Chapter 17: Give Me Your Number

Rohan was the first to arrive at the Physical Training Room.

Unlike the outside, the temperature was comfortable, and the purifier emitted clean air—the perfect conditions for exercising.

“Ugggh!”

Stretching his stiff neck muscles, Rohan picked up the train of thought that had been interrupted the night before.

Next up are those bastards… I wonder when.

Now that the Yard-Pound Brothers had stopped contacting them, Rohan began to anticipate how the old Elves would react.

Even in Abyss City, the Protagonist eventually cut off contact with them, so while Rohan’s actions were more aggressive, the result was the same.

This is where the real problem starts.

He knew what would happen next.

However, he shouldn’t try to predict or estimate the time of the incident.

Ultimately, the progression of most Quests depended on the Gamer in Abyss City.

So, until the player manipulated the Protagonist to speak to an NPC with an exclamation mark and proceed, the world was virtually frozen.

Therefore, he needed to focus on the foreshadowing.

Like the words that came out of Juyeon’s mouth, he had to be careful to not miss the foreshadowing that heralded the events.

Besides that, I need to be wary of the Sudden Quests and Special Quests that occur out of the blue.

Rohan was acutely aware of the events that would unfold.

Knowing what would happen in the future, it was inherently impossible to just turn a blind eye and enjoy his school life.

The temperament residing in his heart wouldn’t allow such blatant disregard.

Those filthy bastards are targeting the people I cherish?

Just thinking about it felt like a fishbone was stuck in his throat.

The girls he treasured were too delicate and pure to be crushed by injustice and have their spirits worn down.

Those sons of bitches. I won’t allow it as long as I live.

So, he decided to prepare with all his might.

As he tried to meticulously plan, there were too many uncertainties.

There was a lot to take into consideration. It was complicated. And his already not-so-great brain was overloaded.

Let’s just run. Just run like hell.

Knowing that moving his body was the best thing to do in times like these, Rohan climbed onto the treadmill after stretching.

“Whew!”

A treadmill designed for Mana wielders.

It was said to withstand speeds faster than a car. There was a similar machine among the equipment the Hunters used to train with.

Whiiiir!

As Rohan started running,the machine gradually increased its speed in response to his feet pushing off the ground.

It wasn’t bad.

He decided to keep running until the morning stiffness wore off.

Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!

His heart pounded as if it were lodged in his head, his throat parched, and his lungs screamed for him to stop.

This was how dawn should feel to clear his head.

As things progress, I’ll definitely need Clara.

Starting now, how long would it take to win Clara over?

Would he be able to recruit Clara before a large-scale incident occurred, one he wouldn’t be able to handle by himself?

Borrowing someone else’s hand…

He went over the faces that came to mind.

Noa is out of the question. At least for now.

In this story, Noa, the actual target, couldn’t help.

It wasn’t that she lacked the ability. With Noa’s current skills, she could probably take care of it all if she stepped in.

The old Elves were well aware that Noa was an unprecedented monster among her peers, which was why they were being passive all this while.

They had spent a long time trying to figure out the routes Noa Frozenheart usually took within Academy City, her behavior, and the presence of invisible bodyguards.

And the biggest reason why Noa, who met all these conditions, couldn’t participate:

The condition for this Quest to fail and reset… was for Noa to become aware of the incident.

Even the Grand Emperor of Snow, who had tried to accommodate the Elves living in the Tigrova Coniferous Forest, would personally eradicate the entire clan if they dared to touch Noa.

Rohan didn’t want that.

He only wanted to save one Elf in particular, even if he couldn’t save the other trash.

“…”

So, Noa was out.

Who else?

Gilbert…

Even if he were to be persuaded somehow, there was a high possibility that he would act without restraint.

Wouldn’t he suddenly start screaming and having a seizure?

And the biggest problem was that he didn’t realize how loud his own voice was.

Dick Wikitree?

He trembled like a lead even when killing a single F-grade Monster, so actual combat was out of the question.

Currently, he was someone who could only tread the water even if he fell in.

Beep──!

After running for a while, the treadmill shut down automatically.

Rohan, panting and his waist bending forward reflexively, got off the machine.

Wiping off his sweat with a towel and loosening his leg muscles, he headed for the next machine.

He planned to push his body to its limits.

“Kghhh─!!!”

He pushed against the insane machine whose weight increased in response to Mana, while simultaneously searching for a way forward in his mind.

Ultimately, if I can’t recruit Clara in time, persuading Ichinose is the best option.

That was the ideal solution.

But there was something holding him back.

Ichinose’s abilities were more than adequate, but Rohan wasn’t sure if he would be able to steer the situation in the desired direction with her present.

Boom!

Having finished with one set, he let go of the machine to catch his breath.

“Ichinose…”

He murmured out of frustration.

It was a tiny voice that should have drifted away and disappeared without meaning.

But that voice travelled through the air and brought back an unexpected answer.

“Did you sense my presence? As expected, you’re not ordinary.”

“!?”

Startled, Rohan turned his head to see Ichinose in athletic wear.

“Good morning. You’re up early.”

“Uh… Gotta train.”

Rohan felt his energy return at the sight of Ichinose.

Having only ever seen her wearing the Academy Uniform in the game, seeing her in casual athletic wear was even cuter than the fan art.

“That’s exemplary. Diligence is an inspiration to everyone.”

“I just got here and you’re here as well, aren’t you?”

“You just got here? You’re sweating quite a lot, aren’t you?”

Ichinose continued chatting with Rohan while doing some light stretches.

The manner in which she sipped water with her petite frame looked endearing.

“Well, I’m going to continue exercising. Sorry to interrupt.”

“Going for a run?”

“Yes. I only run in the mornings.”

“Well, I was planning to run one more time too. Let’s do it together.”

Ichinose’s eyes widened a little.

Staring at Rohan, whose bangs were dripping sweat, the girl gave a small nod.

“Alright. It won’t be boring then.”

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Ichinose was fast.

Her jogging speed easily surpassed Rohan’s running speed.

Having built her stamina since childhood, it wasn’t something he could close the gap on with sheer willpower. And it was obvious that she would be much stronger than him if she used her Mana.

“Huff! Huff…!”

Rohan ran until the machine stopped and collapsed on the floor of the training room.

Ichinose got off the machine without breaking a sweat and gazed at Rohan with a look of surprise.

“Rohan, are you feeling unwell?”

“Whew… Ugh, I’m dying.”

“Here, have some water.”

Accepting the water Ichinose offered, Rohan drank a few sips and sat down to catch his breath.

“You’re seriously amazing. I never thought there’d be such a difference.”

“…?”

The girl widened her eyes and stared at Rohan.

Seeing his serious expression, Ichinose was puzzled.

His running form is good, though.

It was strange that he could wield a sword so fiercely and yet was lacking basic stamina.

Even if he didn’t belong to a specific Swordsmanship school, he should have been swinging a sword and training constantly since a young age, so it didn’t make sense that he’d be this exhausted after running at that pace.

“Rohan, can I ask you something?”

“Yeah? What is it?”

Rohan lifted his face from the towel.

“Where are you from? I’m a bit concerned that I haven’t heard of someone with your swordsmanship… There might be a gap in my information gathering.”

Rohan thought for a moment, but he had no real reason to hide it.

He was ready to answer at any time if asked.

“Will you buy me a drink if I tell you?”

“Of course. I’ll buy you two.”

Rohan simply enjoyed having these conversations with Ichinose.

He would have told her even if she hadn’t offered to buy him a drink.

Just looking at her makes my heart soften.

After pausing for a moment to enjoy Ichinose’s curious expression, he revealed the answer.

“The Southern Region.”

“…!”

Ichinose’s pupils wavered on realizing she had touched upon something sensitive.

Rohan chuckled at her innocent reaction and responded in a way that prevented her from apologizing.

“I’m pretty amazing, right? Coming all the way from the South to Orion Academy.”

Ichinose understood the meaning behind Rohan’s lightheartedness and closed her mouth.

After chewing on her lip for a moment, the girl nodded and smiled faintly.

“…You are. Truly amazing.”

“The theory is a bit of a hurdle, but I just need to work harder.”

Rohan stood up and massaged his legs.

Ichinose watched him and added,

“Rohan.”

“Yeah?”

“Theory is something I’m relatively confident in… So, feel free to ask me anything.”

“Anytime?”

“Yes. Teaching is the best way to review, so it’s beneficial for me as well.”

At her words, Rohan rummaged through his bag in the corner and handed his smartphone to Ichinose.

“Give me your number so I can contact you if I have any questions.”