Chapter 63
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 63
As I took Elena’s outstretched hand, a system notification flashed before my eyes.
[You have been appointed as an Administrator of the Monster Purification Club. The following bonuses have been applied.]
[Monster Purification Club]
• Club Scale: Forest-grade
• Administrator Level: 1
• You may now access all hunting grounds within the Meteor Archipelago.
• Material drop rates from fiends and monsters within the hunting grounds are slightly increased.
• Damage dealt to [Low-grade] monsters within the hunting grounds is slightly increased.
• Experience gained toward raising the club’s grade by defeating monsters is increased.
[You have acquired a new title.]
[Administrator of the Club]
• Grade: Rare
• Reputation +3
• Random Stat +3
• Favorability of club members under your administration will increase more easily.
• Infamy is reduced.
‘Not bad.’
A faint smile tugged at my lips as I scanned the logs.
Even at Level 1, the perks of being an administrator were quite substantial. First and foremost, I had gained access to the Meteor Archipelago—a literal treasure trove of monsters. If I ever needed specific materials, I could now head out and harvest them whenever I pleased. Even high-grade materials that were impossible to find on the black market were now within my reach.
Then there was the title.
It provided a reduction to my [Infamy], which had been a chronic headache for me. The boost to [Reputation] was also a welcome bonus. In this world, reputation translated directly into influence over NPCs. The higher it was, the more likely they were to listen to me, the faster their favorability would rise, and the better deals I could strike in trade.
Since the Monster Purification Club was already at the [Forest] grade, the benefits were excellent.
‘Come to think of it, I should check my other title too.’
While I was at it, I pulled up the details for my main title.
Ting!
[Student Council President of the Union]
• Grade: Unique
• Reputation +50
• All Stats +0.02 (Applied to the units digit based on approval rating.)
• Authority to speak to all students within the Union is significantly increased.
• You may access all areas within the Union.
• Influence over all residents within the Union is increased.
• You may establish an unlimited number of clubs within the Union.
• You may establish an unlimited number of academies within the Union.
• You may enroll students into the Union.
• Infamy is reduced.
[Current Approval Rating: 0.2%]
“…”
My satisfied smile vanished, my expression hardening the moment I saw that last line.
‘Only 0.2 percent.’
It was a pathetic number. It served as a cold reminder of just how much work I had left to do. That tiny sliver of support likely came from the Izelin students who had backed me after the territorial war.
Regardless, it seemed the stat bonuses from the Student Council President title were tied directly to this rating.
‘If I hit 100% approval, every single stat increases by 10.’
A 10-point boost to Strength, Stamina, Agility, Magic, Intellect, and Charisma—60 stat points in total. In the late game, players would kill for even a single stat point. The value of this title was beyond words.
But while someone like Freya or Elena might be able to reach 100%, for a character like Roen, it felt like a pipe dream. A small part of me felt a pang of bitterness at the inherent limitations of the man I had become.
Well, regardless. As of today, I was officially an administrator of the Monster Purification Club.
“Everyone, a round of applause!” Elena chirped.
Clap, clap, clap—
Following Elena’s lead, the other members began to clap, welcoming me into the fold.
Clap—
Clap—
Clap—
“…”
The applause was reluctant at best, accompanied by stinging glares. The looks I received weren't exactly welcoming; they were dripping with jealousy and envy. However, a few students—likely those who had bet on me and won—sent me genuinely favorable looks.
Once the introductions were over, Elena activated a magical device, projecting an image onto the wall to begin the session.
“Alright, we’re starting a bit late, but let’s begin the 1,043rd regular academic meeting of the Monster Purification Club. Everyone, please take your seats.”
*
Unlike the Alchemy Club, where I’d basically made a loose deal with Trish and coasted through, I actually applied myself here. I focused on the text and the monster illustrations appearing on the screen.
The topic of today’s meeting was the high-grade monster: the ‘Dire Wolf.’
These were the same creatures that had ambushed Yuliana’s team during the recent practical exam. Elena was clever; by choosing a recent, high-profile incident, she immediately captured the members' interest and encouraged participation.
Elena tapped the screen with her pointer.
“…And so, there is a significant genetic divergence between the werewolf lineage, represented by Lycanthropes, and the Dire Wolf. In fact, it’s easier to find their differences than their similarities. Their habits, characteristics, and weaknesses are entirely distinct, as are their habitats. Does anyone know the specific genetic differences between these two species and the reasons behind them? If so, please raise your hand.”
“…”
The room went silent. The members, who had been staring at Elena with sparkling eyes just moments ago, suddenly developed a fascination with their desks. It was clear no one knew the answer. Even the boys desperate to catch Elena’s eye kept their mouths shut, terrified of looking stupid.
Elena swept her gaze across the room before her eyes settled on me. She blinked twice. It was a clear signal: Don’t just sit there pretending you don’t know. Speak up.
Her gaze was too piercing to ignore. I finally opened my mouth.
“…The Dire Wolf is a superior species of wolf. It is a variant that evolved through contact with concentrated demonic energy or Dark Mana Stones, or by becoming a vassal to a high-ranking demon. In the Demon Realm, the Dire Wolf is actually the base form—an ancient species. Because of this, some scholars view the wolves of the mortal realm as a lesser, devolved subspecies. On the other hand, the Lycanthrope is the result of the Lycan Clan being transformed by the curse of the ancient evil god, Eclipse…”
I recited the lore I remembered from the game, cross-referencing it with the Monster Compendium in my System Encyclopedia. I made sure to omit any details that hadn't been 'discovered' by the academic world yet.
When I finished, Elena clapped her hands in genuine admiration.
“A round of applause, everyone! I had no idea you were so knowledgeable, Roen. I thought you were reading straight from a compendium.”
“…”
I felt a slight prick of guilt.
“I heard your recent grades in Theoretical Magic and Spiritology were excellent as well. Did you study that hard over the break?” Elena asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
It wasn't quite a compliment. It was a probe. She was wondering how a perennial bottom-tier student had suddenly rocketed into the upper-middle ranks after a single vacation. She clearly suspected I had used some sort of trick. To dispel that suspicion, I had to double down on the confidence.
I leaned back, feigning nonchalance.
“It was nothing special. Once I actually sat down to do it, I found that studying is quite easy. I suppose… I just have a natural talent for it.”
It was the classic ‘Studying Was the Easiest Thing in the World’ strategy.
“…”
The moment the words left my lips, the temperature in the room seemed to drop. The club members stared at me as if I’d lost my mind. Even Garfield, my only real ally in the room, was looking at me with a bizarre expression.
I leaned over and whispered to him. “What is it, Garfield?”
“Ah, nothing. It’s just… that was a bit obnoxious, don’t you think?”
“…”
If even Garfield was saying it, maybe I had overplayed my hand. But after a moment’s thought, I shook it off.
‘No. If you’re going to be shameless, you have to go all the way.’
Fortunately, thanks to my [Sophist] and [Shameless] traits, I didn't feel a shred of embarrassment. Roen had a gift for spouting absolute nonsense with a straight face and making people believe it. It would be a waste not to use it.
Elena watched the students' reactions, let out a small, amused “Pfft,” and then spoke up.
“A talent, you say. I suppose that’s possible. I’m glad you’ve finally realized your potential. I look forward to your continued contributions, Roen.”
With that, Elena smoothed over the chilly atmosphere and moved on to the next topic. She continued to lead the meeting with practiced ease. Judging by her reaction, it seemed I hadn't aroused any serious suspicion.
*
The 1,043rd academic meeting of the Monster Purification Club was a success.
We covered everything from the differences between Dire Wolves and Lycanthropes to their ecology, habits, and weaknesses. We even had a group discussion on how to combat them in various environments. To wrap things up, we were assigned research on Golems as homework for the next session.
Elena deactivated the magical device and addressed the group.
“Good work today, everyone. This session will be recorded in your student files as proof of your academic participation.”
“Yes, President!” the members shouted back enthusiastically.
For them, this was the perfect deal: they got to spend time with the idolized Elena while padding their transcripts with credits that would boost their Union grades. Furthermore, club members were provided with minor items and artifacts for monster subjugation every quarter. Since they didn't get system-based perks like I did, this was their primary incentive.
“That concludes our official business. We have some light snacks prepared, so please enjoy them before you head out.”
Clap, clap—
As Elena clapped, the doors swung open. Students wearing chef’s hats began wheeling in carts laden with food.
Rumble—
My eyebrows shot up as I saw the spread. From roasted turkey to elaborate tarts and parfaits, the quality was far beyond what anyone would call a ‘light snack.’ It was the catering service from Lamancré Academy—the same elite group that had fed thousands at the Izelin festival. While Seintea was a massive academy, its internal food service couldn't hold a candle to an institution dedicated entirely to the culinary arts.
I nodded slowly to myself. ‘No wonder the competition to join this club is so fierce.’
Not all perks were created equal. On top of the academic benefits, getting a gourmet meal at every meeting was a massive draw.
While the members swarmed the food, Elena caught my eye from across the room and gestured for me to follow her. It seemed she wanted a private word.
‘Derod’s ring is… still there.’
After confirming the artifact was secure, I looked over at Garfield. He had already piled a mountain of meat and desserts onto his plate. For someone who claimed to be on a diet, he was moving with terrifying efficiency. He was clearly lost to the world of flavor, so there was no point in asking him to tag along.
I tapped his shoulder as he stuffed a pastry into his mouth.
“Don’t eat so much you get sick. I’m heading out for a bit.”
“Mmph? Where ‘ya goin’? Aren’t you eating?”
I smiled and tilted my head toward Elena.
“I have a postponed dinner appointment.”