Chapter 72
To cut to the chase, Fin has grown.
He easily subdued the skeleton soldier, which was his level upon enrollment, and was capable of wielding a stable aura on his sword that he hadn’t shown before.
Those like Emily who had consistently watched over him opened their eyes in amazement, showering him with praises. Well done. There are results. Impressive. The surroundings were filled with accolades for him.
However, even after his turn was over, Fin didn’t show even a hint of a smile. Rather, as if frustrated or embarrassed, he bit his lip and clenched his hands.
I silently watched him. How does he assess his current state? Is it worth continuing, or should it be discarded?
“I apologize, Vargan.”
Growth? Yes, there was. Even if his appearance upon enrollment was dismal, it was only three months ago. It’s not easy to grasp victory lightly.
Effort? Yes, there must have been. It was mentioned in the novel, and I had heard that he trained with the members of Gaia, like Leon and the others. Since only those filled with passion had gathered, they wouldn’t have been negligent.
However, there is a fact that must not be overlooked.
Fin received Hailion’s relic like me. He gained an environment to grow faster than anyone else.
If it were just me, I had reached a level where I could transcend in many fields. I could proudly say that my mana capacity is so vast that it could fit in both hands, even among the humans in the novel.
Of course, it was possible because of my possession bonus and exceptional talent, but even without that extent, I had to feel somewhat similar.
“I apologize for disappointing you.”
“….”
Every time Fin showed his skills.
Every time he unsheathed his sword with a motion.
A deep sense of disappointment arose, visibly surfacing.
Neither he nor I could be satisfied with this level.
“I, too, find myself pitiful. Despite having a first-class relic, I am unable to grow beyond this level, disappointing your expectations each time, Vargan. I despise myself.”
Fin tightened his trembling hand, trying to pull himself together. He clenched his teeth and put a lot of strength in his eyes.
He was ashamed.
“I will make more effort. I will be more aggressive.”
He doesn’t give up. He fills his trembling eyes with belief and declares.
“I will prove the results in the final exam of the second semester of the first year.”
He swears by the value he promised me.
He will definitely show it and prove it.
“…Sure.”
Reconfirming his determination, I replied. Maybe I even smiled a little.
Fin might not know, but the ‘second-semester final exam’ is one-on-one tournament style.
He might encounter strong opponents from the beginning, and as he progresses, he will meet more talented individuals. People far beyond Arbol Prutal’s members will take notice.
On that stage with numerous spectators, he declared that he would show all his skills, defeat the strong, and prove his worth.
Wearing Hailion’s relic had raised some expectations, but Fin is ultimately just a pawn.
If he comes along, that’s great. If not, nothing can be done.
If Fin’s heart hadn’t wavered, there would have been no need to discard. The time frame isn’t long either.
He set the limit for the end-of-semester exam of the second semester. It’s quite similar to the time I initially proposed, so there’s no need to wait.
I scanned the paper with information about the next member and threw a comment.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Fin regains his determination, distancing himself once again.
***
The promotion ceremony has ended.
Mostly, it confirmed their abilities. It’s the level of progress as planned. The only slightly disappointing part is that it was as “planned.”
Well, in the case of someone like Alicia, she was so unique that even if you were aware of her talent, she always managed to surprise you, but if we consider the general level of talent, this level seems appropriate.
Among them, one student caught my eye. He’s a male student under Emily’s supervision. There was only one brief description or mention in the novel, but he showed quite a good growth trend.
Coming from a commoner background in the Troa Empire, he has a strong desire for combat and strength. He was the only one promoted this time.
I noticed earlier that he seemed to look down on Fin. I wonder what kind of chemical reaction this guy will trigger.
Well, that’s a matter for later. Let’s put it aside for now.
“What’s the matter?”
The once complicated scenery of the research lab vanished, leaving Francesca and me facing each other in the empty lab.
There’s a long and deep story between her and me.
“A place for smooth interaction between seniors and juniors… You probably wouldn’t believe it.”
Francesca’s eyes narrow. My approach seems unexpected as her golden eyes scrutinize my reaction.
I analyzed her behavior as well. Unlike during Difellia, there is no sign of tension this time.
“If you have nothing else to say, I’d like to leave.”
“Are you busy?”
She doesn’t avoid my gaze. There’s no hint of hesitation or awkwardness.
“Because I’m in my second year. There’s a lot to study.”
“I see…”
One thing, that’s why it stands out even more.
Without prolonging it, I sharply threw out words that had transformed like a window. Francesca, who is hasty by nature, was already preparing to leave her seat.
“Is the research on the ‘Ancient Dragon’s Bones’ going well?”
A pause.
It was brief, but there was a flaw in her movements. Francesca turns around and looks back at me with an indifferent face.
“What do you mean?”
“Cut to the chase. Quite natural of you, Francesca.”
At least not third-rate, more like second-rate actor. You seem to be at the level of a first-rate student. You still have a long way to go.
“…If you’re going to continue with nonsense, there’s no point in listening further. Shall I leave now?”
“I’ll help you.”
My words spread softly throughout the spacious lab, echoing throughout. As she fails to respond appropriately, I take another step forward.
“I can help you if needed.”
“….”
Francesca stares into my eyes for a while before finally sitting down. In this short time, her eyes have completely changed. From doubt to vigilance. She’s moved up a level.
“It’s not really a big deal. After all, my curse magic is ultimately a subfield of dark magic. It’s not unusual to have a bit of secretive information about Francesca, the top dark mage among the second-year students.”
“…Who told you?”
To whom…
Hmm. Whom do you think I heard it from, Francesca?
“Well, it could be someone who helped you get close to the bone, a ‘facilitator,’ or not. Whatever it is, it’s not crucial in the current situation.”
“….”
Francesca’s pupils clouded over. The eyes that used to shine even when still now showed a dull energy as if sinking to the bottom.
“Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying I’ll help out of goodwill. You may have noticed, but I’m not foolish enough to help others for free.”
I chuckled and continued, “It’s a junior who, upon learning they can assist a respected senior like you, proposes a deal for mutual benefit. If you’re not interested, we could even sign a contract of mutual curse.”
Given Francesca’s character, there’s a high probability that we would end up cursing each other through the contract. And that way, it’s like taking out insurance for myself, so it’s necessary.
I only lightly mention it because it’s necessary, not forcing it. I act as if it’s more convenient for them, as if it’s not necessary.
Then the other party says, “…Let’s continue the conversation a bit further.”
They must want to dig deeper.
“Yes, let’s. Let me show you the details of the deal I have in mind. I hope you find it agreeable.”
Francesca must have intended to resolve matters related to me before the end of the first semester.
However, my sudden engagement in intensive training caused a disruption in the schedule, which must have made her somewhat uneasy.
Seeing how she’s so easily agitated by just a slight touch, it seems this won’t take long.
Oselle Victoria Francesca.
Sorceress Francesca.
“If you join me, we can resurrect the ancient dragon bones housed in the Academia.”
Unlike the foolish protagonist, I won’t stand in your way. Create the festival episode in your own stage for the second semester.
And when a grand festival ends and darkness quietly descends,
Be the bait for me.
***
The village is ablaze.
People’s screams echo from all directions amidst the rising smoke, creating chaos.
The village guards who were protecting the people were all sprawled on the ground, decaying and falling apart.
It’s too quick to call it ordinary decay. It seems like a force is acting against the natural order.
“Please save us…!! Please, I beg you to save us! I plead so desperately. Please, even just me… just me!”
A middle-aged man begs for his life, slamming his head forcefully on the ground.
Tears flow continuously from his eyes, nose, and mouth, expressing his desperation, while blood trickles from the gravel-studded forehead.
“I will praise the goddess! I will dedicate my life only to the goddess, not like a mere twig of Yggdrasil, but solely for the goddess… the sole deity!!”
Towards a being seated on a wooden box. The man confesses his new faith, repeatedly banging his head on the ground.
Having prayed to Yggdrasil every morning with his family, he easily changes his belief when faced with the clear terror of death.
Around him, his twelve-year-old son, ten-year-old daughter, and wife lie lifeless. They too have rotted to the point where their original forms are gone and forgotten.
“Please reveal your presence…! I want to live a lifetime serving under you. This turn of events may, in a way… in a way… be the destiny guided by the goddess….”
As the man continued speaking, his gaze fell once again on the members who were his family, and he choked up, unable to form proper sentences.
“Please… Please…… grant mercy.”
Crack.
The progression of decay that started from the man’s head was swift. In an instant, it enveloped his entire body, snatching away his life.
“Ugh, tasteless. It’s like garbage, this one too.”
Spitting on the man’s corpse, the figure sitting on the wooden box clacked his legs and gripped the back of the box, gazing up at the sky.
White clouds floated in the blue sky.
Amidst the smoke of burning houses, black fumes filled the air.
“Always catching tasteless fellows… Luck is truly filthy.”
Although resembling a thirteen-year-old boy, that figure with vertically split pupils and a lingering ominous aura was far from human.
The boy rose lightly, stretched, then leaped out of the box, shattering the decayed man’s head.
“Ah… I can’t forget the taste from 15 years ago… By now, it must’ve aged, becoming richer in flavor, right? I want to eat it quickly.”
Trembling with pleasure, the boy reminisced about the past, the mere recollection evoking a shocking sensation. If only he could experience that absolute level of taste once again…!
He would be beyond happy!
“I can’t wait any longer. 15 years of aging should be enough. Can’t let it rot by keeping it for too long!”
Longing for a specific target, the boy walked lightly. There were no intact people or buildings wherever he walked. Everything was decaying and collapsing.
*Crunch.*
A red-bodied Altif was waiting for him. Its form somewhat unique, resembling that of a horse.
Naturally, he mounted the Altif. As he did, all Altifs present sensed his intention to move and followed him.
From afar, it seemed as though a crimson river was sweeping through the village.
That massive force couldn’t be contained within a single village.
The boy’s appetite was whetted. He wanted to eat quickly. The healthy, succulent delicacy of the highest quality, never to be tasted again!
“Oh, I… I want to see it quickly. I want to taste the remaining parts too! Helion?!”
The boy’s face lit up with ecstasy.
One of the Second Hazardous Generals of the Goddess Church, one of the fifteen Archbishops.
“Amy.”
Guiding the grand army of Altifs, he led destruction as he moved from one village to the next.
The smell of rotting corpses and buzzing flies filled every place he went.