I Became the Only Non-mage in the Academy

TL/Editor: looloo

Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun

Illustrations: Here

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Exam season was approaching.

The final assessment.

While midterms were important, the final exams always held the most weight in a semester's grading. Students were fervently honing their skills in preparation.

Of course, that didn't necessarily mean they were doing well.

“This time, I totally failed the theory section.”

“You’re more about the physical stuff anyway. I'm on the theory side, but I got two of my major questions wrong.”

"Why don't you come over and see how good I am at physical stuff?”

"Huh?"

Conversations about failing the theory exams floated around.

“I heard they're replacing the practical exam with something else.”

“That's a relief. The recent batches were so insane that I was worried about the practicals. They make me feel so weak~”

"Are you stupid? That just means they're making it harder. You know, the offer's still open..."

"I'm not working out with you!"

Others expressed their disappointment upon hearing about the practical exams.

“You seem pleased. Did you do well on your final?”

Ersil spoke in a cold tone.

‘What's with her?’

After the weekend, as soon as Hong Yuhwa began showing signs of awakening her Pillager abilities, Ersil changed like this.

“I always do well.”

“...”

Ersil looked at me with a face suggesting I was bragging.

During midterms, I teamed up with Seo Gayeon, who was lower-ranked, so we got a huge bonus.

For the practicals, even though I hunted monsters solo and lost some points, Seo Gayeon's rapid growth barely kept us in first place.

‘Won't make that mistake this time.’

“You and Hong Yuhwa seem to be getting along well lately.”

“Yeah, I've been helping Yuhwa train. She's showing rapid growth; you might want to be careful around her.”

“Hong Yuhwa?”

Ersil asked with a hint of surprise, her eyes sparkling curiously.

“Are you two dating?”

“No.”

The idea of me dating Hong Yuhwa is appealing. She’s pretty, has a great figure, and her abilities are outstanding. Her competitive nature is strong, but that's part of her charm.

However.

“Now's not the time for relationships.”

“...I see.”

Ersil nodded.

“There's too much to do.”

There truly is.

As the story progresses, the rising difficulty is palpable.

Even in these early stages, one of the Seven Evils, Xiong'e, has shown itself.

And there’s no telling how fast the progression of the Apostles, who rank above them, will be. I have to gather forces, check their power, and recruit talents.

Operating as Veritas was one of those tasks.

“I probably won't be looking at relationships for a while.”

“You're an ambitious man.”

“...Am I?”

“Yes, ambition is good. I'll be rooting for you. Oh, and there's something I wanted to discuss regarding a reward. Is that okay?”

“A reward?”

“Yes.”

Ersil pulled out a piece of paper.

“This is a contract.”

“A contract?”

I looked at the contract. Traces of magic were evident, with my name, Lee Seoha, on it.

‘What’s this?’

If Ersil is involved, there has to be a reason.

Suddenly feeling uneasy, I activated my divine sight, and immediately understood why.

Lee Seoha (Veritas).

Upon erasing the magic from the name slot, it appeared like this.

"...Did you notice?"

"You observe well. Women usually do that. They watch the men they're interested in very closely."

"..."

Ersil's eyes narrowed like crescents, looking at me.

"You're already offering an internship? Isn't it too early for that?"

A sharp voice chimed in.

Turning my head, I saw Hong Yuhwa.

"It's not like that. We came to make an early recruitment offer because of Seoha's exceptional alchemical abilities."

"But I'm still a student?"

"Even if Seoha is a student, he's someone who shouldn't be treated like one."

"Hmm."

Hong Yuhwa, with a curious expression, handed me a red envelope.

"This is a gift. My grandfather said he'd like to see you once. Come if you'd like."

"A party?"

"Yes. It's after the final exams and it's his birthday."

Hong Yuhwa turned and walked towards her followers.

"You're quite popular. It's surprising that Jeok Tapju, who rarely shows up in social circles, personally invited you."

"Is that so?"

I recalled the information about Jeok Tapju.

The interest is probably less about me and more about the Heavenly Spirit's energy, or perhaps because of Hong Yuhwa.

He does rival Suzerain after all.

'He really cherishes Hong Yuhwa.'

While occasionally exhibiting madness befitting a mage, the issue is his deep love for Hong Yuhwa.

"Are you going?"

"I must. Jeok Tapju mentioned me personally."

Even if he hadn't invited me, I'd have to go.

Because the Legion of the Sky is targeting him.

"How about going with me?"

"With you?"

"Yes, matching the dress code as partners."

Ersil looked at me, resting her chin in her hand.

"...That's usually what couples do."

"I'm fine with it."

"...Judging by your expression, it seems you're not against it."

Ersil laughed softly and pulled out another paper.

"Remember what I said? When villains invaded, you stood up for our family and helped repel them. Just let me know if you need anything from there. I'll give it to you."

With that, Ersil headed outside.

"Oh, and you can take what I said earlier to heart."

-A formidable rival.

-Quite the rival.

Leaving those words behind, Ersil exited the classroom.

---

Raei Translations

---

During the final exams, the theoretical portion had concluded.

On the first day of the practical exam, Instructor Seo Woojoo gathered the students and spoke, “I know there have been many rumors about this practical exam. Ideally, we should have announced it a month ago. However, we kept it a secret to assess your adaptability, especially considering the incident during the mid-terms.”

From the podium, Instructor Seo Woojoo continued, “The practical exam will take place in the ‘Tower of Trials’. This particular exam will be prolonged as it's a survival test.”

“...A survival test?”

“For five whole days?”

There was an uproar among the students.

“As many of you already know, activities within the Korea Hero Academy can be broadcasted externally. Every action you take within the Tower of Trials can be used to evaluate you, so be cautious.”

After finishing his statement, Instructor Seo Woojoo looked around at the students, “Any questions?”

“Is it possible to conduct such an activity inside the tower?”

“The Tower is a space with its own world. In terms of area, it’s even more expansive than Korea, so don't worry.”

In this world, the mention of Korea implies a unified Korea, which includes the North and some territories taken from China.

“Will there be any tools or equipment provided for the survival format?”

“You cannot bring anything from the outside. However, items you've crafted yourself, such as through alchemy, blacksmithing, or cooking, weapons you've obtained during selection, and special gifts bestowed by the principal, can be used.”

Instructor Seo Woojoo turned to me and continued, “The survival test involves hunting monsters to gather points. Those points will determine your ranking. And if you were to ‘hunt’ another ‘student’, you can take half of the points they’ve accumulated.”

Upon hearing this, students exchanged wary glances.

“How are teams determined?”

“By default, teams are pairs. You will move together with your partner. Forming temporary alliances with other teams is also allowed.”

“Are there any supplies provided?”

“None. There are wild animals in there. You will need to gather and survive on your own.”

“My God.”

At Instructor Seo Woojoo’s last statement, everyone's face turned pale. Most of these students had been pampered since they were young.

Although the more talented students seemed relatively unaffected, Hong Yuhwa and Ersil Merhen looked utterly disbelieving.

Seeing their expressions, Instructor Seo Woojoo smirked, seemingly satisfied. After all, he believed that students unveil their true potential when pushed into tough situations.

“If there are no more questions, then proceed to the auditorium.”

The students, looking grim, made their way to the auditorium.

“Let’s stick together,” Ersil suggested to Kim Ara while on the move.

“Honestly, for a survival test, it makes sense to move together. Even if it’s you, Lee Seoha, you can't possibly stay awake for five nights straight.”

“I agree.”

From the start, this survival test was structured to almost necessitate cooperation with other teams.

Students could hunt each other, after all.

"But I've already chosen a team member."

"Who is it?"

"That one."

I pointed to Hong Yuhwa. She looked at me with wide eyes.

"Hong Yuhwa?"

"Yes. Gayeon, what do you think?"

"If Seoha has decided, I don't mind."

Seo Gayeon quietly nodded.

"Yuhwa, how about you?"

"Why me?"

Hong Yuhwa asked with a curious expression, wondering why I chose her.

"Because it's you."

There's undoubtedly a 'boss' hidden on this survival island. And there's a high chance that the boss is tree-shaped.

Hong Yuhwa, who possesses the talent of Pillager and the fire-attributed magic, can exhibit tremendous offensive power.

"Oh my..."

A subordinate of Hong Yuhwa, Yu Eunchae, whom I had seen last night, blushed as she looked at me.

"What do you mean?"

"I think we'll need you for this test. And although it might not seem like it, I've done quite a bit of cooking and camping. We should be able to live comfortably."

I've played the survival game hundreds of times.

In the early stages, if you have enough resources, you can even build a villa.

With talent and dexterity, you can have that kind of potential.

As for cooking, the plants and meat available in the tower are imbued with mana, making them incredibly tasty.

After all, in cooking, ingredients are 50% of the outcome.

"Okay."

Hong Yuhwa smiled and extended her hand towards me.

There was something different about that smile.

How should I describe it? It's as if she's finally acknowledging me, truly seeing me for the first time. That was the look on her face.

I awkwardly smiled back and took her hand.

"......I was overlooked for the second time."

The first was when picking a partner.

Though he made his choice first, Lee Seoha went with Seo Gayeon.

Kim Ara quietly glared at Lee Seoha with intense eyes.

"Miss Ara."

"Mm?"

"We absolutely need to defeat that team."

"Agreed."

Ersil and Kim Ara quietly made their resolution.

enjoy! :)

hmm seoha making enemies?

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