I Was the Strongest Sword God in My Past Life

part 70

For Jerome, acting was a comprehensive art. And, after all, it was necessary to understand a lot to properly portray the role assigned by the gate.

“Firstly, history. If you don’t even know the simple things, such as customs and habits, the NPCs will notice the anomaly. What is Ji-en’s history score, according to Professor Iestro?”

Jerome’s question made Iestro look at Kassen’s reaction before responding with a troubled expression.

“It’s… the last exam was fifth from the back.”

“With a score of 157, and considering the real test is a competition, there wasn’t enough time to prepare.”

As Jerome presented his evidence step by step, Okular’s thin face turned pale, looking serious.

“Hmm… that’s definitely the case. And this time, I have to prepare for the competition too.”

“That’s what I’m saying, but I think it’s unfair to Ji-en. If we don’t attend classes, the written test won’t improve.”

This was Jerome’s intention.

Ji-en was the number of participants directly set by Matis. Changing that was impossible, so he wanted to take away the privilege and make Ji-en attend classes.

“What do you think, Professor Kassen?”

Jerome’s attack on Kassen was direct.

He didn’t like seeing Kassen defend Ji-en.

“It’s a reasonable point. If the test score is low, I’ll also make a suggestion.”

However, Kassen’s response was unexpected.

‘I thought you’d definitely disagree?’

Jerome felt uneasy, and Romina added another word.

“That’s right. The competition is over, and if the test score doesn’t come out, there’s no reason to maintain the privilege. I agree.”

Zhen was searching for his memories and the only written exam he had taken was the Spirit Trace exam, and Roma was the professor in charge of it.

“Still unknown, I see.”

“I’ll dig up a grave, no problem.”

Roma and Kaxen mocked Jerome.

Roma, who had a slightly smiling face, seemed to change the atmosphere and asked Jerome, “Professor Jerome, did you know the results of this year’s Spirit Trace exam?”

A notoriously difficult exam known for its wicked level of difficulty, Roma’s exam. Jerome couldn’t help but laugh at the idea of getting a perfect score.

“Ha ha, is that so? But what’s the story behind it?”

Instead of answering, Roma just smiled.

“That’s about Zhen.”

Even after 100 years, a hero remains a hero.

The students’ test results wouldn’t be able to block the way.

* * *

Zhen returned to the dormitory and checked the deposited prize money.

[500,000,000 Coin]

5 billion coins.

If shared with Kris, it would be 2.5 billion coins. With various reasons added, the total would be 1 billion, which was a staggering amount even by the standards of active Sabeurs.

“For now, I won’t have to worry about money.”

I’ll earn it by selling potions and become a bodyguard. The situation is now favorable.

“There was also unexpected service.”

SP (School Point).

As a 2nd-year student, I’ll be able to use it extensively. Students without a one-number ID struggled to accumulate SP to buy convenience items and go on outings, but Zhen’s accumulation speed was different.

From 162nd to 9th place, 459 points. 500 points from the Maratop incident. 500 points from the Battle Survival. Plus, the small scores accumulated were 200 points.

Zhen’s SP was overwhelming among his peers, to the point where it was embarrassing to compare it to 2nd place.

Zhen’s plan was gradually taking shape.

“Now, what’s the next problem? The exam?”

Of course, Zhen wasn’t satisfied with his current class ranking.

The upcoming competition exam was where Zhen aimed to take 1st place.

Not just 1st place in the exam, but 1st place in the class ranking. That meant he was the strongest student among his peers in the 1st year of Arkania.

“‘The Top 1.'”

Ji-en, who was still ranked 9th, had always coveted the title of Top 1.

* * *

Lucia. Demona. Kua.

The three of them used their outing permit to go outside. In the morning, they relaxed at Laguna Beach, and in the afternoon, they spent the day at the Theme Park in Connet City, famous for its theme park.

Demona, who had always seemed detached, had a lively expression today.

Originally famous, Lucia had become unable to show her face after her impressive performance at the competition.

So, she chose to wear casual clothes instead of school uniform.

She wore glasses that had been stuck on since morning.

However, the effect was not significant due to the partners’ unusual attire.

The last stop was a restaurant in Connet City.

“AIA’s security has been breached, and Desire also deserves praise.”

Kua looked at the building across the glass wall, where the high-grade artifact, which was said to be stored in the AIA headquarters, was located. AIA had been robbed of its artifacts by two Desire agents who had infiltrated the day before.

“One of them was a Saver of the 6th grade.”

Kua skillfully cut his steak while speaking.

“……Desire.”

Lucia stopped sharpening her knife and looked at the building with a police line drawn across it.

“If I had been there, could I have stopped it?”

Lucia was filled with hubris after the competition. This question was an extension of that.

When Desire invaded the Maatop, Ji-en was there and stopped Desire.

“What if that had been me?”

Lucia continued to ask herself.

“Could I have stopped it if I had been there?”

She had doubts about herself.

But that was not a bad omen. Lucia was stronger than ever before and wanted to crush Ji-en with overwhelming power. She did not allow anyone to take her rival’s place.

That was Lucia’s innate hubris.

Kua smiled wryly and changed the subject in a clever way.

“Well, we’ll be going to Arkan for a few days. Why don’t you check it out for yourself?”

The winner of the bet was Selpis.

The Selpis party, which had infiltrated the 5th-grade Gate, had to move on to Arkan for the alliance. A mysterious and stubborn connection.

Lucia’s voice whispered softly into the restaurant.

“It’s okay. We’ll meet soon.”

***

The day after the festival.

Although it was a weekday, the party members, including Ji-en, gathered in the lecture hall instead of attending classes.

With Amy’s arrival, the team now consisted of four members.

The reason for the party gathering was due to the 5th-grade gate, but they had to resolve the exam first.

There were three written exams and a large-scale practical test, the battle royale. In particular, the battle royale, which was carried out in teams, was closely related to the class ranking.

“Does everyone know the importance of this exam?”

So Ji-en emphasized the importance of the word with a look at Chris.

Chris, who couldn’t even meet her eyes, was sweating profusely. Chris was the only one in Ji-en’s party who was not a one-star member.

“Ah, yes! I know!”

“But as I said, our party needs to save up as much SP as possible before we become second-year students.”

Just as Ji-en finished speaking, Amy looked at Chris with a victorious smile.

“I’ve saved it all!”

“You can’t even get 500 points as a one-star member, let alone more.”

Isabel, who was gloating, said.

However, Chris’s SP was not even close to 300 points.

“Hey, what’s wrong, everyone? Didn’t you see me at the competition? How much have I improved?”

“Uh, I think you’re the only one who lost,” Amy said, teasing Chris.

Ji-en, who was watching Chris with a mixture of amusement and concern, took out the draw sheet.

“It’s okay, Chris. You’re lucky. If you just do well in the practical test, you can make it to the one-star team.”

“What do you mean?”

Chris’s face fell as she looked at the draw sheet. She seemed to be stunned.

Chris’s opposing team consisted of students ranked third, fifth, and eighth in the class, a deadly combination.

“What’s this draw sheet? Is this random? How can we win?”

As Chris looked on in despair, Amy shook her head.

“Is it really okay to become enemies with the party leader? It’s better not to, isn’t it?”

I’ll do as I said I would.

I’ll write as I said I would.

Amy, who had all A’s, didn’t worry at all.

“Besides, it’s better not to be an opponent for Ji-en, after all.”

Although it didn’t feel good in my heart, Chris agreed with Amy’s opinion. Even if it meant being enemies with the rest of the Number One team, Chris didn’t want to be enemies with Ji-en. This wasn’t just Chris; there was no student who didn’t know about Ji-en’s impressive performance in the school tournament.

Thanks to the broadcast, Ji-en’s fame spread not only to the 1st grade but also to the 3rd grade and even outside the school.

“But I’m curious. Who is that unlucky person?”

Chris checked the bracket again.

* * *

Leon Sigma.

A man with a luxurious hairstyle and mysterious green eyes that fit well together. He was the Number One team, shining with the nickname “Sunny God.”

‘But I thought there was no dangerous opponent in the 1st grade……’

Leon was looking at the bracket with a serious expression, his jaw clenched.

For Leon, who always pursued perfection from his appearance to his skills, worrying was not a word that suited him.

＜ Lonely Rabbit Team ＞

Rita [Rank 29th / 162]

Leon [Rank 1st / 162]

Frick [Rank 33rd / 162]

[…]

‘The team is fine.’

This simulation exam is a showdown.

10 against 10, Leon felt that his team, with a balanced distribution of magic, was fine. If there’s a problem, it’s the opposing team.

＜ Intelligent Cat Team ＞

Ji-en [Rank 9th / 162]

Lake [Rank 51st / 162]

Eria [Rank 27th / 162]

[…]

Ji-en Rassel.

His overwhelming swordsmanship that he showed in the tournament. As a fellow swordsman, Leon could only say “Ah, miserable fate” in response.

“……sigh.”

“Is it an emergency?”

From noble mtl dot come

Rita was standing in front of him, looking just as he was. Rita’s condition seemed to have worsened due to the match.

“What’s the point of meeting that guy as enemies twice? Ah, Eria, that annoying woman, I got defeated by her last time and now she’s making me angry again!”

Rita’s anger seemed to be boiling over as she thought of Eria. She was furious.

“No, it’s ridiculous that someone who almost died can rise to the top. Ha, this is just great, another disaster.”

“There must be a way to win. It’s not just a simple 1v1 battle like in a tournament.”

He said this, but Leon didn’t really have a plan. The rules of the competition were too simple to create variables through strategy.

Each team chooses one king. The king cannot defeat the opposing team’s king. The other nine team members are protected by the king.

So, most people who are good at supporting magic become kings. The king is awarded a crown, and if the king takes the opposing team’s crown, they win.

So, Leon didn’t think he needed to fight against Ji-Eun.

“How strong they are doesn’t matter. This is a test. Just take the crown and it’s over.”

Freik, who was listening from the side, nodded his head.

“Yeah, there’s no need to fight.”

If someone else had said that, Leon would have ignored it, but since it was Ji-Eun, Rita’s heart began to open up.

“……I understand. What am I supposed to do?”