123 - I Became the Must-Have Character of the Academy City

**Orion Academy Curriculum Reform: A New Era of Training** The academy's headmaster, renowned for his impressive, snow-white beard, had announced a comprehensive overhaul of the Orion Academy's training program. With the arrival of warmer weather, the students donned lighter uniforms, symbolizing the changes to come. Now, students prepared not only against the monsters that threatened humanity but also engaged in a curriculum tailored to combat malevolent humans. Compiled from data gathered by powerful nations, the interpersonal combat training module was formally integrated. Practical classes saw an increase, much to the delight of some students, as the curriculum sifted through the theories that had been trimmed down and crystallized into combat training. Today was Juyeon's day to provide individualized attention to Class 1 students. As her peers advanced in their training, eagerly awaiting their turn, Rohan stood opposite Juyeon, armed with the academy-issued sword and gun. He exhaled deeply, his body flowing like liquid as he relaxed. The tip of his sword pointed downward, as sweat from his jet-black hair cascaded down. At the moment the droplets hit the ground, Rohan sprang into action with thunderous speed. "[Three Swords - Radiant Wing Drill]" His body surged with energy, executing a thrust powered by explosive momentum. A flash of fire accompanied his swift assault. Juyeon deftly parried Rohan's blade with her wooden sword and admired his progress. He was growing as rapidly as bamboo in a rainstorm. "An excellent thrust. You've even incorporated the rotational force of magic." The speed was the most remarkable among the sword techniques Rohan had demonstrated. His progress, continuously observed and guided through training, was notably impressive. "If you can minimize the preparatory movements and employ this thrust consecutively, it will become a formidable weapon." She could clearly see the extent of Rohan's unseen efforts. For any opponent of equal skill, avoiding his first thrust without injury would be challenging. Even one with slightly superior skill would only have about a fifty percent chance of evading it cleanly. "Your stance preparation is still too lengthy. As you well know, enemies won't wait for you like the instructor does." Rohan gritted his teeth, firmly gripping his sword and pointing the handgun in his left hand. "Focus on compacting your movements. Although there is improvement, it is still not at a level suitable for practical use." Juyeon continued her advice as he pulled the trigger without hesitation. Bang! There was curiosity in Juyeon's gaze as she observed the unusual magical bullet. It was likely what had transformed Omega on the secluded island. Although tempted to gauge its impact firsthand, Juyeon maintained her composure and let her honor and responsibility as an instructor temper her instincts. 'The trajectory of his shots leaves nothing to be desired. He's adept at using both gun and sword without any awkwardness.' Determining the direction to point the muzzle at a moment's notice is not something that can be taught easily. It is an area where instinct and experience harmonize. Rohan had clearly found the weapon that best suited him. Juyeon's mind drifted momentarily to a memory of Rohan's early training when he fainted from magical exhaustion. Even then, he had wielded both gun and sword. 'He didn't imbue his bullets with magic back then. Couldn't do it, or thought he couldn't.' There was a period he carried only the sword, perhaps a phase of wandering. 'Even if he has the talent to infuse bullets with magic, managing both melee and ranged weapons isn't simple. Many focus solely on mastering a single weapon.' Juyeon refrained from voicing the praise that threatened to slip out. Rohan was at a stage where he needed a firm hand more than compliments. Clang! Clang! Bang! Bang! Whoosh— Juyeon skillfully deflected Rohan’s sword and bullets with her wooden practice sword, imparting continuous guidance. "Of course, the direction Rohan's swordsmanship aims for might differ from this. Still, it’s crucial the stance be refined for real-world application." "Yessir..." "If the guidance conflicts with the essence of your sword style, you must find a compromise. The form your swordsmanship seeks should take precedence, and my advice can serve as a secondary option." Upon Juyeon's encouragement, Rohan prepared for a third attempt. After the thrust was thwarted once more and his posture slightly faltered, she pointed out the flaws in his magic circulation. Beep! Beep! The alarm signaled the end of Rohan's session. "That’s all. Go back and practice." "Thank you!" --- **A Serendipitous Encounter** After the final class concluded and the academy day drew to a close, Rohan made his way toward the academy's showers. Suddenly, his stride halted upon noticing a young girl in front of him — Ichinose, and curiously, without Noa by her side. "Great work today." "You too, Ichinose." Without other students passing by, the nickname "Crying Ichinose" might have slipped out. "Hmm, hmm..." "Is something on your mind? Need help?" Rohan raised a playful brow, watching Ichinose clear her throat as if she had something to say. Her attempt to appear dignified was endearingly cute. "Do you remember? When I said I'd buy you a meal..." "Of course, I do." Rohan hadn't brought it up due to her prolonged silence on the matter. "How about dinner tonight? Are you... busy?" "Sounds good to me. I don't have any plans." With Rohan's prompt agreement, a grin spread across Ichinose's face. "I'll just shower first. Can't go out like this." "I'll also freshen up at the dorm. I sweated a lot." "You smell just fine." "Eep! Stay back!" Rohan teased playfully, causing Ichinose to jump and take a step backward. "In any case, message me when you're ready. I'll be waiting." "Yes, see you later." Ichinose walked away with graceful poise. Watching her vanish from sight, Rohan hurried to finish his shower, mentally noting to send Shion and Clara a heads-up message. After all, in such scenarios, communication was key. Rohan efficiently concluded his shower routine — grooming wasn’t just about cleanliness. He donned a sharp uniform, ensuring his weapons, Radiance and Brand, were in optimal condition for whatever might come. With the academy day behind him, Rohan stopped by a franchise cafe in front of the academy and ordered a large iced Americano. "Mmm." Rohan drank quickly, finishing the coffee in an instant, leaving only the ice cubes behind, which he stirred absentmindedly with his straw. He briefly contemplated opening the lid to chew on the ice when he received a message from Ichinose. 'Unexpected.' The place Ichinose suggested for their meeting wasn't a bustling downtown area. Exiting the taxi at the location shared with him, the street was quiet, reminiscent of the alley where they first met. ‘There she is.’ Standing calmly in fashionable casual wear, Ichinose was holding her sword. Impressive. As Rohan approached, her eyes opened, and her head turned toward him. "Not late, am I?" "I just got here too." "What about Noa?" "She's busy today. Apparently, it's an important day where she needs to assign a leader among the academy town cats..." Even Ichinose seemed unsure of her explanation by the end, but Rohan could easily imagine the scenario, having once witnessed Noa disciplining and training stray cats in the park. “How unusual for you two not to be together.” “It happens. Would you prefer it if Noa were here as well, Rohan…?” “Why would ‘Crying Ichinose’ think that?” Ichinose pursed her lips and took the lead. Though when she glanced back to urge him on, there was no sign of genuine irritation. Walking alongside Ichinose, Rohan inquired, "Is there a good place around here?" “Yes. It’s a known spot only to a few.” “So now I’m one of those ‘important few,’ right?” Ichinose chuckled softly at Rohan's remark. “You like meat, don’t you?” “I do enjoy meat, but I can eat anything, really. I’m not picky.” “Then you’ll be satisfied. It’s a steakhouse that only serves a limited amount each day.” “Wow!” “The quality is great, and the portions are generous, with excellent side dishes too.” “Mouthwatering already.” Rohan could tell that Ichinose had chosen the place considering his tastes. He knew she preferred lighter meals. It was only fair that he respond with enthusiasm to match her consideration. “After the meal, we can enjoy dessert there as well…” As they walked down the tranquil alley, their steps came to a sudden halt due to an ominous black monolith unexpectedly blocking their view. ‘A Monolith!’ Realizing this too late, the dark monolith ominously glowed with daunting letters, filling the space with swirling magic. “Ichinose! Get over here!” “...!” Rohan quickly pulled the frozen-in-place Ichinose tightly into his embrace. Inside, they must not become separated. [A Quest Has Been Triggered.] [Nightmare's Nest] ◇ Quest Details: A monolith, the symbol of anomalies, has appeared in the academy city. Escape the distorted space with your companion safely! ◇ Type: Unexpected ◇ Success Rewards: 30,000P, Full Party Restoration, Exclusive Main Story Unlocked ◇ Failure Penalty: None A new notification window had appeared for the first time in a while. Rohan's eyes widened in shock. ‘Nightmare? Succubus!?’ The quest's intense title overshadowed the rewards in significance. In that fleeting instant, the monolith swallowed them both.