Survival Test (17)
On the 6th day during lunch.
"Why in the world?"
Clusters of dots on the mini-map were swarming toward the island's center.
"They're heading our way."
"Should we make a run for it?!"
"Ho-Hoyeon..."
"Calm down, Lumi. Let's hold off for now. They're acting foolishly."
Looks like Kim Younghan isn't managing his team as well as he thinks. Despite surpassing Alice and securing 3rd place, he's leading his team to attack me. That sly guy wouldn't make such a dumb move. There's no benefit in top players like us battling each other.
"Let's keep a reasonable distance and retreat."
We should scrap the plan to head to the island's center. At this rate, we'll encounter Kim Younghan's team before the 7th day arrives.
"Lucy, Lumi, how many points do you have?"
"I've got 210 points!"
"I'm at 180 points..."
"That's sufficient."
We need to maintain at least 200 points before the 7th day. That's the survival condition. Lumi is short by about 20 points, but I can support her, so it's not a problem. Catching up to Nam Daeun is already too late, so dividing the points is fine. The gap won't narrow even if we defeat the final boss.
"But why keep this distance?"
"Alice, let's just... wait."
It would be nice if Alice just followed my words like the twins, but convincing her requires presenting logical reasons.
"I think there might be something in the center of the island. See the empty space and big tree there?"
"Yes?"
"That could be some marker; that's why we should head to the center eventually. But for now, let's retreat."
"It would've been helpful if you told us that earlier. Okay, I get it now."
Phew...
Taking a relieved breath, we walked toward the opposite side of Kim Younghan's team.
***
Leading the way, Kim Younghan followed Lee Hoyeon with a large group of students in tow.
At this pace, we'll catch up with them soon.
His team had been busy defeating boss monsters, discovering treasures, and hunting down other creatures. They had accumulated a substantial number of artifacts along the way.
Among these artifacts were some that boosted movement speed in confined spaces and others that enhanced buffs. Initially, a few students playfully experimented with these artifacts. But unexpectedly, the synergy between two particular artifacts kicked in, propelling the entire Kim Younghan's team forward.
"Let's go nab Lee Hoyeon!"
"Come on, let's go!"
Excited by the increased tracking speed, students enthusiastically raised their hands and followed Kim Younghan.
What's the big deal that has them cheering like that... Those overly enthusiastic ones are always the first to go down.
"Sigh..."
In a situation where Kim Younghan was accumulating points bit by bit from over 80 students, he couldn't simply bail out because he wasn't in the mood. He reluctantly took the lead in chasing Lee Hoyeon.
"Captain, what's with the sigh?"
"Don't call me that."
Right. I should stay positive. It's better that they're focusing on Hoyeon rather than coming after me.
The moment someone questions why you're ranked 3rd in points when everyone is working together, it's trouble. Because Kim Younghan monopolized codes for treasures and boss monsters, other students couldn't check the point rankings. But with locations being public, the possibility of point rankings becoming known remained.
"Let's go! To take down the enemy of men, the pretty boy, Lee Hoyeon!" Kim Younghan enthusiastically incited the students.
Sorry, pretty boy...
"Charge!"
"The enemy of men! Get him!"
"Men are so straightforward... Well, Daeun will handle everything, right?"
"Could our pretty boy be carried away by the thrill of being a runner up in the practical test?"
The coordinates of the three girls likely disappeared because they got their hands on some artifact that conceals their whereabouts. Though it's a bit hard to believe such an artifact exists, there's no other logical reasoning.
"Hey, why is Lee Hoyeon charging towards us alone?"
"He's going 1v80?"
"Do you need that level of determination to win over a girl..."
Other students also started to notice.
"Captain, what should we do?"
"..."
Is there a variable in play? But there seems to be no downside. Running into Hoyeon while following his coordinates is bound to happen anyway. If a fight breaks out, we can handle it without a hitch. Even if there's no confrontation, it's no loss; we'll just continue our chase.
"Divide into four teams and surround him! Lee Hoyeon is coming!"
"The Captain orders a surround!"
Kim Younghan took the smartest route on the fly. The team split into four, encircling Lee Hoyeon. Even with all eyes on this move, their target didn't make a run for it.
The encirclement is already complete. There's no escape.
Kim Younghan welcomed him with confidence. Hoyeon looked oddly chipper, as if he was on a camping trip rather than a survival challenge.
"Well, Younghan. Seeking payback for that 1v1 loss?"
"Long time no see, Mr. Handsome Lee Hoyeon."
In a large circle, 80 students surrounded Lee Hoyeon. Yet, he seemed relaxed.
"Wow. Quite the gathering. Pulling them together like this is quite the skill."
"What's on your mind...? You're completely surrounded. It's not the time to be so carefree."
Kim Younghan couldn't comprehend the situation.
Why is he so laid-back? What trick does he have up his sleeve?
"Heh, take it easy. This isn't a war. But winning doesn't mean not getting a scratch."
Hoyeon shrugged, and hearing that, Younghan let out a bitter laugh.
"Guess it's just me being serious again."
With a slight nod, Kim Younghan softened his stern expression and cracked a grin. Clearly, he came to buy time to protect the girls. He didn't need to dissect Hoyeon's motives.
"Hey, everyone! Surround—"
"I've got Lee Hoyeon. You can leave it to me." Cutting off Younghan's words, a girl emerged from the crowd. With features like a work of art and long, flowing hair, she was an enchanting girl.
"Nam Daeun? What's this..." Seeing the bewildered face, Kim Younghan seemed unaware beforehand.
"I said I'd take care of him, that's what you agreed to."
"That was when we knew Lee Hoyeon's team of four simultaneously—Nam Daeun, uh, Miss Daeun?" As Kim Younghan spoke, she approached without responding.
"...?"
Lee Hoyeon also seemed thrown off by her abrupt appearance.
I was just trying to ruffle some feathers and make a quick getaway with Acceleration... Why is she doing this all of a sudden?
Lee Hoyeon checked Nam Daeun's status window.
★ Heroine Status Window
[Nam Daeun]
[Affection: 51]
[Lust: 17]
[Appetite: 34]
[Fatigue: 26]
Current Status: I've geared up for you... A little sparring won't hurt, right?
Nam Daeun's body was decked out in island-obtainable artifacts.
She's so eager to spar with me?
"Long time no see. I appreciated your help back then." Nam Daeun thanked him while holding a sword.
What's with the sudden grudge against me?
Lee Hoyeon swallowed nervously, and simultaneously, his heart began to race, and mana started accelerating.