Chapter 87
Chapter 87
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: No Plan is the Plan
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A few days after the administration office's announcement, a mission briefing was held in the auditorium.
The students, who had been enjoying idle days, gathered with heavy sighs.
The considerable distance to the destination seemed to cast a gloomy atmosphere.
"Did you see the announcement? The duration is no joke."
"I heard the farther you go, the more extra points you get this time."
"But that doesn't mean we should go all the way to the Forest of the Dead."
"Isn't it obviously either mission one or two? What kind of crazy person would choose mission three?"
As someone's voice echoed through the auditorium, I was in the middle of a passionate speech to my friends.
"I'm telling you, it's number three."
"That's the Forest of the Dead. Can't you feel everyone staring at you like you're insane?"
"We just go, take a quick look, and come back. But they give a lot of extra points! It's a total steal."
"It might be a relatively easy mission, but still, that place is..."
"Trust me and follow. I've been there a few times, so I know it inside and out."
It seemed my confident persuasion had worked to some extent.
After all, Frixon, Curtis, and Mac nodded one after another.
Of course, Camil didn't seem to have any thoughts on the matter, so I could just drag him along.
Just as I was feeling satisfied that the mission assignments would go as planned, someone suddenly stepped onto the stage.
Clarence Warlock, the tactics professor with the image of a neighborhood uncle.
He was a former Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army.
He was also known by nicknames such as the Master of Strategy and Tactics, and the Beast of the Battlefield.
"Attention."
Silence.
Despite him not exuding any particular aura, the auditorium fell silent.
Professor Warlock then smiled and casually remarked.
"It's good to see all of you maturing with each passing day."
"..."
The students wore dumbfounded expressions.
*'Isn't that because if even one person doesn't listen, we're guaranteed hellish training, Professor?'*
I, too, questioned Clarence Warlock inwardly.
But I didn't bother to say it out loud.
That guy's hearing is unbelievably sharp.
His level isn't that high, so I have no idea how he does it.
"Since you've all seen the announcement, you're well aware that there are three missions this time. Now, please pay attention here."
*Flip!*
As Professor Warlock flipped over the paper on the board, large text appeared.
The students craned their necks, trying to read the contents.
1. Escort Mission: Karzan Duchy
2. Subjugation Mission: Vicinity of Foven
3. Exploration Mission: Forest of the Dead
The assignment chart had one more piece of information than the bulletin board announcement.
The mission objective was now listed.
Clarence Warlock pointed to the teaching assistants at the front of the stage and spoke.
"For this group mission, we've decided to give the students a choice. We will place three signs at the front, so please move to your desired mission. There are no personnel limits. Now, begin!"
*Rumble!*
As soon as Clarence Warlock finished speaking, a mass exodus began.
They flocked to the signs left by the assistants and formed lines.
Most of them ran to missions one and two, but I wasn't particularly worried.
Of course, there were friends who would follow me...
"...or so I thought. There were none?"
I had confidently stood in front of the sign for mission three, but only a cold wind blew behind me.
When I turned to look, everyone had gathered for mission two.
*'Wow! After all that explaining, those guys?'*
The Forest of the Dead was a place of notorious repute.
The terrain was rough, and inexplicable phenomena often occurred.
However, simply scouting the vicinity wouldn't expose one to its demonic energy.
I had even been to Esmeranta's Tower, hadn't I?
Honestly, for its terrifying reputation, getting in and out was surprisingly easy.
"How could you all abandon me!"
When I shouted in a hurt tone, Frixon and Curtis gave me awkward smiles.
"Hey, let's take it easy this time. You should come over here too."
"Yeah. The extra points aren't even that much, and it'll be a huge pain... Besides, haven't you already surpassed the maximum score?"
Just as Curtis said, since I'd taken first place so often, my extra points were practically shooting through the roof.
In fact, I was at a level where I could secure an upper-middle rank even if I didn't participate in any more missions from now on.
But that wasn't a reason to do an escort or subjugation mission.
*'It's no fun. No fun at all!'*
Wouldn't it be much better to roam freely than to stand guard bored out of my mind?
But my friends seemed to have no intention of coming over here.
I looked at Mac Ties, filled with my last shred of hope.
With sparkling eyes.
"Ugh! That's too much pressure."
"Gasp! Mac, you too..."
"It's no use looking at me like Puss in Boots."
Mac coldly turned his head away.
It seemed he was seriously peeved because I'd been working him like a slave.
I figured I should buy him a gift while on the mission to win him back.
That way, I could keep dumping student council work on him in the future.
*'Anyway, does this mean I'm really going alone?'*
Even though there was an Imperial Army exploration team on-site, the students had to travel there by themselves.
The journey was bound to take a considerable amount of time, and I had to go it alone.
How was this any different from taking on a mission from the assassination guild?
As I stared dejectedly at the sign for mission three, I suddenly sensed someone's presence.
I glanced over and saw Camil Felton with an annoyed expression.
"Oh! You may be the son of my enemy, but you're the only one for me."
"What are you talking about? Enemy?"
"A slip of the tongue. You truly are a loyal friend."
"I only came because I hate crowds. Stop being so loud."
"Ooh, your prickliness just makes you seem even more loyal."
"..."
The guy stopped grumbling and squeezed his eyes shut.
It seemed he'd realized that no matter how much he complained, I wouldn't listen.
*'Good. Whatever the case, I've secured one person.'*
Now, at least I wouldn't be traveling alone, which was a relief.
But it was right at that moment.
With a murmur, the crowd parted down the middle.
Soon, someone crossed the auditorium and came to stand behind the sign for mission three.
Flowing, dark brown hair, and a voluptuous figure that couldn't be hidden even by her loose martial arts uniform.
An elegant gait and a faint, flower-like scent.
"Adel Richter?"
As I suddenly muttered her name, she gave a gentle smile.
Her achingly beautiful smile was enough to momentarily silence the students' murmuring.
Soon, voices filled with incomprehension erupted from among the students.
"His Highness the Third Prince is still at mission one, though? Why?"
"I can't understand why she'd go to such a dangerous place. Is she short on points?"
"I heard her scores are a bit low in the physical categories."
"Even so, why choose such a grueling mission?"
"Maybe the student council president has some dirt on her?"
"Adel! If you're being blackmailed, shake a carrot!"
Their voices went beyond mere whispering.
*'It's not like she's walking to her death. They're being too harsh.'*
When I glared around at the crowd, they all hastily averted their gazes.
*Ahem!* At times like this, power is pretty great.
Having cleared away the rabble with a single look, I greeted Adel with a gentle smile.
"This mission is super easy. Come on over."
Ah, was that too much of a veteran player-type comment?
* * *
This mission was to be carried out by three newly formed student corps.
Naturally, the leaders were Franz, Ellington, and myself.
The leaders of each student corps were selected based on the rankings from the president election.
"From this moment on, this place is designated as the headquarters of the 3rd Student Corps."
*Thump!*
"This is the student council meeting room, though?"
As I slammed my hand on the desk and made the declaration, Mac Ties retorted with a look of disbelief.
But I firmly dismissed any other opinions.
"It's up to the student council president."
"That's a serious abuse of power."
"No, this is a perfect utilization of it. So, everyone who's not involved, get out."
I kicked all my friends out.
After monopolizing the spacious meeting room and waiting, Adel soon entered.
"Oh? I heard everyone was gathered, but where is Lord Camil?"
"Over there."
"Ah, same as always."
Camil Felton was sprawled out in the back of the meeting room, fast asleep.
His name was on the list of student council officers, but he was a guy with absolutely no assigned duties.
A ghost member, so to speak.
"Don't worry about him. He plays his part, doesn't he?"
"Outside of official duties, you mean?"
"He'll be useful for something if we take him along."
"Shall we begin then?"
Adel Richter placed a considerable amount of documents on the desk.
Seeing how meticulously each one was organized, I could get a good sense of her usual personality.
"I did some research on the mission's background. The Forest of the Dead has been around for a long time, so a sudden exploration mission seems a bit strange, don't you think?"
"That's true."
"Apparently, there was an incident on the eastern border recently. As the Forest of the Dead continued to expand, the Imperial Army suffered damages."
"Wait, expansion?"
"Yes."
*Ssk.*
Adel placed two maps of the border side by side and pointed out the changed areas.
I could then see that a significant area had been encroached upon by the Forest of the Dead.
"That's not the only strange thing. There were reports of monstrous screams and strong vibrations coming from deep within the forest. They say it's gotten quiet recently, which is also strange."
"So, the conclusion is?"
"...There's some kind of incredible being lurking inside the Forest of the Dead?"
"And if we just figure out what that is, we're done?"
"Yes, since it's just an exploration mission. The Imperial Army will handle the subjugation."
After she finished speaking, I nodded with a satisfied expression.
*'She's certainly capable. Someone like her should be in our assassination guild. So clear and organized, how great is that?'*
Then I wouldn't have to get pissed off at the Owl Strike Division's condescending directives.
I wanted to recruit her exclusively, just like Abigail.
But then, she rested her chin on her clasped hands, gave a meaningful smile, and spoke.
"Now, tell me."
"What?"
"So, what's your plan? There must be a reason you chose this place. It's time to reveal it."
At Adel Richter's question, I tilted my head with a bewildered look.
"Huh? I don't have anything like that."
"That can't be. Are you planning to defeat that incredible being and exceed the mission's objectives? Is that it?"
What's with this sudden leap in logic?
I replied with a naive expression, as if I truly knew nothing.
"Having no plan is the plan. If you don't make a plan, you can't fail."
"My prediction was wrong? That can't be. You must be hiding something."
She muttered disjointed things to herself, seemingly lost in confusion.
To this Adel, I delivered the final blow.
"Nope. There's nothing like that."
"Then what's the reason you chose the Forest of the Dead?"
"Just a hunch?"
"No, how can you make such a critical decision without any thought?"
"It's worked out fine for me so far."
"..."
I watched her dumbfounded expression and let out a small laugh.