Chapter 24: Full Moon Festival

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Atalante silently rubbed her eyes.

It was clear that she was trying to regain her composure.

She had been in this state ever since she checked what was inside the sack I gave her.

"Is this what I think it is?"

"I'm not sure what you're thinking of, but it is a relic."

"…"

After a moment of silence, Atalante finally asked.

"…You went to the Netherworld?"

"Yes."

She rubbed her face, looking quite perplexed.

"…Why do you look disheveled?"

"I stopped by at Dean Percy's office and handed over two Ectoplasm Blobs. She was so surprised that she fired lightning magic at me."

"…"

Actually, I was lucky.

The other graduate students around that time didn't look as unscathed as I was.

"So, does this satisfy you?"

She previously promised me another gift if I satisfied her.

This should be enough, right?

"It's not about being satisfied… Even if you don't give this to me and take it to the Mage Tower instead, I would still buy this with a pile of gems."

Ectoplasm and a thought body.

Atalante replied while massaging her temples.

A thought body was an object that was said to contain the consciousness of great men who had accrued great achievements in their lives. And Ectoplasm was an ultra-rare material that was barely obtainable in units of 30 to 50 grams per year, even in the Mage Tower.

Depending on the processing method, its utility was almost universal.

According to the type of catalyst it was mixed with, it could be made even harder than diamond, or be processed into explosive weapons that showed power similar to tactical weapons like nukes.

And I just handed over two blobs of it weighing in kilograms, so Percy naturally had a seizure.

"…Alright. A promise is a promise, I'll give you a gift."

"A gift is good, but would you mind if I ask for a request instead?"

"A request?"

"Yes. I'd like you to bestow the thought body to an item."

Atalante's brows furrowed at my words.

"…If you're talking about bestowing a thought body onto an object, are you focusing more on the future rather than the present?"

"That's correct."

Processing the thought body directly into a piece of equipment would produce an item with particularly outstanding performance.

However, if you bestow it to an already existing item, the consciousness of that thought body would slowly awaken and its accumulated effects couldn't simply be compared to superior equipment.

Obviously, I chose the latter.

"I've been thinking about it for a while now."

Atalante said with a deep sigh.

"Why are you going to such lengths?"

"Yes?"

"No, never mind, there's no need. You've single-handedly subdued Hasmed and even took down the Hero candidate in one blow."

"…"

She even knew that I caught Hasmed?

'Speaking of which, she's right.'

Compared to a normal student, I was not considered weak by any means.

Even if it was due to cheat skills such as Desperation and Tristan Style Swordsmanship.

"But why are you trying so hard to become stronger? It's like you're being chased by something."

Being chased…

"…"

That... was quite an accurate description.

"Well, if I don't prepare this much, I'll die."

The enemies that appeared in the main scenario, especially the Chapter Bosses that were somehow related to the devils, could not be taken down with mere skills and equipment alone.

They were disasters.

Monsters in human form.

They were directly connected to the devils who had the power to single-handedly destroy the world.

I was already deeply involved with the main character and the final boss, who were the core axes of the story. With that considered, I was quite frankly in a chase.

Even more so now that the main scenario was proceeding much faster than expected.

'…And Chapter 1 is no exception.'

Furthermore, there was the Chapter 2 boss — The Boy King of the Ruined Kingdom, and the Chapter 3 boss— The Apostle of the Reversed Sea, after the Purifier.

But unlike the fact that I had a lot of growth-type equipment ready for that time, my current condition was a bit too poor.

Rather, it could be more dangerous because it was before the growth curve.

In that sense...

"Actually, I might even die soon."

I had to do everything to even reach the Chapter 1 Boss Fight.

In case of emergency… Uh.

I might have to do that.

"…Yes?"

"It's nothing."

Atalante looked at me strangely, before just shrugging it off.

"By the way, may I ask you a question?"

"What is it?"

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

Atalante's eyebrows curled slightly.

"…What do you mean?"

"You must have a lot of questions like how did a student like me manage to come and go in the Netherworld intact. Or how I know the concept of a thought body…"

No matter how one looked at it, I was holding information that a student shouldn't know. And yet, she was just spilling the beans to me without any question of how I was aware of said knowledge.

Not only that, I could feel Atalante's presence in whatever I did, as if the entire Academy was revolving around me and keeping watch.

"You noticed? I guess you're indeed not a fool."

"Yes. Unless you're a fool, anyone would come to the same conclusion."

I continued with a sigh.

"…How much more are you willing to go?"

The Headmistress chuckled at that.

But I didn't get an answer in the end.

So that was what this was.

I checked the amulet wrapped around my wrist. It was something the Headmistress made after a whole day's work.

[ Soul Linker ]

[ Exclusive Equipment ]

Type: Accessory

Enchantment: Epic

Description: An item imbued with a great spirit that can awaken by increasing the synchronization rate.

[ Always retain magic power due to the influence of the great spirit. ]

[ Currently Charged Magic Power Rate: 100% ]

[ Current Synchronization Rate: 0% ]

Originally, in order to raise the synchronization rate, other professions needed to constantly feed the item rare materials. There was no other way.

Even though Epic Enchantment might sound intimidating, I didn't need to do such a thing in the first place.

'Because my job or profession is that of a priest.'

I took out the incense burner I always had with me with a smile.

When I brought it to the amulet, a tiny bit of golden light emanated from the Soul Linker.

[ Current Synchronization Rate: 0.01% ]

That was right.

Spirits generally responded sensitively to divine power.

For priests, they could increase their synchronization rate just by naturally developing their skills. The spirit would simply respond to them on its own.

It was an exclusive item for a reason.

'The spirit should fully awaken by Chapter 2.'

Speaking of, even if you were to scour the entire game, there were less than 20 items that had the modifier Epic attached to them. The effect that I would enjoy once it awakened would be worth all the wait.

Since it was an amulet-type item, it synergized well with divine power and blessings used by priests. Just obtaining and growing it at this time alone was unbelievable.

If I started growing it steadily, it would be one of the key pillars for clearing Chapter 2 onward.

'The fact that it's charged with magic power is also good.'

It was especially a useful function for me who had zero innate abilities and needed to pull magic power from elsewhere to use my skills.

Having this item alone right now was worth its price. I needed magic power to use my two skills.

"Ah, you."

"…Hello."

Of course, this person's help was essential for this time.

I kept the amulet and looked at Eleanor, who was waving her hands in front of me.

[ Main Quest ]

〖 Chapter 1: Purifier 〗

[ Successfully resolve the events in Twilight Iris! ] [ D-0 ]

[ Reward: Branch benefit from the main scenario! ]

[ Related Event will soon occur! ]

'Let's deal with this first.'

"Have you been waiting?"

"No, I also just got here not too long ago."

"Really? That's a relief. You look like you've dressed up more than usual…."

It wasn't like she dressed like a hobo before, just that she usually wore her uniform. But today, she was wearing a loose sky-blue dress and was adorned with all sorts of jewelry on her body.

Speaking of, she was even wearing makeup?

"…Am I?"

Eleanor smiled slightly at my words.

"Yes, it must have taken a very long time to perfect this look."

"I got ready in the morning and came here so about six hours?"

"…"

What did she say about not waiting and just getting here again?

"…Well, that's not a long wait. Don't feel burdened."

"…"

"I'm not lying, I can spare 6 hours whenever…"

"…Then, shall we?"

I sighed and told Eleanor, who was starting to become unreasonable with her talks.

As I gently grabbed her wrist and led her away, I could feel Eleanor's body twitch.

"Dowd?"

"It'll be crowded."

The Full Moon Festival was in full swing.

With so many attendees, it would be easy to lose someone in the sea of people.

'Is it uncomfortable?'

To be honest, I had no idea how I should distance myself from a woman.

The reason was also very simple. It was because I had never had such an experience in my life.

Let alone dating, Dowd Campbell didn't even have friends of the opposite sex.

I was a bit sad now.

"Well, it certainly seems that way."

"…"

Eleanor smiled and took her hand away.

Ah, I guess it was uncomfortable…

"This is how you escort a lady."

Holding hands was a sign of respect and trust towards the other person. It should not be neglected.

"You grasp firmly and with dignity."

Having said that, Eleanor gently held my hand.

With our hands touching, I could feel her warmth on my skin.

"I won't lose you, this way."

"…"

"Will you lead the way?"

I stared at Eleanor with my eyes wide open.

"…Eleanor, did you just smile?"

More precisely, she had a light smile that seemed to emit the slightest sprinkles of shyness.

Whereas, in the main story, Eleanor looked like she was in a constant state of suffering.

The Grey Devil's energy bubbling from within and her rivalry with Iliya. On top of it all, she had to maneuver through muddy politics as a member of the Tristan family.

She was always under extreme pressure, both physically and mentally.

All of which just added up and chipped away at her mental state.

This was why I didn't remember ever seeing her wear anything other than a hardened, robotic expression.

For all the time I had been grinding in the world of Sera, I had not once caught sight of her smiling in front of other people.

So what was this look she had on right now?

This feeling of vulnerability.

It was as though she was truly at ease with me.

"…"

However, her expression reverted back to her impassive state when I mentioned that phenomenon.

"…Was I smiling?"

"…I think you did?"

"Are you sure?"

"Why are you asking me that…"

"Because I've never smiled before, so I don't really know what it feels like."

"…"

"It seems sloppy."

Well.

It was still a bit far from being natural.

"Uh? Mr. Dowd?"

"Hmm?"

As we arrived at Twilight Iris, a familiar face greeted me.

"Talion?"

"You remembered? I'm honored."

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm working as a part-timer. My family practices laissez-faire for us."

"…"

I felt a bit queasy seeing Talion say that with a wistful smile on his face.

Even I, a boy from a small Barony, received allowances for my living expenses. But the eldest son of a Viscount had none?

Wasn't that a bit too much?

"But this, um…"

Talion looked perplexed as he watched me with Eleanor, who was almost sticking to my arm.

"…Are you dating the Student Council President?"

"…That's not it."

"…"

I could feel Talion's questioning gaze right now and I also wanted to plead my case.

At first, we just held hands, but Eleanor gradually came closer and closer until we ended up in this pose.

Even if I wanted to push her away, I simply couldn't with my minuscule strength.

"…!"

Immediately after I said that, I could feel Eleanor twisting my arm.

It felt like it was about to get ripped off.

"…Why are you doing that?"

"It's punishment."

"But what for?"

She twisted it again, and this time, I couldn't help but let out a groan.

"Well, I see that you two are on good terms."

Talion said with a chuckle, to which I questioned him back.

"…By the way, why are you suddenly using honorifics?"

I knew from the game that Iliya used honorifics, but Talion too? And didn't he also just chase me around to beat me not long ago?

What was with the sudden politeness?

"I simply wanted to do so for Mr. Dowd."

Talion humbly bowed his head and replied.

Come to think of it, he was like this originally.

Before he fell into darkness, I remembered him being a diligent and sincere ace student.

"There's no need for such. We're in the same class anyway."

"Then I will call you Senior Brother. You're older than me, right?"

"…"

Well, he was not wrong.

In Elfante, being in the same class didn't equate to having similar ages.

The problem here was.

"How do you know that?"

Marquis Riverback often talks about Senior Brother. He's very interested in you, you know?"

Talion's reply made my eyebrows frown.

'That guy…'

Perhaps, he only approached me because I was close with Iliya and Eleanor?

However, Marquis Riverback was a snake. He wouldn't put so much care and attention to me if he were simply going to use me as a bridgehead to the two women.

"Anyway, welcome to the Twilight Iris. Please enjoy your stay."

I faced Talion who spoke those words with a cheerful smile.

"…"

Come to think of it, there had been a message that the main scenario had changed since Eleanor and Iliya's favorability increased.

It was now clear that the effect had reached this far.

Marquis Riverback's interest had shifted from Iliya to me.

'The story…'

So, that meant… the chances of me having a good time in this restaurant today were practically zero.

"Talion, do you happen to be wearing a necklace or something?"

"…Yes?"

Talion looked startled at my question and fidgeted around his neck.

It was a necklace with an emblem engraved in the middle. It was an item I remembered.

"This was given by the House of Purification. The foundation run by Marquis Riverback. Only a few talented people sponsored by them could have it."

"I see."

As expected.

Since the scenario got twisted like my arm did in the hands of Eleanor...

Shouldn't I also set a trap card of my own?

System Log

[ Skill: Evil Ruler has been activated. ]

[ Exercising command right over the target Talion. ]

"Don't wear it today."

"…Yes?"

"And do your best to prevent others from wearing it if you can. Understand?"

"…"

I patted the dumbfounded Talion on the shoulder and entered the restaurant.

'…Yeah, well.'

With this alone, I held a considerable advantageagainst Marquis Riverback.

"Ah, Mr. Dowd Campbell. Welcome."

Inside, a smiling Marquis Riverback greeted me.

'Bring it on, you bastard.'

This was just the beginning.

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