episode_0019

Perhaps due to spring, a chilly breeze still blows in the early morning.

It’s the perfect weather for catching a cold.

As the long winter ends, the snow melts away, and nature returns to its pre-winter state.

Fallen leaves sprout anew, the frozen ground softens, and the river begins to flow again.

If there’s a season perfectly suited for new beginnings, it would undoubtedly be spring.

Spring… When I think of spring, only fleeting memories come to mind.

Graduating elementary school and entering middle school.

Winter passes one, two, three times, and as spring arrives once more, I find myself in a new school again.

Meeting new connections or making new friends there.

Spring, a season for fresh starts. But my memories of it are not plentiful.

Though much about spring has faded from memory, I recall how warm it felt to me.

Yet, that spring will never return. I will move forward, and spring, like all things, will pass.

But can I move forward on the right path with Vein’s body?

No matter how much I try, no matter how far I go, it will all end soon. I am an outsider, a body meant to return.

There have been moments when I’ve wanted to give up.

The thought of losing the connections I’ll make here frightens me, and I fear not being able to return home.

Still, I won’t give up.

I entered this game world for a reason, and I don’t plan on dying easily.

I’ll survive without becoming a mid-boss and see this through to the end.

Then, I’ll find a way back home.

Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial.

Though lately, my dreams have been restless, making me feel tired.

I often have strange dreams when I sleep these days.

They seem insignificant, yet also strangely important.

Upon waking, I forget everything I saw in those dreams.

But I remember that something important slips my mind.

“I may not know what it is, but taking time to think it over should help.”

The sky, once tinged with a dark shade of blue, now fills completely with a vibrant blue.

It’s time to start moving. Ron and Lloyd were chatting a bit away and dozing off.

Returning to the academy to rest would be better than staying here.

But we’ll need Ellyn and Elisha to wake up before we can move.

They seem deeply asleep, not even considering getting up.

It feels almost wrong to wake them, seeing how peacefully they sleep.

Elisha still leans on my shoulder, fast asleep.

She must have a lot on her plate.

From the engagement issue to the annoying nobles and preparing for the midterm exams…

She must be busy handling a tight schedule.

Unlike the loner Vein, she maintains good relationships throughout the school, which she needs to keep up.

Her academic and family issues must be overwhelming.

That’s why I feel especially sorry for Elisha.

Maybe that’s why I can’t treat her casually.

Of course, it’s ironic to be casual with someone you’re separated from by an engagement.

Still, seeing her struggle, I can’t help but feel sorry for her.

But once the family matter is resolved, I’ll truly apologize then.

Not suggesting a re-engagement, just…

Lost in thought, I gazed at the sky.

Quiet. Serene. It feels like there’s no one else in this forest.

Lowering my gaze, I see Ellyn snoring softly and Elisha leaning on my shoulder, still fast asleep.

Perhaps because she’s been leaning on me for so long, she looks a bit uncomfortable.

Thinking of ways to make Elisha more comfortable, Elisha blinked and began to wake up.

“….Um?”

“You’re awake.”

“Did I… fall asleep?”

“Yeah, you were sleeping deeply, so I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Th-thank you. And Bern…”

Elisha’s white face blushed slightly.

She was wearing a robe, must have been cold outside.

Or…

“Ugh, ugh….!!”

While exchanging a few words with Elisha, Ellen yawned and got up from the side.

But it seemed like Elisha was about to say something.

“Ellen, are you up?”

“Bern..? Is this Bern’s uniform? Thank you… You don’t have to worry about me.”

“It’s almost morning. We should move soon. Wake everyone up. It’s time to return to the academy.”

I approached the magician and swordsman who were dozing off in their seats.

It might take some time for Ellen and Elisha to fully wake up from their sleep.

I quietly stepped aside.

….

“Who’s talking about me?”

“What did you say, Bern?”

“It’s nothing.”

About an hour had passed since we woke up Ron and Lloyd, joined Ellen and Elisha, and started descending the mountain.

After walking for another hour, the sky was completely bright, and now we were strolling through the forest after coming down from the mountain.

And soon enough, we arrived back at the initial gathering place.

Upon reaching the base, we were guided to different locations. I underwent a physical examination first to ensure I had no injuries.

Having fought the chimera, my clothes were torn and stained with blood, so I changed into a supplied academy shirt.

The academy had agreed to support all injuries and personal belongings damaged during the incident, so the cost of clothes and sword was covered.

After the physical examination and changing clothes, as the one who directly dealt with the chimera, I had to report separately to the academy, which didn’t take long.

Initially, the academy staff didn’t believe that I had handled the chimera alone, but with the help of Ron, Lloyd, Ellen, and Elisha, the investigation concluded smoothly.

Despite Bern’s reputation being somewhat tarnished, it wasn’t as bad as expected.

By now, Bern is starting to seem a bit pitiful. Maybe I should say he’s a bit pathetic.

Anyway, the large-scale incident that occurred during my second-year training has finally come to an end.

Even the Academy mentioned giving me some award, but I refused to accept it because I don’t like such formalities.

There’s no point in accepting it. People wouldn’t believe it anyway and would just curse at me.

Plus, it’s bothersome. I just want to rest. Of course, I’m currently lying on my bed, resting.

We had to cancel classes for a few days to strengthen security after the Requiem’s attack.

So, I have some free time. That’s why I’m just lying still on my bed right now.

Sigh.

So, what should I do now?

There’s nothing to do until it’s time to return to school.

“No events happening.”

Really, there are none.

Moreover, I can’t even leave the Academy premises right now.

Ah, how boring.

I’ve already completed my exercise quota for today.

Since my longsword broke and I couldn’t get a new one, I can’t practice swordsmanship either.

I’m tired of practicing magic and mana control training.

Using a skill that replenishes stamina and mana once a day, I pushed my body to its limits and now lie here.

I really have nothing to do now. It’s so boring. Boredom.

There’s nowhere interesting around, and since I have no friends, I feel like I might go crazy out of boredom.

I don’t even have a phone, so I feel trapped in a room of time and mind.

Right. They did mention giving rewards at the Academy.

I didn’t hear what kind of reward it was. Can I receive it if I go now?

Should I go see my homeroom teacher first?

I’m curious about what reward they will give.

Coins? Or maybe a weapon?

Usually, after events like this, rewards are given to make the protagonist stronger.

Those rewards often have pretty good performance, allowing you to use them from the early stages to the later stages.

Now, it’s time to go and receive the reward.