Suicide Before Defeating the Final Boss

Suicide Before Defeating the Final Boss – 14

EP.14 Joint Evaluation Exam 1

The Joint Evaluation Exam was the second-largest exam at the academy and a major event in which all departments had to participate. Although it was called an evaluation exam, the students’ parents—prominent individuals or members of prestigious families—came to watch the exam. Given the audience, it was an opportunity for students to prove their worth. Therefore, they always prepared diligently, but this year, the level of preparation was exceptionally high.

“This year’s assessment exam will not only evaluate the students but also serve as an evaluation of the academy itself. Please ensure no issues arise.”

Stated the headmaster.

All the instructors in the conference room nodded solemnly.

“As you all know, the world is nearing its end. Our academy has been protected by the goodwill of the kingdom and various noble families, but even that is reaching its limit.”

The instructors fell silent at those words. Considering the headmaster’s usual tendency to downplay major issues, the phrase “reaching its limit” meant that the situation was truly dire.

“Therefore, in this Joint Evaluation Exam, we must show those who have trusted and protected us that we can produce capable individuals.”

Although the headmaster was speaking indirectly, it was clear that he was urging them to demonstrate that the academy could produce many talented individuals who could be useful in war. The instructors exchanged complex looks and sighed deeply.

***

After the headmaster and vice-headmaster left the conference room, the remaining instructors and teachers began to speak with worried expressions.

“I’ve heard that the Demon King’s power is growing, but for the headmaster to say this… it must really be the end.”

“Yes. I heard from a colleague that the situation is completely hopeless.”

“No matter how bad things are, asking us to present the students as war assets… does that even make sense?”

Although many agreed emotionally with the last statement, the reality was that almost all available war personnel were already deployed, no one could say that was right.

“You’re not planning to go see the students with those faces, are you? Come on, cheer up.”

One of the swordsmanship instructors clapped her hands to lift the mood.

As smiles began to appear, the swordsmanship instructor spoke.

“By the way, the first-year students are quite impressive this year. Who do you think will come out on top in the exam? Probably Luke from the Swordsmanship Department?”

She seemed to be trying to keep the conversation light, but unfortunately, the topic was too sensitive given the upcoming joint exam. As soon as Luke’s name was mentioned, other swordsmanship instructors showed signs of discomfort and responded.

“Luke is too conventional. I think Harie or Melk, who have shown recent growth, might be better.”

“Come on, just because they’re your students, you’re giving them too much credit. Harie and Melk are still progressing, not yet complete.”

“What? Do you realize what you just said?”

“Yes? Did I say something wrong?”

Seeing the somber atmosphere turn into a quarrel in less than a minute, Mertan chuckled and watched.

Nearby, the instructors from the Magic Department looked on with expressions of disbelief.

“Why do you think the swordsmanship students will be the top scorers?”

“Exactly. If we’re talking about talent alone, the students from the Magic Department are far superior.”

“Seriously. With geniuses like Erie and Lucia, I don’t understand the confidence of the Swordsmanship Department.”

The remarks casually thrown out by the Magic Department instructors immediately riled up the Swordsmanship Department instructors. Seeing this, Mertan sighed and held his head.

‘It’s a wonder that things flow smoothly at the lower levels when the upper levels are such a mess.’

As he tried to calm his throbbing head, the Swordsmanship and Magic Department instructors, who had been arguing, simultaneously turned to Mertan.

“Instructor Mertan, what do you think?”

“Of course, it’s Lucia from the Magic Department…!”

“What do you mean, Lucia? She’s only good at divine power. It’s definitely Luke.”

Mertan, being the second-most senior instructor and the head instructor known for his fairness, skill, and character, was looked upon to make the final decision. Mertan sighed deeply at the barrage of questions and gave a short answer.

“Jeong-hyeon.”

Everyone looked stunned at his response. Jeong-hyeon was the student who had recently defeated Jer and moved up to 7th place. However, many still had doubts about his ability to take the top spot, given his unproven track record.

“Instructor Mertan, no matter what, Jeong-hyeon is… Even until recently, he was at the bottom in duels.”

“Jeong-hyeon.”

The instructors were bewildered, seeing Mertan repeating the same name like a nutcracker, deviating from his usual solemn tone.

‘What’s going on with Instructor Mertan?’

‘I heard he’s been personally training Jeong-hyeon recently. Could it be because of that?’

‘… This is some kind of hypnosis. It has to be 100%.’

Various thoughts spread among the instructors, but the common thread was, ‘This isn’t like him at all.’

Seeing their bewildered expressions, Mertan continued.

“You might not know, but he not only jumped from last place to defeating Jer and moving up to 7th place, but he also came first in the theory exam. Haha.”

Why was he bringing up the theory exam when they were discussing the joint exam? The instructors were puzzled, but Mertan continued unfazed.

“So, I believe Jeong-hyeon will take first place in this exam. If you disagree, you’ll see that I’m right.”

With that, the instructors could only nod, unable to refute his confident assertion.

***

Jeong-hyeon calmly closed his eyes as he accepted the team schedule handed out by the teaching assistants.

‘Now, the only thing left is to do well in this joint exam.’

At least, he hoped to avoid death from failing a quest for the next semester.

Determined to stay focused until the end, he checked his assigned team.

[First-Year Group B – Team 3]

The team consisted of three students from the Swordsmanship Department and two from the Magic Department. If lucky, he might end up with someone like Lucia who could use divine power.

‘But if I’m unlucky, I could end up with two offensive mages with opposing attributes.’

Hoping for good fortune, he was soon faced with reality.

“I specialize in fire magic. Nice to meet you, I’m Hena.”

“I’m Mizuya, specializing in Water Magic.”

I ended up with mages of completely opposite attributes.

‘… Damn it.’

Where was his Level 5 Luck when he needed it? He sighed, thinking about how his luck trait only seemed to activate when he didn’t interfere directly.

‘Fine, I’ll let this slide for now.’

The problem was that one of the swordsmanship students was that pig.

“… I’m Jer. I primarily use a greatsword.”

Jeong-hyeon held his forehead as he watched Jer introduce himself, wielding a greatsword as big as his own body. Of all people, he had to team up with this brainless pig.

“I’m Miria. As you can see, I’m from the Swordsmanship Department!”

The only relief was that the other member seemed somewhat normal. Jeong-hyeon introduced himself with mixed feelings.

“I’m Jeong-hyeon… Nice to meet you.”

Team 3 of Group B had a strange atmosphere. Jeong-hyeon gripped his sword tightly, feeling that things were not going well.

***

[Group A Waiting Room]

It was colder than the northern snow mountains. Erie and her followers glared at Lucia, one of the accomplices who had pushed them into this pit. Despite being on the same team, they couldn’t accept Lucia and looked at her as if they wanted to devour her. Lucia, unable to withstand their stares, trembled like a rabbit surrounded by top predators.

‘… Why.’

Lucia desperately wished she could change teams, but the teams were already set and could not be changed without a special reason. She had no choice but to proceed as it was.

‘I want to cry.’

Holding back her tears and pretending to be okay, Lucia was startled when Erie, who had been glaring at her, approached with a smile and extended her hand.

“Priestess, despite our past differences… let’s do our best for this exam.”

“… What?”

“I can’t say we should forget the past and work together, but this exam is crucial for both of us. Let’s put aside our grudges and do well.”

Lucia felt burdened by Erie’s outstretched hand, but failing this exam meant remedial classes, so she decided to accept it for now and nodded.

“… Yes. Let’s do our best.”

“Of course. We should be the ones asking for your help. Your healing abilities are exceptional, so you’ll be a great help.”

Although Erie’s words were meant as praise, Lucia couldn’t shake off her unease. She clutched her book tightly, praying that everything would go smoothly, though she knew better than anyone that it wouldn’t.

‘Jeong-hyeon…’

Thinking of her only friend, Jeong-hyeon, she trembled as a voice announced.

“Please enter in order!”

The voice signalled the start of the exam.

With a tense expression, Lucia had no choice but to follow the others.