Chapter 7. Theory Class
[Initiating Phase 3 Test.]
[Initiating Phase 4 Test.]
[Initiating Phase 5 Tes...
"Ugh, I'm so fucking sick of this."
Only after completing all 10 tests did it finally end.
[Here are your test results.]
Whirr.
A hologram appeared about two steps in front of me.
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Cadet Lee Hoyun.
Mana Purity: S
Magic Power: C
Casting Speed: A
Spell Interval: S
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Summary: The imbalanced skill distribution is noticeable. Either refine your strengths or address your weaknesses for better balance.
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I was genuinely impressed.
Just a while ago, I was a clueless normie about mana and magic, yet here I am.
Two S-ranks? That meant my abilities in those areas rivaled S-rank hunters.
Sure, it's mostly thanks to my perks, but hey, perks count as skill.
Mission accomplished: assess my current capabilities.
Stats-wise, I far exceeded the academy's average cadet level. While my practical skills needed work, I could fix that with time and effort.
I'm definitely not weak. I haven't faced real combat yet, but the classes should cover that.
"Should I train a bit more? I have some spare time."
I wasn't entirely sure about today's schedule, but I knew theory classes were notorious for pop quizzes.
With my photographic memory, cramming later wouldn't be a problem. Training was just so damn fun.
It was a thrill I'd never experienced in my previous life—a sensation that blurred the line between fantasy and reality.
"Yeah. Let's focus on magic training. I'll review theory before bed."
*
Last night, I trained until exhaustion and passed out as soon as I hit the dorm bed.
I'll study after class today.
It's Wednesday.
The first class is Dungeon Research—a subject covering dungeon tactics and exploration techniques. It's also the most theory-heavy class.
Doesn't matter to me. One read-through is all I need.
I'd already skimmed the textbooks and supplementary materials once, so I didn't need a second look.
[If the dungeon's external mana measures 1500ppm and the entrance reads below 473ppm, expect a boss or notable named monster. If the entrance exceeds 2897ppm, it's an open-type dungeon with no boss.]
[However, dungeons exceeding 10,000ppm follow different rules...]
So I was browsing related research papers. Even without fully grasping everything, memorizing enough of these would help solve tricky exam questions.
"Um... hey..."
"Huh? Lumi?"
"G-good morning... Sorry about not replying yesterday... I fell asleep..."
Lumi stood before me, apologizing, while my eyes scanned the room.
'Where's Lucy?'
After that awkward training room incident, I knew Lucy wouldn't just let me chat with her sister.
Fortunately, Lucy was busy chatting with her teammates. Lumi must've seized the opportunity.
"No worries. I was busy training anyway."
"Training on your first day? That's amazing! M-maybe we could train together sometime..."
Clatter—
"Good morning, everyone. I'm Professor Min Jihee, your Dungeon Research instructor."
Lumi's invitation was cut short as the professor entered.
The room quickly quieted, and Lumi scampered back to her seat beside Lucy.
Watching them sit side-by-side reminded me how identical they looked.
"Dungeon studies might be unfamiliar to some, but its importance cannot be overstated..."
The lecture was beginner-friendly, probably because it was the first day. Already knowing the material, I let my gaze wander.
Lucy propped her chin with her left hand, twirling a pen with her right. Her bored expression screamed disinterest. Lumi frowned at the board.
Nam Daeun was passed out, unsurprising given her focus on practical tests.
I idly doodled in my notebook.
1. Heroine Strategy
My top priority. I had to juggle six heroines simultaneously. Managing a two-timer situation is tough enough, but six? Might as well be an octopus.
Should I consider... brainwashing them? No, that's fucked up.
Wait.
"...Actually, maybe it isn't?"
[Sex Academy] included a brainwashing route for multi-playthrough veterans who accumulated enough black-market currency.
'...I'll keep it as a last resort.'
The mere thought made me shudder.
I still needed to apologize to Lucy. Her reaction yesterday proved she hadn't forgotten.
I'd tried to say sorry earlier, but she'd dragged her team away before I could.
Gotta find a chance today.
2. Improve My Abilities
Reality check: I need to get stronger. Six-timing someone without strength? That's a death sentence.
This godforsaken game also had plenty of "heroine rescue" events to earn affection points.
Daily training was essential.
Should I also work out? Unlike the game, this world's magic class didn't lock out physical growth.
In the game, mages couldn't build physical stats through training, but this is real life.
Why not add some exercise?
"Lee Hoyun? You've been frozen for a while. Already know this material?"
"Huh?"
I bit my tongue in surprise.
"If you already know everything, answer the question on the screen. Your participation grade depends on it."
[Scenario: A labyrinth-type dungeon entrance measures 500ppm. Your party comprises 2 melee fighters, 1 marksman, and 1 support mage. How should you respond to a Boss-class Wombat encounter?]
I'd seen a similar case in a research paper.
"Can't answer? Minus one point."
"Wait, just give me a second."
Seriously, why not pick Lucy or Daeun? They're obviously not paying attention either.
With the professor's glare and the class's attention pressing down, I recalled the research.
"Labyrinth dungeons maintain uniform mana throughout. The boss wombat must be abnormal."
"Go on."
"500ppm is too low to sustain eucalyptus—the wombat's staple. So, this boss likely survived through cannibalism, evolving into a predatory variant."
"Interesting. Continue."
"A study published three years ago documented carnivorous wombats developed sharper teeth and claws. They're aggressive but less cautious."
"And?"
"So, the ideal tactic is to have the melee fighters stall while the marksman and support mage land a concentrated shot to the forehead."
"..."
Silence fell.
The class didn't know whether I'd aced it or bullshitted it.
The professor smiled and clapped.
"Excellent. That was from a paper I used to create this problem. Your preparation is commendable. Plus one point."
"Thank you."
"However, even if you know the material, don't make it so obvious you're zoning out."
"I'll pay attention next time."
I sighed with relief as the professor resumed the lecture.
From behind came hushed whispers.
"I didn't get a word of that."
"Who memorizes papers from three years ago?"
"Probably just luck."
"Still, wasn't his explanation better than the professor's?"
Oops. Maybe I showed off too much.
The game's protagonist also topped the academic rankings, so whatever.
As the lecture ended, I packed my bag when I heard a snide voice.
"Lucky guess, huh? No way he actually studied."
I turned to see a smirking group, led by some dude.
"What? Got a problem?"
"Chill. We already smell the fear piss."
Fucking idiots. Their ringleader was Do Jinhyuk, a minor antagonist from the game.
In the game, he'd antagonize the protagonist later—but not this early.
As I debated my next move, someone placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Do Jinhyuk, get lost."
"The fuck?"
He turned, then paled and stormed off with his gang.
The newcomer grinned at me.
Blond hair. Tattoos peeking from his sleeves.
Oh, right. Kim Younghan. The protagonist's loyal, delinquent-looking ally.
"Hey, you know me?"
"Kim Younghan, right?"
"Damn. I'm famous already?"
In the game, he and the protagonist became friends after a similar confrontation.
"You seem interesting. Let's hang out."
That confident charm explains his popularity.
"Sure. I'm Lee Hoyun."
Time to milk this connection for all it's worth.