episode_0080

Ardent Academy was not far away, and we chatted as we made our way there.

I feel a bit sorry for not paying much attention to Clare during this vacation period, but I think I achieved better results than any other break, objectively speaking.

“Honestly, considering various factors that aren’t displayed in my specs and status window right now, it’s at an unbelievable level.”

[Yukal – Lv.32]

Strength: 43(+43) Agility: 43(+43)

Stamina: 43(+43) Mana: 43(+43)

Traits: Adaptability, Hyper-sensitivity, Magic Resistance

Skills: Swordsmanship Lv.27, Aura Lv.21

Body Reinforcement Lv.17, Aura Blade Lv.15

Meditation Lv.12, Aura Armor Lv.8, Pyrokinesis Lv.2

Items: Stat Crystal(Bound, partially applied)

Unique Abilities: Equilibrium, Sword Mastery

It’s the first time I’ve grown so rapidly.

The daily training with my master has shown a growth trajectory beyond just experiencing small dungeons or minor events.

“My levels and skills are at an unbelievable standard.”

At this rate, I won’t be outmatched by professors if I were to face them immediately.

In fact, they might even ask me about the secret to my rapid growth and suggest sparring together to discuss swordsmanship.

With a little more time, I might even reach a level where I can teach the professors.

Moreover, thanks to my master’s care, I succeeded in securing tuition and living expenses, which were among the top priorities for this vacation, and obtaining a decent sword.

It felt almost disrespectful to describe this sword, which exudes its presence coldly at my side, as merely “decent.”

“Unless something unexpected happens, it should see me through to the end.”

Handling a sword like this would probably be more challenging than intentionally breaking it.

I could clearly observe Victor and Rachel’s growth since I was able to witness it directly from the sidelines.

“Undoubtedly, among my companions Victor and Rachel, Rachel has shown the most outstanding achievements.”

Victor struggled to let go of his greatsword in Seongyonga, only revealing a portion of his potential towards the end, but now, even before the end of the first year, he is showing prowess in handling auras and displaying a combat performance close to hexagonal overall.

Rachel, on the other hand, diligently trained every day, although she had a tendency to rely on her unique ability to overpower opponents.

However, she now leverages the strengths of her unique ability to focus on further inheriting the Astrea family’s Vision Swordsmanship and manifesting auras, creating an incredible synergy.

“If Rachel’s specs were as they are now in Seongyonga, I might not have been able to defeat her, showcasing extreme proficiency in unique abilities and overlapping synergies within the same grade.”

Clare also succeeded in handling intermediate magic after diligently learning from the mage assigned by our master during this vacation.

Helena, leveraging her unique ability, demonstrated adept handling during demon attacks and group exams, but it seems she also had some significant achievements.

Although she didn’t explicitly mention what they were, judging by the satisfied smile she wore after talking following Clare, it seems meaningful.

“Helena had no reason to reveal her full power to other family mages.”

Except for the members here, Helena still portrays herself as a kind and lively young lady, but I don’t think she would casually boast about her accomplishments to others.

“We have arrived at Ardent Academy, Miss.”

Upon receiving the steward’s notification confirming our arrival at our destination, we opened the door and descended, greeted by the familiar sight of the academy’s main gate.

Claire, whose legs had gone numb from sitting for so long, was carefully supported to prevent her from falling.

Upon disembarking from the carriage and entering the academy, a cheerful yet always ominous notification rang out, audible only to me.

– Ding!

【Main Scenario #2】

【You have successfully overcome various hardships at Ardent Academy and completed your first year. Whether spending the break at the academy or exploring the wider world outside, there are invaders targeting this place while many students and academy staff are absent. Protect Ardent Academy and its students.】

【Success: Repel or eliminate the intruders】

【Failure: Divine punishment】

【Remaining time: ???】

‘Finally, it’s out.’

Fortunately, apart from the exclusion of the part about facing divine punishment upon failure, there were no other differences for now.

Even newcomers encountering Sungyong would mostly have sacrifices until the first year but manage to finish and spend their break.

Then, many would say, “Why is this game considered difficult? It’s just a matter of playing.”

This scenario involves crushing the arrogance of such newbie players rather than sparing them.

While the first year posed some challenges, it was cleared, and during the break, suddenly stronger users with increased confidence would be blindsided by an unexpected event.

Moreover, normally not knowing when the attack would come and waiting in anticipation, only to be hit hard, is the proper way.

‘And the opponent now is someone I can never defeat.’

It’s regrettable that I’ve grown stronger during the break in this scenario, but I won’t even be able to participate in the battle.

Due to the matchup against me and especially to test my hypothesis about the main scenario change, this is even more so.

Moving our belongings to our respective dormitories discreetly, making sure others don’t notice, I slowly helped Claire move her things, then held her hand in the alley.

Before Claire could react in surprise, I gently placed the luggage on the ground and covered her mouth with my other hand.

Seemingly taken aback by my sudden actions, she must have thought there was a reason for what I was doing, as she followed me inside the alley as I wanted.

“Sorry for startling you. Can I have a moment, Claire?”

“Not nice. Holding my hand and covering my mouth… without any intention of letting me go.”

Seeing her face turn red, she seemed a bit annoyed, but since she had been helpful so far, she didn’t strongly object, which was fortunate.

‘At least I managed to steer the conversation this far.’

The real challenge lies ahead.

“I’m really sorry; it was something important, so I couldn’t help it. If possible, I’d rather not let the others know.”

‘Similarly, Sineria’s Black Moon 4th Division watching me nearby.’

“So, Yukal, what’s the message you want to keep from the others?”

Including Laika, they already knew about my every move.

From the Astrea Duke’s estate where my mentor resided, it seemed like they kept a safe distance to avoid triggering my detection.

That had been the case until now, and even on this street, every action and conversation of mine would be monitored and reported back to Sineria.

‘I’m sorry, but I can’t afford to do that this time.’

At least, the words exchanged with Claire should not be relayed.

My decision was swift as I converted and raised a large amount of magic power.

Last year, just like Helena did to me, I pushed Claire against the wall and emitted a full-body aura that covered her like mist.

‘Even if she senses my presence inside, she probably won’t hear any sound.’

Having already conducted several experiments through Victor and my mentor.

Although it didn’t work on my mentor.

“W-What are you doing all of a sudden!! Pushing me against the wall like this, what are you trying to do…”

Startled, Claire let out a gasp, but urgently placed a finger on her lips to silence her.

“Shh, if you speak loudly, others outside will hear.”

In response to my words, Claire closed her mouth, looking slightly scared yet excited, gazing in my direction.

‘Judging by how her heart is racing like crazy, she must have been quite surprised by my sudden actions.’

I’m sorry, but time is of the essence.

This is just a temporary cover-up, as I am currently trying to figure out their movements properly as Black Moon 4th Division approaches closely.

“I don’t want to be outside… at least not inside-”

To ensure that our voices wouldn’t carry to them, Claire leaned in close as I whispered softly into her ear, causing her to close her eyes involuntarily.

“Sorry, but let’s stick together for now.”

My unexpected words seemed to elicit a bashful and flustered reaction, as she nervously fidgeted with her hands.

“Eh? We did that last year too, right? Sticking closer won’t make much of a difference, will it…?”

‘Perhaps she interpreted it as simply sticking together during classes or meal times.’

Hoping that Claire wouldn’t misunderstand, I couldn’t help but add further with a sense of apology.

“Let’s not just stick together at the academy, but everywhere. Let’s sleep together, Claire.”