Chapter 34
Chapter 34
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: EP.34 10-1. Even Running Away in Embarrassment Doesn't Help With Some Things.
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What’s the most important thing in a group project?
“Alright, everyone. We’ve arrived at the forest.”
It’s not the leader who charges ahead first. What matters is the person in the back who makes sure everyone pulls their weight.
“Each group, pick one leader and let me know.”
Yeah, the group leader is the key.
Dennis, who had activated the 3D Magic Circle to teleport all the freshmen, finally let out a sigh of relief.
“How’re you holding up, Laplace?”
“A bit better now, Dennis.”
From the looks of their distant conversation, it seemed they’d slipped out of the Demon King’s calculations. Even world-shrouding powers have their limits.
Guess I can relax a little too. The tension drained from my body, and I took a deep breath.
“So, Helmet’s our leader, right?”
“Y-Yeah, I suppose so. I’m the most experienced… with weapons.”
Almost slipped up there.
Was I worried our Saintess might be involved somehow? Back before possession, I was an adult, but now we’re all the same age.
“Weapons, not ‘experienced’? You do handle that iron sword well!”
The red-haired mage eyed me suspiciously. Ariel gets scary perceptive like this. But why’s she tsundere even when she notices?
“True enough. He rubs artifacts with his iron sword like it’s nothing.”
“Licht, strong.”
The blond hero and the glass knight nodded in unison. Thankfully, their agreement smoothed things over.
“Thanks. I’ll let Professor Dennis know, then.”
[Endless Monster Forest].
Professors guard at night, but it’s still daytime. We might run into monsters soon, so we need plans and countermeasures.
“To score high, we either take down the highest-rank monster or the largest number of them.”
I racked my brain for top scores. Kainel and Mardol are strong, and this’ll be a good chance to see Ariel’s magic in action.
“Which is easier, Licht?”
“I’ll hear everyone’s thoughts first, then decide.”
Rule one of group projects: Declare a plan first, and you’re likely doomed. At least listen and gather opinions.
I glanced at Kainel and Ariel for input. Then a grumbling voice from beside me.
“...Strong ones.”
“I want lots! I’ve got this new spell like fireworks for crowds! Helmet!”
“Like Mardol, strong ones. Practice applying Shine Strike.”
Opinions split 2-1. Tricky. I’d leaned toward numbers.
“I recommend swarms like Giant Ents or Armored Bees—bugs, but…”
I rubbed my chin. With the Blazing Flame Mage here, AoE on those would be ideal.
‘Unknown monsters could pop up, so risky.’
Monster strategies hinge on intel. Know weaknesses, it’s easy—double damage in game, or half.
I scanned the party. Locked eyes with Mardol. Why’s this crown prince so intimidating? My breath caught.
“W-Well, strong monsters like you all say works too.”
Calculations done, I suggested casually. As long as no Demon King or Apostles, we’re fine.
“Our group synergy’s solid, though.”
Ariel’s fire, Kainel’s light, glass knight probably earth from twisted steel concept.
Theoretically, no weakness we can’t handle. Light/dark cover each other, Ariel and Mardol offset flaws.
“Really? What’s your element, Helmet?”
“...”
Ariel grinned like a cat. Teasing me. Rare no-attribute mana circuit like mine is unusual.
“Dark… maybe?”
Probably dark. Only other option water. Fits my chuuni vibes and shadow slashes.
“Ariel, Licht’s obviously no-attribute..!”
“Licht, no-attribute..?”
Kainel joked lightly. Glass knight stared, buying it. No such thing in game, Mardol.
“...I should just shut up.”
Let them decide. Might as well boost puppy and kitty Love Meters. Kainel’s been prickly anyway—perfect.
Memories of first academy days flooded back. Feels like ages ago now.
“...Problem is, first time here—no clue on high-rank monsters.”
“Yeah, Licht.”
“Just hunt blindly, points add up?”
“No. Scout first at least.”
Never drop guard with monsters. Shadow Wolf time, I couldn’t Void Slash.
‘Extinguishing fire plunged us into dark—could’ve been bad.’
If Kainel grew more, Light Holy Sword might’ve handled, but shadow dive habit—he might miss.
“Like with Shadow Wolves—higher rank, more caution. We’re strong, but.”
“If Licht says so…”
I sighed. Too optimistic, indecisive. Hero trait’s annoying sometimes. Puppy if anything.
“I agree. Better safe. Right, Mardol?”
“Yeah. Ariel.”
Ariel chatted close to glass knight, red hair fluttering.
Heroines flock to him. During grouping too… Sharutineth too. Feels scripted.
‘Can’t let our Saintess pine for a wandering husband.’
In [Black Heart]’s first harem route. Saw community bait post—nearly bled out.
Better good memories. Dwell more, scars reopen. Brief nostalgia hit.
High school, bad cold—bedridden days.
Recovered, booted game: white tail wagging, silver-haired lady greeted joyfully.
Game prompts this for missed logins. Probably from three-day absence. Was really sick.
Didn’t want to worry our Saintess. Collapsing/repeating, three days gone. School sick leave too.
That’s why I loved [Knight Heart]. Healed my lonely heart.
Munching delivered porridge, her lines restored my lost appetite.
Then return reward popped—an event.
Pure-white Saintess thumped chest proudly, handed item.
“Beef Stew”—HP +10 food.
Junk item. Community begged for deletion—inventory hog.
“Thank you, Saintess.”
But post-porridge, her sunny smile made it priceless.
To others, worthless.
“Sure is. Beef, veggies for health.”
Low heal early-game NPC. No cooking skill.
Flavor: crude. Didn’t matter. Heart counts.
Her endless cheer was great.
Western/Eastern food differ, but ingredients similar. Chewing rice, tears welled.
Thought I was fine alone. Her warmth hit reality—chest ached, lonely.
Saintess joked with crying gesture.
Icy at first, warms like this—how not love?
Felt real company in empty room. Later [Black Heart], auction tricked to transfer her.
Can’t bring common items? Find way.
Half-used beef stew, she beamed softly, cute voice.
..Not lead, so lines/voice mismatched.
How skip food from Saintess? Mail blocked—schemed hard.
Next messages tugged heart.
Boot game: her pacing, fidgeting, not relaxing.
Or dawn: dozing before cold dinner.
Classic long loads turned virtue—pre-login wait elevated.
Sounded good, but droopy ears/tail showed gloom.
Never skipped login till 10k hours after. Targeting sick unfair. Offside.
Lost in sentiment, red-haired mage called.
“Helmet!”
“...Miss Ariel. Chat over?”
“Yeah, but why stare at Mardol like that?”
Her Mardol talk ended. Nice memory ruined.
‘Ariel’s got Kainel—fine.’
Watched: close chat, no pink vibes. Dropped hand from chin.
“Just surprised you two seem close.”
“Mardol’s nice! Likes cute things…. Sweets too..!”
“Yeah, now that you mention. Miss Ariel.”
Current Lupus seems straight. No bad empire rumors, not lech for Ariel.
Taught me Wolf Fang, shared umbrella in rain.
‘That’s enough… Just eyes on our Saintess. Avoid harem route.’
Too perfect. Great sword, rich. Minus icy glass—top groom.
‘Honestly, jealous as hell.’
Sighed. If prior connection with Saintess, maybe. But five years possessed.
If fated, already would’ve…
“Licht, what’re you doing?”
Glass knight tilted head. Sharp kitty, Saintess-like prince—suffocating.
“...Nothing. Just spaced out.”
Acknowledge good prince, yet heart contradicts.
Not enough time to forget our Saintess yet.