Chapter 34
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 34: Life Partner (Not)
*Hwaaaaak—!*
The moment I opened the lid, light poured out from the bathtub.
The flashy effect enveloped the entire bathroom for a long time.
I had to squint my eyes for a moment.
‘This light... is it a success?’
Effects that occur when specific conditions are met.
Among them, the representative one was precisely the [Purification] effect.
A brilliantly colored flash rising, and the vision turning white, albeit briefly.
I intuited success.
“......”
After waiting a moment, the light subsided.
Afterward, the inside of the bathtub was clearly visible.
The sloshing holy water was nowhere to be found.
Only a murky liquid that had lost the light it harbored remained.
“Is this it.”
Inside that dirty water, something black was wriggling.
I reached out without fear and grabbed it.
It was a heterogeneous texture.
Despite being in liquid, a softness as if holding downy hair.
While I was fiddling with the unique texture, the status window soon described the item in my hand.
*Ting—!*
[You have acquired the Exclusive Weapon ‘Black Mist (A+)’.]
Black Mist.
It was the item I was looking for.
I lift that fluffy lump.
As if picking up a cloud, no weight was felt at all.
‘Light.’
It certainly wasn't an ordinary-shaped weapon.
Understandably so, because looking at it like this, it was no different from a ball of fur.
Should I say it doesn't really look like a weapon.
However, the true value of this fellow started from here.
I take out a thin knife from the inventory.
‘Just a little...’
*Seugeok—.*
Applying the blade immediately, I draw a long line across my palm.
Dark red blood forms between the opened flesh.
I fed it to the Black Mist.
*Wriggle—.*
Whether reacting to my blood, the ball of fur showed movement.
It stuck to the wound and absorbed the blood.
Afterward, the black color gradually mixed with red light.
Had it been about 5 minutes like that?
A blue screen floats in front of my eyes.
*Ting—!*
[The weapon recognizes you as its master!]
- Will you set the item ‘Black Mist (A+)’ as your exclusive weapon?
[Yes/No]
Yes without hesitation.
As I click the button, the mist's bloodsucking stops.
Afterward, a sensation as if sticking perfectly to my hand is transmitted.
‘Is the master recognition finished.’
Engraving complete.
I grip the mist tightly and try muttering.
“Initiate. Sword.”
*Wriggle—.*
Simultaneously, the mist showing movement.
The thing looking like downy hair churns in my palm.
The dark red things entangle among themselves, crushing as if condensing.
*Kkudeudeuk, kkudeuk—.*
After the softness disappeared, only a hard texture remained.
The mist that was about the size of my body had somehow become thinner than my arm.
It had taken the form of a sword.
“Hmm.”
*Seureung—.*
A dark red sword.
I look down at the mist quietly.
*Ting—!*
[Skill 1 of Exclusive Weapon ‘Black Mist’ has been activated.]
[Skill Name: Myriad Transformations]
- The form of the weapon changes freely.
- The changing form varies depending on what the user sets.
- The form is fixed until the next setting is added, and even if it cracks or breaks, it is repaired.
- The changing form varies depending on what the user sets.
- The form is fixed until the next setting is added, and even if it cracks or breaks, it is repaired.
‘Good...’
I smiled gently.
Exclusive weapon, Black Mist (A+).
There are two skills existing in this fellow.
Because it originated from a dragon, it possessed special abilities.
“Initiate. Spear.”
The first skill among them.
Myriad Transformations.
As the user sets, its form changes.
Creating various results within the allowed area.
“Hmm.”
I swing the mist gripped in my hand a few times.
What was a sword until just before had changed its form to a spear in the meantime.
“Initiate. Shield.”
A thick shield rests on my arm.
However, its weight did not change.
Beyond being light, a weight that isn't even felt at all.
That didn't mean its hardness dropped either.
‘The hardness itself seems to have no particular difference from a normal shield.’
And yet it's this light.
Even if it cracks or breaks, autonomous repair is possible.
Truly a fraudulent item.
‘Is this indeed the fiber of a dragon.’
The structure itself was fascinating.
I was able to get used to the sensation only after changing its form a few more times.
“Initiate. Sword. And... Initiate. Thorns.”
The sword I was holding still.
As I recite the start, dozens of thorns pop out from the surface of the sword.
*Chwa-ak—!*
A combination I used often in my previous life.
These applications also seemed to work quite well.
If I stuck the sword into a monster and exploded thorns from the inside, I could end most mobs with a one-shot kill.
“Initiate. Gloves.”
*Wriggle—.*
The mist gently wraps both hands, then soon transforms into the shape of gloves.
Leather texture. Dark red color. The touch was also soft without any grating.
I think I can definitely use it just as I used it in the original work.
Feeling like wearing it as gloves normally, and changing it into a weapon when needed.
‘By the way... what should I set as the base?’
I pondered for a moment.
Even if I can change its form, the basic form must be set.
Because it's not like I can learn everything—sword, spear, and bow.
There had to be a basic form to push forward with most fundamentally.
Other than that, I would have to make do with impromptu adaptations...
“......Ah.”
Certainly.
If it's a clown concept, this is perfect.
“Initiate. Scythe.”
A large scythe rests on my shoulder.
Not a scythe used for farming, but the scythe Grim Reapers usually carry, you know?
It was that kind of shape.
I smiled with satisfaction.
The corners of the mask's mouth also wriggled following me.
‘Is this good enough.’
I return the mist back to gloves.
The review of Skill 1 was quite satisfactory.
‘Of course... the true value of this fellow lies in number 2.’
The second skill.
The reason why I tried to get this fellow in my hands no matter what.
An ability that will become a Joker for me, who lacks a powerful single strike.
If possible, I wanted to test this too, but the location wasn't suitable.
‘It's quite picky about the target, and if activated properly, the whole dormitory would be smashed...’
I declined that.
A body that has already accumulated 20 penalty points from Javert.
If I caused any more trouble, my position would become difficult.
‘I should aim for next time.’
Come to think of it, practice starts next week...
There's an incident bursting then too, so I figured I could test it then while at it.
“Ahem.”
Afterward, my hands organizing the messy surroundings.
The inside of the bathtub was still full of liquid.
Holy water where the divinity had drained out, leaving only contaminated energy.
I took out empty bottles from my robe.
‘This will have a use later too.’
To think it's helpful even after exhausting its divinity.
It was truly holy water that gave generously.
*Ting—!*
[Acquired Item ‘Contaminated Holy Water (C-)’.]
Good. Good.
I stored all the gathered byproducts into my inventory.
Even though I only got one exclusive weapon, it felt like an immense spec-up.
Is this what it feels like to have a massive army backing you?
‘Then... all that's left is to wait for the practice day.’
The upcoming academy event.
And, the incident that will accompany it.
I lay down on the bed, reviewing the original work.
‘I'll be busy again starting the day after tomorrow.’
Crushed by fatigue, I fell asleep.
***
Two days later.
I went to school riding the rickshaw without fail.
Lying on the bed inside the rickshaw, I enjoyed the refreshingly blowing wind.
“Phew, phew!”
“Run faster!”
“Pick up the speed, speed!”
“One! Two! One! Two!”
In the front, the Bread Shuttles were pulling the rickshaw.
For some reason, the guys were totally fired up.
They were giving their all to pulling the rickshaw.
Even shouting chants vigorously, increasing and increasing the speed.
“......”
Honestly, should I say I'm a bit bewildered.
I wondered why they were doing this.
‘Well, I was the one who told them to do it, but...’
My intention was just to mess with them.
Understandably so, because the fact that they consulted among themselves and tried to ditch me was distasteful.
I just wanted to teach them a bit of the bitterness of life.
—B-Big Brother... thank you for yesterday!
—About the exam yesterday. I was truly deeply impressed.
—We all want to sincerely apologize for being presumptuous to you, Big Brother!
Of course, there was a trigger.
During the Freshmen Welcome Exam, when I thoroughly defeated the Class C top student.
The act of giving 'cider' to Class E, who were being trampled and mocked.
It was the starting point where I unintentionally earned their favor.
“This too is training bestowed by Big Brother!”
“If you're struggling with this much, it's a lack of training.”
“Phew, phew... I feel like I could run all day.”
“I actually had my magic skills improve after doing this training!”
Whether it's because the kids are fools, they followed too blindly.
No, is it because I acted too flashily during the last exam?
It seemed they were collectively charmed.
And what's with that last part.
Why would magic skills improve after training muscular strength and stamina.
“Uahaha! Watch closely, my coin-bending magic!”
*Kkudeudeuk, kkudeuk—.*
Taking a coin out of his pocket, the guy proceeded to do origami with it.
On the forearm that was outright folding a frog, bulging muscles wriggled.
Truly a Magical☆Coin Burst.
“Here! The coin has become a frog!”
What kind of magic is that, fuck.
Does highly developed muscle become indistinguishable from magic.
‘Mmm... anyway, since they're passionate, is it a good thing?’
Since they say they like it, there's no need to rain on their parade.
Besides, I was in a position where I had to lead Class E.
If they hold me up on their own, it was a "thank you" for me.
*Ting—!*
[Sub Quest]
- Title: Talent Collector
- Content: Grow all Class E students into talented individuals of B-rank or higher.
- Penalty upon failure: None
- Reward: Character Exclusive Item ‘Scales of the Black Tuner (S-)’
- Content: Grow all Class E students into talented individuals of B-rank or higher.
- Penalty upon failure: None
- Reward: Character Exclusive Item ‘Scales of the Black Tuner (S-)’
[Time Limit: Before Graduation]
‘This won't be too hard.’
Because in anything, resolve is the hardest part.
If that side is willing to be rolled around, I could grow them as much as I wanted.
Because I knew all kinds of growth routes in this world, hidden encounters, items, and even how to break through the limits of talent.
Things only I know.
Things only I can give.
‘With the feeling of raising quite a few disciples...’
I nodded my head.
Once the upcoming practice is over, I should have a talk with them.
“We've arrived, Big Brother!”
“Ah.”
Before I knew it, we had arrived at Main Building A.
I say goodbye to the Shuttles.
“You can head back now. No need to come again today. Good work.”
““Yes, Big Brother! See you tomorrow!””
After leaving a resounding answer, the kids quickly disperse.
I briefly watched the receding rickshaw.
Afterward, I slowly took steps.
‘Practice, huh.’
1st-semester practice.
A method where students form teams among themselves to solve given problems.
Team formation proceeds autonomously, and this is also evaluated as an ability.
Of course, what I was aiming for wasn't just a high score in the practice.
‘The incident happening during the practice.’
Someone tampers with the exam.
My goal is to catch that and pull it out by the roots completely.
As such, the team members to be with this time had to be chosen carefully.
‘First, someone who absolutely must be included.’
Lanne Kihano.
There was an event that only occurred if she participated.
For that alone, Lanne was a target that must be brought along.
That was also the reason I was currently at Main Building A.
‘Lanne.’
The space used by Class A students.
I strolled between them, looking for her.
“Oh... Sir Viktor? What brings you to Main Building A?”
“Miss Lanne!”
And, the girl I found before long.
Purple eyes blink amidst dazzling blonde hair.
I approach with large strides without hesitation.
“S-Sir Viktor...?”
Amidst that cheerful atmosphere, a tilted head.
Regardless, I went down on one knee.
The question mark above the girl's head grows even larger.
“......?”
“Miss Lanne.”
I quietly grabbed her hand.
A deeply gazing look, and a breath.
Each other's body temperature shared through thin fingers.
As if pulling it up from my heart, I ask with a voice full of sincerity.
“You have caught my fancy. It has to be you.”
To the girl.
“Won't you become my partner?”
Words spat out from the depths.
Please.
Please be my team member!!!!
Without you, my plan is ruined!!!!!!
“Miss Lanne, please.”
“......”
Lanne looking down at this side, frozen blankly.
Soon, those purple eyes began to waver.
A cute gasp popped out.
The confident appearance she usually showed was nowhere to be found.
“......Heh?”
The knight girl's cheeks flushed brightly.
2,708 words
228 views