Chapter 88
Wrapped in tentacles, Selvier, the wizard of the Red Magic Tower, hung upside down, using a mana-free passive antigravity spell to keep her skirt from flipping over as she pondered.
“Bennett, pass!”
“Don’t pass it off to someone else just because it’s a hassle!”
[Bennett, if it’s alright, could you take mine too?]
“Leave it to me.”
“⋯⋯You jerk, why do you react differently to Niolle?!”
⋯⋯What’s up with them flying around like that?
She knew the trio was attending a lecture by the Crazy Wizard. If she remembered correctly, two weeks had passed, meaning they had only finished two lessons so far. Setting aside the unusual emotional exchanges between them…
Their individual skills and teamwork were unmatched in this lecture hall. Being able to navigate the Tentacle Labyrinth as just a trio put them in the elite tier. The reasons for such assessments became obvious with just a casual glance to the side.
“EUAAAAAAH!! AHHHHHHH!!”
“Ph, Philip! Damn it, let go of Philip, you tentacle!”
“IHATESLIMYSLIPPERYTHINGSSSSSS──!!”
The ordinary students were being torn apart in real-time. Those without strength or status were caught one by one by the tentacles and subdued. A few clever ones realized that the more they resisted, the more the tentacles shoved themselves in, so they quietly hung like Selvier.
Students lacking that level of observation were barely skirting the edge of content unsuitable for young audiences.
“Number 32, Number 33. Advance.”
“Keuuuuuk…!”
“Consider the gold coins you receive monthly. Fulfill your duties with all the faith and sincerity you can muster!”
The Gold Faction, led by the Gold Tower Master’s favorite disciple, systematically navigated the Tentacle Labyrinth by throwing the students forward one at a time. In other words, the disciple had concluded that there could be no advancement without sacrifices.
“Protect the Lady! Not a single tentacle shall invade!”
“Do not back down! Fight with the resolve to die for the one you serve!!”
“Think of your oaths of loyalty. Remember the lady’s compassionate heart!”
“⋯⋯N-No, you really don’t need to try that hard⋯⋯.”
The only daughter of the Duke of White Purity, leading the Rose Insignia Faction, was steadily defending themselves, pooling their strength step by step. There were at least dozens in the faction. The proportion of nobles among them was high.
Generally, nobles were superior to commoner students. Having such manpower to form a defensive formation and cooperate was essential for breaking through.
And⋯⋯.
“『Freeze』.”
A pure-white girl, freezing the tentacles and gliding through the labyrinth on her own. She was a wizard from the Blue Magic Tower, already famous for having reached the realm of Metamorphosis—Selvier’s eternal rival… Snow White.
A prodigy who blossomed into Metamorphosis at a young age, strong enough to hold her own against a professor. To get through alone at that level was the bare minimum.
Such insane difficulty in this labyrinth made their trio’s navigation stand out remarkably. Especially Niolle.
The other two were unknowns to Selvier, so she could believe they had hidden powers or had always been strong. But Niolle was someone whose skill and personality were well-known to her. After all, they were not roommates for nothing. She was also aware of Niolle’s remarkable observational abilities.
However.
Even when a tentacle that looked disgustingly like a face suddenly hurtled toward her, Niolle showed no hesitation, merely tilting her head to dodge.
Without a moment’s thought, she’d poke the tentacle that resembled a human head, starting with its eyeball.
What was once her original… should it be called fragility, or perhaps humanity? That seemed to have completely vanished. To Selvier, the current Niolle appeared to be a merciless, cold-blooded killer.
“What on earth did you go through…?”
And above all else.
[Bennett. Just now, a tentacle brushed against my chest, and a few buttons fell off.]
“I don’t have a sewing kit on me right now.”
[I’m just saying that if you happen to look this way, you might see my cleavage.]
“⋯⋯I’ll be cautious.”
[I’m not asking you to be cautious, you know.]
Something seemed to have drastically increased her allure. She hadn’t been like this before…?
Transformation, huh.
Change isn’t always a good thing, but for those who have reasons to rise up, it’s an essential element.
Selvier had a goal of securing the wish from the Red Magic Tower Master by becoming her direct disciple, and for that, she needed to reach the realm of Metamorphosis.
The likely catalyst for Niolle’s transformation was the lecture… 『Otherworld Exploration』. Selvier steeled herself to dive into the Crazy Wizard’s class. She needed a catalyst for her growth.
⋯⋯First, let’s get out of the Tentacle Labyrinth!
===============================================================
Tara stretched.
“We made it out! Ugh, I hate how slimy that felt.”
Her custom Saintess attire rode up, exposing Tara’s armpits, and depending on the angle, even the sides of her chest. While her outfit hadn’t changed, her motivation for wearing it had.
Now, it wasn’t about taking a jab at the Church; it was about catching someone’s eye. Tara squinted slightly and observed Bennett’s expression. He was looking off into the distance.
Alright, so he’s avoiding eye contact, huh? Tara felt satisfied.
It would have been the worst if Bennett had gazed at her unaffectedly. That would mean it held zero appeal for him, right?
⋯⋯Should I crank it up a notch?
Just as Tara was about to stealthily slide closer to Bennett, Niolle chimed in at the perfect moment.
[It wasn’t too tough, after all. Seemed just right for killing some time.]
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Since the telepathy magic from the Otherworld no longer worked, Tara scavenged the Church’s storeroom and found a necklace with built-in telepathy to gift to Niolle.
The item was of such dubious value that Tara could take it without consequence, yet its performance was lacking. There was a limited time it could be used each day, plus the range was short.
Due to these various restrictions, Niolle still carried a whiteboard and pen. But it was still sufficient for their everyday chats among the three.
However, who would have thought that gift would turn out to be a poison?
Tara’s suspicion soared as Niolle consistently popped up at strange times. Could it possibly be intentional?
“Definitely… the difficulty was not that high. Getting hit doesn’t mean losing limbs or anything.”
Bennett spoke, looking somewhere in the air between Tara and Niolle, as the contrast of the custom Saintess dress and her fallen buttons had caught his eye.
The trio shared light banter as they exited the classroom, casting aside the pitiful screams of students still echoing behind them.
Having been briefly immersed in the chaos gave their sensitivity to difficulty a dulling effect.
===============================================================
On the way back, Bennett casually mentioned something to both of them. While his tone was light, the content was heavy.
“I’m thinking of talking to the professor. About the Black Wizards’ plans and the upcoming dangers.”
Niolle gasped, pulling at Bennett’s sleeve in surprise. When he turned to look at her, she gazed up at him, filled with concern.
[You mean… you’ll reveal that you were a Black Wizard, Bennett?]
“I suppose I will need to. If I do not reveal the source of the information, they won’t take it seriously.”
[That’s too dangerous. You might get attacked, Bennett. Worst-case scenario, you could be imprisoned and sentenced to death…]
“It’s a risk I’ll have to take. Of course, I don’t think it will come to that. Being a double agent has its perks, after all. The Academy would more likely use me than kill me.”
Niolle stepped three strides ahead to block Bennett’s path. She spread her arms wide, determined that if he passed, he would have to step over her. She did not want him to take that risk.
There were countless ways to anonymously warn the Academy. Why did he feel the need to expose his faults this way?
[Please don’t do it.]
“Niolle.”
[You sacrificed parts of your soul to save this world, Bennett. No one in this world may know, but we surely… did something great. So.]
If it’s just a matter of late guilt, isn’t there enough merit to bury it?
“That’s not the issue. I just… want to clear up any potential future troubles. The Black Wizards definitely have proof—proof that I fought under their orders.”
[⋯⋯⋯⋯.]
“If my defection comes to light, they’ll use whatever means necessary to accuse me. It’s bound to surface eventually. Better to tie up loose ends now.”
[Bennett⋯⋯.]
Blink. Blink.
Niolle could read the worry in Bennett’s clear eyes. It wasn’t worry for himself; he was more concerned about Tara and Niolle.
He worried that if his identity as a Black Wizard got revealed, the two closest to him would get dragged into danger. He feared that even these innocent women would suffer repercussions just for associating with him.
So, he wanted to sort out anything that might lead to trouble in the future.
“Go ahead, do as you wish.”
[Tara⋯⋯?!]
At Tara’s nonchalant interjection, Niolle quickly turned her head. But contrary to her tone, Tara’s eyes were burning with fierce determination.
“But listen, Bennett. It seems you’ve been treating your title as a Saintess with disregard⋯⋯ No matter what, I’ll pull you out. If they take you in for being a Black Wizard, I’ll bet my position as a Saintess and shout that you’re not one, even if it kills me. Do you understand?”
“There’s no need to go that far.”
“Your desire doesn’t matter, Bennett. I said I’m going to do it!”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Tara fumed for a while, glaring at Bennett, then seized his collar and shook him vigorously. It was the result of her overflowing anger. What kind of idiot thought they could just walk into danger alone?
Bennett held his ground, enduring the shaking, finally managing to say after about three minutes.
“⋯⋯I’m feeling dizzy.”
“You think I’m not?! I’m dizzy too!”
After releasing a heavy sigh, Tara muttered. A hint of moisture crept into her words; she felt frustrated that Bennett didn’t understand how she felt.
“⋯⋯You, do you really not know why I’m acting this way? How I feel about you⋯⋯.”
“I know.”
“⋯⋯Huh?”
“I said I know.”
While Tara was momentarily taken aback, Bennett gently loosened her grip and straightened his clothes.
“Unless someone is really dense, they wouldn’t miss it. I hope you both can try to restrain yourselves going forward. It’s hard to endure.”
“⋯⋯You, you?!”
[⋯⋯⋯⋯!!]
“I’m not saying I want to gladly accept my fate and die. I’m not that virtuous. If the Academy tries to kill me, I’ll do everything I can to escape. I have dreams to achieve and missions left undone. But⋯⋯.”
Bennett paused briefly, feeling a bit embarrassed as he lowered his gaze.
“I wanted to shed my past and face you both directly.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
[⋯⋯⋯⋯.]
Stunned by Bennett’s unexpected confession, Tara and Niolle were left speechless.
The Crazy Wizard, who had been secretly following the trio, silently clapped in admiration. The Tower Master, overwhelmed by sweetness beyond the daily recommended intake, fussed and slapped the wizard’s back playfully.
With a single utterance, Bennett had left the two in helpless awe and walked away smoothly.
Tara and Niolle, standing in the aftermath, took a considerable amount of time to reboot their thoughts. An awkward and tense air lingered around them.
“⋯⋯That’s what he said.”
[⋯⋯Indeed, that is what he said.]
After a moment of deliberation, Niolle extended her hand to Tara for a handshake. Tara, though surprised by this unexpected gesture, raised an eyebrow but took her hand nonetheless.
Niolle smiled brightly as she spoke.
[From now on, shall we compete fairly?]
“Uh, E-Eung… Over Bennett, right?”
[No interfering with each other.]
“Sure, and whatever the outcome, gracefully accepting defeat… may not be a thing I can manage, though.”
[Honestly, I feel the same. It would be hard to accept.]
Thus loomed the oncoming storm. The love battlefield would be fought with no method spared in the pursuit of affection.
Despite that, a strong bond of friendship tethered Tara and Niolle—formed through trials and tribulations. They shared a firm handshake, reinforcing that bond.
“Even so, we’re still friends, right?”
[Of course. Shouldn’t we disperse now then?]
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Tara pondered the discomfort lingering in her mind. What was it? What am I missing?
“⋯⋯Huh?”
The phrase from now on meant their previous interactions had not been fair. And bringing up no interfering with each other suggested… the hindrances before this?
“You were doing it on purpose too, weren’t you-?!!”
[You’ll forgive me since we’re friends, right?]
“Come here, you punk-!”
Tara chased after Niolle, who was leaping over the fence and darting away. Indeed, it was the season of blossoming youth.
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