Necromancer Academy’s Genius Summoner

Chapter 39

As their interest towards Simons tutor suddenly rose, Simon smiled awkwardly. Piers clone hanging on Simon's school uniform as a decoration grinned as though he enjoyed the situation.

[Kwahahahahaha! Im pretty popular among the kids!]

My head is ringing, so please be quiet, Pier.

[Tell them that Im willing to teach! If they die and become a member of the Legion!]

You see, in Kizen, its forbidden to turn a living person into an undead.

Simon forced himself to put a smile on his face and opened his mouth.

Sorry. Hes a person whos really reluctant to reveal his identity. And hes really busy too. Teaching me alone is already a huge hindrance to his work.

Meilyn made a sullen face.

So youre not telling us, huh? How petty.

Rick giggled while leaning back into his hands behind his head.

Its not being petty, but its something natural. Simon might have to leave the school if your Summoning grade goes up, you know? Would you share if you were in Simon's position?

Th-Thats true, but

Its not like that at all. I cant share because hes just really busy.

Now, now!

It was always Camibarez who arbitrated quarrels. She jumped up to her feet and clenched her fists. 

We rested for 10 minutes already! Lets get back to practicing!

Oh, its already been that long?

Lets quickly do one more round!

The practice for the performance assessment continued till late at night.

* * *

The weekend had passed, and a new week came with the scheduled Cyclops performance assessment.

At the same time, there was one big change in Kizens school life from this week on.

Which was

Scott Snyder, Im deducting you 10 points.

That the student protection period had completely ended.

The professors could officially evaluate and grade the students now, and they could also punish or take disciplinary action.

Did you bring this garbage as an assignment?

Too slow! Too slow! Everyones so damn slow! Assistants! Deduct 20 points to all students who arent keeping up with the progress right now!

Get out of my class right now.

The professors of Kizen revealed their true colors as if they were waiting for it.

Their attitudes had completely flipped, to the point that it almost made the students doubt if they were the same professors who treated them with kindness.

Classes became harder, and students who couldnt keep up with the classes were mercilessly deducted. Students who were judged to be underperforming were also expelled from class.

Students were weeping at the changed attitude of the professors, but only now could they feel the reality that they were in Kizen.

Weaklings werent needed in Kizen.

As proof of that statement, 20 people packed their things after the student protection period was lifted for two days.

Despite the midterm exam, performance assessment, and duel assessment not yet being conducted, the dropout rate was this high.

Simon also had a hard time adjusting to the changed atmosphere during the two days when the student protection period was lifted.

If there was a professor who treated students the same as before

Come on, run!

Yes Miss!

It was Hong Feng of Combat Magic.

To speak the truth, she didnt really care about the student protection period at all, as she made the students hang on a running hippo and climb a hill with a curse on since the beginning of the class. She even recklessly bumped them into a herd of hippos.

So, unlike other professors classes, where their difficulty jumped, Hong Fengs classes were the same. The students came to a point where they felt relatively comfortable with the Combat Magic class. 

Of course, Hong Feng wasnt really a professor who nitpicked students and gave them deductions or put pressure on them mentally either.

Huff! Huff! Still, its way better to run thoughtlessly like this!

Rick, who was running next to Simon, said this while breathing heavily.

I still remember the eyes of Professor Bahil, who gave me 10 point deductions in a row! Huff! Huff! Hurray to Combat Magic, fucker! Im going to take it in the 2nd semester too!

Simon giggled.

Hah hah! You guys are so relaxed!

Simon and Rick turned their heads.

Huh? Meilyn?

Meilyn, who was always behind in every running session, was catching up with the two today. She was running frantically even though she looked like she was out of breath and panicking.

Huff! Phew! Whats gotten into you? Can you just raise your pace recklessly like that?

Instead of answering, Meilyn bit her lip and ran past the two of them in the end. Ricks eyes shook.

How desperate. Huff! By the way, whats wrong with her?

Tomorrow is the Cyclops performance assessment, you see.

As the leader of Group 7 and the participating member, she felt a strong sense of responsibility for this Cyclops performance assessment, more so than anyone else.

Meilyns biggest weakness was her lack of stamina and slow movements, making it hard for her to dodge the Cyclops attacks properly. So, she focused more on training her stamina than Dark Flare for the rest of her time.

Honestly, shes really amazing.

Ranking 1st in the written entrance exam.

1st in Class A.

The only person with an average score of 90s on Janes test.

Simon thought that Meilyn was only a genius, but in reality, she was an extremely hard worker.

According to Camibarez, Meilyn didnt even sleep properly so she could study.

They studied together until late at night in the female dormitory lounge, and when she went back after sleeping the next morning, she could still see Meilyn studying with a tissue in her nose.

She said that she overcame her fatigue and drowsiness with drugs and potions so that it wouldnt interfere with her during class.

From morning until she fell asleep, study, study, study, study.

Simon had no idea as to what made her so persistent.

* * *

* * *

Now, rest!

As soon as Hong Fengs instructions were given, the students laid on the grass as though they were waiting for it. The assistant teachers went around and distributed stamina recovering drinks.

Errrgh.

Rick, who emptied his drink at one go, sprawled out on the ground.

One thing Im sure of is that, if you take Combat Magic classes for 3 years, youll be so buff by the time you graduate. Im certain about this.

Hearing Ricks joke, Camibarez touched her leg.

Simon saw that and giggled a little.

Doing some running in combat classes wont get you muscles, Cami.

What? What?! No! Its not like that!

Camis quite slender, so its okay for her to be a little thicker.

I-Im telling you its nothing like that!

Meilyn approached at a quick pace at that moment when the sound of friendly laughter lingered between the three of them.

Simon! Please take a look at me.

Hm?

That thing where you step on the jet-black

She bent her knees and jumped in place. It was considerably high, and jet-black was formed properly under her legs.

Woooosh!

While sliding over the grass, she came down and looked back at Simon with her eyes shining.

What do you think? What do you think?

Uh Mm.

Simon scratched his head.

Youre really good. I mean it.

Really? Really? Fufu! I kept on practicing for tomorrow, you see!

Youre really amazing, Meilyn!

To overcome a weakness in such a short time. As Camibarez said, it was an amazing achievement.

Of course, she mustve put in a near unimaginable amount of effort behind the scenes.

She looked like she abused her feet till now. The state of them didnt look that good when she was landing.

Dont push yourself too hard, Meilyn.

Worriedly said Simon.

We were able to hunt the Cyclops during the simulation, you see? The success of the performance assessment is somewhat in our reach.

Yes, but I wont be satisfied with just success.

A fire lit up in Meilyns eyes.

1st place. Im trying my best to get 1st place.

When Simon was about to open his mouth to say something, the assistant teachers clapped their hands.

Come on everyone, get up! Well run to the next destination now!

Yes!

The students, who had become accustomed to Hong Fengs class now, quickly got up and stood in line.

Lets go!

With Hong Fengs shout, everyone went down the hill while enjoying the cool breeze.

This place where yellow grape blossoms were in full bloom looked like the whole mountain covered in gold.

Simon couldnt help but admire Hong Fengs eye for choosing only the places with beautiful natural scenery as a class location.

Simon!

Just then, Hong Feng came out of nowhere. Simon replied in surprise,

Ah, yes Professor?!

Are you practicing the jet-black operation I taught you properly?

Of course!

Hong Feng had taught Simon the technique of temporarily increasing the bodys capability by activating the jet-black in the body. 

Oh, as expected, you learn it really fast! No matter how much I think about it, Combat Magic would suit you so much.

Ahaha.

Professor!

It was then. Brett, a Combat Magic assistant teacher, came running.

Brett glanced at Simon once, then quickly turned his head to report to Hong Feng.

Somebody got hurt in the back row. A student seemed to have cut their leg a bit.

Ah, Ill go check it out.

Hong Feng patted Simon on the shoulder and ran after Brett. Another assistant teacher then led the students down the hill and called a break.

Everyone sat on the grass and drank the refreshments.

Cami, wheres Meilyn?

With Ricks question, Camibarez shrugged her shoulders.

Im not so sure. I thought shes with you guys because I kept on falling behind.

At that moment, crowds talking could be heard from behind.

After looking back, Simon jumped to his feet and Camibarez covered her mouth with both hands.

Hey, Dont tell me

Ricks complexion turned pale as ashes. A female student was seen on an assistant teachers back among the whispering students.

A bandage was wrapped around her ankle.

Meilyn!

* * *

Kizens central ward.

Meilyn was lying down in the bed like a soulless person.

Simon, Rick, and Camibarez were standing around her with hardened faces.

Meilyn Villenne.

The doctor in white robes said while turning through the documents,

You sprained your leg badly. For the time being, make use of crutches, and going to classes is fine, but make sure to skip all classes with physical activities for around a week.

The news struck like a lightning bolt from the blue. Meilyn raised her upper body with reddened eyes.

N-No! I can walk if its just this much of an injury!

Ms. Villenne.

The doctor smiled and tapped the profile.

This is an order, not a recommendation.

Meilyn strongly bit her lip.

I get that youre passionate about the class, but there are things without exceptions. Im going to exclude you from all classes that require walking.

This was the reason why Kizen students didnt want to go to the ward, even if they got sick or hurt.

Doctors prioritized the patients recovery, and students had survival in Kizen as their priority.

These two values have always been in conflict with each other.

It was natural for doctors to give students a break for a few weeks when they were seriously injured in class, but in time, the absence strains the students necks.

It was your own loss if you got injured.

The doctor who gave a one-sided notice went out, and a thick silence dropped in the ward with only the four of them left.

Everyone prepared so much for the performance assessment, but the participating member injured her leg on the eve of the actual battle.

But no one blamed Meilyn.

It was an accident, and everyone knew that Meilyn worked harder on this group activity than anyone else.

Meilyn.

Im really sorry. Please leave.

Meilyn lowered her head and said,

I want to be alone.

Her face was of a complete meltdown. It didnt seem like any kind of comfort would work at the moment.

Rick and Camibarez looked at each other and nodded.

S-Simon.

Camibarez called Simon in a low voice and grabbed his sleeve. But Simon didnt move.

Nothings going to change, even if you cry here like this.

Camibarez and Rick were surprised. It was a very cold statement that was unlike the usual Simon.

Meilyn bit her lip even harder and lifted her head.

Then what?

We have to find another way.

A way? Hah.

She laughed. It was a very self-mocking and hysterical laugh.

You know it too, right? This is the tactic that we worked hard and planned on for a week! We practiced desperately only in this position, and tomorrow is the actual battle against the living Cyclops! What the hell do you mean by a way? Ah~ I see! Are you being sarcastic to me right now? Yeah, yeah. Its all because of me! The reason why you guys will get the lowest score in the performance assessment! Even if this score will be a hindrance later and drop you guys out of Kizen! Its all my fault! If only I didnt hurt my leg by pushing my se

Stop.

Simons eyes gleamed. The three of them suddenly felt goosebumps rising up their backs. Was that really Simon? It almost felt like he was a different person.

As the surroundings became quiet, Simon let out a small sigh and said,

If its okay with you guys, Ill go out as the participating member tomorrow.