บท 18: EP 18 – Class
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I feel like dying.
Not figuratively, but literally.
"-The sword is the most basic weapon, suitable and flexible for any situation-"
The professor's words entered through one of my ears while immediately exiting to the other.
In the first place, it's just the basic stuff. There's really no need to listen to it.
"Professor, I have a question."
And the fact that it's the most basic also goes hand in hand on why on earth is this person is taking this class.
The blood drained from the professor's face when the expressionless Elnore, who was to my left, raised her hand.
"Of course, what is your concern, Princess Tristan?"
"Don't you think the theory is too lengthy? All of that knowledge doesn't work much in real combat."
"I apologize. I will correct it."
The professor stiffly laughed and said that.
It was a very bizarre sight, where the student casually commenting on the class with the professor agreeing, but no one refuted it.
If it's Princess Tristan, no one would dare to point that out.
Nobody.
Except for one.
"Uh, I was listening?"
Elijah to my right retorted with a smile.
She didn't look intimidated by Elnore's cool gaze at all.
"…Don't tell me you think that this kind of tabletop conversation is helpful in actual combat?"
"Classes are at the discretion of the professor. You are not 'forced' to attend."
Elnore closed her mouth in displeasure.
Unlike Elijah, who is a freshman like me, Elnore knew that she didn't need to be here.
From what I heard from Atallante, Elnore 'wanted' to join the class. "Put me with him," she said.
"But even if it's a basic class, it should be more practical than this-"
"Now that's just biased to one opinion-"
The war of words intensifies.
The professor who should be leading the class was left unable to say anything; not against the next hero candidate and the Duke's daughter.
"Then what do you think?"
"Yeah. What do you think, professor?"
And thus, this is why I feel like dying.
They went back and forth between each, before eventually throwing the bomb at me.
"…I think it's better to continue the class for now."
The professor looked so pitiful shivering and turning blue in front. So I went with this for now.
With this, Elnore's brows slightly furrowed while bright smile blossomed on Elijah's face. The professor also let out a relieved smile.
"Alright, one more win."
"…I lost again."
I massaged my forehead as I listened to the murmurs around.
These two have been doing this throughout the entire class.
They discuss the content among themselves and ask me for my opinion at the end. They then decide and tally up the wins or loss based on which side 'I sided with'.
Every time, the winner would be deathly overjoyed, while the loser looked like they're falling apart. It was ridiculous.
What the hell does my words mean to you…?
Why are you doing this to me…?
"…"
Because of this, the other students are looking at me even weirder than it already is.
They're probably thinking like, 'who is this guy to be treated like that by the hero candidate and the princess?'
'I don't know either.'
Uh, I really don't know.
At least, it can be seen from this that the academy is suppressing information about me well. Some don't even know me and was just confused on what's happening.
In other words, Elfante was extremely attentive to my activities.
'…If something goes wrong, they'll take care of it.'
So let's just do what I need to do and distract myself.
As the professor resumed the lecture, I turned my gaze to the window floating in front of me.
< Gift-related Character Notification >
♥ Elnore Elinalise La Tristan
[ Trust Level 5 ] >>> [ Love Level 1 ]
[ Rewards Available! ]
▼ Elijah Krisanax
[ Curiosity Level 5 ] >>> [ Interest Level 1 ]
[ Rewards Available! ]
I then opened the rewards tab.
[ Received Gift Reward from 'Elnore'. ]
[ 'Attribute: Breathing Technique – Duckweed has been obtained'! ]
< Mastery Info >
[ Attribute: Tristan Style Swordsmanship ] [ Grade: Basic ]
[ Current Proficiency: 58% ]
[ Master Sword Technique of the Tristan Duke Family. ]
[ ■ Can exert a certain level of power regardless of weapon. ]
[ Attribute: Breathing Technique – Duckweed ] [ Grade: Basic ]
[ ■ A breathing method that dramatically increases the body's endurance and strength when trained for a long time. It has a high compatibility with the Tristan Style Swordsmanship. ]
'…Compatible?'
""
Duckweed Breathing Technique and Tristan Style Swordsmanship are activated almost as a set.
The person who's using such a combination right now is none other than Princess Tristan, who is sitting to my left.
There are many reasons why Elnore reigned as the final boss, but the combination of these two skills accounted for a large portion of her close range combat power.
Apart from boasting monstrous aggression, her body was as durable and tenacious as a weed. So even if you managed to land a hit, you're nowhere near of knocking her down.
In terms of body-related techniques, it can be regarded as a combination with the highest efficiency.
And then…
[ Received Gift Reward from 'Elijah'. ]
[ Obtained 2,000 points! ]
[ Current Points: 2,000pts]
Instead of something special, Elijah just gave me points. Still, as the main character, the points were quite generous.
However, I wish there was something more…
< System Message >
[ You have exerted more than a certain amount of influence on a character with a good alignment! ]
[ Second gift awakened! ]
""
[ 'Skill: Evil Ruler' has been obtained! ]
"…"
I really awakened another gift!
<Special Gift>
Gift #1- Fated Love
[ Obtain rewards as you gain favorability of characters with an evil alignment. ]
Gift #2 – He Who Touches Pitch Shall Be Defiled Therewith
[ Obtain rewards as you gain favorability of characters with a good alignment. ]
[ However, this is given at a much smaller level than those with evil alignment. ]
[ Instead, if you taint a character with a good alignment with negative tendencies beyond a certain level, you will receive a great reward! ]
< Skill Info >
[ Skill: Evil Ruler ] [ Grade: E ]
[ Bewitch characters of the good alignment that you have sufficiently influenced. ]
[ Character under Evil Ruler must do one thing you asked for. ]
[ Characters Under Rule: None ]
I read the text in front of me.
'…Hmm.'
Then I read it again
No. I don't quite understand.
To sum it up.
Does that mean that if I make a good guy bad, I get a reward?
That's…
"…"
Is that right
It was soon the last subject for the day, which was 'Introduction to Survival Science'.
The class will be held at walking distance from the academy in a beautiful verdant forest named, 'Fairy Forest'.
On the outside, it looked no different than your typical jungle. But it sharing a history with Atallante, an Eternal, meant that it's far from ordinary.
The forest harbored all kinds of beasts, magical plants, and rare minerals.
Some could literally kill you.
At this time, Elnore and Elijah also finally quieted down.
It could be that they got tired from constantly fighting. But the real reason was that there's no arguing here, not with the one in charge of the class.
"Welcome, chicks."
Conrad spoke indifferently.
However, facing the Knights Faculty Dean, the freshmen were visibly nervous.
After all, anyone with some knowledge of the state of Elfante knew the notoriety of this class.
"Survival science is the product of practical combat skills gathered by miners and dungeon explorers. If you don't want to die, pay attention."
The Dean's appearance was not at all exciting. Moreover, talking about death right off the bat doesn't exactly help with the heavy atmosphere.
However, for generations, it was customary for the Dean to lead the first class. There was no way around it.
You can clearly tell that this was an important subject. In fact, some students' eyes were gleaming eagerly because of the extra hiring credit, which is especially advantageous in the Imperial Family recruitment.
"The task is simple."
But Conrad's following words immediately doused those passionate flames.
"Bring me something I like from the forest. I'll give you all 10 minutes."
"…"
"Ah, and also, just scream loudly if you feel like you're about die. I'll come and save you. However, don't expect a high mark."
"…"
Amidst the deafening silence, a student carefully raised their hand.
"What is it?"
"…Um, are there no rubrics?"
"Like I said, bring me something I like. You'll be graded accordingly."
"…"
"Remember little chicks, life is a battle. Now, you have 5 minutes to prepare."
"And Student Council President, please help me in grading."
While the other students were busy contemplating Conrad's words, I was in my own bubble just staring at the status window.
Gift #2 – He Who Touches Pitch Shall Be Defiled Therewith
[ Obtain rewards as you gain favorability of characters with a good alignment. ]
[ However, this is given at a much smaller level than those with evil alignment. ]
[ Instead, if you taint a character with a good alignment with negative tendencies beyond a certain level, you will receive a great reward! ]
I have no idea what this means.
'Taint a character with a good alignment with negative tendencies' is too abstract.
'…Well, at least, it should be relating to 'bad'.'
I mean the name of the gift itself had negative connotations.
"Mr., wanna go together?"
Elijah suddenly asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.
Well, I'm not interested.
"You can go with your friends."
I said while while pointing at the "main character party" gathering nearby.
The warrior Luca, the mage Falco, the healer Trisha and the marksman Grid.
After the assassination incident, they became friends.
"…Um, Mr. is also my friend, so why not go together?"
"No, thank you. I'll be fine."
Uh, like legit, she can't be with me.
Elijah needs to get acquainted with the main character party right away.
As the only saviors of the world, they need to grow powerful as soon as possible.
I'll only be hindering them if I tag along.
"And we're not that close, are we?"
"…"
Elijah pouted discontentedly at my remark.
"…This makes me sad, really. Ah, Whatever!"
She left.
She looked angry.
"Excuse me."
I then heard someone calling me from the side.
When I turned to look, I saw a handsome blonde haired man, who's oozing with a model student aura.
'Ah right, there was this character.'
I instantly remembered who this guy was from the spear on his back.
Tallion Armand.
He's the eldest son of Armand, an honest viscount. Among this year's freshmen, he was undoubtedly a standout talent.
I remember him being a perfect character in the game. Unblemished regardless of the degree of scrutiny.
Integrity. Humility. Composure. Disciplined.
And his skills were just right below Elijah.
This was why he got his own fan club despite being a freshman.
More importantly.
'… Wasn't he the mid-boss of Chapter 1?'
This guy will get corrupted from some kind of accident and turn into a boss.
I didn't expect to meet him this way.
'But why is he here?'
Just as I tilted my head in wonder, Tallion soon cleared my doubts.
"You, what's your relationship with the hero candidate?"
"… Uh?"
I couldn't help but make a confused noise.
No, I didn't mean to do that, it's just that I can't guess his intentions.
"What do you mean? What relationship?"
"Why did you approach… Excuse me, I meant how did you get acquainted?"
Although he was being polite, his sharp gaze tell a different story.
It's as if he's trying to uncover everything about me.
'…Ah, I see what it is.'
I remember that Elijah was his 'idol', a role model to reach. Even if it's just once, he wanted to be her equal.
"I guess it's because she wanted to be friends?"
The corner of his eye twitched when I told him the truth.
"… To someone called a fraud?"
His tone became a bit aggressive.
At the same time, my eyes widened but it's not because of this guy's change.
< System Message >
[ A character with a good alignment was enraged by your influence! ]
[ Some gift conditions have been met! ]
Rather, it's because of the system window that popped up in front me.
'Is this how it works?'
Basically, the more I make this guy angry, the more likely I get rewarded?
So 'negative tendency' include anger.
"…"
The cogs in my brain began to quickly turn.
I could kill two birds with one stone. Not only could I activate the gift, I could also potentially plant 'Evil Ruler' on this guy.
Plus, I'll get rewards as a bonus.
'This ain't that bad.'
You have to keep in mind that this man isn't just your average Joe, but a mid-boss. There are many ways he could be used for.
'I could also use the corruption event to my advantage.'
If things don't deviate too much, it shouldn't be that difficult.
Now, my job here is simple.
Agitate this guy until the gift conditions are met.
"But there is no evidence of it though?"
"I'm certain of what I saw. There's also no proof that the sparring between you and the hero candidate isn't a fake, is there?"
It looks like the academy is doing a good job.
Despite having stood out multiple times in incidents, I could still maintain a degree of awareness among the students.
"As I've said."
I couldn't help but smile bitterly inside. I especially appreciate that awareness now.
"I don't know why, but she wanted to be friends that's all."
"…I don't believe it."
"Why?"
Because I can really rile him up with this.
"Is it because you feel hard-stuck after seeing the person you made your goal got defeated in one hit? Is that why you don't believe that the sparring was fair?"
His eyebrows twitched.
This was the crux of the situation.
He can deny it all he wants but he had no reason to pick a fight against me if it's not this.
"And."
I added with a smile.
"Let's say it was indeed a fraud, what would you do?"
"…What?"
"I'm saying that even if I am a scammer, I'd be better than you."
Tallion's face contorted in anger.
"…Then, let's make a bet."
Her said with gleaming eyes.
"Let's see who gets the better grade in this! How about that?"
[ Gift Prerequisites Met! ]
[ The other party was enraged! ]
[ You'll be rewarded for your opponent's humiliating defeat! ]
Alright.
Got him.
●
"…Hey, Student Council President."
Conrad looked bewildered.
Meanwhile, Elnore's expression remained unchanged.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Although I did ask you to help me grade the outputs, I didn't ask you to do a sloppy job."
"I haven't been sloppy."
"…"
Conrad wordlessly looked at the paper that Elnore had given him.
This was what she did as soon as he gave her the grading tools.
"Then can you please explain why Dowd Campbell got a perfect score when the class hasn't even started yet?"
"Because it's perfect."
"…"
"He got a full marks."
What is she saying?
Conrad squinted at her but Elnore continued, still expressionless.
"It seems that you are not satisfied."
"Would you be if you're in my shoes?"
"Then, I'll observe him more closely and write down why he got a perfect score. I'll come back after going into the woods."
"…You just wanted to stick with him from the very beginning, didn't you?"
"No."
Elnore calmly replied.
"I just don't want him to be alone with that freshman, Elijah."
"…"
"I have a feeling that something is going to happen between them inside. Please let me join."
"Thank you for being honest."
It was indeed the case.
Conrad grinned.
"Stay put, before I kick you out for disrupting the class."
"…"
However, just because she's being honest, it doesn't mean that Conrad would just accept everything.
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