Chapter 7

Chapter 6 – 6. Assassination Attempt

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"It seems all communication with the outside is blocked."

Elnoir, who had been fiddling with the devices around her, muttered this.

"Don’t worry too much. The school administration must be taking action."

Of course, the students aren’t panicking too much because Elnoir is maintaining control calmly even in this situation.

Actually, she’s been so calm that her expression hasn’t changed at all, which is almost scary. I wonder if this person even shows emotions.

"Then, should we just wait here?"

A small-statured student, who was particularly restless, asked this. Judging from his tiny wand and robe, he must be an aspiring mage.

"No, I don’t think so."

Elijah, who had been silently observing the situation with his arms crossed, replied.

When Elnoir turned to him, he smiled and continued.

"I think it might be a big problem if we don’t move quickly. Don’t you agree?"

"What do you mean?"

"President, you must feel it too. We’re not the only ones here."

At this, Elnoir’s expression slightly twisted.

The other students, who were confused, saw this reaction and realized that these two had already grasped the situation.

"..."

How did they do it?

I have a quest window, so that’s understandable, but are these people sensing danger like martial arts experts?

The protagonist and the final boss aren’t just anyone.

"Obviously, they don’t seem to have friendly intentions, especially with the student council president here."

"What do you mean?"

"You belong to a prestigious family. There’s plenty of reason to target you, don’t you think?"

While the words sound like he’s talking about a crime targeting a high-ranking noble, it’s actually a jab.

Because he’s from the Tristain Dukedom, known for its underhanded dealings, this is what’s happening.

Elnoir’s gaze turned cold, as if she understood the implication.

"You should be more careful with your words, freshman."

"Oh, I didn’t mean anything by it."

But seeing Elnoir’s increasingly hostile expression, he smiled and played it off.

Thinking about it, this guy was quite cunning in the original story. He’s skilled at subtly provoking people.

"Anyway, wouldn’t it be better to move somewhere rather than just wait here?"

"…I think you’re right."

The largest and most muscular student in the group, with a heavy voice, agreed.

Judging by his attire, he must be a barbarian from the eastern region of the empire. The large axe on his back is quite impressive.

"The atmosphere is definitely off. We should move to a more advantageous position for battle, just in case."

The other students’ expressions gradually changed.

They didn’t look scared, but rather determined.

Seeing how quickly they adapt and seek solutions, they truly are top-tier students.

And looking closely at the group, it’s clear they’re not just any students.

Warrior Luca, Mage Falco, Healer Trisha, Marksman Grid, and Elijah, who acts as the party leader and hero.

'This is the protagonist’s party from the original story.'

Considering the scenario, this is their first meeting.

They showed good teamwork during the entrance exam, and I remember they became close and partners until the end.

In other words, everyone here, except me, is a key character in the story.

"..."

Hmm, then.

I’ll proceed as I planned.

"Then, the central hall seems the most suitable."

As I said this, everyone’s attention turned to me.

Regardless, I pointed to the building map next to me and continued.

"There will be various equipment and first-aid supplies inside, and the space is wide. It’s much better than the corridors where we can be ambushed easily."

Everyone nodded seriously. It’s the most logical choice, so that’s understandable.

The problem is this.

"And I’ll go this way."

Pointing to a completely different location on the map, I declared confidently, which was met with a heavy silence.

It was so quiet that it took a while for someone to ask, in a bewildered voice:

"…Why are you going alone?"

"Because it’s necessary."

"Why?"

"There are reasons."

I must look like a lunatic. Suggesting to act alone when a fight could break out at any moment.

But I won’t explain. I don’t plan to.

Why?

Because I’m the one who’s going to stand out.

"..."

Well, of course, the event is about protecting Elnoir.

But think about it logically.

'Who’s supposed to protect whom?'

We have the protagonist and the entire original party, and the final boss, who can take out assassins alone.

Do I, with all F stats, need to risk my life among these people?

I’ll just push them all into the central hall to draw the assassins’ attention and hide somewhere until the situation is over.

"It’s important, but I can’t reveal it now. I’ll explain later."

I declared this with a serious and persuasive voice.

Yeah, it’s not a lie.

What’s more important than saving my life?

●

"This will work."

Muttering this, I walked down the dark corridor.

I was a bit worried if this would work, but it seems the reputation of taking Elijah down in one hit is quite effective. Trust is earned through performance, I guess.

My goal is to hide until the event is over. The assassination target is Elnoir, so the assassins are unlikely to pay attention to me.

I was planning to enjoy some peace and pass the time—

"Wait, student!"

—But that’s not possible.

Of course, it’s me. My luck is just terrible.

Thinking this, I looked in the direction of the voice.

A thin, middle-aged man was hurriedly running towards me.

"Thank goodness, really…!"

He stopped in front of me and started talking.

He had a staff badge, and it seems he had trouble moving around in the dark.

Indeed, his movements were awkward.

"So, can you help me? If you take me to the place I’m talking about, I’ll try to get help from others."

"…All the power is out, right?"

"Ah, this is nothing. I can fix it quickly. Let’s start with that, shall we?"

I looked at the staff member without answering.

Hmm.

This guy.

He lies without batting an eye.

Damn.

'This must be an assassin.'

In this situation, the only person who could have hostile intentions towards me is an assassin.

Why did I have to meet such a guy after trying to avoid drawing attention?

My bad luck is unbelievable.

"…Sure."

I replied with a forced smile.

Still, I think I can handle it.

If my assumptions are correct.

●

'This will be easier than I thought.'

Hassmed thought as he looked at the student in front of him.

He looked like a completely ordinary student. He seemed a bit naive, easily falling for the lie.

Of course, his acting was so convincing that even a sharp person might fall for it, so it’s not entirely his fault.

Hassmed of the Crescent Moon.

The leader of the assassination team.

Famous for stealing the appearance of his victims and perfectly replicating it.

His next target was this student.

'If he’s a student from the same school, even the Tristain Duchess might let her guard down.'

The advance team had already been wiped out by that demon-like woman.

Though she’s still a student at the academy, she’s a formidable opponent.

But even such a person would be easier to handle if she’s off guard.

Just by disguising himself as a staff member, this student fell for it so easily.

"So, this is the equipment room, right?"

Hassmed smiled sinisterly as the student spoke.

He had the student guide him to gauge his skills up close.

A professional assassin could easily tell the level of a person just by their movements.

And this guy was a complete novice.

Perfect for tormenting and killing.

'I’ll steal his body and kill the Tristain Duchess.'

He heard that the Tristain Duchess was with other students in the central hall.

When his subordinates attack and cause chaos, he’ll sneak in as this student and easily finish the job.

"Is that so?"

Hassmed smiled and pulled out a hidden weapon.

"Then, you’ve done well. I should reward you."

He raised the blade and said in a chilling tone.

Of course, the reward is dying and giving up his body.

Usually, the victim would be confused, then deny the situation, and finally be terrified.

He enjoyed watching those reactions—

"Ah, thank goodness. It’s really you, Hassmed."

"…What are you talking about?"

The student sighed in relief, showing no signs of fear, confusion, or bewilderment.

He even wiped his forehead as if he was genuinely relieved.

"Even if you were a bit stronger, it could have been dangerous, but it’s really a relief."

"…What are you saying?"

"Actually, I’ve been observing you. I wasn’t sure at first, but you have the same habits I know. The slight nasal tone, the finger twitching, the way you walk… I was a bit relieved."

"…!"

Hassmed’s face hardened.

While he was observing this student, the student was also observing him.

An unexpected situation.

He, who always hunted others, was now being seen through by his prey!

'I can’t kill him easily.'

He must confess everything before dying.

With that resolve, Hassmed charged.

Even if he knew these things, the student was just a weakling. He would end it quickly!

"Let’s see, life-or-death situations are A-rank, and…"

But this seemingly insane student was muttering something even as Hassmed charged.

He even picked up a stick from the ground, as if he could do something with it.

'What a joke.'

Hassmed chuckled inwardly and swung his weapon. It would surely be a fatal blow.

But.

What followed was completely different from what he expected.

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