"Is that so?"
"Yes."
Yi-Han revealed that Professor Boladi's lecture venue had changed from the classroom to an underground dungeon.
It was done for more efficient teaching...
"Don't joke around. ...You're not joking?"
Nillia, who had responded with disbelief, was taken aback when she saw Yi-Han's sorrowful eyes.
It's not a joke?
"Why on earth would the lecture be held in an underground dungeon?"
"There's a long story behind that."
Yi-Han sighed.
Explaining the situation now wouldn't make much of a difference.
"First, let's plan how to enter the dungeon. We need to get Bone blossoms. Considering trial and error, each person should have about five or six."
"What comes out in the dungeon? Slimes? Skeletons?"
"Hungry Ghosts appear."
"..."
Nillia was unsure whether Yi-Han was teasing her or being serious, tilting her head in confusion.
However, Yi-Han's expression was very serious.
"If Hungry Ghosts appear... shouldn't we just find another dungeon?"
"Finding another dungeon takes time too."
"That's true but..."
Would one really choose to venture into a dangerous dungeon just because finding another takes time?
'Is it just me, or does it seem like Wardanaz is seeping into the academy?'
Nillia was worried about Yi-Han's decision to venture into a dungeon known for Hungry Ghosts, thinking back to when they first met and he seemed more cautious.
"When the others come to their senses, I'll have to take them along. At least the principal's test is over, thankfully."
"I'm envious. I have to go back and see that test again."
"Really?"
Yi-Han looked at Nillia with a puzzled expression.
"How high of a score are you aiming for to retake the test?"
"...My goal is just to avoid failing."
"Really? Then why bother retaking it?"
"Wardanaz... what do you think my score looks like right now?"
Nillia's voice sharpened slightly.
This is why it's great to have friends who study well!
It was only after Yi-Han promised to help Nillia with her <Basic Magic Character Education> studies that he could appease her mood.
'I don't understand. The questions weren't that difficult.'
"Dolgyu."
"Yi-Han."
In the distance, an orc friend with a tired face appeared. Yi-Han, suspecting something, asked:
"Did you drink?"
"...A little..."
"Dolgyu. You shouldn't just gulp down whatever the academy gives you."
"I know. I'm reflecting. Yi-Han."
The conversation was odd for first-year students, but no one found it strange.
"Are the White Tiger students studying hard?"
"Not really?"
Dolgyu answered without a hint of embarrassment.
For the students of the White Tiger, academic performance at the magic academy wasn't that important.
They were learning magic to excel as knights.
Learning the necessary magic and leaving was important, not the grades.
'They're quite fearsome.'
Yi-Han was thrilled to know that the White Tiger students didn't pay much attention to their studies.
Students from noble families in the Blue Dragon, except Gainando, at least tried to maintain a minimum level of dignity, concerned about their family's honor. But the White Tiger students were like wild beasts.
Honestly, it was a bit enviable!
They knew they had a place to work after leaving academy, hence their boldness.
'But it's nice to have such guys below you.'
Yi-Han nodded to himself, contemplating his thoughts.
"Studying isn't mandatory, after all."
"Yi-Han, it sounds odd hearing that from you."
Dolgyu felt a sense of incongruity.
Yi-Han seemed to be the most diligent student in the magic academy...
"Ha! Haat! Haaack!"
"Huh! Huk! Hup!"
As they walked forward, they saw students from the White Tiger clashing wooden swords, beads of sweat dripping down their brows.
"Could they be training instead of studying?"
"Ah... No, there's a swordsmanship exam coming up, so..."
Dolgyu defended his friends.
Of course, the White Tiger students had a tendency to escape into swordsmanship when faced with troublesome exams.
Those of knightly descent usually cleared their minds by swinging a sword when troubled.
"That makes sense."
"Dolgyu! Come and swing your sword too! It'll help you sober up from the alcohol!"
"Holding onto books and then swinging a sword really clears the mind!"
"..."
Yi-Han stared intently at Dolgyu, who hurriedly moved forward upon hearing the shouts of his White Tiger friends.
"Moradi."
"Wardanaz."
Jijel frowned upon seeing Yi-Han, and Yi-Han frowned back at her.
Both wishing the other would disappear.
"Didn't you drink?"
"Only fools drink. But why didn’t you, Wardanaz?"
"I prefer not to touch anything given by the principal."
"..."
Jijel was astounded by the unexpected and ludicrous reason.
What was that about?
"Everyone is training with swords. Aren't you going to join them?"
Other White Tiger students were vigorously swinging their swords, not out of reluctance to study, but to prepare for the swordsmanship exam.
However, Jijel was sitting alone, reading a book.
"Studying is something I do regularly."
'Is Gainando saying the same thing?'
Of course, Gainando and Moradi were completely different. It was almost an insult to compare them.
"Still, shouldn't you prepare a bit before the exam?"
"What are you trying to say?"
Jijel asked bluntly, prompting Yi-Han to get straight to the point.
"You seem unusually calm for the midterms. Do you know something?"
With a 'thud', Jijel closed the book she was holding, revealing its title, <Os Gonadaltes' Dedication to the Magic Academy>.
'Moradi is preparing for the <Basic Magic Character Education> exam too.'
Yi-Han had finished studying that book two weeks ago.
"Yes, I know something."
"I thought so."
Yi-Han had only one reason to talk to Moradi.
The swordsmanship skills displayed by the White Tiger students were considerable.
Being from knightly families, they had access to various rumors and information.
They had even known in advance about the arrival of the White Wood Knight Order.
Moradi might have known something about the midterms in advance.
Of course, it was unlikely she would just reveal it.
"What do you want?"
"Well..."
Jijel crossed her arms in an arrogant stance, her face showing she knew she had the upper hand.
"What can you offer?"
"I've already taken the <Basic Magic Character Education> exam. How about an exchange of questions?"
"!"
Jijel's face, usually stoic, wavered for a moment.
The <Basic Magic Character Education> exam questions changed continuously...
Jijel, who hadn't personally attended the exam, was obviously unaware of this.
'This might work.'
Jijel was plunged into thought.
Truth be told, trading with Wardanaz wasn’t exactly appealing.
Wardanaz was too clever and cunning for Jijel to let her guard down around him.
And there was also the desire to reject the offer just to see Wardanaz's distorted face.
But...
'It's too good an offer to pass up.'
While Jijel was not ashamed of being part of the White Tiger, she objectively acknowledged that it was not the best environment for focusing on academic studies.
Most students there would say things like, 'Why bother using our brains that much? That's for others to do.'
As such, even those students who were interested in their studies often got swept up in the atmosphere, tossing their books aside while declaring, 'Right, we are knights after all!'
For Jijel, who despised stupidity, this was a ludicrous situation.
Having no one to study with!
In contrast, Wardanaz was a top student from the Blue Dragon, known for his excellent academic performance.
He was capable enough, though he could casually teach wrong answers while studying together.
"Alright."
"Good. We have a deal."
Yi-Han nodded contentedly.
Of course, Jijel might rage later upon receiving the test papers, but what could be done about that?
In the magic academy, it was the fooled one's own fault.
"Have you two already discussed everything?"
Dolgyu approached as they finished talking.
"Moradi, did you tell Yi-Han? About the midterms?"
"Why should I do that?"
Jijel retorted incredulously.
Dolgyu looked perplexed.
"...But we're on the same team."
"..."
"..."
It was then that Yi-Han and Jijel realized they were indeed on the same team for the midterms, just like the previous exam.
'...I've wasted my time.'
If he had just waited, Moradi would have told him anyway...
"The deal is already done."
"Don't worry, Moradi. I keep my promises."
Jijel looked at Yi-Han with surprise, then suspicion.
What's going on?
"Something's fishy..."
"Moradi, Yi-Han is someone who keeps his promises, after all."
"Don't talk nonsense, Choi. You say that because you've been brainwashed by Wardanaz."
"...Did you really have to gather everyone like this?"
Nillia whispered quietly, so only Yi-Han could hear.
The composition of students gathered around the large library table was beyond imagination.
Starting with the students of the Blue Dragon (surprisingly, Gainando was there), to students like Nillia and Ratford from the Black Tortoise.
...And even Jijel and Dolgyu from the White Tiger and the priests of the Immortal Phoenix?
"There are many who asked for help, but I also have to study myself."
'It looks like a fight might break out.'
Nillia thought so but refrained from asking more. She knew Yi-Han also had to focus on his studies, so she couldn't take more of his time.
"Here. I've compiled these questions. Memorize them."
"Uh... just memorize? Isn't there another way?"
Gainando asked naively. Yi-Han replied sternly.
"No. Memorize."
"Uh... Uhm."
It was neither a high-level magic application problem nor anything complex, just a memorization test, and the most efficient method was to create probable questions and memorize them.
Yi-Han tossed papers to his friends.
When the principal had told them to learn <Lesser Control> magic for transcription practice, he had thought, 'Why go to such lengths?' But now, in this situation, it was definitely convenient.
Although he had no intention of being grateful...
'And now, the White Wood Knight Order is coming again.'
Yi-Han opened his books for study, reading them while simultaneously pondering over the news he had heard that day.
It seemed that the White Wood Knight Order was coming again for the midterms of the swordsmanship class.
He had somewhat expected it, but...
'Surely he won't make us fight someone stronger, right? He wouldn't be so conscienceless as to do that to first-year students.'
Honestly, even making them fight the knights last time was a conscienceless act. Yi-Han trusted Professor Ingurdel.
Having finished reading a book, Yi-Han closed it and briefly closed his eyes. Then, he immediately picked up another paper beside him.
Gainando, who had been murmuring while memorizing, asked curiously.
"What lecture is that?"
"It's not for the exam. Just something I'm reading to take a break."
Gainando nodded as if he could relate to Yi-Han's answer.
Gainando, too, had been dabbling in various things while preparing for the midterms.
'So Yi-Han is the same!'
"What are you reading? The latest Toveris series is interesting. I bought a magazine over the weekend that introduces new cards..."
"Hmm? Magic spells scribed by the principal."
"..."
"..."
It wasn't just Gainando who was shocked.
Other students, diligently memorizing at their seats, simultaneously lifted their heads.
They all looked at Yi-Han with astonished eyes.
"It's not that difficult. Just a pastime..."
Yi-Han unwittingly made an excuse. Nillia shook her head in disbelief.
