Chapter 68
Time passed quickly as I continued my training for building the Orb Tower and engaged in activities with the Research Society for nearly a week.
With the assignment season coming to an end and some time left until the Final Exam, it was one of the rare precious periods for current students to take a breather.
At this time, students could be categorized into two main groups.
Those who had no aspirations of becoming heroes were wasting their time on increasingly pointless activities, while those with at least a bit of sense were focusing on self-improvement or exploring fields they hadn’t come across before.
Amidst the different ways they spent their time, the announcement of assignment results came for everyone equally.
“Alicia, how did you do?”
“Thankfully, I received a good evaluation.”
Emily approached suddenly. She seemed to be in a rather good mood, probably because her results were quite decent.
Alicia showed her report card, with perfect scores in all seven subjects. The Cattia she received, based on the average, was the highest score of 10.
Emily clicked her tongue in disbelief but nodded, thinking it was no surprise for someone like Alicia to achieve such results.
“And Serena?”
“……”
Serena answered with her report card, showing that she got the highest scores in all but one subject.
“Oh… Oh. Everyone did well, huh?”
Emily, a bit deflated, subtly glanced at Finn. She figured Finn would have similar scores to hers.
However, Finn easily shattered her expectations.
“What… What’s this… Finn…! I believed in you…!”
“Huh? I didn’t get a single A+.”
“Still, most of your grades are A and B+, right? You’re getting 8 Cattia…!”
“So what score would have made you happy…?”
Finn chuckled as if it was ridiculous, flipping her question back at her.
Even though Emily hesitated to reveal her own grades after learning about her teammates’ scores, she had been the one asking everyone, so she reluctantly showed her own.
She got an A in one subject and B+ in the rest.
The Cattia awarded to her was 7.
It could be considered above average.
It’s not purely due to individual ability; the assignment was structured in a way that allowed for some achievement through time invested, so it wasn’t surprising for her or Finn to get high scores.
“…What about you?”
Emily asked me one last time.
The answer was predictable, but she looked at me as if hoping that maybe, just maybe, the relic restrictions would change things.
Ha.
A hollow laugh escaped.
“Those who are always caught in between tend to make the most noise.”
“…I thought my scores were pretty good. I guess they weren’t.”
“I thought I did well. But maybe not.”
Of course, my grades were all A+ with the highest points, and the Cattia I received was also at max capacity.
I had no intention of revealing this to others—it was too obvious. It didn’t even count as something to brag about.
Well, anyway, with this, my total Cattia now reached 70. I still held the title of First Place in Year.
June doesn’t allow for rank battles, though.
In the first semester, the only opportunities left to earn Cattia were the rank battle in May and the final exam. Unless I suddenly slipped up, I was set to maintain my first-place spot with just a slight variation.
While Cattia points were important in their own right, that wasn’t my goal.
I needed to finish my first year as First Place in Year to earn rewards later on.
One of the materials to create the ‘Weapon’ I wanted to make, a precious and highly valuable item, could only be obtained at the Academia.
I absolutely couldn’t let this slip away.
…However, since my skills are well-known at the Academia, it was becoming increasingly difficult to face opponents of similar rank.
Since the duels were only held with mutual agreement, if one side showed refusal, it would not proceed, and not many were inclined to take on a tough opponent for no reason.
If there weren’t enough challengers, leveraging my family or sweet-talking to find mutual benefits was necessary.
I had plenty of money, so if it really came to it, I could seek other means.
“Well then, Vargan. I’ll be on my way.”
Finn bowed his head and rushed off to the Training Ground almost as if he were running late. I heard he practically lived there lately.
Emily kept an eye on the spot where Finn had disappeared.
Though he was already gone, she began talking about him.
“Finn’s really been training hard lately. Seems like he’s spending almost all his time swinging that sword, except during class and when he’s sleeping.”
Emily had trained in the Training Ground a few times herself and had witnessed the scene. Finn poured every ounce of his time into his swordsmanship, without a moment wasted.
“He’s been working out there with the ‘Gaji’ members and Leon’s group recently. The training intensity is insane; I wonder if his body can keep up….”
“Are you worried?”
“Of course I’m worried. It’s painfully obvious he’s overdoing it.”
Emily was concerned that Finn’s body might break down.
A killer schedule.
Sure, with Mana and a body trained to become a Hero, one shouldn’t view it from an ordinary person’s perspective, but even considering that, Finn’s body was definitely stacking up burdens.
“That said, he can’t afford to ease off on his training.”
“I know… but it’s what Finn wants to do.”
The Finn from the original story wasn’t really any different in personality.
He didn’t have a trauma like Alicia that hindered his growth, nor was there even a tiny possibility for a unique field of development like Emily.
He always showcased a bright demeanor to others and tirelessly worked behind the scenes.
While others took a step, he tried to stretch out five steps in pursuit.
Yet, even so, he could never catch up in the end and met his demise without seeing the slightest glimmer of hope.
I don’t particularly like the term “overdoing it,” but for Finn, it was necessary. This was his last chance and ultimate measure.
Knowing that himself, he was putting in all his effort.
“Looks like I have to put in more effort than now…”
Emily mumbled to herself.
With her gentle, trembling gaze, she watched the door Finn had exited. I addressed Emily and the group members, who seemed lost in their thoughts, with a dramatic tone.
“Aside from Finn, there’s a more important matter.”
I locked eyes with Alicia, who stood quietly, her head tilting slightly in curiosity.
“Alicia, for the time being, you and Serena will carry on the activities of Arbol Frutal. I’ve laid out the tasks and schedule; just announce them clearly so everyone is informed.”
“Yes, understood, Young Master. I will follow your orders. But… are there any other pressing matters?”
Oh yes, very pressing matters.
It’s been 10 days since I put on Helion’s relic, and I have 20 days left.
For the remaining duration of this relic, which lasts exactly 30 days, I need to concentrate intensely.
“I’ll be entering Closed Training for the next 20 days.”
“Closed Training…? Huh?! Young Master…?!”
There’s really no need to be that surprised. Even though it’s Closed Training, I’ll just be holed up in the dormitory for about three weeks.
“W-well, what about classes?”
“I’ll skip them.”
“Oh….”
Alicia, struggling to reassure herself while trying not to look flustered.
But I didn’t say this without a plan. I’m not some rebellious teen who hates going to school; there’s a purpose behind this.
“Looking at the remaining dates, if I miss classes for three weeks starting tomorrow, my grades won’t be affected at all. Those trivial things like lesson progress aren’t even worth considering.”
“Wait, wait! What about the people in charge? We might say the branches and stems are fine, but those in charge aren’t people we can lead!”
Looks like Emily has developed quite the proper mindset as a Research Society member. She was initially full of rebellious enthusiasm, but now she’s changed.
…Still worrying about unnecessary things, though.
“They’re out of your consideration. Just give them simple instructions, and they’ll manage just fine. What’s there to be worried about?”
An elite group is an elite group for a reason.
In this main endeavor, I’m not there to teach them anything; I’m there to polish and explore spells and techniques together, so I’m not an irreplaceable presence.
“And there’s one more thing that needs to be communicated.”
“What now?”
This is also quite an important matter.
It pertains to everyone in Arbol Frutal.
“On the first day of next month, a promotion ceremony will be held.”
That is, on June 1st.
The members of Arbol Frutal will assess the skills they’ve honed and promote those whose level surpasses that of the group.
“Furthermore, those who succeed in their promotion will be awarded 10 gold coins, so make sure to let them know.”
“You’re giving out money too?! This seems to be getting bigger!”
It’s human nature; when someone is elevated above others and gets to symbolize that, they gain a sense of satisfaction and superiority.
That alone will attract those haughty high-ranking nobles and commoners aiming to rise above them.
Despite that, introducing a monetary reward is primarily to boost motivation. Some will rush in for the money, and others, even if not solely for it, would appreciate receiving something tangible to enhance their commitment.
I’m essentially investing in their future.
“Of course, I have no intention of easily letting go of the talents I’ve acquired.”
“Did you understand well?”
“I will heed the Young Master’s command.”
The engine of Arbol Frutal has just started to rev up.
*
“…So, for the time being, the Master will conduct activities as noted. Also, please be aware that the Master is not included in this first upgrade ceremony.”
A separate space was prepared for just the Master and the attendants.
As they informed that Vargan would not be seen in the Research Society for three weeks due to his training immersion, each showed various reactions.
“Yes, then after three weeks, we can all showcase our improved skills.”
Bantlo grinned, anticipating the next meeting.
“Where’s that logic?! If you’re gone, the Research Society activities will be boring, Bar!”
Alexeria expressed her discontent in a voice mixed with bratty tones.
That ‘Bar’ can’t possibly be referring to me, right? How am I supposed to handle this? When all of this is over, should I bury her underground with Paula?
Vargan thought, listening to her complaining.
“I understand. I will keep an eye out to prevent any issues in the Research Society.”
Bracchium responded with a dignified demeanor, agreeing with his words. He would help fill Vargan’s absence alongside Alicia and the others.
“…….”
The only quiet one was Francesca.
‘This is troublesome…’
On the outside, she showed no signs, but internally she felt slightly flustered.
She had approached the Research Society to gather information about Vargan.
Her plan was to quickly exit the society if he turned out to be unsuitable, but now she faced difficulties.
If not joined for more than a month, one could leave freely without any restrictions.
Avoiding the ire of the Research Society members was secondary; what she wanted to do was far more crucial than the judgment of others.
Of course, even after a month, one could not leave solely by their will; the process would become somewhat complicated and take longer.
Especially in cases like this, where a long-term contract was signed from the start.
Moreover, if he goes missing, that would delay the progress of what she aimed to achieve. It’s such a waste of time.
‘Would it be wiser to leave now? But… to miss out on the skills he has shown…’
In an academy full of geniuses, there isn’t anyone, including the professors, with the talent in curses and familiars as Vargan possesses. This is precisely the magical field she needs, so she cannot give up like this.
Francesca quietly spoke up.
“Are you returning to the Research Society after three weeks?”
“There’s no reason not to.”
“Right….”
“See! Others are feeling this way too. Can’t you skip this closed training thing?”
Once more, Alexeria stirred up the noise. Amidst the commotion, Francesca pondered.
After all, she could have conducted this research alone had he not been there. For now, she would continue as she had until now.
She steadied her mind.
However, her fingers, tapping on the desk below, revealed a somewhat anxious demeanor as they knocked, knock, knocking?
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