Thud—
My body fell onto the bed of the inn.
"Haah… this is exhausting."
I almost failed to enter the academy because of those two. Luckily, the Headmaster arrived at the right time. Otherwise—
Suddenly, a knock echoed from the door.
Knock. Knock.
"Master, have you returned?"
"Come in."
"Yes."
Creeeak—
The door opened, and Eli stepped inside.
"Master, dinner is ready."
"Yes. I'll take a quick bath and come down."
"Understood. And about what you asked me to investigate earlier…"
"Have you looked into it?"
"Yes. I've already investigated it."
"Then what were the results?"
My voice grew more serious.
"As you suspected, it seems they have disguised themselves and infiltrated the academy."
'Just as I thought.'
"How many of them are there now?"
"I'm sorry. I don't know the exact number. They are very skilled at hiding themselves."
"Ah, it's fine, Eli. That information alone is already very helpful. Thank you."
I softened my expression and smiled at her.
"It's nothing. If it is your order, Master, I will do anything."
I stiffened for a moment upon hearing that.
Does she even realize what she's saying? Saying things like that to a pubescent man is dangerous, you know.
"Alright, you should go down first. I'll follow after I finish bathing."
"Yes."
With that, Eli left my room and went downstairs.
As I suspected, they had already infiltrated the academy early, considering that horrifying incident at the beginning of the game.
'Oh right, didn't I have a mission from the system?'
Because I was too busy, I completely forgot to open it.
[Ding!]
[Mission "Leave a strong impression on the main characters" has been completed!]
[Because the system has been updated to a new version, the reward will also change!]
[Reward +10 Stat Points has been converted into Level EXP!]
[Ding!]
[Congratulations! You have leveled up by 1!]
Status Screen
Name: ShionLevel: 191MP: UnknownStrength: SS+Agility: SS+Stamina: SS+Luck: S
Skills:Mana Manifestation (A)Super Accuracy (S)Eclipse Dominion (Unknown)Blink Rush (A)Weapon Mastery (B)Combat Instinct (A)
'So it seems the stat system has truly been completely replaced.'
Well, it's not like that changes much.
I took a bath, went downstairs to have dinner with Eli, and then went straight to sleep.
…
At another inn.
Luminelle sat on her bed, lost in thought. Suddenly, a purple cat appeared on her shoulder.
"What are you thinking about so deeply, Eli?"
"Nyx…"
"I was just thinking about what happened this afternoon."
"Ah, this afternoon."
"Yes. Now I'm sure…"
She smiled gently.
"The person I've been searching for all this time is him. But…"
"You already knew, didn't you, Nyx?"
Luminelle turned to Nyx with an adorably sulky face.
"Yes. I knew from the moment I first saw him."
"Then why didn't you tell me!!"
"Well, if I told you right away, wouldn't that be boring? Besides, he asked you, not me, to find him."
"Well… that's true."
'But how could that child's aura change so drastically compared to three years ago? When I look at him now, it's like…'
'I'm facing a dragon race,' Nyx thought.
"He's become so cool and strong since the last time we met!!"
Luminelle said excitedly, recalling Shion's battle with Ragna earlier.
"Elle, it's better if you don't meet him for a while."
"Eh? Why? I really miss him, you know!!"
"He deliberately erased everyone's memories using the power of someone from the future. You may be unaffected thanks to my power protecting you, but if you act now, it will attract unnecessary attention."
"Mmm… alright," Luminelle replied reluctantly.
It seemed Luminelle was freed from the Dean's magic thanks to Nyx's protection, but no one knew about it at all.
…
The next day.
I went through my usual routine—morning running, mana training, and breakfast with Eli. Since today was the announcement day, I quickly took a bath and prepared to leave, but—
"Master, you have a guest."
"A guest?"
'I don't recall having any appointments today.'
"Who is it?"
"…That person."
"Hm?"
"He is the Vice Headmaster."
"Hah?"
…
"Good morning, Prince— No, Student Shion."
"Good morning to you as well, Instructor Vindel."
Vindel Brown, a former SS-class adventurer who had retired. No one knew the reason behind his retirement, but rumors said he had a child.
"Oh, you even know my name."
"Well, all instructors at this academy are famous. It would be stranger not to know."
"Hahaha, you're right."
"So, what business brings you here?"
"Ah, yes. The Headmaster asked me to summon you."
"The Headmaster?"
"Yes. There is something he wishes to discuss with you."
"Alright. I'll prepare briefly and head there."
"Very well. I'll take my leave, Student Shion."
"Thank you."
'The Dean is still wary of me.'
After parting ways with Vindel, I headed straight to the academy. It was still very early, so the place was deserted.
'This place feels incredibly vast when I'm alone.'
After walking for a while, I arrived at the Dean's office.
Knock. Knock.
"Who is it?"
"This is Shion, Dean."
"Ah, come in."
"Yes, excuse me."
I opened the door and saw the Dean sitting behind his desk, surrounded by piles of books.
"Ah, sit there for a moment. I'll finish this shortly."
"Yes."
I sat on the chair in front of his desk and waited. The room was completely silent, with only the sound of pages rubbing against each other.
"Finished."
Finally, the Dean stood up and approached me.
"Ah, would you like something to drink?"
"You don't need to trouble yourself."
"It's fine. I invited you, after all. Wait a moment."
Since he insisted, I remained silent. The Dean returned with two cups of tea.
"Thank you."
I stared at the tea, checking for poison. Even though he was the Dean, I didn't fully trust him. Noticing my reaction, he spoke.
"I didn't put anything in the tea, so don't be too cautious."
I glanced at him, brought the cup to my lips, and had the system scan it. The result was safe. I took a small sip—it was surprisingly good.
"Hoho, judging by your reaction, it seems the tea suits your taste."
"Yes, it's very good."
"Of course. It's an extremely rare tea, you know."
Since I knew nothing about tea, I simply nodded. I placed the cup on the table and looked at the Dean.
"So, what is the reason you summoned me?"
I went straight to the point. My tone was serious and cold. I met his gaze directly. The Dean's gentle expression disappeared, replaced by a strong, intimidating aura.
"What is your true purpose for coming to this academy?"
"Didn't I already expl—"
"Do you really think I would believe that?"
'Well… not really.'
Haaah…
I let out a deep sigh and looked at the Dean.
"Dean."
My voice was low and emotionless.
"If I truly came here with malicious intent…"
"Then you wouldn't still be here right now."
The Dean fell silent. What I said was the truth. Even if he was stronger than me now, I still had Absolute Drive, which could amplify my power beyond his. And besides—
I shook my head. I had already decided not to use that unless absolutely necessary.
"Dean."
I spoke again, my tone slightly softer.
"I can't tell you my true objective for coming here, but…"
"One of my reasons is indeed to protect them and guide them so they can become stronger."
Haaah…
"So I can assume you also know about that prophecy, then?"
I nodded. He was probably referring to the prophecy concerning the imperial bloodline.
"Very well. For now, I will trust you."
"Thank you, Dean."
"Oh, and I've already fulfilled your request from yesterday."
"Thank you. In that case, I'll take my leave."
"Very well."
I stood up and left the Dean's office. There was something I wanted to tell him, but I decided to postpone it for now—someone was watching.
…
Inside the Dean's office, after Shion left.
"What a terrifying child."
"I agree."
Vindel emerged from the shadows.
"I couldn't even move under that pressure."
'To obtain such power at such a young age…'
"What kind of life has that child lived?"
…
I headed straight to the notice board after meeting the Dean. A large crowd had already gathered there.
"Hey, isn't that him?"
"Yeah, that's him."
"Damn it, how can a commoner—"
'Hm?'
Weren't their memories supposed to have been erased by the Dean yesterday? Why were they all staring at me like that?
When I reached the board, I finally understood why.
S-Class
1 – Leon2 – Tania3 – Luminelle...10 – Shion
"..."
So that's why.
I did ask him to place me last in S-Class, but I didn't expect him to put me within the top ten.
This would make it easier to keep an eye on them, since the dormitory for students ranked in the top ten would be shared.
'Oh, I'll also run into Luminelle more often!'
I smiled at the thought of being closer to my favorite character.
'Thank you so much, Dean!'