Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: 6-1. Misunderstanding and Understanding Differ by One Letter.
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Maria's lecture had ended, and the three of them had gathered in the cathedral. The Glass Knight, Nex, and Sharutineth.
"Pine, no matter how you look at it, bringing an unknown spirit all the way here was a mistake."
"...Shar unni, bad."
"Drake's disciple? Not the first time we've heard that."
The purple-haired man, who had dug up information on Licht, questioned her.
"Didn't know...?"
"That old man? Even you turned him down, Pine."
He scratched his head again while reading the parchment scribbled with magic.
The paper briefly listed Licht's personal details, and a seal that looked like it had cleaved a dragon in half confirmed he was one of the Ten Heroes' disciples.
"Right."
"So at least he's not from the Hero Cult."
Pine gave a small nod. Seeing this, the black-haired nun felt relieved.
"...Kkamang-i was scared."
"Princess... don't tell me you named that spirit?"
"Yeah."
"What kind of naming sense is that, Pine?"
"It's Licht junior's. Okay for a spirit?"
At those words, the white ears inside the helmet drooped slightly.
"Don't want it to disappear."
She was reminded that the spirit, which had been clinging to her just moments ago, was gone.
She pondered if there was any way to fix it.
"Shar. The wolf spirit talked to my sparrow... it seemed fine."
"Kkamang-i."
"Yeah, Kkamang-i said... it'd protect you?"
"What...?"
Nex spoke to Sharutineth in a tone that suggested something was off. The Glass Knight tilted her head too.
"So, Shar, whatever you're worried about won't happen. If it's good, that's all that matters."
"Nex, out of curiosity... are all spirits like that?"
"They're not one-dimensional beings, but they definitely have their likes and dislikes."
"Not lying."
Sharutineth questioned the vague word "protect." Who was protecting whom?
"I'm... worried Pine might go through something like that again."
"There are spirits that put on acts, but... one just born doing that?"
"Right. It was nice."
Sharutineth revealed her inner thoughts with a sad expression, but Nex remained calm. He already had enough reasons.
'It didn't fear my phoenix either, so those must be strong emotions.'
An emotion to protect the Nameless Saintess.
He recalled the suspicious question the man had asked on the terrace that morning.
That was the most likely possibility. His hands and voice had trembled with anxiety. Though the helmet hid his face, it was certain.
'His vibe completely changed from when he was cursing.'
But the current saintess was the Second Saintess, Sharutineth.
Someone must have lied to the junior about her. The vampire saintess had a poor reputation. He might have believed rumors twisted to badmouth Shar by targeting her.
"Pine, you can't trust all men. A wolf, really!"
"Nex oppa's fine."
"Because he's a fox."
"Silly sis."
Watching the two women bicker, Nex thought deeply. It was too risky to speculate further. He lacked information.
'Still, impersonating a saintess takes guts.'
He didn't seem to be hitting on her. If he'd approached Pine to target Shar, the spirit would have attacked him.
It would have seen him as a rival or enemy.
But it clung to Pine. Had he ever been involved with the empire? If his parents or relatives had served the imperial family, maybe.
'The "protect" emotion could apply to several people. My spirit wasn't aggressive toward the junior, so it makes sense.'
Besides, Shar was a vampire cleric. He must have known that.
People in this world might find it strange or hold prejudices.
'No reaction even seeing her eyes or fangs.'
"...In my eyes, he's not a bad guy. For sure."
"No matter how sharp your mind is, there are things even you can't do with them, Nex."
"Still, he's smart."
Most people cower in fear at vampires. When Nex first met Sharutineth, she was being persecuted.
But the junior didn't.
"He didn't say a word even seeing our Shar. Trust me. People like that are rare these days?"
"True. But if he touches Pine, he'll get angry."
"Licht's unique."
Considering all this, Licht the Black Knight didn't seem like someone who'd do wrong.
"Spirits communicate with each other, Shar. Like you and me... Ow! Hit a bone! Stop!"
"This guy! How did a fox end up like this...! No shame even in front of Pine!"
"Silly. Nex oppa."
The man grinned fox-like, trying to reassure the saintess, but it backfired.
Fists wrapped in holy power began pounding his back.
"Princess! No, Pine! Save me! I'm dying!"
"Don't know him."
The Glass Knight turned her head away from the scene.
The punches turned into a barrage. Must hurt. His mask-like expression cracked into a pitiful one.
"Argh! Sh, Shar. Healing doesn't make everything okay!"
"Doing it in front of a junior! And at church last time! You need a beating!"
Nex Aureus's screams echoed through the cathedral for a good ten minutes. It was payback for his favoritism.
Watching the absurd scene,
'If that's true... why'd it come to me, Kkamang-i...'
Pine suddenly had a flash of insight at the question that popped into her mind.
'Same wolf pack... protects...?'
Once again, they missed the connection entirely.
She misunderstood it as following the wolves' habit of moving in packs.
I woke up in the infirmary and headed straight to the next classroom. Skipping lunch meant I missed Kainel and Ariel.
Can't use spirits, no magic... all I can rely on is swordsmanship? This world is too harsh for me, I thought as I dashed between buildings.
Way too late, I slipped in through the back door and sat down.
"Student Licht, you're late."
"Sorry."
The other students were diligently attending the lecture. Red and golden blonde hair, plus the glass helmet, were visible up front.
Finally catching my breath, I pulled out my notebook and started taking notes.
Professor Beatrice, who had warned me, continued the lesson.
"...So, condensing holy power allows you to use it as a weapon."
The vampire saintess had wrapped her fists in it to punch, but that was the principle?
"A good application is overlaying it on equipment to increase strength or range..."
Professor Beatrice picked up weapons lined up behind her one by one.
The sword sharpened like it was cloaked in aura, and the spear's thrusting range extended.
"Or like this, using it freely. Might be tough for you all, though."
She set them down and conjured a bow and arrow of light in her hand.
Archer nun? Unique concept. I wondered if there was a ranged class like this in the game.
"Seems flawless, but the weakness is that you must maintain reason in any situation to keep the holy power."
The short-haired nun smiled with just her eyes. Goosebumps. No matter how I looked, she seemed like a villain.
"That's the manifestation of hope. Assume a hopeless situation and believe it, and even holy power won't gather."
"..."
My note-taking hand stopped. I recalled something from old [Knight Heart].
So that's why the healing prayer failed then. It soured my mood.
'More hopeless than I thought. Was that why with the Nameless Saintess?'
In the game, skills rarely failed. Only against CC-immune bosses or such.
But among the events I saw, there was one similar case.
I could see the developer's effort for plausibility. Made by someone like that? [Black Heart]? Absurd.
"Then, as usual, we'll do practical training today."
Lost in various thoughts, a shocking statement jumped out.
"Everyone make a weapon. My little lambs."
This feels like an F for sure. Should I give up? The professor smiled at me. On purpose? She saw the holy power fail during the prayer.
I almost bolted from the classroom but steadied myself.
'...Don't want to see the Nameless Saintess get hurt.'
Thoughts of being isekai'd into the game resurfaced. Better aim for a retake.
Ace the theory-heavy exam. As long as no academic probation.
"Kai, look. Holy power staff!"
"Ariel, then mine's a holy sword?"
"Probably? Hehe."
Seeing Kainel and Ariel easily form a sword and staff of holy power made me sad. Protagonists are cheat characters, as expected.
Mardol was... making a puppy plush? Wait, that's not a weapon.
Fluffy white holy power like dandelion seeds formed a fur ball.
"...Kkamang-i."
The Glass Knight gently stroked the round head of the white puppy. The fur brushed into a square pom-pom dog.
"..."
My route's totally ruined. Looks like a Pomeranian to anyone. And black, not white.
What the hell happened while I was asleep?
After finishing the holy power class practical of making weapons myself, I walked along the path.
Only me failed again? This is unfair.
"Never thought a spirit would like a knight's helmet too."
"It's cool. Like everyone's hero."
"Ugh. Cringe, Licht."
Kainel eyed my helm strangely, reminiscing yesterday.
Mistook me for its owner because of the helmet. I thought, eyeing Mardol's shiny gear. Similar if not for the armor.
"So... Kainel. My spirit really did that?"
"Wouldn't leave Mardol's arms. Growling was kinda cute."
"Right! Helmet guy. More puppy than wolf! So fluffy."
"Cute."
I asked about the morning incident. Nothing odd except clinging to Mardol. Serious issue for me.
"Spirit probably mistook you."
I flailed to break the flag.
"You should've been gentler. Looked really upset!"
"...Kainel."
"Got it, Licht. I'll stop."
Mutt, you're dead later. For thinking of our saintess. You'll slip up on Ariel once too.
Dizzy from vertigo. Getting close to Elder Nex is good, but harem crusher turns it sour?
"Licht."
A resonant voice from beside me confirmed my bad premonition.
"What's up, Mardol?"
The Glass Knight stared at my face for a long time. Scared the status window would show my full name and Lupus info.
"...Can't wake Kkamang-i?"
"Kkamang-i...?"
"Licht's spirit."
When'd she name it? Not yours. Stop the flags.
"Dunno."
Hand on chin. But can I really not use it? Never worked till endgame.
Swing sword with spirit, could exploit demon king weakness.
'At least it exists.'
Black wolf. Pomeranian mix means real-world experience influenced it.
Her love for cute things. Spirits born from emotions? Seems true.
Probably wakes seeing Nameless Saintess?
Explains why Nex's phoenix follows Sharutineth. She was first to accept her.
The sleazy liar mask off, obvious.
But why Mardol for mine? As I pondered the oddity.
"...Wake it quick."
My focus broke.
"Spirit mages are rare, you know."
"Unique Licht can."
"...Pardon?"
Need to finish sword exchange fast. Something's off big time.
All flags heading to Crown Prince route.
Happy just watching Saintess route from side. Why this world so cruel?
"Mardol."
"Licht. Why?"
"Sword exchange. Now."
"For real...?"
Frontal assault. After this, no more ties. Technically magic receive.
Must distance from Crown Prince. No idea where it started. Never touched Lupus affinity.
"Not a lie."
"You're bad at it anyway. Kainel saw right away."
"...Praise, Licht?"
"Helmet guy. Kai's observant."
As if. If mutt knows something I don't, sell items and quit game.
"Only teaching one form. No more, Mardol."
"Enough, Licht."
Regretted sending away and beating boss in [Black Heart]. Would've memorized routes if not blocking Saintess.
Too dangerous. Never even tried once.
'Crown Prince as emperor's only son too big.'
Wrong ties mean real death. Game had force quit cheat.
Not here.
"But Licht."
"Yes, Kainel?"
"Know what sword exchange means?"
"No."
"Helmet guy, really? Like exchanging letters... Mmph!"
"...Ariel, quiet."
He covered the redhead mage's mouth. Ooh, cheeks red. Unexpected harvest.
Crown Prince's curt reply helps.
"Eep."
"Do well, Licht."
Kainel sighed relief, ignoring Ariel's shaky eyes. Lips on palm,
24% too low after all.
Thinking of raising love meter, future bleak.
"You do well too."
"What?"
I snapped at the clueless mutt.
Honestly, your words might jinx it, but seeing your romance reassures.
"Something like that."
"Pfft. Helmet guy. Good luck swapping..."
"Understood, Miss Ariel."
Hand dropped, her mouth freed.
Both awkward, staring, eyes wider than usual. Lip sensation lingers.
"Ariel. S-sorry. Surprised you?"
"No, Kai. I butted in too much..."
"Go on... Licht... wash hands maybe...?"
Pink vibes between them. That's original flavor.
"...Idiot, dummy. Sea anemone."
"Why now, Ariel."
"Dunno. Figure it out! Kai!"
Yet same stride, distance unchanged.
Good flags. No Kainel harem for me. Ariel grips reins tight.
Couldn't stop giggling inside. Better not laugh aloud.
"Go ahead, Helmet guy."
"Yes."
Better trust red cat than neighbor mutt.
Linger and end up in harem hell without resolve. No choices for me anyway.
"See you at dorm later, Kainel."
Face it first, think later.