The Perfect Plan for Total Failure

The exam starts tomorrow.

For most cadets, it's a golden chance to prove their skills, level up, and move closer to joining the Aether Corps. For others, it's a major step toward their future.

For me?It's a disaster.

I, Deren Arkwright—certified nap expert and former illegal Core experiment addict—have officially been listed as a participant in the Rank Promotion Exam… under the label Special Observation. And for some reason, the entire academy is now staring at me like I'm some kind of secret national weapon.

So I came up with a plan.Simple. Elegant. Absolutely true to my personality.

Fail. Spectacularly.

Or more accurately: look like I failed, without making it too obvious. If I do too well, they'll get suspicious. If I mess up too badly, I could be labeled a saboteur and thrown in jail. So… just bad enough to flop, but awkward enough to be forgivable. The perfect "half-dumb" strategy.

The Morning Before the Exam

I was busy sabotaging my own gear.

"What… are you doing?" Kael stared at me in disbelief as I twisted the direction sensor on my combat helmet to face backwards.

"Minor upgrades," I said, whistling casually.

"Did you just turn your helmet into a backward compass?"

"Not really. Just… exploring new perspectives."

"...You rigged it so you'll get lost, didn't you?"

I didn't answer. But Kael frowned. Behind him, Ryn silently observed, one eyebrow slightly raised.

"I still don't get how he's in the 'Special Observation' category," Ryn muttered. "But… it doesn't feel like an accident."

[Simulation Area – Briefing Session]

The training ground had been transformed into a full simulation zone using Core Field technology—advanced systems that recycle residual Core energy to create semi-real environments. Artificial trees, holographic valleys, even controlled digital weather—all combined to form a brutal testing landscape.

My boots clanked against the metal floor of the huge hall, now overlaid with fake mossy ground and misty morning fog. The scent of synthetic plants mixed with light electric ion charge, like a forest blended with a lab.

The lead instructor stood on the projection podium, voice echoing across the room packed with cadets.

"For the next 48 hours, you will be tested in teams. Survive, complete your missions, manage your resources. You'll be evaluated both individually and as a team."

He pointed to the holographic screen showing the exam zones—divided into green (safe), predator zones, and red zones filled with unstable Core energy. The higher the risk, the higher the score.

I lazily raised my hand. "If the goal is to survive by napping without dying… do we still get points?"

A few cadets chuckled. But Tessan, standing beside the instructor, stared at me. For too long. His face neutral, but his eyes… pure spreadsheet.

"Every action performed by Cadet Deren will be analyzed as an alternative tactical study."

Now everyone turned to look at me. Again.Some with curiosity.Some with confusion.Some with that "is-this-guy-for-real?" look.

I wanted to disappear. Or at least, turn into a bush.

[Team Prep Session]

Kael, Ryn, and I were in the same team—along with one more cadet from another class: Nala. She was short, quick, and had the expression of someone always two seconds away from blowing up the grading system. From the way she moved, you could tell she didn't do small talk—and probably had her own plan to burn this test from the inside out.

We sat in a circle at the logistics zone before the exam. Kael had the digital map and item list like a war strategist. He even scribbled something in the dirt with a stick—either tactics or snack hiding spots.

"I'll take the front line. Ryn handles detection and analysis. Nala handles traps and disarming. Deren… you're intel support and backup," Kael said, pointing at each of us like a battlefield commander.

I glanced at the team tablet. "Pretty sure I'm the one guarding the tent while eating instant noodles."

Nala narrowed her eyes. "If you fall asleep while we're under attack, I will personally feed you to the monsters."

"Noted: protect everyone but Deren," Ryn said without looking up as he organized his toolkit.

Then he glanced my way. "If you really want to stay under the radar, maybe avoid building anything that… explodes again."

"Copy that."Though, to be honest, I'd already packed a little drone as a side project.Small, round, with rotating broom claws and a screechy bird voice sensor. I called it Distractor 1.0.

Official function? Battlefield cleaner.Real function? Distraction device for when I need to escape—quietly.

Kael slapped my back with enthusiasm. "We're gonna make this team unforgettable, bro!"

I mumbled, "I'd rather be remembered as the guy who didn't show up."

[Team Announcement & New Disaster]

As the briefing ended and teams were confirmed, a loud voice echoed through the hall via the academy's main speakers—followed by the overly calm tone of the academy's AI system:

"Based on risk analysis and potential distribution, Team 17 — composed of Kael, Ryn, Nala, and Deren — has been assigned as tactical observers for the central route. Primary target: high-density Core Field zone.This team will be monitored by three senior evaluators and equipped with experimental performance trackers."

Silence.

And then, just like before—everyone turned to look at me. Again.Some whispering.Some pointing.

"Why… why did we get the hardest zone?" Kael asked, panic slowly creeping in.

Nala glared at the projection screen. "This… this path is normally used for senior teams. Usually two or three combined teams go here. And they're sending just the four of us?"

Ryn looked at me. "Maybe because you're a valuable tactical asset, Der."

"Can I request a downgrade to useless backup item, please?" I muttered, mostly to myself.

Kael patted my shoulder. "Don't worry, bro. We all believe in you."

"Too bad I don't."

I chuckled. Bitterly.

My perfect plan for failure… had failed.And now, with experimental trackers on us?

No place to hide.No room to mess up.No time… to nap.

This was going to be hell.