Ch.88. Sword Maniac

“Quite a mess, quite a mess.”

Such a groan flowed limply from Beatrix, who had her head buried on the desk.

Looking at the mountains of paperwork piled around her, it wasn’t hard to understand her reaction.

The Chancellor of Elphante was extremely furious about the fact that a bloodshed had occurred within the academy, even during an official event.

Just the fact that an official document demanding the identification of the perpetrators had been issued less than a day after the incident was proof enough.

The problematic part was that, judging from the route and timing of the assassins’ entry, there must have been an “insider” involved.

That fact probably accounted for a significant portion of why the Chancellor was so furious.

Beatrix, who had slightly raised her head, spoke with narrowed eyes.

“Still, they say everyone who was with you is scheduled to receive commendations. Since they subdued all those armed personnel without a single casualty.”

“Is that so.”

Beatrix’s expression slightly crumpled at the soulless response.

“…The problem is that guy. Darwood Campbell. He’s missing from the commendation list. I don’t understand why they’d exclude him when there’s no reason not to give him one. It’s like they’re deliberately trying to keep him from standing out any further.”

“Is that so.”

“The academic team is definitely plotting something. Looks like they’re preparing something big with him at the center.”

“Is that so.”

“If you answer like that one more time, I’ll hit you?”

“Is that so.”

Elnore, who had been staring blankly at the ceiling while sitting in her chair, caught the inkwell flying toward her in mid-air.

Doing such a thing without even turning her head certainly befitted her status as the Tristan Duchess, but that didn’t make Beatrix any less angry.

“What’s wrong with you anyway?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve been like this all day. Where on earth is your mind wandering off to?”

“…”

“Political schemes targeting you aren’t exactly new anymore, but this time feels a bit different. Judging by the fact that they’ve attempted assassination twice in a short period, whoever it is, they’re really determined.”

“I suppose so.”

“‘I suppose so’ isn’t enough to brush this off, you fool. Do you think someone that persistent will give up just because they failed this time? I’m telling you, they’ll definitely try something else!”

Despite her passionate outburst, Elnore’s gaze, which had briefly turned toward her, had already returned to the ceiling.

Beatrix could only let out a heated sigh at the sight.

“…I don’t know. Whatever it is, if you don’t tell me, I won’t help you either.”

“Beatrix.”

“What.”

“I think I’ve become interested in someone.”

It was quite commendable that Beatrix didn’t overturn her desk completely.

Anyone who knew what kind of person Elnore was would have had a similar reaction.

“…What did you say?”

“I said I think I’ve become interested in someone.”

Seems like she hadn’t misheard.

No, but still, surely not.

“What do you mean by that?”

“…”

There was no answer, but somehow she seemed to be staring at the ceiling more intensely. As if trying to hide her embarrassment.

Seeing the tips of her ears slightly tinged red, Beatrix was experiencing almost cosmic horror.

This woman, of all people, showing such an adolescent girl-like reaction?

A person who doesn’t change her expression even while cutting people down?

“…Who is it?”

“Didn’t we just mention him?”

She’s even using a grumpy tone to deflect because she’s too embarrassed to say it directly.

“Darwood Campbell?”

“…”

“No, wait a minute.”

With a headache threatening to explode, Beatrix briefly clutched her head and sank back onto the desk.

Come to think of it, ever since she sparred with the candidate for the next Hero, her attitude did seem to change a bit whenever his name came up.

This reaction is completely, isn’t it that?

Yes. That.

“You like that guy?”

“…I haven’t said that yet.”

Well, well.

“Yet?”

“…”

Elnore firmly sealed her lips again. The tips of her ears seemed to have reddened even more.

Feeling her headache intensify at the sight, Beatrix spoke again.

“You do realize how big the aftermath of this could be, right?”

Every single move of the Tristan Duchess is newsworthy.

It’s probably more due to the influence of the Tristan Dukedom as a group rather than Elnore as an individual, but anyway, if such a person were to have a romance, it would naturally become gossip fodder.

Of course, being gossiped about wouldn’t necessarily be a problem, but there’s one person who would find it disagreeable, which is the issue.

“If the Tristan Grand Duke sees this-“

Beatrix had to close her mouth.

As soon as she mentioned it, the temperature of the entire room seemed to drop by several degrees.

“…Yes. That old man would certainly be displeased.”

Elnore answered in a frosty voice.

It could hardly be considered an appropriate attitude toward one’s father, but Beatrix didn’t particularly want to take issue with that.

This was a father who hadn’t even contacted his daughter once after she had already experienced two assassination attempts.

The nature of their relationship was quite evident without having to ask.

So, she decided to change the subject.

“And this situation itself is a bit… strange. I don’t know how that guy managed to charm you-“

“I didn’t say I was charmed.”

Beatrix let out a chuckle at Elnore’s disgruntled voice as she picked at her words.

Sure you weren’t. Normally, you wouldn’t even care whether someone said this or that.

“Anyway. If that guy has shown you any kind of favor, the usual you would first question his intentions rather than accepting his kindness at face value.”

Position shapes a person.

Sadly, the position of Tristan Duchess is optimized for suspecting ulterior motives rather than believing in people’s genuine kindness.

But right now, this woman is strangely taking his kindness at face value.

Almost as if she’s being forced to skip such behavior by something.

“That’s certainly true.”

Considering her usual disposition, it was unprecedented for someone’s presence to approach her this quickly and significantly.

At least Elnore was clearly aware that the speed was abnormal.

So.

“Then I should just test it.”

“Test what?”

“I mean I should observe him up close.”

“…What are you saying?”

Instead of answering, Elnore smiled slightly, sending chills down Beatrix’s spine.

She had an incredibly ominous feeling.

At least when this woman wore such an expression, things never passed by quietly.

“Hey. What are you saying?”

“Let’s go eat. It’s about that time.”

“Don’t change the subject-!”

●

I glare at the letter in my hand with disapproving eyes.

The seal stamped on the envelope is that of the Elphante academic team. It’s definitely genuine since it’s a magical imprint that’s difficult to forge.

The content is the problem.

[We cannot yet inform you of Darwood Campbell’s class assignment.]

[The academic team is working on a project to produce optimal results.]

[You can look forward to good news.]

No.

I don’t want to look forward to it.

Can’t you just stick me in some appropriate class and leave me alone?

I don’t understand why they’re conducting a “project” for something so grandiose.

‘In the first place…’

It’s strange that the academy would send me such a personal letter out of nowhere.

Although an accident did occur, it was resolved smoothly, so the class assignment test should normally be held again.

In fact, I know that Elia and the protagonist party took the test again after the incident and were grouped together in a “special class.”

Shouldn’t I also proceed according to the same principle? Why am I being singled out?

“…I don’t know.”

I mutter as I put the letter back inside my pocket.

What’s the point of dwelling on something that won’t yield answers?

Rather, it’s this.

< System Message>

[Confirming completion of class assignment after enrollment.]

[First main quest completed.]

[Updating additional information!]

The first main quest I received was “Complete enrollment and class assignment.”

Now that I’ve progressed that far, it seems the update has proceeded.

But here too, the content is problematic.

[Main Quest]

[Successfully resolve the incident that will occur at the Freshman Welcome Party!] [D-3]

[Reward: Materials for exclusive equipment]

The Freshman Welcome Party is the event that marks the beginning of the Serath “branch.”

More precisely, it’s where you choose how to specialize the protagonist.

Depending on which “profession” he shows interest in during this event, his career path is determined.

Long-range archer, close-combat warrior, support priest, or area-effect mage… You can think of it as deciding on a main build among orthodox job classes.

The “exclusive equipment” materials they’re giving me probably follow the same logic.

Exclusive equipment refers to gear that can be specialized in one function and continuously developed.

If fully developed, its power in that field is truly overwhelming, but initially, it can only perform very basic functions.

In other words, just like the protagonist, I’ll be given growth-type equipment specialized for the main build I choose to use.

So. It’s nice that they’re providing such things, but.

“…”

This is dangerous.

To the point where my mouth is parched.

This alone isn’t a problem, but what’s linked to it is the issue.

< Gift-Related Person Alert >

▼ Elnore

[Trust Level 2] >>> [Trust Level 5]

[Likability has risen significantly in a short period!]

[Special reward available!]

[Approaching likability status change!]

[Important person. Special events will occur upon successful status change!]

[D-3 until related event occurs]

▼ Elia

[Curiosity Level 5]

[Reward collection not yet possible!]

[Approaching likability status change!]

[Important person. Special events will occur upon successful status change!]

[D-3 until related event occurs]

Right.

Events related to both the protagonist and the final boss are happening “simultaneously,” and they coincide with the starting point of the “main quest.”

There’s only one thing this indicates.

‘Something big is coming…!’

From Elnore’s first event, professional assassins including Hasmed suddenly showed up.

If these two are involved simultaneously, it can’t be something trivial.

The only fortunate thing is that unlike the first time, there’s a grace period of 3 days instead of two.

“…”

Actually, I don’t think it’s fortunate at all.

Whether it’s two days or three days, it’s equally difficult.

This starting point is so intense, I feel like I’m being gaslighted?

‘If I have to do it, I’ll do it.’

I sigh and scratch my head.

Can’t be helped. It’s not like I have a choice.

First, let’s collect Elnore’s reward since a well-fed ghost has better complexion.

[Collecting gift reward from ‘Elnore’.]

[Receiving 1 ‘Skill Copy Voucher’.]

[You can copy 1 skill of your choice from the target!]

“…”

What the hell is this?

Skill copy???

‘…This is insane, really?’

It’s a highly intuitive and powerful function that doesn’t need much explanation.

Can I really copy the final boss’s skill?

‘But because of that…’

It would be a loss to use this right now.

Like the protagonist Elia, Elnore is also a “growing” final boss.

While her current capabilities already make her the top predator at the academy, there’s no reason to hastily use this when she’ll acquire numerous overpowered skills in the future.

“…”

So that means I need to prepare for the event happening in 3 days without this.

Fortunately, I know a place where I can obtain items that will help with survival.

“Phew…”

I exhale a long breath as I look at the destination in front of me.

An old warehouse that appears after walking quite a distance beyond the academy’s main building.

Despite its appearance, it’s ironically covered with all kinds of security magic, including perception-hindering formulas.

Among the staff, it’s known as the “Supply Room.”

Among Serath users, it might be more familiar as “The Goldmine for Epic Loot.”

It’s generally a place where items used as teaching materials are stored, but because Elphante has such a deep history, mountains of all kinds of artifacts are piled up there. And among them are items whose value is known only to users who have played the game.

I’m aiming for just one thing.

‘Sanctity’s Ultima.’

If you combine the right components, it’s the early-game survival item with the best cost-effectiveness throughout all of Serath.

Originally, it’s an item destined for “Yuria Greyhaunter,” the boss of the second chapter.

The nickname circulating among users was “Sword Psycho.” She’s a crazy woman who cuts down everything that comes within a certain distance.

“…”

Actually, I’m thinking it might be a bit dangerous to snatch an item meant for such an important scenario character in advance.

But to prepare for 3 days from now, I have no choice.

Isn’t this the world’s fault for pressuring me so strongly, not mine?

Anyway, Yuria is strong enough to be the boss of an entire chapter. She won’t have major problems without something like this.

“Alright, then.”

Let’s quickly farm the item and head back.

Nothing will go wrong, right?

●

5 minutes later.

I was cursing myself for making such a statement.

I silently look at the black-haired girl trembling in front of me. Tears are even welling up in her eyes.

A small stature that would barely reach my neck. Cat-like white eyes. An overall appearance that hasn’t strayed far from a childlike physique.

She might have been cute if she wasn’t holding a sword to my neck.

[Would you please stay still?]

Such “text” appears in mid-air. This woman doesn’t communicate with her voice but expresses her intentions in this way.

And if she’s saying something like this…

“…So it’s easier for you to cut me?”

[Yes.]

This is insane.

I know who this is.

Yuria Greyhaunter. The person who becomes the boss of Chapter 2.

And right now, my life is being threatened by such a person.

“…”

Why can’t things ever go smoothly for me?

●