episode_0042

“Elisha, this is as far as I can go with the stories I can share.”

“Uh, okay….”

“”….””

A serene silence filled the air.

I explained to her the reasons why I had been avoiding her all this time.

Why we had to break up.

Why I tried to distance myself from her.

Since I couldn’t reveal everything, I told her what I could for now.

However, she seemed to be in shock after hearing me, offering no response at all.

She simply nodded her head.

Then, she finally spoke up, breaking her silence.

“Bern, please give me some time to think. Can you leave me alone for a while?”

“Sure.”

I closed the door and stepped into the living room.

Shady was curled up on the couch, and Elisha seemed to have retreated into the room due to the shock.

Neither Shady nor Elisha seemed to be in good shape.

They were at each other’s throats just yesterday, and now she had claimed the couch like it was her own home.

Elisha asked me to leave for a moment so she could think, shutting me out of the room.

‘I wonder what’s going on.’

-Thud, thud

Looking outside, the rain continued to fall endlessly.

The atmosphere wasn’t great to begin with, and the weather made it even worse.

“Well, that’s unfortunate.”

There’s nothing much I can do.

It must have been a shocking story for her.

I understand.

If someone you’ve known and gotten along with turns out to be a villain, it would be surprising for anyone.

Jerome Flame, the current head of the Flame family.

There’s too much undisclosed information about him, but some things are certain.

The image he presents to the public is one of kindness and affection.

People around him think of him as a father who is struggling without his wife, Bern, raising him difficultly.

He possesses enough power to be called a war hero, has a good personality, and a good reputation.

Apart from the flaw of Bern Flame, he’s almost a perfect man.

If such a man is said to have touched taboo…

Let’s think about that later; for now, let’s take a break.

I haven’t had a proper rest since last night.

Since she’s in an ambiguous situation, I’ll just sit down and relax for a bit.

“Sigh….”

Let’s roughly plan out today’s tasks.

The shop opens at 6, so I should stop by and buy some potions.

I also need to inform the members that the club has officially been established.

I have to let them know the location of the club room as well.

And I need to keep an eye on Silia, ensuring her protection.

It’s funny to say “protect,” but I need to be with her constantly so I can respond immediately if she’s in danger.

Act 2 starts in early summer when the weather gets warmer, so there’s still some time left.

However, I’ve realized something from this incident. Stories can change anytime, anywhere.

So, I should start showing some favor to Silia from now on.

Even though she seems to dislike me, maybe things will get better with a little effort?

Anyway, Act 1 is over, so there won’t be many significant events for a while.

Thanks to that, I have a bit of free time now.

This is the perfect time for growth.

Well then, let’s check my stats and reevaluate after a long time.

‘Status.’

————

Name: Bern Flame

Age: 18

Occupation: Student (2nd year)

Title: None

Race: Human

Attributes:

≪Magic Amplification≫: Amplifies magic.

≪Azure Flames≫: All fire skills are transformed into blue flames, enhancing their power.

Health: 10 (+2)

Strength: 4

Skill: 7

Agility: 6

Magic: 10 (+2)

Skills:

≪Endurance≫: Once a day, restores all health and magic.

Remaining Stats: 15

Equipped Accessory: ≪Grace of Nature≫ (Epic)

————

Oh, I gained 15 remaining stats.

Perhaps neutralizing Shady and defeating the boss contributed to that.

As the first boss, it seems like a reward rather than a punishment.

Well, it’s a win for me.

Let’s start by adjusting the stats.

————

Health: 10(+2) → 17(+3)

Skill: 7 → 10

Mana: 10(+2) → 15(+3)

————

Hmm, not bad at this level.

Skill enhances proficiency in magic or swordplay, while mana… goes without saying.

Increasing health boosts fundamental endurance, so it’s good to raise it for now.

With this, at least my poor health will be somewhat resolved.

Compared to when I first merged, I’ve grown a lot.

However, it’s not enough.

I’m steadily progressing, but it feels like I’ve just stepped onto the starting line.

With my current stats, I can’t defeat the enemies ahead.

Shadi won by luck; I can’t rely on such fortune in the future.

The protagonist, their party, and other named characters will continue to grow.

They will become stronger, facing even more formidable foes each time.

But the protagonist will prevail.

So, I just need to do my part from behind.

I’m neither the protagonist nor anyone special.

I just need to protect those around me.

To safeguard them, I must become stronger.

If I’m weak, I can’t protect them.

I must become strong.

To survive and protect.

I must become strong.

“Sigh….”

Getting stronger is good.

It’s great, but there’s a problem.

There are limits to training the body to increase stats.

I’ll have to keep practicing handling mana, but there will be limits eventually.

So, what remains now is…

-Thud!

“?”

Sitting in my chair, contemplating life.

The firmly closed door suddenly swung open with force.

Emerging from there was Elysia, her silver hair flowing.

She wore an oversized shirt, larger than her frame.

She spoke to me, “Bern! I’ve decided! I’m going to be with you..!”

Seems like she wants to say something, but I should respond first.

“Elysia, don’t open the door so forcefully. It might break.”

If it breaks, we’ll have to pay for it.

After hearing me, she said, “Oh, sorry,” cleared her throat, then pointed at me, speaking.

“Anyway, Bern, at first, I couldn’t believe what you said. I know you’re not someone who says such things lightly. Now, I understand your words and actions. So…”

“So?”

“So, I… I will trust you and follow you..!!”

“I see. Thank you.”

“Yeah.”

It’s heartwarming that she understands.

Even if she didn’t, I would have respected her choice.

But to trust and follow me…

Well, that doesn’t erase what Bern and I have done.

Having such a kind and beautiful person trust me is truly a blessing.

Thinking this, she suddenly asked, surprised, “Hey? Bern, did you just smile?”

“No, I didn’t smile.”

“Really..? Did I see wrong..?”

In any case, a reliable ally has appeared.

The only one who understands my current situation.

On another note, I’ve been meaning to say this since earlier.

She looked serious as she spoke, which made it hard for me to bring it up.

Pointing at her clothes, I said, “Elysia, your clothes.”

“Clothes? What about my clothes?”

“….”

“….”

Upon hearing me, she looked down at herself, and slowly, her face began to turn as red as a volcano.

Even steam seemed to rise from her head like a boiling kettle.

Is this really happening!

While marveling at this supernatural phenomenon, she started shouting.

“You, you… you pervert!!!”

-Thud!

Once again slamming the door shut, Elysia stormed back into the room.

“Do not handle it so roughly…”

…Should I just leave it at that?

As I was in the midst of compromising with myself, suddenly feeling a gaze, I turned my head.

Shadi, who was sitting curled up on the sofa, was looking at me.

“….”

What, what. What do you want?

Just now, it was an accident.

I didn’t know because I was under the blanket earlier.

You put it on me. Why are you looking at me like that?

I almost died saving this brat, and she looks at me like that…

Hey, that was really an accident just now!

-Whoosh

She stared at me blankly, then swiftly turned her head and started burying her face in her knees.

‘Ridiculous.’

What did you want to see by looking at me?

Anyway, everything was covered because the top was big.

Well, that’s that. I should let Elisha know first.

I said to her beyond the door.

“There should be pants in the closet. Put those on.”

-No, stop it..!! Don’t talk to me. Fool..!!

Hmm, seems like she’s really upset?

But I have to say something.

“Elisha, it’s almost time for school. You should go back to your room and get ready.”

-I told you not to talk to me..!

No, my clothes are there too..

Then, shall we leave a bit slowly today?

-Pit-pat, pit-pat

The rain kept falling relentlessly without stopping.

As I leisurely looked outside, a sound began to come from the front door.

-Knock knock

“Who is it at this hour? Shadi, Requiem?”

When I asked her, she raised her buried face for a moment, then said to me.

“…No, just a regular person.”

With that said, Shadi buried her face again.

It feels like someone has changed overnight.

Was it like this in the original?

Anyway, it’s definitely not Requiem.

In that case, there should only be maids assigned to each dormitory.

Why did they come?

With questions in my mind, I opened the door and stepped into the hallway.

There, I saw a servant wearing a traditional maid outfit with frills.

The maid looked at me, then finally began to speak.

“Apologies for the early morning.”

“No, more importantly, why have you come?”

“I am here to inform everyone. Classes for today have been canceled.”

“What do you mean?”

“I cannot explain properly, but due to an unfortunate incident last night, there will be no classes today.”

“I see.”

“Yes, as it is raining heavily today, the academy has decided to let students rest in their dormitories. Classes will resume tomorrow.”

“Understood.”

“Yes, have a relaxing day.”

So, today is a day off.

If it’s due to an unfortunate incident, it must be because of what happened yesterday.

But, doesn’t the academy cancel classes too frequently?

Anyway, thanks to Shadi, I get to rest for a day.

Maybe I should get some sleep.