I’m the Slit-Eyed Character at the Academy, but I’m not the Mastermind

Chapter 5

Declaring to kill someone just for looking a bit too long, what a personality.

At this rate, it's not tsundere, but rather a tsuntsun psychopath.

But,

'I actually like that.'

A personality that can never make friends.

That's the only and absolute condition for someone to become my ally.

What do I mean?

I need to ally with people who have difficulty getting close to others.

People who are lively and positive, and good at what they do, are likely to join the main character's party.

I can't just recklessly ally with famous individuals, not knowing how my small actions could lead to a massive storm.

My actions could change the composition of the main character's party from what it originally was.

It could decrease, but it could also increase.

'Hero of the Academy' is a game that offers that level of freedom.

'There's nothing sadder than having your carefully nurtured child taken away by the main character's party.'

In fact, after seeing the game's clear conditions, I had already planned the basic framework for clearing it.

'Using two parties to defeat the final boss.'

I'll support the main character's party from behind, hand over a few hidden pieces, and turn them into monsters.

With that, they should be able to easily defeat the main boss without me.

At the same time, I'll form my own party to attack the hidden boss and clear the episodes.

And then,

'In the last episode, the two parties will join forces to attack the final boss.'

The main character's party plus my party's power.

Using the calculations of a seasoned player, it's certainly possible to defeat it.

"Keke, this is perfect."

"...Crazy bastard."

Luna turned away with a scowl.

I checked Luna's information window once more.

A status abnormality called 'Anger Control Disorder.'

With her already nasty temper, there's no way she can make friends with this condition.

'Well, there's a sad reason why Luna became like this.'

To think I'm planning to use such a child. Isn't that too cruel?

No. Joining my party would actually benefit her.

'She can avoid death, and even get her revenge.'

Luna lives solely for revenge.

The black curtain that appears in the middle, and even the final boss, is somewhat related to her.

If Luna joins my party, it's fair to say I'm actually helping her.

'The problem is... no one has ever succeeded.'

It's a game with a high degree of freedom, but there are certainly things that can't be done.

One of them is taking 'Luna' to the stage where the final boss is.

Many seasoned players have tried, but they all failed.

It was an inevitable outcome.

One of the 'Five Monsters of the Academy' blew off one of Luna's arms.

'On par with Rodelin... no, stronger. Since Rodelin hasn't fully grown yet.'

Facing such an entity makes my whole body shiver.

Not out of fear. It's 'exhilaration.'

To succeed in what no other seasoned player has done?

For a gamer, there's no greater joy.

"I will announce the first stage of the exam! Everyone, please pay attention!"

A bearded man's voice.

The eyes of thirty children, including mine, were focused.

After exchanging glances with each of them, he spoke again.

"The first stage of the exam is to pass through a maze while avoiding slimes!"

"You may form parties, and the use of all magic is permitted."

"The only prohibition is combat and dueling among prospective students!"

"Disqualification occurs the moment weapons touch, so be careful!"

Hmm, all things I'm already aware of.

The faces of the children brightened a bit.

Slimes aren't such difficult monsters to deal with.

Of course, they are quite challenging for me.

"Keke, a battle... how frightening."

"Why did you come here if you can't even handle slimes?"

"Perhaps it was to meet you?"

"Really a crazy guy. If we meet inside, you're dead."

"That would mean disqualification, wouldn't it?"

Luna muttered under her breath.

It was a whisper, but I clearly heard it.

To think she can come up with such unique curses. Impressive.

I thought such things were only possible in Korea, but they're feasible abroad as well!

"Hey, keep it down. There are people trying to concentrate here."

I quickly turned my head towards the familiar voice.

There stood Rodelin, the vice president of the student council.

Despite her kind expression, she was grinding her teeth.

Why so? Did she see someone she dislikes?

"Vice president, that's not good for your teeth, is it?"

"Is that so? Thanks for the advice. Make sure you get admitted. I'll give you both shop points and demerits as soon as you enroll."

"For what reason would I get demerits? Surely not for what just happened?"

"Of course not. You'll get them because you're unprepared."

Rodelin's eyes scanned my body, specifically my waist.

She was pointing out that I had no weapon.

"Hmm... I see."

"Hmph! Don't worry. I know how to separate personal matters from official ones."

Rodelin had returned to her usual demeanor.

Her characteristic calmness and strength, with a child's heart hidden within.

Just looking at her naturally brings a smile to my face.

Makes me want to tease her even more.

I'd like to see her face turn red again, but I'll restrain myself.

Causing a scene could lead to disqualification, after all.

'But really, I have no weapon.'

I searched myself, but only found dust.

No consideration for a person dragged into a game. But it's fine.

Annwood Academy was generous.

"Keke, speaking of which... could I borrow a weapon? I never imagined I'd have to fight monsters right from the first test. Wow... I really didn't see this coming."

First, second, third stages, and even the 'secret test' that's not revealed to anyone.

I knew all of them but feigned ignorance, scratching the back of my head.

Then Rodelin kicked a sword leaning against the wall, sending it slightly into the air and then tossing it towards me.

Whirl- Click!

"Use it. It's a supply sword, but it should be good enough."

[Annwood Academy's Supply Sword: D]

Attack Power: 10

A plain but sturdy sword.

The scabbard is embossed with the mark of Annwood Academy.

A hidden piece activated by discarding the weapon equipped at game start.

I never thought I'd use it here.

It wasn't too hard to attach it to my waist since it had a strap.

The only issue? The unfamiliar weight felt awkward.

It seemed it would take some time to get used to it.

"Keke, since we know each other, how about something better? But I guess this will do."

"What do you mean we know each other..."

"No, the correct term would be 'knowing each other's secrets.'"

"Don't say things that can be misunderstood by others...!"

Rodelin's face slightly reddened as she quickly looked around.

Ah, she's really cute.

Such a pity that I'm destined not to form a party with such a character.

"The door is opening! Get ready to enter!"

Oh, it seems like it's really starting now.

As I headed towards the door, Rodelin murmured,

"...I don't think everything you said earlier was a lie."

"Keke, is that so?"

"Everyone with a rough edge has their reasons. So... rely on me a bit when it gets tough. I'm your senior, after all."

Rodelin seemed to sparkle with radiance.

Yes, that's the kind of character she is.

Always striving to uphold justice, with a strong accent yet a tender heart inside.

A character loved by everyone, but tragically walked into hell herself to protect her family.

To her, I had only one thing to say.

"Keke, I'll do my best."

Whether it's clearing the game or saving Luna.

I've never succeeded before.

But I plan to do my best as far as I can.

That's what being a seasoned player is all about.

Because I'm a gamer.

* * *

"Don't follow me! I'll really kill you!"

"I'm not following you. It just happens that we're going the same way."

Despite Luna's fierce barking, it only made me feel better.

From others' perspectives, she might be a fierce cat, but from mine, she's an excellent talent!

Clang!

Luna drew her sword and pointed it at my neck.

"Do you really want to die?"

"Keke, would that be alright? There might be instructors watching us nearby."

"..."

Luna glanced around and then sheathed her sword again.

She knew my words were true.

Though we're still prospective students, Annwood Academy wouldn't just let a student die.

This is a prestigious institution, after all.

'In fact, instructors are closely monitoring, as per the game's setting.'

Of course, there are those who still cause trouble even then.

Soon, one of them will cause an incident and become corrupted.

As she grumbled and walked, a fork in the road appeared.

"Two paths. Good, you go first."

Luna urged me to choose. But I shouldn't choose.

If I choose the wrong path, Luna might not head 'there,' which would change the outcome.

So, I yield the choice. To show goodwill and build rapport!

"Keke, I guess I have no choice. Just this once, I'll let you choose. It's quite special!"

"..."

Luna's expression soured.

I don't understand why she looks like that. I even gave her the choice as a courtesy.

I genuinely became curious about the reason.

"I'll take the left. If you follow me this time, watch out. I won't leave you be!"

Still uncertain despite her harsh warning, Luna looked back several times.

I gave her a slight smile and then headed down the right path.

You might think I'm giving up too easily when I'm the one who needs help.

But that's not the case.

'We'll meet again anyway.'

Not only is Luna notoriously bad with directions, but she is also destined to encounter the hidden piece in this first exam.

'I can handle slimes on my own. The issue was needing help with the hidden piece... And it turns out to be her.'

The maze is no worry.

Memorizing the maze for the academy's first exam is too obvious for a seasoned player like me.

So, I'll level up moderately, head to where the hidden piece is, and gain Luna's favor by saving her in a crisis.

Such a perfect plan!

"Hehehe, it's my plan, but it's too perfect!"

Squirm, squirm-.

Maybe my self-admiration didn't sit well.

I saw something between white and blue. It was slightly paler than sky blue.

A squirming jelly-like mass appeared.

It's a slime.

--TL Notes--

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