Why Did I Have to Enroll

The next morning.

Ban Yu-won, who woke up before Light, finished washing up and turned his gaze toward Light's bed where he was sleeping.

Light looked every bit like a princess, covered with a blanket and making soft breathing sounds while sleeping.

If only he could keep his mouth shut like this all the time, he'd be really cute.

'But when he's holding the holy sword, he looks quite masculine, this one.'

When he was wielding the holy sword in the tower, he had a strong aura of a handsome young swordsman, but throughout this week, as he trained with a spear instead of the holy sword, he gradually started looking more feminine again.

During training, he occasionally experienced unexplained severe pain, but since he insisted he was fine, there wasn't much that could be done about it.

"You're really such a handful, such a handful."

"Mmmmm..."

When Light stirred in his sleep, Ban Yu-won startled and stepped back, worried that his voice might have woken him up.

However, the guy just mumbled words like 'father' and 'ancestor' in his sleep before falling back into a deep slumber.

"If you're trying to hide your identity, at least put in some effort..."

Ban Yu-won fixed the blanket that had become disheveled as Light tossed and turned, then left the room, though he couldn't help but feel exasperated.

The guide was right in front of him.

"What the-?!"

"Eek!"

The guide pretended to be startled as if she hadn't noticed Ban Yu-won's appearance, but it was obviously an act that anyone could see through without even using special abilities.

Though it would be harder to pretend not to notice it, Ban Yu-won could certainly cover it up with his acting skills honed on modern Earth!

"Are you alright? You must have been quite startled?"

This is bad!

"Ah, n-no. I should be the one apologizing. I'm ashamed that as a soldier, my abilities aren't quite refined..."

Fortunately, the guide didn't notice Ban Yu-won's unnatural acting and continued with her own performance.

Ban Yu-won mentally applauded the guide who was blushing and acting weak despite having enough combat power to take on 100 soldiers at once.

Even after being dealt with by Luciel yesterday, she still hasn't given up on her schemes!

"Ah, come to think of it, I was so flustered yesterday I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Aneri Dedota. Please, just call me Aneri."

"...Alright, Aneri. I look forward to working with you for the remaining time."

When Ban Yu-won extended his hand, Aneri brightened up and grasped it, shaking it.

Life around 600, body 350, magic power 200, soul 80.

He could even detect the ominous green-glowing poison of level 50 around her wrist, along with her swordsmanship of 120.

'So with direct contact, I can read differences up to this level now.'

Since Ban Yu-won's life was 360, she was about 1.6 times stronger in simple comparison, but even so, he had managed to grasp all her core abilities.

To read any more detail would require using hyeongi, but that would increase the chances of being discovered, so he was satisfied with this much and withdrew his hand.

"So what brings you here so early in the morning?"

"Well, I just wanted to say good morning... And see if you might need anything."

She flashed a coy smile while subtly pressing her body closer.

A signal that anyone who wasn't impotent would understand.

While her indomitable challenger spirit in trying to succeed with feminine wiles deserves some recognition... unfortunately, it's not happening today either.

"Step back."

"I-I was just trying to say good morning... Huh?"

Aneri Dedota turned around reflexively to explain when she heard the voice behind her.

There stood Dokgo Yeon, wearing an elegant silk nightgown.

Aneri responded with a dumbfounded expression to her completely unexpected appearance and intervention.

"Um, so...?"

"I said step back."

"I apologize for my rudeness!"

When Dokgo Yeon revealed a hint of killing intent along with her irritated expression, Aneri bowed her head in shock and ran down the corridor.

However, Ban Yu-won caught her throwing a bewildered glance back at him for a brief moment, which made him feel a bit depressed.

"Now in that woman's eyes, I'm a player two-timing between you and Luciel."

"Who cares about such trivial misunderstandings when we'll soon be killing each other anyway?"

Dokgo Yeon snorted as usual while responding, then turned around.

"Let's talk for a bit. I want to review today's strategy."

"Are you going out dressed like that?"

"Who's going to see us on the way to the balcony right in front of us?"

Though they could have this simple conversation inside the room.

Despite having such thoughts, Ban Yu-won couldn't stop Dokgo Yeon as she strode ahead, so he followed behind her.

- Creak

The two pushed open the door at the end of the corridor and walked out onto the balcony.

There were several reasons why their group was given good rooms, but the main one was that they were assigned almost the entire end section of the corridor.

Naturally, the balcony at the end of that corridor was practically theirs as well.

"Ah, the morning breeze feels quite nice."

Dokgo Yeon smiled as she leaned against the balcony railing, feeling the wind.

Ban Yu-won thought she looked quite striking as her gown fluttered in the wind.

"But the wind is a bit chilly... I'd like something warm to drink. Even better if it's sweet."

Cancel that thought about her being striking.

Perhaps she had deliberately worn thin clothes and come out here just to say that?

"Just ask directly if you want hot chocolate."

"Well, you understood what I meant, so it's fine. Thank you."

She let out a satisfied sigh as she received the mug filled with warm hot chocolate.

As Ban Yu-won was drinking his portion of hot chocolate, Dokgo Yeon, who had already emptied half her cup, casually said.

"What if we kill him now?"

"...You."

There was no need to ask who she was talking about killing.

Ban Yu-won glared at her for such an extremely radical suggestion.

Dokgo Yeon simply met his gaze steadily, without avoiding it.

Of course, Ban Yu-won was the one who lost the staring contest.

He turned his head away from her gaze and replied.

"That's different from our plan. We can't."

"Tch, I thought you would give me the answer I wanted."

Dokgo Yeon clicked her tongue at the words that came out with a sigh.

Ban Yu-won finally understood why he had been dragged out to the balcony.

"So you dragged me out here because you didn't want Light and Luciel to hear this."

"The beast would take your side, and Light would obviously oppose it with disgust."

Ban Yu-won massaged his throbbing forehead as he replied.

"While I agree that we need to do something about Ortima, we can't."

"Even though he's trying to kill us?"

"Still, it's the same. We might be able to get some leverage on him, but killing him would make things too big."

Ban Yu-won bit his lip as he thought about the enormous power of the Ortima family that controlled the academy's events just to catch a few students.

He couldn't even imagine how far the ripples would spread if Lucein Ortima were to die here.

"At least not here and now. You know that much, right?"

"I have never let anyone live who has held a blade to my neck."

Dokgo Yeon spoke in an unwavering voice.

"Though I've made many enemies in the process, I'm still alive here. And it will be the same this time."

"..."

Those words were too chilling coming from someone who had barely reached adulthood.

Ban Yu-won could only remain silent, unable to imagine the battlefield she must have been through until now.

"...However, since this matter doesn't concern just me."

Dokgo Yeon continued.

"I'll concede just this once, trusting your judgment."

Just this one time, I'll endure it.

Dokgo Yeon calmly said this as she finished her cup.

"I'm not forgetting. I'm just postponing it. When the time comes to completely destroy those arrogant ones, you'll need to be by my side."

"You were setting up the mood from the start just to say that, weren't you."

"You caught me."

As she said this without batting an eye and held out her cup asking for more hot chocolate, he honestly wanted to give her a smack if he could be guaranteed he wouldn't get hit back.

After getting her cup refilled, Dokgo Yeon smiled slightly and said.

"But I also meant it. I wanted you, at least, to know that my patience isn't a given. I wanted to share this humiliation, this anger... with you."

"Feels more like you're trying to put shackles on me..."

Dokgo Yeon put on a startled expression.

Unlike Aneri Dedota, this was academy award-level acting.

"You caught that too."

Could he just hit her once, just this once?

No, he'd probably die...

Ban Yu-won suppressed his rising temper and took a gulp of hot chocolate.

It was so hot he thought the roof of his mouth would peel off.

*

After the grand morning banquet like yesterday ended and following a brief rest, the academy students gathered in the plaza according to their classes.

As previously announced, Class 1 and Class 11 were combined into one class, and since two out of only nine full professors were assigned to this single class, the amount of attention they received from all around was no joke.

Cantone spoke to Yumina with a satisfied smile on his face, seeming to enjoy the attention.

"Professor Yumina, would it be alright if I take charge of controlling the students today?"

"As long as the autonomy of our Class 11 students is guaranteed, by all means."

Yumina's unyielding response visibly stiffened Cantone's expression.

However, the piercing gazes from Class 1's two most promising students were too intense to pay attention to the power struggle between the two professors.

"Hmm? I get the crown pest, but when did you seduce that woman, Ban Yu-won?"

"I expected you'd say that, but no."

Ban Yu-won responded with a bitter smile to Dokgo Yeon's puzzled question after noticing Ayre's gaze.

"It's not me - she's actually someone who has a crush on Professor Yumina."

"In that case... I suppose our pushover professor must have carelessly shown favoritism toward you and that woman noticed."

"'Pushover' is too harsh, Student Dokgo Yeon."

Yumina, who had just finished her conversation with Cantone, came over and playfully objected to Dokgo Yeon.

"I treat everyone equally. It's all a misunderstanding. For Student Dokgo Yeon who feels my affection is lacking, I'll specially add one more pretty flower decoration..."

"I apologize."

Dokgo Yeon apologized with a serious expression.

Ban Yu-won watched this, hoping that perhaps Ayre's jealousy might be diverted to Dokgo Yeon as well, but her gaze remained firmly fixed on Ban Yu-won alone.

'I hope Ayre isn't going to join Ortima in trying to kill me.'

Ban Yu-won sighed and looked behind him.

There stood the guides who would diligently accompany them to today's field location.

Since Class 1 was a special class, each student had their own dedicated guide, creating a massive group of 70 people when combining Class 1, Class 11, the two full professors, and all the guides.

He had clearly heard that today the academy students would face monsters directly on the battlefield, but he couldn't understand why they needed to bring guides along.

"I will ensure you have no inconveniences today, Sir Ban Yu-won."

Aneri Dedota, who noticed Ban Yu-won's gaze, greeted him with a bright smile as if forgetting what had happened this morning.

Luciel wore a cold expression, and Dokgo Yeon gave a hollow laugh.

Meanwhile, the male guide assigned to Luciel and Dokgo Yeon was openly glaring at Ban Yu-won, apparently deciding to blame him for receiving none of the two women's attention.

What else could you call this but a total mess?

"Everyone, we're about to depart. Since this is your first practical exercise with Class 1, I hope you'll show your brave sides!"

Yumina called out energetically, appearing completely uninterested in the intense psychological warfare happening beneath the surface.

However, Ban Yu-won detected a slight hint of irritation in her voice.

Perhaps Cantone had provoked her while discussing individual student abilities?

―Initiating spatial transfer for First Year Class 1 and Class 11. We hope this special activity proves worthwhile.

Soon, the spatial transfer magic activated, transporting all of them to their class activity location... the battlefield.

Though Ban Yu-won had been unconsciously tense yesterday while touring only large-scale battlefields with hundreds of thousands of combatants, their destination after the spatial transfer appeared to be an ordinary cityscape at first glance.

That is, it would have seemed ordinary if not for the shouts and explosion sounds coming from everywhere.

"Ah, you've arrived! Salute!"

The battlefield commander rushed over and saluted the two professors.

News of their arrival spread instantly across the entire battlefield.

"Union Academy's reinforcements have arrived!"

"Everyone into defensive positions! Union Academy's reinforcements are here!"

"We're saved...!"

Though smaller in scale, this was still a battlefield where life-and-death combat took place.

Ban Yu-won found it ironic that the students, who still had a field trip-like atmosphere about them, would be fighting in place of these soldiers.

"So..."

Cantone spoke while emanating a strong presence to assert his existence to the commander.

"How's the battle situation? What's the enemy's main force?"

"After large-scale subjugation operations occurred at all major battlefields yesterday, the enemy's remaining forces appear to be dispersing across various battlefields. We're defending with a thousand soldiers, but honestly, even maintaining the status quo is difficult. The enemy's main force consists of shadow ferrets who excel at urban warfare..."

The person who appeared to be the battalion commander eagerly explained to Cantone's cold voice.

Cantone waved his hand dismissively while listening to the explanation.

"Shadow ferrets? Not even worth hearing about. From now on, all students will take positions at points I designate and engage in combat. Let's show these ignorant masses the power of tower climbers!"

After making such an arrogant declaration, he began moving students one by one to different points, like moving chess pieces.

It was a moment that made the meaning of class activities meaningless.

"Dokgo Yeon, you go to the rooftop of that building with the orange sign. As Light, Luciel, Ban Yu-won. Each of you guard one of the buildings lined up next to it."

"..."

The entire Class 11 was assigned points far removed from the battlefield's center.

Ban Yu-won became convinced that this actually meant Cantone had accurately assessed Class 11's abilities.

Precisely because he knew of their outstanding abilities, wasn't he assigning them insignificant roles to prevent them from showing their capabilities?

Realizing this, Yumina confronted Cantone with an incredulous tone.

"Professor Cantone? Don't you think you're making decisions that differ somewhat from Union Academy's special activity objectives?"

"The goal of this class activity is to have students experience the battlefield firsthand and confirm individual abilities and potential. I've simply thought of good methods to utilize students' individual abilities and achieve combat objectives."

Moreover, Cantone continued with a smile.

"They say right person, right place. I even specially considered keeping Professor Yumina's cherished students away from dangerous situations - shouldn't you be thanking me?"

"Hah."

Yumina gave a snort and turned away to approach her group.

"Now then, everyone."

Her face was serene as if she'd never had any conversation with Cantone.

Wasn't this the true realm of ignoring someone?

"As you climb the tower, you'll sometimes find yourself fighting in environments like this. There will be times when you need to protect the weak while carrying out quests according to the tower's will, so please pay special attention to that aspect during your activities."

Protect what in the tower?

Before Ban Yu-won could question this, Yumina clapped her hands and said,

"Now let's head to our assigned points and begin combat! I'll be watching over you nearby, so don't worry... Student Ban Yu-won."

Yumina gritted her teeth and demanded in a voice only he could hear.

"Set off something big at the front line. Just like I taught you yesterday."

"I know what you want."

Why did Yumina give special instructions only to Ban Yu-won?

That's because unlike the three party members classified as close combat fighters, Ban Yu-won had a reliable means of ranged attack.

And it was quite a large and beautiful means of attack at that.

Ban Yu-won pulled out a long red staff from his inventory and grinned.

"I'll just make a volcano erupt."

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