episode_0046

“Bern, isn’t it just the potions we need to buy? Do we really need to get bandages or something like that?”

“Just in case.”

“?”

“You seem not to understand. Recovery potions are items that boost our vitality within our bodies to aid recovery.”

“I know that.”

“Hence, potions have clear limits unlike divine power. They’re not all-powerful.”

“But you can use high-grade potions, right? Oh… since high-grade potions are expensive, it might not be a bad choice?”

….”

When she says that, I have nothing to say.

Actually, Elysia is right.

High-grade potions rival the healing power of divine energy.

They may be effective but come at a price.

At my current earnings, it’s out of the question.

Well, maybe from the late game or the second playthrough onwards, I can buy them freely.

The only issue is the restriction on the number of uses?

Actually, it’s strange that there isn’t one.

If health could be restored infinitely, where’s the fun in playing the game?

Of course, there are many ways to heal besides potions.

Holy power used by priestesses and clerics is a prominent healing skill.

There are also vampiric skills and items, but I didn’t use them much.

Their effects weren’t great, and they didn’t deal damage effectively either.

I did use vampiric items occasionally for their cool appearance, though.

Anyway, preparing for the worst-case scenario is crucial.

If things escalate to the worst possible situation, these low-grade potions and bandages won’t be of any use.

It wouldn’t hurt to have them on hand, though.

I packed low-grade potions, bandages, antiseptic, and various supplies.

Since I already have lanterns and other tools, buying just these should suffice.

I placed all the selected items on the counter.

“That will be 450,000 coins.”

“Got it.”

I handed him a few gold coins from my pocket.

“Exact change. Feel free to take them.”

“Well then, I’ll drop by again next time.”

“Goodbye.”

“Farewell, little black-haired lad and lady.”

As I was about to leave the shop,

-Ding-

I bumped into someone at the entrance.

He had black hair like me as he entered.

However, there was a difference.

He had deep green eyes?

“Is the owner here? Sir…”

Recognizing me due to our similar hair color.

Given how news of the internship incident spread to him, he must have known about me.

Or he might have heard some unfavorable rumors about me.

So, I tried to pass by with Elysia, but he extended his hand to me, saying, “Bern Flame, right? Nice to meet you. I’m Ian.”

I was slightly taken aback.

Since there was no reason to ignore his handshake, I shook his hand.

“I know. You’re the new transfer student from last time, right?”

“Yes, by the way, I owe you a lot from the last internship, Elysia.”

“Yes, it’s been a while since then, Ian.”

With that, the conversation ended.

We weren’t close to begin with, and we had no reason to meet.

So, this awkwardness was natural.

By the way, that Ian guy… he’s carrying a strange sword at his waist, isn’t he?

A peculiar sword emitting an odd aura from his waist.

It’s a sword with an overall crimson hue.

I’ve never seen such a sword in the game.

Is it an item unknown to me?

If that’s some kind of hidden piece I don’t know about.

Compared to the early stages, the strength of the protagonist is significantly explained.

What kind of sword is that?

The design is cool, and the blade is razor-sharp.

With that level of equipment, most monsters would be easily dealt with.

While pondering about his sword, Elysia, who was quietly standing beside me, spoke up.

“Well then, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. I have somewhere to go.”

“Ah, I’m sorry. Looks like I interrupted your date.”

“D-Date? W-What are you talking about! You keep saying that since earlier… Me with this rough guy!”

No, do you hate it that much?

I understand if you feel bad for being misunderstood as on a date.

But still, might you get hurt a bit?

Anyway.

“Well then, let’s go. And Ian, you don’t have to use honorifics with me. We’re classmates after all.”

“Yes, right. Nice to meet you too.”

“Before we go, let me ask one thing. Have you not heard any rumors about me?”

“No, I’ve heard everything. But I don’t believe in such rumors. I don’t judge people based on rumors without meeting them in person.”

“Is that so.”

“That’s why I wanted to meet you in person.”

“… ”

“Now that I’ve met you in person, I can tell. You’re not a bad guy. Carrying your injured friend during practice? Helping rescue people in the mountains?”

“…”

“Thanks to you gathering people, we could solve things quickly. Thank you, Bern.”

Saying that, he bowed his head to me, expressing gratitude.

“I just did what needed to be done.”

“L-Let’s go together! Bern!”

With those words, I exited with Elisha.

“He’s quite a peculiar guy.”

Well, at least it’s a relief.

Confirming it firsthand, he does seem like a good guy.

By the way, that sword.

What was it really?

It felt like it was alive somehow…

Lost in thoughts about the protagonist Ian, Elisha beside me nudged my arm and started talking.

“By the way, Bern. What was up with that line? ‘I just did what needed to be done.’ Pfft,” she said teasingly.

“Don’t say strange things, just take this.”

She took something from me.

“Huh? A knife? You don’t have much money.”

“Carry it with you. Security isn’t great these days.”

“You worry about me? Hehe. I’ve received all kinds of worries from you. Thanks, Bern.”

Maybe it’s just my mood, but her expression seemed the happiest today.

Happy to receive a gift, perhaps.

If I had known, I would have saved up more money to buy her something?

“Anyway. Let’s head back to the dormitory.”

“Huh? Already?”

“It’s past 1 o’clock already. Let’s slowly…”

“…”

“Slowly… have some food before going.”

“Okay! Let’s do that!”

Wait, did my spine just shiver for a moment?

Must be my imagination, right? The girl who was smiling so beautifully just now suddenly looked serious.

Something… something.

Although I’m not that hungry, there’s no other choice.

Let’s have some food and go back in.

…

“As expected, rumors can’t be trusted. Right, Reed?”

【I’m not sure.】

“So, you have no judgment when it comes to people.”

【What? You want to fight barehanded?】

“Just kidding, just kidding.”

A young man with black hair muttering to himself as he walks down the street.

Seeing him like that, people murmur around.

“Who is he talking to?”

“Is he crazy?”

“Let’s just go, they say there’s more than one student going crazy because of assignments these days.”

“Tsk tsk, going crazy at such a young age…”

“Hey, that’s none of our business, right? Hurry up and follow!”

“Oh, okay.”

But his appearance seems fine.

No, why would such a handsome guy end up like that?

Indeed, Academy students are hard to understand even after knowing them.

Are they only accepted if they’re crazy, or do they go crazy after getting in?

Cheer up, young students!

Cheers from passing citizens.

…

“Ah~ That was delicious.”

“Well then, let’s head back to the dormitory.”

“No, did you put honey on the dormitory stairs? Why am I having such a hard time walking?”

“… ”

“Bern, don’t push yourself too hard. It’s okay to take it easy on a day like today.”

“… ”

“No, could it be because of Shadi? Really, I can’t stand this.”

“No, just until yesterday, to someone who used to be an enemy… How did you manage not being able to show kindness to others all this time?” she said.

Saying that, she stuck close to me and looked up at me.

With a playful expression, she seemed very charming.

But.

-Thud!

“Ouch!”

“You’re too close. Elisha.”

“Ow… That hurts.”

“Well then, let’s just buy snacks and go back…”

Just as we were about to buy snacks and head back to the dormitory.

-!!!

A tremendous explosion occurred outside.

Accompanied by ringing in the ears.

Suddenly, what?

I stepped outside the shop to find the origin of the explosion.

As I came out onto the street.

Besides me, many people had also come out onto the street.

Everyone was looking towards where the explosion had happened.

As the explosion gradually subsided, people began to murmur.

“Suddenly, an explosion?”

“Is it a fire?!”

“Terrorism, perhaps?”

“Nah, surely not…”

“But wait, isn’t it near the castle gate?”

“What on earth is happening?”

While trying to assess the situation by looking around.

Elisha approached.

“Bern! What in the world..!”

“….”

-Thump

Dark clouds are gathering in the once clear sky.

The bright sun disappeared, and rain began to fall.

-Shooosh

Darn it, reality and games really are different after all.

I thought that since I subdued Shadi, today’s plans would also be ruined.

My expectations were wrong.

Even without the key member Shadi, they will proceed with the plan.

While gazing at the rainy sky, Elisha spoke up.

“Could it be that Shadi betrayed us?!”

“No, that’s not it.”

Due to Shadi’s soul oath, she should be lying quietly on the sofa.

Even if there were no oath, she wouldn’t cooperate with an organization that abandoned her.

So, it’s not Shadi.

Then, did Naidus act unilaterally?

After drawing people’s attention to the castle gate.

Is the intention to obtain the sealed ancient texts inside the academy.

No, the goal is not the sealed ancient texts.

Since the seal is still intact, they cannot take it now.

So, what are they aiming for?

“Elisha, I will head to the academy first.”

“Bern! Do you know something?”

“I have a hunch. So, gather people and evacuate.”

“No, come with me. You are too exhausted right now. Bern, you don’t have to bear the burden alone, so let’s go together.”

“..Fine. Let’s go together.”

Act 1 is not over yet.