Side Story - Exam Day

Side Story - 01

A raucous noise reached my ears.

"…Oh."

The dormitory supervisor's bellowing voice, and a hallway buzzing with commotion.

What day was it again?

…Right. Exams.

…

Why does my head hurt so much?

*'Try some, it's really good.'*

Kain's voice echoed in my memory.

Right—he'd offered me a drink last night. Something that smelled of sweet fruit. He'd bragged about bringing it from his hometown.

Maybe I'd had too much.

The alcohol still hadn't fully worn off.

"Get out here, now!"

The supervisor's thunderous command, loud enough to reach inside the room, finally drove me to throw off the covers.

Bright sunlight poured through the window, filling the room with warmth.

Three days of exams, starting today.

My head throbbed and I reeked of alcohol, but regardless—today marked the beginning of exam season.

"Ugh…"

Whatever Kain had given me last night must have been genuinely strong stuff, because the moment I sat up, the room started spinning.

It wasn't like I was planning to give the exams my all anyway—I'd do a decent enough job and get out—but I made a mental note not to drink the night before exams again.

I managed to pull my clothes on and shuffled outside, where students were already moving about in a flurry.

"Rutess Liperto."

I turned. The dormitory supervisor—thick beard and all—was staring at me.

"…Yes, sir."

His eyes swept over my disheveled appearance, and he caught the lingering smell of alcohol. He wrinkled his nose and looked me up and down.

"You're a second-year now. Get yourself together, understood?"

He said nothing more, but the look in his eyes said plenty—pure exasperation.

"Understood."

I gave a polite bow and headed downstairs.

*…The others will have gone ahead.*

Even on the staircase, the noise of students rushing about was inescapable.

"Hey! We're late, hurry up!"

The first-years taking their very first exams seemed to be in full panic mode, jostling and fussing as they scrambled down the stairs.

"Wait, slow down—ack!"

Sure enough, one of them lost his footing on the crowded staircase and stumbled.

"Whoaaa!"

*Thwp—*

I reached out on reflex and grabbed his cloak, hauling him back up.

"Exams don't start until nine. Take it slow."

"…Gack—yes… kgh."

I'd apparently yanked the collar a bit too hard, because the first-year was gasping and sputtering.

I let go, and he swayed on his feet before looking up at me.

"Kgh… th-thank you, senior…!"

Senior, huh.

Strange, being called that now that I was a second-year.

I gave a casual wave and continued down the stairs at my own pace.

"Hey, did you see that guy? What kind of arm strength is that?"

"No idea. Look at his back—think he transferred from a knight academy?"

I left their murmuring behind me.

*

The exam hall was different for each year—only opened during exam season.

First-years, symbolizing hope, had a bright and cheerful interior.

Second-years had something more like a deep, seasoned brown—as if to reflect the experience that was beginning to ripen in earnest.

"Coming through."

After a year of living side by side, there were plenty of faces I recognized even without having exchanged a single word.

"Over here!"

A familiar voice cut through the noise. I turned to find two people already settled in their seats.

Ross, waving with one hand while hastily smoothing down his wavy hair with the other.

And beside him, Edgar, yawning wide and absently scratching his neck.