Chapter: 475
I reflected on my recent daily life after being asked if there was anything strange.
“Lucy. This part…”
“Think of it this way.”
“Alright. Next…”
Lately, my life at the academy was quite similar to my high school days in my past life.
In other words, it was filled with books, texts, and studying.
Even when I attended classes with Joy, she would stick to me, monitoring whether I was studying properly, leaving me drained as I went through each day.
With the situation being like this, even if something was happening at the academy, it’d be hard for me to notice.
“Looks like you know nothing.”
“I can’t help it. I…”
“Don’t say it, please?”
Seriously? What’s wrong with hearing “auntie”? Can’t I relieve some stress by being teased a little?
“Anyways. A lot of things are flowing into the academy from the outside. It’s way too much to just be resources for preparing for midterms.”
Not long ago, Karia returned to the academy and did her best to spread her information network both inside and outside.
She had prepared somewhat beforehand, but believing it wasn’t enough, she drained her own lifespan as well as that of her subordinates to continuously supplement her information network.
Why do I know this? Because I overheard Jack and Chester lamenting about it recently.
They were saying that while it was tough just studying at the academy, Karia was piling on the work, leaving them with no time to train personally.
With how they sigh loudly enough for me to overhear, it seemed they wanted me to step in and help stop Karia, but I ignored them.
I’m drowning in my own problems, how could I care about others!
Do they think they’re the only ones suffering?! I’m struggling too! Who do they think they are, thinking about resting when I’m in pain!?
Cough. Anyway, Karia sensed something odd based on the information network she had built.
Though she couldn’t tell exactly, she knew something was happening at the academy.
“The line itself is connected to the First Queen’s connections, but I don’t think her subordinates would cause a ruckus amongst themselves.”
“So what you’re saying is that the frenzied Queen might be up to something, right?”
“…Yeah. That’s right.”
The forces under the First Queen rely on her as a central point.
So unless the First Queen issues a command, they wouldn’t initiate any actions themselves.
In other words, if they’re active, it’s highly likely the First Queen is up to something.
Karia’s speculation was somewhat convincing but also felt a bit far-fetched.
“Why would that crazy Queen do something like that?”
“…Well…”
“Does the mad Queen have any reason to eliminate potential talents for the future of the country?”
While it was true that the First Queen’s faction had started trouble for me initially, they hadn’t interfered with me whatsoever for a while now.
They watch me from a distance, but that’s all. They wouldn’t even try to test me.
They seemed to want to avoid crossing paths unless I started it first, so something must have come from above.
Why all of a sudden is the First Queen targeting me with such a conservative approach?
“I’m not doubting the information you brought. But if the ability you sacrificed your youth for turned out to be shoddy junk, I’d be really sad. However, this was a bit hasty for a worried aunt like you.”
The information Karia provided was likely true.
It’s clear that something was happening at the academy.
But assuming it was definitively connected to the First Queen was jumping to conclusions too quickly.
Karia isn’t stupid, so there’s no way she would be so reckless without proper leads.
“…Sorry. I guess I can’t think rationally when it comes to the First Queen.”
Instead of arguing, Karia readily admitted her mistake.
I wondered if this Karia was a fake acting like her, but it seems she’s not.
Thank goodness.
“For now, it’s clear something’s being prepared. And it’s definitely coming in through the First Queen’s faction. So please be cautious about that, Employer.”
“While you’re worried about others, shouldn’t you worry about your own bachelor status? You’re getting older by the day; is that why you’re in such a hurry? Should I ask foolish Papa to find you a match?”
“Leave that to me! Don’t worry about it!”
“You wouldn’t be in this situation if you could manage it yourself.”
“I can manage! I don’t care! I’m leaving!”
Screaming, Karia turned away, ready to act like a servant.
How can she be that swift in transitioning? How is she capable of such without authority? Truly impressive.
“Lucy, why are you acting uncharacteristic today?”
‘…Huh? Uncharacteristic?’
“Why are you talking like a smart person!? You’re not like this normally!”
‘No. Huh?’
I talked like a smart person? Did I just do that?
“Damn it! Give our Lucy back!”
‘Grandpa, did I really look that good?’
“Do I look like I’m joking right now?”
‘Stop messing around. Be serious.’
“…Ahem. Well. I could say it was quite clever of you to sense Karia’s unease and even give her advice.”
‘Really!?’
What’s happening?! Has Grandpa ever said something like this to me before!?
Never, right!? So something’s definitely different today?!
Am I genuinely getting smarter? Is the intelligence stat rising while I’m training in that closed space with Joy? Is that it!?
Just a moment ago, I thought I was being dragged to hell, but this sudden conversation changed my mind.
Enduring misery that yields nothing is just suffering, but enduring hardship that pays off is proper training!
Alright! Let’s give it our all today! So I can raise my intelligence!
“By the way…”
‘What did you say, Grandpa?’
“Uh, that… didn’t you just say you wouldn’t worry about what Karia mentioned?”
‘What about that? Of course, I have to be concerned. If Karia finds something strange, then there must be something going on.’
“Are you going to investigate it yourself?”
‘No. That would be too conspicuous.’
I don’t know what the opponent is aiming for by pulling resources into the academy, but if their intent is malicious, they’d definitely be keeping an eye on me.
Even if I distance myself from everything I’ve done so far, the power of myself and my close friends isn’t something to scoff at.
So moving directly to investigate wouldn’t be a wise choice.
“Then what do you plan to do?”
“I’ll give Grandma, who’s bored, something to do. If she senses something suspicious, I’ll ask her to sneak a peek there.”
Since there are limits to what can be done by secretly gathering resources within Soul Academy.
*
The night at Soul Academy isn’t just dark.
While someone who proclaimed they’d study all night dozes off with their head on the desk, the research lab on one side of the academy shines brightly.
Adri, who was checking out the place referred to as the beacon of Soul Academy, felt pity for those struggling to keep sleep at bay with all sorts of magic and potions.
Even black wizards wouldn’t go that far to train necromancers.
While watching those pulling off all-nighters, she recalled what Lucy asked her to do and quietly moved.
It was already almost a month since Adri settled in Soul Academy.
Every night, when Visi fell asleep, Adri wandered around the academy, slowly figuring out what was where.
She was sure Lucy wanted her to check out the place. The professor named Luca…
Oh no.
As she traversed the walls, she suddenly halted.
There’s something like a barrier ahead.
The moment I pass this, my existence will be exposed.
Adri, wondering if she could deal with it, examined the barrier but soon realized she couldn’t even figure out its structure and decided to give up cleanly.
What on earth are they hiding with so much effort?
I’m curious, but I shouldn’t take that risk.
Retreating from Professor Luca’s office, she visited another place Lucy had pointed out.
Unfortunately, however, the places Adri could check out weren’t many.
Every location Lucy mentioned had a barrier similar to the one in Professor Luca’s office.
Moreover, because of the security measures created by the academy’s professors, Adri couldn’t find out much.
Ugh. If I leave empty-handed, that cocky brat will blab about how incompetent and sloppy I am!
Just thinking about it sent shivers down her spine, but there was nothing Adri could do.
She chose to sacrifice her pride instead of risking her life leaving Visi unattended.
*
As morning arrived, I learned from Adri that I was certain this incident was related to Luca.
When I heard that things were being passed along through the First Queen’s connections, I had been somewhat suspicious. Luca couldn’t possibly not know something was up with the First Queen’s line, right?
But for him to keep his mouth shut about it means that this guy is involved in something crafty.
And now there are strange barriers set up wherever I asked for a check?
This is 100% certain.
It’s clear.
This crazy Luca is up to some shady business for his own desires.
[Luca’s Trial]
Not long after the academy started, I confirmed the quest I was given and stretched, getting ready to head outside.
“Are you thinking of charging in?”
“Whatever happens, it’s the quickest way.”
You’ve got to press a mutinous pup!
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