Chapter 84
After the End of the First Semester
The Academia was wrapped in a gloomy fog.
A joint funeral was held to commemorate those who lost their lives in this incident.
Clergy dispatched from the church oversaw the ceremonies, and the scale was considerable. The news must have reached their families as well.
Initially, the souls were soothed during the ceremony, after which the bodies were to be moved to their respective hometowns.
Everyone in Academia participated in this funeral, conducted in grave solemnity, with none of the usual liveliness or hubbub to be found.
After the funeral, Liam was still in a semi-dazed state, receiving care from the specialists assigned at Academia.
Reports say he was complaining of anxiety and hallucinations.
In his dreams, his deceased comrades accused him and tried to kill him, and their figures occasionally appeared in reality as well.
Should we consider it fortunate? At least he hadn’t resorted to self-harm.
For a while, Emily, Nikela, and others visited Liam’s hospital room daily, wanting to be his company and support him.
During this time, Liam sincerely kneeled and apologized to Nikela, shedding tears.
Though there was nothing to forgive anymore, Nikela reportedly told him she would forgive him for his sake.
Since then, it seems his condition has improved somewhat. At least the illusions of his comrades had ceased.
Nikela mentioned that once the first semester ended completely, she’d return to her hometown and not come back.
She could no longer use magic. Without mana, she couldn’t continue her training as a novice hero at the Academia.
Although it seemed a bit constrained, this was also for Nikela’s sake.
As things moved along in a dreary manner, time flowed steadily, and the vacation arrived.
The vacation ceremony was skipped, and students briefly returned to their homes, while those too far away or lacking a place to go remained at the Academia.
Today was the very first day of vacation.
“The decision regarding the absorption of the Judgment Weapon has been made.”
I find myself facing Rheincarven, the First Son of the Schugenhartz Family, in the dark Student Council Room, even though it’s midday, and ominous clouds loom overhead.
His intelligent eyes do not lose their shine, even in the darkness.
“The circumstances leading to the Judgment Weapon of Archbishop Zagan being attributed to the first-grade relic Naias are founded upon valid reasons, and Academia attests to this. Therefore, the authority of the Judgment Weapon is vested in the current owner of Naias, who can exercise it—this is the conclusion.”
As Rhinquarven read the words inscribed on the parchment, he placed it on the desk. His silent lips continued to move.
“There’s no need to take Naias from you, the co-owner of the relic, and your servant Alicia.”
The Judgment Weapon was undoubtedly one of the main research subjects; it was not only extremely hard to obtain but also very scarce.
Normally, it would be expected that the first to acquire it would have all the rights, but during the process of capturing Zagan, the professors had intervened significantly, and since it had occurred during the Academia’s exam, there could be some controversy over ownership.
However, in the end, if I hadn’t gone against the powers of the Cardinal and beheaded Zagan, it wouldn’t have been possible to kill one of the Archbishops or absorb the Judgment Weapon.
Thus, it reached a natural conclusion without dissent.
Well, to extract a power that was already subordinate meant that it would have to destroy Naias, a first-class relic, which didn’t make sense either, so there was really no reason for me to be anxious.
I simply wanted confirmation.
“That’s good to hear.”
“Not something we can just look at that way.”
“Word of this will spread quickly, and there will be those aiming for the sword. It seems you’re worried about this, but there’s no need to fret.”
If someone were to take the life of a high-ranking Archbishop, a part of the Judgment Weapon’s power would become bound to that weapon or any nearby weapon.
Due to this incident, Naias had received some of Zagan’s power and had become even stronger.
It was unfortunate that they couldn’t overlap, but the fact that I had defeated an opponent of Archbishops or higher was an extremely rare occurrence, and the awarded power was immense.
It was only natural that those who eyed it or felt resentment would emerge.
“Myself, and my servant, are certainly not the kind who would let anyone take advantage of us.”
If anyone were to try and take Naias from Alicia, she would resist ‘to the death,’ quite literally.
Given the insane growth of Alicia’s combat power, there weren’t many who could take on a Naias that had become several dimensions stronger, and even fewer dared to get involved with something belonging to Schugenharz.
What kind of insane act had they thought they would be able to handle afterwards?
“Lastly, the grade of Naias has been reestablished.”
This was something I had anticipated.
Naias, with the spirit of a duke, originally held a first-class grade.
Essentially, it was the highest grade that a relic could receive, but since the power of the Judgment Weapon had been added, it would receive an even higher grade.
“Naias now falls into the exceptional class.”
Normally, the term “exceptional class” refers to inferior items that do not fit into a defined grade.
However, even the least performing relics have grades, so calling it exceptional means it refers to a top-tier item that cannot be categorized by regular standards.
While it still couldn’t fully draw out its power yet, once Naias stabilizes and grows together, it would showcase abilities befitting an exceptional class item.
With those words, Rhinquarven fell silent.
He was certainly not one to enjoy small talk or chit-chat, so there was no more conversation to share.
From what I vaguely knew, even during the break, he wouldn’t be returning home but would remain at the Academia to continue with the Student Council, which didn’t particularly pique my curiosity or matter much.
It was time to take my leave.
“Vargan, you sprinkled the perfume of bishops and archbishops.”
Rhinquarven’s voice echoed.
I can hear it.
…Why does this guy always try to hold me back when I want to leave?
Rheincarven’s voice was deep and calm.
It reverberated slowly through this space.
“That scent cannot be erased, and it will lure many in.”
It sounded both like a warning and a statement of concern.
…No, it’s Rheincarven’s thing. It’s more about preserving Schugenharz’s reputation than worrying about me.
I stood still, listening to his continued words.
There was nothing particularly urgent to deal with right now.
“To move forward only makes that scent stronger. And this means drawing closer to death,” he said.
He spoke while viewing the reality I was in from a new perspective.
“Do not forget. You are one step closer to death than your peers.”
As my achievements grow, and I get stronger, more powerful entities will be aiming for my life.
Rheincarven wasn’t wrong.
Yeah, it’s not entirely incorrect.
“I shall take it as my dear brother’s affectionate advice for my younger brother.”
I left the Student Council Room with a slight smile.
*
“Young master, I have packed all the supplies you mentioned.”
“Good. No need to check, right?”
“I’ve confirmed it five times.”
“Then we’re all set.”
After finishing my conversation with Rheincarven, I received a handkerchief-shaped Familiar from Alicia.
Despite the number of items inside, White’s perfect shape maintained a circle without any distortion.
It was so light that I doubted if all the items I requested were really inside. A high-ranked Familiar sure is convenient.
“…….”
“If you have something to say, don’t hesitate. We need to leave right now.”
“…Young Master Vargan.”
Alicia was fidgeting with her fingers, so I asked first.
Then she called my name. The light from the lamp reflected in her blue eyes trembled slightly, conveying her emotions in place of words.
“It’s a long two-month schedule. I sincerely wish for your safety and health. Also, I hope that everything you’ve planned goes smoothly.”
Her voice, slightly dampened, settled down calmly. Although she seemed unaware, her hands were folded in front of her, forming a praying shape.
She’s quite fragile when it comes to farewells.
No matter how tough she thinks she is, does she feel sad about not seeing someone she’s gotten used to for a while?
Or is it simply that she’s been feeling down lately because she’s been around Emily, who is worried about Liam’s condition?
“Not just me, but you’ll also be leaving with Charlotte and her group in a few days.”
Of course, Charlotte and even Liam and Emily would be going with her. I knew exactly where they were headed.
Given Liam’s current mental state, difficulties were anticipated, but with Alicia and Emily now, they could probably handle any challenges that came their way.
“Yes… that’s correct. I regret that I cannot fulfill my role properly and have to part from you for a while.”
“You still speak so eloquently. It’s not even for any other reason than mentoring the Hero, yet you make it sound so grand.”
“Young Master.”
Alicia called out to me once more.
Her gaze was quite earnest.
“I sincerely wish for your well-being… and the other—Ah!”
Her unnecessary words went on so long that I cut her off with a playful flick on the forehead. She lifted her hands to cover her forehead in response.
It was so long that I decided to interrupt it with a slap. She raised her hands as they were and covered her forehead.
I spoke to Alicia, who was on the verge of tears.
“Don’t worry about me and just take care of yourself.”
“Young Master….”
Leaving her in pain, I turned my body to leave but suddenly remembered something and spoke up.
I almost forgot to mention it, since Alicia had been rambling on.
“Oh, and Alicia. After the mentoring ends, stay at your family home for a few days.”
“…Huh? My family home…?”
Perhaps more shocked by the mention of her family home than the pain, Alicia widened her already big eyes and looked flustered.
Coincidentally, on the way back from where Charlotte’s group was heading, there’s the village where Alicia lived. It’s actually a more efficient route.
But that’s not the only reason… for now, this is enough.
“I’ll let you go for one day a year. Didn’t we agree on that?”
“…Yes, that’s correct. However, as you mentioned… just one day a year….”
“Just think of it as my little adventure. You can stay for a few days and then come back. Also, don’t slack off on your training. Always keep in mind that I’m watching you and polish yourself.”
“…Thank you, Young Master. But… are you really okay with this?”
“If you dislike it, you can come back right away.”
“……”
Alicia, who had an expression of total confusion, soon straightened her posture and politely bowed.
“I will gratefully accept the kindness you’ve bestowed upon me. I will use my time wisely so that it isn’t wasted.”
“Even if you don’t say that, it is… hmm, never mind. I’ll take my leave now.”
I cut my words short and moved on.
Alicia kept her head bowed at a 90-degree angle.
“I will see you later, Young Master.”
“Right, see you in two months.”
Tap-tap.
I stepped outside.
With this, all the tasks of the first semester for the first-year students at Academia have been completed.
Now, I face the incident involving Helion during the coming summer vacation. I will be thrown into this great storm.
One thing is for sure, though.
Since the moment I decided to change the narrative, I accepted everything with humility.
I can say this for certain.
This time, the target is another Archbishop after Zagan.
The one who devours souls, “Ami.”
Depending on the matchup, it varies, but in terms of pure combat power, Ami stands above Zagan.
Even though he has just become a hero, he is the one who took one of Helion’s arms in his youth. Just because I know his behavior patterns and powers doesn’t mean I’ll let my guard down.
Knowing makes me analyze more thoroughly to seek out strategies.
Right now, I have the scent of his twin brother, Zagan, with me. Is there anything more fitting to draw attention?
Through this vacation, I will kill Ami, achieve growth, and obtain a reward.
I won’t care about the intensified scent of Altife.
Rather, it’s what I desire.
No matter how foul that smell may be. Until I uproot their roots, I will cover my entire body in their scent.
I made that vow.
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