Chapter 151
Chapter 151
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 151
Chapter Title: Honestly, If You Keep Giving Stuff Away Like This, What's Left for You?
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Like there'd ever be a system window like that. It was just a precious line echoing in my mind.
Anyway. Her stats are pretty impressive at this level.
The fourth-year Knight Division runner-up didn't earn that spot for nothing.
She wraps her main weapon, a longsword, with wind spirits to boost its cutting power and durability. Enchantment-type melee characters like this have killer cost-performance. It's like having a free buff without needing to chug potions yourself.
Humans are generally well-balanced overall, and they produce geniuses that the other two races can't even dream of touching. Elves excel in magic power and spirit affinity. Dwarves have high stamina and dexterity.
So, looking at this Sylphia Evergreengrove's stats...
She's a miraculous all-rounder with perfectly balanced stats.
Truly one of the rare "non-failable" characters at Jefrin Academy.
Of course, even all that combined can't beat a Magic Power of 20. What can you do? It's a trash game. Deal with it.
Anyway, her defining traits are toughness and high overall stat distribution.
Which makes her an ideal test subject.
"Follow me, Sylphia Evergreengrove."
"...Where are you planning to take me?"
"To my store."
"...Ugh. What do you plan to do to me if you drag me there...? Answer me...!"
"Shouldn't you pick up your drink?"
"Ah."
Sylphia blinked.
What the...?
Does everyone turn into an idiot after joining the student council?
"...Why are you staring at me?"
"No. It's nothing."
Eve tilted her head, but I didn't tell her the truth.
"Hah, but then you could just bring the drink to me!"
"Wouldn't it be easier if you just came along? We can wrap it up in one go. You need more of it anyway—why should I make two trips?"
"Ah... Ugh, ugh. You, Wolfram...!"
Sylphia gritted her teeth and clenched her fists tight.
"Follow me."
"Even if I follow you, my pride won't break... Wait, Wolfram!"
And so, with my guinea pig in tow, we arrived at the convenience store.
Pip came chirping up to us, beaming with a bright smile and a greeting.
"Ah, Senior? You're back? I've finished cleaning, and have you eaten? Shall I prepare something?"
"Good work. Looks like it'll be busy today."
"Heehee. No problem. Just call me if anything comes up... Um, and who's that...?"
Milmyu eyed her warily.
She's still pretty shy around strangers at Jefrin, which worries me a bit.
How should I introduce Sylphia to ease her guard?
"A test subject."
"...A test subject?"
"The new product is a bit unique, so she's helping with experiments. Eve von Loengrin's direct knight, Sylphia Evergreengrove. Fourth-year Knight Division runner-up."
"Ah... A fourth-year senior. Nice to meet you. I'm Milmyu von Sabre, first-year top student."
"Sylphia Evergreengrove."
For some inexplicable reason, Milmyu's wariness melted away.
"Graduation's coming up soon, right? Good luck!"
"What a polite junior with a bright future ahead. May yours shine under the guidance of His Imperial Majesty and the Fairy Queen."
I could already picture her getting blackout drunk and dying miserably in the future she was wishing for.
Was the Evergreen Grove family devotees of the Fairy Queen?
"Then I'll go run some experiments with Sylphia, so mind the counter for a bit."
"Yes, Senior!"
As I headed in, I caught something like, "Heehee... That one's graduating in six months..."
Does Milmyu want to graduate quickly too?
Whatever.
"So, what's lacking? Practical? Written?"
"......"
I see.
"Both, huh."
"...Yeah. You don't understand the strength of a fourth-year top student. Isolde Cruel's strength is..."
Nah, I know it well.
Really well.
She's a flawless psychopath, after all.
Sylphia glanced around the store, then followed me into the office, still looking everywhere.
"Stay still. What are you, a kid?"
"...Hmm. To be honest, I'm surprised."
"By what?"
"...It's cleaner and more organized than I expected. The items look professional, and even the research seems thorough, though I don't know the purpose. I thought it was just a ploy to stay at Jefrin."
"I didn't prepare any of this for your high praise."
"...Just accept the compliment graciously for once!"
"We're not the type for that, are we?"
"......Ugh."
Sylphia clenched her fists again.
What're you gonna do about it?
Am I suddenly supposed to be buddies with you now?
"We're just in a mutually convenient arrangement. We each take what we want and move on."
"...True. Quite rational."
"Then drink this first."
"Is this the drink that helps you study at night?"
"Seems there's a misunderstanding. Let me explain."
Syrup made from Shining Pastisielle mixed and melted with Mix Beans, then carbonated with Bubble Beans.
"It basically has low-level Concentration Boost and Lesser Berserk."
"Concentration Boost and Berserk?! A potion with two spells?!"
"That's right."
"Wh-what the hell are you making...!"
"But stability is an issue. The dual effects might conflict. Luckily, you're tough, so you're perfect for sampling."
"Uh, um... I see. That's what you meant. Got it."
Sylphia picked up the cup with ice and floating drink in both hands, sniffed it, and muttered, "Sweet scent," before chugging it down.
She sure downs it boldly.
"Hm... Nothing special?"
"No skill activation?"
"Oh, it activated. So... Half Berserk drained all my magic power to zero and boosted my stamina and melee stats."
"What about the Concentration Boost?"
"It activated... Ah, ah... Ugh."
"Side effects? What kind?"
"...You bastard... How are you so calm...?"
"Experiments come with side effects. Tell me quick. How else can I fix it?"
"...As my magic recovers..., it all goes straight to Concentration Boost..."
"Stop. That's enough. Got it. Skill conflict."
I see.
In simple terms, Half Berserk grinds your magic to zero and reallocates half to melee stats. But Concentration Boost steadily drains magic during its duration.
Put simply:
In cases like this, chugging mana potions until the skill effects end should stabilize it.
"There should be mana potion stock. Hang on a sec. I'll grab some."
"Kkuk."
Ah.
Too late?
No choice but to summon Patrasche and wrap Sylphia's body in mana.
Elves and fairies are distant kin, so Patrasche helped with her mana recovery without complaint.
About ten minutes later, Sylphia opened her eyes.
"Coming to?"
"Yeees... All better now."
?
Yes?
"Sylphia Evergreengrove. If you're back to normal, answer me."
"Heehee. No need to prod—I’m fully awake."
No way. Did one potion send her into regression? Split personality?
This isn't some comic. Does that even make sense? This game runs on strict logic.
No way two potions and infinite mana drain would cause a kid to regress.
Disgusting concept? No chance.
I've got one concept freak in Rudika—that's plenty!
That's the logic. I'll deny it!
"Who are you? Sylphia Evergreengrove."
"No, I'm Lapis Lazuli. Intermediate wind spirit. Contracted to this girl."
"......?"
"Her magic dropped so low her magic resistance tanked hard, so I took over before any stray spirits could. I'll give it back once she's conscious."
"Ah."
Logical.
A serene smile utterly unlike the usual Sylphia Evergreengrove.
If her personality can shift that much, she should debut at the imperial opera, not Jefrin.
And Lapis Lazuli's logic—as she called herself—held up fine.
When mana hits zero and you force more consumption, it eats into your mental strength.
Half Berserk sounds risky then, but it just sets to zero without draining further. You can't even cast other spells—it's "impossible."
"You made quite the dangerous potion."
"No. She could've withstood this normally. But... lately, family opposition. Pressure to claim top spot. Eve von Loengrin's expectations. Insecurity about being runner-up forever. All that wore down her Will stat bit by bit."
"So her condition was off too."
"Yes. The potion itself was fine. Her mind just weakened. She was fretting endlessly—thank you."
"Is thanks in order?"
"Yes. I'm her contract spirit, so I know. She's finally sleeping soundly, free of worries for the first time in ages. And she met someone interesting too."
"Hm?"
As I raised a brow, Sylphia—no, Lapis Lazuli—bowed deeply to Patrasche.
"Long time no see, noble red wolf."
"Hm. First time since that battlefield."
"Yes. How's Her Majesty the Queen?"
"Same as ever."
"Heehee. I see. So what brings the noble red wolf here?"
"That one's my master now."
"Oh my. You, who swore never to serve a human save our great friend Hark?"
"Not loyalty. Lost a bet."
What the...? Why are you two chatting about lore I don't know? Include me! I'm dying to know that bait—can I ask too?
After that, the three of us chatted idly about lore. Talk of Elphirae, Patrasche's glory days, and even me.
Fun.
Jefrin lore-dive is insanely thrilling.
I'm so happy.
So, so happy.
"I see. That's why I sensed the Fairy Queen's aura from Eve von Loengrin... Such a contract..."
"Indeed."
"Heehee. So many delightful things. My worries for my contractor eased, Fairy Queen updates, her fatigue lifted."
"Glad to hear it."
"But I should go soon. Sylphia's waking. Short meeting, but it was a pleasure. Heir of Hark."
Ah.
I'd prefer if you stuck around.
Shame.
"Before you go. Do you know? Elves are noble. They pledge lifelong loyalty and serve forever."
"I know. That's why they're so devoted."
Though psychos like Regina Cielra pop up sometimes, anyway.
"Fairies are playful. They repay favors, love bets, and pranks."
"I know."
"So I enjoyed this encounter. Thus, a gift. Nothing grand, but... Anything you'd want from an intermediate wind spirit?"
"Hm."
What I lack now.
Something a wind spirit could provide.
Is there...?
Think. Suck the honey while you can. Not half-baked—something I really need.
Ah.
Got it.
"My low stats make movement a hassle. Can you help with that?"
"...Oh dear. Mobility issues? Can't have that. Here, I can give you this."
With that, Sylphia—no, Lapis Lazuli's mana gathered and settled into me.
My god.
This... this much...
"Master. What blessing?"
"...A thousand steps a day. Walk without stamina drain."
"......What."
No way.
This...
God-tier buff...?
A whole thousand steps a day?
Me?
"You did it. Congratulations, Master."
"...Ahh. Thanks, Patrasche."
Patrasche clapped her paws together.
Tough for a wolf, but her joy was genuine.
I bowed deeply to Lapis Lazuli.
"Lapis Lazuli. You're my lifesaver."
"......Huh?"
"Come anytime. You're welcome as a customer."
"......??"
Thank you.
Really... thank you...