Unfound file - onc 2024

chapter 5: retry

Finally, I received a message from the Hero Academy about the entrance exam while doing my daily training.

Although I knew I would definitely pass, I couldn't help but feel nervous.Even as I tried to maintain a calm expression, my hands shook as I opened the text. By revealing Lyra Nightshade's darkest secrets, I would surely arouse her suspicion. After all, she confided in the Main Character before her demise.

"Please pass..."

Slowly scrolling down on the system screen, the English characters for 'Certificate of passing' were the first to catch my eye.

That was to be expected. However, the problem lay in the words written below.[First Place]

"What? First place?!"How was that possible? The Main Character was supposed to be first, securing a scholarship to alleviate financial burdens.

Clicking my tongue in frustration, I decided to take a different approach. Since I couldn't go back to the time of the entrance exam, I resolved to sponsor the Main Character instead. Without the scholarship, he might resort to an alternative path - dropping out of the academy and pursuing a career as a government official. While such a decision was never explicitly explored in [A Hero's Tale], it's a plausible option. After all, the Main Character often discussed his potential future with his close friends, weighing various possibilities.

With a resolute breath, I opened my system window and dialed the Hero Academy's number. Even if they discovered my identity, it was of no use as I could just rewind time to the latest save."Hello, this is the Hero Academy. How may we help you?" came the prompt voice on the other end.

"Good afternoon, I would like to sponsor a student," I replied, my tone steady as a gnawing sense of unease crept over me.

"May I know who you would like to sponsor?"

"Sure, his name is... is..."

What was the Main Character's name again? All this time, I've been referring to him as the Main Character. However, all hope was not lost. I knew his skill would be saved within the records of the academy.

"I don't remember the name. However, I do know he has a <<Sword of Light>> skill. Can you please help me check?"

There was a brief pause on the other end, followed by the click of keyboard keys as the academy staff member searched through their records.

"I'm sorry, but I don't see any records of such a skill-holder," came the response, laced with confusion.

'???'

How could that be? What sort of joke was this? No records? Even if he attended the entrance exam, there should be records in the Academy's database.

As I processed the academy staff member's words, I pondered over what she said.There's no way...

What if the Main Character does not exist?

That would explain why there were no records. Why I did not see him at the entrance exam. How I got first place.

This world is doomed. How was this world going to defeat the Demon God without the protagonist's cheat-like growth or plot armor?

As the weight of despair threatened to overwhelm me, I felt a sudden lightheadedness wash over me, the world spinning around me as darkness closed in. At that moment, a voice echoed in my head as I stumbled to the floor.

"Last Chance."

......

"Sir? You have reached your destination. Please wake up."Awakening me from my slumber was a man's voice, his tone laced with irritation.Lethargically getting myself up, I rubbed my eyes. The stiffness of my body made it seem as if I had slept for days. Massaging my aching forehead, I glanced around my surroundings, trying to make sense of where I was and who had disturbed my rest.I found myself in a...