There were many ways to describe Flame.

Top of her class, strikingly beautiful.

Polite, well-mannered, physically outstanding.

A true all-rounder.

But even Flame had a fatal flaw: teamwork.

Group projects required each member to contribute according to their assigned role, and typically, fulfilling one’s part was enough to get a good grade. However, for Flame, this was nearly impossible.

Despite expanding her connections even through the third year, Flame’s tendency to handle everything herself was a habit deeply ingrained since her time back on Earth in college. This made her attempt to tackle group work entirely on her own.

Once criticized for “not trusting her teammates,” Flame was now welcomed with open arms. Being assigned to a group with Flame practically guaranteed an A+ without anyone else having to lift a finger.

“…Cadet Flame. You want to tackle a monster subjugation mission alone?”

“Yes. Is that a problem? If it is, please make it work.”

“Well, it’s just that…”

A student of Flame’s caliber stood out even in this mission selection area, where Class A and S students were submitting applications. Several Class A students approached, inviting her to join their groups.

For some reason, all of them were male, but Flame turned them down and, in the end, pushed her application forward for a solo mission.

She could have worked with others, but her reasons for not doing so were simple: scoring.

In practical mission classes like these, grades were heavily weighted. Rather than risk a mediocre score from teamwork, she preferred earning high points by soloing a higher-ranked monster.

“It’s not impossible… The Academy knows you’ve reached fourth-class level, Flame, but you haven’t officially been granted the certification yet.”

“True.”

“So, the level of monsters you’re allowed to challenge is significantly reduced.”

“Hmm, if it’s lower-level, doesn’t that make it easier? I’ll just go smack it down and come back.”

“Hmm… Alright, if you want a challenging monster, I can pick the highest level that you’re allowed to tackle alone.”

“I’d appreciate that.”

The assistant sorted through the mission orders, scratching his head as he couldn’t find anything suitable.

“There isn’t a monster challenging enough for a solo mission. Most of the tough monsters have already been taken by groups of three or more students, and even then, they’re only rated at a 3-risk level.”

“So, there’s nothing?”

“There is, but…”

The assistant handed Flame the list of available missions.

[2-Risk Mini Malebit Extermination]

[1-Risk Cayir Tribe Remnants Extermination]

[2-Risk Monster Bear Subjugation]

[2-Risk Steel Cockroach Extermination]

All missions involved hunting 2-risk monsters or exterminating numerous low-level creatures. Missions like these were too easy and wouldn’t yield high scores.

To earn high scores, she’d need to defeat a 3-risk monster, which required teamwork, making it impossible to tackle alone.

“Ah, this is annoying…”

Flame frowned as she skimmed through the list. Suddenly, Wind Harang appeared beside her and pointed at one of the mission orders.

“How about teaming up with me for this one?”

“Huh?”

The mission he pointed at was [2-Risk Monster Bear Subjugation]. It was so simple that Flame hadn’t even bothered considering it.

“Why? It’s boring enough on my own. Why would I do it with you? If it were something interesting, maybe, but you’re not even fun to be around.”

“…I may not be entertaining, but I’m reliable enough as a partner.”

“Nah. I don’t really want anyone covering my back.”

“What about this?” 

Wind Harang glanced toward the assistant with a gaze sharp enough that the assistant flinched unconsciously.

“If an unexpected situation occurs during the mission, what would happen?”

“An unexpected situation… like what?”

“For instance, what if the monster turns out to be stronger than indicated?”

“Well… in that case, we’d likely award extra points.”

If a mission was deemed more dangerous than expected, mages had the right to withdraw, or, if they continued, they’d receive additional rewards and compensation matching the risk level.

In other words, taking on a mission rated as a “2-risk with unexpected challenges” could yield more points than a straightforward 3-risk mission.

“Are you serious?”

Wind Harang nodded silently at Flame’s skeptical look.

“Is this secretly a 3-risk mission?”

Her curiosity piqued, Flame read the details carefully.

[Location: Southern Plains]

“Oh.”

She realized then.

The Wind Empire.

As a direct descendent of the Wind family, who ruled the southern plains, Wind Harang had the authority to modify missions in that region’s vicinity as he pleased.

He couldn’t change the core mission, and the assistant would still be monitoring them, but finding a 3-risk mutant monster bear wouldn’t be difficult.

‘This does seem interesting...’

But going on a mission with Wind Harang still didn’t sit right with her.

“Well? Are you interested now?”

“No.”

So, she gave a straightforward answer. As much as Flame valued her grades, she wasn’t about to fall for something that was so obviously a ploy.

In the past, she would’ve been oblivious, but lately, she’d grown more sensitive to the romantic tension in the air, becoming aware of boys’ intentions.

She knew exactly why Wind Harang was trying to team up with her.

And so, she had to reject him firmly.

To play along and exploit his help only to discard him afterward would make her worse than trash.

Rejecting someone politely when there’s no mutual interest was a mark of respect.

“Are you uncomfortable going on a mission with just the two of us?”

“What?”

Wind Harang’s response caught Flame off guard.

“You don’t need to worry about that. I anticipated you’d feel uncomfortable and knew you’d reject me.”

“Oh… right.”

“Then how about this? We raise the ‘unexpected situation’ to a 4-risk level.”

“4-risk? Is that even possible?”

“Yes. Plus, you can bring along anyone you’d like to balance the load. Someone reliable and skilled, like… Baek Yu-seol, for example.”

At the mention of that name, Flame’s voice rose noticeably in surprise.

“Why would you bring him up?”

“Just… thought you might want to bring him along.”

“No way. I’m not taking Baek Yu-seol.”

“There’s no need to be proud…”

“I told you, no.”

Flame snatched the mission order from Wind Harang’s hand, scanning it up and down, clearly trying to hide her flustered expression. He said nothing more.

“Seems like there are still some students who haven’t chosen missions yet. So, should I pick someone else?”

“Sure. Anyone’s fine.”

Preferably anyone but Baek Yu-seol.

Swallowing her true thoughts, Wind Harang waited quietly.

“Hey! Anyone want to team up with me and score some serious points?”

**"Huh!"**

Standing on the central platform, Flame waved the paper around, yelling, almost making Wind Harang’s jaw drop.

“What’s going on?”

“It’s Flame?”

“She’s calling people to earn points?”

“I’ll join!”

“Hey, don’t. That girl’s insane. Who knows what she’ll pull?”

“What? She’s nice, though.”

“You don’t get it. That’s all an act.”

Some of the Class A students looked conflicted, wanting to approach but holding back. Though she was just a commoner, Flame’s position in Class S caused tension among the noble faction in Class A. Commoners found themselves in a tough spot, unable to act freely around her.

With the other Class S students staying put, each with their preferred missions, Flame’s offer lingered in the air.

Finally, Ha Wonryang stepped forward.

“Oh, so you’re in?”

“What’s the mission?”

“It’s listed as 2-risk, but there’s a ‘potential for unexpected situations’ that might make it more difficult. Still interested?”

“The mission could become harder…”

Ha Wonryang immediately understood her plan. Always focused on achieving top grades, he couldn’t resist the allure of high points.

“Interesting. So you’ve considered all potential unexpected situations?”

“Ha—like I’d go that far.”

“Count me in.”

“Alright! Anyone else?”

Following Ha Wonryang, Ma Yuseong, the notorious tag-along, immediately approached Flame.

“Monster hunting? Is that even fun?”

“Who knows? It’s more fun than the mission you picked.”

“Then I’m in. Mine was sounding too boring.”

“Perfect. Anyone else?”

With Ma Yuseong joining, Ha Wonryang’s expression soured, but there was nothing he could do. Having Ma Yuseong around was inevitable the moment Ha Wonryang agreed.

“Hmm, anyone else? If not, I’ll submit it like this.”

Jumping down from the platform, Flame ran to the assistant, adding Ha Wonryang and Ma Yuseong’s names to the mission form.

“Wind! Is this team good enough for you?”

“...Yes.”

Wind Harang watched as Ma Yuseong and Ha Wonryang waited behind Flame. He sighed. He hadn’t expected a two-person mission, but he’d hoped for a setup where he could shine. Instead, his least favorite rivals had joined the team.

‘I’ll just have to work my hardest.’

He had always known that winning Flame’s favor would be no easy feat. But he was determined to do his best.

Even if he failed in the end.

He would accept it with dignity.

“This team is pretty impressive.”

The assistant stamped the mission form with a resounding thud.

With all members ranking in the top ten, they were a team of elite students

.

Whoever their monster opponent would be, it seemed they should worry more about it than the other way around.

“Well… not that it seems necessary, but you should still attend the mission orientation. Head to the lecture room down this hall.”

“Yes, sir!”

Wind Harang led the way, and Ma Yuseong and Ha Wonryang followed, bickering as they went. Flame glanced at them and then whispered to the assistant.

“Um… after we submit, can we add one more? Just one, not too many…”

“Hm? It’s possible. Who are you thinking?”

Flame hesitated, her eyes darting toward the mission list of Class A and S students.

[Persona Gate Mission]

[S-Class Baek Yu-seol, S-Class Hong Bi-yeon]

Flame’s pink lips pressed together tightly.

“No. I don’t think I need anyone else. I’ll go now.”

“Oh, alright…”

The assistant couldn’t fathom why the cheerful girl who had been so upbeat just moments ago suddenly seemed deflated.

Even as he reread the mission list Flame had looked at, he couldn’t uncover the reason behind her sudden change in mood.

He just thought, *What a puzzling girl.*