Chapter 116: Connected (1)

Next Tuesday at 4 p.m., the midterm exams for the Hero Department came to an end.

"Ugh, that was really tough. I spent 30 minutes on a single calculation question... Do you think you did well?"

"No, I think I totally blew it. I left more than half of it blank..."

"Yes! The exam is finally over! Let's go have fun! I haven't rested at all since the dungeon exploration. Let's go! I need to get out of this dump as fast as possible!"

"Let's go~ where should we go... how about a café?"

"Sounds good, I heard from a student in the Knight Department about a place. They say the cheesecake there is delicious."

“Yeah, sounds good.”

"Heh, loser. I can tell just by looking at your face, you messed up, didn't you?"

"Isn't that obvious? A real man doesn't study for such theoretical tests. Anyway, let's go play some ball. I'm feeling restless."

"Hmm, sure. I wanted to have a match with the knight department guys, but their midterms are until Thursday, right? They said they could help us with the tournament because we played some ball together. What do they think of us? Did they ask you too?"

"Yeah. I said I would."F0lloww new chapters at nov/(e)l/bin/(.)com

"Idiot, why would you do that? This time, a lot of people from our department are participating. Aisha, Andrew, Eshild, and even Neike. It'll be a total waste."

"They promised to set me up on five blind dates. All with nice people. Want to see the pictures? This one's the girl I'm meeting on Friday, and this one is for Saturday..."

"...Can I still register for the tournament?"

"You idiot. The deadline was yesterday."

"Damn."

As expected, the classroom was filled with the noisy chatter of the students.

I packed up my belongings and glanced at Noctar and the other orc classmates.

They seemed relaxed.

They must have done better than expected.

It's as I thought.

All the long answer questions came from the areas I had pointed out.

Anyway, now that the exam is over, I feel relieved.

It's been a while since I felt this way.

If I didn't make any mistakes, I probably answered all the questions correctly.

I might even snatch the first place in theory from Aisha.

I knew all about the original game's setting, concepts, and even minor incidents. There was nothing difficult for me.

Only the freshmen might find it challenging.

As I was packing, Aisha, who was standing next to me, spoke up.

"Theo, did you do well on the exam? Let's go for a post-exam celebration with the orcs!"

"Alright."

"...Uh, why are you reacting like that? I heard they recently developed an emotionless magical lifeform called a robot in the Magic City. Are you some kind of robot? We've been in this together since last week, can't you show a little excitement?"

Aisha puffed out one cheek.

Hmm... What's an appropriate reaction?

"Yay."

"······Where did you learn that phrase. It sounds awful, please don't say it."

Aisha narrowed her eyes and furrowed her brows.

······But the other kids were using it too.

Inside the large but quiet café, where the Tactical Strategies Club usually gathered, I was celebrating with Aisha and my orc classmates, including Noctar.

Tarkan, grinning toothily, said,

"Really, thank you Theo and Aisha. How did all the questions fall into what you taught us? I was able to answer everything since it was what we studied over the weekend. Next time, I want to solve the calculation questions too.”

"That's right. This was the first time I was able to write something on the test. It feels good. Is this the joy of studying?"

The other orc classmates also grinned, their teeth clattering with laughter.

Every time they laughed, their tooth piercings made a ringing sound.

"Hehe, everyone's in debt to the Waldeurk family, huh? I'll remember this,"

"Aye, five times is too little. I bet one hundred thousand Zena on more than ten times!"

Now they're betting amongst themselves.

Aisha's face turned bright red, and she was glancing at me, speechless.

...I can feel my face heating up.

What do you mean slept with her?

I feel like punching this loudmouth.

I hurriedly used the [Amplification Orb] to enhance [Twisted Noble's Dignity].

"...Shut up, you orcs."

"Heh heh, so, Theo. How many times?"

Noctar laid his hand on my shoulder and asked.

This is so embarrassing.

...Noctar, even him, damn it.

"...I won't tell."

The simple after-party with Aisha, Noctar, and our orc friends ended.

I took the opportunity to go to the training field for the first time in a while, shedding some sweat alongside the orcs.

The orcs continuously questioned me 'how many times' with their mischievous expressions, but I kept my mouth firmly shut.

"...Huuuh."

I exhaled deeply, my eyes closed.

I felt refreshed after working up a sweat.

Somehow, training has become something I miss when I don't do it.

'I have truly become a part of this world, haven't I?'

Using a mysterious and elegant cloth, I wiped off the sweat running down my face and neck.

This artifact was previously used to wrap a box containing the divine beast, maintaining its cleanliness with an applied purification spell.

Before I knew it, it was past six o'clock.

In preparation for the Knight Department's 2v2 tournament, Irene and I decided to meet at the Hero Department's training field.

We agreed to meet at six-thirty.

There was still a bit of time left.

Aisha, who was glancing at me from the side, asked,

"Theo, are you waiting for someone?"

"How did you know?"

"You looked like you were waiting for someone. Is it Irene?"

"That's right. We decided to meet up before the tournament. Speaking of which, I haven't been able to give you any swordsmanship lessons lately. Even if it's just for a while, I will instruct you."

"No, I also have to meet with my partner for this tournament. We have an appointment soon. Ah, here they are."

Aisha looked towards the training field entrance.

Standing there was a familiar figure.

A woman who was as tall and imposing as any man, contrary to her pretty face.

The one I barely subdued using Overload.

The person whom the players called the female barbarian, one of the top first-year students in the Knight Department.

It was Julia.

"Hey~ Aisha. I've heard a lot about you. I look forward to······ Theo."

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From the author: title is taken from the song of the same name by Gray.

Author like's his music I guess!

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