Chapter 82
"It's an artifact that can disrupt your opponent by sending out mana. Make sure to use it wisely."
Silver Flash.
It's one of the hidden-type artifacts existing in this game.
Though its attack power is low, it's an artifact that becomes significantly powerful when facing mages.
Its range is also quite generous, about 8 squares.
'An attack power of 1... It's practically nonexistent.'
I wasn't disappointed. It's an artifact meant for disrupting the flow rather than killing the opponent.
What's more important are the phrases about reduced mana consumption and short casting time.
That was crucial.
'I get the reduced mana consumption... but the short casting time concerns me. Does it not consume a turn?'
Normally, hidden-type artifacts required a casting time of 1 turn.
You target an opponent, and it hits them on the next turn.
Though it consumes your turn, it's worth it if you can block a 'casting' type skill.
'There are artifacts that don't consume a turn.'
The problem is how notoriously difficult they are to obtain.
'As far as I know, Silver Flash is a B-grade artifact that requires 1 turn of consumption.'
But the 'Silver Flash' I now held was presumed to be A-grade and did not consume a turn.
Meaning, I could take another action on the turn I used Silver Flash.
'The cooldown is 5 turns, but that's a natural penalty.'
Moreover, we're still in the early stages of a game that hasn't even finished its first chapter.
It's an artifact impressive enough to drop jaws.
However.
"It's not as great as the one I have to give it to Miss Luna."
"Ahem..."
The 'Spirit's Breath,' which allows escaping death once per battle.
It couldn't compare to that.
Even five Silver Flashes wouldn't match one Spirit's Breath.
In a situation unlike the game where you only have one life, its value was even higher.
"You're not dumb, are you? This suits you better."
Not really. The Spirit's Breath is precisely the artifact I need.
I puffed up my cheeks again, big time.
Then.
"Do you want to die?"
Caron's eyes narrowed fiercely.
I immediately deflated my cheeks.
It seems this is as far as I can get in terms of rewards from this deal.
My cuteness(?) didn't win him over, so it was certain.
'Well, it's not bad.'
One S-grade and one A-grade.
Not just the grades, but both artifacts have tremendous utility value.
The fact that it's in the shape of a pocket watch is a plus.
It can be held in any situation and carried around without arousing suspicion.
"Any other special notes?"
"Keke, that's all."
"Impudent brat. The next passphrase is 'brown viper.' Don't forget and make sure to remember it."
Wait, a passphrase?
That moment, it hit me. There was a special note.
My body almost got devastated because of that damn passphrase.
Moreover.
-The only way to cool my anger is one. Book a restaurant right now! I must eat there this weekend!
If I can't make a reservation, Luna might rip out all my hair.
As mentioned before, weekend reservations are already fully booked.
But there was one person who could solve this situation.
Right in front of me.
"Keke, esteemed Mr. Caron. There's one thing this unworthy disciple earnestly requests from you."
"What's with that disgusting way of talking?"
"Keke, a simple request between us should be fine, right?"
"What relationship do we have exactly?"
"A very sticky relationship of sharing secrets, isn't it?"
"..."
"Did I ever tell you that I always love you?"
Caron slowly backed away towards the window.
Avoiding a request from a beloved disciple. It hurts.
"Don't come any closer! Stay there and speak."
Caron yelled, half his body out the window.
Can he even hear me from this far?
Well, it's a loss for me, so I guess I have to play along.
"I need meal vouchers for the restaurant in the square this weekend. Two would be nice."
"Why not just make a reservation?"
"Keke, the reservations are already fully booked."
"...That's something I can't do anything about either. What do you expect me to do?"
Well, if he threaten to break the owner's neck, maybe that could work?
I looked at Caron with shining eyes. Well, they're slits, so it might not look that way.
Then he let out a deep sigh.
"Haah... Alright. It doesn't have to be that restaurant, does it?"
As far as I know, that's the only restaurant in the square.
Is there a hidden gem I'm not aware of?
Caron's taste in dining. That was intriguing information.
"There's no other special note then. I'll be on my way."
Caron leaned out of the window.
His actions lacked energy. Normally, he would have vanished like the wind by now.
'Considering the battle with the Creator of Madness, witnessing corpses, and even torturing a Black Mage for days. It would be strange if he wasn't tired.'
I should give him a little service.
I'm a nice kid, after all.
"Ah, by the way, there's one more piece of information."
"What is it?"
I puffed up my cheeks as I spoke.
"Keke, it's a recent emotional expression frequently used by Miss Luna. Isn't it cute? Well, not as cute as me, though."
"...Useless information. And if you do that thing again, I'll break your neck. I'm not joking, engrave that deep in your mind."
Caron vanished with a cold warning.
* * *
The rooftop of the male dormitory.
Caron stood in the cold wind, organizing his thoughts.
'High-ranking Black Mage, Kalos, and walking corpses...'
I didn't realize it before, but now that I think about it, something does smell fishy.
I still have my doubts about the utility of walking corpses.
Black Mages. Would those madmen actually plan and execute something?
If they were capable of proper thought, they wouldn't have become Black Mages in the first place.
'...Impudent brat.'
Caron recalled the recent events with Zero.
The incidents in the Galeta region.
He shared information truthfully, except for a few details.
It was also a process to extract more information that Zero might be hiding.
'Building a trust relationship.'
It was to increase Zero's trust in him.
Why?
'He's a tempting target.'
Zero was surprised by his stories, but not as much as one would expect.
As if...
'He had anticipated all of this.'
Inference based on information, rich imagination, and logical predictions.
These are the three powers that form the basis of insight.
'It might seem easy at first glance...'
If it were easy, there would be no need for intelligence agencies in every country.
In Caron's view, Zero's insight was frightening.
'If Luna's safety is secured... it wouldn't be bad to make him a servant to His Majesty.'
Zero is talented, but only fifteen.
Still just a first-year student at the academy.
There's plenty of time.
Time to ensure Luna's safety and 'educate' the rat for his role.
'Gradually indoctrinate him and take him away right after graduation.'
Impudent though he may be, his talent is overflowing.
It's as if he was born to be a rat.
Well, with that level of brazenness, he could handle just about anything.
Even demanding restaurant vouchers was proof of that.
'Restaurant, huh...'
Stealing a fully booked reservation is not difficult.
Just need to have a light conversation(?) with the owner.
However.
'He intends to go with Luna, doesn't he?'
It's not likely for a date.
Zero's intentions, probably...
'Impudent brat. Using Luna as a threat?'
Zero was asking for restaurant vouchers to save his own life, but Caron, unaware of this fact, interpreted it differently.
From his perspective.
- Keke, to give such a reward. It seems I need to remind you once again. I hold Miss Luna's life in my hands.
Flaunting that Luna was in his grasp.
That was the only way to see the situation.
A trade for mutual benefit.
If a satisfactory benefit wasn't provided in this process, he threatened to reveal Luna's connection to the Lester family.
That was the reminder he gave at the end.
'Killing him is easy. But what comes after is the problem.'
Given his filthy nature, he would have prepared thoroughly for the event of his assassination.
That's why he dared such impudent provocations.
-Kekeke, do you see? Miss Luna has become utterly dependent on me.
An image of Zero putting a leash around Luna's neck and smirking vaguely appeared in Caron's mind.
'...I'm sorry, Luna. That I have to leave you in the hands of such a person.'
He knew Luna relied on Zero.
But that was just Zero exploiting Luna's tender heart.
He couldn't even begin to imagine how much that delicate child was suffering.
Did he say he needed a restaurant?
"There's a better place."
Very entertaining, with excellent meals.
And a place where you can't let your guard down for even a moment.
A sinister smile appeared on Caron's lips.
And so, misunderstandings about Zero piled up.
* * *
"Professor Lérang, I have a question."
"What is it, Yuridia?"
"Why is the Lester family's 'One Flash' so famous? There are many other techniques."
Sigh.
A collective sigh escaped from three mouths at the same time.
Mine, Teron's, and Lérang's.
"Yuridia, that question has nothing to do with today's lesson, does it?"
"But I'm curious."
"For disrupting the class, Yuridia, I'm assigning you a penalty point."
"Then you'll answer my question, right? Since I've received a penalty point."
"..."
It wasn't just today's story.
Even if the class atmosphere was ruined, even if Lérang frowned, even if she received a barrage of penalty points,
Yuridia didn't back down and kept nagging Lérang.
As if determined to learn everything about 'One Flash.'
"I really can't stand it anymore. Fine, I'll tell you. But this is it. Don't disrupt the class next time."
Yuridia nodded, and Lérang sighed deeply.
Everyone was wary of the uncomfortable atmosphere.
However, there was one person who welcomed this situation.
Scratch scratch scratch!
Luna's pen moved frantically, jotting down Lérang's words.
"The reason 'One Flash' is famous... Not only because it leaves a mark as if cut by a sword without actually being cut, but the main reason is it's their only attack technique."
"Their only attack technique?"
"Yes. The rest are defensive techniques, and counterattack techniques."
"Isn't it too disadvantageous if there's only one attack technique? Just be careful of 'One Flash,' and that's it."
"That's not the case. A regular attack is powerful enough."
Muscles trained exclusively for 'One Flash.'
"Each attack delivers explosive power. Although it has the disadvantage of not allowing for combination attacks... You would understand if you directly experience that attack."
There's no need to attack consecutively.
"I see. The other wasn't an attack technique. That's why it was different from what mom showed me..."
Murmuring.
Luna murmured with her eyes closed, recalling the Lester family's swordsmanship she remembered.
Well, her head tilted to the side in a minute.
"Professor, do you also know the other techniques?"
"I've already told you. Do not disturb the class anymore."
"Isn't resolving a student's curiosity part of teaching?"
"Yuridia! I told you to stop!"
Eventually, Lérang exploded.
--TL Notes--
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