Breaking Up With the Heroine in an Otome Game

10 – Preparing for the Practical Assessment (3)

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Monday afternoon at the academy.

“This practical assessment is ‘Capture the Flag.'”

As soon as the team members were decided, Hong Da-ye began to explain the type of test they were going to take.

“The goal is to divide into two teams, and the team that first snatches the flag in the center and brings it back to their territory wins.”

Trainees sat still and pricked up their ears to Hong Da-ye’s words.

As it was their first performance evaluation, they couldn’t help but focus.

After all, the internal assessment score was vital.

“Since we’re going to be in groups of three, teamwork and strategy will be important. In other words, the goal isn’t to take down the opponents, but just to snatch the flag.”

If it were just a simple duel, the stronger team would win, but capturing the flag was different.

No matter how weak a team might be, if they come up with a good strategy and focus on snatching the flag while ignoring the other team, they can win.

Of course, that wouldn’t be easy.

“This test will be a tournament, with teams from 1 to 16 playing four rounds each.”

There were a total of 48 students in their class.

Since there were three members per team, this made up 16 teams.

Naturally, the competition would proceed in the format of the top 16, top 8, top 4, and finally the finals.

“Reaching the finals and winning will be advantageous for your internal assessment. However, regardless of whether you’re eliminated early, your grades will vary depending on your performance in the matches, so don’t be too disheartened.”

If they faced a monstrous team like that of Lee Shi-Woon and Kang Dae-Han early and got eliminated, they shouldn’t be disappointed as long as they showed a good performance since their internal assessment score would still be decent.

“Then, it’s time to announce the fixtures.”

Hong Da-ye brought up the match table on the all-in-one PC electric blackboard.

“The match opponents will be random…”

The homeroom teacher trailed off at the word “random,” and the students began to buzz. However, I knew that she wouldn’t really decide the match opponents randomly.

After all, I had seen this scene dozens of times before.

“…that would be no fun.”

Hong Da-ye looked at the students’ faces and slowly curved the corners of her mouth upwards.

“I’ll give each team leader the opportunity to choose their number based on their entrance exam ranking.”

“Ranking order?”

“What? Really?”

Suddenly, everyone’s attention focused on one spot.

Thump.

Numerous stares pierced like arrows.

Beyond the students’ gazes was Lee Shi-Woon.

Not to repeat the obvious, but Lee Shi Woon was the top student upon admission.

Although they couldn’t know the exact scores of other students, everyone knew Lee Shi Woon’s grades.

“Then, Lee Shi Woon’s team should come forward first. Ah, not everyone, just the team leader. Only the team leader.”

“Yes.”

As Lee Shi Woon and his teammates tried to stand up together, the teacher stopped them.

Jin So Yeon scratched her cheek embarrassedly, then patted Lee Shi Woon’s shoulder as if to tell him to hurry up and go, giving a smile.

He quietly gazed at Jin So Yeon’s face for a moment then suddenly moved to the far end of the classroom, heading towards the teacher’s desk.

Lee Shi Woon’s lips were trembling ever so slightly.

Hmm…

The two of them seemed to have become quite close.

It was a good thing, but it felt uneasy for the people watching the two of them.

“…”

It was none other than Yoo Seol Hyun.

“Ha, only because Shi Woon is kind enough to get along with her, she’s acting like that again.”

“Right? Isn’t Jin So Yeon acting pretty smug these days?”

“Just look at her, switching to another guy right away after breaking up. Unbelievable.”

Yoo Seol Hyun’s group was constantly whispering.

As usual, they vented their frustrations on Jin So Yeon.

They were like birds pecking at prey.

Were they acting like this because the two of them seemed to be getting along too well lately?

It seemed like an explosion of jealousy and envy.

“Can you guys be quiet, please? My ears hurt.”

“Oh, s-sorry. Ahahahahaha. I guess I was a bit loud, huh?”

When Yoo Seol Hyun quietly said a word, they immediately complied.

These girls couldn’t even be considered her friends.

They were merely convenient tools and lackeys.

The girls knew their place as well.

“Yes, it’s nice and quiet now.”

After quickly scanning the girls, she turned her head away.

Their constant chattering had given her a headache, but now that it was finally quiet, she seemed satisfied.

Yoo Seol-hyun ignored the girls who were breaking out in cold sweats and alternately looked at Jin So-yeon and Lee Si-woon.

She seemed a bit bothered by the familiarity of those two.

“Lee Si-woon, which one will you choose?”

“……”

At Hong Da-ye’s words, Lee Si-woon remained silent.

Right now, the chart was blank.

It shouldn’t have mattered where he chose.

Perhaps that’s why Si-woon confidently chose number 1 among the numbers 1 to 16. Number 1, not even 2 or 3. It was a meaningful number. It was like a show of confidence.

“Alright. Lee Si-woon and two others… Team 1. Next, Kang Dae-han, step forward.”

Kang Dae-han, who had been watching the scene with interest, stepped forward with a slightly mischievous glint in his eyes.

After glancing at Lee Si-woon, who was about to return to his seat, Kang Dae-han chose number 2 in the team draw.

Team 2.

Right next to Team 1.

In other words.

They would face each other directly in the first match.

“Kang Dae-han, is it number 2?”

“Yes, that’s right, number 2.”

Kang Dae-han looked at Lee Si-woon with a malicious smirk.

Lee Si-woon also looked straight at Kang Dae-han.

Their gazes intertwined.

“I wanted to have a go against our top student.”

“……”

“I’ve heard great things. I wonder if I can look forward to it.”

“……”

Buzzing.

The children whispered at Kang Dae-han’s provocative words.

Lee Si-woon vs. Kang Dae-han had been a hot issue since before.

‘Fortunately, it’s going similar to the in-game situation.’

Kang Dae-han’s impulsive behavior, who had some sense of rivalry towards Lee Si-woon.

While the confrontation between the rank 1 and rank 5 contenders in the first match would be an intriguing matter for the kids, it wasn’t the case for the teammates.

Of course, that action was not discussed with the team members.

So…

“Da, Dae-han. No, even so, facing Siwoon from the beginning…”

“What. Are you not confident? I’m here, aren’t I?”

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“No, that’s not it…”

The team members were hesitating.

It seemed they felt burdened by facing Siwoon’s team from the very beginning.

No matter how strong Dae-han was, Siwoon was never an easy opponent.

From their perspective, it would be best to face a weaker team first and then face-off in the finals.

However, Dae-han boldly put forth his declaration without concern.

His teammates seemed to be in for a headache in many ways.

No matter how strong a team member, it would be difficult if they behaved so freely.

But that wasn’t our team.

“Next, Yu Seol-hyun, come forward.”

“Yes.”

As Yu Seol-hyun approached the podium and passed by me, I whispered quietly.

“Choose the 16th.”

“What? Alright.”

Yu Seol-hyun coolly accepted my words and walked forward.

It may be because we agreed to follow my orders regarding the performance evaluation, but thinking rationally, it’d be better to keep as much distance from dangerous teams as possible.

That’s why I didn’t choose Dae-han in the first place.

It’s hard to properly control someone with such a self-indulgent personality.

On the other hand, Yu Seol-hyun was a partner I could communicate with to a certain extent.

As long as I used the keyword “bet,” he would at least pretend to listen unless it was something serious.

“I’ll go with the 16th.”

“Alright. Yu Seol-hyun’s team will be number 16 and then…”

After calling out the team leaders one by one, the bracket was completed in no time.

Hong Da-ye gave orders to the trainees.

“Now, I’ll tell you about the test day. The test will be held at the 4th building training ground ten days from now.”

Ten days.

There was still plenty of time left.

Of course, it wasn’t that they had carelessly scheduled the test day too late.

They had intentionally allotted ample time to analyze the opposing team and devise a strategy that would best suit them.

This was done to ensure that not only combat trainees but also support-related trainees could prepare adequately.

“Do your best to prepare until the day of the exam. Let’s disband for today.”

In ten days, the main episode of the performance evaluation would begin.

Being the main story, they knew almost every detail and the progression of events.

They had to leave a good impression on Yoo Seol-Hyeon during this performance evaluation episode.

Only then would there be sufficient ‘plausibility’ for their future actions.

Starting now, they had to show their best side so they could assist Yoo Seol-Hyeon in the upcoming dungeon attack failure incident and recover the dormant item.

‘The way to impress Yoo Seol-Hyeon… Well, it’s not difficult.’

Yoo Seol-Hyeon could be likened to a character like Cao Cao, half-jokingly.

Not that he was a homewrecker like Cao Cao, but that he had a strong ambition for talented people.

It was because he wanted to be recognized as a hero rather than being known as the third daughter of the Gaon Nuri Clan.

So, he had always gathered talented people from both inside and outside the Gaon Nuri Clan to his side.

Currently, he was unofficially operating and managing a team of heroes under the clan.

Upon graduating from the academy, he planned to formally lead the team.

‘All I need to do now is give Yoo Seol-Hyeon the impression that I’m a valuable asset.’

With this performance evaluation, they could maximize their abilities.

It would be impossible for them alone, but fortunately, they had Yoo Seol-Hyeon and Seonari.

‘Also…knowing Yoo Seol-Hyeon’s character settings should be somewhat helpful.’

It wouldn’t be difficult to approach him, knowing his personality, hobbies, likes, and dislikes.

For starters, they could mention a strategy related to the performance evaluation and try to engage in a conversation.

It was highly probable that Yoo Seol-Hyeon would be interested in hearing more about Jin So-Yeon through them.

They could offer to buy him cake at a café; he would probably like that.

Because Yoo Seol-Hyeon’s character setting had a fondness for sweets.

Oh, but Jin So-Yeon was a little worrisome.

Her relationship with Yoo Seol-Hyeon wasn’t very good.

If they approached Yoo Seol-Hyeon, she might dislike it.

No, would it still be okay?

She’s been getting along well with Lee Shi-woon these days anyway.

If she’s so close with Lee Shi-woon, she won’t have any time to care about someone like me. And she won’t be making a fuss over the slightest bit of conversation at the academy.

As long as she doesn’t find out about this separate meeting.

***

“…Jin-hyuk? What are you doing here?”

“?”

Huh?

Why did Jin So-yeon pop out here?