Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Omen (1)
In the end, we even finished sending off the Imperial Princess. Everyone broke into a cold sweat trying to soothe her as she stubbornly struggled, insisting that she did not want to go.
The Imperial Knight Order remained. We had yet to fully explore the Sea Temple. Having already been promised compensation for it, continuing was inevitable.
The first thing to do was to find the members of the Imperial Knight Order who had scattered in all directions. We had no clear solution, but an unexpected method presented itself.
“They are nearby.”
The merfolk man did not follow the Imperial Princess. When I casually made a remark seeking advice, he volunteered to guide us.
I did not know what kind of ability he used, but he astonishingly perceived people’s presence. As if he already knew the way, there was not the slightest hesitation in his steps.
Of course, if that had been the case, they would have searched for the Imperial Princess themselves.
“That is an impressive ability.”
“It is nothing special. I happen to see scents visually. The scents of those who live on land have warm colors, so they are easy to find.”
Now of all things, an ability to visualize smells had appeared. It must have been an innate trait he was born with. Thanks to it, our task became easier, so it was a good thing.
After about two hours, we were able to locate the entire Imperial Knight Order. Though they all looked exhausted, none of them were injured.
“Then we shall take our leave.”
“Thank you for your assistance.”
After arriving at the Second Terminal, we saw the man off. The Vice-Commander stepped forward to commend his efforts.
“It is nothing. We are allies, are we not? I, too, was pleased to meet a child of the Duhein Family.”
For reference, there had been no need for battle. With a single gesture from the Vice-Commander, most matters had been settled.
The Imperial Knight Order expressed their gratitude to the merfolk man. Then he came to me one last time.
“It is an honor to meet you.”
“I am merely grateful that you would say so.”
“I hope for another meeting.”
“Anaye will guide us.”
“There is something I personally wish to give you.”
The merfolk man handed me something that I could not tell where he had taken from on his sleek body.
It was a small gemstone. A droplet-shaped jewel the size of a fingernail, colored like the sky. At a glance, it looked exceedingly precious.
“This is?”
“It is called the Essence of the Sea. It is a rare item filled with sea magic, but regrettably, it is of no use to us.”
“Oh.”
The method of using such a gem was simple. Once processed, it became an elixir that increased one’s magic power. The problem was that sea magic was toxic to ordinary people.
That was why this man had given it to me. Because I was a Duhein. But unfortunately, magic power was of no use to me.
“To give me something so precious. I am truly grateful.”
“It is a bribe for goodwill. I do hope we will meet again.”
“Next time, I will bring my younger sister as well.”
“You have a younger sister as well! My heart is already racing!”
He even joked with an easygoing manner. After sending off the merfolk man, we took a short break.
Of course, since this place was filled with dense sea magic, no one except me truly felt rested.
“You said this was a place that tests clergy?”
“It is only my assumption. But that is the impression I get.”
“Hmm. Shall we first return to where we initially met?”
Though we called it exploration, we knew nothing concrete, so even forming a plan felt vague.
Of course, I knew the details well, but I kept my mouth shut. It was better to refrain from unnecessary words.
“If it is a maze, then surely it has an end.”
That was true. At the Aide’s words, most people nodded.
“Did you find out anything?”
The Vice-Commander asked, pointing to someone. The one who answered was the same person who had lifted the temple and supported the collapsing Vice-Commander.
With her stubborn-looking eyes, she appeared particularly exhausted.
“There was a section where magic power flowed unusually violently.”
“Hmm.”
“I suspect there may be a structure that utilizes magic power.”
The Imperial Knight Order’s capabilities were certainly impressive. The one the Vice-Commander had pointed to seemed highly sensitive to magic power.
That was likely why she appeared so greatly affected by the dense and sticky sea magic. In the end, we decided to head there.
After roughly finishing our preparations, we began to move with heavy steps.
The place we arrived at was exactly where I had expected. After passing the First Terminal and the Second Terminal, this was the final arrangement for clearing the Sea Temple.
A trident embedded in the floor and scale-shaped blades floating and rotating around it greeted us.
Seeing it in person, it felt far more atmospheric.
“Magic power is gathering in that structure.”
“Is it activating this temple?”
Calling it activation was somewhat exaggerated when there were only lanterns in the corridors, but it was not entirely wrong.
In the game, the final trial was held at that trident. The first was at Kuman’s statue in the First Terminal, and the second at the water tank in the Second Terminal.
By bringing the seals obtained from completing each trial, one could take the third test here.
We had none of that, so naturally, we could not take any test. That did not mean the rewards disappeared. We thoroughly searched the surroundings.
“Is this not grave robbing?”
“Student Davide. We are barely managing to avert our eyes as it is.”
I said it because what we were doing looked suspiciously like grave robbing. Perhaps in agreement, the Aide chose to turn away from reality.
There were various things we discovered. They were satisfactory as rewards for our exploration. Several Ancient Magic artifacts were visible, and quite a few items with artistic value were also found.
“It does feel a bit anticlimactic, but it’s not bad.”
“Good is good.”
“Ah, that’s true. Being comfortable is the best, after all.”
Since I was excluded from the search operation, I naturally ended up chatting with the Vice-Commander. With no battle to fight, it felt somewhat deflating.
If a fight could be avoided, it was best to avoid it. However, the sea magic stirred my aggressiveness.
Then I suddenly startled myself and corrected that thought. I had come to deeply realize that words could become seeds, and if one spoke of a tiger, it would indeed appear.
---
Fortunately, the Sea Temple ended without much incident. The Imperial Knight Order returned carrying ample spoils. They had even made a map and completed their original objective of rescuing the Imperial Princess.
In total, two artifacts were discovered, along with around eight pieces of usable equipment. The Vice-Commander suggested proposing that one of the artifacts be given to me, but I declined.
Most of the artifacts were related to magic power, so there was nothing I could use. Taking my decision as consideration on my part, the Vice-Commander asked if there was anything I needed.
I requested usable stamina recovery potions. Potions were quite rare in this place. Since the process of obtaining them was complicated, I intended to leave it to the Imperial side.
The Vice-Commander readily agreed. She even added that if I ever needed anything from her, she would assist me with utmost sincerity.
“Thank you.”
Instead of a useless artifact, I received two usable pieces of equipment, potions, and even the labor of a Quadra-class magician. A profitable deal.
The Vice-Commander had made the promise as if it were nothing, but I was confident I could make full use of it. I thought of one of the pieces of equipment.
Its ability was simple. It increased the efficiency of divine skills. It would be good if I used it myself, but I intended to give it to Winter Seraphist.
The goal was to further enhance the efficiency of Winter’s skill, Silent Bell.
Since that piece of equipment could not be removed once worn, it suited Winter well, as upgrading her skills was difficult.
I had Anaye’s Legacy, and now I also possessed the newly acquired status called [Faith Communion], so I was in less urgent need.
“Hmm. Where should I go to find her?”
I saw off the Vice-Commander, who promised to return within a week. I expressed my gratitude when she said she would finish the inspection as quickly as possible.
After sending off the Imperial Knight Order, I headed toward the Combat Department. I had originally intended to go to the chapel, but since it came to mind, I decided to handle this matter first.
“Excuse me.”
“Y-Yes? Uh, uh! Uh!”
I stopped a boy who looked rather timid. At the sound of someone calling him, he turned his head, but upon seeing my face, his complexion turned pale.
“First-year?”
“Yes! That’s correct!”
“Bereninche. Do you happen to know where she is?”
The boy desperately shook his head. He even added that he was sorry for not knowing. I felt that if I spoke to him any further, he might faint.
“It’s nothing to apologize for. If I go somewhere like the academic affairs office, would I be able to find out her schedule?”
“S-Sir! I’m still a first-year! I don’t really know! I’m sorry!”
“No, that’s fine. Thanks.”
In the end, I let him go and ran around myself. On my way to the academic affairs office, I ran into a familiar face.
“……”
“……”
We faced each other and simply stared without a word. She had nothing to say, and neither did I. That subtle standoff lasted quite a while.
“……Do you have something to say.”
Unable to bear it any longer, Soloven spoke first. Her purple ponytail swayed lightly. Her firm-looking face was filled with displeasure.
“Have you seen Bereninche?”
“No.”
“I see.”
I coolly turned around. There was no need to act friendly toward someone who found me disagreeable.
Of course, the reason was probably the old Davide, but now I was a completely different person inside.
“……Why are you looking for her?”
“Hmm.”
Soloven stopped me as I was about to leave. My eyes twitched at the unexpected reaction. She clearly looked like she disliked even holding a conversation.
“The reason doesn’t matter. I’ll help you.”
“There’s no reason for you to help.”
“……You should be aware of your own notoriety. There are plenty who would collapse if you casually spoke to them.”
“Ah.”
I recalled the boy from earlier. He really had looked like he might faint just because I spoke to him.
There were apparently many who would react that way. Soloven was saying she would handle such situations within her own capacity.
It was indeed the proper attitude of a top student fulfilling the role of class representative.
“Then I’ll take you up on that.”
“……You truly have thick skin.”
At my brazen reply, she frowned. I shrugged. If I was going to receive help, I intended to rely on it fully.
“Follow me.”
Soloven led me toward the academic affairs office. So that had been the right answer.
“Wait here. Don’t come in.”
Wasn’t that treatment a bit excessive? Still, I had no particular rebuttal, so I stayed silent. Only after confirming that I had no intention of following did Soloven enter.
I crossed my arms and leaned against the hallway wall. I could feel the sharp gazes directed at me. Fear toward a ferocious beast.
“You’re still the same.”
Those were the words Soloven said as she exited the academic affairs office. She briefly glanced at the gazes directed from around us.
I twitched my brow. If she was going to say something pointless, I wished she would do it elsewhere. I only kept silent because I was the one receiving help.
“If you’re going to come again next time, just memorize it.”
“Alright. Thanks.”
I folded the paper she handed me. It contained the list of classes Bereninche had registered for. I skimmed it lightly and committed the contents to memory.
Fortunately, she had a class at the moment. I just needed to wait in front of that classroom.
“Come to think of it.”
I glanced at Soloven’s cold face and fell into brief thought. Now that I considered it, she was somewhat connected to Episode 2, which would occur soon.
I had thought too lightly of it and ended up forgetting.
“I heard you were disciplined recently.”
“……How did you find out about that.”
“Are you joking? Who doesn’t know? If even Winter knows, then everyone knows.”
“Winter? Ah, that white-haired girl. Well, something like that happened.”
“What was the reason for the disciplinary action?”
At my question, her expression hardened. Seeing the fierce look rising on her face, who would think she was a tank?
Rather than protecting by blocking attacks, she seemed like the type who protected by eliminating the source of harm.
“There’s no reason for me to tell you that, is there?”
“Conversely, there’s no reason not to tell me either.”
As soon as I finished speaking, I heard her sigh. When she turned to leave, I followed after her. There was still an hour left until Bereninche’s class ended.
“……Are you going to keep following me?”
“I’m headed the same way.”
“Don’t make me laugh. I know it’s the opposite direction.”
“So, what’s the reason?”
“Haah.”
She did not bother to suppress the sigh rising from her core. I looked at her expressionlessly.
Our footsteps continued, and the subtle standoff turned into a pursuit down the hallway. I clung to her persistently.
There was some fun in pestering her, but there were also things I needed to hear.