Chapter 277: The Ups and Downs of Daily Life
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 277: The Ups and Downs of Daily Life
"Phew."
Muen let out a long breath and opened his eyes, staring blankly at the vast, white sky.
His gaze remained hazy for a moment, as if he hadn't quite returned from the scenes he had just witnessed. It wasn't until a touch of cold seeped into his mind that his soul was finally pulled back from that dark night of blood and blades.
Sparse snowflakes drifted down from the sky, melting against his skin. The bare branches of the plane trees were frosted with silver, looking like a work of art from a painter’s brush.
He was currently sitting under the grove of plane trees he frequented. The surroundings were quiet and undisturbed.
Tranquil and beautiful.
"It’s been a while since I trained in the Black Book. I feel like... maybe I went a bit too hard."
Feeling the faint sense of emptiness in his mind from mental exhaustion, along with the phantom pains that seemed to linger on his limbs, Muen rubbed his temples and couldn't help but let out a wry smile.
Without realizing it, he—the once pampered son of a Duke—had become someone who couldn't stay idle.
He had only just escaped the clutches of Teacher Mela and should have been enjoying this aimless, leisurely time. Yet, not just at night, but even during a brief lapse in focus, he found himself standing once again in the virtual space created by the Black Book. Facing those near-realistic records, he had gripped Elizabeth.
Blades clashing, flesh rending, fighting to the death.
And surprisingly, it felt a little good.
Wait...
Muen shuddered.
Good?
Getting cut by a blade was such a painful thing, yet he actually found it enjoyable?
Could it be that because he’d been cut so many times, he had turned into some kind of masochist?
"No, no, no, that’s definitely not it!"
Muen shook his head vigorously to deny the thought.
The reason it felt good was simply because the brain frantically secretes dopamine to neutralize physical pain.
Just like people who work out regularly become addicted to the gym, this wasn't some psychologically twisted masochistic tendency; it was just the most normal chemical reaction in the body.
"That’s right. I’m a man who aspires to be on top. How could I possibly be a masochist?"
Having found a scientific explanation, Muen smiled with satisfaction and shifted his body, slumping completely onto the bench.
Anyway, first, he needed to relax...
"Muen Campbell!"
A sudden, familiar shout shook the accumulated snow from the branches.
"I knew you’d be here!"
"Hmm?"
Muen casually tilted his head to avoid the falling snow and looked toward the source of the voice.
Black hair spread out casually, framing a face that wasn't stunning at first glance but grew on you the more you looked. Her lips were curled into a smile of reckless confidence.
The girl stood with her hands on her hips. Beneath her somewhat oversized, plain uniform was her trademark... flat chest.
Ariel.
And... Liya, standing behind her.
However, Liya pointedly turned her head away, avoiding eye contact with Muen and showing no intention of joining the conversation. Naturally, Muen didn't bother looking for trouble.
His gaze shifted back.
Muen glanced at Ariel’s intentionally puffed-out chest and couldn't help but show a trace of pity.
Absolutely no change at all.
But then again, according to Liya, Ariel had still been eating nothing but black bread lately. It would be a miracle if there were any changes.
"Where are you looking?" Ariel’s eyebrows shot up as she barked.
"Ahem."
Muen coughed awkwardly to hide his impolite gaze and smiled.
"Long time no see, Ariel. How have you been lately?"
"Hmph, don't act all friendly. I'm not that close to you."
"..."
Still as unfriendly as ever.
"So, do you need something?"
"Hmph... I just saw that you finally came back to class, so I came to return your things," Ariel said coldly, crossing her arms.
"Return my things?"
Muen was stunned.
He didn't remember Ariel owing him anything.
While he was wondering, he saw Ariel pull out a massive suitcase.
She opened it.
Inside, naturally, was a sight Muen knew well: stacks of cash.
"Take this million back. I don't want your stinking money!"
"...So it really was about this?"
Muen sighed. "You don't have to return it. I told you, this was an apology for what I did to you in the past, and also a token of my gratitude for before."
"I don't want it."
Ariel curled her lip and sneered.
"Who knows what you're plotting? If you think you can use this to corrupt my soul and make me lower my guard, keep dreaming!"
"..."
"Anyway, take your stinking money back. We're even!"
Ariel tossed the suitcase to Muen, grabbed Liya, and turned to leave.
Muen looked down at the suitcase in his arms, then glanced at Liya, who hadn't said a word. He called out to Ariel’s retreating back:
"Are you sure? I heard things have been pretty tough for you lately. I can treat it as a loan. Interest-free."
"...No need."
Ariel’s body stiffened for a moment, but her voice remained firm.
"I will overcome all those hardships through my own hard work. I don't need your pity!"
"Is that so?"
"Of course. A guy like you, who wastes time sleeping here in broad daylight, wouldn't understand," Ariel said disdainfully.
"Wouldn't understand, huh..."
Muen thought about it for a moment, then gave a carefree smile. "Well, nothing I can do then."
Since Ariel didn't want it, he couldn't exactly force her, could he?
"Hmph."
Ariel let out a cold snort and pulled Liya away. Her back looked as proud as the invincible Hero from a story, bravely stepping into...
But halfway through, the "Hero" suddenly turned around and marched back to Muen with aggressive steps.
She held out her small hand.
"Hmm?"
"The suitcase..."
"What?" Muen looked confused.
"I said the suitcase!"
Ariel grit her teeth, looking embarrassed and annoyed.
"Suitcases cost money too! You didn't think you were going to take it for free, did you?"
"..."
In the end, the "Hero" came back for the sake of the one hundred and twenty-six Emiels the suitcase was worth.
...
A few minutes later.
A figure returned to the spot.
It was Liya.
"I'm sorry."
Liya came up to Muen, fidgeting with her fingers as she spoke softly.
"Ariel is just too stubborn."
"I don't recall anything you need to apologize for."
Muen raised an eyebrow at her and smiled.
"Besides, isn't that temper of hers kind of cute?"
Stubborn.
It could also be called persistence.
Holding onto her bottom line, holding onto her beliefs.
Without these strong qualities, even with luck and opportunity on her side, she could never have become the sole destined Soaring Phoenix protagonist in this terrifying world.
In a sense, it wasn't surprising that Ariel made this choice.
It was just that she was so focused on the path ahead that she subconsciously ignored the people around her.
Like the lovely girl standing before Muen.
"Then, I'll begin."
"Okay."
Without many words, in this deserted plane tree grove, Liya picked up her violin as agreed and began to play.
Muen closed his eyes and listened.
The music flowed like a gentle stream, tenderly smoothing away his fatigue.
Before he knew it, Muen drifted into a dream...
...
"Is... is my playing not good?"
Who knows how much time had passed, but when Muen opened his eyes again, he saw Liya’s pouting, pretty face.
"I actually bored you to sleep!"
"Ah, sorry."
Feeling that the emptiness in his mind had vanished, Muen stretched contentedly and laughed.
"It wasn't because it was boring. Quite the opposite—it's very rare to find such beautiful music that makes me feel so completely at peace."
"Really?"
"Of course."
Muen pulled a stack of bills from the million Ariel had just returned and handed it to Liya, teasing her:
"Have a little more confidence, Miss Liya. You are my highly-paid private musician. If you don't live up to the name, I won't pay."
"Hmph."
Liya took the money and gave a cute little huff. Something crossed her mind, and her face flushed slightly again.
...
After Liya left, Muen remained reclined on the bench, watching the sky grow dark and listening to the distant sounds of laughter and play as the afternoon classes ended.
"I feel like... things have finally calmed down."
No Evil Gods.
No enemies.
No life-or-death crises.
No love battlefields.
And certainly no cleavers held to his throat at every moment.
Attending classes.
Cultivating.
Killing monsters in the Black Book, and being "tortured" under Teacher Mela.
Listening to Liya’s beautiful music, and occasionally sneaking out of the Academy to find Senior Sister for a wonderful night.
Everything was so peaceful.
"This is the beautiful school life I’ve been longing for."
Soaking in this intoxicating atmosphere, a happy smile unconsciously formed on Muen’s lips.
Regardless of anything else, the villains couldn't possibly start trouble again so soon, and with Teacher Mela stationed at the Academy, no accidents were likely to happen.
Even in the original novel, this part of the plot was glossed over. No unexpected waves should arise.
So, he would take this opportunity to enjoy himself...
"You've been quite leisurely lately, Muen Campbell."
But just then, a familiar figure suddenly appeared at the other end of the bench.
He wore a meticulous, well-fitted gentleman's formal suit, and his top hat sat perfectly straight, without the slightest tilt. He held a silver cane firmly in his hand, inlaid with exquisite gems and engraved with profound, mysterious patterns.
He sat on the bench without warning. Though there was a hint of teasing in his tone, his aged face remained stiff and serious.
"Pro... Professor Prang?"
The smile on Muen’s face instantly froze. He turned his head stiffly to look at the old man sitting beside him, a bad premonition suddenly rising in his heart.
"I've been attending classes properly lately! I haven't skipped!" Muen instinctively sat bolt upright and declared loudly.
"I'm not here to hold you accountable for skipping class."
"Then... then I didn't force Liya either. What’s between us is pure..."
"You can rest easy on that front as well."
Professor Prang gave Muen a half-smile and said:
"While I admit I'm a stiff old man, I'm not so stiff that I'd stop a fair, consensual transaction.
...As long as you don't let things go too far and bully the girl, the Academy will turn a blind eye."
"Haha, is that so..."
Muen gave a dry laugh in response, his mind racing.
He wasn't here to catch him skipping class, nor to stop his transaction with Liya...
Then what was Professor Prang here for?
I haven't done anything bad lately!
He couldn't be here to discuss life goals and ideals, could he?
"Student Muen."
While Muen was wondering, Professor Prang flexed his fingers and gripped his cane. A kind smile—one that made Muen feel increasingly uneasy—appeared on his serious, aged face.
"Do you know about... the Life Church's Pay Homage to the Sage Ceremony?"