Episode 88: Catching a Thief (1)
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[2034 1st semester final exam practical notice]
We would like to inform you that due to certain reasons, the content of the existing final exam has been changed as follows.
◉ Changes: External dungeon raid ▶ Team battle.
Implementation Period: 2034. 06. 02. (Tue) ~ 06. 06. (Wed)
Test location: Joaquin Academy Special Hall
Team composition: One second-year cadet and two first-year cadets. (Randomly selected.)
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[※ The group composition will be sent via text message the day before the exam.]
[※ The exact test content will be notified verbally just before the test.]
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“No, shit. You’re saying you can change the potato chips after leaving it in the fridge for three days before the exam?”
Weapon spoke while caressing her swollen cheek. Just like last time, her pronunciation was slurred and there was a teardrop forming around her left eye, which made her feel strangely pitiful.
‘Why is this kid getting beaten up like this these days?’
Chloe seemed to have exerted quite a bit of force. But, even though there was a fly on her cheek, it was still clean without any foreign matter. What the…?
‘That’s not what’s important now.’
I shook off my thoughts and looked at the text. To be honest, I didn’t show it, but I was also flustered.
‘The test content is different from the official one.’
Most of the variables so far have originated from human relationships.
The incidents involving Leon, the Sword Master, Abel, Rachel, and other major characters in the story. At the time, I grumbled because it felt like I was getting involved in political affairs.
To be honest, I, that is, Ganggeomma, am a heterogeneous being, so I understand it now.
Aside from Agor’s death, it didn’t deviate much from the game’s story.
But this time the situation is different.
If things had gone as planned, this final exam would have been to clear the ‘Goblin Dungeon’ located in Gapyeong. It was a dungeon with a decent amount of material, even though there were no beasts holding magic stones, so I was looking forward to it.
‘… The story is starting to change.’
Well, if you think about what I’ve done so far, it’s a set procedure. Rather, it’s strange that there are no changes in the gaps between major events.
‘… … .’
The fingers holding the phone trembled slightly. I was prepared, but when I actually faced it, my mind was in turmoil.
I am overcome with a sense of anxiety that I might have kicked away the greatest privilege of playing ‘Miracle of Protection M’.
The anxiety that the cracks that have started to appear in the relationship might lead to a big crack. A number of unimaginable possibilities pass by in a single notice.
I stared at my phone with a stern expression. Ryozo looked at me with a strange look in his eyes and spoke.
“What’s wrong, why are you so nervous, which is unusual for you?”
A clear voice that seemed to relieve the stuffiness. I pretended to be surprised and turned my gaze to her. Ryozo smiled and continued.
“I’m also confused by the change in the exam content, but if you think about it differently, it’s not like it’s something that’s completely unacceptable. Think about it. During the last midterm, a mine appeared, and during the uninhabited island survival training, the inspector was injured. Incidents happen every time we do training outside, so it’s the right procedure for the academy to change the location. There’s no place like the academy where the cadets can be safe.”
“… … .”
Ryozo explained it to me while scribbling on a pencil. It seemed to wake up my mind that had been dazed from embarrassment. My reasoning was suppressed for a moment, and I couldn’t think properly. If I had been alone, I would have thought of all sorts of things.
As Ryozo wisely revisits the situation, the situation begins to make sense.
Yes, that’s right.
The political situation was changed by people. It was a natural flow, not an artificial adjustment.
It’s just a change of perspective, but it makes me feel like my head is clearer. Anyway, she’s doing a great job as a sweet potato prevention character.
‘But why is this kid with a weapon?’
Weapon is definitely a good friend, but his recent behavior is a bit… I should say, very frivolous.
Well, it might have a different charm when seen by the opposite sex. Women like humorous and kind men. Suddenly, I turned my gaze towards Weapon.
Weapon caressing her swollen cheek. Chloe quickly went to the infirmary to get a cold compress.
‘… … .’
After shaking off my distracting thoughts, I nodded toward Ryozo.
“Now that I hear it, it seems like it’s true.”
“yes?”
Ryozo put the pencil back down. When I stared at her, she stepped back with a look of mock embarrassment.
“What, why are you looking at me like that?! It’s embarrassing.”
“Thank you, the situation has been resolved. Thank you.”
Ryozo stuttered so much that his lips trembled. His light blue eyes rolled around. I smiled in admiration.
“No, I didn’t say that because I was worried about you!”
Ryozo suddenly raises her voice. She blurts out lines that sound familiar. Then she points her long, thin index finger at me.
“Ganggeomma, if you are confused, I will be confused too!”
“You? Why?”
When I asked again, Ryozo’s face turned even redder. Even though it was summer, it seemed like steam was rising from the top of her head.
“No, including me! I mean the members of the travel club! You’re the president. If the president acts like a fool, everyone’s discipline will be disrupted!”
“ah-.”
That’s what it meant.
A word that reminds me of my responsibilities as a manager. Today, she is someone I can rely on in many ways.
I let out a sigh of admiration. Ryozo looked at me with a strange look in his eyes and then let out a deep sigh.
‘Oh, right.’
While talking to Ryozo, a favor came to mind.
“Ryozo, I have a favor to ask.”
“Huh? What favor?”
“There’s a list of Academy staff that were hacked before. Do you have a copy of that?”
“Oh, I deleted the saved copy because of data tracking, but I have a paper copy.”
Ryozo answered in a bewildered voice. I opened my mouth again.
“If you have that, things will be easier.”
“Huh… …?”
Ryozo tilted his head as if he didn’t understand what I meant. When I smiled faintly, she let out a faint sigh.
“What’s with that expression?”
There is a strange fun in teasing the way your shoulders are hunched.
“Ryozo.”
“Huh?”
“Hack the Academy Network one more time.”
* * *
I intermittently explained to Choi Seol-ah what I had heard.
The gist was that villains were working undercover in the academy. However, they omitted the fact that Leon was their target.
We decided that providing too much information at once would not be a good idea.
I don’t intend to hide it, but it’s still too early. The final exam is just around the corner, and it could cause unnecessary misunderstandings about Leon, the person involved. It won’t be too late to clarify the facts and reveal them.
After hearing the whole story, Ryozo closed her eyes and nodded her head as if trying to gather information. Soon after, she finished thinking and asked me.
“Um, so you want to compare the previous list with the current list, is that right?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
The original plan was to run on foot with the members. However, after thinking about it, I concluded that it was physically impossible.
‘There’s not enough time left until vacation.’
As soon as the final exams are over, vacation begins. During that period, not only students but also most staff members, except for essential personnel, go on vacation.
‘Realistically, it doesn’t make sense to check everything in it.’
There are hundreds of employees and only about a week left.
I have to finish the show before the vacation, otherwise my plans will inevitably be postponed to the second semester.
There couldn’t be a better time than now, when I’ve just recruited Choi Seol-ah, so I’ve revised my plan to take action.
“… If what you said is true, then comparing the lists is the most efficient way. The information on employees is updated every month. If you look at the people who weren’t on the previous list, the range will naturally narrow down.”
“Yeah, it’s definitely easier if you reduce hundreds to tens. And during exam periods, classes end before 4th period. And⎯”
“⎯Since all the staff members gather in the faculty office to grade the exams, you’re saying we can save on unnecessary labor?”
As expected, Ryozo accurately grasped my intentions. I nodded.
Joaquin Academy automatically updates the information of its staff every month. According to Ryozo, they back up the subspace and the cloud hub.
In simple terms, the employee information update is like an automatic save that happens every month. It’s a somewhat artificial setting in Earth terms.
However, the basic basis of ‘Miracle Protection M’ is a mobile game.
It was a short piece with short branches to minimize capacity.
You will need to periodically refresh your save to reduce dummy data. This is what users often call ‘optimization’.
Of course, I may be the only one who sees these phenomena from a different perspective.
‘Even if the situation has changed, the experience in playing the game is definitely useful.’
Instead of dwelling on a story that has already gone astray, take advantage of the system’s weak points. This is another way to utilize your memories as a user.
Rather, after shaking off my obsession with narrative, I felt my thinking became more flexible. I added with a satisfied smile.
“Anyway, I think that’s the best we can do.”
“Yeah, I agree with that.”
“Then, back to the main topic. How long is this possible?”
As she said that, Ryozo narrowed her eyes. Her eyelashes were half-drooped. She spoke vaguely.
“It’s not hard to do a favor. But aren’t you just taking advantage of me too much?”
“… … .”
My mouth was shut by those words that were so true.
I had forgotten about it because I was used to it, but I have greatly benefited from Ryozo’s abilities. The hacking mentioned above, the promotion of the club booth during the festival, and the capturing of weapons through CCTV.
Ryozo’s role and abilities are valuable. It would be a waste to use him harshly just because we’re in the same club.
Of course, I was always secretly grateful for her hard work. I just didn’t say it out loud.
‘Because it’s unfamiliar.’
However, there are clear limits to free treatment. People are more efficient when they have achievements or rewards. In the same community, they need to be treated appropriately.
‘… But the problem is.’
I have nothing to give you, Ryozo. Think about it.
Ryozo is the daughter of Japan’s lifetime prime minister.
How can I, a commoner, talk about giving to a princess who grew up without any needs? I have no money, no status, no honor? I only know how to swing sashimi, but I have nothing to show for it? Even a dog passing by would laugh.
‘What should I do?’
I opened my mouth slowly, drooling.
“Hey, is there anything you want?”
“…what do you want?”
Ryozo opened her eyes wide at the polite question. She frowned and thought hard. Then she slowly raised her head and spoke.
“Then please grant me one favor later.”
“… … .”
I feel unnecessarily nervous. I wonder what I should ask of my lover, whose feelings I cannot read.
Maybe a box of Yanggaeng? But considering the crazy prices at the Academy, it’s quite a burden for me.
“Don’t worry. It’s not a material request.”
“…What do you want?”
Ryozo had an incomprehensible smile on his lips.
“I’ll tell you when I get there.”
