Chapter 208
Chapter 208
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>Translator: Ryuma
>Chapter: 208
>Chapter Title: A Tearing Heart
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I took in Henji's infuriating face.
"This bastard... "
It was as if he was asking, "You gonna learn something this dangerous?" Pure bad taste, tossing out bait and gauging my reaction.
I wanted to sock him one...
"What else? I'll play it by ear."
"You're not going to learn it right away? I thought it'd make for good data."
"Good data, my ass."
If I'd said I was going to learn it, he probably would've asked for progress reports.
The Heavenly Origin Art was a fresh secret technique with no training data yet.
But hold on.
"He's straight-up assuming I can learn the new Heavenly Origin Art now?"
I didn't like the subtle probing, but whatever. Who cares about petty stuff like that anymore.
"Anyway, even if I do learn it, I won't tell you shit. Stack your own data."
It wouldn't hurt me if data piled up, but I had zero interest in him meddling in my training.
I had no more reason to stick around, so I pocketed the Heavenly Origin Art manual from the table and wrapped things up.
That was when Henji's voice reached me.
"No joke, it really could be a huge help."
His tone had lost some of its playfulness this time, so I answered seriously.
With my middle finger, of course.
"......?"
"Black-White Slums greeting. Means thanks. Try it on the patriarch later. He'll love it."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Yeah, anyway. If I learn the Heavenly Origin Art, I'll let you know. And your little brother..."
"I'll get him ready in moderation and send him to the academy. I'll handle the contact."
"The talent list?"
"I'll get it to you before academy departure."
After that, we exchanged views on a few more matters before calling it.
Not that there were any real conclusions—just sharing info on the Heavenly Origin Art, the tower, and future thesis research directions.
And so.
"See you later. Wait till next break for the thesis, or figure out your own way."
"Yes, don't worry about that part."
I downed the half-cold tea and got to my feet.
"Wyvern, let's go."
[Ah, got it.]
The wyvern, who'd been size-battling Dinner No. 1, came scampering after me.
I watched the waddling beast for a moment, then glanced at Dinner No. 1.
'...Lost, huh.'
Looks like the wyvern lost the size contest; Dinner No. 1 had a triumphant air.
'Chin up. You can still win in a real fight.'
I gave the wyvern some half-hearted consolation and leaped for the window. Or tried to.
If not for Henji's voice from behind.
"Oh, Aster."
"......?"
I perched awkwardly on the windowsill and eyed Henji.
He was staring at me with an unusually serious face, his eyes deep and sunken.
The mood suddenly grew heavy, and I tilted my head—then he spoke soon after.
"Mind if I ask why you're suddenly trying to build up your forces?"
I met his serious gaze for a moment before opening my mouth.
"Should I sit back down?"
"......"
Why ask something like that before I jump?
Henji seemed to realize it too, flashing an awkward smile.
I smiled back and tossed a reply over my shoulder as I leaped out the window.
"I've always liked wealth and glory. Luxury and indulgence too."
Yeah, that was it.
Nothing more.
Build up the tower, get revered as a grand mage, ride that fame to live in wealth and glory, indulging in luxury.
Fill up on expensive meals three times a day... Oh, key point: exactly one forkful per plate, and that's gotta fill you up.
Then when settling the bill at the restaurant, just walk out without taking change.
That's all I wanted.
Just that.
Gliding across the night sky on the wind, Henji's voice faintly brushed my ear.
"Take good care of Roden."
The mana-infused words pierced my ear faintly but clearly.
I nodded silently in response.
'Don't worry.'
Your brother's gonna make a fine slave for the magic tower.
* * *
Time flew after my meeting with Henji.
The 10-page reflection essays three times a day—morning, noon, and night—had become routine.
Now I even had spare time after writing them, which I invested in studying the Heavenly Origin Art manual and reviewing Senior Teheman's summary collection.
For the record, I hadn't learned the Heavenly Origin Art.
'For now... yeah, still feels off.'
Being an unproven manual with no set endpoint, it needed caution. The rest of my time went to examining the Reverse Heaven fragment I'd newly acquired from Baharmut.
But why's that?
'Feels like nothing's really changed this time.'
I stepped in front of the mirror and studied my reflection.
A body that's muscular? Not quite, but solidly balanced. Three Fire Marks above my left chest.
The third one had clearly taken hold successfully...
"Nothing at all this time..."
No real changes.
'I figured I'd at least get future sight or something.'
Was that future vision only possible thanks to the spirits' help that day?
That was when I thought that far.
"Buddy!"
A booming voice from outside the door.
I finished getting dressed. Just as I straightened my clothes, the door didn't just open—it slammed!
"Time to head out!"
I eyed Damian calmly.
Today marked the end of no-contact lockdown.
Damian, whom I hadn't seen in days, didn't look the same as always...
'...He's grown taller?'
What the hell? Does Blandoga feed him something special?
Maybe he noticed my gaze.
Damian subtly shifted his eyes to my head, a sly smile creeping onto his lips.
That's when I noticed the shadow looming behind him.
"Young Master Damian, do you wish to take a semester off from the academy? Please conduct yourself properly."
The gruff butler Ransi tried to rein him in, as always. Or tried to.
But.
"Think about it: if I take a semester off from the academy, who suffers more—me, or you, Ransi? Ever pondered that?"
"......"
Damian masterfully subdued Ransi.
'...He's become even more of a monster.'
I stared at speechless Ransi for a bit, then finished packing. Not that there was much—just the subspace pouch and scattered books on the desk.
"Let's go."
"Time to trouble."
"Trouble, you mean."
"Trouble's right this time."
"...Yeah, sure."
He knew what it meant and used it right.
Anyway, walking side by side with Damian, I wrapped up my thoughts on the Fire Mark.
'Too bad I couldn't figure out the third one's power...'
But it wasn't all disappointment.
The second fragment's power.
Space.
I still couldn't handle even that properly.
Now I could probably use it in real combat, but testing it against Infernal in Baharmut had drained my mental strength like crazy.
And above all.
'Haven't split my circle yet either.'
Blink and circle.
Even without the third fragment, I had a mountain of issues to solve.
So for the time being, rather than eyeing new things, I'd focus on mastering what I had.
And—
'Collect some talent on the side.'
Now was the time to build strength, not chase more gains.
In the past, I'd worry about accidents, but not anymore.
"You watching, Wyvern?"
[Watch what?]
Good. As long as you weren't.
"Keep slacking."
[Thanks, buddy.]
The wyvern, materialized at my call, faded away smoothly. Not that it fooled my eyes.
Anyway, with the wyvern perched on my head, I headed to Blandoga's main gate alongside Damian.
Lady Gammo, butler Alfredo, and assorted Blandoga retainers had gathered. Next to Lady Gammo stood Chenbi and his family.
Chenbi was chatting with them when he spotted us approaching and smiled brightly... or rather, his face stiffened slightly.
"Lo...ng time no see, you two. We...ll met."
"Doesn't seem like it."
"If that's how it looks, you've got sharp eyes."
I patted Chenbi's shoulder and exchanged greetings with everyone in turn.
"Aster, no news is good news."
That was Lady Gammo. Meaning: don't cause trouble.
Then brief hellos to Chenbi's family, and a nod to Henji standing a bit apart.
We were about to head back to the academy when.
"Aster!"
A voice calling me.
It was butler Alfredo.
"Should you face hardship, think of this Alfredo. Financial troubles or... obstacles in completing your studies!"
"......?"
"Heh heh, no need to understand now. Just don't forget: this Alfredo always cheers for you."
Alfredo turned away surprisingly crisply.
I watched him a moment, then fell in step with the procession.
'...Damn.'
Still not giving up?
But the sentiment passed quickly.
I shook off thoughts of Alfredo.
I glanced at the receding Blandoga estate and matched pace with the group heading to the warp gate.
One week till the semester starts.
'Man...'
What an unusually long break.
Here's hoping the second semester's peaceful.
'Please, moon.'
The sun was high noon, of course.
* * *
Upon arriving at the academy, we notified the dorm supervisor and headed to our rooms.
I realized what Alfredo meant right before parting, around then.
"...The hell?"
Did roommate Pola move it?
A letter neatly placed on my desk.
I eyed the Jenion Academy-stamped envelope, then checked the contents. Nothing special.
Just...
[Second Semester Tuition Notice]
Pay up.
Why me?
The question didn't last.
It didn't take long to figure it out.
Unlike his intense gaze before parting, Alfredo's straightforward attitude came to mind.
And above all...
- Aster, I'll be staying in Hazen till term starts, so let me know if anything comes up. For the record, whatever happens has nothing to do with Lady Gammo's will.
Ransi's reminder before parting, too.
I stared at the tuition notice, sighed deeply, and left the room.
Not to pay it, though—and not heading to Ransi's inn either.
'Time to stop taking Blandoga's handouts.'
Grateful as their goodwill was, I was ready to end the freeloading life.
I'd made a killing last semester anyway, pockets full.
'Oh yeah, gotta deal with those relics from Baharmut too.'
Books would go to the tower later, but I'd brought plenty of other artifacts to sell.
Of course, I had a plan for that.
'To snag talent, you gotta test their skills.'
I'd use these relic sales to gauge someone exceptional in commerce.
'Absolutely not 'cause I'm lazy.'
No sir.
The question was who to entrust it to...
'Honestly, Evelyn's perfect, but...'
Truth be told, Evelyn was a lost cause.
She was already handling the trading company's affairs as Goldrin's forbidden fruit.
'Put it this way: she's got no gaps.'
Sure, I had that blackmail orb, but that's for squeezing a cut—not coercing a partner(?).
And I couldn't just smash Goldrin.
Not that I'd given up.
I'd watch the situation calmly for a while.
No rush to decide if a good opportunity popped up.
Mulling the regret, I walked on.
...That's when I realized that 'good opportunity' had come sooner than expected.
"Man, never thought I'd live to see this."
"Whoa, pathetic. So pathetic. What's that guy's deal? Almost makes you wanna cry."
Some spectacle?
Students clustered in front of admissions.
I stood on tiptoe to peer inside, when one voice rang especially clear in my ears.
"Goldrin's heartless, heartless, they said—but no mercy even for the forbidden fruit. Figured the boss lady favored her plenty, though."
"Favored her 'cause she had talent. But she pissed her off somehow? That's that."
Goldrin... Evelyn?
What?
Evelyn fell out of the boss's favor?
Bewildered, I hopped up for a better look—and when I caught sight of the admissions desk.
I instantly knew why the students had gathered.
"Th-this... isn't it enough for tuition? These accessories alone should more than cover it..."
"W-well... in-kind payments violate regulations, unfortunately."
The receptionist looked troubled; Evelyn's face was flushed like she might cry.
Just one glance was enough to grasp the situation.
'Evelyn... a beggar now?'
In this unbelievable sight, I blinked hard.
No, Evelyn a beggar? Out of Goldrin's favor? Makes no sense? But her state says otherwise...
They say when an emotion peaks, the opposite reaction emerges?
My heart tore at Evelyn's plight. The corners of my mouth twitching upward... must be from sheer pity.
Yeah, that was it.