Chapter 23
Anyway, for various reasons, I desperately needed an attack skill.
[Divine Imitation] is one of the top three overpowered skills.
I must obtain it.
My decision was not just because of the practical test next week.
"That guy really annoys me."
"Exactly. How can he not show his face to Teron?"
"Don't tell me he's sided with Yuridia?"
"That's unlikely. It seemed like they were watching him too."
Currently, the first year is divided into three factions.
Teron's faction, who is the top student, Yuridia's faction, who is second, and the neutrals.
'But not all neutrals are the same.'
Those without abilities are ostracized even among the neutrals.
Living almost invisibly, they play the role of the lower ranks of the academy and extras who die in the story.
The problem is with those who have abilities but remain neutral.
They're often bullied with threats like, if you're not with us, we'll kill you!
Eventually, neutral students had to join one of the two factions.
'It's total bullshit.'
Annwood Academy knew about this but let it happen.
The political strife and intrigue of the Annwood Empire.
It's a microcosm of that.
It's like they're telling us to get used to it here.
"Let's see his skills next week. Maybe he got third place by luck." "If he's talented, we'll recruit him, if not..."
"We'll have to grind him up. He's no ordinary brat."
They spit out such terrifying words casually.
As you can see, my fate is postponed until the practical test next week.
'I must get Divine Imitation. Otherwise...'
I was imagining being torn apart by the kids.
Luna tapped my shoulder.
"Hey, where are you going today?"
"Huh?"
"You've been wandering around for days. Whenever I ask, you always say it's a secret."
Actually, I didn't need to take Luna along.
The condition to receive the skill from the clown was a minimum of two people, and it was just an act to build a minimal bond with Rodelin.
'And speak correctly. It's not me taking you; it's you following me!'
Maybe because I'm her only friend.
She followed me around like a cat wishing to be chosen.
"Hmm, I found something strange."
"Strange? What is it?"
"Keke, it's a secret."
"...Ah, I see?"
Luna smiled slyly. But her face turned into a demon in an instant.
The demon began to bite my ear.
What did I do wrong!
Even if I told you, you wouldn't progress the hidden piece! Your intelligence is too low to understand anyway!
Beep- Beep!
"Unhealthy relationships with the opposite sex are grounds for demerits!"
"That's why I'm saying that we're not like that!"
Rodelin instantly exorcised the demon.
Rodelin, as impeccable as ever today.
She frowned.
"Zero, you always seem to cause trouble."
"You misunderstand. I am the victim here."
"I know the truth. Just kidding."
Rodelin smiled playfully.
Ah, so she can joke around too? Today is full of surprises.
"Demon! Demon!"
A parrot suddenly fell from the sky and landed on my shoulder.
The kids watching stepped back.
Don't say that and sit there. It sounds like you're calling me a demon!
"Keke, Mr. Parrot. You shouldn't say that. People will think it's weird."
"Demon! Save me! Demon!"
"...Stop talking."
The parrot pecked my cheek with its beak.
Fine, calm down. I'll take care of it this weekend.
Rodelin spoke as she watched us.
"Have you become friends with Mr. Parrot? Fascinating."
"Keke, it just happened..."
"This year's first-years are quite interesting. It's a relief to see a bright future for the empire."
Rodelin gently stroked the parrot.
Watching her, I pondered about the right timing.
'It's about time I had more interactions with the protagonist, Alex.'
The child Rodelin called interesting.
It was likely Alex.
'I should end this by this week.'
For this strategy, a skilled player like Rodelin is essential.
But even at this moment, the game story is surely progressing.
From next week, it's likely she won't have time to spare.
Since she'll have to roam around with Alex.
'The problem is I can't force her to come along.'
In front of me is a living person, not a character.
To move together, a valid reason is needed.
So, I'd throw out a bait.
A bait that Rodelin can't help but bite.
"Keke, actually, there's something I want to consult about."
"Consultation... I hope it's not as absurd as last time."
Rodelin crossed her arms, covering her upper body.
Luna, watching us, had a mysterious expression.
Don't be like that. It makes it seem like I've done something bad.
Before Luna turned into a demon again, I quickly threw the bait.
"I think I've found traces of a demon."
"A demon? Explain in detail."
Rodelin's eyes grew serious.
Her character is as justice-driven as the protagonist.
Her aversion to 'demons' would be immense.
Demons are not imaginary beings.
In the game 'Hero of the Academy,' demons actually exist.
Demons.
Beings that find pleasure in wrecking human minds.
There are significant restrictions for demons living in the netherworld to enter the middle world.
So, they satisfy themselves with various tricks through contracts with humans or possession.
'From a human perspective, it's not a prank but a disaster.'
Even low-level demons have transcendental powers from a human standpoint.
Sometimes they descend directly to announce the extinction of mankind.
So, it's not strange for Rodelin to take my words seriously.
'Besides, Rodelin's family, the Lucid, has a deep enmity with demons.'
The weight of responsibility named pride.
She had no choice but to bite the bait I threw.
"Even if it's a far-fetched speculation, it doesn't matter. Explain quickly. I'll make the judgement."
"Keke, could you take a closer look at Mr. Parrot's body?"
I took the parrot from my shoulder and held it in both hands.
It repeatedly said 'demon' somewhat loudly but didn't resist.
Revealing the existence of a demon is exactly what this parrot wants.
Rodelin examined the parrot seriously.
"Not black skin, but something stained it black. Dye? A prank by students?"
The parrot's body was half-stained black, an unusual appearance.
Even after partially removing it with the [Clean] skill, it was still like this.
"It's not dye. It's traces of 'corrosion'."
"Corrosion!?"
Corrosion, called the worst of demon pranks.
Rodelin's expression was momentarily filled with horror.
But she quickly returned to her usual expression.
"No, this isn't corrosion. It's different from what I know."
Rodelin shook her head firmly.
Of course. She has seen 'corrosion' with her own eyes.
I'll explain about corrosion later. I'm busy now.
"Keke, what if we assume this is... an initial form?"
"Initial form?"
"No, to be precise, it's more like a research form."
"Research... form?"
"Yes, compared to the corrosion spreading in the borderlands, its speed is extremely slow. Or rather, it's stopped."
"That makes sense. If it hadn't stopped... Mr. Parrot would have met death long ago."
"Right. Different from corrosion, but not completely. So, how about we hypothesize? What if this is the prototype of corrosion... an initial form?"
Rodelin said nothing.
But this should be enough.
Our Rodelin, unlike someone beside her, is a very smart child.
"Hey, what were you just thinking? It seemed like a very rude thought."
"Keke, Miss Luna. You misunderstand. I wasn't thinking about anything."
"Something seems suspicious..."
"Ah, Miss Luna, what do you think when you see this?"
"Blackened pork cutlet?"
"..."
Ah, I see.
Pork cutlet... delicious.
Maybe she's thinking of a well-fried pork cutlet.
I looked away from Luna, who was slightly drooling.
That's when Rodelin's eyes lit up.
"The Empire first encountered corrosion 15 years ago. And this Mr. Parrot appeared about 20 years ago, it's presumed."
"That's right."
"Then, someone conducted experiments on corrosion, and this place... Annwood Academy, was the experimental site? The traces accidentally remained on Mr. Parrot's body?"
Clap, clap.
I couldn't help but applaud. Her deduction was perfect.
Even I, a veteran, was initially puzzled by this mystery.
"If we can find the research records of the prototype... we might find a way to eliminate the corrosion spreading across the continent."
"Keke, it's not certain yet."
"But it's worth investigating. No, more than enough!"
Rodelin was noticeably excited.
I understand why, but she needs to calm down a bit.
"I don't want to unnecessarily escalate things. You understand the reasons, I presume."
"Yes, indeed. There's no need to alert the academy. It's just speculation and assumption for now."
"Keke, a rational decision."
Obtaining the hidden piece is my goal.
More people means more interference and wasted time.
In the worst case, I could lose the chance to conquer 'The Demon's Shard.'
"I plan to search the academy for more traces until the weekend."
"I see. I'll look around when I can."
"Then, let's keep this between us for now..."
"Wait, Zero."
Rodelin interrupted me.
Why is she doing that? Did I make a mistake?
"Yes, go ahead."
"How did you know this is an early form of corrosion? Normally, people would just think it's a black spot, right?"
Ah, that's a sharp question.
Normally, people would think it's a disease or just a parrot with black skin.
But it's okay. I have the perfect excuse.
I leaned close to Rodelin's ear and whispered.
That is...
"It's a secret."
"Zero! This is a serious matter. It's not something to be answered jokingly!"
"I am serious. Everyone has their secrets. We're not yet in a relationship where we can deeply trust each other."
"I already deeply trust you. I don't have secrets to tell."
"Keke, is that so? Then, you can tell me the secrets of your family."
"The family's secrets...?"
I whispered even closer to her ear.
In a voice only Rodelin could hear.
"The Lucid family is afflicted by a demon's curse, right?"
"You, how did you...!"
Rodelin's face turned pale.
--TL Notes--
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