NOVEL FROG Chapter 32
How far had we traveled in the vehicle? Finally, the majestic scenery the professor had mentioned began to come into view.
The basin itself was formed in a lowland area, allowing me to see a considerably wide expanse of terrain with my own eyes.
Although dense forests occupied most of it, I could also spot patches of grassland and streams peeking out here and there.
At its center lay a lake formed at the time of a collision, surrounded by towering cliffs that seemed to scrape the sky, blocking the movement of clouds and mist.
The vehicle carrying the students arrived at a vast meadow at the entrance of the basin and came to a halt. Various facilities, like a makeshift ward and temporary lodging, had already been set up there. I could also see heaps of supplies and various relief materials stacked like mountains.
However, it seemed that most of it was not for those participating in the test, but for the mid-term dropouts or professors and upperclassmen who were monitoring the freshmen in the area.
“Now, attention!”
Professor Shin Jae-yu gathered the students around as they got out of the vehicle.
Her amplified voice resonated loudly.
Since only class three monsters, which can’t manipulate particles, inhabit the northern section, the students wore protective gear made from materials with high physical defense rather than particle resistance.
Students majoring in particle-release magic wore only particle arrangers on their wrists, while those like me, majoring in cycle magic, additionally equipped standard cartridge exchange blades.
“It’s fine to set off freely, but remember that you must enter the basin before midnight, no matter how late it gets. Any group or individual that doesn’t enter after that will be disqualified immediately,”
the professor cautioned the students for the last time.
“However, I do not recommend rushing excessively. Be careful, or you might clear a path only to end up having your accomplishments snatched by others. Assess your abilities and the abilities of your group objectively and carefully consider the optimal route.”
“As I explained before, powerful monsters that you will struggle against inhabit the southern section of the basin. High-risk grade monsters are extremely sensitive to noise from field interference, but ultimately, they are evolved beings that once were primal creatures. Therefore, do not cross beyond the fences. Keep in mind that if you follow the rules, nothing will happen.”
“If you get injured during the exam, there’s no need to worry. Upperclassmen and faculty are always prepared for emergencies here. If you really want to give up, you can shoot up a red firework magic spell. Then, a rescue team will be dispatched immediately. But keep in mind that in that case, you will undoubtedly receive the lowest score in the exam.”
Professor Shin finished her long explanation with a clap. The students scattered to finalize their preparations.
Some unfolded maps and discussed carefully while pointing, while others, exuding confidence, boldly stepped toward the cliffs at the entrance of the basin.
“…Hmm.”
I too became absorbed in thought as I checked the issued map. It was clear I’d have to travel alone, so I’d have to forfeit any cooperative points.
Although I had exchanged light greetings with Yena earlier, I now couldn’t see her at all. Had she already departed?
Thinking of Yena’s personality, it felt quite unexpected.
As for the other one, Seunghun would probably be with his fiancé. I didn’t particularly want to intrude on that, no matter how perceptive I might be.
In that case, the best option I could choose now was to move along the shortest route, marking my identification tag first and securing a high number, while also defeating monsters along the way to gain extra points.
The map showed various paths leading toward the center of the northern section, looking like a spider web.
They could mainly be divided into three branches: west, central, and east. Among them, the western routes seemed to save the most time.
Although I had heard that the shorter routes were densely populated with powerful monsters, they were still class three monsters, given the underdeveloped field.
With just a bit of physical enhancement, I should be able to handle them without too much trouble. If it gets tough, I could always use my conjecture. I wouldn’t even need to invoke my powers.
It seemed there wouldn’t be too much difficulty at my level. I reached a conclusion and opened my backpack to check my supplies one last time.
Just as I was about to quickly enter the basin’s interior, someone suddenly called out and blocked my path.
“Hey, you there!”
“…?”
I turned around. A male student with a stern expression and glasses, giving off a somewhat nervous aura, was walking toward me.
But somehow, he looked familiar. Revisiting my memories, he was one of the high-achieving students who had attended that social gathering right after the orientation.
I couldn’t recall his name, but he seemed to be as reserved as I was and didn’t actively participate in conversations.
“Did you call me?”
“Yeah, it’s you I was looking for.”
The male student nodded.
“Yoo Jin-hyun, right? The one who came to that social gathering. Well, no point in denying it with that mask on…”
“I am Yoo Jin-hyun indeed… but why did you call me?”
“It’s nothing serious. I was wondering if you have a group to travel with.”
“…? No, I’m alone…”
“It seems that way. Well, that’s good. Yoo Jin-hyun, if you don’t have anyone to travel with, how about teaming up with me?”
“What…?”
“I’m a spirit master. My skills aren’t that impressive, but a spirit master can utilize spirits for scouting or guard duties, making them quite useful in the field. Traveling with me would provide you a significant advantage in that area. I believe it’s a nice offer for you as well.”
It indeed sounded beneficial for me. But what was the real reason behind such an offer?
The actions I took at the social gathering undoubtedly made the rumors spread, and I had long been perceived unfavorably among those following Yena.
If he was a regular student without a faction or background, there wouldn’t be much benefit to associating with someone like me.
“Well, I’m not really into politics or socializing.”
It was as if he read my doubts; the male student continued with a grin.
“I just want to graduate quickly and return to my hometown. I have no intention of getting involved in the headache of capital matters. Baek Seoyeon doesn’t seem like a bad person, but I don’t want to follow her around like everyone else. Plus, my spirits’ reactions are quite fascinating.”
“Fascinating? Are you talking about me?”
“Yeah. They find you quite fearful yet, at the same time, pitiful. It’s my first time experiencing such a dual emotion, so it took me quite a while to understand it.”
His voice brimmed with academic enthusiasm.
“And it seems you’re a bit selective about people. Am I right?”
“…”
“I’m similar. My temperament is quite sensitive. But somehow, you seem okay. That’s the reason I made this offer.”
There was nothing particularly unreasonable about his words. It was definitely more advantageous to share tasks rather than doing everything alone, and I could also gain the cooperative points I had nearly given up on.
“I was planning to take the shortest route. It might be a bit dangerous. Are you sure that’s okay?”
“It’s not uncomfortable at all. In fact, I welcome it. You majored in cycle magic, right? I can guarantee we’d produce a significant synergy together.”
If that’s the case, there was no reason to refuse.
“Alright. I’ll count on you. I’m Yoo Jin-hyun.”
“I know. I’m Shin Mu-young.”
I extended my hand, and the male student shook it.
*
“Woo-jin, I thought you had already gone in?”
“I was just about to enter. What about you guys?”
Choi Woo-jin waved as he approached Ryu Seunghun, whom he spotted in the distance. Seunghun, along with Moon Yeowool beside him, was in the midst of organizing their backpacks.
“We were just about to set off as well. It’s not that we’re aiming for high scores, but we don’t want to fall too far behind… Haha…”
“Tsk, tsk. That’s always been your problem, such vague attitudes. If a guy’s aiming for something…”
“Hey, don’t overstep. Who do you think you are to say that to our Seunghun?”
Yeowool interjected fiercely at Woo-jin.
“Seems like your dear Seung-hun is taken good care of. It’s like a match made in heaven.”
“This…!”
“Oh, come on. Yeowool, you too. It’s not like Woo-jin’s been bothering us for just a day or two…”
Just as an argument was about to erupt between the two, Seunghun jumped in.
Though it was hardly noticeable amidst the usual bickering with Jin Yeseo, Yeowool also wasn’t fond of Woo-jin when he made excessive remarks.
“By the way, where’s Yeseo?”
“Hmm? If she’s not around, she might have gone in first. Surprisingly, Jeryong also entered early with a group of nine followers. That was a bit laughable…”
Woo-jin chuckled lightly.
“Well, whatever. Do your best. I guess now I should head off… huh?”
As Woo-jin turned his body, he blinked wide-eyed upon discovering something. What caught his gaze was the masked male student, Yoo Jin-hyun.
He was disappearing into the entrance, wedged between the cliffs of the basin with another companion. He headed toward the most challenging west route.