Chapter 13: Persistent Mentor and Victory Revelry
"Why, are you flustered? Can't blame you. It's not every day the clan's strongest warrior offers to take you as his disciple. Kahahahaha!"
Norton looked thrilled, clearly assuming I'd accept his offer without question.
But what now? I had zero intention of becoming his disciple.
No real upside.
I'd already mapped out the fastest path to reaching Ultimate Body, the pinnacle I'd achieved before. And those plans weren't just for getting there—they were stepping stones all the way to Transcendent.
Being Norton's disciple would have perks, sure. Easier access to elixirs I couldn't get at my current level...
But that was it. Anything available inside Mantis Hall would only help up to Maturity Stage. For the legendary elixirs useful after Complete Body, I'd have to venture outside anyway.
It'd boost my standing in Mantis Hall too, but that'd just draw the eyes of the Four Great Lords. Nothing good about that.
I could keep it secret from outsiders, but Norton was on their hit list. Better to play it safe.
Still, it'd make snagging that rune from the Mantis Hall Treasury a bit easier...
That tempted me a little. But I shook my head.
I can get it on my own terms. Becoming that old man's disciple would just bring headaches.
He'd insist on passing down his techniques. And sticking close to him would cramp my style when it came to claiming those opportunities I'd earmarked.
So my answer to Norton was simple.
"I truly appreciate the offer, but I don't think I'm worthy to be your disciple, sir."
"...What? Why?"
Norton's grinning face froze solid. Watching the boisterous uncle's expression turn to stone like that was downright hilarious.
I swallowed a laugh and continued.
"Even if I only learned that manual through some stroke of fortune, in my heart, I've already decided to take Senior Heinz as my master. I can't serve two."
"Hah, is that all? You're young; you might not know, but these days, it's common to have multiple mentors. No need to worry."
I clicked my tongue inwardly at Norton's response.
Not backing down that easily, huh.
He must really like what he sees in me. Even so, the guy had no pride? If it were me, I'd never give a second glance to some prodigy who kicked away a discipleship spot.
But as a former Ultimate Body warrior myself, I could kinda understand. His exquisite techniques were probably impossible for just anyone to learn. He'd likely spent ages searching for a worthy heir.
And here I was, head and shoulders above any genius he'd met. Miss this chance, and who knows when another would come.
"...As you know, my clan is the Small Mantis tribe. Even if I'm showing some promise now... it's all thanks to Master Heinz's techniques. Digesting them is challenge enough; I couldn't handle your guidance on top."
I laid it out nice and long, dragging it out. He'd get the hint, right?
I glanced at Norton's face after speaking.
"Well... you make a fair point."
Good. At least he was reasonable.
Norton stroked his chin, deep in thought.
"You're right—infant prodigies often fizzle out after a flash. And there's that Small Mantis limit too... Fine. Then I'll stick around and make sure your talent blooms properly."
"Pardon?"
What was this? Not taking me as disciple, but hovering nearby? I'd already passed into the Warrior Class—what was left to help with?
But Norton had his own logic.
Even as my disciple, he'd focus on body-building until Maturity Stage anyway... This works better.
Norton smirked inwardly. Mastering Heinz's techniques to that level on his own proved he was the real deal—a once-in-a-millennium prodigy. No way it'd burn out.
Still, the kid was polite, and what if...?
Who knows what could happen during growth? Even the gods don't.
So Norton decided to watch from the sidelines. In his own way!
"We'll meet again soon enough."
Norton grinned at me.
* * *
'Meet again soon?'
I shook my head at Norton's parting words as I headed back to the dorms. That stubborn face—I should've known he wouldn't give up easy.
Looked like he'd be dropping by to pester me now and then. I stuck out my tongue at the thought.
Might as well figure out how to milk him for all he's worth.
As the clan's top warrior, hanging with him could yield some nice perks. I pondered the most efficient way to squeeze him dry.
That's when I stepped into the dorms.
"Oh! Our star of the show finally graces us!"
"Wheee~."
"Aleck! Saved a spot for you right here!"
The exam hall was packed with applicants turned party central.
Looks like all the Warrior Class admits are here.
Bigger than I'd expected—caught me off guard for a sec. But a smile crept onto my face.
Since the clan wars in my past life, I'd never truly relaxed. Always walking a knife's edge.
A worry-free bash like this? My lips curved on their own.
"Come on, our top scorer! Right this way, Aleck!"
Kind bustled over excitedly, ushering me to the center seat amid the crowd.
All eyes on me: envy, admiration, curiosity, goodwill. The same stares I'd gotten after hitting Ultimate Body and becoming the strongest.
But getting them in infancy? Felt different from back then.
Thought I was used to this... Guess starting young changes the vibe.
Not bad at all. I sat with a soft smile.
Ruslan sat across from me. He gave a slight nod in greeting.
I nodded back.
He'd been stone-faced since day one, but now his expression had softened.
Didn't know he could make faces like that.
Probably swept up in the party mood. Kid was still a kid, after all.
It also showed how disciplined he was, body and mind.
But...
I rolled my eyes to the girl beside me.
A fresh scent tickled my nose. Stunning beauty dominating the room—most of the boys kept stealing glances.
Robed.
The mark under her ear confirmed it now.
Orchid Mantis, daughter of the current Mantis Lord. Everyone knew he had a daughter, but not who.
Only a select few for security.
I'd never met her before regression, so no face in mind. But the pieces fit.
Heard she hid her identity through trainee days. Guess it's true.
I side-eyed her curiously. She smiled faintly back.
"Nice to see you again. I'm Robed."
Bingo.
She extended her hand. I shook it.
"Aleck."
Her skin was unbelievably soft. Like she'd never held a weapon.
But Orchid Mantis trait—made sense. I nodded to myself.
This could make a nice picture.
Confirming her identity jogged a memory of a major past event.
The assassination of the Mantis Lord's daughter.
Robed was his heir, murdered before she could inherit.
The Four Great Lords wanted their puppet on the throne.
He'd been infected by their parasites, used through wars until near-extinction.
But if I befriend her, keep her alive to take the throne...
I could tap Mantis Hall's vast resources through her.
Meaning an easier path than soloing the Four Great Lords like before.
"Here, Aleck! Try a glass."
Kind, face flushed, shoved a cup my way. Gourd bottle in his other hand.
"This isn't booze, is it?"
"Heh heh! Nothing gets past you, boss. This here's the hot new Honeybee Brew! Down it goes!"
"What the—"
I stared at Kind in disbelief. Sure, this world didn't fuss much over age for drinking, but dorms had a no-alcohol rule, right?
"Director gave the green light for tonight! Cheers to the boss!"
"Yeeaaah! Cheers!"
Kind raised his cup with a yell. The other admits, already buzzed, followed suit.
I chuckled and took the Honeybee Brew from Kind.
"Wonder how much our Aleck can handle. Heh heh."
His eyes gleamed as he poured—full of expectations.
Looked like he planned to drink me under the table.
I smirked.
Me? Outdrunk?
"Cheers!"
I clinked with Kind and downed it in one go.
"Ooh, straight fire!"
"Here, Aleck. Let me pour one. Congrats on passing."
Who was this guy? Some random acting buddy-buddy poured next.
Cups piled up fast—over a dozen in no time.
"Ugh."
Kind and a few others' faces stiffened.
Their eyes screamed, What? Why's he fine?
Looked like a group plot to booze me out.
"Stop if it's too much. No need to push."
"Yeah, don't force their drinks."
Soft and gruff voices cut in together. Robed and Ruslan blocking incoming cups.
"Aw, c'mon, you old fogeys! Time to drink like me! You're not kids anymore!"
Kind slurred, shooting me puppy eyes. Please don't stop now.
Sheesh.
Why brag about drinking if you suck at it...?
Time to crush his spirit for good.
I grinned and took Kind's cup. Robed shot me a worried look.
Damn, she was gorgeous. That concern in her eyes? Kinda lit a spark.
Been a while.
I curved my lips and downed Kind's pour.
"Gah! More, more... Cheers!"
We traded shots at warp speed.
Woooah!
The crowd cheered, eyes wide—wondering who'd drop first.
I ramped it up.
And soon...
"Ughhh... M-mercy... I-I'm sorryyy."
Kind waved the white flag, couldn't keep pace.
I accepted; he stumbled off to the bathroom.
Serves you right. Hungover hell tomorrow.
"Whoa, Aleck! Real man! Booze beast too? Hit me!"
The fake-friendly dude earlier hyped up, pouring away.
I nodded; he laughed loud.
Minutes later...
"Gah... G-ghoul... monster..."
All talk, worse than Kind. Dropped after a few.
A few more challengers jumped in, cocky.
But they folded quick too.
Wait, Kind's the lightweight here?
These were infant-stage rookies. Barely boozed before—odd if they could hold it.
Kind was the freak.
What kinda life did that guy live?
I chuckled inwardly.
"Aleck... you okay?"
After mowing down the challengers, basking in victory, Robed eyed me worriedly.
Can't you tell?
I shot back with a look. Truth was, I was using a bit of ether...
This frail body couldn't handle even a tenth—nah, a hundredth—of my old limit.
So I kept flushing the hangover with ether.
Staying sharp!
But why's Robed doubling...?
"R-Robed... y-you're a two-head, huh?"
Last words I uttered there.
Then consciousness faded.
Damn, passing out from this pittance...?
One more reason to bail on this weak shell.
Back then, booze fueled my grueling, lonely grind...
Humiliating for a boozehound like me. Blackout after a few drinks!
Gonna devour every elixir here, reclaim my glory ASAP!
Warrior Class meant rewards for results—not pie in the sky.
With that resolve, my mind went dark.