Chapter 9

Chapter 8 - 8. The Sword Possessor

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"Total chaos, utter chaos."

A groan escaped Beatrice, who had buried her head on the desk. It was a reaction that was not hard to understand, given the mountain of documents piled around her.

The Chancellor of Elpante was furious that a bloody incident had occurred within the Academy, even during an official event.

The fact that an official notice demanding the immediate identification of the perpetrators had been issued within a day of the incident only confirmed her anger.

The problematic part was that the routes and times the assassins used clearly indicated the presence of an insider.

This fact likely contributed significantly to the Chancellor's intense anger.

Beatrice, slightly lifting her head, narrowed her eyes and spoke.

"Still, the guys who were with you are all set to receive commendations. They managed to subdue all the armed assailants without a single casualty."

"Is that so."

The soulless response made Beatrice's expression slightly contort.

"...The problem is that guy. Daud Campbell. He's not on the commendation list. I don't understand why they're not giving him one. It feels like they're deliberately trying to keep him out of the spotlight."

"Is that so."

"Are you going to answer like that one more time, and I'll hit you?"

"Is that so."

Elnoir, who had been sitting in a chair and staring blankly at the ceiling, caught the ink bottle flying towards her in mid-air.

Given that she didn't even turn her head, it was clear that this was indeed Princess Tristana. However, that didn't mean Beatrice was any less angry.

"What's wrong with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You've been like this all day. Where's your mind at?"

"..."

"Political machinations targeting you aren't exactly new, but this time it feels different. Two assassination attempts in such a short period—someone is really determined."

"Guess so."

"Guess so? This isn't something you can brush off, you brat. Do you think someone this persistent will give up just because they failed this time? They'll definitely try something else."

As she ranted, Elnoir's gaze, which had briefly turned to Beatrice, returned to the ceiling.

Beatrice could only sigh heavily.

"...I don't know. I don't know what's going on, but if you don't tell me, I won't help you."

"Beatrice."

"What?"

"I think I have someone on my mind."

Beatrice didn't fall off her chair and onto the floor, which was a feat worthy of praise.

Anyone who knew what kind of person Elnoir was would have reacted similarly.

"...What?"

"I said, I think I have someone on my mind."

It seemed she hadn't misheard.

No, but still.

"What do you mean by that?"

"..."

There was no answer, but Elnoir's gaze seemed to intensify on the ceiling, as if trying to hide her embarrassment.

Even the tips of her ears were slightly red, which made Beatrice feel an almost cosmic horror.

Of all people, this woman was reacting like a teenage girl?

A person who could cut someone down without changing her expression?

"...Who is it?"

"Didn't we just talk about it?"

Even saying it herself seemed embarrassing, so she spoke with a grumpy tone.

"Daud Campbell?"

"..."

"Wait, hold on."

Overwhelmed by a headache, Beatrice grabbed her head and sank back onto the desk.

Now that she thought about it, Elnoir's attitude had been a bit different whenever the topic of the next candidate for the hero and his sparring partner came up.

This reaction now was completely, wasn't it?

Yeah, it was.

"Do you like him?"

"...I haven't said that yet."

Oh.

"Yet?"

"..."

Elnoir firmly closed her mouth again. Her ears seemed even redder.

Seeing this, Beatrice felt her headache worsen and spoke again.

"Do you know how big the backlash will be?"

Princess Tristana's every move is news. While it's partly because of the influence of the Tristana Dukedom, any romantic involvement by such a person is bound to become gossip.

Of course, being consumed by gossip isn't necessarily a problem, but there is one person who would not be pleased.

"If the Grand Duke of Tristana sees this—"

Beatrice had to stop speaking.

The moment she mentioned it, the temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees.

"...Yeah. The old man will be sufficiently displeased."

Elnoir replied with a voice as cold as ice.

It was impossible to see this as how she treated her own father, but Beatrice didn't want to argue about it.

A father who didn't even contact his daughter after two assassination attempts.

The state of their relationship was clear without asking.

So, she decided to change the subject.

"And this whole situation is a bit... strange. I don't know how that guy managed to get to you, but—"

"I didn't get 'hooked,' as you put it."

Elnoir's grumpy tone made Beatrice chuckle.

Sure, she would. Normally, she wouldn't even care about such a person.

"Anyway, if that guy showed you any kind of favor, you usually suspect the intention first."

Position shapes a person.

Sadly, the position of Princess Tristana is one where it's more natural to suspect hidden intentions rather than believe in genuine kindness.

But now, this woman was unusually trusting of his kindness.

As if something had forced her to skip that step.

"Indeed, that's true."

Given her usual nature, the speed and intensity with which this person had entered her life were unprecedented.

Elnoir was clearly aware that this pace was abnormal.

So.

"Why don't we test it out?"

"Test it out? What do you mean?"

"Observe him closely once."

"...What are you talking about?"

Elnoir's slight smile in response sent shivers down Beatrice's spine.

A foreboding feeling washed over her. Whenever this woman had such an expression, things never went smoothly.

"Hey, what are you talking about?"

"Let's go have dinner. It's about that time."

"Don't change the subject—!"

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I glared at the letter in my hand with a disapproving look.

The seal on the envelope was the stamp of Elpante's academic team. It's a magical imprint that's hard to forge, so it's definitely genuine.

The content is the problem.

No.

I don't want to expect it.

Can't they just put me in a regular class and leave me alone?

I don't know why they're making such a big deal and starting a project.

'In the first place...'

It's strange that the Academy is sending me a personal letter.

Even though there was an incident, it was resolved smoothly, so the class placement test should be retaken.

In fact, I know that the main character's party, including Elijah, took the test again after the incident and were grouped into a 'special class.'

Shouldn't I follow the same process? Why am I being singled out?

"...I don't know."

I muttered and put the letter back in my pocket.

What's the point of dwelling on something that won't give me an answer?

There's something else to consider.

The first main quest I received was to 'complete class placement after enrollment.'

Since I've progressed that far, it seems the quest has been updated.

But the content is the problem.

The freshmen welcome party is the event that marks the start of a 'branch' in the story.

Specifically, it's about choosing which direction to specialize the main character in.

The path is determined by which 'job' the main character shows interest in during this event.

Ranged archer, melee warrior, support priest, or area-of-effect mage... it's about choosing the main build from these classic job classes.

They probably gave me 'exclusive equipment' materials in the same context.

Exclusive equipment is gear that specializes in one function and can be continuously upgraded.

When fully grown, its power in that field is overwhelming, but in the early stages, it can only perform very basic functions.

In other words, it means that, like the main character, I will be given growth-oriented equipment specialized for the build I choose.

So, it's good that they're taking care of it.

"..."

It's dangerous.

My mouth is so dry.

This alone isn't the problem, but what's linked to it is.

▼ Elnoir

▼ Elijah

Right.

The main character and the final boss-related events are happening 'simultaneously,' and they coincide with the start of the 'main quest.'

This can only mean one thing.

'Something big is coming...!'

Elnoir's first event was unexpectedly attacked by multiple professional assassins, including Hasmed.

If these two are involved at the same time, it can't be a coincidence.

At least, it's fortunate that they're giving a grace period of about three days instead of two.

"..."

But, honestly, it's not really fortunate.

Whether it's two or three days, it's equally challenging.

The starting point is so intense that it feels like I'm being gaslighted.

'If they say so, I have to do it.'

I sighed and scratched my head.

I have no choice. I don't have any other options.

They say even a dead ghost looks good when it's well-fed, so I might as well claim Elnoir's reward.

"..."

What the hell is this?

Skill Copy???

'...Are they serious?'

It's an extremely intuitive and powerful function, no need for further explanation.

But the final boss's skills can be copied?

'But then...'

Using this now would be a loss.

Elnoir, like the main character Elijah, is a 'growing' final boss.

While she is already a top predator in the Academy, there are plenty of OP skills she will gain in the future, so there's no reason to use this prematurely.

"..."

So, I need to prepare for the event happening in three days without this.

Fortunately, I know a place where I can get items that will help me survive.

"Phew..."

I exhaled a long breath and looked at my destination.

An old warehouse that you reach after walking a long distance from the Academy's main building.

Ironically, despite its appearance, it's covered in all sorts of security magic, including recognition-disruption spells.

It's known among the faculty as the 'supply room.'

Among Sera players, it's more commonly known as the 'best farming spot for early-game items.'

It's a place where all sorts of artifacts are piled up, thanks to Elpante's long history. Some of these items are only known to players who have progressed in the game.

I have one specific item in mind.

'Ultima of the Divine.'

With the right combinations, it's the best early-game survival item in terms of cost-effectiveness in all of Sera.

It's originally meant for the second chapter boss, 'Uriah Greyhound.'

Among players, it's known as the 'Sword Possessor.' It's a crazy character who slices everything within a certain distance.

"..."

I know it might be risky to take an item meant for a key character in the story.

But I have no choice if I want to prepare for the event in three days.

This isn't my fault; it's the world's problem for putting me under such pressure.

Anyway, Uriah is a ridiculously strong character, a chapter boss. It shouldn't cause a big issue if she doesn't have this item.

"Alright, then."

I'll quickly farm the item and head back.

It should be fine, right?

●

Five minutes later.

I was cursing myself for saying that.

I looked at the black-haired girl trembling silently in front of me, tears welling in her eyes.

Her small stature barely reached my neck. She had cat-like eyes and a body that hadn't fully grown out of a child's form.

If she weren't holding a sword to my neck, she might have been considered cute.

Such 'text' floated in the air. This girl doesn't communicate with her voice but expresses her intentions this way.

And if she's saying this...

"Because it's easier to slice this way?"

You're not crazy, are you?

I know who this is.

Uriah Greyhound, the boss of Chapter 2.

And I'm currently being threatened by her.

"..."

Why can't things go smoothly for me?

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