Chapter 14: ss 1-B-2


    ?


    What the hell happened since I passed out?


    I couldn''t help but wonder as I watched Seo Gyeoul, the enigmatic "hidden de," approach Lucas, the protagonist of our story.


    In the game, she was one of the best heroines, and there were only two ways to enter her route: either through the first introductions in ss 1-A or by choosing to follow her in Act 1, Chapter 2, instead of pursuing the route of Princess Snow.


    Honestly, she wasn''t a character that was hard to deal with if you knew how to cater to her personality traits. Seo may have seemed cold on the outside, but she was warm-hearted on the inside.


    Her distant demeanor was often attributed to her innate social awkwardness, which made it difficult for her to express her true feelings.


    A heroine who possessed both power and beauty, Seo didn''t have many of the quirky traits that some of the other heroines did. Instead, she exuded a cool,posed demeanor that only added to her allure.


    And let''s just say, she had an extremely attractive physique that didn''t go unnoticed by anyone.


    Although it wasn''t really a problem if the protagonist had already met her, this situation was too different from the game.


    Considering the recent events, I knew my actions would have actual consequences, and a butterfly effect would take ce. I hadn''t imagined it would affect Lucas''s main scenario, though.


    Furthermore, Lucas''s presence here in ss B instead of ss 1-A raised even more questions. Did the entirety of Act 1 change? The situation with Auvin being alive would certainlyplicate matters further.


    Should I interfere? After all, this was caused by me, whether intentionally or not.


    At the end of the day, all the future troubles the heroines and Lucas were about to face were somewhat indirectly caused by me. So, should I help?


    Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I realized there was no need to overthink things now. I could make my move once I fully understood the implications of my leveling.


    ''Priority one right now was to get stronger''


    With that in mind, I pushed aside my concerns and focused on honing my abilities.


    Finding an empty seat at the back, I settled in without batting an eye to the curious nces of some of my ssmates.


    "Is that him?"


    "I wonder if he''s, okay?"


    "How did he get into ss B anyway?"


    I could feel the weight of their stares, a silent reminder of my infamous disy back at the gym. But there was no use dwelling on the past. Ignoring their whispers, I focused on the task at hand and waited for the teacher to arrive.


    Momentster, the doors swung open, and man with a monocle adorning his left eye strode into the room.


    Dressed in a strikingly dashing ck suit with a matching coat, and topped with a hat, he exuded an aura of authority akin to a serious military lieutenant.


    "Good morning, students," he began, his voicemanding attention. "I''m sure many of you have questions. Listen well, and feel free to take notes if necessary."


    I couldn''t help but wonder if he nned to dive straight into the lesson after such a brief introduction.


    As he had a face, I was not familiar, since most of the game scenarios happen at ss A, I just hope this guy won; be boring.


    Now that I think about why hasn''t he introduced himself yet?


    [System message:]


    [Mission: Attend a ss]


    [Completed!]


    As I watched the system message pop up, I realized I''d have to be content with this information for now.


    The teacher''s words weren''t particrly groundbreaking; they mainly reiterated the constant reminders and information we''d received from the principal, but in a more concise and straightforward manner.


    One key point the teacher emphasized was the academy''s unique and independent economic system.


    Here, we would use a lightweight coin called Gems as currency, distinct from actual gemstones.


    These Gems resembled coins and could only be found and used within the academy.


    While they did have a certain exchange value that could be converted into gold, their significance and worth were limited to the academy.


    Consequently, most merchants outside the academy wouldn''t ept Gems unless they had children attending the institution.


    There were several methods for students to acquire these so-called Gems. One way was through evaluation tests or any other form of practical assessments, including written scores and missionpletions.


    Additionally, students could earn Gems based on their overall ranking as a student.


    Part-time work and odd jobs also provided opportunities to earn Gems, although these methods were often inefficient and didn''t yield significant amounts.


    Upon entering the academy, just like in the game, each student was allotted 10,000 Gems for the semester. It was essential to manage these funds wisely, as they had tost for the entire


    term.


    While this might seem manageable under normal circumstances, the reality was that students often found themselves running out of Gems within the first week.


    I could still recall the shock of seeing a simple meal at the cafeteria priced at 2,000 Gems.


    Fortunately, certain expenses were sponsored, such as textbooks and uniforms.


    This alleviated some of the financial burdens for students


    themselves financially.


    struggled to sustain


    With these essential costs covered, students could focus more on their studies and other activities without worrying about their finances.


    What this teacher was essentially trying to convey to us was that we had to work hard in order to survive in this ce. It was a harsh reality, but one that we needed to ept if we were to


    thrive.


    However, this rule applied mainly to those considered "weak" or lower-ranking students.


    The top 10 students in each grade were privileged to receive a guaranteed 50,000 Gems each month, regardless of their financial circumstances.


    It was a significant advantage, one that highlighted the disparities within the academy.


    But the most crucial point the teacher addressed wasn''t about individual finances; it was about the circumstances of our ss as a whole.


    "Right now, all of you are in ss 1-B for one simple reason: you lot can''t be ranked properly," the teacher exined, his voice carrying a weight of authority.


    Confusion rippled through the ssroom as students exchanged puzzled nces. One curious student raised her hand and asked, "What do you mean by that, sir?"


    The teacher nodded, acknowledging her question. "As I''ve said earlier, only 10 students are allowed to enter ss 1-A and receive all the privileges thate with it. Currently, only one student has received that certain privilege, but it''s one that all of you can also strive to


    achieve-"


    As he further exined, what he was trying to convey was basically that all of us actually qualified for ss 1-A.


    However, due to the excessive numbers, we would have to undergo another practical


    evaluation test to truly determine who deserved the coveted spots as the top 10 knight students of our grade. It was a deviation from what had been expected based on the game''s


    storyline.


    Lucas and Janica, both highly skilled contenders for the second and third ces in the knight department, were likely puzzled by the dy.


    Despite my curiosity about the events of the previous day, I knew I couldn''t just ask them outright. But regardless, if this test was inevitable, they were bound to earn their rightful


    ces.


    "Are we going to battle it out against the seniors again, sir?" one student inquired, voicing the thoughts that likely crossed many minds in the ssroom.


    "No, a proper assessment with your seniors can''t be arranged now that sses are resuming immediately," the teacher rified. "Trust me, your seniors are very busy-a notion you will experience if youst at least two years here in the academy."


    "Instead of your seniors, all of you here would have to battle it out amongst yourselves."


    "Is it a battle royal?" I blurted out unconsciously, prompting all attention to immediately focus on me. Their eyes bore into me, and I couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease. Did I say


    something weird?


    [Notice:]


    [Skill: Monarch''s Will (Locked)]


    [Passive Effect: Charisma + EX]


    [Effects:]


    [Unlocking the full potential of the Monarch''s Will skill grants the wielder an unparalleled level of influence and charm. As the passive effect elevates Charisma to an extraordinary level, the bearer exudes an aura of maic appeal, effortlessly captivating those around


    them.]


    [Current proficiency: 1.2%]


    [Influence: +1]


    [Presence: +5]


    Huh...? As the system message popped up to help me understand, I was still held in confusion. What was with all of these passive skill effects? I thought the skill was locked?


    [Note: Passive effects will stay innately active]


    Locking eyes with me, the teacher slightly squirmed and avoided my gaze before attempting


    to adjust his monocle. The reaction only added to my confusion. What was going on? "I-In a sense, yes... as all of you are qualified the faculty and staff have decided that only the


    last remaining students throughout the fight shall have the rights and privileges of the top 10


    it makes things simple and easier r-right?" the teacher stuttered mid-sentence, his


    difort palpable.


    Why couldn''t he look at me?


    Was he afraid?


    I''ve already gathered too much attention just by speaking, and now this only made it worse.


    From the looks of it, it seemed like he was afraid of me or something. Seriously, what did I do


    to warrant this reaction?


    "Hey, who is he exactly?".


    "I don''t know,"


    "Maybe he''s a prince from some faraway country?"


    "He''s very handsome..."


    Though I appreciated thestment amidst the onught of conversation happening all


    around, I didn''t want this much attention.


    Even Lucas, below me, was looking at me strangely for some reason.


    The golden glint in his eyes made it seem like he viewed me as someone he had to fight...


    Damn it, now I''ve caught the attention of this battle maniac.


    [Mission: Reach the next semester?]


    Yup, the system was even messing with me now. Was it trying to tell me that I probably wouldn''t survive until then?