Wednesday.
The next combat exam begins. It is not a part of the core exams anymore, but it will still provide bonus points. This monster subjugation exam is one of the compulsory exams that cadets have to take.
As cadets have to fight monsters in this exam, ordinary people are prohibited from spectating. Furthermore, because magicians’ summoned monsters are of varying types and power, the exam is graded on an absolute scale rather than a relative scale.
“Be especially careful in today’s exam. If you refuse to give up, you might really end up dying.” Instructor Kim Soohyuk gives us a solemn warning.
Though we will be fighting summoned monsters by magicians, these monsters cannot understand complex orders so it is unavoidable for a few monsters to cause injuries and that is why the Cube staff is particularly strict on facilitating this exam.
I apparently have no problem with the exam. I score excellently from subjugating a sparking yellow bird that reminds me of Zapdos. The monster is called Thunderbird. Underneath my booth is the weakened Thunderbird bleeding to death.
Of course, I did not make the fight look too easy by wisely consuming all 15 minutes in the clock.
The Magicians, magic casters, or mages have all kinds of abilities that use the principles of mysticism to perform all kinds of sorcery ranging from summoning, curses, and magic spells.
It is a treat for me to witness a magician perform in my very eyes.
I don’t know much about magicians as they are rare characters to appear and engage combatively in TNE. Among the foes I am wary of, magicians definitely are among my top three as I lack useful information from them.
I can deal with humanoid warrior types, fighter types, and sharpshooters easily. I have confidence in this because of my experience in Little Blue Tower fighting against Nayun, Suho, and Hajin. There is a reason for me to be wary of all kinds of enemies.
TNE’s power system after all is not absolute. Even people within the same rank will have differences in fighting potential. Even someone who is only at an intermediate rank can give an absolute beating to someone in a high rank, and though this is rare— Nayun, Hajin, Suho, and Rachel are examples of this.
Come to think of it. I recall Rachel in the Duel Rankings. She is not using any of her Elementalist abilities and is simply relying on her swordsmanship, making her look so much more inferior to the others.
I cannot really admonish Rachel as I also choose not to use my Gift during the Duel Rankings.
Objectively speaking, Rachel is strong enough to give Hajin a hard time, and even defeat Nayun. In Nayun’s case, it is a mismatch. In Hajin, it is a matter of space in which both specialize. Hajin is good at taking advantage of distance, while Rachel is good at managing the terrain.
I peruse my data bank through my [AI System], while my feet carry me robotically to the waiting area after I finish my exam. I have various simulation data on who would win if I pit the members of Sinful with each other. Rachel has an outstanding 72% win rate.
I feel mischievous all too of a sudden. I wonder what the other guys’ reaction will be if they learn of my simulation experiment. My data is especially curious. It is— a 1% win rate; 99% draw rate; and 0% lost rate. I am freaking undefeatable.
“Take a seat, everyone. You will be writing a report for this exam as well.” Kim Soohyuk announces to the class, while the magicians are busy packing up. They seem to be busy and in a hurry.
It is understandable as their strength should be needed elsewhere to support the Djinn extermination efforts.
“You have to write three reports in total, but only the best report will reflect on your grade. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can only write one report, if you do, you will be penalized.” Kim Soohyuk adds.
I summon a cutting-edge [AI Generator] to write my report from my [AI System]. I hear Cube complain about the background program, but I have better use of my brain cells.
I am too busy for something like this. If only I could just graduate now, and apply for Cube as an instructor. I have a career path in mind already after so much deliberation. I must stay here in Cube. Only through this way can I maintain access with [Under Cube], while not arousing suspicion from my public identity.
The first semester is not even done, but I am already thinking of my future— I am such a model student.
When my [AI Generator] is done on writing its report, I then copy-paste them through writing by hand which is annoying. I have become too accommodating in relying on a printer. I pick the lucky receivers of my Exam Report to be Sen Chul, Kim Horak, and Rachel. I check the box next to ‘Anonymous’ for Kim Horak.
I have to be kind, and not promote Kim Horak’s violence by not providing him a target. I am definitely giving him harsh criticism because I am enjoying it. Hopefully, my harsh remarks will help him grow as a proper adult. (I don’t actually mean that.)
The Monster Subjugation exams end without incidents. I imagine the following days to be peaceful here in Cube. But we cannot be too safe. It is good to be always alert.
Since the Monster Subjugation ends early at 3:00 p.m., there is still time for me to enjoy and maybe participate in a few extracurricular activities.
Because the students are still participating in their core exams from the different year levels, there are no student-produced extracurricular activities for me to participate in. I am looking forward to the event that the Reading Club has prepared. It is about who is the fastest guy who can flip a book. It is a weird extracurricular, but it sounds fun so I decided to join and sneak my name into the list of participants.
Moreover, the Reading Club has a rather interesting reward for the winner.
I buzz Hajin.
~
Hyung: Any changes?
Hajin: None.
Hyung: If we follow the TNE timeline, Rachel should have been attacked by Lancaster, but no attacks happened. I guess this is because of the domino effect of you releasing an impossible technology.
Hajin: I still feel that we should have forewarned Rachel.
Hyung: She should know it. We know that she is the studious type, and we have rewritten TNE and TRE as much as we can. So I guess, she should know…
Hajin: I am sorry. I know it is complicated to suddenly tackle her with this because it is a sensitive matter to her.
Hyung: Rachel is fine.
Hajin: You know that is not the case, and we cannot decide that for others.
Hyung: You should talk to Rachel.
Hajin: Why don’t you do it?
~
It is because you are his idol, dumbass. I turn off my smartwatch feeling pissed. I don’t want to admit it, but Rachel is weirdly guarded against me. Does she have some sort of grudge?
[Alert: A monster of high magic power intensity is lurking eastward of Cube. It is suspected to be a Serpent Dragon.]
I hear you Cube loud and clear. Something like this also occurred in TNE, and I hope this arrival of a Serpent Dragon is not a premeditated act but is simply visiting for wanting to have fun.
~
THE DEVIL HUNTER’s CLUB GROUP CHAT
Hyung: I will take care of it. I am nearest.
Nayun: Will you be able to take care of it? You are a weakling, right?
Hajin: Go for it, just don’t take too long.
Suho: Be careful.
~
Rachel and Suho leave me on seen.
Serpent Dragons are members of the dragon family, but that doesn’t mean they are terrifyingly strong. In terms of the Association’s standard ranking system, Serpent Dragons range from high-intermediate rank grade 1 to high-rank grade 7.
My goal of confronting the Serpent Dragon is only to deter it, and not kill it. With my rank, it will be impossible to kill it without causing a commotion.
We don’t need any incidents to occur in Cube anymore.
I wear my [Savant Gear] while under the effects of [Not Here]. Before, I am extremely shy about exposing my weenie to the public despite knowing that they could not see me. Now, I still feel the same, but with more robust mental perseverance, I am able to endure the inner shame.
I finish my transformation in the middle of running.
I use simultaneously with to increase my movement speed. I arrive at the coast where my [AI System] has calculated where the Serpent Dragon will come from.
The Serpent Dragon rises from the snout first. This monster is generally docile and is afraid of pain. I have my [AI System] analyze the monster, and it seems no external provocation has stimulated it to act feral. It seems the monster is merely curious.
I remember that this same monster from TNE has savaged Cube because of a third party’s manipulation. That doesn’t seem the case now. “I will send you back now, so please don’t return.”
I am still under the effects of [Not Here] so the monster doesn’t notice me. I leap from where I stand and give the monster a violent pat on its snout. The Serpent Dragon flinches back in surprise and terror of the unknown and is spooked. It dives back underneath the ocean and far from Cube.
“Hah~” I yawn feeling exhaustion to come kicking at me. For now, I choose to return to my dorm as a change of scenery. I always sleep in [Under Cube] recently, so it isn't so bad for me to be at the dorm from time to time.
Alfir Fun fact, this fanfic in reference to original TNE is only at chapter 43. Funny, isn't it?
Wednesday.
The next combat exam begins. It is not a part of the core exams anymore, but it will still provide bonus points. This monster subjugation exam is one of the compulsory exams that cadets have to take.
As cadets have to fight monsters in this exam, ordinary people are prohibited from spectating. Furthermore, because magicians’ summoned monsters are of varying types and power, the exam is graded on an absolute scale rather than a relative scale.
“Be especially careful in today’s exam. If you refuse to give up, you might really end up dying.” Instructor Kim Soohyuk gives us a solemn warning.
Though we will be fighting summoned monsters by magicians, these monsters cannot understand complex orders so it is unavoidable for a few monsters to cause injuries and that is why the Cube staff is particularly strict on facilitating this exam.
I apparently have no problem with the exam. I score excellently from subjugating a sparking yellow bird that reminds me of Zapdos. The monster is called Thunderbird. Underneath my booth is the weakened Thunderbird bleeding to death.
Of course, I did not make the fight look too easy by wisely consuming all 15 minutes in the clock.
The Magicians, magic casters, or mages have all kinds of abilities that use the principles of mysticism to perform all kinds of sorcery ranging from summoning, curses, and magic spells.
It is a treat for me to witness a magician perform in my very eyes.
I don’t know much about magicians as they are rare characters to appear and engage combatively in TNE. Among the foes I am wary of, magicians definitely are among my top three as I lack useful information from them.
I can deal with humanoid warrior types, fighter types, and sharpshooters easily. I have confidence in this because of my experience in Little Blue Tower fighting against Nayun, Suho, and Hajin. There is a reason for me to be wary of all kinds of enemies.
TNE’s power system after all is not absolute. Even people within the same rank will have differences in fighting potential. Even someone who is only at an intermediate rank can give an absolute beating to someone in a high rank, and though this is rare— Nayun, Hajin, Suho, and Rachel are examples of this.
Come to think of it. I recall Rachel in the Duel Rankings. She is not using any of her Elementalist abilities and is simply relying on her swordsmanship, making her look so much more inferior to the others.
I cannot really admonish Rachel as I also choose not to use my Gift during the Duel Rankings.
Objectively speaking, Rachel is strong enough to give Hajin a hard time, and even defeat Nayun. In Nayun’s case, it is a mismatch. In Hajin, it is a matter of space in which both specialize. Hajin is good at taking advantage of distance, while Rachel is good at managing the terrain.
I peruse my data bank through my [AI System], while my feet carry me robotically to the waiting area after I finish my exam. I have various simulation data on who would win if I pit the members of Sinful with each other. Rachel has an outstanding 72% win rate.
I feel mischievous all too of a sudden. I wonder what the other guys’ reaction will be if they learn of my simulation experiment. My data is especially curious. It is— a 1% win rate; 99% draw rate; and 0% lost rate. I am freaking undefeatable.
“Take a seat, everyone. You will be writing a report for this exam as well.” Kim Soohyuk announces to the class, while the magicians are busy packing up. They seem to be busy and in a hurry.
It is understandable as their strength should be needed elsewhere to support the Djinn extermination efforts.
“You have to write three reports in total, but only the best report will reflect on your grade. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can only write one report, if you do, you will be penalized.” Kim Soohyuk adds.
I summon a cutting-edge [AI Generator] to write my report from my [AI System]. I hear Cube complain about the background program, but I have better use of my brain cells.
I am too busy for something like this. If only I could just graduate now, and apply for Cube as an instructor. I have a career path in mind already after so much deliberation. I must stay here in Cube. Only through this way can I maintain access with [Under Cube], while not arousing suspicion from my public identity.
The first semester is not even done, but I am already thinking of my future— I am such a model student.
When my [AI Generator] is done on writing its report, I then copy-paste them through writing by hand which is annoying. I have become too accommodating in relying on a printer. I pick the lucky receivers of my Exam Report to be Sen Chul, Kim Horak, and Rachel. I check the box next to ‘Anonymous’ for Kim Horak.
I have to be kind, and not promote Kim Horak’s violence by not providing him a target. I am definitely giving him harsh criticism because I am enjoying it. Hopefully, my harsh remarks will help him grow as a proper adult. (I don’t actually mean that.)
The Monster Subjugation exams end without incidents. I imagine the following days to be peaceful here in Cube. But we cannot be too safe. It is good to be always alert.
Since the Monster Subjugation ends early at 3:00 p.m., there is still time for me to enjoy and maybe participate in a few extracurricular activities.
Because the students are still participating in their core exams from the different year levels, there are no student-produced extracurricular activities for me to participate in. I am looking forward to the event that the Reading Club has prepared. It is about who is the fastest guy who can flip a book. It is a weird extracurricular, but it sounds fun so I decided to join and sneak my name into the list of participants.
Moreover, the Reading Club has a rather interesting reward for the winner.
I buzz Hajin.
~
Hyung: Any changes?
Hajin: None.
Hyung: If we follow the TNE timeline, Rachel should have been attacked by Lancaster, but no attacks happened. I guess this is because of the domino effect of you releasing an impossible technology.
Hajin: I still feel that we should have forewarned Rachel.
Hyung: She should know it. We know that she is the studious type, and we have rewritten TNE and TRE as much as we can. So I guess, she should know…
Hajin: I am sorry. I know it is complicated to suddenly tackle her with this because it is a sensitive matter to her.
Hyung: Rachel is fine.
Hajin: You know that is not the case, and we cannot decide that for others.
Hyung: You should talk to Rachel.
Hajin: Why don’t you do it?
~
It is because you are his idol, dumbass. I turn off my smartwatch feeling pissed. I don’t want to admit it, but Rachel is weirdly guarded against me. Does she have some sort of grudge?
[Alert: A monster of high magic power intensity is lurking eastward of Cube. It is suspected to be a Serpent Dragon.]
I hear you Cube loud and clear. Something like this also occurred in TNE, and I hope this arrival of a Serpent Dragon is not a premeditated act but is simply visiting for wanting to have fun.
~
THE DEVIL HUNTER’s CLUB GROUP CHAT
Hyung: I will take care of it. I am nearest.
Nayun: Will you be able to take care of it? You are a weakling, right?
Hajin: Go for it, just don’t take too long.
Suho: Be careful.
~
Rachel and Suho leave me on seen.
Serpent Dragons are members of the dragon family, but that doesn’t mean they are terrifyingly strong. In terms of the Association’s standard ranking system, Serpent Dragons range from high-intermediate rank grade 1 to high-rank grade 7.
My goal of confronting the Serpent Dragon is only to deter it, and not kill it. With my rank, it will be impossible to kill it without causing a commotion.
We don’t need any incidents to occur in Cube anymore.
I wear my [Savant Gear] while under the effects of [Not Here]. Before, I am extremely shy about exposing my weenie to the public despite knowing that they could not see me. Now, I still feel the same, but with more robust mental perseverance, I am able to endure the inner shame.
I finish my transformation in the middle of running.
I use simultaneously with to increase my movement speed. I arrive at the coast where my [AI System] has calculated where the Serpent Dragon will come from.
The Serpent Dragon rises from the snout first. This monster is generally docile and is afraid of pain. I have my [AI System] analyze the monster, and it seems no external provocation has stimulated it to act feral. It seems the monster is merely curious.
I remember that this same monster from TNE has savaged Cube because of a third party’s manipulation. That doesn’t seem the case now. “I will send you back now, so please don’t return.”
I am still under the effects of [Not Here] so the monster doesn’t notice me. I leap from where I stand and give the monster a violent pat on its snout. The Serpent Dragon flinches back in surprise and terror of the unknown and is spooked. It dives back underneath the ocean and far from Cube.
“Hah~” I yawn feeling exhaustion to come kicking at me. For now, I choose to return to my dorm as a change of scenery. I always sleep in [Under Cube] recently, so it isn't so bad for me to be at the dorm from time to time.
Alfir Fun fact, this fanfic in reference to original TNE is only at chapter 43. Funny, isn't it?
