Correcting the Villainess of the Academy

The sound of students murmuring filled the classroom like a symphony of chaos.

For decades, the first test at the Cradle was typically conducted as a written exam to assess basic proficiency in each subject.

Although the topics changed every year, that only meant variations in subjects and narrative styles.

It has been decades since the first test was conducted as a practical exam, a change since the chaotic period when the Cradle was first established.

“Well, it would indeed be surprising. I understand that, but if you keep chattering like this, I can’t explain things, can I?”

With the professor’s voice amplified, the chaos finally began to settle down.

“As I briefly explained during the admission ceremony, starting this year, the Cradle’s classes will be carried out under a significantly revised curriculum. This is also a request from the Republic’s Supreme Council, and after various internal discussions, the Cradle’s Education Committee has decided to accept this request. A major factor behind this change is the recent unstable political situation.”

The professor continued explaining as she surveyed the students.

“You all are aware of the large-scale demon invasions a few years back when the fortresses in the north were set ablaze, resulting in countless casualties and economic losses. Recently, reports of similar movements have been observed and relayed to the Bureau of Intelligence through explorers.”

“…Hyun Ah? Are you feeling unwell?”

“…No, I think I just nodded off for a moment…”

I gritted my teeth. Yena tilted her head at me, sensing something strange. She knew I was a direct victim of that incident.

“The north isn’t the only one exposed to danger. In the south, various anti-state groups are emerging and growing in strength. You might have heard of the People’s Liberation Front, commonly known as PLF; their leadership has been identified as all warlocks and is suspected to have close ties with the demon race.”

“In the east, the construction of pioneering villages and colonies is being delayed due to the failure to capture special-class monsters observed years ago…”

“The number of mutants committing heinous and bizarre crimes in cities is rising, growing day by day…”

The professor’s voice continued uninterrupted through the amplifier.

“The Supreme Council has determined that the current situation is comparable to the chaos during the dawn of magic. The faculty at the Cradle agrees with this assessment. What is required now is not theoretical perfection but rapid adaptation to the actual environment. The educational reform has taken place in that context.”

The students seemed to finally grasp the overall situation. I looked around.

There were students, like Yena, sporting worried expressions, but it was strikingly impressive that most had expressions filled with ambition and eagerness.

After all, those aiming for the Magic Department are generally ambitious and driven people. Perhaps they welcomed this situation.

If I were to speak honestly, I preferred this setup. Although I was squeezing in time for self-study, my theoretical knowledge was still lacking. A practical exam where I could directly move my body seemed to present a much higher chance of scoring well.

“Looks like everyone’s spirits are high! Yes, as a wizard, it’s only natural to maintain such a mindset!”

The professor chuckled as if satisfied with the students’ attitudes.

“But as I clearly stated before, no matter how the method has changed, the exam itself isn’t that difficult. The difficulty level is manageable with the knowledge you acquired over the past two weeks. Just remember that future classes will be directed in that manner. Now, shall I explain the exam format?”

The professor stepped aside and pressed a button on a device she held.

“The exact name of this location is Celestial Basin. It’s the only spot where a meteor fell during the day of the star falling. Currently, the Cradle is managing the entire basin for research and educational purposes under the government’s commission.”

Suddenly, with a whoosh sound, various explanations, photos, and illustrations were projected onto a white cloth set up on the classroom podium.

“This area is nearby where a meteor containing a plethora of vessel particles crashed, and due to the basin’s geography, the concentration of particles in the atmosphere is incredibly high. As a result, unique and bizarre vegetation has flourished. While dangerous monsters abound, it’s also a place to gather invaluable research data. Scholars often refer to this basin as a place closer to the alien. Well, you’ll understand what I mean when you see it yourself.”

A few students flinched at the mention of the lurking dangerous monsters. The professor caught that reaction, smiling slightly.

“Hehe, there’s no need to be scared just yet. Thanks to decades of management, we at the Cradle have full control over most of this basin. The location for your exam will be the northern section of the Celestial Basin.”

The professor pointed to a specific area on the map with her指示棒. A small section was outlined in red, separating it from other places.

“In the northern section, only monster species classified as danger level 3 or lower inhabit it. Level 3 monsters are beasts that are not fully developed in the field and can be tackled even by ordinary people with firearms. If you’ve diligently comprehended the education over the past two weeks, I urge you to remember that you’ll handle them with ease.”

“The exam content is straightforward. There’s some machinery installed at the center of this northern section. You will approach this device via various routes…”

The professor began to explain the main subject of the exam to the students. It wasn’t difficult to understand.

Students were given identification bracelets, which they would present to the machine stationed at the center of the northern section before returning to the starting point.

There were various routes to take, but the easiest paths would require quite a detour. In contrast, the shorter routes would pass through sectors densely populated with monsters, creating a challenge to get through.

Each student’s choice would be critical; in any case, points would be awarded based on the order in which the identification markers were acknowledged first. Collaborating with others to achieve results or defeating a lot of monsters would grant additional scores. After all exams are completed, these scores would be totaled to announce the final rankings.

“Related materials will be distributed to you shortly, so please familiarize yourselves with them before the exam. Also, let me explain some important regulations. The practical part is still a part of the official curriculum. Usage of any imported particle-absorbing gear or particle arrayer beyond the standard equipment provided by the Cradle is strictly prohibited. The use of substances such as awakening agents, acceleration agents, and response agents is also strictly forbidden. Remember that no student has ever evaded the doping tests of the Cradle. Contacting corporate patrons or securing sponsorship contracts is only permissible after the ranking announcement, so please do not confuse the timing…”

After explaining a few more rules, the professor completed her briefing.

“Alright, that should suffice. The most crucial first test is right around the corner. I urge everyone to prepare diligently to achieve good results!”

*

“Only a week left now… I’m so nervous… What should I do…?”

Yena mumbled in a voice filled with self-doubt as she left the classroom. From my observations, Yena’s abilities were by no means lacking. Especially in theory, she was far better than me, and her relationships were much better, so she had picked up a lot along the way.

However, her only flaw seemed to be her shaky hands whenever she practiced monster combat, likely because she had never seen a monster before…

“You’ll do fine. If you’re really anxious, should we stick together in a group? They said we could earn cooperation points…”

“Huh? Well… No, um…”

Yena, who had been about to nod with a bright face, suddenly swallowed her words, then shook her head with a determined expression.

“Um, no. I can’t always rely on others, can I? I’ve already troubled you enough during training…”

“…Are you really okay? Your hands always shake when we learn how to deal with monsters…”

“Actually, I’m a little scared, hehe… But I’ll try as much as I can! If we run into each other while we’re at it, we can team up then…”

If that’s her determination, there’s nothing more to say. It seems Yena has a surprisingly bold side. Maybe she’s adapting even better than I am.

As I was moving to the classroom on a lower floor for the next lesson, someone suddenly appeared from the corner of the hallway, colliding with Yena.

“…Ugh…”

“Ouch… A-Are you okay…?”

The shock was pretty significant, as the other person sat down on the floor, clutching her chest and groaning in pain. A female student, likely a sophomore from her badge. Perhaps she had put on some perfume, as a faint sweet floral scent filled the air.

Seeing Yena panicking and apologizing, the female student shot her a glare as she lifted her head.

“…Where are your eyes while walking…?”

“…Eek…”

It didn’t seem like Yena had done anything wrong. It was just an unfortunate mishap that happened in an instant.

Yet, the fierce expression of the female student looked somehow familiar.

With her neatly combed hair, an oval face, large and clear eyes, and pale lips.

Her artistic nose and flawless skin caught the eye immediately.

An enchanting and haughty appearance that grabs attention at first glance, with an air of arrogance and disdain seeping through those indifferent eyes.

It didn’t take long for me to recognize the identity of this female student.

There is only one person in this Cradle who holds such a scornful and indifferent attitude towards others.

“Ugh, letting just anyone in as students, now look at what’s running around…”

Yeon Minha mumbled as she shook off her body and stood up. Yena shrank back like a frightened rabbit at her menacing aura.

“…Hick.”

“…Isn’t your comment a bit too harsh? It seems like both of you share some fault in bumping into each other.”

I wasn’t merely stepping in for Yena. The way she spoke with that condescending tone irked me.

“Oh, who are you… Ah, it’s you.”

“You.”

Yeon Minha’s expression shifted as she seemed to understand in a moment.

We had exchanged brief glances during the admission ceremony, and she likely heard some rumors about my peculiar background. The term “you” might carry such an implication.

“Anyway, filthy things should stick together… just leave.”

I thought there could be a brief altercation, but Yeon Minha simply spat taunts and staggered away down the hall.

It was a bit unexpected, but it didn’t look like she had shown any mercy. Could it be that even that much is exhausting for her now?

Her state seemed noticeably worse than when I had seen her at the admission ceremony a few days ago.

“…Are you okay?”

“Thank you, heh… but I nearly had a real disaster… I was so close to crying… Pero really scary…”

Yena shook off the dust and forced a weak smile. Seeing the person who nearly had a misfortune smile like that felt somewhat absurd.

Though I wasn’t directly involved, Yeon Minha’s displayed attitude had surely unsettled me.

Having this feeling prompted me to avoid contact until the first exam ended if possible.

But well, when you’re at the same school, bumping into each other at least once is bound to happen. I had already gone through worse encounters last week.

However, from this encounter, one fact could confidently be reaffirmed.

Indeed, I dislike unnecessarily arrogant and haughty individuals.

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