*
After Maria’s lecture, three people gathered in the cathedral: the Glass Knight, Nex, and Schartines.
“Pina, bringing an unknown spirit this far was a mistake.”
“..Sister Shar, that’s mean.”
“You’re the Drake’s disciple, right? That’s not the first time, is it?”
The man with purple hair, who had gathered information on Licht, asked her.
“You didn’t know…?”
“That old man, Pina, even you rejected him.”
He rubbed his head while reading the hastily scrawled parchment.
Inside the paper, there was a brief description of Licht’s identity, with a seal shining as if it had cut a dragon in half, confirming he was a disciple of the Ten Heroes.
“Right.”
“Then at least, he’s not from the Hero Church.”
Pina nodded slightly. Seeing her, the black-haired nun felt relieved.
“..Kkamangi was scared.”
“Your Highness… did you really name that spirit?”
“Yeah.”
“What kind of naming method is that? Pina?”
“It was Licht’s apprentice’s idea. Is it okay to name a spirit like that?”
At those words, the white ears inside the helmet perked up slightly.
“I don’t like it when they disappear.”
Her thoughts drifted back to the absence of the spirit that had just been cradled in her arms.
She was considering whether there was any way to avoid it.
“Shar, the wolf spirit talked to my sparrow… but it was alright.”
“Kkamangi.”
“Yeah, Kkamangi said… it protects.”
“What…?”
Nex spoke to Schartines in a tone that conveyed his disbelief. The Glass Knight tilted his head in response.
“So Shar, there’s nothing to worry about. If it’s a good thing, that’s all that matters.”
“Nex, I’m curious. Are spirits all like that…?”
“They’re not one-dimensional beings, but they definitely have their preferences.”
“That’s not a lie, right?”
“Protects” is such an abstract term that the black-haired nun had her own questions. Who was protecting whom?
“I’m just… worried that Pina might go through something similar again.”
“There are spirits that act, but… could a newborn act like that?”
“Right. It was nice.”
Schartines revealed her hidden thoughts with a sad expression, but Nex remained calm. He had enough information already.
‘Just from how my Phoenix isn’t afraid of danger, it shows how strong its feelings must be.’
Was this feeling to protect the Nameless Saintess?
He recalled the curious question he had asked on the terrace that morning.
The most likely possibility was that and nothing else. The way the hands trembled and the words shivered hinted at her anxiety. Though hidden by the helmet, it was evident.
‘The atmosphere changed completely when cursing.’
But now the Saintess was the second generation, Schartines.
Someone must have lied to this apprentice. The reputation of the Vampire Saintess wasn’t too good. It’s possible that someone made up stories targeting Shar.
“Pina, you can’t trust any man. He’s a wolf!”
“Nex is…”
“He’s a fox, so it’s fine.”
“Silly sister.”
Watching the two women bicker, Nex was deep in thought. It was dangerous to make any further assumptions. He lacked information.
‘To impersonate a saint is audacious.’
It didn’t seem like she was flirting with her. If she had approached Pina targeting Shar, the spirit would have attacked.
After all, she would have considered him a rival or an enemy.
But now, Pina held him. Had he been involved with the Empire? If his parents or relatives worked for the royal family, then it could make sense.
‘Feelings of protection could arise among many. Seeing my junior’s spirit being non-aggressive, it’s understandable.’
Besides, Shar was a Vampire priestess. She must have been aware of that.
To the people in this world, it might seem strange or invoke prejudice.
‘The fact that there was no reaction to seeing the eyes or fangs is…’
“I’m sure he’s not a bad guy.”
“Even with your genius brain, you know that they are no match for him. Nex.”
“But still, he’s smart.”
Many people would be terrified upon seeing a vampire. In fact, when Nex met Schartines, she was being persecuted too.
But his junior didn’t react that way.
“She didn’t say anything about our Shar either. Trust me. Is there anyone like that these days?”
“That is true. But if you touch Pina, I will be angry.”
“Licht is special.”
When considering all these points, Licht, the Black Knight, didn’t seem like the type to do bad things.
“There is a way for spirits to communicate, just like you and I do, Shar… Ouch! I got hit! Enough!”
“This man! How did he become such a fox! He says anything in front of Pina!”
“Silly. Nex.”
The man tried to reassure the Saintess with a fox-like smile, but it had the opposite effect.
A fist wrapped in divine power began to poke into his back.
“Your Highness! No, Pina! Save me! I’m dying!”
“Don’t know about others.”
Watching that scene, the Glass Knight averted his gaze.
The repeated punches were quite fierce. The mask-like expression shattered into a pained grimace.
“Ahhh! Shar, just because you say healing doesn’t mean it’s fine!”
“You do that even in front of your junior! You did it last time at the church too! You need to be scolded!”
Inside the cathedral, Nex Aureus’s screams continued for about ten minutes. His foolish behavior had accumulated this karma.
Watching the unbelievable scene unfold,
‘If that’s the case… why did Kkamangi come to me? Hmm…’
Pina suddenly thought of a sharp idea.
‘Because it’s a wolf… protects me…?’
This time, there was no intersection, and both were led astray.
She misinterpreted it as following the nature of wolves that usually move in packs.
*
I woke up in the infirmary and headed for the next classroom immediately. I had missed lunch with Kainel and Ariel.
I can’t use spirits, can’t use magic, and the only thing I can trust is swordsmanship! I thought this world was too harsh on me as I dashed between the buildings.
The time was already late, and I entered through the back door and sat down.
“Student Licht, you’re late.”
“I’m sorry.”
The other students were diligently attending the lecture. I saw red and blonde hair and a glass helmet in the front row.
I barely caught my breath and took out my notebook to start taking notes.
Professor Beatrice, who had warned us, continued teaching the class.
“…So, if you concentrate divine power, it can be used as a weapon.”
The Vampire Saintess surrounded her fists, but was this the principle?
“A good application would be to overlay it on equipment to enhance its strength or range…”
Professor Beatrice picked one weapon after another from the ones lined up behind her.
The sword became sharp as if wrapped in an aura, and the spear’s piercing range increased.
“Or like this, using it freely. It might be hard for you all…”
She put those down and once again pulled out a bow and arrows made of light from her hands.
A priestess archer? That’s a fascinating concept. I pondered whether there was a long-range character in the game.
“It may seem flawless, but the weakness is that you need to remain rational in any situation for the divine power to be maintained.”
The short-haired nun smiled with only her eyes. I felt a chill down my spine. No matter how I think about it, she seems like a villain.
“That’s what the manifestation of hope is. If you assume a desperate situation and believe it will happen, even divine power might not gather.”
“…”
My hand that was copying the text froze. I recalled something I had seen in the old [Night Heart].
So that’s why the healing prayer failed at that time. It made me feel unpleasant.
‘It was more desperate than I thought. Was that the reason the Nameless Saintess felt that way?’
In the game, a skill failure was rare. Unless you were fighting a boss that was immune or caught in CC.
But among the events I saw, there was one that was similar.
There was the enthusiastic effort of the creator to match some degree of plausibility. Is this the person who created [Black Heart]? What nonsense!
“Then, today, we’ll also do practical exercises.”
My thoughts went all over the place, leading to a shocking declaration popping out.
“We’ll work on creating a weapon each. My dear lambs.”
This really seemed like an F guaranteed situation. Should I give up? The professor was grinning at me. Was she doing this on purpose? She must have seen me struggle with gathering divine power during the healing prayer.
Just as I was about to storm out of the classroom, I composed myself.
‘..I wouldn’t want to see the Nameless Saintess get hurt.’
Thinking about the possibility of being reincarnated into a game, I wanted to focus on re-taking the class.
I could probably ace the theory-based exam. As long as I don’t get academic probation.
“Kai, look! A divine power staff!”
“Ariel, then does that mean I made a divine power sword?”
“Could be! Hehe.”
Seeing Kainel and Ariel managing to gather divine power to create swords and staffs made me feel sad. Indeed, they are the protagonists, and they are crazy cheats.
Mardol…? It seems like he’s making a puppy doll. Thinking about it, that’s not a weapon.
The fluffy white divine power took the form of a fluffy puffball.
“..Kkamangi.”
The Glass Knight was gently stroking the round head of the white puppy. The fur had been combed, turning into a square-shaped puppy.
“…”
I genuinely messed up my route. Anyone could tell it resembled a Pomeranian! Not only that, but it wasn’t Hayan either; it was Kkamangi!
What in the world happened while I was asleep?
*
After finishing the practical class on divine power studies, I walked down the hallway.
Am I the only one who couldn’t create anything? This is so unfair.
“I never thought a spirit would also like a knight’s helmet.”
“It’s cool, isn’t it? Like a hero for everyone.”
“Ugh. That’s cheesy, Licht.”
Kainel was recalling yesterday’s events while looking at my helm with a weird expression.
He probably mistook me for my owner when he saw me in the helmet. I thought about Mardol’s shining equipment. Aside from wearing armor, I was kind of similar to him.
“So… Kainel. Did my spirit really do that?”
“She didn’t stray far from Mardol’s arms. Even when she growled, it seemed harmless.”
“Right! Helmet bro! It looked more like a puppy than a wolf! It was really fluffy!”
“It was cute.”
I asked others about the events from the morning. Aside from Mardol having my spirit nestled in his arms, they said nothing seemed amiss. But it was a serious situation for me.
“The spirit must have made a mistake.”
I struggled to break the flag.
“That means you should have held back; you looked really upset!”
“…Kainel.”
“Alright, Licht. I’ll stop.”
The yellow dog is really dead when the time comes. He thought of our Nameless Saintess. You’re gonna bag some points regarding Ariel too.
I felt dizzy. While it was certainly true that I had grown closer to Old Nex, was it really possible to encounter a Harem Crusher?
“Licht.”
Just when a bad feeling was proven true, the resonant voice came from the side.
“What’s up, Mardol?”
The Glass Knight was staring at my face for a long time. I was scared my name and Lupus’s identity would come up in the status window.
“..Kkamangi, can’t you wake her?”
“Kkamangi…?”
“Licht, my spirit.”
When did she name it again? It’s not yours. Stop this flag.
“Not sure.”
I rested my hand on my chin. But can I really not use it? When playing the game, I never got to do it until the end.
If I could wield a sword while using spirits, I could definitely target a Demon King or two.
‘At least, it means there’s one.’
A black wolf, huh? Given that it looks like a Pomeranian, my experiences from reality have influenced it.
Her favorite cute appearance. It seems that the saying “spirits are conceived from feelings” might be true.
Perhaps when she saw the Nameless Saintess, she would awaken?
Looking at it, I began to understand why Nex’s Phoenix follows Schartines so devotedly. After all, the first person to acknowledge her must have been that priestess.
It should have been clear as the mask of that lying bastard peeled off.
But why did mine run over to Mardol? Just as I felt like I was picking on some weird parts.
“Let’s wake her.”
My focus broke.
“You know that spirit users are rare, right?”
“Special Licht, you can do it.”
“..Huh?”
It looks like I need to finish the swordsmanship exchange quickly. Something has clearly gone wrong.
Every flag was leaning toward the Crown Prince route.
I’d be satisfied just riding the Saintess route and keeping her safe by her side. Why was the world doing this to me?
“Mardol.”
“Licht, why?”
“Let’s go ahead with the swordsmanship exchange.”
“Really…?”
This will be a frontal assault. Once I do this, I shouldn’t get tangled further. Technically, it’s just dealing with the magic I’ll be receiving.
I had to get as far from the Crown Prince as possible. At this point, I don’t even know from where I got involved. I can’t recall ever affecting Lupus’s favorability.
“I wasn’t lying after all.”
“It’s that I can’t do it well. Even Kai can see it at a glance.”
“Is that a compliment? Licht?”
“Helmet bro, Kai has good eyes.”
No way. If that neighboring yellow dog knew something I didn’t, I’d sell all my items and quit the game.
“I’ll only teach you one style. No more, Mardol.”
“That’s enough, Licht.”
I regretted sending them off for an immediate trip in [Black Heart]. If it weren’t for the human preventing me from seeing the Saintess route, I would have memorized it by now.
Such a dangerous character appeared. Just one look and I didn’t even try.
‘Just being the Emperor’s only son is too significant.’
If I got involved the wrong way, I could seriously die. In the game, I could at least force a shutdown using loopholes.
It’s impossible here.
“But Licht.”
“What’s up, Kainel?”
“Do you know what swordsmanship exchange means?”
“I don’t know.”
“Helmet bro, you really don’t know? It’s like exchanging letters, right? …Uhp!”
“…Ariel, be quiet.”
He covered the mouth of the red-haired mage. Oh, his face turned red. Unexpected harvest.
Who knew that the Crown Prince’s short answer would be helpful?
“Just do your best, Licht.”
As I watched Ariel’s shaking pupils, Kainel let out a sigh of relief without showing any reaction. Though his lips were pressed against his palm,
It seemed to be impossible with just a 24 percent.
Thinking about raising the affection level more felt daunting ahead.
“You’d better do well.”
“What do you mean?”
I chided the clueless yellow dog for having a blank expression.
Honestly, if you bring that up, I feel like I’m doomed, but seeing your romantic antics gives me comfort.
“Well, there is such a thing.”
“Puhaha. Helmet bro, do the exchange well…”
“I’ll do my best, Ms. Ariel.”
At that moment, the hand that was covering her mouth fell, and her lips parted.
With the sensation still lingering, the two young adults looked at each other awkwardly, their eyes wide differently than usual.
“Ariel, I’m sorry, did that scare you?”
“No, Kai. I interrupted too much…”
“Take care, Licht.. um, should I wash my hands…?”
The pink atmosphere flowed between the two. This is the original feeling Im going for!
“…Silly, dullard. Sea anemone.”
“Why are you saying that, Ariel.”
“I don’t know. Just do something, Kai!”
Yet why were they still matching strides while keeping distance?
This is a good flag. At least, I won’t have to worry about seeing Kainel’s harem route. After all, Ariel isn’t letting go of his lead.
I couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. This better not escape from my lips.
“Hurry up and go first, Helmet bro.”
“Understood.”
In trusting that neighboring yellow dog, I also preferred to trust the words of the red cat.
If I stay leisurely, I’ll find myself at the center of a chaotic scene without sorting things out. I never had a choice from the start.
“Then, I’ll see you at the dorm later, Kainel.”
For now, I must clash and think.
