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Nam Daeun attacked me like it was her last shot, playing it up all desperate to catch me off guard. This was her final gambit, subtly hinting that Id need double casting to secure a win.

Ziing!

Mana swirled around her, surrounding me. Suddenly, I felt like I was carrying extra weight. The arenas air seemed to press down on me.

She can do this? At this level, shes practically the same as the Nam Daeun from a year later. How much power has she been hiding?

As my body got heavier, it became increasingly difficult to fend off her assault. But as long as the crimson glow of her sword signaled she was preparing for Space Grasp, I had to keep a slot open for double casting to block it with Cotton Guard.

I deflected her sword aimed at my thigh and summoned a fireball to deter her.

This isnt going to cut it.

Even with my Vision Enhancement, I couldnt fully keep up with her speed and strength.

Kwahng!

I was still able to deflect her blows with Cotton Guard, but her speed was increasing while I was slowing down. If this kept up, I might lose without her even using Space Grasp. So, I decided to make my move. She wasnt using Space Grasp because she was saving it for a critical moment. Since it was a skill she hadnt revealed, she probably assumed I had no clue about it.

Thats where I needed to tap into her thoughts. Despite me, being at a disadvantage, she was likely feeling the strain of high mana consumption and wanted to wrap things up quickly due to her magics burden. By intentionally creating an opening for her to use Space Grasp, I could lure her into attacking.

Space Grasp allowed her to control any space within her Spatial Domination. But what about Rune Barrier? This barrier is one of the most potent barriers out there because it completely cuts the connection between the outside and inside. I figured I could disrupt her Spatial Domination with it.

Ugh! Her blade grazed my arm as I tried to block her attack. Even with Acceleration, I was still inside her space, so I wasnt fast enough. I increased the distance and activated the Rune Barrier. It expanded around me, covering half of the arena.

Lets get this over with!

As the Rune Barrier entirely blocked Nam Daeuns magic space, the stifling feeling vanished. I realized I had fully escaped her Spatial Domination. Relieved, I cast a spell with a frustrated tone. With both hands, I summoned fireballs and fiery spears. This was double casting.

On the opposite side, Nam Daeun smiled.

This is it!

It seemed she also thought I wasnt taking it lightly anymore. The crimson glow of her sword shone brilliantly as she sliced the air slowly. The strike that could cut through space itself passed through my body, signaling the end of the match. Or so she thought.

However, my body remained unharmed.

Huh?

In her moment of confusion, a flash of light burst in front of Nam Daeun. Normally, she wouldnt have been hit, but I took advantage of her distraction, so she instinctively closed her eyes.

Kuh!

Soon, she regained her composure and desperately used her hands to protect her body and head. But I had no intention of missing my spell.

Fire spears that had penetrated here and there pierced through Nam Daeuns body. Unable to defend properly and directly hit by my magic, she must have suffered tremendous injuries. The situation would end with just the finish. Nam Daeun held her sword even with her tattered body, but her eyes showed resignation.

Heroine Status Window

[Nam Daeun]

[Affection: 31]

[Lust: 20]

[Appetite: 30]

[Fatigue: 33]

Current Status: It hurts, but I have to win. I must win no matter what. If I lose I have no choice but to kill them all and die.

My head, heated by the Battle Sense, cooled down a bit.

Can I really be of help to Nam Daeun now? Of course, if I leverage all my connections, it might be possible. From Im Sol and Baek Ahyeong to Moon Soorin and even Alice, there are plenty of capable women. If I get them to help me but it just doesnt sit right to seek help from other heroines to conquer one.

I was thinking of using the Iris Guildmasters request token that I received from Alice on Nam Daeun, but its not direct help. And given my growth trajectory, I can likely rescue Nam Daeun within half a year. In terms of skills and reputation, theres no need to forcibly request help from others to save her, and by the time that moment arrives, I wont need to do so. Therefore, for now, its best to take a step back.

Honestly, I did have a slight desire to give the arrogant Nam Daeun a lesson, but I also felt sorry for her. Right now, the conquest of heroines takes precedence.

As I looked at Nam Daeun, who was defending herself with her sword, I began drawing a magic circle, only to cancel it. I clutched my chest and knelt on one knee.

Aaargh!

I couldnt just forfeit here I had to act like I was running out of mana. Now, all she had to do was come and strike me, but she just stood there, looking at me.

What are you doing? Come and strike!

Heroine Status Window

[Nam Daeun]

[Affection: 31]

[Lust: 20]

[Appetite: 30]

[Fatigue: 33]

Current Status: Sudden mana exhaustion without any sign? Is it for my sake? Is he doing this intentionally? I should be the one to surrender. But if I do, Dahee will

Maybe it was too abrupt, but it seemed like she caught on. However, her concern for her little sister was far ahead, and I thought she would cut me down without hesitation. But it didnt happen. Then, suddenly, Alice, who had descended from the stands to the arena, started causing a scene.

J-Judge! Lee Hoyeon is not in good shape! Stop the match quickly!

Seeing Alices bewildered expression, I became even more bewildered.

Why the sudden fuss?

The judge, who had come down to the arena due to her unexpected outburst, appeared flustered and signaled with his staff. Nam Daeun was still hesitating, not considering surrender.

Judge!!! Stop the match!!! If he dies, its your responsibility!!! Alice was making a bigger scene than I was.

Lee Hoyeon, if theres an issue with the match, please inform us so we can take action.

In the end, the judge asked me directly. I didnt really know. I had no intention of forfeiting, but since Alice was acting this way, it should be okay.

I, I surrender. I lay down on the mat and closed my eyes, pretending to be exhausted for the method act.

Emergency patient! Emergency patient! Call an ambulance!

Is this the right thing to do?

I was carried out on a stretcher and taken to the infirmary.

Hello, Miss Ahyeong, we meet again.

Theres nothing wrong with you, so why are you being brought here in an ambulance?

Baek Ahyeong, who rushed out in a hurry at the mention of an emergency patient, raised an eyebrow. It must have been even more surprising that it was me being carried in on a stretcher.

Im sorry

Heroine Status Window

[Baek Ayeong]

[Affection: 87] (+0.4)

[Lust: 73]

[Appetite: 30]

[Fatigue: 35]

Current Status: Wait, could it be to see me?

If I came to see you, why would I be carried on a stretcher

Understanding this womans thought process is hard.

***

After Lee Hoyeon was carried out on a stretcher, the final battle came to an end. Due to his mana exhaustion, Nam Daeun claimed victory. However, she was far from pleased.

He lost for my sake.

Ive known his acting skills were terrible since the moment he bought me a drink But I still cant figure out why my Spatial Grasp was blocked. And that last attack he aimed at me was a clear sign that he knew my attack was blocked.

With the fatal blow that Nam Daeun received at the last moment, the match was effectively over. She had only managed to clutch her sword and stand up by sheer force. In contrast to her, teetering on the brink of collapse, Lee Hoyeons momentum remained unchanged. There was no way for sudden mana exhaustion to occur.

I lost Hoyeon wanted to be first but for my sake, he

Why the arrogance? Is it such a big deal for me to be in second place? You were meant to win Did my conversation with Dahee and the whole situation affected him?

Ugh Im such a loser It was no different from selling out my little sister to secure first place.

Nonetheless, in the end, she found solace in the results. Thanks to Hoyeon, she had clinched the top spot. It was tantamount to saving her and her sisters lives.

I must repay this.

Nam Daeun felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Lee Hoyeon, who had granted her the first place, and resolved to repay him in the future.

***

The day after the practical exams conclusion, the conference room at Victoria Academy buzzed with activity as all the first-year professors assembled, each fixating their gaze on the hologram monitors.

Now that the 1-on-1 duels are over, its time to crunch the numbers.

The practical exams scoring was a group effort among the professors. This method ensured fairness and aimed to yield the most impartial scores possible.

Nam Daeun emerged victorious in the 1-on-1 duel, so shes taking the top spot, right?

Well, those 1-on-1 duel scores are pretty high. Historically, no 1-on-1 duel winner has missed out on the first place in the practical exam.

Wait, everyone, take a moment to check this data.

In the midst of the discussion about Nam Daeun, a female professor displayed some data on the monitor. It contained insights into Nam Daeuns behavior during the group tests.

Ah Shes still the same as before. Im sure this was pointed out during the previous dungeon practice.

Indeed. Her communication and teamwork with her teammates are practically non-existent.

But, in the same group, Lee Hoyeon appears to be the backbone of the team, right? His combat skills match hers, he takes charge, and keeps an eye on the team. His ability to grasp the situation is truly remarkable.

Thats precisely the kind of talent we look for in the dungeon practical exam, isnt it?

Lee Hoyeon was already the complete package.

Freshmen often get a bit carried away with their newfound powers, but there was no hint of such arrogance in Lee Hoyeon. On the contrary, his knack for piecing together clues, finding the way forward, and predicting boss monsters was at the level of a seasoned hunter.

Even his record in practical monster training is astounding. Clearing a level 10, the Nightmare of Hamel, in just 9 seconds. Thats unheard of.

How strong must his mental fortitude be to dismiss the nightmare in just 9 seconds? Its unbelievable.

He might have skills related to mental strength. Regardless, Lee Hoyeon should have scored remarkably well. A female professor checked Lee Hoyeons score and recorded the combined scores on the hologram monitor.

Oh? Hold on a minute. If we include the results of the 1-on-1 duel His score is slightly higher, right?

The 1-on-1 duel held substantial weight, and he secured second place. Moreover, as Nam Daeun had lagged behind Lee Hoyeon in previous tests, their positions had now flipped.

Nam Daeun must be disappointed. Even though she won the 1-on-1 duel, shes in second place. A professor shook his head with a touch of regret.

Its the way it goes. Her dungeon practice score took quite a hit.

Compared to the third-placer, Alice, theres a notable gap, but first and second place are neck and neck.

So, the top spot in this practical exam goes to Lee Hoyeon. The results will be announced after the exams are over?

Yes, after the exams conclude next week.

I guess I dont need to do anything. Im Sol, who had been keenly observing the professors conversation, felt a sense of relief, knowing she didnt have to step into the spotlight.