Chapter 86
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 86
Chapter Title: What Would You Have Done Without Me?
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The sound of dripping water echoed deep within the cave. In the impenetrable darkness that stretched endlessly, splatters of red blood painted vivid streaks everywhere.
"Gaaahhh!"
A scream like something bursting apart rang out, sending a flock of bats fluttering in panic across the cavern. Amid the chaos, glowing red eyes coldly fixed on the source of the cry.
"Tell me everything you know. Then I'll send you off painlessly."
The voice flowing from her refined features carried an air of elegance, but the intent behind those words was brutally cruel. To the man, she embodied terror itself.
"You won't feel a thing."
There was no promise of mercy or life spared, yet her offer sounded sweet to him. After all, the agony tearing into his flesh right now was worse than death.
"I really don't know anything! I just followed orders!"
The man's shout fell flat, utterly devoid of strength. The woman let out a mocking snort and lightly flicked her finger.
In that instant, veins bulged and swelled across his entire body. Thick blood oozed from every orifice.
"Guh! I d-don't know! Really... I really don't kn... guk...!"
The man repeated the same words as blood poured from him. In the end, he collapsed to the floor, desiccated like a mummy without a drop of blood left.
Scattered beside him were corpses of men, women, and children, all dead by the same cause.
The woman with the gleaming red eyes gazed down at the bodies, then let out a short sigh and pulled back her hood. Platinum hair shimmering with light cascaded softly into the darkness.
"Next garrison?"
From the thick shadows, another figure emerged at her question.
This one also removed their hood. Silver bobbed hair swayed over their shoulders. Unlike the alluring golden-haired woman, this face was serene and composed.
"...Dark Lord."
"Sierra."
Sierra fell silent at the curt reply, bowing her head.
Normally, she would have obeyed without question. But not this time. Knowing full well where this path led, she resolved to go against her master's will.
"...Staying by the Dark Lord's side isn't just about revenge anymore, is it?"
"..."
Roselia's gaze pierced Sierra coldly.
She knew better than anyone that revenge was devouring her from within.
Yet she couldn't stop. Not like Camilla, who had instantly dropped her blade when Bella objected.
The resentful cries of her parents, who had died so pointlessly, haunted her ears every night.
Just thinking of those repulsive creatures—who hid behind the banner of divine apostles while flip-flopping their loyalties based on rank—made her fists clench until her nails drew blood.
"Our true identities will eventually be exposed to the Black Altar."
"We'll uncover theirs first."
The Black Altar. And the temple's highest authority, the Archbishop.
There had to be a hidden connection between those two powers. Find it, and toppling the Archbishop from his seat wouldn't be impossible.
"What if the Black Altar notices us first?"
Sierra was unusually talkative today. Roselia shot her a brief warning glare laced with killing intent.
That was the limit. Sierra bowed silently and melted back into the shadows.
All that remained in her place was the dank echo flowing through the cave.
Roselia pulled her hood back up and turned away. It was time to return to the mansion.
Her daughters would be back from the academy soon.
The first group class had ended, ushering in a brief rest period.
The cadets' uniforms, caked in dust and dirt, bore the full marks of the intense battle that had just concluded.
The respite after such ferocity felt all the sweeter. The changing room, scented with faint body odor, buzzed with chatter.
"Congrats on first place."
One female cadet approached, linking arms with her friend and beaming.
"Yeah, though I didn't really do much..."
The congratulated girl smiled sheepishly, scratching her cheek.
"Come on, don't be so modest. Your teamwork was insane."
"No... We just followed Bella's lead."
"Bella?"
The sudden honorific caught her off guard. Her friend's eyes shone with clear admiration for someone.
"Yeah, she's amazing."
"...Didn't you say she seemed hard to get close to at first?"
"Wh-when did I say that?!"
It was a lie. Truth be told, she'd eyed the girl named Bella with suspicion upon first sight.
Those sharp eyes unique to high nobles, looking down on the world. As a lifelong commoner, the girl had naturally shrunk under that intimidating gaze.
Assuming Bella was the type to treat commoners like bugs, she'd been horrified to end up in the same group.
In fact, until the leader was assigned and sparring began, she hadn't dared speak to Bella first.
But that prejudice didn't last.
Bella's true self shone through, piercing her biased lens.
...She was so cool.
The calm way she issued commands, the warm tone encouraging clumsy teammates to just trust and follow without blame.
The brilliance hidden beneath captivated the girl's heart completely.
"Hey... What do you think Bella likes?"
The girl glanced slyly at her friend. Those sparkling eyes made her blink in surprise.
"Maybe a handwritten letter? I don't have money for anything fancy..."
"Uh, well... Not sure."
The girl, brimming with excitement, clung tightly to her friend's arm, chattering nonstop as they walked down the hall.
Her voice faded into the distance, leaving a faint lingering echo.
In the changing stall opposite where they'd chatted, Alensia bowed her head. A tangle of complex emotions swirled in her eyes.
"Hey, why the long face?"
Helen approached, patting Alensia's shoulder lightly as she unbuttoned her uniform to change.
"You're second place. I didn't even crack top five."
Despite Helen's comfort, Alensia's expression didn't brighten.
"...Sorry, Helen. You've given me so much."
Invaluable knowledge from a spirit with centuries of experience. Potions boosting stamina and strength. Various fortunes aiding growth.
All those priceless gifts from Helen. Yet even with them, Alensia had been utterly crushed by Bella.
The group duel.
The final match pitted Alensia's team against Bella's.
The result was devastating. Her entire team eliminated without a chance to fight back. Alensia's sword never even reached Bella.
"Hey, come on, cheer up!"
Helen nudged Alensia's side with her shoulder. She forced a bright tone, but a faint guilt pricked at her heart.
All those elixirs and fortunes she'd passed to Alensia... Their true owner was the spirit itself, after all.
"She's a bit of a monster, yeah? But you'll surpass her someday for sure."
"...Thanks."
Changed, Alensia lifted her head. Her face remained shadowed, but her eyes burned bright.
Yeah, let's push forward.
She steeled herself.
No time to waver. She had the will to advance, and a guide to lead the way.
[Did you call me, Hero?]
The voice echoing in Alensia's mind came from the ancient spirit in the bracelet Helen had gifted her. Closing her eyes, she replied.
[I need to get stronger.]
[A true hero's resolve. If you want strength, nothing beats real combat.]
Without hesitation, the ancient spirit offered the next step.
[Battles with the strong, monster hunts. Why not set out on an adventure?]
[Monsters... You mean the black fiends?]
[That's what they call them these days? Yes, those grotesque things.]
Solid advice. No matter how solid the academy's theory, growth had limits without clashing head-on.
"...I'll head out first, Helen."
The hero rose, her clenched fist filled with unbreakable resolve.
"Where to?"
A gentle smile bloomed on Alensia's lips.
"To join the Adventurer's Guild."
Truly, the academy lived up to its name.
This place brimmed with youthful energy, just as I'd imagined—a string of peaceful days.
One of the empire's rare bastions where effort alone could prove your worth. And my efforts had surely paid off.
Three months in—half a semester—and my reputation soared to the heavens.
Diving into studies naturally brought top grades. Praise from professors followed, landing me as a top candidate for first-year valedictorian.
This wasn't some backwater school on the continent's edge. It was the empire's premier institution.
The perks for top spot were enormous. Countless spirit herbs, rare tomes, full scholarship—the works.
"Heh heh..."
I lifted the teacup before me, sipping lightly while chuckling to myself in satisfaction.
In one of the academy's many conveniences—a tea shop akin to a modern café—I savored a cup leisurely.
Not alone, but with my little sister.
Sitting across from me, she stared silently out the window. Bathed in soft sunlight, she looked rather fetching.
If only she'd keep her mouth shut.
Sensing my gaze, Camilla's violet eyes turned to me.
I didn't dodge that hollow, pitiless stare. Instead, I curled my lips in a mocking smile.
"What? That shitty look."
Camilla frowned. I shrugged nonchalantly and lifted my teacup again.
Poor Camilla.
Lately, I'd realized something. I was still a loner. My only friend-worthy tie was this sister before me.
But it no longer plunged me into despair. I now understood why cadets kept their distance—it wasn't dislike.
Rumor had it a fan club named after me had formed. Bewildering at first, but now I just smiled.
Respect. Reverence. Sprinkles of envious jealousy. Those were the feelings the cadets held for the academy's top candidate: me.
Impeccable conduct, diligent studies. The fruits of effort.
They hadn't hated me. I was just hard to approach.
To them, I must seem like an idol. Heh heh. This kind of solitude? I'd gladly embrace it.
"What would you have done without me?"
I raised my teacup with a relaxed smile.
"What're you talking about?"
"Without me, you'd be all alone at the academy."
Unlike me, the reason Camilla had no friends was obvious.
Those lifeless, dead-fish eyes. The chilling emptiness that hit just looking at her. That utterly gloomy aura.
Her face was undeniably beautiful—no one could argue—but those flaws were fatally glaring.
"I have friends."
Camilla tilted her head quizzically. Her bluff was so cute, a smile slipped out unbidden.
"Sure. Let's say you do."
"?"
Camilla blinked blankly. Seeing her rattled, I'd hit the mark. Felt good to best her after so long.
These days aren't bad.
A moment of leisure. I sipped the fragrant tea to soothe my weary body.
"Really? The academy approved it?"
Then, a noisy voice from the tea shop's corner.
"Yeah, apparently the young lady went straight to the dean and begged."
"Wow... That's impressive. Isn't that place super famous?"
The girls huddled in one spot, whispering.
I paid no mind.
Until Alensia's name dropped.
"The Hero's incredible too. Joining the Azure Guild at her age!"
Pffft—
I spat the tea from my lips right onto Camilla's face.
The overheard rumor was that absurd.
But no time to dwell.
"...Sister?"
Through the dripping tea.
Camilla's icy eyes glared murderously at me.