Chapter 18


    Everyone, gather around!


    After lunchtime.


    The resonant echoes filled the second training ground after lunch was over.


    Magic, Reconnaissance, Priest, and Knight departments.


    One ss was gathered from each department, so the training ground was quite lively. Since there are usually about 30 students in each ss, there were approximately 120 people gathered.


    Among the many children, Ian was alone.


    Im used to this by now.


    Wheres Danya? He looked around, but she was so small that she couldnt be seen.


    In many ways, it was a familiar solitude.


    It was evenforting in a way.


    Recently, he learned a fact through wandering the streets often. If you dont approach and talk to girls, they seem to be quite happy.


    It seemed that Pongpongs notoriety was higher than expected.


    By embracing his solitude, he felt like he was making them happy by not caring about their reactions.


    Seriously.


    But now, the instructor in charge ofbat training arrived just in time.


    I believe you all have sufficient knowledge ofbat training. We are already more than halfway through the semester, and during this time, you have acquired the basics through various theoretical and practical sses.


    But not me.


    Suddenly, he found himself in this situation.


    But he had learned magic and skills, and he possessed knowledge about the monsters they would soon be facing.


    He was actually quite eager to put it all into practice.


    A slightly older instructor began speaking.


    Thus, I wont go into too much detail. The reason we have gathered all of you today is to form teams. Teaming up is an important step before engaging inbat.


    Tank, melee dealer, ranged dealer, priest (healer), mage, support, scout.


    This was the typical structure.


    However, with a 4-member team, it got condensed.


    Knight (tank + melee DPS), Pdin (tank + healer), Mage (main DPS), Scout (+ ranged DPS).


    Since each area was clearly divided, thisposition seemed to be the more theoretically conventional choice.


    However, Ians role was somewhat ambiguous.


    Hecked the explosive elemental damage typically associated with mages.


    Until now, Pongpong had been learning medium-armor skills rather than the basic skills of a mage. The Earth Mage (physical) he developed to utilize these skills aggressively as the name suggested, it focused on physical damage. Magic was only used to maximize physical power.


    Of course, even though he had physical power, if the focus was on long-range damage, it was possible to avoid position duplication as much as possible. However, in reality, he would have to fight in closebat.


    To avoid confusion, we divided you into six groups, so go ahead and form a 4-member team within your respective group. Thats it.


    [Group 5: Mages  Lina Rosewell, Aine Gran, Gustav Yan, Danya atsnesia, Ian ckangers]


    Naturally, he was categorized as a mage and found himself in a position where he had to team up with 20 other kids.


    It could have been a tricky situation, but the solution was simple.


    I can manipte emotions.


    Just watching from behind with mental victory.


    Settling Pongpongs affairs would still require some time. Moreover, now that he had decided to focus on his own growth, he didnt really care about the reactions of those around him.


    Anyway, Lina


    This time, Lina Rosewell wasnt looking in this direction as actively.


    Their eyes, his blue and her green, briefly met. Her delicate brow furrowed for a moment, but soon, her gaze moved to the others


    It seemed that she was diligently searching for students from other departments to form a conventional team. From Ians perspective, he was greatly appreciative.


    As he observed the children forming their teams, someone quietly approached him.


    Ian, if you want, we could be on the same team.


    It was Danya.


    Do you know the official teamposition? One knight, one priest, one mage, and one scout, right?


    Oh, I know that! Having two mages on the same team doesnt make sense! I didnte here just because you looked so pitiful being all alone, okay!? Hmph!


    With these words, Danyas ears and tail drooped.


    Her tail, which normally sparkled in the sunlight, had an unusual glow.


    Isnt your tail different from usual today?


    Uh well. Heh?


    Danya made a strange noise and hid her tail.


    In fact, she had woken up early in the morning and put a lot of effort into grooming her tail. The reason was


    I-Its not like I did it to show you or anything!


    Of course not.


    Ian pondered for a moment.


    Danya, as a mage, had some shorings. Due to her weak mana sensitivity, she was more like a ranged attacker using a bow, so she was closer to a long-range attacker.


    Wait a minute.


    This teamposition seemed strangely familiar.


    In games like Fanta X Aca, you cant always go with the standard teamposition.


    Sometimes the goodbinations emerge unexpectedly.


    Ian opened his mouth towards Danya, who blushed somewhat.


    Lets team up.


    Huh? Huh? You want to team up with me?


    You said were teammates, remember? During thest practical training.


    Oh


    Danya froze in her tracks.


    The word teammate was something she hadnt heard since entering the Academy. It felt strange, unlike her ns ways, which is why the term teammate caught her off guard.


    Is something wrong with this idea?


    In response to Ians question, she stammered.


    No, its not that I dont want to team up with you! No, its not that I want to, either!


    Just tell me calmly.


    Uh Well You see! I thought having two mages on the same team might be bothersome! It feels like its messing with the teamposition


    True, teamposition for monster hunting, especially against tough opponents, often followed a standardized pattern.


    But Ian shook his head.


    Thats just textbook teamposition.


    Textbooks typically dont contain the best tips and tricks.


    Ians lips curled upward.


    Ah! Hello. Its been a while, Raphael.


    While talking with other kids, Lina asionally cast sidelong nces at Ian.


    She was concerned, but she didnt n on teaming up with him this time.


    I need to make up for my grades during the training sessions.


    Her grades were currently a matter of concern.


    Linas current situation was difficult.


    She needed to assemble the best team possible.


    Of course, it was true that Ian showed a different side for a while. Teamwork with Danya in thest search practice It probably wasnt bad.


    Its most likely a coincidence.


    Forest scouting was like that.


    If you were lucky, you could sweep up a lot of mana beads in one go.


    Butbat training was different.


    It involved facing life-sized, mana-infused golems that mimicked real monsters. It required knowledge of the creatures, experience against them, quick decision-making, and more. It wasnt a ss where good grades just happened by chance.


    Will you team up with me?


    Of course. Were teammates.


    Therefore, while observing Danya and Ian, who were acting like characters from a boysic, Lina subtly raised her spirits. She wasnt feeling upset but rather confident.


    Im going to do better than those kids this time. No, Ill definitely outperform them.


    Lina knew Ians past actions well. He didnt care about sses or his personal growth. He would simply hang out with girls and y around. He hadnt put in any effort before, so theres no way he could suddenly improve his skills.


    Lina had no faith in Ians growth.


    In fact


    Miss Lina, if youre okay with it, would you like to team up with me?


    Get lost, Elise. Lina Rosewell has already chosen our elite group.


    Several students from different departments crowded around her.


    Lina would carefully select the members for her team.


    One warrior, one support priest, one mage, and one scout-sniper.


    Its a shame that there arent many knights in good shape.


    It was the most ssic teamposition.


    For Lina Rosewell, the top performer in Mezai ss, it wasnt a challenging task.


    But were both mages. How are we going to fill the other roles?


    Lina looked at Ian with concern, and he shrugged.


    Well find others to fill those roles.


    Ian had excellent self-awareness.


    That was his strength.


    In reality, both Ian and Danya were among the lowest-performing students in their ss.


    Who would want to join this team?


    There was no chance that someone would.


    On the contrary, it would be suspicious if someone joined us.


    For example, a secret group nning to disrupt the training session, like the Bloodstone Cult.


    The Bloodstone Cult was one of the Thirteen Viins, the representative evil organizations in Fanta X Aca.


    It was a secret religious cult responsible for corrupting Pongpong.


    As they gradually transitioned into the full-scalebat training episodes, it became crucial to keep an eye out for any unusual groups


    Brother, this team has an unusualposition, doesnt it?


    Ian was taken by surprise.


    The sudden voice caught him off guard.


    When he turned to look, he saw a well-dressed blond young man standing there.


    Oh, Im sorry. Haha. I spoke too suddenly. May I join this team since I couldnt find one?


    Judging by his attire, it appeared that he belonged to the Priest Department.


    He had a bright smile that seemed to epass everything.


    Ian furrowed his brow.


    As you can see, we are both mages. Whats the reason for wanting to join a team like ours?


    Challenges are an integral part of the path that those on the journey of priesthood must ovee.


    I am Ian ckangers. You must be quite familiar with my reputation, right?


    Despite Ians words, the priest continued to smile.


    It seems that Brother Ian here may have some difficulties managing his desires. But dont worry too much. Its not umon for people in the secr world to face such temptations.


    As he was speaking, the instructor announced:


    Group 5! All teams have been formed except for one! Whoever remains is automatically a team!


    an let out a sigh upon hearing this.


    The priest was still talking and attracting attention. When he examined the face closely, it seemed quite familiar, and he thought he might know the name.


    Never did he expect there would be such a bomb among the remaining candidates


    Dont be too hard on yourself. When the opportunity arises, consider visiting the clergy. Even the fact that our team has formed is a blessing from the gods. You must see it as a chance for Brother Ian to engage in meaningful conversations.


    Thank you, Priest.


    Ian smiled back, bowing his head.


    But deep down, he felt differently.


    What a pain.


    Thats right.


    Because he was a viin.


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