The Academy’s Barbarian Chapter 68

(One)

One.

Sunday evening.

After finishing their meal, students gathered in groups of twos or threes to chat or relax in their rooms. Or there were model students preparing for tomorrow’s lecture.

Ulan was one of them.

“… … “This is all I have to say.”

A silver-haired girl sitting next to me.

Delia finished her long explanation.

She took a sip of her ice-filled cocoa and then looked back at Ulan.

“Do you understand up to this point?”

“Well, I understand.”

Ulan nodded.

Then, I reviewed the explanation I had heard so far. About the ‘actual hunting’ scheduled for tomorrow.

‘Second week of April, Monday.’

So, tomorrow at 6pm.

The practical exam for the practical hunting lecture taught by Professor Stella begins.

The location is the forest beyond the north gate of the academy.

It is a place teeming with monsters of 2 stars or lower.

Here, students work in groups of two to hunt monsters.

‘But it’s not just about hunting.’

The purpose of this lecture is to train excellent hunters.

Therefore, in this test, in addition to hunting skills, cooperation with fellow members of the same group, and even survival skills are evaluated.

Is that why? The performance time of the hunting test was particularly longer than that of other tests.

‘A total of 72 hours.’

The main content of this test is to survive in the forest for up to three days and hunt monsters.

At this time, all that is provided to the students is a backpack containing items necessary for survival and two types of weapons.

All other necessary items had to be procured directly from the forest.

‘And the final score… … .’

It is said that it is determined by how long you lasted in the forest and how many monsters you slain.

This is the information I heard from Delia.

Around the time I thought of all the explanations.

“Oh right.”

Suddenly, Delia’s eyes widened slightly.

As if he remembered something he had forgotten.

“Depending on the results, there are benefits.”

“What are the benefits?”

“First place, Joe, is exempt from the written test.”

Ulan’s eyes sparkled.

It was natural. For him, who fainted after reading just a few pages of a book, the written exam was a terrifying test comparable to the ordeal of a warrior.

But is it exempt?

“I must aim for first place.”

“huh. “If it’s just the two of us, we can do it.”

Delia smiled slightly.

Soon a feeling of silence came between the two. This was because as the main conversation ended, there was nothing left to say.

But there was silence for a moment.

“Hey, Ulan.”

“hmm?”

“What are you going to do from now on?”

I feel somewhat regretful about breaking up like this.

So, I quietly asked a question. If you have free time, I’d like to invite you to take a walk with me. Then Ulan’s answer came back.

“I’m going to the library.”

“library?”

“I have a book to return.”

And one more thing.

There was a reason I went to the library.

This is because I promised to meet Noah in the reading room in about 10 minutes, at 8 PM.

‘I said I had something important to say.’

Unlike usual, his face was serious.

Just as I was thinking about Noah’s expression when I met him at the restaurant earlier, Delia’s answer came back.

“Then, I want to go too.”

There is no particular reason to go to the library.

Still, because she wanted to spend more time with Ulan, Delia volunteered to accompany him. Meanwhile, Ulan nodded her head as if she was okay with it.

“Sure.”

“huh.”

Finally, a faint smile bloomed.

The two headed straight to the library.

2.

Meanwhile, at that time.

Noah was already in the reading room.

There was nothing to do, and there was also something I wanted to organize.

Crunchy!

She opened her notebook and quickly wrote notes. It was a summary of the major events that occurred during the midterm exam period.

How long has it been like that?

“Okay, that’s enough.”

After finishing all the organizing.

Noah had a satisfied face.

There are two major events that occur during the first semester midterm exam. Among them, the one that Noah pays most attention to is the ‘Professor Direc’s reckless driving’ incident.

‘It was the last Thursday of April.’

The location is Magic Fountain Area 2.

Professor Direc, who came here for a practical exam, gave the students difficult assignments and then suddenly disappeared.

‘To enter Area 3.’

Because I have work to do in secret.

After some time, Professor Direc returns to Area 2 as if nothing had happened.

However, just as the scheduled test time was about to end, a sudden surge of magical power occurred, causing his body to collapse.

‘Soon it turns into a monster.’

He is an event boss who kills indiscriminately and is a 7-star magical beast. This is the overall outline of this incident.

If you succeed in defeating him, you will receive a considerable reward and a ‘key’ with special power.

It was this key that Noah was aiming for.

‘Of course, the level of difficulty is considerable.’

The opponent is a 7-star magical beast.

In fact, even in the original work, it is considered an event with a low success rate. So there were many gamers who gave up their rewards, but Noah couldn’t do that.

Because I have never received proper compensation before. So, I was planning to get my hands on this somehow.

‘So this time… … .’

Let’s be honest with the Ulan and ask for their cooperation.

Because his power is absolutely necessary for safe subjugation. Also, if he makes a clumsy plan like last time and doesn’t get the reward, he’ll be in trouble.

Noah made a solemn promise.

Then.

Ding! Sigh!

A bell sounded from the clock tower.

The sound of 8pm sharp. Noah immediately remembered the promise he had made to meet Ulan.

There is only one reason why I called him aside.

I have something to tell you right away.

Practical hunting test scheduled for tomorrow.

The second major event that occurs during the midterm exam in which Ulan participates occurs.

Immediately after remembering this.

Noah’s face visibly hardened.

‘… … ‘Abyss Cultist Incident.’

Abyss worshipers literally refer to beings who worship the abyss.

Their purpose is to open the gates of the abyss and summon the beings of the abyss. Furthermore, it can be said that one receives the grace of the abyss and becomes an apostle.

‘He’s quite a troublesome enemy in the beginning.’

Most Abyss worshipers are wizards.

Among them, the majority are crazy wizards who are obsessed with forbidden magic. As such, it was a fairly powerful enemy when encountered in the beginning.

The problem is that these abyss worshipers pass through the northern forest the night after tomorrow.

And not alone, but in a group.

Right after I remembered this.

Noah opened his notebook. It was to recall once again the flow and outline of this incident.

‘The incident started around 9 PM on Tuesday.’

Suddenly something strange occurs in the forest.

Phenomena such as the forest suddenly turning into a maze, hallucinations appearing, etc. This was done by the Abyss Cultists who discovered the existence of the students.

‘The purpose is to kidnap students.’

This is to prepare a sacrifice to offer to the abyss.

However, it was not revealed in the original work why students were chosen as sacrifices.

Anyway, the result of the battle.

A tragedy occurs in which all five members of the special task force in charge of escorting are killed, and 16 students are kidnapped.

‘Actually, if you look at this point… … .’

It’s not a very important incident.

There is no proper compensation, and to put it bluntly, the dead special forces agents and kidnapped students do not have much of an impact on the main scenario.

But the real problem is different.

This is because this Abyss Cultist incident is the ‘death turning point’ for a named character. And that name is someone Noah knows well.

‘… … ‘Star Witch.’

This is Delia Arpen.

She is given the ‘possibility of death’ in this case. Of course, she does not die unconditionally, but there is a chance that she dies during the battle.

‘But if here… … .’

What if Delia loses her life?

The situation becomes very difficult.

As one of the seven heroes becomes vacant, the hero party is created as if there were ‘six’ from the beginning.

Even if all seven warriors join forces, a difficult fight can be fought with just six people? This seemed to mean that the difficulty level would increase rapidly.

‘So you must never let him die.’

The best way is not to attend the exam at all. If you do this, you will never encounter an abyss worshiper and will escape the danger of death.

Although a tragedy occurs where all the students except Delia die or are kidnapped, it is still better than losing Delia.

‘but… … .’

This method cannot be used.

There was no way Delia would follow his words in the first place. And in fact, he had a reason not to use this method this time.

A person whose very existence is a variable.

Because there was Ulan.

‘So I asked to meet him.’

I intend to give you information about this incident and provide you with items that may be helpful.

That’s when I finished organizing my thoughts.

thud! Coo!

Suddenly, heavy footsteps were heard.

I think I know who it is even without looking. Noah laughed and stood up.

“Welcome, Ulan. Waiting… … .”

Just as I was about to say hello with a smile.

Noah immediately closed his mouth.

It had to be that way.

Because of the girl next to Ulan who is glaring fiercely at us, Dilia Arpen.

“Uh, Ulan?”

“… … ?”

“Why is Delia here… … ?”

“He said he had some business to run. never mind.”

No, how can you not pay attention when you’re glaring at me so openly?

Around the time Noah made an awkward expression.

“What else can I say?”

Ulan asked why he had called.

Okay, that’s not what’s important. Noah, who regained his composure, let out a short cough.

Some time after that.

He opened his mouth with a serious face.

“I saw an ominous future.”

“… … !”

“The night after tomorrow, something terrible will happen in the forest beyond the north gate of the Academy.”

Faced with Ulan’s stern expression.

Noah relayed the whole story.

A story about the Abyss Cultists. And everything, including the time and purpose of their raid.

Near the end of a fairly long story.

Suddenly, a laugh was heard.

“It’s all just an absurd story.”

The person who burst into laughter was Delia.

She looked at Noah as if she was dumbfounded. As if telling you to stop talking nonsense.

“You want us to believe that?”

“… … .”

Noah, on the other hand, reacted calmly.

This was the reaction I had already expected from the moment Ulan appeared with Delia. So she answered in a calm tone.

“Then I will prove it.”

“What, proof?”

“On the day of the exam, five agents from the special task force are dispatched to serve as escorts for the safety of the students.”

With Noah’s words that came out of nowhere.

Delia narrowed her eyes. It was because she realized what her intentions were.

The intention may be to predict something that can be confirmed immediately tomorrow, thereby making the story just told more credible.

“Two of the special task force agents are wizards with the wind attribute, and the rest are wizards who specialize in the earth, fire, and light attributes.”

That’s not all.

Noah also prophesied other details.

For example, increasing the benefit of being exempt from the written exam from 1st to 3rd place, or even saying that it will rain late at night tomorrow.

And the moment I heard this far.

Delia jerked her head.

“It’s not worth listening to any more.”

This is nonsense.

Isn’t there even a basis to begin with?

Delia dismissed Noah’s words as lies and then completely lost interest. On the other hand, Noah did not give up and continued speaking steadfastly.

“Please take this next.”

“What is this?”

“It’s a talisman that shows the direction of the other person. Of course, it won’t be effective if it’s too far away, but it’s still better than nothing.”

A talisman consisting of a pair.

This is an amulet specially made in preparation for the Abyss worshipers turning the forest into a maze.

“Give one to Delia.”

“… … “There is no need.”

Delia glanced at Noah.

Meanwhile, she didn’t respond. As if Delia’s opinion didn’t really matter.

“And I’ll give this to Ulan.”

A small pouch made of cloth.

It looks like there’s something inside.

“If you find yourself in a difficult situation, unfold it. “The answer will be there.”

“i get it. “Thank you.”

Unlike Delia, who showed signs of distrust, Ulan calmly accepted Noah’s advice.

Some time after that.

After finishing all the stories.

Noah looked a little relieved.

“This is the end of what I have to say.”

Everything that can be done with this has been done. Now all that’s left is to trust Ulan and Dilia and wait for them to return safely.

“Please be careful, Ulan.”

“Keep that in mind.”

Facing Noah’s worried eyes, Ulan nodded silently.

That’s how Sunday night ended.

3.

The next afternoon.

The day of the actual hunting test.

Is it because of the fact that I will soon be leaving the academy and living in the forest for 72 hours?

The students gathered at the north gate had a strange mixture of tension and anticipation on their faces.

And this is the same for Delia.

‘For 72 hours… … .’

You can stay with Ulan.

This thought kept Delia up all night.

It’s because I couldn’t sleep because my heart was pounding. At the time, I was so excited that I had forgotten that it was an exam.

“Delia.”

A low-pitched voice was heard.

It’s Ulan’s voice. Delia turned around with a bright smile on her face. To welcome him. But at that moment, Ulan suddenly presented something.

“Take it.”

“huh? This… … .”

An amulet with a blue pattern.

This is the same amulet that Noah gave me at the library yesterday. When Delia noticed this and frowned, Ulan spoke again.

“They said all you have to do is keep it on your body.”

“… … “Do you really believe what you said yesterday?”

“Believe.”

Ulan nodded without hesitation.

Although Noah cannot be completely trusted, her prophecy can be trusted. Because Noah’s prophecy has never been wrong so far.

On the other hand, is it because of Ulan’s immediate response?

Delia looked uncomfortable.

The moment when I looked at Ulan and the amulet alternately with a sullen expression on my face for some reason.

“Okay, everyone is here.”

A cheerful voice knocked on my ear.

The professor in charge, Stella, appeared. She appeared with backpacks to hand out to her students and stood on the podium while each item was handed out.

“Okay then, before we start the test, I’ll tell you a few changes.”

As if I had something to say.

Stella’s words soon continued.

“First of all, regarding the ‘privileges’ I mentioned last time, there were many opinions that in fact first place was predetermined, so we decided to provide benefits up to third place.”

“Wow, really?!”

“I guess it’s worth it if I get to third place?”

“that’s right. To be honest, it would have been meaningless if it had only been given to the first place winner, but if it were done like this, it would be a different story.”

Students reacting positively.

Meanwhile, at that moment, Delia’s eyes widened like a startled rabbit. Because she had heard a similar story just yesterday.

However, it is still too early to be surprised.

“Next, I will introduce the people who will protect you for 72 hours. Now, please come this way!”

Stella waved her hand.

Then, a moment later, five men and women wearing pure white coats appeared. And the students who saw them opened their eyes wide.

“Well, that uniform… … !”

“Special task force of the Department of Magic?!”

“That’s right. “Originally, I was going to get support from the security forces, but they said the special task force had the resources, so they came to help.”

Stella answers with a smile.

While the five agents continued to introduce themselves, Ulan muttered in a dull tone.

“It’s all just as Noah said.”

“… … .”

Delia closed her mouth.

This was the moment when all the words that had been dismissed as nonsense and laughed off just 10 minutes ago turned into prophecies.

Eyes with a mix of surprise and embarrassment.

With eyes shaking as if in agitation, she carefully placed the amulet in her hand into her bosom.

Some time later, after payment of the goods was completed.

Stella came down from the stage.

“This is the end of the message! “I will tell you about the precautions related to the test as we move to our destination.”

Stella went straight to the front of the group.

After a while, the students left the academy escorted by special forces agents.

A place scheduled to be the stage for hunting.

Toward the northern forest.

Chapter 19. Let the hunt begin

fantasy,