Chapter 31

Tears of the Ice Snow. It was a liquor made from the essence of a thousand year ice. Then what is the thousand year ice?

It’s not just ice that has been frozen for a long time. Such is just ice without any energy.

The real thousand year ice is ice that has been filled with pure negative energy without receiving a single light or heat for a very long time.

Therefore, it could be said to be a rare treasure that only comes from very special terrains.

And coincidentally, those special terrains are all known to be within the territory of the Mayfield family.

There’s even a saying that the Mayfield family staked their claim on this harsh land because of the thousand year ice, so no further explanation is necessary.

‘But honestly, that’s just a rumor. Who in their right mind would stake a claim here?’

Another name for the Mayfield family is ‘the witch of the perpetual snow.’ In other words, they staked a claim in a place with such insane cold that the snow never melts all year round,

It seems the founding family head was a bit touched in the head from studying magic too seriously.

Nevertheless, thanks to that, the descendants have enjoyed the benefits of the thousand year ice,

Yes.

Benefits.

The pure negative energy contained in the thousand year ice had the properties of purity and purification.

It’s said that even a single drop in dirty and murky waste water would immediately make it clean enough to drink. Then what if a human drinks that essence?

The same.

It becomes clean.

‘It’s an elixir, an elixir.’

It’s basic for humans here to accumulate impurities as they live. And those impurities hinder the flow of mana. Therefore, dealing with impurities was one of the important issues for many people who wanted to become stronger.

However, the general consensus was that it was basically impossible. Unless by a very special method. And there weren’t many beings who could use that special method.

For example, prestigious martial or magical families with a long history and tradition.

They had their own ways to cleanse impurities. But it was a strict secret, and there was no way for outsiders to learn that method.

However, there was one exception. The method of the Mayfield family was very famous and well known.

Why?

Because they didn’t particularly try to hide it.

Even if it became known, there would be no problem. Because it was a method that no one else could follow. Drink the Tears of the Ice Snow.

A very simple method.

But as long as the Tears of the Ice Snow could only be obtained from the Mayfield family, it was nothing but a pie in the sky.

‘That pie in the sky is right here.’

I thought as I looked at the Tears of the Ice Snow.

It wasn’t something you could buy with money. There was no known special event to obtain it.

So, it was an item I had never obtained even while playing the game.

‘Now I see why I couldn’t get it.’

The group evaluation of the worst difficulty, preserved as Professor Karen’s dark history, was an event of the current second year. It was an incident that the protagonist, who is now a first year, could not experience.

So how could it be obtained?

‘That being said, do I have to just hand it over?’

I licked my lips as if it was a pity. That Max guy, lived so recklessly, he must have a body full of impurities even if it doesn’t show in his stats.

If only I could get the Tears of the Ice Snow, it would naturally be a great help to my growth as it would cleanse all the impurities.

But

‘There’s no answer. No answer…’

A problem not even in the family tree. The only hope, Riviera, I had already used up the carrot and stick with her, so there was none left. Meaning there was no answer at all.

‘Forget it. Just let go of the useless attachment and clear your mind.’

I gave up willingly. Holding onto it would only make it more regrettable. At least, thanks to the spatial transfer to the Mayfield family, I was spared the embarrassment in front of the second year guys.

“Professor, are you, really going to…?”

One teaching assistant said with a face of disbelief.

The expressions of the other teaching assistants were the same.

Because it was an item too valuable to be given as a prize to students.

“Of course, it’s real. The students who solved the last problem perfectly deserve to receive it.”

Professor Karen answered without hesitation. Considering the level of the problem, this evaluation itself was something she had prepared with great care.

Solving such a problem meant, even in her high standards, it was naturally worthy of praise.

That’s why she prepared the Tears of the Ice Snow as a prize.

“Guys, let’s fight and get it!”

The leader of the Royal team shouted with full spirit. That guy’s eyes had already turned.

I understand.

It would be stranger if one’s eyes didn’t turn in front of the Tears of the Ice Snow.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m definitely going to get it!”

Another team member responded. But the fighting spirit of those two had nothing to do with the result. The card that would actually determine the result. Elaine was panicking.

“I can’t drink alcohol.”

Yes.

The Tears of the Ice Snow is alcohol. If you ask why such a precious essence is made into alcohol, Because it’s the Mayfield family, that’s the end of the conversation.

Naturally, being a family living in such a cold region, they became inseparable from alcohol.

And it’s not just any alcohol. They like very strong alcohol, not considering anything below 50 degrees as alcohol.

To that extent, it’s not an exaggeration to call them a family of heavy drinkers. So much so that there’s even a saying, ‘Never brag about your alcohol tolerance in front of a Mayfield.’

Of course, Professor Karen was no exception. She was one of the best drinkers in the game. There’s an event that occurs when you become close to her, a drinking event.

If you can hold out to some extent, you’ll receive praise like ‘You know how to drink.’ and can appeal as a manly charm, not just a student. The problem is that holding out to that extent is terribly difficult.

Pouring vodka into a beer mug continuously, there’s no way to endure it. If you pass out, you get a message saying, ‘Your physical condition has become extremely bad.’ and a day is deleted.

For a game where every day is important, losing a whole day is a big deal.

‘It’s a frustrating event.’

Of course, after suffering continuously, I found a way. Before the drinking event, if you get the ‘Leaf of Clarity’ from a hidden quest, As an item that can detoxify almost any poison, it shows amazing effects in detoxifying alcohol.

‘Well, that’s not important right now..’.

I stopped reminiscing and returned to reality. Elaine, who can’t drink at all. Even if she receives such a precious prize, it would be meaningless…

“Alcohol is not alcohol if you don’t think of it as alcohol, Elaine!”

“Yeah, alcohol is originally not alcohol! Alcohol is originally water! Why? Because it has more moisture?”

The two guys were spouting nonsense enthusiastically. That’s not the appearance of a friend.

It’s the very image of a multi level marketer who has to scam to make money. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Ah… Yeah, that’s right.”

Elaine, too, seemed flustered by her friends behavior, blinking her eyes several times with shaky pupils. Really, what’s the point of doing that to someone who will work hard anyway, regardless of the prize.

I shook my head.

‘Well, I shouldn’t worry about that now.’

This team has already given up… Huh? I widened my eyes as I noticed something. Riviera, who had been maintaining an indifferent attitude until now. Her reaction was different from before.

Her eyes couldn’t leave the Tears of the Ice Snow. Even if it’s the Tears of the Ice Snow, it wouldn’t be something a named boss like ‘the witch of calamity’ would covet, right?

A natural curiosity.

Wait a minute, that reaction is…………….

It was like a cat that saw a fish. Then I remembered. The Tears of the Ice Snow is also famous for its unique taste that makes you feel a deep chill to the bone and a profound coolness.

・・・・・・ In the end, she just wants to drink delicious alcohol? Seeing her, who looks like a frail girl but seems desperate to drink alcohol, was absurd.

‘No, that’s not it.’

My brain was working fast. This was an opportunity. An unexpected jackpot opportunity. I quickly approached Riviera. And said in a low voice.

“They say the taste is to die for.”

There was no answer, but I could feel her flinch openly. I couldn’t help but smile inwardly. This was almost as good as done.

“Ah, I want to try it, but I don’t have the ability to get it, no ability. Is there anyone with the ability to do it?”

“Um. Um. Um.”

Riviera was groaning with strange moans. I barely held back the laughter that was about to burst out. I felt it anew. Before possessing this body, I thought she was a named boss without blood or tears, but this girl is just four dimensional.

“I can.”

Riviera, who had been pondering, raised her hand slightly. I responded immediately.

“Oh, right. You were here? But you didn’t want to solve the problem, did you?”

Of course. She had infiltrated with a purpose, so she wouldn’t want to do anything conspicuous She wanted to drink the Tears of the Ice Snow but didn’t want to move, a paradoxical state.

“I Admit that.”

Surprisingly, she readily admitted it. While doing so, her attitude towards me was unusual. She seemed to have something to say but hesitated to speak out. But then, realizing there was no time, she finally murmured softly.

“You solve it.”

“Me? How?”

“I’ll teach you. I will…”

‘Through telepathy.’

The last words were clearly heard, but Riviera’s lips did not move. Is this the famous telepathy magic?

I responded without panic.

“That’s an interesting offer. But I’m not exactly eager to accept it………….”

Riviera’s eyes narrowed.

‘You said you wanted to try it,’

‘Yeah, I did say that, but it’s not like I’m dying to try it….’

It was a payback from earlier.

A naive girl.

Ah. Correction.

Not naive, but a scary girl.

Seeing the brief flash of madness in her expression, I quickly corrected myself. Wow, that was really good. The moment I decided to just agree her next words were.

‘Please, please, please.’

She didnt ask thrice, but the word ‘please’ echoed in my ears three times. The problem was the soulless tone. It seemed to be her last bit of pride. Well, that’s fine. That’s okay. Preserving someone’s last pride is basic manners.

“If you insist that much, well, alright. I’ll do it.”

I nodded. Riviera’s eyes sparkled. She seemed quite pleased. I’m also happy.

I smirked.

“The competition will start soon, so both teams come forward.”

Professor Karen’s voice signaled the start. Various elements shone in different colors as they danced in the air. The beautiful equations that the movement of these elements signified.

Equations.

Huh? Equations, right?

Anyway, to put it simply, this is it.

I don’t know what’s what, so I should just shut up and stay still.

Ah, sorry.

I can’t just stay still. I pretended to discuss the problem with my teammates while looking at it. Allen was already a statue. His brain seemed to have stopped due to a problem beyond his comprehension.

Anyway, he was just an extra, so it didn’t matter,

“An element is an element. An element is an element………… An element is an element………… An element is an element………… “

Of course, there was someone on the other side whose brain had gone haywire.

“Uh, sorry, I’m done. Please, take care of the rest.”

Thud.

What are you, a dying heroine?

That side is hopeless too.

“Yeah, sure.”

Only Elaine was solving the problem alone. Is this a group evaluation?

Yes.

Even incompetent humans can enjoy the benefits if they just socialize well.

Nothing’s different here or in reality.

Professor Karen seemed to have anticipated that as well, looking unconcerned.

Her gaze, which naturally fell on Elaine, now turned to me. An interested look.

Please don’t look at me with such a burdensome gaze.

She solved the third problem.

Even though I was the one who actually gave the answer,

‘Well, that’s fine.’

I sent a relaxed smile to Professor Karen.

She returned a smile that was unfathomable.

The smile of a mature woman.

Strong.

I looked away.

I might be tempted without realizing it.

Now was the time to be cool.

…………But anyway, it’s not like I’m the one solving it.

“Alright, time’s up.”

Finally, the fateful time to determine the owner of the Tears of the Ice Snow had arrived.