The investigation was going very smoothly.
Thanks to Grain’s abilities, we skipped the parts where we would have had to run around and check things ourselves, and just picked the right answers, so there were no hardships or anything.
The only thing was that the Rift was just so big that it took a while to walk around.
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[Unlock condition: Contribute to clearing 5 Rifts with over 40% contribution (4/5)]
But now, we’re really just one step away.
So, with a slightly excited heart, I was about to set out to find the last Rift Stone when…
“Something feels wrong.”
Grain, who had been using his abilities, suddenly had a grim expression and blurted that out.
After hearing a rough explanation, it was clear that something had gone seriously wrong.
‘In the original, this kind of thing… no, wait.’
It was too late to talk about the original.
From the moment a so-called “synthetic Rift” that I’d never heard of popped up, the original was meaningless.
But the fact that Alkiné had gone missing was really troublesome, and my head started to ache slightly.
At this point, it was impossible to focus on the Rift as comfortably as before.
First, we needed to figure out what was going on.
“Let’s go now.”
So, without hesitation, I moved forward.
It wasn’t too far, so I soon ran into the Student Council.
But the atmosphere definitely didn’t look good.
They all had expressions like cows being led to the slaughter.
I thought I should first hear what was going on, so I approached, and soon the Student Council members who spotted Grain came rushing over in a group.
Especially the two guys sticking close to her were in complete chaos.
“Grain! Are you okay?”
“I told you to rest, but you still came all the way here. That’s so like you.”
“Cain, Golid. I appreciate the concern, but now’s not the time for that.”
“…”
For a moment, I was struck by the sight of the complete trio, reminiscent of a certain anime group, but the mood quickly soured again at Grain’s words.
Well, I don’t care how serious and gloomy they are. What’s important is to hear what’s going on.
“Can you tell me what’s going on?”
And at Grain’s straightforward question, Cain and Golid started to explain.
The incident happened when Cain and Golid were changing guard duty.
They had just woken up and were still half-asleep when they came to take over, and after being told everything was fine, they headed into the tent to sleep.
But then, something appeared behind the temporary shelter.
I didn’t even get to see what it was. By the time I felt the intense energy and rushed over, there was nothing left.
Not even the Student Council President, who had been there.
“He was dozing off, looking tired, but he was definitely there before something showed up. I can vouch for that.”
Cain finished his explanation by saying that they’ve been searching for the President’s traces as a group ever since, but with no results.
Hearing all of this, I felt puzzled.
It wasn’t about the identity of the being that appeared and disappeared in an instant, or where Alkiné had gone.
“…He was dozing off? The President?”
It was the fact that Alkiné had been “dozing off” that struck me.
Like, how much did they overwork this kid that Alkiné, who can fight non-stop for three days and nights without proper rest, was so tired she dozed off?
While I was baffled by that thought, Grain casually cut in.
“Alright, we get the gist, so let’s drop that. So, where exactly did the President disappear?”
“Uh, over here. Follow me.”
Following Cain and Golid’s lead, we arrived at a spot where an untidy temporary shelter stood alone.
But all that remained were the frantic traces of people searching the area after the President vanished. Nothing else could be found.
I glanced around, hoping to spot something, but sadly, even my game-savvy eyes couldn’t catch a thing.
Guess we’ll have to leave it to Grain.
But before she could even start, Grain’s expression had already turned serious.
I was about to ask why when she suddenly activated her trait and blurted out a curse.
“…What the hell.”
Seeing Grain like that, no one dared to speak.
At the very least, it was clear this was a serious situation.
So we just waited for Grain to explain what was going on.
After a moment, Grain let out a hollow laugh and cautiously turned to us.
Then she spoke.
“The Vice President… seems to have turned into a Demon and kidnapped the President.”
“…Huh?”
What on earth is she talking about?
So… the missing Vice President… uh, well….
Whatever it was, it was definitely a complete mess.
Diggerus Jibchak.
When he disappeared, I figured he’d show up someday and cause chaos.
But… I never imagined he’d turn into a Demon and kidnap the President.
‘This is going to be a real headache.’
The problems that have arisen so far felt like they were just a bit twisted, but still somehow spinning within the frame.
Even though the flow and order were all mixed up, there were parts that somewhat matched when compared to the original work’s knowledge.
But this… this was a fundamentally wrong flow from the start.
The vice president suddenly running away, then suddenly becoming a demon, and even using that power to kidnap Alkiné—none of these elements could be found in the original work.
What is this? Did I mess around too much and cause this?
Well, considering the things I’ve done so far, it’s no wonder something like this happened. It’s not just the butterfly effect; it’s more like a pterodactyl effect at this point.
It’s too late to regret now. If I dwell on it, I’ll just end up being overly cautious in everything I do, and I don’t want to live like that, always worrying about what others think.
So, what I need to do now is clear.
“Senior Grain, do you have any idea where the president went?”
“…Are you going?”
“Of course I am.”
If you think about it, it’s because of me that they ended up in this situation.
Even if it weren’t, I was planning to save them anyway.
The story progressed a bit too quickly. The Student Council Members who were quietly watching from the side were left dumbfounded, so I gave them some appropriate instructions.
“Everyone, don’t think about doing anything else. Just go outside and wait. I’ll go save the president and come back.”
Basically, I was telling them to stay put and suck their thumbs in a safe place since they had nothing else to do.
Ah, not that I meant it that way. Well, maybe not entirely…
But when a first-year suddenly gives such orders, it’s bound to sound like that to the listeners… I expected a lot of complaints.
That’s what I thought.
“…Are you really okay with this? It’s not just anything, it’s a demon. Shouldn’t we inform the Academy and ask for help?”
But all I got was that kind of question. I didn’t feel any negative vibes directed at me.
I answered lightly.
“It would take too long to explain the situation outside and find someone who can help.”
“That’s true. Alright.”
…That’s it? That’s all the reaction I get?
It was so easily accepted that I was left speechless.
Had my reputation skyrocketed without me realizing it?
Thinking about it, it made sense.
I already had the position of secretary from Alkiné, and the last scene showed the president subtly praising me for helping them.
Well… it’s easier for me if they just follow along without making a fuss…
Whatever. It’s too late to act weak now.
It’s already quite late, but whatever. If I’m being mistaken and praised like this, it’s easier for me, right?
As always, I decided not to think too deeply about the future.
For now, saving Alkiné is the priority.
“So, Grain senior? About the Student Council President position…”
“Yeah. I’ll use my abilities, so help me out.”
“…Everyone’s here, can’t you just show it to them?”
“What’s the big deal?”
In the end, I ended up revealing how to maximize Grain’s abilities in front of everyone.
Thanks to that, Grain’s reputation went up, and mine seemed to rise a bit too… but I decided not to dwell on it, so let’s move on.
“It’s not too far. This way.”
Using his ability to locate Alkiné, Grain quickly sketched a simple map and showed it to us.
In the nothingness of the rift, the map was just a rough guide, but it was still helpful.
“Thanks. Then, senior, please go back with the others.”
“Are you going alone?”
“No. I’ll go with Seria.”
“With Seria?”
Grain looked shocked, glancing back and forth between me and Seria.
Well, it’s understandable. Even though I’ve defeated demons before, Seria wasn’t even allowed to follow us into the rift until now.
Taking her to a place with demons must feel risky.
Of course, if I told them about the demon chaos at the Royal Palace, things might be different, but I can’t just spread that around, so I kept my mouth shut.
“…Alright. With that level of magic, she might actually be helpful.”
Luckily, it seemed like Grain remembered the magic Seria showed earlier and somehow accepted it.
Seria, who had been quietly watching Grain, chimed in.
“Mr. Grain. Instead of worrying about me, you should focus on getting the others back safely.”
“…I had high hopes for the juniors coming in, but you’re all so unlikable. What a disappointment.”
Though he said it a bit sharply, Grain knew it was his way of telling us to go back safely, so he casually replied and turned to leave, heading back to where the Student Council members were.
I’m starting to feel the urgency. I need to move quickly since I don’t know how things will turn out.
To do that, first…
“Seria.”
“Yes?”
“Do you want me to carry you, or not?”
“…I’ll walk.”
Guess I’ll just have to run as fast as I can.
I picked up Seria in a princess carry and ran in the direction Grain had pointed out.
It did cross my mind later that using Seria’s magic to move might have been faster, but by then, we had already arrived at our destination.
