’s gaze turned towards me.

“Please work to minimize damage, and draw the demons’ focus.”

“… me?”

“Only you can do this, Sivar bro.”

Rize bowed her head while making a sincere plea. If she’s bowing her head, it must be a very tough situation.

I was momentarily taken aback, scanning the gazes directed at me, each reflecting different expressions.

“What.”

Why is everyone looking at me?

“Why, what?”

Why are you looking at me?