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Chapter 9
“What do you mean by that…?”
The sudden question from Professor Dellon left me staring blankly as I asked back.
“Do you know what your grades look like right now?”
“…Sorry?”
“You already failed midterms, your grades are at rock bottom, and now you hand in a blank paper for the written test? How is that any different from saying you want to drop out of the Academy?”
His words, tinged with irritation, made me hurriedly stammer.
“No, that’s not what I meant…”
I mean, if I can’t even understand the test questions, how am I supposed to solve them?
Of course, I couldn’t actually say that out loud.
Then Professor Dellon’s voice rang out again.
“Do you know what really pisses me off? At least from what I know of your ability, you’re not someone who should be getting these kinds of grades. But.”
He clearly stated the exact reason for his anger, then continued.
“Well, if that’s your will, I’ll respect it. The moment you fail, you’ll be expelled anyway.”
Failing, expulsion.
Ha, my head hurts.
No, first of all, why did I even fail the midterms and end up in this mess?
“Um, I’d really like to avoid being expelled… Is there maybe another way?”
“What?”
Dellon looked at me as if I’d said something ridiculous, so I quickly added on.
“For the written test, since I haven’t been studying, I thought it’d be better to hand in a blank sheet than write nonsense. But for the next exam, I’ll definitely—”
But before I could finish, Dellon cut me off.
“So you’re saying you’ll prove yourself in the finals?”
Huh?
No, I just meant I’ll try harder next time…
“Yes, if you get the top score in the finals, you can barely escape failing.”
“Top… score?”
The top score in the finals?
‘Wait, that’s supposed to go to Kyle in the original story!’
“Yes, the top score. If you dare to hand in a blank paper and still want to avoid failing, then of course that’s what you’ll need.”
At that moment—
Creeeak.
The classroom door opened, and a girl with striking aqua-colored hair stepped out.
“Excuse me, Professor?”
“Oh, Chelsea. You’re done?”
What, Chelsea?
Hearing that familiar name, I instinctively turned to look at the Hermione-cosplay girl.
“Yes, I left my paper on the desk.”
“Good. Then you can go.”
“Thank you, Professor.”
Bowing politely, Chelsea walked past me and out.
‘That’s Chelsea?’
She was one of the heroine characters from the novel. For a moment, I was distracted by her appearance, but quickly snapped back.
‘No, this isn’t the time.’
“So, you mean if I get the top score in the finals, I can avoid failing?”
“Yes. I just hope you at least try properly on the finals.”
Creak.
He finished speaking and returned into the classroom.
Left alone in the hallway, I muttered under my breath.
“…So, I have to fight Kyle?”
Back in my dorm room, I quickly sat at the desk to sort out the situation.
“First, I already got cut from the Magic Studies class ages ago. The rest… are hanging by a thread, but manageable.”
Thankfully, as long as I didn’t get a zero on the finals, I could still scrape by in most subjects—except Dungeon Studies.
“The Dungeon Studies final… and I have to get the top score?”
In the original story, that top score went to Kyle—or more accurately, his team.
Because the Dungeon Studies final was a group exam.
Which means…
‘I have to beat him and steal that top score?’
How the hell am I supposed to do that?
“….”
The thought of going up against the overpowered, cheat-buffed protagonist made my vision go dark.
Wait. Hold on.
Suddenly, an idea struck me like lightning.
“…Why don’t I just join Kyle’s team?”
It felt like a ray of light piercing through the gloom.
“Yeah. Since the top score always goes to Kyle’s team, I can just sneak in and hitch a ride on his bus!”
Stick close to the protagonist and live off his scraps.
I could be the one to play that supporting role instead.
A few days later, in Dungeon Studies class.
Tap tap!
“Everyone, attention.”
Professor Dellon smacked the lectern, drawing all eyes to him.
“Today I’ll be announcing the format of the final exam.”
Resting an arm on the lectern and stroking his snowy beard, he explained.
“Some of you may already know, but this time, the exam will be… special.”
“Special?”
“What does he mean?”
“Why all of a sudden?”
As the students murmured, Dellon gave a faint smile.
“The final will be taken in groups.”
“Huh?”
“In groups?”
“You mean a team exam?”
Tap tap!
“Quiet. Focus.”
Smacking the desk again, Dellon went on.
“The theme of the exam is dungeon exploration and escape. It will be your one chance to apply everything you’ve learned this semester in a real simulation.”
This was exactly how it happened in the original story.
“Of course, it won’t be a real dungeon, but a magically constructed one. The monsters and traps won’t cause real harm.”
Well, of course. They wouldn’t put students in actual danger.
But, he explained, you would still feel pain to some extent, and if judged too injured to continue, you’d be immediately removed from the simulation.
“As I’ve said repeatedly in class—dungeons are unknown worlds where anything can happen. The only things you can rely on are your skills and your comrades. That’s the purpose of this group exam.”
While Professor Dellon spoke with passion, the students’ expressions grew grim.
“….”
Meanwhile, I smiled faintly, glancing at Kyle.
‘Alright, enough speeches. Hurry up and let us form teams. I need to hop on the protagonist’s bus.’
Then, a girl with aqua-blue hair raised her hand.
“Professor Dellon, excuse me.”
“A question, Miss Chelsea?”
“Yes, sir. For this group exam, will it be graded individually or collectively?”
“Of course, collectively. Even if someone drops out early, their grade will still depend on the team’s final result. And even if one person carries the team, they won’t get a higher score than the team as a whole.”
“…I see. Thank you.”
“Alright then, no more questions for now. We need to form the teams first. You can group however you like, but teams must be at least five and no more than six members.”
Dellon wrapped up, clearly unwilling to hear further interruptions.
“Now, form your groups freely!”
‘Showtime.’
The moment the words left his mouth, I sprinted straight for Kyle.
“Hey Kyle, let’s be on the same team.”
“Uh? Oh, Camon.”
Kyle looked a little surprised at my sudden approach, then smiled brightly at me.
See? That smile was practically glowing with goodwill.
It’s done.
All I had to do was stick with him and ride the bus to victory—
“Ah, sorry about this. We’ve already formed our team, and it’s full.”
“…What?”
“You see…”
“The truth is, we already knew about the group exam in advance. So we formed our team long ago, and we’re at capacity. Sorry, Camon.”
The one cutting in between us was none other than Princess Francia.
They knew in advance?
Shit. That means I’m screwed.
“…I see. Understood, Your Highness.”
I backed away calmly, as if nothing happened, even though inside I was cursing.
“Pfft!”
Laughter suddenly burst out behind me.
I turned to see the Monster Trio, smirking.
“What are you looking at?”
They immediately averted their eyes.
“….”
I scratched my head, sighing.
Damn it!
‘That’s a complete strategy failure. Total emergency situation.’
Who would’ve thought my plan to join Kyle’s group would collapse so fast?
No, calm down.
I had already considered the possibility of being rejected.
‘If Plan A fails, then switch to Plan B.’
Harder, yes, but still possible.
Because I already knew all the details of the exam.
All I had to do was find another team with the potential to beat Kyle’s group.
‘There are plenty of other strong supporting characters in this class besides Kyle.’
And I still had time.
A little later.
Tap tap.
“Alright, that should be enough. Are all the teams finalized?”
Adjusting his monocle, Dellon scanned the students.
“Anyone who still doesn’t have a team, raise your hand.”
Silence hung in the air… until a single hand rose.
“…So the only one left is Camon?”
“Pfffhaha!”
Someone barely managed to hold in their laughter.
Yes. I had failed to find a team.
“Any teams with only five members?”
“….”
“Hm? Surely not all of you made groups of six.”
Muttering, Dellon’s gaze landed on someone.
“Kyle.”
“Yes, Professor?”
“How many in your group? Everyone raise your hands.”
One by one, Kyle’s teammates raised their hands.
“One, two, three… six. Hm.”
Then Dellon turned.
“Chelsea.”
“…Yes, Professor.”
“How many in your group—”
“Five, sir.”
Chelsea answered before he could finish, her face screaming that she really didn’t want this.
“Then Camon will join Chelsea’s group. Is that alright?”
“…Y-yes. Fine.”
Her voice and expression made it clear it was anything but fine.
“Good. Then all groups are settled. That’s all for today.”
Dellon tucked his book under his arm.
“Class is dismissed, but since you still have some time, meet with your groups. Get to know each other, plan ahead. Well done, everyone. See you next time.”
Clatter.
The professor left.
And immediately—
Buzzzz.
The classroom erupted as students gathered with their groups, already planning strategies.
“We should stock up on more items.”
“Let’s assign roles efficiently.”
While others grew lively, I glanced toward Chelsea’s group.
‘Guess I should…’
No. Something told me not to approach them just yet.
Chelsea’s group—the group that had just been forced to accept me—was radiating a completely different vibe than the others.
“….”
Which was understandable.
‘Of course they’d hate it. If I were them, I’d hate being grouped with Camon Baird too.’
But I couldn’t just stand here forever.
Step, step.
I approached, trying to act like the arrogant Camon Baird… but softened it just a bit.
“…H-hey.”
“….”
Yeah. Great response.
Sometimes silence is worse than insults.
Sitting in a circle, the five group members ignored me completely.
Among them, my eyes locked onto Chelsea Artin—the top student of our year.
‘Top of the class, a perfectionist obsessed with grades, a workaholic study freak.’
Some might see those words negatively, but for me? They were perfect.
Because Chelsea Artin was one of the few characters who didn’t give a damn about Camon Baird’s infamy.
If it was for grades, she’d ignore everything else.
And she was nearly as talented as Kyle himself.
‘Thank you, Professor.’
Look at her. That cold, indifferent Chelsea Artin—
Fwoosh.
—staring at me with blazing eyes.
‘Huh? Blazing?’
Her glare was so intense it felt like flames burned behind her.
Of course, I didn’t dislike receiving fiery looks from a beauty… as long as they weren’t filled with hatred, contempt, or anger.
“….”
I dropped my eyes.
Not something Camon Baird would normally do, but I had no choice.
‘W-what the hell?’
This was wrong.
Seriously wrong.
Nobody would glare at me like that unless they saw me as their mortal enemy.
Then, one of the group members stammered.
“Uh, um… C-Chelsea.”
“….”
“A-anyway, we’re in the same group now. W-we should work together, right…?”
And then—my ears caught something that made me freeze.
“If this is still about what happened in Magic Studies class…”
Huh?
Magic Studies class?
