CH 58

The next morning, Thursday, I woke in peak condition.

●Elixir of Stamina Recovery [Grade: Hero] : Consuming it rapidly restores stamina... :The time and amount of recovery vary depending on the individual's condition. :After consumption, a cooldown period exists which varies per individual. [View Details]

This was all thanks to the potion Amy had given me yesterday.

'I should thank Siena.'

In the original 'Kyren Zena Chronicles' story, stamina plays a role, not just HP and MP.

If you deplete all your stamina, you're left incapacitated.

So managing stamina is as crucial as managing HP and MP.

Hence, this [Elixir of Stamina Recovery] is an item even the wealthy think twice before using carelessly, especially in the game's later stages.

It's not something money can easily buy.

It's a hero-grade consumable - from ordinary, rare, hero, legend, to myth - you can only obtain by building a certain level of favorability with the elves.

Anyways, it's bought me some time.

Typically, I'd be out and about only by Saturday.

But now, I've gained an extra two days.

And there's another bonus.

[You have completed a hidden quest. You have received 10 silver coins as a reward.] : Increase stats without item assistance (repeatable) [Total reward: 10 silver coins]

Finally, my strength level has gone up from 7 to 8.

My stamina is still at 7, but with all the tumbling I've been doing, it's likely to increase soon, right?

'Was the traditional orc tribe's elixir effective after all?'

Truthfully, if I didn't notice any effects until next week, I was considering not using it anymore.

The taste is the absolute worst, second only to mint chocolate.

"Time to get ready."

I lightly stretch, shower, and eat the breakfast Amy delivered.

Amy suggested, 'Young Master, it would be better not to take the tonic I gave you last time.'

So, I didn't use the [Lesser Spirit Repellent].

Siena likely warned her about it.

'First, I'll visit Rok to assess the aftermath... then I'll squeeze in some training before visiting Irene.'

...I hope she isn't too upset.

I certainly owe her an apology.

Like I once told the four─Neike, Andrew, Eshild, Aisha─ I believe that even negative feelings can turn into good ones with enough effort.

The original story had many such cases.

After finishing breakfast, I prepare to take the carriage.

"Hmm."

I sense a gaze from somewhere.

...Someone's watching me.

Using the [Amplification Orb] to enhance [Observer's Eye], I scan my surroundings carefully.

Near a general shop by the stop, I noticed something amiss.

It was an exceptionally subtle energy.

Only a few within the academy could conceal their presence like this.

"What's going on?"

Approaching the general shop, I murmured.

"...Jang Woohee."

"You actually saw me. I'm glad to see you, Theo."

Jang Woohee emerged from behind the general store, like a shadow slithering into view.

'As expected.'

I studied her with a placid gaze.

There was no escaping her anyway.

Despite being just 14, Jang Woohee had no qualms about killing. She had been trained as a deadly weapon from an early age.

The fact that she's shown herself to me implies she must have completed her investigation into me.

"It's strange."

"···What is?"

"For the heir of a renowned family, famed across the continent, there's surprisingly little information about you. All I found were frivolous, worthless tidbits like [The Disgrace of the Waldeurk House] and [The Tiger That Gave Birth to a Puppy]."

"What are you implying."

Feigning ignorance, I probed.

I had a hunch as to why Jang Woohee was approaching me, but I wasn't entirely certain.

"Let me be honest. I really have no idea who you are."

Suddenly, a deadly intent radiated from Jang Woohee's impassive face.

"But you must have a fairly, no, extremely proficient informant to have known my identity, right? Or perhaps you had another means."

"…So, are you planning to kill me?"

"I don't plan on killing you right now, of course. However-"

Suddenly, even Jang Woohee's serene eyes were alight with murderous intent.

"If you become unnecessary, I'll have to kill you. You pose a danger; all my senses are warning me of this."

"…What do you want."

Externally, I maintained my composure, but inside I was petrified.

She was a top-ranked assassin in the world.

While she felt merely formidable in the original story, it was terrifying to confront her in reality.

I used the [Amplification Orb] to amplify [Twisted Noble's Dignity], doing my best to seem nonchalant.

If Jang Woohee decided to kill someone, she would do so without batting an eye.

'I need to hold on.'

However, it doesn't mean she relishes in killing.

A flicker of sorrow crossed Jang Woohee's eyes.

"······I'm looking for a prophet."

Jang Woohee whispered.

'So she thinks I have the power of prophecy.'

The moment my suspicion morphs into certainty.

The best way to prevent the academy's downfall is to persistently undermine [Turning White], a group of villains.

The reason behind having her decode the code and inducing her to seek me out was all part of my plan.

Jang Woohee fell right into my trap.

She would make a reliable ally.

She doesn't refrain from using any means necessary.

Besides being tight-lipped, she barely displays the emotional turmoil typical of young female students.

I offer her the information she desires, and she carries out my commands.

In essence, it's a mutually beneficial relationship.

Jang Woohee broke the silence.

"Are you... a prophet?"

Anticipation practically leaked out of her voice.

"Hmm."

For a moment, I feigned contemplation.

Naturally, this was all part of setting the scene.

Finally,

"Yes."

I whispered back.

Jang Woohee drew nearer and whispered into my ear.

"…Prove it."

"Why should I?"

In this narrative, prophets were rarer than spirit wizards.

Moreover, it's difficult to approach them as they're usually under national protection.

Even across the whole continent, there are fewer than ten genuine cases.

And the majority can only foresee fragmentary pieces of the future.

"…Then die."

But Jang Woohee's murderous intent had been waning for some time.

'She's bluffing.'

Genuine prophecy users are more scarce than dragons.

Jang Woohee can't kill me.

Her primary motive for enrolling at Elinia Academy was to locate a prophecy user, to begin with.

"Think harder. Don't act like a child. Shouldn't you first propose what you can offer me?"

"...Name your demand."

Jang Woohee narrowed her eyes.

"There will be operatives from an organization named [Turning White] within the academy. Francis, who was apprehended on Monday, was also a member. Without revealing your identity, identify the remaining infiltrators. Once I have seen your capabilities, I'll decide whether I can share the words of the divine with you."

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Raei  Translations

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Jang Woohee vanished, determined to find the infiltrators.

I headed to the Hero Department to meet with Rok and assess the aftermath of the Magic Dungeon incident.

As one would expect from a senior professor, his work was thorough and immaculate.

If everything goes according to his report, I should evade any suspicion from [Turning White].

"I've checked it, Senior Professor. Please proceed as planned."

"Understood. Bear in mind, the suspension of classes only lasts this week."

"Understood."

I stepped outside.

'But what could be the identity of that bald old man?'

The amplified [Twisted Noble's Dignity] was still in effect.

But even when I used the highest level of respect, I felt no discomfort.

His presence in the original story was minimal.

The future has already deviated significantly.

I can't deduce anything with my current knowledge.

So I must minimize the variables.

'…I'll have to task Jang Woohee with investigating that bald man later.'

With my thoughts in order, I made my way towards the training grounds.

I'm here to review my duel with Julia.

Kieeek─

I beeline towards the swordsmanship training ground.

···In the main hall, a woman with striking red short hair was mopping up her sweat.

She seemed to have completed an intense training session, her body soaked in sweat.

'Piel.'

I attempted to avoid eye contact, but our gazes inadvertently met.

“······.”

Piel merely stared at me with a peculiar expression.

There was no hint of an apology in her demeanor.

I quickly looked away.

'Let's each go our separate ways.'

Truthfully, my anger toward her had all but evaporated.

Even though she spouted nonsense about me being a contractor of a demon······ I wasn't.

What does she expect me to do? I have no idea how to prove otherwise.

And whenever a threat looms over the academy, she will undoubtedly be a great asset.

Unlike in the original story, Piel will no longer be deterred in front of the colossal wall named Neike.

She embodies a sense of justice in every route.

That was enough.

I'll be myself, Piel will be Piel. Maintaining this distance is ideal.

Just as I was about to stride toward the training ground.

"···Hey."

Piel called out.

···There's nobody else around.

Ignoring her would only make things more awkward.

"What?"

"You······ were at the Knight Department two days ago, right?"

"What about it?"

"...You won. Against the unofficial strongest."

"Yeah."

“······.”

Piel didn't utter another word.

But her face flushed and she seemed to hesitate.

"If there's nothing else, I'll leave."

"Wa, wait..."

Piel clenched her eyes shut.

"Don't, don't get the wrong idea and just hear me out."

"What is it?"

Why is she hesitating so much?

Is she about to apologize?

"Ca, can you... remove your clothes for a moment."