Chapter 17
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 17: I Know Nothing
“Is it you? Purgatory 70th floor clear.”
“......Yes?”
Unscheduled visit. Unexpected question. I could only be dumbfounded for a moment. The first thought that came to mind was this.
‘Fuck, how did she know?’
Caught? How? I moved only in the blind spots of the guards on purpose? There were no traces of mine left at the scene either? There is absolutely no evidence to be caught, how is she acting like that to my face?
“Hmm.”
Numerous doubts flashing through my head. Leaving aside other things, asking this directly was the most puzzling.
‘Is that so.’
I came to think conversely. The question being strong is because she doesn't know the answer. If it’s the correct answer here, it would be not being agitated.
“Purgatory... I do not know what you are talking about...”
I answer nonchalantly. There is not a shred of tremor or even bewilderment in that voice. Just reacting like a person encountering the topic for the first time.
“If it’s Purgatory... isn't it the underground dungeon existing within the academy? Did something happen there?”
“......”
Extremely natural answer. Javert’s brows furrowed slightly. I grinned behind the invisible mask.
‘Guess it’s the correct answer.’
The question was strange from the start. Nothing has been announced yet regarding the Purgatory 70th floor conquest. The academy side must be controlling information. Judging by Javert knowing, it is highly likely information opened only to faculty members. In other words, it means the academy side is taking this matter seriously.
‘Was at least an emergency meeting held?’
70th floor conquest after decades. A man who split a dragon in half and killed it. Plus, a scene where no trace remained. The academy side must be assuming me as an extremely dangerous element.
‘Then... it shouldn't end with just this.’
If there was confirmation that I was the culprit. Instead of just throwing a question tick, faculty members should have swarmed in droves. Leaving aside whether I am hostile to the academy or not, because I am a target with potential danger. You know. Like FBI Open Up, they would have stormed in and arrested me or whatever. Even if detailed talks were to be heard later.
‘But, the reaction right now is too passive.’
Unlike the question which was aggressive, the action that followed wasn't so. Not storming into my room, but visiting politely following set procedures, and even that was Javert alone.
“Where were you last night? Also what did you do?”
“Yes? T-That is, I was sleeping soundly in my room but...”
“You mean there is nothing in particular.”
“That is correct. Since I usually become exhausted after finishing the academy schedule. I don't even dare to go out.”
“Grandia Academy’s schedule is indeed on the tight side.”
“And... doesn't a curfew exist in the dormitory in the first place? If I went out, the administration side would have records too. If you don't believe me, it is fine to go check right now.”
“I see.”
Around this point I noticed. It wasn't that the faculty side noticed or anything. The current interrogation was just something Javert was doing personally.
““......””
Silence containing many meanings. Neither Javert nor I opened our mouths rashly.
‘As expected, she was testing me.’
I am convinced through that hesitating reaction. The chilly tension dissipates, and the composition of conversation reverses.
“Professor Javert?”
“Yes.”
“Rather than that, could you explain a little more in detail what the situation is? Purgatory, 70th floor conquest... clearly there was no announcement from the academy side. Did perhaps some accident occur? Also what story is it that it’s me.”
“......”
Anxious reaction. Anxious student. An extremely appropriate development that an ordinary student would show. It’s useless to try to tear apart this side’s reaction. Voice acting is perfect, and I’m even wearing a mask on my face so expressions cannot be read.
“Professor?”
“......”
Honestly, it was questionable. Taking me as a target to test means she placed me as a suspect first. Why. Why is it. Did she notice something? Only she was suspecting me.
‘No, is it natural in a way.’
In the first place, she was my surveillance role. Because she was assigned as homeroom teacher to grasp if I was associated with evil power. She must be handling me most meticulously among faculty members. Since this incident burst out in the meantime, interest must have tilted inevitably.
‘Actually it is correct that I caused it too.’
After a moment of silence. Javert opens her closed lips.
“I apologize for speaking as if pressuring. It was just a part of the investigation.”
“Ah, it is fine! Please raise your head.”
Javert withdrew more obediently. She probably didn't come to do something from the start. Probably since it’s ambiguous to be certain, she just intended to test once.
“As I mentioned earlier, Purgatory 70th floor was conquered without permission. Faculty members have stepped up and are proceeding with an investigation regarding the case.”
“I-I see. Was the conversation just before also part of the investigation?”
“Correct. It just happens student Viktor was the top student of the class I am in charge of. I intended to check if you knew anything by any chance. If it felt like an interrogation, I apologize.”
“It is really fine. It didn't even feel that burdensome.”
Polite apology. Through this turning the topic, and pulling out from the subject Javert. As expected of a Head Investigator, her speech skills were also extraordinary. She had returned to a businesslike tone again.
“Then... I ask for silence regarding the Purgatory matter.”
“It seems to be information under control by the academy side.”
“It is to prevent confusion. We plan to inform the cadets as soon as the situation is grasped.”
“Of course I will cooperate. Since I also do not wish for an agitated atmosphere.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
A few words of formal conversation exchanged afterwards. As the topic concludes, Javert stands up from her seat sseuk. Seemingly intending to return.
“I will return now. I apologize as it seems I took your time.”
“No. If it was helpful to the academy in any way, I am satisfied.”
“You know the Freshmen Welcome Exam is scheduled from tomorrow, right? I hope you prepare well. Since it will be somewhat harsh content for Class E students.”
“Yes, I will keep it in mind.”
Javert left the dormitory afterwards. Only then did I catch my breath a little.
‘Well... seems I passed it well.’
Although she seems to suspect inwardly... Rather it worked out well. Because it is better for me if she keeps suspecting this side. To use the card called Javert, a situation where she trusts me completely must not come.
‘Not yet.’
Fufu—. I fiddled with the mask with a faint laugh. As always, the black corners of the mouth were torn to below the ears.
A few hours later. I was sitting in the dormitory bathroom.
“Viktor? What are you doing in the bathroom?”
“Ah, Princess.”
As I was rustling alone, the Princess snoops around the side. In my hand, the [Dragon’s Scale] obtained last night was held. I answer continuing the work.
“It is what I told you at dawn. Dragon Scale refining.”
“You mean that contaminated scale? You will refine it right now?”
“It is better to act fast.”
“This lady also wants to watch from the side.”
“Of course. Since it is not particularly dangerous, it is fine to watch from close by.”
“Oho!”
Jjorureu—. Carmilla sticking closely next to me excitedly. The girl’s red eyes were sparkling with interest. As expected, even for her a pureblood vampire, is a dragon’s item fascinating?
‘Inventory.’
I take out items from inside the robe. Things obtained from sub-quests after clearing Purgatory 70th floor.
Hand becoming heavy. Just medicine bottles, 13 are placed on the floor. Eight bottles containing sparkling water. One bottle seemingly containing gas. Four bottles of ominous color. Since they shouldn't break or anything, I put them down carefully.
“These must be the goods needed for refining.”
“That is correct. With just these, refining itself is not particularly difficult. Just that the acquisition difficulty of each material is high, so that is the problem.”
“To possess such materials without omission, indeed you are this lady’s confidant!”
“Fufu, right.”
A few words of chatter. I put the contaminated dragon scale into the large bathtub. Afterwards, I pour in eight heavy bottles of holy water without leaving anything.
Chiiiiiik—!
Bursting sound as if something is burning. The undead scale was showing a reaction. Burning evil energy, the end of being purified little by little.
‘Like this, four bottles of screams together...’
Unrefined Scream. Unlike normal liquid, it was a form sticky like a solid. Quite ominous color. And chill that gives goosebumps. I empty the bottles being careful not to get it on my hands.
“Phew...”
Hwaaaaaak—. Immediately after glowing, holy water dyed in turbid color. I opened the stopper of the last remaining one bottle. One bottle of Thin Mist.
‘Since this guy leaks easily, just throw in the whole bottle.’
Splash—. Bottle falling into the Dragon Scale stew. Afterwards, as I stir with a ladle, a status window message floats in front of eyes.
Ting—!
I click Yes without hesitation. Afterwards, bubbling boiling Dragon Stew. I cover the lid quietly so contents do not splash.
Success. Leaving it like this, it will be completed on its own. While organizing the surroundings, the Princess peeks her head out.
“Umm? Is this the end?”
“Yes, we just have to wait like this and it’s the end.”
“It is more futile than I thought. I thought it would be a bit more flashy.”
“Fufu, you can look forward to the result. Since it will be flashy enough to meet expectations.”
“Since Viktor says so, expectations that weren't there are springing up rapidly!”
Bathtub covered like that. Roughly around the time finishing the Freshmen Welcome Exam, it will be done.
‘Roughly handled all urgent matters.’
I sit on the sofa with a light heart. Schedule approached tomorrow before I knew it. I take out the crystal ball and flip through the screen.
‘Freshmen Welcome Exam.’
It was an event occurring exactly in the original work too. As I operate the crystal ball, a message arrived from the academy side pops up.
-The exam scheduled tomorrow will proceed as 1-on-1 sparring between students.
-Detailed guidance will be given at the exam venue on the day.
-Below is the match opponent of the user who received the message.
“Hmm...”
Class C Top Student. As expected, coming out like this.
“Viktor? Isn't the bracket a bit strange?”
“It looks so even to the Princess.”
“Yes! Viktor is clearly in the lowest class... If it is Class C, isn't it a class two levels higher? Furthermore, 1-on-1 with the top student of such a class, it doesn't look like a very excellent balance.”
“You saw correctly. It is truly a messed up balance.”
Well. Because it is an exam existing for that purpose from the start. The thing called [Freshmen Welcome Exam] tomorrow.
-You know the Freshmen Welcome Exam is scheduled from tomorrow, right?-Since it will be somewhat harsh content for Class E students.
A few words Javert leaked glimmer. Eyes looking at the crystal ball cool down a little.
“Such a match... leaving aside Viktor, if it was an ordinary Class E student, isn't it a sparring with defeat confirmed? It seems it will be nothing but a unilateral trampling.”
“That is correct. In this exam, lower rank classes are used for such a role. At least in this exam.”
“It means it is a part recognized by the academy side too. They set the match like this on purpose.”
“Right. Inducing conflict between classes, and handling lower rank students to harbor more spite.”
“And upper rank students get drunk on special treatment, trying not to lose their seats.”
“Truly the end of survival of the fittest.”
“Cruel indeed...”
Carmilla frowning. It wasn't that such a reaction was incomprehensible. Humans are a race obsessed with competition particularly. Sometimes that human aspect feels extremely inhumane.
“What do you intend to do?”
Girl asking implicitly.
“What are you talking about?”
“This sparring.”
“Well. I do not intend to avoid the match that rolled in.”
“You intend to do it. You intend to show the power Viktor you possess in front of everyone.”
“Haha... It is not that grand. Should I say I will just match that rhythm moderately.”
I smiled. Mask also smiled, its lip corners tore up to below the ears. My gaze was fixed only on the match table inside the screen.
“Do not worry.”
I am excited. Prelude of, by, and for the chaos (trolling). I only thought of breaking the board smilingly.
“Since I have no intention of going easy on them particularly.”
If the academy set the match like shit, I just have to trample on it doing my best.
“I look forward to tomorrow.”
Tap tap—. I fiddled with the mask.