Episode 70. Are you surprised?
The newspaper that Radon spread has become a hot topic again.
Since Radon always went around with his face covered in iron plates and committing fraud, it was obvious what he would do next.
But only the combat cadets paid attention to the news.
I remember the prank Radon played in the first semester. When Shinsoo’s blood was popular, he spread an eye-catching sentence as an article.
There are more than a few kids who fell for the trap even though they knew it was a trap because they used the enormous interest as bait.
Even now, the situation is quite similar to that time. It catches the attention of the cadets by targeting the rumored points of interest.
At that time, he had attracted attention with the blood of the god, but this time, he used Radon’s own existence as bait.
There are differences in that regard, but attention was focused on the article’s phrase, “If you put me out, I’ll give you anything you want.”
Besides, Radon is only a C-class. If you just team up with people of the same level and beat them, you’ll be able to knock them out more than enough.
It’s like a lynx getting in a tiger fight.
‘These guys took the bait.’
Kent Easyst, a first-year student representative, observed the cadets crowded into the gym.
Today is the day of the practical exam at the end of the month.
The test was a bit harsh because it was only a few weeks after the end of the vacation. The question of interest in this test is how much I have grown during the vacation.
‘Radon Crowler… what on earth are you thinking?’
At first, he considered it to be just a boastful boast, but the declaration of war sent a chill down Kent’s spine.
No matter how I looked at it, I didn’t have the confidence to show that I had grown.
However, I don’t think Radon Crawler would be strong enough to deal with most of the combat units.
Of course, there is an example of blocking a lycanthrope, but it is said that it is due to the nature of swordsmanship using a fishing rod.
I heard from the professor that he can only become stronger if he holds a fishing rod. Didn’t he break Jenny Chainsilver’s wooden sword during the practical exam at the beginning of the first semester?
If you can just hold a fishing rod, you can probably get into Class A without any problems. However, that’s only if you’re allowed to use real weapons, and the practical test you’re about to take will prohibit the use of real weapons.
For Radon, the fishing rod is a real weapon and he cannot take part in the test while holding it.
So, even though I got a high score on the practical exam I took last time, there was no change in the class.
At that time, fishing rods and wooden swords were not considered to have any lethal power, so they were passed over as nothing serious. Even the professors could not have predicted that they would be able to destroy the opponent’s wooden sword.
But Radon Crowler has that secret weapon sealed. He is at a point where he has to back out of the bet, let alone get promoted to Class A.
There’s no way he wouldn’t know that fact. But what if, contrary to all expectations, he really succeeds in getting promoted to Class A… .
‘No. Words become seeds!’
It’s possible for something you think of to happen miraculously.
If the guy has truly proven himself to be a capable person, I can acknowledge it. Because the strong have the right to speak.
However, my pride does not allow me to bow down in front of the entire school. If I break my promise here, I will become the same person as the weak I despise.
So, I plan to block his promotion as much as possible.
* * * * *
“As you all know, today is the time to judge how much you’ve grown during the vacation! I’d be more than happy if someone gets promoted during this opportunity!”
Professor Radian’s passionate performance on stage can be heard. Although it is the same pattern as in the first semester, it is perfect for making the students stay silent.
Even as I heard the loud voice, several cadets were watching me.
It’s only natural that most of the combat guys saw that huge article, but those who had nothing to gain from me didn’t pay any attention at all.
Especially class A.
They are kids who already have everything they need, so they have nothing to regret.
Lyman had nothing to suck from me, and Jenny, far from being hostile to me, shared my goal of catching the guy who started the rumor.
You can tell by the ghostly look on her face from afar.
‘I guess you want to freeze it and then eat some patbingsu.’
First of all, Jenny is definitely an ally. She probably saw the article I wrote, so there’s a chance she’ll cooperate.
Besides that, the other members of Class A, including Paladin Leorio, Steel Halberd Gelod, and Iron Shield Hamel, didn’t show much interest even though they made eye contact with me.
At first, in their eyes, I was just a C-class student. Even if a dozen of those lower-ranking students gathered together, there was no way I could satisfy their fighting spirit.
Why would you expect any elation from me, who is not even your rival?
‘Except that guy.’
Kent Easyst, first-year class president.
I can see the look in the eyes of the guy who is lighting a fire in his eyes. He is not the kind of guy who would just sit still, even if I was from Class C, even though he openly declared war.
They’ll definitely target me, but it’s not so bad.
It’s a chance to test out the strength I gained during the vacation through him, and to show the professors that I can fight on equal terms with Class A.
This concludes the personnel check.
No, I feel like I missed something before that…
Snap-
“…!”
My thoughts were interrupted when a slender hand grabbed my shoulder from behind. I was momentarily taken aback, but then I realized that the hand was Ruska’s and brushed my chest.
“Are you okay? The kids are already sharpening their knives because of that newspaper.”
I was wondering what I had forgotten, and it was Ruska. I felt a sense of familiarity as she approached me and gave me a subtle warning.
“Thank you for your concern.”
“What are you worried about? I’m guessing more than 60 people will be rushing at you like piranhas. What are you going to do next?”
“You’re right to be worried.”
“… .”
Ruska, who had been hit hard, let out a sigh. She had an expression on her face that made her want to refute the claim, but she was already speechless.
Ruska also seems to think that I have been too arrogant after seeing the official document. Seeing her considerate of my safety like this, I don’t think she feels like an enemy.
“Anyway, you dug your own grave. And you can’t even use that proud fishing rod. If you try to trick them, those guys won’t stay still.”
Ruska pointed to Professor Radian, who was speaking on the podium. There were two artificial golems standing there, clearly robots.
The face was shaped like a pumpkin-sized rock with eyes floating on it, and its actions were unpredictable as it seemed to be rooted to the ground and still.
“Entering the exam field will be on a different level than during the first semester. I heard that those guys can see through prohibited items just by looking at them.”
Since the introduction of artificial golems in the second semester, it has been convenient for professors. There is no need to use magic power to distinguish them one by one.
In addition, the will of the guys is linked to the archive. If an illegal act is detected right before their eyes, it is said that the cadet is identified and punished at the same time.
He is the natural enemy of bad students. Above all, even lies will not work.
They were probably monitoring this test too, but I had no intention of fooling them.
“A fishing rod? I don’t need anything like that. This is all I need.”
I snorted and raised the wooden sword I had brought with me. Then Ruska swallowed, knowing that I was being serious.
“Are you sure? You don’t know what kind of humiliation you’ll suffer if the guy who outed you does it.”
“If I didn’t have confidence, I wouldn’t have written a single word in the first place. Even so, I didn’t just play around during the vacation.”
Of course, if I get kicked out, there’s nothing I can do. Since I’m the one who wrote it, I have no choice but to endure it, whether with malice or brute force.
But as I said before, I didn’t write it for nothing. I need suitable rivals to show high grades to the professors.
It’s okay if one or two of them from Class A jump in.
“Is there anything you would like to ask me?”
“No matter how much I’m annoyed, don’t worry because I won’t do something cowardly like targeting only you.”
And he subtly provokes her by saying that he has no interest in bullying the weak. I rather laughed bitterly at his fox-like appearance.
“Then let’s begin! Only the combat section remains, and the rest of you go up to the second floor.”
At Professor Radian’s shout, the students moved accordingly.
This time, the combat department was the first to take the test. As soon as Professor Radian finished his speech, a number of artificial golems walked over and guided the cadets.
The cadets, still unfamiliar with the situation, stepped back as the golems approached.
-1st year class C Radon Crawler. Before entering, please put down all prohibited items including magic tools. In particular, Radon Crawler, you are not allowed to bring fishing rods. Beep.
“I didn’t bring it.”
The moment I said that, a fan-shaped light came out of the golem’s eyes and scanned my entire body. It was like an airport machine that checks when I leave the country.
-After verification, no prohibited items were found. Entry is permitted.
It makes you wonder if it’s really fantasy. It’s understandable that everyone feels uncomfortable and unfamiliar with it.
-1st year class A, Ruska Mad-Eye. Your special weapon is not of the non-lethal type.
“It’s okay. I adjusted it so that you can use it for practice.”
This time, an artificial golem scans every part of Ruska’s body with light. Her weapon, the bow sword, does not have a weakened version like the wooden sword.
So, you have no choice but to ask the alchemist or the magic shop for adjustments.
-After verification, it has been confirmed that the weapon meets the test criteria. Entry is permitted.
“… .”
-And Ruska Mad-Eye. I can’t be held responsible if your muffler gets damaged during the test.
“Don’t worry about it.”
When the artificial golem spoke about the precious item, Ruska snapped back, saying she would take care of it herself.
It seems that Dean Cage has recorded it.
* * * * *
I entered wearing the badge just like last time.
The test field opened in this subspace was a haunted house consisting of a cemetery and a large mansion.
It was a place where zombies might reach out from underground, or a ghost with hair down to its waist might come rushing in and perform a jump scare.
The gloomy atmosphere was so well captured that just walking through it gave me goosebumps. It was the worst testing field for a cadet who lacked courage.
“Why… why a place like this!”
As soon as Jenny entered the field, she was trembling, hugging her wooden sword. Who knew that it would be the place she feared the most?
I don’t want to admit it, but I’ve always known that I’m afraid of ghosts.
As a princess of the family, she must be bright and confident at all times and places, but when she encounters these elements, she changes 180 degrees as a person.
Fuzz-
“Hipp!”
Jenny hiccupped in surprise when a bat flew out of an old tree.
The exam has already begun. Students from other departments are watching through observers. We can’t take the exam like this before we become a laughing stock.
“It’s not scary at all. It’s not scary. It’s not scary. It’s not scary. It’s not scary. It’s not scary. It’s not scary.”
Jenny, who was muttering as if giving a self-hypnosis, suddenly went berserk and turned the floor into an ice rink.
“Yes! I’m not scared at all! Zombies, demons, they’re all no match for me!”
Jenny, who had awakened a fighting spirit that she had never had before by opening her eyes like that, froze everything, including the graves and trees, and turned them into an ice age.
The gloomy sky remains, but at least the gloomy background is now covered in ice, making it look much better.
“Phew~ Now I can finally take the test. Alright, let’s go!”
Jenny, who had changed the scenery forcibly, tried to move forward as if she was relieved. However, she couldn’t hide her stiff movements and reddened eyes.
Jenny wasn’t the only one who was scared of the exam field.
The cadets’ hearts were pounding in anticipation of something suddenly popping out.
“Is this the right place?”
“I’m sure of it. I saw that guy Radon come into this mansion.”
About 20 people were walking down the hallway of the mansion. It was an atmosphere that seemed to come out of a horror genre novel record, and my lungs vibrated rapidly with each step.
Even though they had gathered to the level of an expedition force, they lacked the courage to fight bravely.
Squeak-
Even when opening the door, a delicate touch was felt.
The door was slightly open, and I felt suspicious and nervous, but the moment I opened it and saw the cadet standing beyond, my fear flew away.
“radon!”
It felt like I found a treasure chest in a dungeon full of monsters. All the guard I had built up over time came crashing down.
Their faces were hardened, but as if they had just realized that there were no ghosts in the world, they shrugged their shoulders and picked up their wooden swords.
“It’s mine!”
One of them rushed forward first, trying to monopolize Radon’s request.
It’s a test from the beginning. The goal is to knock out your opponent and survive for a long time.
But the sword he swung cuts through the wind.
Swung-
Radon, who was standing there, disappeared the moment he was hit by the sword.
It was a moment when he began to question the strange phenomenon that had disappeared like fog, as if he had mistaken it for a mirage.
“uh?”
A skeleton in the shape of Radon was hugging the nape of a cadet’s neck.
“Eww!!”
“It’s a skeleton!”
“Move it over there!”
A number of screams shook the mansion. In the midst of this, Radon released the ‘illusion summoning’ that was on his face and showed his original form.
“Are you surprised?”
A moment of silence. It was a moment when the group was stunned by the grotesque skeleton transforming into Radon’s face.
-Return Lv6
Radon, who had taken control of the situation, did not miss any opening.
Ten people were knocked out by the sword that swept over them while they were absentmindedly staring.
[+ 50000 Credits]
Surviving as an Academy Fraudster
