CH 115

If you win, you get 5 shop gold coins.

Naturally, my response was—

"So, you're asking me to team up with you, Irene? I understand, let's do that."

An absolute yes, no doubt about it.

In the game, instead of me, Irene pairs up with Neike for the Knight Department 2v2 tournament.

This was an event where she gets a lot of screen time.

But now she's approached me.

The future has already changed considerably, and Irene has directly asked for my help.

More importantly, winning earns 5 shop gold coins.

I'd be a fool not to take this chance. There's nothing to lose even if I fail.

Irene's eyes sparkled as she asked again,

"You're serious, right? You won't suddenly have something else to do and disappear on the day of the event, will you? I mean, I trust you, but... after what happened last time... You really can't do that again."

"...I promise."

That stung, but I couldn't help it back then.

I was bedridden due to the aftereffects of overload.

"Then I'm counting on you, Irene."

I extended my hand to her.

"Likewise, Theo."

With a warm smile that reminded me of a sunny day, Irene shook my hand.

---

---

After parting with Irene, I contacted Amy.

The slight elevation in her voice suggested she's probably with Little Fist.

After that, I returned to the classroom and began an intense study session with Aisha, Noctar, and our orc classmates.

The teaching continued into the late hours of the night.

We were making quick progress, I think that we can wrap things up by tomorrow morning.

Tarkan stretched out lazily.

"Ah, I feel like I saw a new world today. I didn't know studying could be so interesting. I think I should balance my training with some study from now on."

"That's a great attitude, Tarkan. If you're ever unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask Theo."

Encouraged Noctar, his teeth showing in a satisfied grin.

Of course, I'm always here to help.

Orcs, as a race, are known to repay kindness without fail in this world.

And truth be told, I've already received a lot of help from them.

I will make every effort to support them, within my abilities.

It is odd though, being responsible for a bunch of muscular giants all standing well over 190cm and weighing more than 100kg.

Nodding at Tarkan, I said,

"Feel free to ask anytime. The hardest part of starting anything new is often just taking the first step."

I then checked the remaining mana in my [Magic Cartridge].

It was almost depleted, an expected result after using the [Focus] spell all day.

...I guess I should visit Seria later to replenish my mana.

"That's it for today. Let's meet tomorrow morning. Great job, everyone,"

I declared as I quickly packed my belongings.

"Thanks for today, Theo, Aisha. Let's head out, brothers!"

Noctar, with the orcs who seemed relieved after the session, exited the classroom.

Now, only Aisha and I remained.

She seemed to have something on her mind, hesitating to leave even though she'd already packed her things.

"What's on your mind, Aisha?"

"Well, Theo... I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but earlier I saw you talking with Irene at the main gate. Can I ask what that was about?"

"She asked me to team up with her for the Knight Department's 2v2 tournament next Thursday."

"...Have you decided to participate?"

Aisha asked cautiously.

I didn't quite understand why she was asking so cautiously, but I do have the Aisha-specific cheat phrase to use.

"Yes, I can't miss an opportunity to elevate the name of the Waldeurk family. My goal is to win. By the way, are you participating too, Aisha?"

Aisha's eyes widened in surprise.

"Of-Of course! Though I'm not a direct descendant, I'm still a proud member of the Waldeurk family. Of course, I'm participating!"

Her voice rose in fervent enthusiasm, which took me by surprise.

Now that Aisha's participating too, I have another formidable opponent to keep an eye on.

Aisha, after all, is a top-tier student, ranking 6th in the Hero Department.

Plus, she's something of an idol around the academy, with connections here and there.

She might have some useful information.

"Who did you partner up with?"

"I-it's a secret! Of course, my goal is to win too! We might face off, so I can't tell even you, T-Theo!"

Aisha still stuttered as she spoke.

...She must be exhausted from all that intense tutoring with the orc friends today.

Of course, I have no intention of pressing her for answers.

Whether it's Aisha or anyone else, I'll need to win against all of them.

"Got it. See you tomorrow morning. You must be tired, so you should head back soon."

With that, I left the classroom and headed to the Magic Department, where Seria's lab was located.

---

---

Seria was delighted.

For the second day in a row, the mysterious man dressed in black had come to see her.

As she watched the man dressing in front of her, she said,

"Hmm, that's quite a lot of mana to use in just one day. But it's fully charged now."

However, as usual, the masked man remained silent.

He simply tilted his head slightly, a gesture of gratitude.

But that didn't bother her.

She had listened to his voice, recorded on the magic recorder she'd set up the previous day, dozens, if not hundreds, of times.

A deep, masculine voice that contrasted with his androgynous jawline.

Could that be the reason?

Seria became increasingly curious about the man's true identity.

She had never been so drawn to someone before.

Her curiosity seemed insatiable.

She wanted to rip off his mask and see his face right then and there.

But she couldn't.

She was afraid.

The first time they met, she had cast a [Bind] spell on him, but it had no effect.

She feared that if she overstepped again, he might never seek her out again.

This fear suppressed her curiosity.

'Was her name Jang Woohee? I heard there's a first-year from the Hero Department, a young Eastern girl, who possesses the [Magic Nullification] trait.'

Could this man also possess such a trait?

She was curious, but there was no way to find out right now.

But for now, she decided to be satisfied with this much.

After all, he had previously said he would keep coming back to her for mana recharging.

This meant she would see him again.

As these thoughts filled Seria's mind, the man, now fully clothed, handed her a note before leaving the lab.

It read, [Thank you. I'll trouble you again tomorrow.]

Watching the door he exited from, Seria softly murmured,

"I'll be waiting, Mr. Mask."

---

---

The following night, Sunday.

Ataraxia, the guild ranked seventh across the entire continent and first within the Kingdom of Rodemian.

Inside the main office of the Ataraxia guild building, situated in the capital of the Rodemian Kingdom, a structure only second in size to the royal palace.

In the absence of the busy Guildmaster Hallow, Chief Administrator Hailey was, as usual, tending to significant matters late into the night.

After wrapping up her work, Hailey leaned back in her grand chair and lit a cigar.

A thin stream of smoke floated into the air as she exhaled.

After enjoying this last smoke, she planned to personally oversee the midterms at Elinia Academy.

She wouldn't be smoking in this office for a while.

This year’s freshmen class at Elinia Academy is exceptional.

The Hero Department, in particular, boasts a batch said to be the best since its inception.

Neike, Piel, Jang Woohee, Aisha, Andrew, Eshild...

Not only the top-tier students but also others like Ralph and Max have shown extraordinary promise.

As a result, the guild's scouts have been stretched to their limits.

The scouts of the Ataraxia Guild consisted of outstanding veterans, but each has their limits when it comes to handling recruits.

Hailey holds the title of Chief Administrator, the third-highest rank within the guild.

Only the Guildmaster and the Vice-Guildmaster stand above her.

She earned this position through sheer merit.

Naturally, her perspective vastly differs from that of the regular scouts.

Out of the many gems, Neike and Piel would undoubtedly be the first she'd approach.

However, the student persistently on her mind wasn't either of them.

Theo Lyn Waldeurk.

Despite ranking 181st in his year, this student from a prestigious family defeated Ralph Viole, who stood at rank 37, in a duel.

Moreover, recent reports from local agents suggest he consecutively secured first place in other practical evaluations.

This implies his victory against Ralph wasn't just a fluke.

Throughout her journey, taking Ataraxia to its rank of seventh across the continent, Hailey had reviewed numerous profiles of aspiring heroes.

But Theo's case was unique.

It piqued her curiosity.

There had to be something more to him.

With a final long puff of her cigar, Hailey exhaled.

Putting out her cigar in the ashtray, she stepped out of her office, musing,

"I'll find out once I see for myself."

Whether it's a wyvern or a dragon.