Graduation (1)
“You Analysts make mistakes too, you know.”
“Aha.”
“No, really. There are times when you are too emotional and do reckless things.”
Yoo Ji-yeon looked at me with a smile.
“Well, you might be right. I was quite overwhelmed this time.”
“It’s normal when you are in the thick of it. You want to protect the people around you. But is that a bad thing?”
“As I analyzed the situation, I was quick to announce that I would save everyone. Because of my reckless actions, more people died.”
“We have to get rid of that hot-headedness of yours. Sometimes I wonder if you’re a Tank or an Analyst. An Analyst shouldn’t charge headfirst into the enemy.
Of the five heroes, she was the one who talked the most.
She wasn’t wrong, however.
I avoided her gaze.
“… Are you sure you’re not mad?”
“I need to analyze the Rift now, please leave.”
“That has time. Let’s go grab something to eat.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Aren’t you? And it has nothing to do with the fact that I’m your sister?”
“… Ah.”
I woke up from my dream. I pinched my cheek to make sure I was awake and slowly rose from the bed. It was an old memory, but some of it applied to my current situation…
‘If I can’t make use of my specialty, I’m no different from just the third-class hunters.’
Even though I had more exceptional powers than the others, I couldn’t save the world alone. The dream had hit home. When I was fighting, I often forgot that I had a special ability. If I didn’t learn to use that in combat, then I wasn’t any different from myself in my previous life.
‘The Akashic Records chose me for a reason.’
As a hunter, Jeong Si-woo was no match for the overlord. But as the Analyst Jeong Si-woo, I would stand a chance. I mustn’t forget my strength.
“Yes?”
Someone had knocked on my door, instinctively I responded.
“Cadet Jeong Si-woo, get ready for the Ceremony,” the Instructor’s voice said from outside.
‘Right. That’s today.’
‘I’m about to graduate.’
* * *
Everyone stood there with their immaculate cadet uniforms.
“Wow.”
I stood at the rear, and once everyone had taken their place, the Instructor started to speak.
“I am sure you are aware that scouts and guild officials are going to be attending the ceremony.”
“…”
“You are also aware of why those people will be here?”
‘Because the Hwayeon Academy produces the best hunters?’
“After the years of training and numerous evaluations, today is your last opportunity to impress the guild officials.”
“…”
“Assuming you graduate, after today, you will no longer be students. The guilds might start offering you contracts as hunters as soon as tomorrow.”
Some around me audibly swallowed. As the Instructor had said, this was a special day for the cadets. For some, this would be a great opportunity.
“If you make yourself look good today, they might forget all the bad grades you received before. If you manage to look bad, they might forget all the good grades you received before.”
“….”
“Today is the only test that truly matters.”
The Instructor said in a serious tone.
“You don’t have to participate if you don’t want to. It’s completely voluntary. Not taking part, however, will mean that other students may take the place you have already thought safe. More importantly, if you’re so afraid to show yourself today, can you really call yourself a hunter?”
“…”
“A single mistake can cost a hunter their life. Those who make mistakes may cost other people their lives as well. At the same time, the opposite is true. With a single action, you can save the lives of millions.”
“…”
“I hope you remember why you decided to join the Academy. Participation is voluntary, I cannot force you.”
He said the last words in a very light tone. However, none of the teachers changed their serious expressions.
“Those who join the guilds can secure a stable future for themselves and their families. Still, 30% fail this test.”
“….”
There was absolute silence.
The Instructor was quiet for a few moments.
And.
“Cadet Jeong Si-woo, I support you.”
I remembered why I had joined the Academy.
This time I wanted to participate in this final test.
It was a simple reason.
* * *
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