The Genius of Cloning in the Academy City

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For several days, we worked hard.

While the outside Violets hustled to earn money and secure their bases, the school Violets weren’t just slacking off either.

“Another strange class today.”

“Just zone out!”

After all, aside from a few classes, most professors deliver lackluster lectures or go off on irrelevant tangents related to the content.

“…Creatures emerging from the dimensions, or those eroded by the Ether, possess a resilient life force. Where does life force come from? Tenacity! That’s what mental strength means!

Thus, everyone must thoroughly prepare your mental fortitude!”

We decided to ignore the biology lectures and have some fun. As long as we don’t get an F, we’re fine!

At a glance, the clone attending class seemed focused, but in reality, it was different. Eighteenth Clone was currently sharing the perspective of a standby clone gaming on a smartphone in the dormitory. It’s a legal game stream.

“There are lots of fun games here. Though the subcultures seem a bit lacking.”

“Hey! Don’t do it like that! Control it better.”

Killing time like this means class ends quickly.

“Professor! Is it true that there might be intelligent beings akin to humans in the dimensions where monsters appear?”

As class was wrapping up, one student raised their hand to ask. That question triggered a forceful emotional reaction from the professor.

“What? Where did you hear such nonsense? The intelligence of monsters is only slightly better than that of monkeys. That’s fake news that the Federation would spread!”

“Ah… Professor, it’s not my thought. I’ve recently seen scholars say that in the news…”

“What? Scholars? I’m a scholar, and you’re saying I’m spreading conspiracy theories? Hey! What’s your name? Minus points!”

Watching the enraged professor, I recalled something. Just like the student said, there might be intelligent beings in the dimensions resembling humans in both intelligence and appearance.

Ideally, they’d be friendly neighbors, but there’s an implication that this being is some kind of demon lord and isn’t friendly toward humanity. There were also talks of them possibly being the mastermind behind the first invasion.

It seems their existence hasn’t been revealed yet. Perhaps only high-ranking members of clans or the Federation are aware.

“Anyway, at this point, if I were to explain it to someone, they’d probably just call it a conspiracy theory.”

“You’re right; there’s really no need to open our mouths.”

Somehow, it seemed our mental fortitude-adoring professor, known for liking to give lectures about his own exploits, had a class on tactics next.

“Now, everyone, sit down. Let me tell you about a region I conquered during my explorations… where was it… along with three comrades… and which academy they came from… when I met that friend, I realized the importance of physical training…”

It’s amazing how he can fill hours of class solely with his personal stories. Still, this instructor doesn’t seem too harsh on the students, so that’s a plus.

“Students! So what tactical lesson can we glean from this story?”

“…Teamwork?”

“Courage?”

“Looks like everyone’s grasped it pretty well. Write a report on the important tactical lesson I’ve emphasized throughout my lecture! It must be completed by the next class, within five pages, hand-written!”

Forget what I just said about it being a positive; who even writes hand-written reports in this day and age!

“Ugh! What the heck kind of tactic are we supposed to discuss from that nonsense?”

“Let’s just write something!”

Later tonight, I’ll call five clones and make them each write a page. That should wrap up within an hour.

Yet the afternoon’s classes were better, as there was a history class on general education and a weapons technique session with a scary instructor. Although it felt tough here, there were some lessons to learn.

The subject [Understanding World History After the War] was taught by a kindly looking old professor. I paid close attention to this lecture. I was checking out history books I borrowed from the library anyway, and it turned out he was teaching things I really needed to know.

I also don’t know all the background settings.

“…Humanity barely managed to fend off the first invasion, but the crisis did not end. With monsters rampaging, countries collapsing, and issues with gates and dimension erosion leading to the emergence of refugees, some Awakened ones gaining the power of Ether turned into criminals. All of humanity plunged into chaos for decades.

…These issues couldn’t be resolved by the power of individual countries. That’s why a single organization was born through the agreements of existing international bodies and states that felt the need for strong unity. What might that be, students?”

As the professor gently asked a student in the front row, the response came immediately.

“The Federation!”

“Correct! It’s the Federation. From that year, we started using a new calendar referred to as ‘Federation Era.’ This kind of thing didn’t exist when I was younger… Oh dear, did I just reveal my oldness?”

As the professor jokingly self-deprecated, the students smiled faintly. The class continued, revolving around questions and answers. I just kept nodding along while listening.

“…While the friction between the Federation and clans surrounding the academy city nearly escalated to extremes, this incident served as a turning point that led to the recognition of each other’s special circumstances and relationships. What do we call that?”

The students’ gaze turned towards me. Huh? Why are they suddenly looking at me?

“You in the back, female student? Correct. It’s you!”

So it must have been me. Wait, I know this setting too. It was a very simple term.

“Tea Time?”

I answered whimsically without thinking.

“Correct! Student. Let’s continue.

As a result of this Tea Time Agreement, clans were able to come to an accord regarding the ownership of the Rustrooms and other territories they previously occupied…”

Thank goodness. That was an unexpected question, but I handled it well.

I feel like I could genuinely enjoy this history class moving forward.

“Well, it is general knowledge after all!”

“Still, at least he teaches better than those professors from earlier.”

Now, what was left was the weapons technique class.

Once I stepped into the gymnasium, Instructor Frederick rushed over as soon as he saw me, brimming with excitement.

“You brat! Did you practice properly over the weekend?”

“I did!”

I demonstrated the output of my sword energy, trained in real battle. I showcased the slightly thicker and brighter energy than before, but the instructor just glanced and started scolding me fiercely.

“Did you? What did you do? Look at those chubby cheeks; you just lazed around, sleeping and eating, didn’t you?! Such a puny output! A kindergarten kid’s pee stream is stronger than this! More! Adjust it!”

“Uuuugh…”

As I groaned, Frederick’s wrinkles deepened.

“What’s with the uuuugh? Ugh… pathetic…”

The other students snickered.

“Hey, you practicing over there, why are you laughing? Didn’t you start flying from the very beginning? You little brats. When you hit the field, all of you are in D-rank; at best, just a C-rank beginning level. Everyone! 50 push-ups!”

As the instructor’s thunderous voice echoed, everyone quickly dropped to the floor and began their push-ups. Caught off guard, our struggles only increased.

“One! Two! Three!…”

While working out to the count, I glanced sideways. The other students didn’t seem to be struggling. I could see traces of the Ether’s glow flowing through their limbs. They must be using physical enhancement.

But Frederick was no one to let them off easy. He walked around with the assistant instructors, diligently keeping everyone in check.

“What are you doing! Aren’t you drawing Ether from your arms? Get up! We’re starting again. This time, 70 reps! If you get caught using physical enhancement, you’re dead!”

A moment later, the auditorium filled with screams from the students.

I struggled a little too.

However, there was one advantage.

[Pain felt by the entity is dispersed across clones, slowing down the sensation – Slowdown Amount: 5%]

Thanks to my unique ability, I dispersed the suffering among the others. The fatigue didn’t completely disappear, but at least the muscle ache was less than before.

My other selves in different places complained about the unexpected pain.

“Ow! Why am I running while hunting monsters again!”

“Sorry!”

Instructor Frederick pushed us for thirty minutes, putting us through the ringer.

“Argh!”

“Ugh… my arm…”

“You’re whining over this little bit? Next, 70 jumping jacks! I won’t bother giving a final count!”

“Gah!”

Unfortunately, some friends couldn’t avoid the final count like they might in a military training camp. After finishing our drill, everyone was panting, at which point Frederick ordered us to release our sword energy. Everyone’s energy output visibly dropped.

“Look at your states! Just because your breathing got rough, your sword energy is in this state? If you stay this scattered in real battle, you’ll be heading to a mortician’s interview. So today, along with maintaining a basic stance and controlling Ether output, we’ll learn breathing techniques.”

Wow, I’m learning something new.

After a while longer of instruction, Frederick came over again.

“Hey brat, you… hmm? You’re not outputting as godly as I’d expect. Do you usually exercise?”

Now that I look at it, my sword energy output didn’t seem that different. Why could that be? I don’t know either. Is it the effect of pain dispersion?

Thinking back, there were instances in the dungeon where my breathing got rough and my sword energy decreased, but those occurrences have reduced over these few days. Since I’ve died every time my energy weakened, I must have strived to maintain it.

After class ended, Frederick conveyed some notices.

“Review is life! Practice and practice again! The gym has been tidied up, so it’ll be open starting this week. You can come by yourself or not. Do as you please.”

Oh, I might be able to drop by sometime later.

When class ended, it was still afternoon. The students in the southwest were still out hunting, while I in the central area was lounging on the couch after finishing a talk with Kalia. Kalia looked quite flustered upon seeing us. I was a bit surprised by the head pat, though.

“It’s snack time!”

The clones usually eat heartily as long as their finances allow, but we agreed to grab a snack every set time. As long as we consume over 1,500 calories, maintaining the clones is fine, but as a cute girl, there are just so many things I want to eat.

Recently, I realized one of the advantages of having a cute girl’s body. Unlike before, I can stuff food in my stomach as much as I want without feeling stuffed. It’s fantastic to shovel in sweet, salty, sour, and greasy foods until I’m bursting, and then eat something new and stimulating the next day without any burden.

This time, I was heading to the convenience store on the first floor of the Student Council Building to buy the Cream Spaghetti Set I had been eyeing for a while. The Student Council Building was a 5-story building constructed in the neoclassical style.

Isn’t it odd to have a convenience store stuck outside such an antiquated building? Yet, I guess because of the school’s large scale, the convenience store is sizable and offers a wide variety of goods, which is nice.

I noticed a crowd gathering at the door.

“What event is going on?”

As I squeezed through the throng, I saw a sign set up in front of the convenience store.

<Freshman Management Board Notice>

Starting today, students from the 25th class are restricted from using all stores/restaurants inside and around Polaris Comprehensive Academy.

The reasons for the restrictions are as follows:

1. Eating out wastes precious money for you students.

2. Eating out or indulging in snacks leads to increased litter.

3. Increased litter results in severe environmental pollution.

4. Severe environmental pollution leads to anger, disrupting harmony among seniors and juniors and breaking school order.

5. If school order is destroyed, the combat power of Awakened ones may weaken, leading to the possible destruction of the world.

Should you be found violating these measures, you will receive punishment from the patrolling management board seniors.

-The Freshman Management Board Team

“What’s this nonsense?”

They’re doing things even the military wouldn’t. Among it all, the written notice is rife with typos. What’s with ‘Pake’ and ‘Goes’?

I ignored the notice and approached the convenience store door.

“Ugh?”

The door swung wide open, and I stepped aside in surprise.

-Ku-Kwaang!

“Ahhh!”

“Gyaaa!”

“Gahhh!”

Suddenly, there was a loud crashing sound, and a few students were thrown out the door. Two students who appeared to be the culprits stepped forward and shouted.

“Did you read the notice? Starting now, dining at stores and restaurants inside and outside the school is temporarily restricted!”

Seeing them wearing armbands while doing this, it wasn’t even funny.

I could see freshmen protesting up front, but once the seniors drew their swords and set up magic circles, everyone quieted down. Violence is terrifying.

I tried to sneak inside while they were making a fuss.

“Where do you think you’re going!”

“Ugh!”

As I tried to sneak in, I got caught. I pretended to be a fellow classmate.

“Hey, what year are you?”

“I’m from the 24th class!”

Being brazen, a female student then asked.

“Really? What was last year’s [Introduction to Dimensional Physics] professor’s name?”

“Uh…”

Oh no! I’ve been completely busted! As I attempted to escape, a male student grabbed my hair and tossed me away.

“Eeeek! My hair! Let go of my hair! Ugh!”

“Stay still!”

As I dusted myself off, I saw several sparkling magic circles forming in the hands of the female student.

“Wow… look at this one, daring to act like a senior?”

“Pulling someone by the hair is going too far… De-Damn?”

“Knock them down. Air Blast!”

-Kwabang!

“Ugggaaa!”

I was hit by a compressed gust of wind and flew far away.

-Kung!

After smashing into the ground and rolling several times, I crashed into a shrub by the roadside. The first-year students watching me winced and backed away.

“What a nasty…”

[The pain felt by the entity is dispersed across clones, slowing down the sensation – Slowdown Amount: 5%]

With the pain eased, I stood up, brushing off the dirt when I felt something slippery running down my chin.

As I wiped my hand, it came away stained with bloody nose.

I couldn’t hold back.

“I… won’t forgive you…!”

As I pulled out my hammer to charge, I suddenly calmed down. It was because I remembered that the girl had cast a spell.

The spell she used was mainly for control or suppression, Air Blast. It wouldn’t kill me for being hit, but I can’t get close at my current level. It’s a technique meant for subduing mobs.

Since I still had some mana left, I created two clones, donned them with masks, and had them circle back into the Student Council Building.

“Seventeenth clone, Eighteenth clone, go to the roof and wait. Watch out for the CCTV!”

“Confirmed.”

I relayed a request to the other selves after conveying my ordeal.

-You’re still not in the Novaastia Dungeon, right? Grab a rock for me!-

-Okay! There’s a good one nearby; I’ll send it right away.-

The central clone hesitated.

-No, things from inside the dungeon will look awkward. There’s a suitable one nearby instead.-

I could see the two seniors pretending to be seniors still standing at the convenience store entrance. They were fiddling with their smartphones and chattering about what was good.

-The rooftop door is locked. I’ll break in with sword energy!-

Soon the Seventeenth and Eighteenth clones who reached the rooftop took out the planters that were transmitted. It was an appropriately weighted and sized yellowed, worn flowerpot.

-As an Awakened one, I shouldn’t die from this, right?-

At the right moment, I signaled to the clones. Two pots fell simultaneously. The heavy pots picked up speed.

A Newton’s mechanics force of 9.8m per second squared struck the heads of those trash senior students.

-CRASH!

“Uwaaaah!”

“Gwaaaak!”

I succeeded! Physics doesn’t lie!

After the pots hit their heads, they collapsed without even screaming. With the loud noise, the attention of passersby was drawn, and soon the area became a commotion.

“Ahhh!”

“Someone fell! Call the rescue team! The health room!”

“Looks like they got hit with a flowerpot!”

“How are they managing things?”

The Seventeenth and Eighteenth clones on the rooftop were immediately reconstituted. After watching from a distance, I saw them being taken away by an ambulance shortly after. From what I heard people say, it seemed they just fainted.

“Hehehe.”

As I approached, I saw an overturned sign. I tossed it into the flowerbed beside me and headed into the convenience store to buy some food.

-I hope I didn’t get caught?-

-I didn’t do it; gravity made it happen.-

Some among us voiced concerns, but after that, no one came looking for anyone. It was a perfect crime.

The Cream Spaghetti Set for dinner was simply savory and delicious.