Breaking Up with the Heroine of the Female-Oriented Game

On a Monday afternoon at Union Academy.

“This practical assessment will be a ‘Capture the Flag’ event.”

As soon as all the teams were decided, Hong Daye began to explain the type of test they would have in an easy-to-follow manner.

“Split into two teams, the objective is to snatch the flag planted in the center and take it back to your own territory. The team that does so first, wins.”

The students sat attentively, their ears perked up listening to Hong Daye. It was their first practical assessment, so concentration was inevitable. Internal grades were, after all, truly important.

“Given that the teams are composed of trios, each member’s cooperation and strategy will be crucial. In essence, the goal isn’t to knock down opponents; you just need to capture the flag.”

If it were a simple duel, the stronger team would invariably win, but Capture the Flag was different.

Even the weakest team could claim victory with a well-thought-out strategy that bypasses the other team and captures the flag.

Of course, that wouldn’t be easy.

“The assessment will be conducted in a tournament style, with teams numbered from 1 to 16, each playing four matches.”

There were 48 students in our class.

With three to a team, that divided us into 16 teams.

Naturally, this meant a round of 16, quarters, semis, and finals.

Four rounds in total.

“As it resembles a duel, advancing to the finals and winning would obviously be favorable for your internal grades. However, even if you’re eliminated early, the performance you show in the match will be considered in the grading. So don’t be too discouraged if you’re out first.”

Even if a team were to face monstrous opponents like Lee Siwoon and Kang Daehan early on and lose, a good showing could still earn them decent grades.

“Now, let’s proceed to announce the match-ups.”

Hong Daye brought up the tournament bracket on the integrated PC whiteboard.

“The opponents will be chosen randomly…”

The students began to murmur as the teacher drew out the word “random,” but I knew she wouldn’t actually leave the match-ups to chance.

After all, I had witnessed this scene over and over again in the game.

“…would be boring, wouldn’t it?”

Hong Daye looked over the crowd of students and lifted the corners of her mouth in a tease.

“I’ll give the team leaders the chance to choose their numbers based on their entrance exam rankings.”

“Based on rankings?”

“What? Then that means?”

The students’ attention abruptly focused in one direction.

Like a volley of arrows, numerous gazes were fixed upon one person.

Beyond their stares stood Lee Siwoon.

It was needless to say, but Siwoon was the top-ranked student at admission.

Even if the exact scores of other students were not known, everyone was aware of Siwoon’s ranking.

“Then Lee Siwoon’s team will choose first. Ah, but don’t all come up—just the team leader.”

“Yes.”

As Lee Siwoon and his teammates started to stand, the teacher stopped them.

Jin Soyeon, looking slightly embarrassed, scratched her cheek and then patted Siwoon on the shoulder, urging him to go ahead with a smile.

He silently looked back at Jin Soyeon before finally stepping forward towards the teacher’s desk.

A slight tremor was visible on Siwoon’s lips.

Hmm…

Those two seem to have become quite close.

It was a good thing, but someone was bothering me.

“…”

It was Yoo Seolhyun.

“Ah, Siwoon’s just being nice and now she’s at it again.”

“Right, right. Jin Soyeon, that girl’s been overstepping her bounds lately, hasn’t she?”

“Look at her, chasing after another guy as soon as they break up. It’s just disgraceful.”

The students allied with Yoo Seolhyun kept up their chatter.

As usual, they voiced their annoyance with Jin Soyeon.

They were like weathercocks.

Was it because the two had been getting along too well lately?

Jealousy and envy seemed to have erupted.

“Can you keep it down? You’re giving me a headache.”

“Oh, sorry, sorry. Ahaha. I was a bit loud, wasn’t I?”

Yoo Seolhyun’s quiet remark quickly silenced them.

Those girls could hardly be considered her friends.

They were mere conveniences, subordinates at best.

And they seemed to be aware of their role.

“Good. I prefer it quiet.”

She gave the girls a once-over before turning away.

The needless chatter had been giving her a headache, but now she was content with the silence.

Yoo Seolhyun, ignoring the sweating students, alternated her gaze between Jin Soyeon and Lee Siwoon.

The friendly sight of those two seemed to sit poorly with her.

“Lee Siwoon, which number will you choose?”

“…”

In response to Hong Daye’s question, Siwoon was silent.

The bracket was blank.

It didn’t matter where he chose.

Thus, Siwoon confidently selected number 1 from the range of 1 to 16. Not 2 or 3, but 1. It was a significant number. A manifestation of his confidence.

“Good. Lee Siwoon’s team… is number 1. Next, Kang Daehan, come up.”

Kang Daehan, who had been watching silently, stepped forward with a wry smile in his eyes. After a glance at Siwoon returning to his seat, he casually chose number 2.

Team 2.

Right next to team 1.

Meaning…

They would face each other in the first match.

“Kang Daehan, you’re number 2, right?”

“Yes, number 2.”

With a sly smirk, Kang Daehan glanced at Siwoon.

Siwoon met his gaze.

The two locked eyes.

“I’ve wanted to face our top student.”

“…”

“I’ve heard so much about you. Maybe I can look forward to it.”

“…”

The classroom buzzed with whispers.

A showdown between Siwoon and Daehan had long been a hot topic.

‘Fortunately, it’s unfolding like in the game.’

Kang Daehan’s impulsive decision, fueled by a competitive spirit towards Siwoon.

A first match between the first and fifth rankers would surely be a spectacle for the students, but not so much for their teammates.

Obviously, this was not a move discussed with his team.

Therefore…

“Daehan, I mean, isn’t it too much to face Siwoon right from the start?”

“What, you lack confidence? Even with me here?”

“No, it’s not that…”

His teammates were flustered.

Facing Siwoon’s team from the start seemed daunting.

No matter how strong Daehan was, Siwoon was not an opponent to be taken lightly.

For them, the ideal path would be to face easier teams first before clashing in the finals.

But Daehan had thrown his hat into the ring without a second thought.

His teammates must have felt troubled in many ways.

No matter how powerful a team member was, acting on one’s own can lead to complications.

But that wasn’t our team.

“Next, Yoo Seolhyun, come forward.”

“Okay.”

As Yoo Seolhyun approached the podium, she passed by me, and I whispered quietly.

“Choose number 16.”

“Okay.”

Seolhyun readily agreed to my request as she walked forward.

It was partly because we had agreed she would follow my orders regarding the practical assessment, but logically, it made sense to keep as much distance from dangerous teams as possible.

This was why I didn’t choose Kang Daehan first.

His capricious nature made it difficult to control him properly.

On the other hand, Yoo Seolhyun was someone I could reasonably communicate with.

Moreover, now that I had invoked the keyword ‘bet,’ she would at least pretend to listen unless something significant happened.

“I’ll go with number 16.”

“Alright. Yoo Seolhyun’s team is number 16, and next is…”

One by one, the team leaders were called, and soon the bracket was complete.

Hong Daye began to address the students.

“Now, lastly, I’ll tell you about the date of the exam. It will take place ten days from now at Training Hall Four.”

Ten days.

That was quite some time.

Obviously, the exam date wasn’t set so far out without reason.

It was deliberately chosen to give ample time to analyze the opposing teams and devise a corresponding strategy.

So that students focused on combat and those in supporting roles could thoroughly prepare.

“Prepare the best you can until the day of the exam. That’s all for today. Dismissed.”

It looks like the main storyline of the practical assessment will begin in ten days.

As part of the main story, I knew almost all the content and flow in great detail.

I had to leave a good impression on Yoo Seolhyun during this practical assessment.

That way, I would have a plausible ‘reason’ for the actions I needed to take later on.

I would need to show good performance to retrieve the dormant item when the dungeon raiding mishap occurred soon.

‘The method to make a good impression on Yoo Seolhyun isn’t hard…’

Seolhyun, half-jokingly, could be compared to the historical figure Cao Cao.

Not that she coveted other people’s lovers like the infamous “wife-stealer” Cao Cao, but because she had a strong desire for talented individuals.

She wanted to stand out as a hero in her own right, rather than just as the third young lady of the Gaon Nuri Clan.

That’s why she had been pulling in talented people to her side from Gaon Nuri or elsewhere for a long time.

Once she graduated, she likely planned to officially lead a hero team under the clan.

‘To build rapport with Yoo Seolhyun, I just need to act like a worthy talent.’

And during this practical assessment, I could fully demonstrate my abilities.

Alone, it might be impossible, but fortunately, I have Yoo Seolhyun and Sunari.

‘Plus, knowing Yoo Seolhyun’s character settings, it should be fair enough.’

I was well-versed in Yoo Seolhyun’s personality, hobbies, likes, dislikes, and so on, so approaching her wouldn’t be difficult.

For starters, I could talk about a strategy related to the practical assessment and draw her out for a conversation.

Seolhyun would likely be interested in hearing things about Jin Soyeon through me.

She wouldn’t say no to a cake at the café.

Seolhyun’s character has a penchant for sweets, after all.

Ah, but Jin Soyeon is slightly concerning.

She doesn’t get along well with Yoo Seolhyun.

She might dislike it if I approach Seolhyun.

Or maybe it’s okay?

After all, she’s been getting along well with Lee Siwoon lately.

If she’s busy being sweet with Siwoon, she won’t have time to worry about me. And wouldn’t grumble about a conversation at the academy.

As long as she doesn’t realize I’ve arranged a private meeting.

***

“…Jinhyuk, what are you doing here?”

“?”

Huh?

Why is Jin Soyeon popping up here?