To become a student of the Hero Academy, one must first undergo both practical and theory exams. Even the Main Character has attended both, as he is an orphan. However, those admitted through 'special means' are exempt from these requirements.

While I had trained diligently in preparation for the practical test, I was consumed with worry. The test aimed to impress the instructor-in-charge with one's skills. Items and potions were permitted during the test. Given that most of the instructors are S-tier heroes, no amount of damage inflicted by a new student would hurt them.

Over the past two weeks, I noticed a slight improvement in my physical prowess, although it was minimal. Additionally, my QCs had increased due to my incurable gambling addiction. Despite being forbidden to set foot in any gambling houses near my residence, I indulged in everything I desired. What's the use of stopping me now?

While reflecting on the events that had transpired, the taxi came to an abrupt halt. The numerous crowds and the entrance to the Hero Academy were visible beyond the window.As I opened the door and stepped outside, I made my way towards the area where the exam room was located.

"Please present your exam number," requested a stoic man wearing shades and a badge that read 'Security' as I attempted to enter the exam room.

Pulling up my entry ticket from the system screen, I flashed it towards him and entered the area where numerous people had gathered. All applicants who applied normally were required to assemble here without fail.

As I walked along the path, the gymnasium where the exam was to take place came into view.The gymnasium was truly massive. I wondered how much they had spent to construct such a place.

Once inside, I looked around for about 10 minutes before the exam commenced."From now on, we will begin the entrance exam for the Hero Academy! Please proceed to your designated areas as indicated on your system screen," announced a loud voice from the speaker.As instructed, I moved towards my designated area, group C, amidst the formation of twelve groups, each consisting of fifteen people.

While people who appeared to be instructors stood in front of each group, the instructor for our group was a woman wearing shades.

Taking her seat in front of each group, she smirked and confidently stated, "Soon, we will commence group C's exam. Impress me, and you shall pass."

As expected, it mirrored the scenario from the novel.

Fortunately, this was not an academy where individuals with special skills would pass without effort.

"Wow! It's a hydrokinesis skill!"

"Look at the amount of water she can control! Just how much mana does she have?"The first person in group C made a grand entrance by creating a hydro cannon that surged towards the instructor.

Though it did nothing to the instructor, she nonchalantly nodded and allowed the student to proceed while jotting something down on a piece of paper.

"Next."

Yawning and gesturing for the next person to step forward, she frowned upon seeing the next participant.

"Hmm... Does your body flickering have something to do with your skill?"

The instructor, who had been expressionless until now, seemed perplexed by the situation.In fact, I understood why she was frowning. After all, I was familiar with the student who had just stepped forward.

"Shall we begin...?"

As the instructor's question lingered in the air, the girl approached her and withdrew her hand from her pocket. Spreading her thumb and index finger to mimic a gun shape, she aimed it at the instructor and calmly said,"Bang-!"

Although bewildered, the instructor's eyes widened.Crash!

Despite covering my ears, the sound of gunshots reverberated. Time seemed to slow down as the bullet shattered the window pane and hurtled straight towards the instructor's head.Fortunately, she was unharmed.

The bullet came to a halt in mid-air, almost grazing the side of her head.Everyone was stunned by the sudden turn of events as the girl continued walking. Eventually, she vanished with a shimmer after exchanging a few words with the instructor.As she lowered her head, her body shook with laughter."Heh... Hahaha! Hehe...!"

She couldn't contain her amusement and burst into laughter before wiping her tears, continuing to write on the piece of paper, and calling the next student forward.

As my turn approached, I began to worry for two reasons. Firstly, I feared that my plan would fail. The instructor of this group was a merciless demon who would utilize every available tactic to emerge victorious.

Finally, my turn arrived. With a smirk playing on her lips as if she found it amusing, she looked at me and said,"Well, you're the last one. What can you show me?" Without my <<Save and Load>> skill, I was just an ordinary person. I possessed no special abilities, and the items I purchased online would barely affect an S-tier Hero.However, I still retained knowledge from the novel."You may begin."

The moment the test began, I started spouting out her private information so that only she could hear it.

"Lyra Brightshade, 28 years old. Failed an entire class due to their lack of potential, hence everyone nicknames you 'The demon instructor'. But let's not dwell on that—how's your sister faring these days?"The effect was immediate as she opened her mouth agape and visibly tensed up. Raising her fists, she moved right before me and attempted to punch me in the stomach. Just before it landed, I smirked and muttered.

"Load."

...

"You may start."Opening my eyes, I found myself back at the start of the test.As I continued to spout out her personal information for her to hear, she raised her fist.Right before she made any sudden movements, I spoke to her softly."Going for the stomach? Are you trying to make me pass out? Try better."As she visibly tensed again, she moved right before me and attempted to punch my face.

"Load."

...

"You may start."Opening my eyes, I found myself back at the start of the test for the third time.Same as the previous times, I kept repeating the lines I spoke. Except this time, I added one more.

"How could you go for my face? Am I not handsome enough?"The instructor, caught off guard by the unexpected remark, blinked in confusion. By now, she must be thinking along the lines of 'How does he know about my sister? How can he predict my moves? Is he possibly an S-tier Hero in disguise?'

Moving forward, she raised her fists and punched a different spot."Load."

...

As the test progressed, she became frustrated and just started attacking out of sheer annoyance. Using my skill, I remembered where her punches would land every time and effortlessly dodged each blow with precision and grace.

"Uhh...Ms. Lyra? The time has exceeded over 10 minutes. Are you done testing this kid?" came a hesitant voice from the sidelines, breaking the tense silence that had settled over the arena.Startled by the reminder of the time, she glanced at the clock. She reluctantly conceded defeat and glared at me.

"Very well," she muttered, her voice tinged with frustration.

As her grumpiness was evident when dismissing me, she furiously scribbled on the piece of paper just like every test-taker before abruptly turning on her heel and storming away with an angry stride.

As I left the arena, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. As I had used trickery to win that battle, I would garner the suspicions of the students and Ms. Lyra. Although she had her speed reduced, she was still an S-tier Hero with lots of experience in the field.

Although I did not manage to see the Main Character, I did manage to gain Ms. Lyra's interest in me. The case with her sister was one that she covered up with all her connections, ensuring that no leakage would happen. How can a mere orphan with no connections even discover it?Snickering at the events that just happened, I heaved a sigh. I still can't believe that I'm in another world thanks to that bastard of a god...

Focusing back on reality, I had a sudden thought while strolling through the walkways.Why did I not see the Main Character this whole time? I was the last one of my group, so I could spectate everyone taking the test. Maybe he was the last in line with another group due to my interference?Shrugging, I went back home and packed my bags. This time, it was the start of my academy life. Although the risks are high, the Main Character can and will solo the Demon God with my support.