Chapter 94
It’s regrettable not to be in the same class as close friends, but there’s nothing to be done about it.
Just as Dogyeonwoo said, Lisa hoped to meet good people within her assigned class.
Having bid farewell to her friends in the hallway, Lisa entered her class.
“It seems like almost everyone is here…”
1st grade, Class 12.
As the time for the class orientation approached, many students were already seated.
Lisa searched for a seat, scanning to see if there was anyone she knew among them.
“Oh, those people collaborated in the third practical exam. They were in the same group…”
Fortunately, there were some familiar faces.
She noticed students she had collaborated with during the entrance exam or competed against.
Nodding.
“Yes, hello.”
There were also students who bowed in greeting, perhaps indicating their affiliation with the Grace Empire.
Lisa gently nodded back in response.
Among them, there were familiar faces.
“That person is… a member of the Cherish family.”
Although her position in the imperial succession hierarchy was low, Lisa was undeniably a princess.
While members of prestigious families, including the Ten Noble Clans, had to undergo rigorous training from a young age to become hunters, as a princess, she had to receive education in palace etiquette, socializing, martial arts, politics, economics, and various other subjects befitting her royal status.
Memorizing the number, name, motto, history, position, and lineage of noble families was also part of her education.
In the case of influential noble families, she even had to memorize the faces of their members.
It was impossible for her, a princess, not to recognize those who held noble status.
Lisa had exchanged greetings a few times with the Cherish family at the imperial palace banquets.
Although they had only exchanged greetings, they couldn’t be considered close.
Nevertheless, meeting people from the same country made her feel somewhat relieved.
“Who is she? Is she from a prestigious family?”
“Wow… she’s in the same class as that person…”
“Is she a foreigner?”
Meanwhile, students unaware of Lisa’s true identity whispered among themselves.
Her exotic appearance, combined with an exceptional air of nobility, drew attention to her.
However, accustomed to being the center of attention, she remained composed and took her seat without revealing anything.
Naturally, a few male students who were sitting a few rows ahead came into her view.
“Sagura, does that mean there’s no class? Is today just for orientation?”
“That’s right. Today will be just about meeting the homeroom teacher, greetings, and a brief explanation of academy life. If there’s anything more to do here… maybe the students will introduce themselves to each other?”
“Still, it looks like it’ll end earlier than expected. Hmm, what should we do with the spare time….”
“Unless there’s something special, how about having an enrollment ceremony with me later this evening?”
“Enrollment ceremony?”
“What’s an enrollment ceremony, you ask…?”
The two male students, who seemed to know each other, sat side by side and chatted away.
The one who seemed to lead the conversation couldn’t see well due to the light reflecting off his glasses.
However, he gave off an intellectual vibe.
And the other male student.
“Quite handsome.”
That thought involuntarily crossed her mind.
Lisa, who had a unique aesthetic sense while also enriching herself in the arts, noticed that the male student’s facial features were exceptional.
The proportion between his forehead and eyes, eyes and nose, nose and chin was akin to admiring a well-crafted piece of art.
“He seems different from Gyungwoo.”
His eyes were full of vitality, and a subtle masculinity was evident in his sharp jawline.
While laughing and chatting with the student next to him, he also revealed a somewhat innocent side, like a pure-hearted child.
If a child retains their innocence and grows, would they turn out like that?
Being around him made her feel like she might unknowingly be infected with a lively energy.
For a woman without immunity to the opposite s*x, he seemed like someone who could easily captivate her.
The atmosphere he exuded was different, breaking down women’s defenses.
He was a different kind of handsome.
Lisa absentmindedly observed the male students until the homeroom instructor entered.
“Nice to meet you. I am known as the guardian who will teach you for a year.”
“….”
The instructor standing at the lectern introduced himself.
The students shuddered at his piercing gaze that seemed as if it could penetrate through them.
His gaze was sharp and intimidating.
On the other hand, through his name, they could recall his reputation.
“If he’s the guardian….”
Lisa also easily recognized.
The name was one that anyone who applied to Geumgang Academy would know.
No, even those who didn’t apply would have heard of it.
The Punishment Sword, Guardian.
Before becoming an instructor, he was a figure who had brought countless villains to justice, instilling fear in them.
He was a nemesis of villains.
With a figure like that becoming a homeroom instructor, it was inevitable that there would be a stir.
He swiftly calmed the atmosphere.
“Everyone, quiet down. We have plenty of time for my story later, so let’s wrap it up and move on to the orientation.”
“….”
“From now on, under my guidance….”
Su Hoguk disseminated the necessary information for students living at the academy.
The students listened attentively.
Afterward, they had a brief moment to introduce themselves.
“Hello, I’m Lisa Evangel… Grace. I believe some of you might already know me, but even though I am of noble descent from the Grace Empire, please feel free to call me Lisa.”
Introductions were given in order of the attendance list, with students standing up at their turn to speak.
When it was Lisa’s turn, she informed the students about her background, expressing her desire to interact with them on equal terms regardless of her status.
The response was generally positive.
“Phew, that’s a relief.”
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Lisa breathed a sigh of relief inwardly.
She had no intention of being treated with deference as a noble.
In the halls of Geumgang Academy, her status was simply that of a student.
That’s how she saw it.
After all, this place was neither part of the Grace Empire nor a noble city in Korea.
It seemed odd to seek deference from people who were not part of the empire.
Seated, she made an effort to remember the faces of her classmates.
“Hello, I’m Park Sagn.”
“So, that’s Park Sagn.”
Before long, a male student with glasses stood up.
He was one of the two male students Lisa had noticed earlier.
Park Sagn.
Lisa remembered the name and observed the students as introductions continued.
As the introductions approached the student with the Hwang Clan surname, nearing the end.
“Then the final student is… Kang Hanbyeol? Why is it written at the bottom?”
“….”
“Oh, he was Tu Gwi’s disciple.”
An unexpected presence emerged from Su Hoguk’s lips.
Tu Gwi’s disciple, Kang Hanbyeol.
The students buzzed with excitement upon hearing his name, which had been shrouded in rumors until now.
“He’s Tu Gwi’s disciple?”
“Didn’t he say he didn’t apply for this exam?”
Tu Gwi, known for being revered as an exceptional martial artist, had a disciple who had become a figure of awe.
Naturally, there was keen interest in someone like him among the students of the same generation, who also saw him as a potential competitor.
On the other hand.
“There were rumors about him being admitted through special circumstances. Could that be true?”
“If Kang is the last one called, then it must be true, right?”
“….”
Rumors had spread here and there about a special admission for the disciple of the Two Spirits.
It was a rumor that made the students who had gone through the difficult entrance exams and passed feel relatively deprived.
As a result, their reactions were not very favorable.
The murmurs grew louder.
“Stop all the chatter and be quiet. And where is Kang Hanbyeol? Get up quickly and introduce yourself.”
“…Yes.”
“….”
In such a situation.
The disciple of the Two Spirits stood up.
The students’ gazes turned towards the direction of the voice.
There stood a male student with hair that was close to dark brown.
“That person is….”
He was the male student who had caught Lisa’s eye a while ago.
She blinked.
“So, he is the disciple of the Two Spirits.”
Lisa’s homeland, the Grace Empire, had once received grace from the Two Spirits, Seo Jeongjin.
Therefore, she felt less resentment towards the disciple of the Two Spirits compared to the other students.
Furthermore, the Geumgang Academy was a place where even the Ten Sects could not easily meddle, and the principal, So Hye-ryul, was known to be wise and fair.
She also felt that there must be a good reason for him to have been granted special admission.
“Maybe because of his considerable skills….”
Imagining it in that way.
Lisa wondered what the disciple of the Two Spirits would say to the students who didn’t seem friendly towards him.
Would he deny the suspicions of special admission?
Or.
“Hello, I’m Kang Hanbyeol! I may not seem trustworthy for not taking the exam like you all, but I will strive to earn recognition for my abilities in the future! Please take care of me!”
“….”
Would he break through head-on?
The disciple of the Two Spirits, Kang Hanbyeol.
He chose the latter.
—
Hong Yena finished the orientation and had the students introduce themselves.
After that, we had to elect a class president and vice president who would be responsible for the big and small matters in the class during the first semester.
“Let’s start by selecting the president. If anyone wants to become the class president by demonstrating exceptional service spirit, please raise your hand.”
“….”
With a proud face.
Hong Yena, standing at the podium, urged the students to participate.
However, no one raised their hand in response to her call.
It was inevitable.
“Who would want to deal with such a hassle….”
Maybe if they offered me some Geumgang coins.
Taking on the role of class representative yielded no tangible benefits.
It involved passing on instructions from the homeroom teacher, distributing incentives to students, assisting the student council in preparing for official events, and overall, a lot of hard work.
And if there were any gains to be had, it was merely about getting closer to the teachers, the student council, and maybe getting an extra line in the personal record book.
But for a Hunter, it was all about skill.
The statement “Demonstrated sincerity, responsibility, and leadership as the class representative” was of no use in living in the world of Hunters.
“Is there anyone willing to volunteer? If a teacher volunteers, I’ll even bring snacks and give out candies every day!”
Naturally, Hong Yena and Vice Homeroom Teacher Yuno expected this reaction.
Standing in front of the whiteboard, Yuno was trying to entice students with food.
On another note.
“I never thought that person would become the Vice Homeroom Teacher….”
Yuno, who obtained her teaching license and started her career as a homeroom teacher this year, was currently 25 years old.
She played a role in the game as a character who guided players on how to develop their characters.
According to the game’s storyline, she should have been assigned as the Vice Homeroom Teacher of a class with a strong star this year.
However, for some reason, she unexpectedly became the Vice Homeroom Teacher of our class.
“It must be So Hye-ryul’s doing.”
That was the only conclusion to draw.
Whether it was Hong Yena becoming the homeroom teacher or So Hye-ryul’s likely intentions, it was not a bad thing for me.
Both Hong Yena and Yuno were people I could rely on.
Even though Yuno becoming my Vice Homeroom Teacher altered the expected future, I wasn’t too concerned.
She didn’t have much influence on the story’s development.
She simply fulfilled her role as a character development guide.
The issue lay elsewhere.
“I hope it doesn’t change into a Guardian of the Punishment Sword. I really hope it doesn’t….”
Punishment Sword Guardian.
As the homeroom teacher of a class with a strong star this year, he was a character of some importance in the story.
Just like Yuno’s future had changed, I hoped his future wouldn’t be affected either.
Since Lisa was in the same class as a strong star, I should ask her later.
And that’s when it happened.
“I’ll do it.”
“Wow! Is Arin going to do it?”
Min Arin, who was sitting next to me, suddenly raised her hand.
Yuno clapped happily.
“…If it’s Min Arin, then it’s worth a shot.”
While other students seemed puzzled by Min Arin volunteering, I easily understood.
She was the one with ambition to prove her excellence and become the student council president.
To her, being a class representative held some value.
“Are there no other candidates?”
“….”
“If not, let’s close it here. Arin will be the class representative. I’ll count on you for this semester.”
“Yes, I’ll do my best.”
Eventually, due to the absence of other applicants, Min Arin was appointed as the class representative.
Next was the turn to select the vice president.
“Anyone applying for vice president? I’ll treat you well~ I’ll even give out candies.”
“….”
The situation was similar to before.
Even though Yuno, in a sky-blue shirt and black skirt, tried to encourage the students, they remained silent.
“Who wants some candies?”
‘Those candies probably taste like cardboard.’
Unfortunately, no student came forward to apply for the vice president position.
Unable to delay any longer, Hong Yena had to step up.
“If no one is applying, I’ll make the selection myself. Any objections?”
Hong Yena’s gaze scanned the surroundings.
Perhaps the sentiments of the students, including me, were the same.
I quickly lowered my head, fearing our eyes might meet.
‘…Why is this taking so long?’
However, even as time passed, Hong Yena didn’t choose anyone.
Feeling uncomfortable from constantly bowing my head, I discreetly lifted it to understand the situation.
And then.
“….”
I locked eyes with Hong Yena.
She was staring intently at me.
Somehow… it seemed like she had been waiting for me to raise my head.
“Witch, this isn’t right.”
Anxiety surged within me.
I lowered my head to survive.
Hong Yena seemed to accept it, nodding her head slightly.
A wide smile spread across her lips.
“Let Gyungwoo, who joined as the last student, take on the role of the vice president. I’ll count on you for this semester. Gyung, Woo, Ya.”
Sitting at the very front was a mistake.
I had only one thing to say.
“…Damn.”
Why was this witch treating me like this?
What did I do wrong?
The class representative election was taking place in other classes as well.
The situation was mostly the same.
Students were not eager to support an election that didn’t offer any particular benefits.
As a result, the instructors had no choice but to directly select a student.
At that moment, the usual criterion they used was the student’s entrance exam scores.
And so.
“Yeon Ha-neul.”
“…Yes?”
“If Ha-neul, who entered as a freshman representative, takes on the role of class representative, it should work.”
“Ye-eah!?”
It was inevitable that Yeon Ha-neul would be appointed as the class representative.
She was suddenly called out by name and was completely taken aback.
Her hair stood on end, and her rabbit-like ears perked up.
“Instructor, I…”
“Ha-neul, work hard.”
“….”
“Then, we should select the vice representative next.”
Can’t. Won’t. Really, can’t.
Really, really, really…
Yeon Ha-neul pleaded with the homeroom teacher in a trembling voice.
But no one, including the homeroom teacher, paid any attention to her plea.
The flow was moving towards selecting the vice representative as it was.
“Uhh….”
“Ha-Ha-neul, fighting!”
Yeon Ha-neul’s rabbit ears drooped.
She started to cry.
Seated beside her, Go Eun-bi awkwardly tried to comfort her.
Deep down, she was relieved that she wouldn’t be the class representative.
But eventually, Go Eun-bi found herself in the same situation as Yeon Ha-neul.
It was what she had earnestly asked for.
“Eun-bi.”
“…Yes?”
“Please… help me… please?”
“….”
To prevent Go Eun-bi from escaping, Yeon Ha-neul tightly held her hands.
Seeing Yeon Ha-neul’s teary eyes and, above all, her desperate plea, Go Eun-bi couldn’t help but be moved.
“If I become the squad leader, what will you do for me?”
“I’ll do everything as you command!”
“Really? Then can I touch your ear?”
“You can touch it right now.”
“What about your tail?”
“My tail… only for Gyoun…”
“Oh, maybe I shouldn’t be the squad leader.”
“Y-You can touch my tail! But… wear gloves when you do, gently…”
“Wear gloves?”
“…”
“I just want to touch it with my hand.”
“Alright. But be gentle. And don’t tell Gyoun… It’s a secret.”
“Okay, got it! Haenul, I love you!”
The contract is sealed.
Goeunbi’s face lit up brightly.
She embraced Yeonhae.
Her hand subtly…