Chapter 2: Laphae

(Night)

"As for attribute values, you should all have some understanding, but now I'll officially teach you the relevant knowledge," our homeroom teacher said as he wrote on the blackboard, presenting knowledge I had long memorized.

While he wrote, he continued:

"STR—determines a person's strength, the amount of pure physical strength."

"AGI—determines a person's agility, how fast they can move."

"VIT—determines a person's constitution, physical defense and stamina depend on this."

"INT—determines a person's intelligence, the effectiveness of magic attacks and related effects depend on this."

"Does anyone know the relationship between 'Inherent Attribute Values,' 'Potential Attribute Values,' and 'Individual Attribute Values'?"

"I know."

Chubby kid eagerly raised his hand first.

"Alright, Diru, answer."

Chubby kid stood up and said, "Inherent Attribute Values refer to the attribute points gained each time you level up. With each level up, your Inherent Attribute Values increase by that level's amount. Each person has different inherent attributes, so the increase in attribute points will vary."

"Like in my Inherent Attribute Values, STR is '20,' AGI is '7,' VIT is '23,' and INT is '10.' So, with each level up, I'll gain '20' points of STR, '7' points of AGI, '23' points of VIT, and '10' points of INT in my Individual Attribute Values."

Clearly showing off, but I, Night, couldn't deny my envy because every time I level up, my attribute points only increase by an average of '10,' the epitome of mediocrity in Inherent Attribute Values.

"As for Potential Attribute Values, they represent the attribute points gained through growth and training. For instance, a newborn baby has very low Potential Attribute Values in all categories. But as one grows older, along with physical and mental development, Potential Attribute Values will correspondingly increase. If one diligently practices, Potential Attribute Values will also increase accordingly."

"As for the final 'Individual Attribute Values,' it's essentially a person's true strength—multiply Inherent Attribute Values by level and add Potential Attribute Values. This results in the final 'Individual Attribute Values.' A person's true strength is ultimately determined by the intensity of their 'Individual Attribute Values.'"

He's completely right.

More like these are common knowledge, and it's strange not to know them.

— Well, to be fair, there are kids who don't know these things.

"Very well said, please take your seats."

The teacher gestured for the chubby kid to sit down and continued:

"What Diru said is correct. This is the relationship between 'Inherent Attribute Values,' 'Potential Attribute Values,' and 'Individual Attribute Values.' You all had your 'Appraisal' of attribute values yesterday. Due to differing personal talents, the results naturally vary. Here, I need to congratulate Laphae, a student in our class. Her 'Appraised' attribute values have undoubtedly attracted national attention. Our class has a true genius — perhaps you may not fully understand now, but someday, you'll feel proud to have been classmates with her. So, I hope you cherish the camaraderie among your classmates."

As he spoke, the teacher turned and wrote Laphae's attribute values on the blackboard.

Just as the teacher said, a true genius has emerged in our class — although it's hard for me to accept that it's Laphae.

After all, in my eyes, she's just a troublesome tagalong!

However, the reality is right before me, and I can't help but believe it.

[Laphae]

LV.0 (0%)

Title: None

Occupation: None

Magic Power: None

Skill Points: 0

〈Individual Attribute Values〉

STR: 4

AGI: 6

VIT: 3

INT: 9

〈Inherent Attribute Values〉

STR: 17

AGI: 50

VIT: 33

INT: 199

〈Potential Attribute Values〉

STR: 4

AGI: 6

VIT: 3

INT: 9

〈Exclusive Skill〉

None

〈Skills〉

None

What does it mean to be a genius?

This is what it means.

As the teacher said, with Laphae's Inherent Attribute Values, the Royal Academy in the capital city would snatch her away. Even though I, Night, am a commoner, the female me, Yue, is a knowledgeable noble lady who understands clearly. Laphae's Inherent Attribute Values are such that hardly anyone in the entire country could surpass them except for Yue.

To avoid wasting such a talent, the kingdom would never allow Laphae to stay in this small town.

—Perhaps our time together is drawing to a close.

Thinking about it this way... I can't feel completely despondent.

It's not that I'm heartless; the key is that even if Laphae goes to the Royal Academy, the female me, Yue, will be there!

I truly can't sense a real separation coming.

Well, when the time comes, I'll still have to continue looking after this girl, born to toil.

—While I'm thinking this, Laphae doesn't see it that way at all.

She's crying with all her might.

Just as I had expected, before the graduation day of October 30th even arrives, representatives from the Royal Intermediate Academy have come directly to Laphae's home—knocking on her door.

Laphae wails and cries, saying she doesn't want to be separated from me, but such matters aren't within her control.

Her parents are beyond thrilled, unable to refuse the invitation from the Royal Intermediate Academy.

The academy even promises to find jobs for Laphae's parents in the capital city and provide them with a house.

Even if Laphae is unwilling, she has to accept reality.

In the end, before our separation, I played with her for several more months. It was only on January 30th of the following year, the day before the start of the Intermediate School's new term, that I personally put her and her parents on the train bound for the capital city.

As for me—plain, ordinary me—I would continue to while away my days at the Intermediate School in this small town.