Chapter 128
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 128
Full Moon Island.
A place where the cobalt sea meets an endless horizon, fringed by vast, white sandy beaches. Palm trees and tropical rainforests offered cool shade from the dazzling sun. Boasting a heavenly environment straight out of a fairy tale, it was a premier destination for vacationers—and the perfect spot for a summer training camp.
Beatrice gave a small nod at my suggestion. "Full Moon Island… now that you mention it, there was such a place."
"Hey, haven't we skipped that island for the last few years?" Kiriel asked.
I explained the situation in detail. "Yes. We haven't gone in a while because the surrounding sea currents were unstable, and there were plenty of other options. But according to recent reports, the currents have stabilized. There’s no reason not to go now."
"Not bad," Elena added. "Full Moon Island is large enough to accommodate all the second-year students, and it’s a great place to relax. The students will definitely approve."
"I agree, but regardless of the island’s size, I’m worried about the accommodations," Freya said, her brow furrowing as she considered the logistics. "Can it really house all the second-years at once?"
As she noted, no matter how popular a resort it was, no single facility could host a group of nearly 30,000 people simultaneously. But there was no need to worry about that.
They’d all be sleeping in tents on the bare ground anyway.
"Why would you think they’d get to sleep in proper lodgings?" I asked. "A summer training camp isn't a resort vacation. We mustn't forget its original purpose."
"Ah." A small sigh escaped Freya’s lips.
It would be a problem if the students thought this camp was just for fun. The Union is, at its core, an institution for training combat personnel.
Full Moon Island wasn't just a resort; it was one of the Union’s historic, official testing grounds. Among the many surrounding islands, Full Moon is the only one used for tourism.
The nearby islands, formed by volcanic eruptions, were home to a significant number of primitive monsters and exotic vegetation. Unlike the resort area, they were perfectly suited to serve as grueling testing grounds.
I continued, "Besides, several exams were canceled after the incident during the last practical. The Union will likely use this summer camp to conduct a substitute test."
While the Student Council selects the list of candidate locations, the students vote on the final destination. However, it is ultimately the faculty’s job to design the curriculum and fill in the details of what happens once they arrive. The faculty would almost certainly plan to run this camp like a high-stakes exam.
"In that respect, Full Moon Island is the optimal candidate."
"Indeed," Beatrice agreed, nodding. "From the perspective of a testing ground, the surrounding islands are excellent. They offer different climates, vegetation, and resident monsters. It has a history as an exam location. That’s a smart move, Roen."
Elena followed suit. "Furthermore, since Full Moon Island is a famous resort, it’s highly likely to win the student vote. And with the Empire’s fleet stationed nearby, it will be safe."
"Exactly. It’s about appearing to accommodate the students’ demands while actually catering to the faculty’s needs. It’s better for the students to be gathered in one place rather than scattered across various locations—both for safety and management."
Of course, the students who thought they were going on a tropical getaway only to find themselves in a survival game would feel completely blindsided. But what could they do? They were the ones who voted for it.
Kiriel glanced at me, a wry smile on her face. "...Somehow, it feels like you’re only getting better at scheming. You’re starting to remind me of the Chairman."
"I’ll take that as a compliment." I shrugged and continued. "That said, we can’t just make them suffer. It’ll be fine to let them stay at the resort once the exam is over. It’s a win-win for everyone."
After the exam, they would have time to relax and enjoy the southern sea. If the faculty had any sense, they would make at least that much of an arrangement.
Once the discussion was settled, Beatrice added Full Moon Island to the list of candidates.
"Very well. Let’s finalize the other nine candidates. The probability of Full Moon Island being chosen is high, but we still need a proper selection."
The remaining candidates were decided quickly, with each of us picking a few to suit different tastes—locations like the Winter Castle, the Imperial Capital, the Sea of Trees, and the Papal See.
I also added one specific location: the Western Front.
Of course, no one would ever choose it. It was like suggesting the DMZ for a high school field trip.
Just as we finished the meeting, the main courses were served one by one. Food someone else pays for always tastes the best—and food won through a bet tastes twice as good.
I picked up my fork and knife with a smile. "Everyone, dig in. I’ll enjoy this. Thank you, Elena, Kiriel."
A week later.
A luxurious box was delivered to my room. Opening the lid, I found a sharp black suit—the complete opposite of the pure white Union uniform. It was from Altair’s tailor shop.
I immediately changed into the new attire.
It fit my body perfectly, yet there was no discomfort when I moved. I was extremely satisfied. The aesthetic boost was a welcome bonus.
Nice.
I struck a pose in front of the mirror. Perhaps thanks to Roen’s high Charm stat, the suit’s style really popped. Since I was all dressed up, I decided to check my stats for the first time in a while.
[Vitality: 38 (-19)]
[Agility: 36 (-18)]
[Strength: 32 (-16)]
[Mana: 55]
[Intelligence: 45]
[Charm: 91 (-44)]
My stats had risen significantly. Even considering they were halved due to the Severed Yin Meridians, my physical stats were hovering around 20. This meant I was now beyond the level of an ordinary person—more akin to a high-level college athlete.
It was hard to call me a weakling anymore. Of course, that was only by ordinary standards. Compared to the monsters of Ishtal, I still had a long way to go.
As I stood there admiring the fit, I sensed a presence behind me. Ciel had approached silently.
"..."
"Ah, you’re here."
Her eyes scanned me from head to toe. "It seems the suit you commissioned has arrived."
"Yes. What do you think?" I spread my arms, inviting her opinion.
Ciel’s reply was as cold as ice. "It’s black."
"...Is that all?"
"What more is there to say?" Ciel tossed the remark aside and looked at the small chalkboard hanging on the office wall. "Today is the day. Your battle with Meyer."
"Right." I straightened my collar with a flick of my wrist.
In the week since the opening match, I had fought several competitive matches. I had carefully selected opponents from those who challenged me—students who were reasonably weak and posed no significant threat.
I simply used my [Intimidation] trait to unnerve them and restrict their movements, then released an electric shock from my shoes to subdue them. Aside from the shoes, I used no other tricks, securing victories while keeping my true strength hidden.
After defeating five students ranked higher than me, my current rank sat at 953. Considering I started around 7,000 during the opening match, it was a tremendous climb.
From rank 1,000 onwards, your name and ranking are registered in the central plaza, and climbing further becomes incredibly slow. And right on cue, my match with Meyer was scheduled. I’d just have to suck up all his points to boost my rank.
"Good thing this magic garment arrived just in time." I felt the stiff, high-quality material of the suit and smiled.
This suit, commissioned from Altair, was woven from yarn made by melting the scales of a Black Drake. While it couldn't compare to true dragon scales, a drake was by no means a weak monster. It was a high-level creature that only a Sword Master who had mastered [Advanced Swordsmanship] could handle with ease.
Even then, capturing one without damaging the scales was a challenge, making drake scales a rare material. And obtaining them was only the first step; the process of melting them into yarn was extremely difficult. The cost of the material alone easily exceeded a billion.
Of course, the criminal underworld provided the materials for free. One might think it was only natural since I’d helped them earn hundreds of billions, but I still appreciated the gesture.
I took out the training longsword Freya had bought me and poked the suit. Even when the blade pressed against it, the fabric didn't give—not even a scratch appeared. The material was fundamentally durable and engraved with [Physical Resistance] and [Blade Resistance] magic.
It wouldn't tear unless struck with a concentrated sword aura, and it would absorb the brunt of physical blows. Furthermore, thanks to the Haste magic, my Agility was boosted, allowing for light and rapid movement. It even had a rechargeable [Counter] spell embedded in it for emergencies.
It can’t compare to Meyer’s magic armor, but it’s an incredible item in its own right. It would be perfect once I bought a Subspace Pouch to attach to the inner pocket.
As I was reviewing the suit’s functions, Ciel stepped closer. She straightened my attire and brushed a speck of dust off my shoulder.
"Are you well-prepared for today’s match?"
I looked at Ciel as she fixed my tie and said calmly, "I don’t need to 'prepare' to face someone like Meyer."
"Seeing you so confident, you must have prepared thoroughly. I look forward to it."
She saw right through me.
I shrugged, a bit embarrassed, and changed the subject. "Ah, did you send the letter to Hildegard?"
"Yes. I wrote that you would provide her with certain conveniences during the summer camp, and that you expect her to show her sincerity in return later."
"That’s good enough."
I didn't need Hildegard’s help to deal with Meyer, but I might need other favors later. Now that the location for the summer camp was decided, I figured I’d do her a favor and put her in my debt.
I should ask to borrow some astronomical observation equipment later.
The art of reading the stars was a distinct branch of alchemy. The [Astronomy] skill tree had opened up the moment I reached [Intermediate Alchemy]. Thanks to that, I could increase certain stats just by studying the constellations, and I could acquire new [Traits] each time I completed a discovery achievement. I planned to spend my spare time looking through a telescope to raise my Astronomy level.
"Let’s go. It’s time."
After confirming all my artifacts were properly equipped, I grabbed my uniform jacket and headed out.
I arrived at the Grand Auditorium for my match against Meyer. Although it wasn't as packed as the opening match between Gawain and Leon, a significant crowd had gathered.
Only students with considerable recognition get to have their matches in the Grand Auditorium.
In fact, many matches featuring other prominent figures were scheduled before and after mine. The crowd wasn't necessarily here just for me, but it was still surprising to see thousands of spectators.
I scanned the audience and muttered, "Quite a crowd."
"It just shows how much they’re looking forward to it," Ciel replied.
"To my defeat?"
"I won’t put it into words."
"..."
I thanked Ciel for her unique brand of "encouragement" and looked over the stands. Even considering how many people wanted to see me fail, the turnout was larger than expected. Meyer had likely pulled some strings to gather a crowd. His goal was to humiliate me as publicly as possible.
I took off the uniform jacket I had casually draped over my shoulders and handed it to Ciel.
"Hold this for a moment."
The black suit was too conspicuous, so I had covered it with my jacket, but there was no need to hide it anymore.
"I’ll be back. With a win."
I entrusted the jacket to Ciel and walked toward Meyer, who was currently surrounded by a group of students, looking smug as he talked.