Chapter 22
Chapter 22
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: The Mage's Workshop (1)
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The next day's classes were nothing special.
Talks about realistic battlefield scenarios, how to fight in chaotic melees rather than one-on-one duels, and the like.
Since it had been less than a week since enrollment at the academy, they seemed intent on building a foundation through theoretical lessons.
'I couldn't focus on the lessons at all, though...'
Every time my eyes met Professor Serin's as she earnestly taught the students,
I kept recalling yesterday's events and couldn't bring myself to look up.
Still, I wasn't the only one—Serin flinched a few times herself.
It looked like it would take some time for this subtle awkwardness between us to fade.
'At least its performance is solid.'
A performance worthy of proudly claiming high-tier artifact status.
Even just one night of wearing it had eased some of the fatigue I'd built up.
Of course, my body gave off an inexplicable herbal scent, but with all that spirit blessing packed in, it made sense.
Above all, thanks to this lucky find, I could head to the dungeon I'd planned for the weekend much sooner.
The Mage's Workshop.
The laboratory used by the Demon of Wisdom in its quest to study humanity.
Though its methods of 'study' strayed so far from human norms that it ended up subjugated.
The artifacts left by the Demon of Wisdom would prove immensely helpful on the road ahead.
The Eye of Truth was exactly that—an eye piercing through an opponent's stats and psyche.
It could even be called a counter-artifact to the Demon of Deception that ambushed students during midterms.
Players had struggled most with the demon's clone technique, attacking from multiple angles.
With the Eye of Truth able to instantly pinpoint the real body, it was practically essential.
And I needed to periodically check how much the hero's party had powered up.
The downside was mental drain with each use, but Tenacity's effect should cover it adequately.
As I fondled the ever-adorable Blessing of Miruen,
"...Rowen? What's with that ring?"
Lea, eating lunch with me, spoke up in a trembling voice.
Well, I'd been fiddling with it since class, so it was bound to catch her eye.
"Someone who thinks well of me gave it to me as a gift. First time wearing a ring—still getting used to it."
"Professor Serin gave it to you, right? She was wearing the exact same one...! She wasn't just seeing you off yesterday!"
Yikes, her instincts are sharp.
She'd already figured out our rings matched as a couple's set in that short time.
Ever since I saved her from Hardin's crew, she'd developed a bit of separation anxiety.
Even now, her eyes were glistening, her expression darkening.
"You just leave me be and keep charming girls...! What am I supposed to do? Should I tie you up somewhere quiet and make you look only at me...?"
"Ahaha, it's not what you're thinking. It was unavoidable due to the artifact's conditions. No need to worry so much."
That sounded dangerously unhinged.
Lifting my head, I saw Lea biting her lip, face flushed with anger.
My gut screamed that inaction now might lead to who-knows-what.
Visions of myself collared flashed before me—I hurriedly spoke up.
"Tomorrow! There's somewhere I have to go tomorrow. Want to come with, Lea?"
"...Tomorrow? Where to?"
Good. It's working.
The primal fear radiating from her gaze began to soften.
Instead, she latched onto the fact I'd be going somewhere over the weekend, firing off questions.
"That... Spoiling it now would ruin the fun. But I prepared a gift for you, Lea."
Not that I prepared it myself.
From what I remembered in the setting docs, the Mage's Workshop had an incredibly pretty bracelet.
It'd suit Lea perfectly, since she didn't wear much jewelry.
She seemed intrigued by my proposal, her expression subtly pleased.
"No one else is coming, right? If you say this to me and invite others too, then I'll really..."
"Not at all. I was planning to go alone originally. You're the only one I've asked. If you say yes, it'll just be you and me."
Thankfully, no slip-ups—her face didn't sour.
Smiles kept peeking through her pout; she liked it.
Realizing it herself, she cleared her throat with a 'ahem' and feigned lingering sulkiness.
"Fine. If Rowen asks that nicely. But no being nice to other girls from now on. Girls are delicate—you keep that up, and it's super burdensome."
She had a point.
Lea, Serin, Estelle—they all had kind hearts and accepted me as a friend.
Before possession, I'd stutter and flee from peers, ending up friendless.
The guys? We'd just click eventually, so no issue.
Though they muttered stuff like, 'Doing that with your face is straight-up cheating.'
"You're so oblivious, I have to spell it out..."
"Huh? What'd you say?"
"Just talking to myself!"
Anyway, Lea's anger seemed quelled—relief.
Finishing our meal, she left first for some errand.
Left alone, I trudged to the academy training room.
"Oh! Rowen's here!"
"Uhaha! You didn't run off after all!"
The two gym rats greeted me upon arrival.
Lian and Lucas dragged me into personal training,
and I endured hell once more.
The next day, as the sun dipped low in the sky,
having finished training with Serin, I waited for Lea in the park.
'How awkward was that time alone with Serin...'
Not a word exchanged, just furtive glances.
Thankfully, once sparring started, she flipped into full Knight Commander mode.
S: Serin-style Swordsmanship Lv. 1
A: Weakness Perception
EX: ??
A: Tenacity
Diligent workouts plus healed wounds,
and Strength, Agility, Vitality all surpassed 10.
I never dreamed I'd grow this strong so soon.
Seeing the fruits of effort manifest felt strangely rewarding.
With the minimum specs for clearing the Mage's Workshop met, and Lea coming along,
no worries about dungeon mishaps.
No sooner had the reply come than Lea appeared, sprinting from afar.
"Ehehe, sorry I'm late! Did makeup... You weren't waiting long, right?"
Sunset-glow on her radiant brown hair, softly curved eyes drawing my gaze.
White dress fluttering in the breeze, paired with her bright smile—like a painting come to life.
...While I'm in uniform.
"You're not mad, are you...?"
"...Huh? No, Lea, you're just so pretty... The outfit suits you perfectly."
Delighted by my words, she grabbed the hem of her dress and spun with a beaming smile.
"Hehe, agonized over buying this yesterday. Feels great hearing you call it pretty, Rowen."
Didn't expect her to dress up this much.
I'd vaguely dodged since I couldn't say 'dungeon,'
but she thought we were sightseeing the capital and dolled up accordingly.
...Shields are plentiful even there, so it'll work out.
My inner child poked at my conscience—'No morals!?'—but whatever.
Even if late, we'd be back by Saturday evening; deal with it then.
Planned to take requests Sunday for credits,
but after yesterday's Lea tantrum firsthand, better spend it with her.
"Can't wait already! Where first? Cafe? Theater? Or dinner? Ehehe, let's go with your plan, Rowen!"
...Ugh, should've been honest...
With expectations that high, saying 'dungeon'...
Lea mad is terrifying, but future me can handle it, right?
Can't stand around forever, so Lea and I left the academy together.