Chapter 21: Partial examination (2)

What did he just say?

Out of nowhere, Leon asked me where I came from, just like that. What was he trying to say? Should I interpret it geographically?

“…”

The meeting room fell silent. I struggled to keep my composure, managing a slight smile to mask my surprise.

‘What the hell…?’

There was a subtle coldness in his serious gaze, as if he were trying to assess something about me. I didn’t know exactly why he asked, but I felt a double meaning in his question—one being simply about my origins here, and the other, my background from another world.

He hadn’t asked this during the introductions at the meeting but had waited until everyone left, indicating there might be a hidden reason…

For now, I decided to conceal my unease and not respond. My eyes narrowed as he relaxed his expression and, scratching his cheek, apologized.

“Sorry for saying something so weird all of a sudden. I thought you might be like me.”

Like him…?

Although the common language in this world was Korean, there were many different races. Despite their striking hair colors, the students at the academy displayed ethnic diversity in their appearances.

I, with my typical black hair and Asian features, contrasted sharply with Leon, who was a blonde with blue eyes, clearly Western. Unless he had incredibly poor eyesight, there was no way he could confuse this.

After a brief pause, Leon gave a faint smile and broke the silence.

“Forget it, as if I never said anything. I’ll be going now.”

With that, he patted my shoulder. But I couldn’t let him go without clearing up the unsettling feeling he left me with. I reached out and grabbed his shoulder before he could leave.

“Leon, where are you from?”

A sharp voice escaped me reflexively. I tried to hide my bewilderment, but couldn’t manage a light tone. I had no choice but to ask directly. The silence that permeated the walls grew more intense.

Then Leon calmly smiled and replied, as if to lighten the stiff atmosphere.

“I’m from Germany.”

And with a “See you later,” he walked out of the meeting room. I watched him leave, thinking, ‘What’s up with that guy?’

* * *

After the meeting, I sat on my bed and stared blankly at the ceiling, skipping dinner. The reason was that I simply couldn’t get my appetite back.

‘Was it just my imagination?’

I couldn’t shake off the discomfort. I mulled over the matter, but I couldn’t come to a clear conclusion.

When Leon asked me that question, at first, I thought that he might also, if not from Earth, at least be from another world.

After all, there was no reason why only I would have that connection to the game. Moreover, it would make much more sense for a character as important as the protagonist to have a special background, unlike me, who was just an extra.

However, after having awakened the blessing of the Sword God and honed my intuition, something told me that he truly belonged to this world. It was like a persistent, silent hunch.

Seeing Leon today, there was no doubt that everything about the way he spoke and acted was exactly like the protagonist. Not even an actor could mimic it so perfectly.

So, was his question simply about my nationality? Yet something in his “I thought you might be like me” kept gnawing at me. My thoughts were tangled as I sank into bed.

Leon, the protagonist, had always been a mysterious character, even in the game.

Maybe I should have looked up fan theories online earlier… I never thought I’d actually reach a point where I’d want to know spoilers.

“Why complicate things?”

In the past, a situation this confusing would’ve left me stressed out, but this time, surprisingly, I felt calm. The unsettling feelings melted away quickly.

Either way, I decided this would be the only time I’d involve myself with Leon, at least for this exam. If things got more complicated, I could always turn to Media for help.

Although it might not be ideal, the privilege of being in first place should be enough to ask for her help once or twice.

Media had shown herself to be pretty friendly with me, so there was no reason not to take advantage of that connection.

If fate insisted on entangling us, I’d resolve it my own way.

Although Media claimed her role was symbolic, as director, she held the highest position at Joaquin Academy, the most prestigious in the world.

In other words, here, her influence could settle almost any issue. Although the Council of Elders existed, they were known for not interfering in minor matters.

With my thoughts clear, I opened my status window.

Beep—

== ==

[Blessing of the Sword God]

If you cut it, it will cut you.

◎ Body Level: (5▶7) – Enables the use of larger swords.

◎ Spirit Level: 3 – Imposes intimidation in speech and actions.

◎ Weapon Level: 1 ▷ Unlock conditions not yet met.

☆ Assimilation Rate: 2.5▶6.8% ▷ Unlock conditions met when the assimilation rate reaches 7%.

★【？？？】

[※ Protection is active only when the sword is shorter than 35+(1) centimeters in length and narrower than 8+(1) centimeters in width.]

== ==

My spirit and weapon levels remained the same, but my physical level had slightly increased thanks to occasional body training.

The Weapon Level would increase with “Murasame,” the exam’s reward sword.

The first three elements were intuitive and easy to understand.

‘Hmm.’

I narrowed my eyes and looked closely at the status window. For some reason, the increase in the assimilation rate was unusually steep. Furthermore, the conditions to unlock the skill were close to being met. I didn’t know what criteria raised the assimilation rate, but if this pace continued, the unlock conditions would soon be fulfilled.

Seeing the decimal increments, I initially thought it was just a matter of experience points.

However, there were some aspects that seemed a bit off. So far, all I’d done was spar with Chloe using wooden swords and a sub-dimensional battle with Nox, but compared to the growth values of the three main attributes, it felt as if I were playing separately with the assimilation rate alone.

‘Could it be like experience points?’

Even more questionable, however, was the item listed below the assimilation rate. Unlike the assimilation rate, which fluctuated numerically, this element never changed and gave no hints—just three question marks. Even if I tapped it, all it did was emit a beep without providing any further information.

‘Looks like a hidden skill…’

Then, unconsciously, I glanced slightly downward and noticed the bottom of the status window flashing. I moved my finger from bottom to top as if scrolling on a phone.

== ==

[Blessing of Pain Insensitivity]

Pain vanishes completely.

[NEW! You’ve reached the minimum activation threshold; usage time has been adjusted.]

== ==

“Huh?”

I was dumbfounded and instinctively tapped the phrase that caught my eye.

== ==

[※ Usage Time: 30▶40 seconds]

[※ Recharge Time: 12 hours]

== ==

“Well…”

An exclamation slipped out without me realizing it. The previously harsh 30-second limit had now increased by an impressive 10 seconds.

Apparently, the more I used it, the more it would advance to the next level.

“All the endurance paid off.”

This improvement was undoubtedly the biggest breakthrough before the exam. The blessing of pain insensitivity, which the former Kang Geom-Ma had used frequently, gave me a strange sense of satisfaction.

I could feel the blood coursing through my body as I was given a chance to grow in a life that, until a few weeks ago, had been dull.

I got up from the bed and took a sashimi knife from my bag. Removing the sheath, I noticed the blade was full of nicks. Although replacements would be needed, I was reluctant to part with this one, as it was the first knife I’d bought after arriving in this world.

However, first and foremost, I had to secure quality equipment through this test.

Even if you’re starving, you don’t cling to poor items—that’s the true attitude of a player.

***

A few days passed, and the day of the exam finally arrived.

During the second meeting, each group member was assigned a specific role by Leon, our leader.

Ever since our first encounter, I’d been wondering about Leon, but I didn’t want to bring it up now, with the exam so close. At the very least, it wouldn’t be too late to ask him after it was over.

Despite those thoughts, Leon displayed remarkable insight, assigning roles to each member according to their abilities.

Rachel, specializing in close-quarters combat, would take the lead in the formation, while Chloe was tasked with reconnaissance due to her speed and stealth abilities.

Surprisingly, Speed Weapon, who didn’t seem to be a fighter, was positioned as our healer.

Leon, as the commander, would lead from the central command position, and I was fortunate to be assigned the rear guard. In essence, my role was simply to maintain visibility from the back.

Since it was my first academy exam, I ate a hearty breakfast before heading to the training hall. The menu was a salmon sandwich—a luxury among the pre-made items that didn’t require cooking knives.

After finishing my sandwich, I took out the pink knife Chloe had lent me and the sashimi knife I’d bought before entering the academy, and I looked down at them.

“Today will be the last time.”

I figured it was time to get a new one, but there was something bittersweet about it.

Though some might see it as just a cheap blade, I felt a certain fondness for it each time I had to sharpen it.

And this sashimi knife held twice the sentimental value, as it was the first knife I’d bought after being thrown into this world.

I shook off the brief wave of nostalgia and took the knives with me.

When I stepped into the training field, I was greeted by an archway resembling the Arc de Triomphe, which hadn’t been there the day before. It stood towering, occupying half the width of the expansive dirt floor.

In the hallway that would have normally been open, a violet subspace rippled like a curtain.

While I stared, mesmerized by the imposing structure, I heard my team calling my name to my right.

“Over here, Kang Geom-Ma!”

“Already here?”

The whole team was gathered. I nodded silently and walked over.

I nodded again, moving quietly toward them.

I was impressed to see Rachel wielding a massive, curved S-rank halberd. Chloe held the katana I’d seen before, and Leon carried an ancient double-edged sword, as he had yet to receive his sacred sword, “Balmung.”

As I observed the team’s equipment, my gaze landed on Speed Weapon.

‘…?’

This gangster-looking guy was wearing a flute around his neck that resembled a recorder.

“A flute?”

The question slipped out. Speed Weapon shot me a fierce look, while Rachel, amused, leaned over to whisper.

“Yes, even though it doesn’t look like it, that flute is one of the few S-rank healing weapons.”

“That?!”

My eyes widened, and Rachel laughed, clearly entertained by my reaction.

In Miraculous Protection, the drop rate for support weapons was notoriously low. Even players who paid large sums often spent thousands trying to get an A-rank item.

“I never thought I’d see an S-rank healing weapon.”

But its appearance left a lot to be desired. It looked like a flute that could have come straight from grade school. There’s a saying that appearance is a part of performance…

As I studied the flute while rubbing my chin, Speed Weapon seemed pleased and turned away.

When I first heard the name, I thought he’d be strange, but he shattered all my preconceived ideas right from the start.

I turned and took in the faces of my teammates scattered around the training hall.

Only a few groups, including ours, were chatting openly and calmly; most were nervously swallowing, their expressions tense.

“It’s almost time,”

Leon said, checking his watch.

“Everyone, let’s not get too nervous and do our best.”

Everyone in the group nodded at Leon’s words, filled with determination.

At that moment, an announcement echoed around us:

[The first midterm exam for the first-year class of 2034 will now begin.]

The voice signaled the start of the test.

[The subspace gate is now active.]

Buzz, buzz—

[Activating the subspace portal.]

With a hum, the portal’s purple energy curtain began to surround us, enveloping us like a wave.