Chapter 73

After pointing out that we hadn't informed them about the low-level inheritance shrines, Noah cleared his throat to regain his composure.

"Let's get back to the topic. The fact that the inheritance shrines are unknown is one reason, but the more important reason is the second one."

"Is there a bigger reason?"

"Yes. To confirm again, Zero, you know about the Transcendent Artifacts, right?"

"Ah, of course. They're items with exceptional performance compared to regular items, right?"

--- Transcendent Artifacts.

In Creon, they refer to special items that only certain bosses or monsters can use. They often have outstanding effects, such as a significant boost in stats or 100% magic resistance, but players cannot use them. Given their immense power, it's understandable that they could disrupt the game balance if used by players.

However, how do these Transcendent Artifacts relate to the current situation?

As I was thinking about this, Noah continued in a solemn voice.

"Yes. And surprisingly, the Cult of the Evil Deity has obtained and is utilizing many Transcendent Artifacts."

"..."

I couldn't help but gasp.

If they couldn't be used in the game through normal means, why now?

(Could it be that the transformation of this world into reality has made it possible for ordinary people to use them...?)

Since I was reincarnated as Zeros, similar changes have occurred frequently, so it's entirely possible.

In any case, if they can use such powerful items, it makes sense that the Cult of the Evil Deity is troublesome.

"Still, that doesn't mean we are completely at a disadvantage. They don't know about the inheritance shrines and have limited skills."

Noah's expression became serious.

"That's why I believe the information about the inheritance shrines should be used only by us. If this information spreads, we will be left with only one weapon, while the Cult of the Evil Deity will gain two: the inheritance shrines and the Transcendent Artifacts. To maintain balance, it's best to keep this information to ourselves and share it only with those we trust."

"..."

Indeed, in this situation, the information about the inheritance shrines would be a significant advantage.

As I nodded in agreement, a new realization dawned on me.

When I first heard about the Cult of the Evil Deity, I wondered if a former player, like me, had been reincarnated into this world and was involved. However, since they don't know about the inheritance shrines, they are most likely not a former player.

Moreover, I had another realization.

"...So, that's how it is."

"?"

"About the Emblem of Nothing. I was wondering why such a powerful emblem is considered useless in your time... but now I understand."

If the information about the inheritance shrines is being kept secret, it makes sense that it would be treated this way.

Noah looked down, seemingly apologetic.

"At one point, I considered recruiting those with the Emblem of Nothing. However, since they are rare and we don't know about the low-level inheritance shrines, we couldn't find a way to help them grow... which led to the current situation."

"I see. By the way, why is the Emblem of All treated so well? Without inheritance skills, it does have some advantages, but I thought it would start to fall behind at higher levels..."

To this question, Noah looked at me with a glare.

"...You might have overlooked it because the era of Zero was so great, but in the modern era, reaching C-rank is considered a sign of maturity."

"..."

I see. Up to C-rank, the advantages of the Emblem of All are significant. It's different from the player era when A-rank was the minimum standard.

"Zero."

As I was thinking about this, Noah looked at me with a serious expression, filled with a resolve I hadn't seen before.

"This is the background leading up to today... and I have a request to make of you again. You have a lot of information about the inheritance shrines, and more importantly—your power, which once defeated the Evil Deity, is needed by us now."

So, Noah continued.

"Although it's painful to rely on your power again, just as we did a thousand years ago... I must protect this world at all costs. Could you please help us in this battle?"

Noah looked tense.

But the answer was already decided.

I haven't been in this world as long as she has.

Still, I have important people like Shuna and Reina.

I want to protect this world where they live.

So, I nodded without hesitation.

"Of course. My level is still low, so it might take some time to become a useful force... but if you're willing to wait, I'll help."

"～～! Zero!"

Overwhelmed with emotion, Noah rushed over and hugged me tightly.

"Thank you, Zero! Please, continue to work with me—"

At that moment, the sound of something opening echoed.

"Excuse me—Zeros! Your beloved big sister has come to pick you up..."

The one who appeared at the door was a beautiful girl with lustrous black hair—Reina. Behind her was Shuna, with hair like red flames. It seems that while Noah and I were talking, the time for announcements in the classroom had already ended.

Reina stared at Noah and me, who were hugging, in shock, then slowly spoke.

"Why is the principal hugging my beloved little brother?"

"Please explain."

"I'm about to lose my composure."

The pressure! The pressure is intense!

"No, Reina, it's not what you think..."

"That's right, Reina! Zero and I are not in the kind of relationship you think—"

"Zero? Using a term of endearment? I've never called you that...!"

Her anger swelled like pouring oil on a fire.

As I was trying to think of how to explain, Shuna, the only one who seemed calm, approached with a smile.

"Please calm down, Reina. I'm sure there's a misunderstanding."

"Shuna...!"

Despite her smile, Shuna was emitting an extraordinary pressure, which seemed to surpass even Reina's.

"Hey, Zeros. Can you explain?"

"Y-Yes."

Why is it that, even though I'm supposed to be the master and she's the servant in the academy, I feel like our roles are reversed?

After that, Noah and I managed to calm the two of them down with a lot of effort.

It's often said that the pressure from a usually calm person is the most terrifying.

In the next chapter, the academy enrollment arc will end, and a new development will begin, so stay tuned!

Thank you all for reading this work!

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Also, if you're interested, please check out my other ongoing work:

"Reincarnated as a Villain Noble Who Dies Mid-Game, I Aim for the Strongest Using the Flawed Skill [Tame]"

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n3911jc/

It's currently entering the main part of the second chapter and getting more interesting, so I hope you'll give it a try!