The Former Assassin Becomes a Noble Lady

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– The Slinia Gorge operation is the battle with the demonic race that resulted in the highest number of human casualties in history. Analyze the reasons for the failure of the Slinia Gorge operation, and suggest the most appropriate alternative tactics and operations for capturing the gorge. (10 points)

Tick-tock, tick-tock

In the quiet classroom, the ticking of the clock’s second hand penetrates through the scratching of pens, urging the students onward.

It’s the final written exam of the midterms. This is the last question in the ‘Basics of Tactics’ subject. Instead of spinning my knife as I usually do, I instead spin my pen furiously, trying hard to squeeze my brain for answers.

Considering the weight of the score and the fact that this is the final question, it’s particularly tricky. The Slinia Gorge operation is one of the most infamous failures, and there are already numerous papers analyzed by experts far superior to the students at the academy. However, what the professor desires is not such common answers. The truly significant part of the question will likely be found in my opinions.

To be honest, I’m good at one-on-one combat and ambushes, but I’m not that knowledgeable about group combat or tactics. I’ve learned a bit during the last two months at the academy, but compared to other students, I’m inevitably lacking. So, I’ll at least jot down a strategy that would catch the professor’s eye on the answer sheet.

My answer is “Deploy a Hero.” Isn’t it obvious? In front of a hero, you take one hit, I take one hit; everyone is equal. After all, the Slinia Gorge requires the attacking side to navigate a narrow area, so it’s most suitable to deploy a highly elite force. In that case, rather than just any elite force, deploying a single hero would solve the problem. Sure, there were many obstacles back then, such as the hero’s position or political restraints, which made it difficult to deploy the hero, but that’s not my concern. For the later part, I just filled the answer sheet with some nonsense that even I couldn’t understand.

Anyway, practical exams are more important than written ones. I can make up for any shortcomings in the written exam with my practical scores.

One of the reasons I’m writing my answers so easily is that I have given up my status as the top scholarship student. With a monstrous talent like Selian, who excels in both written and practical exams, being ranked first is impossible. Of course, even if I’m not the top student, there’s a simple way to get a full scholarship.

Just add a title like Sword Master or Great Wizard. It’s that simple, right? Well, it’s simple in theory, but incredibly difficult in practice.

So, I’m just aiming for partial scholarships. Exemptions for dormitory fees, waivers for tuition… My ability to be so casual about this comes thanks to the grace of the boss. Once again, I bow my head towards the direction of the Magic Building, Room 707. Of course, only in my heart. If I did something like that during the exam, I’d be caught cheating and get a score of zero.

“Ah~ I feel like I bombed this exam~”

After the final written exam, Anne, who submitted her answer sheet first, approached me and Selian with a lament.

If anyone else had said such a thing, I would have wondered if they were trying to deceive us, but there’s no need to think that way with Anne. She must have genuinely struggled on the exam. This is not a jab at Anne; it’s an obvious fact that all of us, including Selian, Yuli, and the rest of the class, know. Fact!

“Ahaha… Well, at least the content I definitely mentioned would come up on the exam did indeed come up, so that’s a relief.”

Yuli, aware of this, comforts Anne by patting her drooping shoulders. While Selian tutored me, Anne received tutoring from Yuli.

Anne, that little rascal, snagged a free question.

“What!? There was that!?”

Ah, I overestimated Anne.

“Anyway, I think I did decently thanks to Selian. I’ll ask you again next time!”

“Sure. Just let me know at any time.”

So kind, as always. By the way, Selian, who always sticks close to me during study sessions, when on earth does she study for herself? Based on my self-scoring, she seems to have gotten perfect scores in every subject. Is this the standard for being a hero?

“Looks like what’s left is just the mock battle? Great~ I’ll definitely make up for it here!”

The sunken Anne has revived. She’s definitely a bit… a bit slow on the uptake, but she ranks top-tier in practical performance.

It’s exactly the opposite with Yuli. Yuli excels in written exams but lacks in practical ones, while Anne excels in practicals but struggles with written ones.

“Alright! Let’s hurry up!”

Following Anne, who dashed off in the distance, the three of us made our way to the next exam location.

*

“The exam will be conducted in turns. There are a total of 10 stages, starting from stage 1, you will move up a level each time you pass. Since the monsters faced will be different for each participant, there’s no advantage for anyone who goes later. Those who are ready, please come forward.”

“I’ll go first!”

The moment Professor Den finished speaking, Anne shot her hand up eagerly.

“Very well, Anne Clayton. Please come forward.”

Since today is a battle against monsters created with illusion magic, there’s no need to use wooden swords. Thus, what Anne brought was her own weapon.

Slide, scrape

The sound of Anne’s weapon dragging on the stone floor is audible. Of course, Anne isn’t misbehaving by dragging it on purpose.

In her hand is a massive Great Sword. The wooden sword we used during our training was already big enough to surpass Anne’s height, but the Great Sword she currently holds is incomparable; it’s more fitting to call it a giant club due to its size, lacking even the distinctive shine that a sword should have under sunlight. Still, the cutting edge looks sharp though. The weight must be immense, yet the petite Anne drags it along without a care.

Standing at the center, Anne looks excited to finally wield her true weapon again.

“Before we start, let’s give applause to our two teaching assistants from the Magic Department. Their illusion magic skills are proven, so there’s no need to worry about actual injuries. However, do keep in mind that pushing too hard without understanding your own capabilities could lead to point deductions.”

Clap, clap, clap

The applause echoes as the two teaching assistants bow once towards the professor and then again towards us. However, their appearances are quite the sight. The dark circles under their eyes are noticeable from a distance, and their movements lack any vigor.

“Alright, Anne Clayton? Let’s begin right away.”

At Professor Den’s gesture, the two teaching assistants infused their magic into the prepared magic circle in the dueling area. Three goblins then appeared. I’m not sure if this level is easy or difficult since I don’t know the overall difficulty.

In the meantime, the three goblins are threatening Anne with their clattering sounds, looking far from what one would imagine from an illusion.

Swish!

However, the goblins’ threats are utterly useless. With a single stroke from Anne, who approached at an unimaginable speed, the three goblins were instantly cut in half. They may be illusions and monsters, but one can’t help but feel empathy for them.

“Next!”

Anne shouted, clearly unsatisfied. By the way, Anne. Even though they’re from a different department, referring to the teaching assistants in a casual manner… Seems she’s so hyped up from the real combat that she’s disregarding any etiquette.

Nonetheless, the teaching assistants are unfazed and immediately summoned the next monster.

*

“Next, please!”

After taking a brief breath, I shouted towards the assistants. The monster I just defeated was a salamander, and I faced it at stage 8. With this, I’ve caught up with the stage Anne cleared. Of course, Selian cleared stage 10 and received full marks, but.

Even if I stop now, I’m guaranteed at least second place. But, I can still move forward.

Being the last turn in my class, the worn-out assistants seemed to show slight vigor as they summoned the next monster’s illusion.

What appeared was a gigantic Steel Bear. The Steel Bear is known for its sturdy defense and immense strength.

Bang!

As the Steel Bear rushed in, quickly swinging its arm, the sound of steel clashing echoed.

It was impossible to take such an attack straight on, so I didn’t resist and instead dodged backward to disperse the impact.

However, the Steel Bear quickly closed the distance again, swinging its massive arm once more.

Whoosh!

I ducked low as a terrifying wind rushed over my head. Even though it’s just an illusion, the sensations feel anything but illusory.

I swung my sword with an aura towards the empty abdomen of the Steel Bear.

Clang!

The aura could easily slice through rocks, but was insufficient to pierce the Steel Bear’s tough hide. However, upon closer inspection, there was a slight crack on the Steel Bear’s abdomen.

Perhaps enraged by my infliction, the Steel Bear went wild.

Thud!

This time, I failed to evade and took a hit to my side. Did the illusion magic even implement pain? I nearly lost consciousness from the Steel Bear’s frenzied force.

It’s just a mock battle; couldn’t I have just brushed off the pain?

I tightened my grip on my waning sense and sword, preparing for the next attack.

I was already briefed on how to deal with the Steel Bear by Selian. The simplest method involved using fire magic.

The Steel Bear, clad in iron armor, is vulnerable to fire. Even if the armor withstands, the insides would be roasted if exposed to flames. Even without direct magical damage, it would self-destruct from merely being scorched. It’s even said that older individuals can’t withstand heat and die easily; it’s a monster with a clear weakness.

If this had been a class in the Magic Department, regardless of the monster’s strength, my level would have likely been rated 1-2 levels lower.

But wielding a sword, I couldn’t use fire magic. After all, I don’t even know how to use magic.

So I choose a plan B.

Dodging the Steel Bear’s chaotic attacks, I relentlessly target its abdomen. With each hit from my aura-enveloped sword, the crack on the Steel Bear’s belly slowly widened.

Finally,

Crack!

With a last-ditch thrust, I broke through the Steel Bear’s armor, striking directly at its heart.

Even as a monster, if its heart is pierced, it must die. Whether my attack just now counted as killing the Steel Bear remains unclear, but the Steel Bear disintegrated into dust and scattered into the air.

While it may appear that I easily defeated it at a glance, granting a single opportunity had nearly cost me the match. Had I delayed my reaction even slightly, I surely would have been hit by the following attacks.

Whether it was dangerous or barely passing, I had made it through to stage 9. With this, my second place was assured after Selian.

For your information, Selian cleared stage 10; Anne challenged stage 9 but failed due to an unfavorable matchup, and Yuli progressed through stage 3 before forfeit.

Now what’s left for me is only stage 10. If I had been called before Selian, I would have challenged stage 10.

“I forfeit.”

However, I don’t greedily push further and calmly step back. It’s not that I lack competitive spirit. Even if I attempted and failed, second place would still be guaranteed. However, not challenging is due to…

“Good choice. Honestly, I didn’t expect a student to clear stage 10 while preparing for this exam. Truly, the House Deretia.”

It was due to Selian’s battle I witnessed earlier. Selian cleared stage 9 effortlessly. And naturally, she challenged stage 10. But what emerged there was the demonic race.

Ultimately, being illusions, the summoned demons likely had no titles and perhaps not even names. However, they certainly wouldn’t be of a level a first-year could clear with ease. After all, they were demons.

If my side wasn’t throbbing from the earlier blow from the Steel Bear, I might have considered challenging, but in my current state, I would only lose helplessly. For now, this is the limit of my capabilities.

Of course, Selian easily defeated that demon. Regardless of their aura or physical stats, they were only slightly better than mine. However, her sword moved efficiently like a machine, taking no losses as she toyed with the summoned demon.

“Everyone, you’ve all worked hard with your midterms. Get plenty of rest over the weekend, and I’ll see you in the next class!”

With Professor Den’s words, students erupted in excitement. Some rushed to the dorms to catch up on sleep lost to studying, while others grouped together to relieve the stress from the midterms outside the academy.

Naturally, I’m in the company of Selian, Anne, and Yuli.

“Ugh! Alright! Shall we go for a get-together then?”

Anne, stretching with a strange sound, was the first to speak up.

“Elysia, is there anywhere you’d like to go?”

Following Anne’s words, Yuli directed a question to me.

“Well, I’m a bit tired, but it feels a bit disappointing just to head back to the dorms.”

Speaking of which, the café Selian and I went to last time was quite nice; should we go there together?

“More importantly, Elysia, are you okay from earlier when you got hit?”

“Yeah? Oh, I’m fine. Since it was a pain implemented with magic, the pain vanished as soon as the exam ended.”

“But it must’ve hurt when you got hit. Are you really okay?”

Selian is just too kind. Of course, when she wielded her sword, she was not kind at all.

“I’m fine, really. How about you, Selian? Don’t you have anywhere you’d like to go?”

“As long as it’s anywhere Elysia wants to go, I won’t mind.”

In a situation where no one voices their opinions, I was about to decide on the most neutral option, the café, when Anne jumped in first.

“Then since we’ve sweat a bit, shall we all head there?”

I have no idea where “there” is, but since no one has any other plans, I decide to follow Anne for now.

And the place we followed Anne to is…

“Wait! This is a Bathhouse!!!”