Correcting the Villainess of the Academy - Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Predator (4)

How long had we been traveling in the vehicle? The majestic landscape described by the professor finally came into view.

Since the basin itself was formed in a lowland area, we could see a significant portion of the terrain even if not all of it.

Although a dense forest covered most of it, we could also see plains and rivers scattered here and there.

At the center was a lake formed at the time of the impact, surrounded by towering cliffs that blocked the movement of clouds and mist.

The vehicle carrying the students stopped at the entrance to the basin, where a vast meadow spread out. Various facilities such as temporary wards and makeshift lodgings were already set up there. We could also see piles of supplies and various relief goods.

But most of these were not for the exam participants. They were for the dropouts and the professors and senior students monitoring the freshmen nearby.

“Attention!”

Professor Shin Jae-yu gathered the students who had disembarked from the vehicle.

Her voice, amplified by a loudspeaker, echoed powerfully.

Since only beasts below grade 3 that couldn’t handle particles inhabited the northern section, the students wore protective suits made of materials with high physical defense rather than particle-resistant suits.

Students majoring in emission-type magic wore only particle arrays on their wrists. Those like me, who majored in circulation-type magic, also carried standard cartridge exchange blades.

“You may start at any time, but remember, you must enter the basin before midnight tonight. Any group or individual not inside by then will be disqualified immediately.”

The professor gave the students one last reminder.

“However, I do not recommend rushing too much. If you clear a path only to have others take credit for it, it will be a waste. Evaluate your and your teammates’ abilities objectively and choose the optimal route accordingly.”

T h i s w a s c op i e d f r o m k in g m t l .o r g
“As mentioned before, the southern section of the basin is home to powerful beasts that are beyond your level to handle. These high-risk beasts are extremely sensitive to the noise generated by field interference and have evolved into territorial animals, regardless of their original species. So, never cross the fence. As long as you follow the rules, nothing will happen.”

“Don’t worry if you get injured during the exam. Senior students and faculty are always on standby to handle emergencies. If you must give up, shoot a red flare spell, and the rescue team will come immediately. However, remember that doing so will definitely result in the lowest score for the exam.”

Professor Shin clapped her hands, concluding her lengthy explanation. The students scattered around to make their final preparations.

Some unfolded maps and discussed plans meticulously, while others, exuding confidence, stepped boldly toward the cliff entrance of the basin.

“Hmm.”

I, too, checked the map I had been given and pondered. Since I would be going alone, it seemed I would have to give up on the cooperation bonus.

I had exchanged a brief glance with Yena earlier, but she was nowhere to be seen now. Did she already leave?

Given what I know of Yena’s personality, that seemed quite unexpected.

Another person, Seunghun, would likely be with his fiancée. I didn’t want to intrude on them. Even I had that much sense.

So, the best option for me now would be to take the shortest path, secure a high rank by being the first to scan my identification tag, and earn points by taking down beasts along the way.

The map showed several paths leading to the center of the northern section, resembling a spider web.

T h i s was cop i e d f ro m k i ng m t l . o r g
Broadly speaking, they could be divided into western, central, and eastern routes. Among these, the western routes seemed the quickest.

Though the shorter routes were said to be densely populated with powerful beasts, they were still just grade 3 beasts without developed fields.

A bit of physical enhancement would be enough to handle them without much trouble. If it got tough, I could use predictive measures. I probably wouldn’t even need to use my ability.
T h i s w a s c op i ed f ro m k i n g m t l. org

At my level, it shouldn’t be too difficult. Having made my decision, I opened my backpack to check my supplies one last time.

Just as I was about to quickly enter the basin, a voice calling from behind stopped me.

“Hey, you there!”

T h is wa s c o p i ed f r o m k i n g m tl. o rg
“…?”

T h is was c o p i e d f r o m k i n gm t l . o rg
I turned around. A male student with a stern expression, wearing glasses and looking somewhat irritable, was walking toward me.

He seemed familiar. Upon recalling, I realized he was one of the top students who had attended the social gathering the day after the entrance ceremony.

I didn’t remember his name, but he hadn’t spoken much, like me, and hadn’t actively participated in conversations.

“Are you calling me?”

“Yes, I’m looking for you.”

The male student nodded.

“You’re Yu Jinhyun, right? You were at the social gathering that day. Well, even if you deny it, that mask gives you away…”

“I’m Yu Jinhyun, but why are you calling me?”

“It’s nothing special. Do you have a group to go with?”

“…? No, I’m alone…”

The male student stated his reason for calling me.

“You seemed to be. Well, that’s convenient. Yu Jinhyun, if you don’t have a group, how about teaming up with me?”

“What…?”

T hi s wa s c o p ie d f r o m k ing m t l . org
“I’m a spirit mage. My skills aren’t exceptional, but spirit mages can use spirits for scouting and sentry duties, which is quite useful in the field. I assure you that teaming up with me will provide significant advantages. I think it’s a beneficial offer for you too.”

It did seem advantageous for me. But why was he making such an offer to me?

My actions at the social gathering had obviously spread, and I had long been seen in a negative light by those who followed Seoyeon.

Ordinary students without any faction or background wouldn’t gain much by associating with me.

T h is w a s c o p i ed f r o m ki n g m t l.o r g
“Well, I’m not interested in politics or socializing.”

As if reading my thoughts, the male student chuckled and continued.

“My wish is to graduate from Cradle quickly and return to my hometown. I don’t want to get involved in the troublesome affairs of the capital. Senior Baek Seoyeon didn’t seem like a bad person, but I don’t want to follow her around like others. Besides, my spirits’ reactions to you are very intriguing.”

“Intriguing? Is that about me?”

“Yes. They’re both afraid of you and pity you at the same time. I’ve never encountered such dual emotions before, making it quite hard to interpret.”

The male student’s voice was filled with scholarly enthusiasm.

“And you seem to be selective about who you associate with, right?”

“…”

“I’m quite similar. I’m very sensitive by nature. Yet, I find you strangely agreeable. That’s why I made this proposal.”

His reasoning was sound. Indeed, teaming up would distribute tasks more evenly and even earn the cooperation bonus I had almost given up on.

“I was planning to take the shortest route, though. It might be dangerous. Are you okay with that?”
T h i s w a s c op i e d f r o m k i ng m t l.org

“Not a problem at all. In fact, I welcome it. You specialize in circulation magic, right? I’m confident that we would have great synergy together.”

T his w a s c o p ie d f r om ki n gm tl.or g
In that case, there was no reason to refuse.

“Alright. Pleased to work with you. I’m Yu Jinhyun.”

“I know. I’m Shin Muyoung.”

I extended my hand, and we shook hands.

***

“Woojin, I thought you’d already gone in.”

“I was just about to enter. How about you guys?”

Choi Woojin waved and approached Ryu Seunghun, who was packing his backpack alongside Moon Yeowool.

“We were just about to head out. We’re not aiming for the highest score, but we don’t want to fall too far behind… haha…”

“Tsk tsk. That’s always your problem, Seunghun. If a man sets his sights on something…”

“Hey, don’t cross the line. Who are you to say that to our Seunghun?”

Yeowool snapped at Woojin, cutting in.

“You sure take good care of your husband-to-be. You two are a perfect match.”

“You…!”

“Okay, cut it out. Yeowool, you too. Woojin’s always been like this, hasn’t he…”

As a quarrel was about to start, Seunghun intervened.

Although Yeowool’s skirmishes with Jin Yeseo often overshadowed it, she also didn’t like Woojin’s excessive chatter.

“Where’s Yeseo?”

“No idea. She must’ve gone in already. Surprisingly, Jaeryong also went in early with his minions. It was funny seeing him take nine lackeys with him…”
T h is w a s co p i ed f r o m k in gmtl . o r g

Woojin chuckled lightly.

“Well, good luck. I should get going too… huh?”

As Woojin turned around, his eyes widened in surprise. His gaze fell on a masked male student, Yu Jinhyun.

He was just disappearing into the entrance between the cliffs of the basin with another companion. They were heading towards the west, the most difficult route.

End of Chapter