After the tactical strategy club meeting, I trained with Aisha.
-Um, am I holding the sword correctly?
-If you put it like that, who would know? Please explain in detail.
Surprisingly, Aisha was a novice when it came to swordsmanship.
In the original game, characters with the [Weapon Master] trait could quickly adapt to new weapons.
Something felt off.
But then again, many things had changed from the original game.
So, I guided her as if I were teaching a beginner, just like Irene had done for me.
I held Aisha's wrist and waist and instructed her on the proper form.
-Hmm, I think I kind of understand. But it's difficult... Will you teach me again next time? Ah, no. Why are you making such a scary face? Why not? I'm also a member of the Waldeurk family, aren't I? Isn't it natural for the next head to take care of his subordinates?
Seeing her enthusiasm to learn, I decided to teach her again next time.
Still, with the [Weapon Master] trait, her skills should improve rapidly with just a little guidance...
At least that's what I hoped.
While lost in these thoughts, the carriage arrived at the dormitory.
I headed straight to my room.
"Nice to see you, Theo," Jang Woohee suddenly appeared near the dormitory building.
She was dressed entirely in black, resembling a stealthy cat.
Um... I didn't even notice she was there.
Where did she come from?
Anyway, it was about time.
Last week, I had asked Jang Woohee to investigate the 'Turning White' group that had infiltrated the school, using prophecy as bait.
"Let's go."
"I know a quiet place," Jang Woohee responded.
"I hope it's not far."
"Follow me," she said and disappeared, moving so fast that she would have been out of sight if you blinked.
Ah... I really didn't feel like running.
After the 'Artifact Exploration' and the training session afterwards, I was already tired.
But still, I ran behind her.
About 20 minutes of sprinting later, we finally stopped at a remote location, quite a distance from the dorm.
It was an isolated place with untouched grass and trees, devoid of general stores or restaurants.
So secluded that no one would notice if a person were to disappear.
I approached Jang Woohee slowly.
"Did you find the rats I asked you to investigate?"
"...Almost all," Jang Woohee replied, avoiding my gaze slightly.
Annoyed, I clicked my tongue.
"Almost all? I specifically asked you to find out everything. But, tell me what you know."
"...I've written it down here," said Jang Woohee, pulling out a small piece of paper from her pocket.
The paper was crammed full of tiny handwriting.
Ah, my eyes hurt.
It's also getting dark with the sun setting.
At times like this, magic like [Light] or traits like [Sharp Vision] would've been useful.
I need to add [Light] when I start loading magic into [Magic Cartridge].
I squinted and read through the information on the paper.
To be honest... I was surprised.
'Really, it's just like she said.’
Jang Woohee had managed to uncover almost everything, except for the identity of the leader.
'The future's been accelerated, as expected.’
I read through the information once more.
Most of the characters who appeared toward the end of the first year and during the break in the original game were already making their appearances.
Given Jang Woohee's current abilities, it would have been difficult for her to acquire this much information in such a short period of time.
'As expected, she's desperate.'
This is good. No, this is more than good, it's impressive.
Maybe she could become a valuable ally...
While I hid my admiration and mulled over my thoughts, she broke the silence.
"Are you really a prophet?" Jang Woohee asked.
"······."
Her voice was as flat as usual, but I could sense it, the worry that was veiled in her words.
I looked at her calmly.
"If I were to say yes, would you believe me?"
Average people tend to exaggerate and boast about their meager abilities.
I don't need to do that.
I know exactly what she needs, and I surpass most prophets.
With a smug smile, I confidently pointed out, "You couldn't identify the most crucial target, the leader."
"...I searched the entire school, but I couldn't find them. That's on me," Jang Woohee confessed, her head dropping slightly.
Her lowered head was a clear sign of desperation.
In the original game, Jang Woohee was known to hate any actions that suggested submission, like bowing her head.
Hmm, I think I understand why she couldn't find the leader.
The leader isn't within the academy; they're hiding in the northern forest, technically part of the academy grounds but not a place one would typically consider part of the school.
I put on a scornful look and locked eyes with Jang Woohee.
"So why show up? Surely, you're aware that the leader you couldn't find is more important than those you have found."
"...I'm sorry. I failed," Jang Woohee admitted, her head bowed again.
If it were anyone else, they might have dropped to their knees.
She must be feeling a kind of humiliation she's never experienced before.
But she has no other choice, I am the only one who can help her.
"Your ambition is quite high despite your limitations. Truly, you are driven by greed," I stated calmly.
And I left it at that.
Anxiety flickered in Jang Woohee's expressionless eyes.
Silently, she bit her lip, her small fist tightly clenched.
Thump, thump, thump.
Blood seeped from her clenched palm, where her nails had dug in.
...
That's unsettling.
Did I push her too hard?
But to handle Jang Woohee, it's necessary to keep her on her toes.
I gazed down at her, maintaining my aloof demeanor, and murmured, "Very well."
“······!”
Jang Woohee's eyes widened in surprise.
"If I were to give you another chance, could you handle it?" I asked.
"...Certainly," Jang Woohee replied, her eyes glowing fiercely as she met my gaze.
...I feel a bit like the villain here.
However, I need to ensure her commitment to this cause.
Jang Woohee and I must keep 'Turning White' in check within the academy.
Today's 'Artifact Exploration' was a prime example of this.
'Turning White' is the largest evil organization in this story.
We cannot underestimate them.
We need to monitor and handle them cautiously.
I have also entrusted some of this responsibility to Rok.
But Jang Woohee is capable of moving solo and inconspicuously.
It's probable that the same individuals behind the evaluation are the ones detailed in her report.
Before 'Turning White' can incite a major incident, we need to swiftly handle any infiltrators within the academy.
This will improve my prospects of graduating and protect the academy at the same time.
"I will provide you with more information tomorrow. After tomorrow's lectures, look for me. We may need to use force, so come prepared."
I hurried back to the dormitory.
As expected, Amy emerged upon hearing my footsteps.
"You have returned, young master?"
"Yes."
"You appear quite exhausted, young master. If you don't mind, may I prepare some nourishing food for stamina recovery, young master?"
"Yes, thank you."
With that, I retreated into my room and immediately took a shower.
Even though I had already bathed after training with Aisha...
Thanks to Jang Woohee, I was once again drenched in sweat.
"Damn it."
Once after waking up.
Once after the evaluation.
Once after training.
And now, once after coming home.
It's absurd to shower four times a day.
They say excessive bathing isn't good for the body.
Swooosh.
Under the warm flow of water, I studied my reflection in the mirror.
My muscles were undeniably more defined than before.
My body structure and physique surpassed those of most models.
No one could lay claim to a more aesthetically pleasing body than mine.
However...
Marked on my left side were the symbols of the [Magic Cartridge].
They were magical characters, though their meaning eluded me.
'It really looks like a tattoo.'
As long as I retained the [Magic Cartridge], this tattoo-like mark would remain on my body.
"Damn it, I can't let anyone see this."
I didn't want to invite unnecessary suspicion.
The child of a noble family getting a tattoo in their student days?
Oh boy, if it ever gets out... Just thinking about the scandal makes me feel dizzy.
After showering and meticulously inspecting my surroundings, a notification appeared.
[Hidden Quest Cleared. Reward: 10 Shop Silver Coins]
Objective: Increase stats without relying on items (repeatable)
[Total Reward: 10 Shop Silver Coins]
...At last, my stamina has reached 8.
***
5/5 Enjoy the chappy!
Coming soon!
