Breaking Up with the Heroine of the Female-Oriented Game

The day of the practical assessment had arrived.

The students made their way to Training Hall Four.

After a ten-minute ride on the Academy’s shuttle bus, a large dome-shaped auditorium came into view.

The auditorium was vast. Numerous lights were clustered all over the ceiling.

The seating looked like it could accommodate thousands, spanning across the first and second floors. As it was designed for multipurpose use, either as a gym or a training hall, it was fitted with various state-of-the-art facilities.

“Wow, it’s huge.”

“The facilities seem top-notch.”

“This is Union for you.”

The students were in awe as they surveyed the training hall. I was quite impressed myself. This was a location I had only seen within the game. Fascinating.

“Alright, let’s cut the unnecessary chatter.”

Hong Daye’s voice drew everyone’s attention.

“In 25 minutes, we will begin the first assessment.”

A few students swallowed nervously, visibly tense.

Of course, Yoo Seolhyun and Sunari were exceptions. Sunari even yawned profoundly, while Yoo Seolhyun appeared bored, half-listening.

‘…Am I the only one on our team who’s nervous?’

I smiled wryly to myself. Seeing their carefree demeanor slightly eased my tension.

If something went wrong in the first match, their abilities alone should be enough to cover for any mishaps. So, there’s no need to be overly tense.

“Each team will wait at opposite ends of the training hall. As soon as the match starts, snatch the flag and plant it in your team’s territory to win,” Hong Daye instructed, pointing to the flag positioned at the center of the hall.

“Training gear provided by the Academy will be used, and there are no special restrictions on the use of supernatural abilities.”

The Academy’s gear was non-lethal, with safety measures in place.

“However, inflicting fatal injuries on opponents is prohibited. Keep in mind that if such a situation arises, the match will be stopped immediately, and you may be disqualified based on the supervisor’s judgment.”

If the training gear is used properly, it would be difficult to inflict a fatal injury unless done purposely.

“And even if you suffer a serious injury, the healing mage, Kang Yeona, our health instructor, will be on standby, so rest assured.”

“Don’t get hurt, kids, okay? I’d like a break,” said the health instructor, a woman in her late twenties with a laid-back attitude, a beauty mark under her eye adding to her allure. While she genuinely cared for the students’ wellbeing, her character was known for being rather lazy.

“Kang Yeona is a top healing mage in Korea.”

“Hey, I’ve seen her healing in action during training. The ability is absolutely top-notch.”

“Wow, she’s gorgeous.”

In the game, healers were exceedingly rare, especially those who could heal moderate or severe injuries.

“Alright, collect your combat armor from the equipment room and change. You have exactly 10 minutes.”

Following her instructions, the students paired off towards the changing rooms.

I quickly began to change into the gear provided.

While I was changing, I saw Lee Siwoon out of the corner of my eye. He too was changing, and his abs were no joke.

No wonder he’s the male lead. Those six-pack abs really had a way with the ladies.

“Lee Siwoon.”

I approached him casually.

“Your first match is against Kang Daehan. Are you confident?”

“Yeah.”

Siwoon nodded with a nonchalant expression, as if it was a given.

“Confidence is key. Since it’s come to this, make sure to impress Jin Soyeon.”

“…”

I patted Siwoon on the shoulder before moving on. Personally, I hoped his team would be our final opponent.

Not because they were an easier target, but because Jin Soyeon was on Siwoon’s team. She needed to experience the event that would take place in the finals firsthand. Given the many challenges ahead, it would serve as good training for her.

“You too.”

“Huh?”

“Good luck.”

Siwoon’s words brought a smirk to my face. Out of all the male leads, he was the most reasonable. By personality, I mean. He wasn’t reckless like Kang Daehan.

“Sure.”

I stepped out of the changing room and into the hustle of chatting students, discussing strategies for the upcoming matches.

“Hmm. It looks like everyone’s here. Good. It’s time. Team 1 and Team 2, step forward.”

“Alright.”

At Hong Daye’s command, the members of the first and second teams held their heads high as they ascended to the training hall stage.

I watched Jin Soyeon, who was twiddling her hair nervously as she walked. It was her first match, so understandably, she felt some butterflies.

“Go Siwoon!”

“Kyaa! Lee Siwoon!”

“Show us what you’ve got, top student Siwoon!”

Wow. The female spectators roared their support. They sounded like fans at a sports event.

Hey, girls, those guys are your competition, you know.

I stared at them for a moment before turning away.

Support, huh… Maybe I should give it a try. To ease Jin Soyeon’s nerves a bit.

It wouldn’t do if she got too tense and couldn’t perform to her best, potentially leading to an early knockout. Ideally, Jin Soyeon’s team should make it to the finals.

“Jin Soyeon, fighting!”

Jin Soyeon jolted, perhaps having heard my voice. Slowly, she turned her head to scan the stands and our eyes met.

She hesitated for a moment before lifting her hand to give me a small wave.

“Don’t be so nervous! Just do like you always do, like usual.”

“I’m not nervous!”

Jin Soyeon managed a laugh, looking more like herself.

“…”

Lee Siwoon glanced my way. Our eyes locked for a moment, his gaze unreadable.

…Wait a minute.

It was just a round of support, after all.

Don’t take it the wrong way.

“What’s with him?”

“Isn’t that Jin Soyeon’s ex?”

“They say childhood friends, but they seem pretty close even after breaking up.”

The murmurs of the girls were barely audible.

“But I heard Jin Soyeon dumped him just to get close to Siwoon.”

“Really? Doesn’t look like they’re on bad terms, though.”

They were speculating about my relationship with Jin Soyeon.

“Keep it down, will you?”

Hong Daye squashed the rising noise.

“Are both teams ready?”

After alternating looks between teams 1 and 2, Hong Daye used a remote to encase the training hall in a protective barrier.

It was resistant to physical and magical attacks, durable enough to withstand any assault from a student’s level.

Not just student attacks.

Even if it were Hong Daye herself, breaking through this barrier without proper equipment would take considerable time.

It was a safety measure to prevent any structural damage to the building or harm to the spectators, should supernatural abilities go awry.

…which was precisely the issue with this episode.

“Then let’s begin.”

With those words from Hong Daye, the first practical assessment and the main storyline officially commenced.

Alright, the dice had already been cast.

Might as well give it my all.

***

For a moment, utter silence enveloped the training hall.

Neither team rushed recklessly to snatch the flag, instead, each sneaking glances at their team leaders, Lee Siwoon and Kang Daehan.

“Snatching flags is so mundane…”

Suddenly, in a blur, Lee Siwoon swung his sword horizontally.

Whoosh!

“Wow?”

“What the…?”

“Is that… that move?”

A single strike. From a distance, he swung his sword, and a bluish magical slash surged forth as fast as a beam of light, striking Kang Daehan. Daehan, with beast-like reflexes, whirled his spear to deflect the magic-imbued slash.

“…Impressive.”

It was the art of the Sword Qi Wounder. In-game, it was an exquisitely difficult feat that allowed a swordsman to harm others with sword energy alone, a skill boasting immense difficulty. Even among current heroes, only the top 10% could utilize it. Yet here was a student, freshly enrolled in the Academy, performing such a technique. Though the power seemed somewhat reduced.

“Wow, that’s insane. Siwoon, you’re amazing!”

“Top student class is really something else, huh?”

The students were astonished, which was understandable. This was a skill they might not even acquire as active heroes.

‘This is the difference talent makes.’

I couldn’t help feeling a pang of envy.

“Sword Qi Wounder, huh. It’s the first time I’ve seen it from a new student other than Baek Yoorin this year,” Hong Daye murmured, seemingly taken aback.

“…He knows this won’t reach me. Is it a provocation? Interesting. Looking all saintly.”

Kang Daehan, far from demoralized, curled his lips into a wicked grin, intrigued by the challenge.

He realized Siwoon’s mastery of the technique wasn’t high, and it consumed too much magical energy to use frequently.

“Alright, let’s have a go!”

Daehan lunged forward, followed by his team.

Siwoon stood his ground, sword ready, the only one capable of holding Daehan at bay.

Clang! Ting!

Sparks flew in their clash.

While these two dueled, the outcome rested on their teammates.

Siwoon’s team had Jin Soyeon and Yuliya Troyanova; Daehan’s included Kim Taeo and Park Soojin.

Aside from Jin Soyeon, all were top students within the top 100 ranks.

“Park Soojin, I’ll handle Yuliya. You keep an eye on Jin Soyeon.”

“Okay. I’ll finish this quickly.”

Confidence oozed from Park Soojin as she advanced on Jin Soyeon, her whip cracking through the air.

She was certain of victory in a one-on-one.

“Trying to snag a victory against Siwoon, of all people? In your dreams.”

“…I won’t argue with that.”

Jin Soyeon parried the whip, responding calmly. With each strike, the whip’s thwack echoed.

But she couldn’t block every attack. Hits landed on her shoulder, thigh, arm.

Tiny droplets of blood appeared with each scrape. Nevertheless, Jin Soyeon focused on defense to the end.

“Hey, Park Soojin! How long are you going to take? Finish her off and help me out!”

“Shut up! She’s damn persistent!”

Park Soojin grew more frantic at Kim Taeo’s calls, clearly struggling. Maybe it was the pressure to land a decisive blow that made her body coil for a full-powered swing, intent on breaking through Jin Soyeon’s defense.

However, at that moment…

“What?!”

Jin Soyeon, who had been waiting for this, quickly pivoted on her foot. Park Soojin whipped out, but Jin Soyeon, already anticipating this, dodged by ducking. Then she thrust the hilt of her sword right into Park Soojin’s solar plexus.

“Cough! Ugh…”

Critical hit.

Staggering with the blow to her solar plexus, Park Soojin groaned, and Jin Soyeon, seizing the moment, delivered a fierce strike to her jaw.

Park Soojin was out cold, likely concussed.

“Damn it! Park Soojin!”

“Oh my. Impressive, Soyeon.”

“Damn, let go of me!”

“Soyeon, I’ll hold her. Go for the flag.”

“Got it!”

Jin Soyeon sprinted towards the flag at the center, swiftly pulling it from the ground.

Kim Taeo tried to intervene, but Yuliya’s relentless onslaught left him overwhelmed.

So, with no further hindrance, Jin Soyeon planted the flag in her team’s territory, concluding the match.

While Siwoon and Daehan’s duel ended in a draw, it was the teamwork that tipped the scales.

“Is it over already? Team 1 wins.”

At the instructor’s announcement, Daehan’s teammates, minus Daehan himself, looked forlorn, embarrassed by their defeat in the opening match. Daehan came down from the stage, muttering, “Cheh, boring. Let’s settle this next time.”

‘Soyeon followed the strategy I suggested, focusing on defense and waiting for the right moment to strike back.’

I had advised her to bide her time against Park Soojin and counter when she overcommitted. I hadn’t expected her to execute it so well. I guess protagonists will be protagonists.

“Whew…”

Wiping the sweat from her forehead, Jin Soyeon turned to me and smiled.

“I’ll take the first win. Make sure you get to the finals. I’d like to see what you’ve got, Jinhyuk.”

“Sure. I’ll be waiting. I’ll show you what I can do.”

I returned her playful challenge with a smile.

“Team 3 and Team 4…”

“Teams 9 and 10…”

“Teams 12 and 14…”

How much time had passed?

“Finally, Teams 15 and 16, step forward.”

It was finally my turn.