CH 30

The afternoon lectures finally came to an end, concluding all of Monday's classes.

'Ugh.'

I managed to endure by pinching my thigh. 

Using Overload for 10 seconds took a toll on my body.

I calmed my trembling body and barely held back my eyelids from closing. 

Luckily, the practical evaluations following the duel, such as first aid and crisis management, weren't as physical, so I managed to endure them.

'That's why I used Overload.'

Still, the practical evaluations were tough. 

If it were a theory class, I could sit back, relax, and let my mind wander.

"Ah, I'm tired. Let's go."

"Sure, there's a place near the dorms with great chocolate shakes. Want to stop by?"

"Sounds good."

I overheard students chatting.

...Was it the relief of having safely attended all the lectures? My tension eased, and drowsiness quickly washed over me.

But I can't sleep yet. Today is Monday, the day of the Tactical Strategies Club's regular meeting.

[Sub Quest: Join and actively participate in at least 2 clubs.]

Reward: 2 Shop Gold Coins

'I should have just done two. Why did I choose three?'

Despite that, the reward is too tempting. Oh well, I'll just do it.

As I think about following Aisha, who had gone ahead of me,

"Here, Theo."

Noctar approaches me, handing over a black bag.

Judging by the texture, it's the traditional potion of the Noctar Tribe.

But it was as if he had psychic abilities.

It just so happens that I finished the last one yesterday.

"...How did you know I ran out?"

"I thought you'd be out by now if you were consuming it regularly, so I brought some."

"Thanks, I'm off to club activities."

I immediately chased after Aisha. 

Soon, I saw her sitting on a bench under a large tree.

I caught my breath and approached her.

"Whew, Aisha. Sorry for being late."

"Seriously, Theo! Why were you so late? I've been waiting forever. The carriage just left, so let's take it slow."

"Understood. No. Okay, alright.”

"···Just say 'understood' like you used to. Sigh······ People might think I'm the bad guy here."

Aisha and I maintained a distance of about three steps as we arrived at the bus stop in front of the Hero Department's main entrance.

'Ugh.'

Each step felt as though my body would give out.

Step by step.

With great effort, I boarded the carriage.

Since most students had already boarded the previous one, the inside was quiet.

"······."

Drowsiness swiftly enveloped me.

I spoke to Aisha, who sat diagonally behind me, as politely as I could.

"Aisha, I have a favor to ask."

"...Yes?"

"Please wake me up when we arrive."

Aisha looked at me with a puzzled expression. 

She'd probably grant me such a small favor, right?

"······I trust you."

With that, I fell asleep immediately.

***

Raei  Translations

***

Aisha observed Theo, who was sitting far away, with a somber expression. 

Although they resembled each other, their appearances were distinct upon closer examination.

Aisha's trait, [Sharp Vision], activated.

She could see the lustrous silver hair, the flawless white cheeks, and the delicate long eyelashes. 

The straight nose bridge and the sharp jawline were also visible.

Her eyes were drawn to him.

He resembled a beautiful sculpture crafted by a dwarf artisan.

Aisha found it difficult to look away from Theo, who was leaning against the corner of the circular carriage with his eyes closed.

Sss, sss.

She recalled his breathing, which she had heard back in the eastern forest. 

Somehow, it felt comforting.

'He looks so lovely when he's asleep.'

He must be exhausted.

After the duel with Piel, he must have been heartbroken.

Aisha understood, having dueled with Piel herself.

Though she was ranked 6th, she felt an insurmountable gap against Piel, who was ranked 2nd.

She never challenged her again, as further attempts would only bring her disgrace.

'Still, as a descendant of the Waldeurk line, he should possess such spirit. But that doesn't mean he'll give up on being a family head.'

How much time had passed? 

An announcement played, and students flooded onto the carriage.

"!"

Startled, Aisha immediately gazed out the window, as if she and Theo were strangers.

However, once the students stopped streaming in, Aisha stole glances at Theo again.

***

My throat feels incredibly parched.

"…Ugh, um."

Realizing the importance of sleeping posture, I woke up from my sleep.

Looking around, I was still inside the carriage. 

Unlike before I fell asleep, it was now filled with students.

And I saw Aisha, awkwardly gazing out the window.

"…"

Peering outside, I estimated it would take about ten more minutes to arrive.

'It's not the right time to doze off again.'

I just stared blankly out the window with bleary eyes.

***

Theo and Aisha reached the Tactical Strategies Club meeting place.

Fortunately, they were not late.

The club members noticed that Theo appeared more lethargic than usual. 

His usual powerful aura was subdued.

"I'm glad we're not late."

As Theo took his seat, the other club members exchanged knowing glances.

'He must be truly upset.'

'It was practically a public execution. Piel went too far, regardless of her disdain for Theo.'

'But the way he kept getting up...it was impressive.'

They seemed to understand and didn't disturb Theo. 

Even Andrew offered a sympathetic gaze.

***

I went straight back to the dormitory after finishing the club activities.

I skipped dinner. 

I didn't even possess the energy to chew and swallow food.

'Ah, this is absurd.'

I used it for only 10 seconds, and my body ended up in this condition?

Will I genuinely be unable to get up tomorrow?

"You returned early today, young master."

Amy bowed her head with a seemingly happy expression. 

I weakly nodded in acknowledgment.

"Go ahead and get some rest."

"…Huh? It's not even 8 o'clock yet…"

"I'll go to bed first."

I didn't even have the energy to speak. 

Leaving behind Amy, who seemed to have something to say, I waved my hand and entered my room.

I wanted to lie down immediately, but I couldn't go to bed without washing my dirty body first. 

My Twisted Noble's Dignity would never let me hear the end of it. 

I had to wash up quickly.

Gathering my strength, I headed to the bathroom. 

After swiftly rinsing my body, I lay down on the bed.

"Haah."

Once I lay down, sleep didn't come easily. 

My duel with Piel came to mind.

'The difference in our level was too great.'

Even in my Overlord state, I couldn't even graze her clothes.

I wasn't angry or felt it was unfair. 

The gap between us was simply overwhelming.

'Our stats should have been similar for that moment.'

The difference lay in our traits, skills, and speed.

The original game was oddly realistic in some ways.

For example, there's an unrealistic setting like traits and awakenings, but at the same time, there's a very realistic setting where speed and technique are more important than strength in sword fights.

Thanks to the [Observer's Eye], I wouldn't fall for the same technique twice, but Piel was a [Weapon Master] and a [Sword Master].

With these traits, she had achieved a level where she could create her own swordsmanship.

If Piel's swordsmanship were a giant, mine would be a minuscule creature perched on the giant's shoulder.

But I couldn't give up. 

All I could do was try.

I'll do my best to mimic her. 

To analyze her. 

I need to land at least one hit on her this semester to feel satisfied.

'Since I can't do anything about the traits for now... I should focus on honing my skills and speed.'

As I pondered that, I recalled Irene's words about visiting at least once a week. 

It hadn't sounded like a joke.

"Huu."

...I should visit the knight department tomorrow.

Irene should be able to provide a solution.

***

The next day, Tuesday.

A lecture in the Knight Department's classroom was well underway.

"...For this reason, when facing an opponent wearing full plate armor, you should aim for the joints that the armor doesn't cover. That's why you should always carry a dagger."

Despite being an honor student, Mina found it difficult to concentrate on the class.

This was due to Irene, who had applied makeup for two consecutive days since enrolling at the academy - something she had never done before.

"..."

Mina kept glancing at Irene, who wore makeup that did not suit her at all.

Irene had fair, firm, and well-toned skin.

Light makeup would have been more fitting, as if she had barely applied any.

·····But it appeared she had used so much powder on her face that the color of her face and neck were mismatched, and her lips were a vivid crimson, as if bitten by a mouse.

'Her usual appearance is much prettier.'

Mina wasn't the only one who thought so; her peers also stole glances at Irene, their expressions filled with confusion.

Even Jacob, who had confessed his feelings to Irene during the first semester and been rejected, looked appalled.

·····Mina resolved to tell Irene the next day:

Don't ever wear makeup like that again.