Ch.131131. A Student’s Duty

●

“…”

“…”

People who are struggling can recognize each other just by looking at each other’s faces.

That’s a thought I always have whenever I face Atalante.

“Shall we make a bet?”

Atalante, looking exceptionally haggard, uttered those words in a sunken voice.

“A bet?”

“On which of us has brought worse news.”

“…”

That’s quite an appropriate bet.

Considering I was summoned by this person immediately upon returning to Elphante, there’s a very high probability that I’ve brought some seriously bad news myself.

“…The Grand Assassin is currently inside Elphante.”

I reveal my bad news first.

Judging by how Atalante’s eyes widen in response, it’s clearly not good news by anyone’s standards.

“…Isn’t that the person who costs a national budget just to hire once?”

Well.

There are only two Grand Assassins across the entire continent, and besides Serath, the other one is [Hesed], the leader of the “Vagabonds”—so that’s accurate.

Unlike Serath, who works exclusively for the Pope, the other one is a freelancer who can be hired by anyone.

“From what you’re saying, it seems they’ve infiltrated the academy for something related to you. I could try to take some measures—”

“…No, leave it be.”

“Pardon?”

“It would be more dangerous to interfere carelessly.”

If this were before our encounter, it might be different.

But if the Violet Demon’s fragment has begun to awaken due to my influence, then it’s truly the case.

The Violet Demon. Commonly known as the Demon of “Submission.”

Among the rulers of Pandemonium, it’s the most, how should I put it?

Peculiar one.

“…I’ll handle it appropriately myself.”

If you understand the proper countermeasures, it could be considered the least dangerous among demons.

But in the current situation, where demons are competing for my “occupancy rate,” things could definitely spiral out of control because of it. There’s no reason to interfere unnecessarily.

It’s better to keep it close and control it appropriately.

So.

The tasks currently assigned to me are:

1. I need to appease Elnore, Yuria, and Lucien in order.

2. While working on awakening Faynol’s emotions.

3. And carrying the bomb that is the Grand Assassin on my back at all times.

“…”

This is not… manageable.

Chapter 4 hasn’t even started yet, and this is the level of tasks I need to complete beforehand.

“…Haah…”

Still, I have to do it.

Was anything I’ve done so far actually manageable?

As I sigh with that thought, Atalante looks at me with pitying eyes.

“You look exhausted.”

“Do I?”

“Yes. Honestly, I’m a bit worried. If you keep pushing yourself like this, I fear something serious might happen at some point.”

“…”

Well.

“…I still can’t rest for the time being.”

The Luminary definitely tried to “kill” Elnore. They even used the chapter boss-level Inverted Tide as bait, while tying me down to do so.

This was a route that never existed in the original game.

For one thing, the Luminary in the original wasn’t even a woman.

They were just a common fanatic who blindly believed in anything related to demons.

But the path they’re taking now feels like…

Rather than being a “Cultist of the Demon,” it’s as if they’re trying to “erase” all of them.

“…”

That cannot happen.

I didn’t change my race using the Seal of Fallen Heaven for nothing. At the very least, the people around me shouldn’t get hurt because of them.

So.

I genuinely won’t have time to relax for a while, if only to stop them.

“…Let’s hear your progress report for now.”

As I was thinking about this, Atalante sighed and said those words.

“How have you been getting along with the Vessels recently?”

“Things are progressing smoothly.”

[…Smoothly?]

“…”

[Didn’t you get split in half not too long ago?]

Calivan objected in disbelief through the Soul Linker, but as long as I’m still breathing, it counts as smooth.

When dealing with demon-level entities, this much counts as holding my own…!

And, above all.

‘Calivan.’

[Huh?]

‘I might face even worse situations in the future.’

[…]

A silence filled with the question of what could possibly be worse than being split in half came back, but I’m serious about this.

Just look at the message that’s written here:

< System Message >

[ The event related to “Yuria’s” “second fragment” will be released soon! ]

“…”

If it’s about the White Demon’s second fragment… well.

I can only hope it doesn’t overlap with the main quest progression.

With that thought, I fiddle with the mask I always carry in my pocket.

This is my lifeline. If I show my “bare face” in front of that person even once, it would truly be the end.

[Looks like you’ll be showing your face soon…]

“…”

[Am I wrong? Everything you’ve said like that has come true—]

I completely detach the amulet from my arm.

Rather than continuing to hear ominous words, it’s better to silence them for a moment.

“…If things are going smoothly, that’s fortunate.”

Atalante sighed and responded.

“At least if that were added to the bad news I’ve brought, it would have been too much to handle.”

“…”

Ah, right.

We were in the middle of a bet.

It was clear that besides the three tasks I mentioned earlier, there was definitely one more piece of bad news.

“First of all… you made quite a splash at the Crucible of Struggle. I didn’t expect your name to be associated with the Great Chief succession matter.”

“…How disastrous was it?”

That’s the first thing I ask.

Since Atalante is almost entirely responsible for cleaning up after the messes I make, this time too, they must have acted as a breakwater to prevent me from getting caught up in painful political machinations and administrative storms.

Of course, I did all the work myself, but this time there was Kasa as a shield externally, so it shouldn’t have been too difficult to resolve.

“The matter itself wasn’t that difficult. You set up the board cleverly.”

See, I told you so.

“But because of this incident, the Imperial Family has officially begun to take interest in you, Darwood.”

“…”

My expression hardens as soon as I hear what Atalante says.

The Imperial Family.

The ones who hold the Tristan Dukedom on a leash. Among the three hegemonic nations, they’re particularly closed off, so much so that you rarely even get to see their faces in the scenario unless you take a specific branch.

They’re that secretive and insidious in nature. Some users even place them above the Pope in terms of hierarchy.

More precisely, rather than the entire “Imperial Family,” just one person is the problem.

“…Has the Chancellor taken an interest in me?”

“It’s not that.”

“That’s a relief. If it had been him instead of His Majesty, I would have genuinely wanted to die.”

Atalante looked at me with peculiar eyes.

“You, do you even know the power structure within the Imperial Palace?”

I do know that the Chancellor is truly an unbelievable level of human garbage.

In the original scenario, Gideon’s death and Elnore’s corruption level hitting the ceiling were all because of him.

“…More or less.”

“Then it will be easier to explain.”

Atalante rubbed her eyes and sighed.

“You’re aware of the upcoming comprehensive capability assessment, right?”

Ah, that.

It’s an event that’s inseparable from the academy. It’s like the regular exams.

While the midterms simply involved throwing everyone into one place for a battle royal, the comprehensive capability assessment is like a final reckoning that takes place at the end of each year.

Written tests, practical skills, field experience—it evaluates all aspects comprehensively.

“This time, His Imperial Majesty will be coming in person.”

“…”

“Based on the circumstances, he’s coming to make direct contact with ‘you.'”

What?

My expression becomes blank at those words.

Of course, the Great Chief, who holds the position of head of state, did visit the academy at the Crucible of Struggle, but…

The weight carried by the positions of “Great Chief” and “Emperor” is different.

It’s natural that there’s a difference between a figurehead position that can change hands in as little as a month, and a person who wields absolute power from birth until death.

To put it simply:

If the Great Chief were to announce preparations for conquering the entire continent, they would immediately be beaten up and kicked out by the other chiefs.

But if the Emperor gave the same order, the entire Empire would shift to a wartime system with just that one word.

That’s how significant the difference is.

And such a person…

Is coming in person just to see someone like me?

“…”

I silently gather my thoughts.

Considering the importance of the Imperial Family, especially the Emperor, this is highly likely to be related to the main scenario.

It’s not something I can carelessly prepare for.

“…The problem is.”

Atalante sighed and said.

“…To have an audience with His Majesty, one must show ‘qualifications’ worthy of it. Failing to meet those requirements would constitute a crime of disrespect in itself.”

“…”

A crime of disrespect, especially when it’s directed at the Emperor.

That’s a serious crime that can lead to imprisonment.

It’s absurd, but that’s how reverently the Emperor’s power is treated in the Empire. He’s practically treated as a living demigod.

Of course, it would only be interpreted that maliciously in extreme cases.

The problem is…

“If His Majesty personally designated you for an audience and you failed to meet those qualifications, it would give others grounds to tear you apart.”

Atalante continued with a gloomy expression.

“And if such grounds were established, you might end up facing the Chancellor you mentioned. He’s a fierce opponent of the Emperor. He might develop animosity toward you simply because His Majesty has shown interest in you.”

“…”

Right.

The problem is that there’s one person who’s completely capable of exploiting such provisions maliciously.

“At the very least, you need to prove that you’re exceptional enough to meet with His Majesty without falling short.”

“Is there anything for me to worry about then?”

I hate to say this, but I’ve achieved countless incredible feats at the student level so far.

Submitting just a few of them should be enough to prove my qualifications without much difficulty.

However, Atalante looked at me with a gloomy expression.

“I’m not worried about that part either. However, there shouldn’t be any ‘flaws’ that could be picked at, right?”

“…So there is something to worry about in other areas?”

“What’s your academic standing?”

“…”

Ah.

“…It seems you haven’t even fulfilled the attendance requirements for most courses.”

“…”

Well, I couldn’t help it.

I’ve been constantly running around with my life on the line. When would I have had time to study?

“I understand you’ve been busy, Darwood. And I’ve been covering for you as much as possible. But when it comes to His Imperial Majesty, even I can’t play dumb.”

“…”

“…You need to study.”

Atalante said with a desperate voice.

“At the very least, you should aim for perfect scores in all subjects in the upcoming capability assessment to have any chance of making up for it.”

“…”

Hmm.

Perfect scores in all subjects in Elphante’s exams, where talented students from across the Empire gather.

For me, who hasn’t even properly attended classes.

“…How much time is left until the exam, Principal?”

“About a week.”

“…”

Hmm.

Hmmmm.

●

In the end, all circumstances point to one thing.

I need a mentor.

A mentor who’s damn good at teaching.

And from my position as a student in the Holy Department, the first person I need to win over is the Saint. I should start with the subject that carries the most weight.

I already had business with her regarding the Faynol event, but now the priority has increased even more.

So.

I’ve come here to quickly create a means to “appease” her.

“So, you’re that guy?”

Professor Vulcan of the Production Department boasts a muscular physique that’s hard to believe for his age group.

Looking at him vibrantly moving among the anvil, hammer, and the light of the furnace, it’s easy to forget that this person has entered his later years.

“…Pleased to meet you, Professor Vulcan.”

“Enough. What need is there for formalities between you and me?”

And matching such an appearance, a forthright voice immediately followed.

True to his character, he hardly cares about formalities—

“If you’re so polite, I can’t speak harshly to you.”

“…”

“Tell me, kid. What kind of item have you come to ask me to make this time? I’m already curious about how many nights I’ll have to stay up.”

“…”

I like how straightforward this person is.

With that thought, I look at Professor Vulcan, who is smiling with his mouth but emitting an almost murderous glare with his eyes.

Though his attitude is clearly uncooperative, I came to him for good reasons.

He’s the one who made the bomb designed by Percy, the dean of the Magic Department, which I used to blow away the Purifier. He’s also the one who modified the Ultrima I possess.

While he might not be as good as Sefira, the all-purpose crafting tool from the Crucible of Struggle, he’s clearly a first-class craftsman with remarkable skills.

It’s not that his skills are lacking in terms of quality, but simply that he’s a bit slower.

I’ve heard that he had to pull all-nighters every time I commissioned him to make something.

“…”

In that respect.

He’s the only person who can make the eccentric item I want to request now, with quality that doesn’t fall short of what Sefira could produce.

“…I’ve come with a request that might be a bit unusual.”

“When has it ever not been? What is it, speak freely.”

Professor Vulcan said, putting his hammer aside.

“…”

Well.

If I really speak freely, I think he’ll get angry.

But since he’ll probably get angry even if I’m cautious, I’ll just proceed as planned.

I take out various materials.

These are things I obtained while fighting the Inverted Tide at the Crucible of Struggle. Components from the bodies of the rulers of the magical realm that were used to reconstruct Kasa’s limbs.

Essentially a comprehensive gift set.

I also add the star iron that was used to make Yuria’s circlet.

Indeed, as Vulcan examines these materials, his eyes show a special interest.

“…You’ve got quite a talent. Where did you get all these?”

“…”

I feel like my image has temporarily improved a bit.

But considering what comes next, I wonder how long that will last.

“Using these…”

Steeling myself, I hand Vulcan the “blueprint.”

“…I’d like you to make this.”

Vulcan received the blueprint and examined it carefully.

Then, he looked at me with a cold gaze.

“…”

This is the reaction I expected.

“…So, Darwood Campbell.”

Professor Vulcan said in a stiffened voice.

“Didn’t you say this might be an unusual request?”

“…Yes.”

“What part of asking me to make an extremely sturdy ‘collar’ is unusual?”

“…I need two of them.”

“Who asked about the quantity, kid? Are you coming to a senior professor of the Production Department to make pet accessories? With materials like these?”

With a half-contemptuous gaze, I force a smile and answer.

“…It’s not for pets.”

“What?”

“It’s for people.”

“…”

“For two people.”

“…”

“Isn’t that unusual?”

It was indeed unusual.

I could discover from Professor Vulcan’s gaze that a person can convey verbal abuse with just their eyes.

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