Chapter 4 : Admissions Day #4 - No Kidding, I’m an Extra

"Ahahaha! What a masterpiece, what a masterpiece!" A maniacal laughter resonated throughout the faculty office. "Oh my, they actually cursed! Ahaha! Ahahaha!" The source of this ruckus, Kawar, the instructor of Magical Combat, was rolling on the floor, clutching her stomach as she laughed hysterically. On the first day of admission, testing the clueless, green cadets with a welcome magic was not only part of the curriculum but also her peculiar hobby. Every time, it was delightful to see the myriad reactions of those adorable fledglings, but this, unquestionably, was a first. "Oh my, they cursed! Oh my, they actually cursed! Ahahaha! This is killing me! Please save me! My stomach is cramping! Ahahaha!" Watching Kawar laugh as if the world were ending... "Hehe...! Hah, hehehu!" Instructor Lee So Ra... "Heh, hehehe!" And Instructor Mykes couldn't hold back their laughter either. Normally reserved instructors, they found this too hilarious not to crack up. Cursing at the sight of a monster? From a male cadet, no less. Caught off guard, they struggled to suppress their laughter. But with Kawar laughing so uncontrollably, they found it infectious, joining in the mirth wholeheartedly. "What a spectacle, what a clumsy troll! Ahaha!" Wiping away tears, Kawar sharply critiqued. It was absurd. The unprecedented panic of that cadet caused a chain effect of fear among others, who might have remained composed. They assailed the heavily protected doors and windows under her security magic with pointless attacks in a frenzy. Had it been an actual battle, they probably would have all perished. Panic is contagious. Mass panic in a combat situation spells annihilation. Moreover, the heroes who risk themselves to save the panicked group would suffer significant casualties. "Hah." Barely managing to stop laughing, Kawar exhaled a sigh. "That cadet. What's their name?" "...Seems to be Kim Geun Cheol." Returning to her characteristic aloof demeanor, Lee So Ra replied as she perused the roster. Kim Geun Cheol. At this, Kawar reacted again. "Kim Geun Cheol? Oh! Isn't that the Kim Geun Cheol who got scolded by the chairman at the entrance ceremony? It's him, isn't it? Oh damn! It's that rascal!" "...Seems that way." "Ahahaha! What is this! Please, just save me! I almost died earlier, and now how many times is this cadet trying to make me laugh to death! Ahahaha! It's attempted murder! Attempted murder by a cadet on an instructor! Ahahaha!" Though one might think what's so funny about a cadet cursing out of surprise, even Lee So Ra found herself struggling to contain her laughter again. Laughing at a cadet's blunder isn't something an instructor should be doing. "Ah! Anyway! So Instructor Lee So Ra, Kim Geun Cheol is under your charge? That's unfortunate! A cadet like that should be under my care!" "Indeed, that's quite unfortunate." Being the instructor for 1st-year Class A, Lee So Ra was a bit envious. The idea of teasing and challenging such a cadet and turning them into a hero sounded like an endless source of entertainment. Kawar preferred underdogs to star pupils. Star pupils would become heroes on their own, but underdogs need good guidance. Isn't it the proud duty of an academy instructor to develop who seems like an impossible candidate into a hero? It's immensely fulfilling. "However, this cadet seems quite timid, Instructor Lee So Ra. You'll probably need to guide them well. Being so fearful means they can hardly become a hero..." As Mykes finally calmed his chuckles, Kawar retorted. "No, no, Instructor Mykes. All possibilities remain open! They're just a 1st-year fledgling, after all. With proper guidance from Instructor Lee So Ra, they'll surely become a brave warrior! The kind that shouts a hearty battle cry!" "Is that battle cry 'Oh my damn'? Adding 'Oh, damn' provides quite the variation." "Ahaha! Instructor Lee So Ra! Stop! Enough with that! My stomach's going to burst!" Curse that infectious laughter. "Whew." Lee So Ra took a deep breath to regain her composure. "It doesn't matter whether a cadet is timid or not. As an instructor, my job is to guide them to become a hero. Even so... Heh! Haha!" For the stoic warrior-type Instructor Lee So Ra to laugh to such an extent was indeed novel. Kawar, feeling quite fresh, threw a playful comment. "Laugh. Go on, laugh. They say laughter brings fortune, Instructor Lee So Ra. Oh! Damn!" "Kuhhuhuh..." "Stop." "No more laughing. It's disrespectful to the cadet." "After laughing that much... Well, anyway." They turned back to the screen. "In due time, we'll see. Whether they become a hero or choose to give up." Every year there are cadets who drop out. As long as they meet the basic hero standards, they graduate, but even those basics are challenging. However, with enough determination, anyone can become a hero. "That's why it's our duty as instructors to turn such timid fledglings into heroes." "Indeed, Instructor Kawar." Mykes nodded. Anyway. "We've focused too much on Kim Geun Cheol. Let's replay it. That shield-bearer Lee Man Seok and the cadet attempting magic at the back, Park Min Soo, seem to have decent judgment. Hmm, and that one at the back with their head on the desk looks utterly indifferent... Did they realize it's an illusion? They have a good sense." The instructors proceeded to assess the other cadets. This analysis was crucial. A first impression is often indicative of the cadets' inclinations. To educate them accordingly, a thorough understanding is necessary. "Ah, and speaking of the top cadet, Leona... she's quite the fighter. Is she really the daughter of those Mister Dominators? Even considering the top cadets from last year, and the years before that, Leona seems stronger, wouldn't you agree?" "I believe so." Leona Kainers. Watching her silver hair dance as she wielded a sword brought to mind the people from that esteemed family. "Indeed, the Kainers family." The Kainers are a prominent family within the Mister Dominators, a powerful group of elite awakened beings in Europe. She's slated to be their future head. Her potential growth is something to anticipate. "Hmm... But it looks like there are two absentees in my class. Points will be deducted for them." "Who? Ryu Cheon Hwi?" "And another cadet, named Lee Si-Hoo." "Skipping on the first day is quite surprising. Oh, come to think of it, Ryu Cheon Hwi didn’t attend the entrance ceremony either, did he? The chairman was furious. Being the top cadet, he probably takes after his father’s infamous attitude." "...That seems likely." Lee So Ra nodded in agreement. "Anyway. Let's check the other classes." "Ah! I wonder if there are any interesting students! B Class is under my charge!" The instructors flipped through the screens of the various classes, jotting down scores for the students. --- No kidding, I feel like I could spit blood. From sheer embarrassment. "..." How could I have panicked so much just from seeing an illusion? Am I some kind of idiot? Kim Geun Cheol, you crazy fool! I’m so mortified I can't breathe...! Even sitting here awkwardly in this moment, the overwhelming pressure and embarrassment are weighing down on me! But still, could I have known? When a person sees a monster, crying and running away is normal, right? I'm not the odd one here! "..." Fortunately, I wasn't the only one who panicked. Other students were just as terrified as I was. Knowing I’m not alone provides some comfort. Really, even those who grew up in this world and came here to become heroes were scared out of their minds. How could I stand a chance? Exactly. Looking around, the students who yelled along with me are now quietly checking their smartphones. I feel a collegial bond with them. Maybe after class, I should invite them to the cafeteria? I checked my wallet, glad to see a card with some money. The state deposits some sort of monthly allowance. Still, the embarrassing memory keeps resurfacing—specifically the part where I screamed and begged for help while bawling my eyes out! It's maddening! Isn't there a Men in Black around to erase memories? I'd buy that feature, even as a cash item! As I frantically tried to calm my heart... —Creak! The classroom door opened. —Step, step. With confident strides, a stunning woman with wild red hair walked in, her heels clicking with every step… She's impressive. Her sharp appearance reminds me of a female fighter. Check out that suit fit. Is it what they call a "sharp-looking suit"? It fits her body like she’s a VIP bodyguard. In any case, all eyes in the classroom were drawn to her. —Thud. The woman stopped in front of the podium. "Nice to meet you. I'm Lee So Ra, the instructor who will be overseeing you." She's an instructor? She certainly looks like she can fight. Even her voice is impressive. "Wow, the real Lee So Ra..." "Whoah. She's our instructor?" "This is awesome...!" Excited whispers spread among the students. Judging by their reaction, it's like they're seeing a celebrity. Is she famous? I’ll have to look her up later. "Seems like there are cadets who know of me. Those curious are free to find out more. It's not crucial for the lesson. Anyway, cadets? How was your first class?" The first class. —Zing. The embarrassment immediately surged up my spine. I’m sweating. "Well, umm..." "Hmm." "It wasn’t a big deal, right?" "Heh." The students' reactions varied. "Some of you may have learned a lot and realized what academy life will be like. Of course, as it is part of the session, all the instructors watched everything from the staff office. Now, it's time for some fun evaluations." —Whoosh! As Instructor Lee So Ra spoke, her eyes flashed, and an electric tension enveloped the classroom. Was this bloodlust? Or a battle aura? "Gasp...!" Even the students seemed startled. "Before that." Nervously, I waited for her next words. "Oh my damn. Stand up." Why is it always me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!