Chapter 72: Hunting Evaluation — Interlude (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 72: Hunting Evaluation — Interlude (2)
“Well then, I’ll take that as a yes.”
「Wind Generation (Wind Element, ★1)」
Whirl—!
“…?!”
Without warning, Kaya used wind magic to send the blanket covering her flying into the air.
She reached out, grabbing my face and pulling me toward her. It was a completely unexpected move.
Whoosh—
As the gust subsided, the blanket drifted back down, draping over both of us like a makeshift tent. Within that stifling, enclosed space, our breaths began to intermingle.
“Sir Isaac.”
Kaya stopped just inches from my face, her voice a serious whisper.
“I will give you my full thanks later. For now, please finish the task at hand quickly.”
Outside, the healer was shouting in indignation at the sight of us huddled under the blanket, but Kaya remained resolute.
‘Wow…’
For a moment, I genuinely thought the usually passive Kaya was going to kiss me. My heart hammered against my ribs. Even if she had just woken up, wasn't this a bit too bold?
In ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, Kaya actively pursued Ian whenever she entered her ‘Ravenous’ state. Experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely. I finally understood why Ian had been so flustered by her actions in the game.
Regardless, she was quick on the uptake. Kaya knew I had an identity to protect and that we needed to communicate in secret.
“You’re sharp,” I whispered, offering a soft compliment.
Relieved, I pulled a small roll of parchment from my sleeve and discreetly pressed it into her hand. It contained the instructions I had prepared for her in advance.
Rustle!
“What on earth do you two think you’re doing?!”
The healer yanked the blanket off us, her face flushed with anger.
“Even if you’re dating… there’s a time and place for this! Have you no shame?!”
The healer scolded us relentlessly. Kaya immediately pulled away, offering a calm, polite apology. After glaring at us one last time, the healer huffed and retreated to her office.
As I watched her leave, I felt a sudden, itchy sensation on my thigh.
“…!”
Kaya was tracing her finger along my leg, writing words directly onto my skin.
—Did your heart race?
Our eyes met. She tilted her head, pressing a finger to her lips. Her luscious emerald hair cascaded over her shoulders. She wore a mischievous, confident smile—one that felt overwhelmingly seductive.
Just looking at her made my throat go dry. That smile was meant for me, and me alone.
She began tracing more words.
—My heart raced.
[Kaya Astrea]
Psychology: [Wants to kiss you.]
She was expressing her affection without a shred of hesitation, openly enticing me to see her as a woman.
‘This is… intense.’
It felt as though she was draining the very energy from my body.
*
Late at night.
Aside from Dark Kaya’s relentless attempts at seduction, the rest of the voyage passed without incident.
Once the ships docked at the academy port, the students disembarked. The bracelets used for the hunting evaluation had already been deactivated and removed.
Immediately, the Imperial Knights and the academy staff began a joint investigation into the Elt Island incident. Kaya and Ian were moved to the infirmary; they would remain there until the investigative committee called for their testimony.
Lisetta and I were told we might be summoned as witnesses later, but for now, we were cleared to return to our dorms.
Luce was waiting for me, and she accompanied me on the walk back. I was immensely relieved she didn't produce those ominous handcuffs again.
Finally, I reached Briggs Hall.
The moment I stepped into my room, a wave of relief washed over me, followed by total exhaustion. I didn't even have the strength to shower. I simply collapsed onto the bed.
‘At least I got this.’
I pulled a red earring from a hidden pocket in my uniform. This was the loot known as the ‘Blood of the Evanescent,’ which I had taken from Kaya’s ear.
If consumed, it could restore a person from the brink of death to perfect health in an instant—it could even regenerate lost limbs. However, it was a single-use item; melting it down or consuming it in small parts would render it useless.
‘I have to save this for a true emergency.’
I planned to keep it in reserve for Ian. Given how often he ended up unconscious, I was genuinely worried he might actually die.
The world was set to 'Hell Mode,' after all. Even veteran players struggled to clear it. I couldn't really blame Ian for fainting constantly, which was why I only complained about it in my head. To be honest, I was just glad he was still alive.
If he could just acquire the Luminous Sword and use [Expelled from Paradise] at the right moments, I couldn't ask for anything more.
‘Now… time to allocate my stats.’
I opened my status window.
[Status]
Name: Isaac
Lv: 72
Gender: Male
Year: 1st
Title: Freshman Who Has Adapted to Student Life
Mana: 7000/7000
– Mana Recovery Speed (C+)
– Stamina (B)
– Strength (B)
– Intelligence (C+)
– Willpower (A+)
Ever since I hit level 51, my mana capacity had been growing rapidly. That growth would only accelerate once I reached level 101. I also expected my [Mana Recovery Speed] to rank up within a few days.
[Potential]
Stat Points: 18
◈ Growth Rate
– Physical Training Efficiency (B+): 56/100 [UP]
– Magic Training Efficiency (A+): 81/100 [UP]
– Learning Efficiency (B+): 57/100 [UP]
◈ Elemental Resistance
– Fire Resistance (D-): 10/100 [UP]
– Water Resistance (D+): 16/100 [UP]
– Ice Resistance (C+): 34/100 [UP]
– Lightning Resistance (B-): 39/100 [UP]
– Rock Resistance (D): 12/100 [UP]
– Wind Resistance (C-): 23/100 [UP]
– Neutral Magic Resistance (D+): 18/100 [UP]
◈ vs. Race Combat Power
– vs. Human Combat Power (E): 4/100 [UP]
– vs. Other Races Combat Power (E): 1/100 [UP]
– vs. Heavenly Beings Combat Power (E): 0/100 [UP]
– vs. Demon Combat Power (S): 100/100 [MAX]
‘I should be able to push [Magic Training Efficiency] to S-rank now.’
I invested 5 points into [Physical Training Efficiency], 10 points into [Magic Training Efficiency], and the remaining 3 into [Learning Efficiency].
[Your potential in [Physical Training Efficiency] has increased from B+ rank to A- rank!]
[Your potential in [Magic Training Efficiency] has increased from A+ rank to S rank!]
With this, my [Elemental Firepower], [Elemental Efficiency], and [Elemental Synergy] would grow faster than any other freshman's. By my sophomore year, I might actually stand a chance at reaching the top of B-Class.
“…”
Sleep hit me like a tidal wave. I closed my eyes and drifted into a deep, dreamless slumber.
*
The stifling summer heat eventually gave way to a cool autumn breeze. The trees surrounding Orphin Hall were painted in shades of crimson and gold, creating a serene atmosphere.
While Lisetta and I had been questioned regarding the Elt Island incident, we weren't brought before the formal committee. We were simply asked to describe the interior of the giant demon.
The presence of Imperial Knights within the academy had thinned out, as most had been dispatched to the island for the ongoing investigation.
‘Let’s review the situation.’
Early one morning, I walked through the gardens of Orphin Hall, lost in thought. It was best to be thorough about the current state of the world.
‘First, the Elt Island incident.’
The appearance of the giant demon had been a massive blow to the reputations of both the academy and the Imperial Knights. The primary issue was the safety bracelets; they had failed to protect the students. For a significant period, the academy had no idea where the students were and no way to communicate with them.
Even without casualties, it was a disaster. Public criticism of the academy’s incompetence was mounting. As a result, Märchen Academy was likely to lose several major investors.
‘Demons with the power to nullify mana shouldn't exist anymore, but I’m the only one who knows that.’
From the academy’s perspective, there was no guarantee such a monster wouldn't appear again. They had to prepare for the worst. They were likely nursing a massive collective headache, though the support of the Imperial Knights would help stabilize things.
The second issue was the Knights' failure to stop the demon despite being on-site. This shared disgrace would likely lead to the Empire dispatching even higher-ranked individuals to the academy as reinforcements. Kaya’s older sister, a prominent member of the Knights, would likely be among them.
‘Regardless.’
The scenario was over, and things were moving forward. However, I still had two personal problems.
The first was that the academy had briefly discussed the possibility of me being the ‘Black Monster.’ I’d learned this through [Psychological Insight]. They suspected me because I also used ice magic, but they quickly dismissed the idea, concluding I was far too weak to be such a creature.
‘The one really suffering right now is Alice.’
With the revelation of an ‘informant’ within the administration, Alice Carroll was being watched closely and couldn't act freely. Without hard evidence, she couldn't move against anyone based on suspicion alone.
The second problem was Dark Kaya.
‘What am I supposed to do about her?’
I had expected her to be affectionate, but her advances were so aggressive I didn't know how to handle them. Until the Evil God was defeated, I wanted to focus solely on getting stronger. I didn't have room for a relationship.
“Huh?”
As if summoned by my thoughts, Kaya was walking toward me. Class A must have just finished their session at the training grounds.
Her green hair was tied in its usual twin-tails, and her eyes had returned to their normal emerald hue.
[Kaya Astrea]
Lv: 100
Race: Human
Elements: Wind, Ice, Plant, Blood
Danger: X
Psychology: [Currently feeling extreme embarrassment toward you.]
The moment she saw me, Kaya froze. She began to tremble like a fawn caught in the gaze of a predator. We both stood there, locked in an awkward silence.
“S-S-S-Sir Isaac…!”
Her voice was shaking violently.
“T-The weather is lovely today! The trees are so beautiful… it’s definitely autumn! A-Are your classes going well? Though, for someone as amazing as Sir Isaac, classes are probably just a formality…!”
Kaya rambled nervously, sweat beading on her forehead. Given her psychological state, she clearly remembered everything her ‘Dark’ self had done on the ship.
Since we’d run into each other, I figured it was a good time to ask if she’d followed my instructions.
“So, I really should thank you properly! Haha, hahahaha! W-Where are you going? The training grounds? Well, for someone like Sir Isaac, such a place is trivial—”
“Kaya, about what happened on the ship—”
“AH!!! AHHHHH!!!”
Kaya let out a distressed wail, covering her bright red face with her hands as if pleading with me to stop talking. Even her ears were crimson.
I blinked, startled by the volume.
“AHHHHHH!!!”
Unable to take it anymore, Kaya spun around and bolted at full speed, her screams echoing through the garden.
I stood there, utterly bewildered, watching her disappear into the distance.