episode_0083

After finishing the conversation with Hedy,

I returned to the classroom and attended the last class of the second semester, ‘Combat Practice.’

Throughout the lecture, I couldn’t escape the piercing gazes directed at me.

It was probably due to the spreading rumors.

…Honestly, it didn’t matter to me anymore.

After talking with Hedy, I regained my composure.

I decided to ignore all the ridiculous situations happening around me and only focus on a few individuals who believed in me and followed me.

Anyway, even if Sian’s past continues to haunt me, it will only affect me within the academy.

Once I graduate, it’s just a reputation and rumors that will remain.

In the end, it was up to me to endure for the remaining three years.

After finishing the lecture, I was on my way to have lunch with Hedy when Lucy and Aria, wearing complex expressions, approached us.

They had come to our usual meeting spot to have lunch together.

Unlike usual, their expressions were not very pleasant.

“Sian, are you okay?”

“….”

Lucy asked me how I was doing.

I’m fine…

I felt numb, having already imagined and organized my thoughts several times in such situations.

If my mental age were that of a high school student, it would have been emotionally taxing, but unfortunately, I am in my early twenties and have experienced various trials and tribulations in society.

My thoughts were already sorted out, thanks to which my reason and logic suppressed my emotions, allowing me to remain composed.

I told Lucy, “I’m fine.”

“…Are you really okay?”

“Sian….”

Aria placed her hand on my shoulder.

“We will investigate the origin of the false rumors. We will also do our best to dispel them as far as our influence reaches…”

“No, it’s not necessary.”

Aria shook her head slightly.

“There’s no need to decline.”

“That’s not it. There’s no need for you to go out of your way to dispel them.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Because it’s not a false rumor.”

“….”

A moment of silence.

Both Aria and Lucy’s expressions stiffened simultaneously.

Why are they so surprised?

Wasn’t it assumed and accepted from the beginning that I, Sian, was a fallen nobleman?

I sighed and tried to walk past them, but…

“They are indeed terrible enough to be called trash.”

Hedy suddenly spoke to them in front of me.

“But Sian acknowledges that and is suffering because of it.”

“Hedy, it’s okay…”

“Sian, if you’re the problem, just stay quiet.”

“….”

Interrupting me, Hedy continued to address the rigid Lucy and Aria.

“Think carefully. It’s true that the past Sian has done things despicable enough to be loathed. But… do you think the current Sian would do the same?”

For a moment, Lucy seemed to be lost in thought after Hedy’s words.

“Well, um, I knew that Sian had a troubled past but….”

“Yeah, didn’t we meet knowing that? I’m not here to defend Sian. The important thing is that he reflects on his past, has been atoning for it, and is living quietly now.”

“Hedy… did you say that? You seem to have received quite a confession from Sian, but you don’t dislike him?”

“No, I don’t dislike him.”

Pointing at me, Hedy said, “Unfortunately, I owe him my life from a situation in the labyrinth. I’ve also received too much help in difficult times. Even if I wanted to dislike him, I can’t.”

At that moment, Aria chimed in.

“I know. When I almost died while encountering a griffon in the Griffon Forest for training, Sian stepped in and helped me.”

“Yeah. We’ve all been in positions where we needed help. Can we really start disliking him now just because of some rumors? That’s absurd.”

“I-I haven’t started disliking him! It’s just that hearing about Sian’s past again was surprising….”

“Me too….”

Under Hedy’s words, they seemed to be convinced.

Honestly, I was speechless behind Hedy.

I never imagined they would go this far to support me.

“Our response to any mischief should be to reprimand at that time.”

“…I won’t do such things.”

“I understand. It was just talk. Let’s all go have lunch.”

***

After receiving help from Hedy and having a good chat with the others.

Following lunch in a daze that afternoon,

I received a summons from Iris.

As soon as I entered the professor’s office, Iris, turning her chair towards me, asked me subtly,

“Are you progressing well in your training?”

Since entering the 5th rank, Iris had suddenly taken an interest in my growth.

Perhaps she was hoping for something unprecedented in history, and although I didn’t like it,

Who wouldn’t appreciate a disciple disliking when the master shows interest?

“It’s going decently. However, it seems like practical experience is lacking.”

“As expected.”

“Iris, so the reason for summoning me is…”

“It’s related to what Confucius just mentioned.”

What was just said?

Is she talking about my slow growth due to lack of practical experience?

Sensing my thoughts, Iris continued,

“At the academy, you hardly gain practical experience. Most graduate around the transition from 2nd to 3rd rank after studying mostly theory. …Honestly, the current first-year curriculum at the academy doesn’t match your level. That’s why I wanted to make a suggestion and called you here.”

“A suggestion?”

“Yes. A suggestion.”

Standing up from her chair, Iris continued,

“Why not try field training?”

As Iris finished speaking, she smiled subtly.

If it’s field training, is she referring to student missions?

The minimum requirement is 3rd year students, particularly those with top grades, who can undertake field training missions.

But I’m currently a first-year student…

“If I vouch for you, even a first-year student is possible. You’ve already surpassed the academy’s standards, so I trust you.”

“For going this far… I’m truly grateful. What would the mission entail?”

“Accompanying the Empire’s Special Forces to subdue the Great Wyvern.”

“The Great Wyvern?!”

It’s been a while since I heard the name of that minor boss.

To be honest, it’s somewhat ambiguous to call it a minor boss; it’s known to newbies as a tough opponent capable of fighting on par with a regular 5th rank beast or monster.

During my seasoned days, I used to take down the Great Wyvern with basic attacks, thinking of it as a minor boss…

‘Currently, I’m nothing more than an average 5th rank beast, neither higher nor lower. I can’t just see it as a minor boss. It’s actually a dangerous target.’

Realizing my contemplation, Iris handed me several documents and said,

“Take a look and let me know if you’re interested. I’m simply suggesting it to potentially aid in your training. It’s not mandatory.”

“….”

The documents contained details about the meeting time, content, and mission rewards.

‘The mission rewards… scales of the Great Wyvern and a sum of gold coins.’

The scales of the Great Wyvern possess such strength that they can be crafted into excellent armor by a skilled blacksmith.

However, they are quite expensive. It would definitely be a hefty price for my pocket money. To offer this as a reward… isn’t bad at all.

It could be a significant force when facing monsters once the Demon King resurrects.

“…Iris, there seems to be no need for hesitation. Coincidentally, today was the last day of swordsmanship class for the second semester, and I had nothing else to do.”

“Then I’ll take that as acceptance…”

That’s when it happened.

-Creak.

“I will go too.”

“…?”

The door to the professor’s office suddenly opened.

Startled, I turned around to see a familiar silhouette.

“Hedy…?”

“Iris, please allow me to go on field training with Sian.”

Approaching Iris, who was sitting with crossed legs, Hedy said.

Upon which Iris responded,

“No, you may not.”

So decisively-?!

Expecting such a response, Hedy knelt under Iris and firmly stated.

“I request. I want to become stronger too.”

“There are countless ways to become stronger, even if it’s not through on-site training.”

“…I know. But I want to do it with Si-an.”

“Me, me…?”

What could be the reason?

It doesn’t seem like a simple decision to follow a friend to Gangnam.

“Yeah, Si-an. I really want to go together.”

“What’s the reason… though?”

“You always get stronger where I can’t see you, breaking through to new levels in a short period of time. I want to witness that process. What kind of methods do you use to become strong like you… You’re on a different level from when we first met in the ant cave labyrinth.”

“……”

It was awkward.

The reason I could become stronger wasn’t due to simple tricks or methods.

It was because I monopolized information in this world. And Si-an Gongja’s unexpectedly high talent that followed him.

That was why I was able to quickly break through levels in a short period, and the current mission to subdue the Great Wyvern going for field training…

Honestly, going to gain practical experience, not to devise new tricks, wouldn’t be helpful to her.

“I understand the reason well. Of course, it’s not possible.”

“Professor Iris…!”

“Heidi Marigold, do you think you’re the same as him?”

“……”

The atmosphere instantly became heavy.

As I awkwardly looked at them, I quietly kept an eye out, sensing the mood.

Soon, Iris spoke.

“The reason Gongja has been able to grow at an abnormal speed so far is due to his talent. It’s not something you can grasp just by observing the process.”

“I know that too. But I really want to see it with my own eyes! I promise not to interfere with the mission at all, please allow me to accompany you…!”

“Sigh….”

“……”

Iris sighed and rubbed her head.

It seemed heavy on Iris to dismiss the author who wanted to become stronger.

Whether Heidi was deeply considering the offer to silently observe without any hindrance, Iris crossed her arms and remained silent.

“Professor… please…”

“……”

Heidi’s eyes looked pleading.

What is it that makes her want to become so strong?

Of course, the desire to become strong is a universal desire.

But she…

“……”

There was no other way.

Breaking the silence, I spoke to Iris, who was still contemplating.

“Professor Iris, how about taking Heidi with us?”

“Why? She’s only a first-year student. While her grades are good, if she gets involved in battles with 5-star Unions, she’ll surely be at risk, as you must be aware, Gongja.”

“I will protect her.”

“Si-an…?”

At my words, Heidi looked surprised for a moment and stared at me.

“I will make sure that Heidi doesn’t burden you in any way. Field training is an educational mission for students under the guidance of professors. I will make sure Professor Iris does not have to step in.”

“Some things cannot be achieved through words alone, Gongja. Even if she has reached 5 stars, how can an inexperienced Gongja who hasn’t yet adapted to her powers protect her and skillfully fulfill the mission at 2 stars?”

It was a valid point.

Honestly, some burdens cannot simply be shrugged off.

But…

There was one way.

Looking at Heidi, who was looking at me sharply, I turned back to Iris and said, “I will make her a 3-star within a month.”