Chapter 29
Chapter 29
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 29
Chapter Title: I Hate Training (4)
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Support items were treasures of immense value, ones that even most heroes couldn't easily possess. Not only did they assist abilities, but some even enhanced their performance outright.
Of course, the one coming up at this festival was a bit dubious to call a true support item.
"A support item as a prize?"
"Well, to be precise, it's a replica. The performance has been nerfed, after all."
"A replica?"
"It's a support item produced directly by the guild under Carmen's control. They sponsored the school with downgraded versions for promotional purposes, claiming they're newly made."
Sponsoring something that pricey as prizes—even if they're downgraded—they still carry the name of support item. That alone speaks volumes about their capital.
"Hmmm..."
A groan slipped from my lips. As expected of a Top Hero's guild. Sponsoring support items as prizes? I turned to check Zenon's reaction, but surprisingly, he looked unfazed.
"What do the prizes do?"
"No idea. They only reveal that when the festival starts... Anyway, this one's gonna be intense."
Her face looked uneasy as she said it. Ray Meyer exhaled a plume of cigarette smoke and gave a wry smile. For a moment, I wondered what was bothering her. Then our eyes met—her red gaze locking onto mine.
"Abilities are permitted in the festival... which means injuries are possible. You've fought villains before, so I'm not too worried."
She added, But I am anyway, as the cigarette butt fell. She crushed it underfoot, leaving only white ash, then stared at it briefly before speaking again.
"Third-years have Hera Carmen. You first-years rarely cross paths with them... but that's only early on. By the late stages, when cores are being destroyed, you'll run into them for sure."
"...No way."
"I doubt Hera Carmen will fight fair. She's got a grudge against you, and she won't want to miss those prizes."
Hearing Hera Carmen's name suddenly made the guild's sponsorship click. Sure, flaunting their wealth, but the real aim was...
Handing support items to the Top Hero's kids, probably. Carmen family has three in the school. Prizes go to top three. Hera Carmen, Kaiser Carmen, and Odin Carmen, whom I haven't met yet.
A scheme to back the Carmen heirs—one per year. They assume their kids will win, of course. That's why original Zenon obsessed over victory. What was first prize again?
"Hm..."
Too long ago; hazy memory. I read it diligently, but recalling every early chapter of a weekly series? Major events stick, minor ones fade. Not sure it matters now anyway.
Focus now: Hera Carmen. We clashed once; we're thorns in her side. Late festival clash is inevitable... Better prepare.
I turned, and our eyes met. Zenon's blue eyes flickered. Worried about me again? Wish some was for himself. His concern was all for me. Mention of Hera Carmen stirred old memories. But now, I had confidence.
Seeing his faint unease, I smiled. I'm fine. No more getting hurt.
Really. I was confident.
#
"Aisha, you joining the festival too?"
"Yeah, Ray Meyer's club."
"But... it's a magic club. You sure?"
"Eh... Zenon and I aren't slouches. You got a team?"
Frey shook her head, face gloomy. As expected—backup player. I patted her back to comfort her, and she clung to me. This sticky slime felt nice now. Moisturizing my skin, even.
Wait, aren't there snail creams?
Frey shuddered. Looking at her pale face, she stared back in horror.
"What's wrong?"
"D-did you just imagine something scary?"
Oh, right. She's a snail.
"Sorry."
I stuck out my tongue apologetically, and she trembled harder, clinging tighter. Ah, sweet scent. Holding her warmed my body and wafted her body wash fragrance—mood booster. Gotta ask what she uses.
Glancing around with Frey in my arms, I saw groups of students chatting animatedly. No need to eavesdrop; obvious topic.
Six days to festival. Support item prizes announced this morning. They're hunting optimal strategies now. Zenon and I are competing... but strategy? Just give our best.
Ray Meyer's training skyrocketed our power. Need experience—festival should provide it.
"So, Aisha, how's things with Zenon lately?"
Frey whispered in my ear while clinging. What now? I narrowed my eyes, pushing her lightly; she sparkled, probing about Zenon and me.
"Nothing there. Just friends."
"Heard that? Few days ago, not even friends. Now friends? Girlfriend soon?"
"Sigh... Frey, I'm not into guys."
True. Woman or not, dating a guy... Less revulsion than before, but still off-putting. Frey's antennae turned exclamation points; face flushed.
"G-girls are no good...!"
"You give me headaches..."
Not that I'm into girls either. Sighing, I turned; she tickled my back, but I froze her hand solid. She stopped, apologizing.
Ray Meyer's training was done. But my self-imposed regimen wasn't, so library runs for books continued.
Science texts on water/ice, cold weaponry. Lately, global myths captivate me.
Ice-related ones like Niflheim spark imagination. My ability runs on imagination—maybe recreate mythic scenes later.
Tested in the maze already; only tiny areas formed, not as envisioned. Manifesting imagination triggers brain brakes. Body tingles, shocks; ability stalls.
Current limit. Resource is mental power. By seventh sword draw? Mythic vistas possible.
Lost in those thoughts, a chill touched my cheek.
"Studying?"
"...Ah, Zenon."
When'd he enter? He pressed a canned coffee to my cheek, flashing a sly smile. White hair swept back drew stares, but he ignored them, eyes fixed on me.
"Training ended ages ago."
"My own thing. Nothing else till festival. Fighting Hera Carmen... can't prepare too much."
"Mm..."
Hera Carmen's name made him swallow hard.
"Still, won't meet till late stages."
"True... but she won't fight fair."
No legal brawl expected. Follow rules? Not her style. Carmen name breeds arrogance, insolence. Break rules? Slap on wrist.
Carmens dominate society. Who'd nitpick rule-breaks?
If a trap hurts someone? Don't wanna see that.
...Don't want to.
Mulling it, I looked at Zenon. He hesitated, about to speak. Staring, he averted eyes, then carefully opened his mouth.
"...I'll protect you."
"What?"
"No worries. It'll be fine. So I'll... you..."
Resolute, he squeezed eyes shut, then met my gaze. Blue tremor faded; eyes aligned. He continued.
"I'll protect you."
"Pfft."
Laughter burst out. Why the dramatic buildup? I laughed as he pouted, displeased. How long since I laughed like this?
He's weaker, yet vows protection? I handled Hera Carmen last time. But his sentiment warmed me—grateful, even. I smiled brightly in reply.