Time flies.
I didn't truly feel that until I became an adult.
That process wasn't much different in this life either.
In my childhood with nothing to do, time felt slow. Once my mind grew a bit, I started sensing it speeding up.
And now that I'm in the academy, it feels like I'm the only one on fast-forward.
What I'm getting at is that midterm season snuck up on us before I knew it.
The academy's midterms! All the obvious stuff you might imagine happens.
Why, you know how it goes. Fierce grade battles with swords clashing and spells flying. Friendships cracking under the strain of rivalries...
Since this is a fantasy world, all the clichés play out pretty much as expected.
"Ugh, the scope is ridiculously broad."
Of course, the Magic Engineering Department is exempt. We don't do duel exams at all.
We're not the only ones skipping them either.
The Alchemy Department, Theory Department, and so on. In fact, most departments opt out of duels.
In the end, it's only the Knight and Magic Departments actually pitting swords and spells against each other, just like the formula suggests.
The truth hidden behind the hype is brutal. But that truth is a comfort to some.
"Still, it's a relief. No duel exam."
I had worried a little. What if I got dragged into something like that?
It didn't happen.
Now, all I need to focus on is that "fierce grade competition," nothing like duels.
"The exam covers everything up to what I mentioned. Good luck to you all."
Today, Professor Peter's kind smile feels especially warm.
Even Professor Rachel won't drag me off during midterms, right?
Sure, the exam scope is insanely broad, so I'll still be pulling all-nighters, but just having less time with her opens up some breathing room.
Hooray! Now I can finally have some time to myself.
No more fretting over every little slip-up.
"Oh, and one more thing."
Professor Peter paused as he was about to leave the lecture hall.
Looks like there's some additional announcement...
Whatever it is, bring it on. I could handle it even if he said the scope just doubled.
Come at me.
"This time, the Magic Engineering Department will participate in the duel exam."
Ah.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Professor Rachel."
"Oh, Rain. What brings you here?"
"I heard the Magic Engineering Department is joining the duel exam."
"That's right. I pushed for it."
"Why... What's the reason?"
"It's all thanks to you, Rain."
I chuckled inwardly. A utterly deflated one, of course.
If we weren't in front of the professor, I'd have cackled like the Joker for sure.
No.
Professor.
Notes alone are overwhelming, and now practicals too?
Then make the Knight Department bastards study notes as hard as us!
"You look like you have something to say."
"Nothing at all."
I swallowed my irritation and forced out a question.
"A question. What exactly am I supposed to do out there?"
This wasn't a complaint. Genuine curiosity.
Duel exams don't pit same-department students against each other. They randomly match across all participating departments.
Meaning we'll be up against monsters from the Knight and Magic Departments.
Sure, scores aren't based on rankings but individual grading by proctors, but...
Does this professor not know the gap between regular students and Knight Department elites? Whatever we bring, we'll get one-shotted.
"What you can do?"
"Yes."
"Why ask something like that?"
"Just answer."
Professor Rachel gave me an incredulous look before speaking.
"You can showcase your inventions."
"Pardon?"
"Everyone gets the same assignment: 'Demonstrate your invention in the duel exam.' Think of it as a substitute for my class project. Easier that way."
I like substitute assignments. Less nitpicky than exams, lower pressure.
But not in this case.
Who'd volunteer to get pummeled for that?
"What, got a problem?"
"...No, none at all."
"Good. We'll announce full details later. You're dismissed."
I left the lab empty-handed.
Or rather, realizing I was screwed counts as something.
The moment I stepped out, I clutched my head and slumped down. People were watching, but I didn't care. Things couldn't get worse.
Why make this call? My head throbbed trying to fathom her inscrutable motives.
"Studying alone is busy enough. Where's the time to invent...?"
I vented all my gripes while sitting there, but it changed nothing.
I let out a deep sigh and hauled myself up.
Damn it.
I had to do something.
Judging by the situation, Professor Rachel's decision was to see my inventions in action.
I'd gotten her word on top grades, but I couldn't rely on verbal promises. Who knows what backlash if she ends up disappointed.
So here I was in the shared lab.
Her influence again? It was well-equipped. I could make anything here.
"Professor, since it's come to this, I'll do it right."
After much agonizing, I gritted my teeth and committed.
Exam in exactly two weeks. I'd invest one here.
"During exam week, just consider me dead."
This might even be a golden opportunity.
I'm already marked anyway. Nothing good about it. Her attention alone spells doom.
So, could I ever break free?
No way!
If a so-called "true genius" surpassing "Rain Ortiz" emerges, I could divert her gaze.
I could avoid disappointing her and, with luck, redirect that suffocating attention.
"...Why am I banking on luck?"
The thought hit me suddenly.
I'd heard cornered people turn oddly optimistic.
"... ."
No.
Don't think about it.
Abandon self, find peace.
I'm not losing it.
"Alright, let's start."
What does a hidden genius need to win attention?
Insane practicality? Technical elegance?
I guarantee both are wrong.
What matters is...
"System, you ready?"
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙[Assistance commencing.]
Style.
Whatever it is, as long as it's stylish.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Two weeks passed, and exam week arrived.
I wrapped up all my other exams pretty well, and today was the final hell.
I got up in the morning and checked the mirror.
No matter how I looked, it wasn't human.
What can I say...
I looked like a grad student.
"This isn't my future, right?"
I blinked at the mirror, then slapped my cheeks hard.
A sharp smack, and my head cleared.
I thought about why I'd pushed myself this far.
To escape Professor Rachel.
"Let's do this."
I grabbed my bag with the "invention" and left the dorm.
Rumors say academy exams feel like festivals.
Surprisingly, they were spot on.
"This is a whole other world."
Duel exams happen on the last day. Injuries could mess with written tests, so it made sense.
Still, this felt excessive.
"Whoa..."
Snacks and events everywhere? Overkill.
It hit me again: Having a South Korean brain in a world with totally different basics is exhausting.
"Festival, exam, or funeral...?"
I swallowed the thought and entered the exam venue.
"Everyone! The exam starts soon. Are you all ready?! "
"Wooooaaah!!"
Yep.
Those are the "audience" cheers.
The venue looked like a stadium, structured to watch three arenas at once.
I had zero desire to be a clown.
Yet I had to demo my invention in front of all these people... Hate it.
Anyway.
Per instructions, exam time was exactly 10 minutes.
Winning? No clue. Just do everything I could in 10 minutes. That's the goal.
"Where's the waiting room...?"
This bag's heavy. Need to sit anywhere.
"Hey, isn't that Magic Engineering?"
Someone spotted me.
No idea how they pegged me.
"Dude looks like he tinkers with machines. Right?"
Fucking asshole...
Ah, whatever. Don't engage.
"School's a joke. Why include those losers in duels?"
"..."
I slipped away, noting the voice. I remembered it.
"Ah, found it."
Magic Engineering waiting room. Forget the drama, sit and rest.
I opened the door and stepped in.
"..."
No seats.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Al─l right! Students gathered here, and ladies and gentlemen from outside! Thank you for waiting so long! ""The 27th! Runia Academy's midterms highlight! The duel exam! Starts! Now! "
I checked my gear amid the over-the-top announcer.
This one's fine.
This too.
Good, all set.
Competitors got brackets in advance, so reactions varied.
Most felt fear, tension, worry.
Key point: Not everyone.
I was pissed.
"First contestant? Come on out."
Fuck.
Why me first?