Chapter 93

(1)

1.

May 14th, Friday.

Two weeks after the Abyssal Rift closed.

Following another death incident after the Abyss Worshippers’ attack, the mood within the Academy had taken a bit of a nosedive.

But it didn’t last long.

That was because a much juicier piece of news began to circulate among the students.

“Hey, did you hear about that?”

“About what?”

“Our Academy. Apparently, we’ve established a sisterhood tie with Ivella’s Eloden Academy.”

“What? Seriously?”

“Is it really a done deal?”

“Yeah, that’s what I heard.”

It was like the banter from the neighboring table.

A delegation from Eloden Academy, reputed to be the best educational institution in the Holy Nation, had arrived.

There was only one reason.

To establish a sisterhood with Arsen Academy and engage in student exchanges.

‘Of course, if you just hear that, you might wonder why it’s such a big deal.’

It’s just two schools interacting, after all.

On the surface, it doesn’t seem like a scandalous matter. But once you know the specifics about Eloden Academy, the story changes.

‘Eloden Academy.’

It’s famously one of the most closed-off educational institutions across the continent.

Unless you’re from the Holy Nation, admission isn’t guaranteed, and if you happen to have a different religion, you’ll be disqualified in the paperwork stage.

Obviously, they don’t accept transfer students, and since its founding over a hundred years ago, they’ve never signed a sisterhood agreement with any other academy.

Naturally, it’s shocking that they would propose an exchange.

And now the first exchange match is set for the first week of June.

‘And one more thing.’

There’s a curious detail that only Noa knows.

Currently, there are not one but two Heroes attending Eloden Academy who are set to join the future Hero party.

‘A Saintess and a Knight.’

The future Saintess, Laurea Ro Sharvel.

The Knight, Ian Marcus.

Right now, both of them are in the 2nd and 1st years, respectively, enrolled at Eloden Academy.

‘I’m not sure if they’ll actually participate in the exchange, though.’

But if they do show up, that’s a major event.

Out of the seven heroes who will confront the Abyss, five will already be gathered together. Just as I was about to think more about these two heroes…

“By the way.”

A voice suddenly interrupted my thoughts.

It was Ivella, sitting right next to me.

She sipped her iced coffee and mumbled with curiosity.

“The exchange match itself doesn’t matter much, but what about Larba Academy?”

Before Ivella could finish her sentence, Ulan, sitting across from her, tilted his head.

“What’s that?”

“Huh? Larba Academy, don’t you know?”

“I don’t.”

His reply was filled with confidence.

As if to say, what’s so significant about not knowing?

Just then, Delia and Noa added their explanations to soften the awkwardness.

“It’s the Royal Academy of Lakerta.”

“They’ve been in a sisterhood with Arsen for decades and have been exchanging students every year.”

The Lakerta Kingdom.

It’s a fairly large maritime kingdom that borders the Holy Nation.

And Larba Academy is the top educational institution there. As Ulan finally seemed to grasp it, he responded.

“I see. So their exchange period overlaps.”

“Yeah. That’s why I was curious.”

Ivella nodded in agreement.

At that moment, Ulan suddenly chimed in.

“Is it really something to be curious about?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Can’t they just do it simultaneously?”

Eloden Academy and Larba Academy.

It would solve the issue if they held the exchange matches at the same time. With a straightforward solution from Ulan, Noa sighed and replied.

“That’s precisely why it’s not possible.”

“Why not?”

“Lakerta has a bad relationship with the Holy Nation.”

“Historically, there have been multiple wars in the past, and even now, there are territorial disputes at the border.”

Unlike the Holy Nation, which worships a singular god, the Lakerta Kingdom recognizes freedom of religion.

Moreover, while the Holy Nation does not regard non-human races as equals, Lakerta promotes policies friendly to other races, integrating them into daily life.

A kingdom that walks the exact opposite path in terms of religion, culture, society, and politics compared to the Holy Nation. So, it’s only natural their relationship is sour.

By the time their heated explanation ended, Ulan wore a complicated expression.

“Seems like a tangled relationship.”

“Exactly. If they were to hold it at the same time, it would likely lead to a huge conflict.”

Noa nodded in agreement.

As the conversation began to circle back to its original point…

Ding! Ding!

The clock tower in the plaza chimed. It signaled the end of lunchtime. Delia rose from her seat with a disappointed look.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave first.”

“Yeah. See you at dinner.”

“Uh-huh.”

As Ulan waved her off, she transformed her glum expression into a bright smile, as if she had never looked disappointed.

But just for a moment.

Delia glanced towards Ivella.

Because she knew Ivella also had a class right after lunchtime.

“…Aren’t you leaving?”

“Nah, I’m just next door.”

Ivella replied with a cheerful smile.

She was planning to stay a bit longer. Delia scrunched her face in disappointment and turned away.

A little while later.

After Delia completely disappeared…

Ivella let out a short cough.

“Ahem! Ulan?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you remember the promise we made last time?”

“A promise?”

“The outing permission slip.”

“Ah, I remember.”

It was about going out together after receiving the outing permission slip post-midterms. They were originally supposed to go out in early May, but things kept coming up and it slipped my mind.

As Ulan recalled the promise, Ivella hesitated for a moment before continuing.

“About that, if it’s alright with you, would you like to go out together tomorrow morning?”

“Got it.”

“Really? Seriously?”

“Yeah.”

Since it was a prearranged goal.

Also, I didn’t have anything lined up for tomorrow.

So, I accepted without a second thought. Ivella seemed pleased with the quick reply, her face lighting up with a bright smile.

“I’ll book the carriage, so let’s meet at the main gate at 8 AM sharp!”

“Okay, I’ll remember.”

“Great. Now I’ll be heading off.”

After securing her objective.

Ivella hummed a tune and turned to leave.

As I watched her receding figure grow distant, Noa narrowed her eyes.

‘Ivella definitely has a crush on Ulan.’

That was the conclusion drawn from observing Ivella closely during their time together. Just wanting to go out in the capital with just the two of them was a clear tell.

‘And…’

The evidence doesn’t stop there.

Tonight, Noa has a plan with Ivella.

If it’s confirmed that she’s going out with Ulan, then they have a promise to consult about what clothes to wear and the outing plan.

‘It’s obviously a date.’

At this point, even someone oblivious to romance would realize that Ivella has romantic feelings for Ulan.

‘Though I can kind of understand.’

Unlike in the original story, Ulan actively intervened in Ivella’s character arc.

He even crushed Himel to protect her honor and went as far as to have a duel for honor with Count Deorg.

Plus, considering Ivella’s attraction to muscles, there are plenty of reasons for her to fall for Ulan.

‘But the problem is…’

It’s not just Ivella wearing her heart on her sleeve. With a soft sigh, Noa recalled the girl who had just been here.

‘…Delia Arpen.’

Based on what I’ve felt these last few days.

Delia also seems to harbor feelings for Ulan similar to Ivella.

The two girls constantly bickering and oddly keeping an eye on each other perfectly fits the premise of a rivalry over Ulan.

‘But Delia? I really don’t get it.’

Where did she even develop a crush on Ulan?

She doesn’t share Ivella’s muscle fascination, and I doubt she has derived any significant help from him.

‘Originally, Delia in the source material…’

Was not particularly interested in romance.

Even in scenes where the knight Ian, a colleague, showed her romantic interest, Delia maintained her cool demeanor till the end.

After going through all these thoughts.

‘Ugh, I don’t know.’

Noa shook off her distractions.

Romantic relationships will sort themselves out.

Above all, it’s not a pressing issue compared to others. Shaking her head vigorously, Noa stood up.

“Then I’ll be getting up as well.”

“Got a promise or something?”

“I have some materials to research in the library.”

Recently, Noa had been practically living in the library.

It was all about researching how Ulan knew about the Frost Dragon’s existence.

‘If we’re just going off the original, it’d be normal not to know anything about the Lord of the Abyss…’

But this world has veered off in a completely different direction from the original story.

So perhaps, records about the Lord of the Abyss might already exist. That’s exactly what Noa aimed to investigate.

“Anyway, I’m going to excuse myself now.”

She gave a slight bow of her head.

After that, Noa promptly turned to leave.

But just then, Ulan abruptly grabbed her wrist. His gaze was serious as he spoke.

“Noa.”

“Yes?”

“What are you hiding?”

“……!?”

Noa’s eyes widened in shock.

She was caught off-guard by the unexpected question.

But briefly, she suppressed her startled heart and questioned him with a calm demeanor.

“Me? Hiding something?”

“Trying to deny it won’t work.”

His eyes were filled with certainty.

Ulan stood up from his seat.

Feeling a strange pressure emanating from him, Noa took a step back, only to find herself against a wall.

“I already know everything.”

“Wh-What do you mean?”

In the face of being cornered, her composure dissipated.

With Ulan slowly approaching, Noa instinctively shut her eyes tight.

But nothing particularly dramatic happened.

Ulan simply reached into her pocket and pulled out something.

“You’ve been fiddling with this since a few days ago.”

What he pulled out was a small glass vial.

It was the Elixir she received as a reward for defeating the Frost Dragon, Glesia.

“What is this? Is it important?”

“Hah, you could say that.”

Noa let out a sigh of relief.

She understood that what Ulan referred to as “what she’s hiding” was indeed the Elixir.

Clearing her throat, she soon began explaining about the Elixir.

“This is called an Elixir. It’s a very rare potion. It’s said to maximize the potential of whoever drinks it.”

“What kind of potential does it enhance?”

“That’s something you won’t know until you try it.”

Technically, the penalty could double, but she didn’t bother mentioning that.

Instead, she steered the conversation in a slightly different direction.

“Actually, I was planning to give it to Ulan.”

“To me? Why?”

“I saw a vision of the distant future.”

Noa gazed intently into Ulan’s eyes.

With utmost seriousness, she continued.

“The future where you continue fighting the monsters you saw in Zone 2 last time.”

“……”

“That’s why I wanted to give it to you. If your potential increases, I thought it would greatly help when fighting monsters someday.”

This answer was the truth.

Since Ulan’s victory over the Frost Dragon two weeks ago, Noa had been pondering over many thoughts.

And soon, she reached a conclusion.

She decided to invest in Ulan.

‘Though there’s a predetermined fate…’

To be honest, I feel like I can dodge that fate this time.

No, not just dodging – I might outright crush the fate set before me.

Currently, Ulan is far stronger than in the original story, and his growth speed is terrifying.

Most importantly, he had a significant role in slaying the Frost Dragon. Arguably, he single-handedly brought it down.

So, it was only natural to yield to his needs.

‘And one more thing.’

There’s another reason behind it.

The Elixir doubles the effects of traits or characteristics, but penalties are also included.

‘Meaning that if luck is against you, the penalties can increase to double or more.’

If Noa were to take it and the weakness penalty multiplied, would she then weaken to the point of being unable to carry out daily life?

In short, it posed a significant risk.

‘On the other hand, Ulan’s penalties…’

Are just for being a Berserker and a dullard.

Doubling those penalties wouldn’t matter.

In the first place, Ulan is already somewhat dense, so becoming even dumber wouldn’t show.

‘It’s merely that he wouldn’t be able to do calculations beyond two digits.’

So, the one who would be best suited to be the owner of the Elixir was Ulan, who has relatively low risk.

Moments later, after finishing all the explanations.

Noa added a word of caution.

“Just be cautious, though.”

Even though it’s just a warning about the penalties, she thought it best to state it.

“There’s a very low probability of side effects, so make sure to decide carefully… Uh? Wha-what are you doing right now?!”

Noa shouted in surprise.

Before her warning could even finish, Ulan had chugged down the Elixir.

In the blink of an eye, the vial was empty.

She stared at it dumbfoundedly, asking again.

“You drank it all?!”

“Yep, I did.”

“What if it was poison?!”

“I’m fine. There’s no poison.”

“No, that’s not what I meant…!”

What does he think he’s doing drinking it before even hearing about the penalties? In her frustration, she began pacing back and forth.

Suddenly, Ulan spoke.

“I trust you.”

“……”

Her words caught in her throat for a moment.

His gaze was filled with trust.

“More than anything, you have no reason to harm me.”

That’s why he drank it.

Ulan replied that way.

Even so, it’s vital to hear the warnings before drinking; she never imagined he would gulp it down like that.

Noa exhaled a silent sigh.

But it was too late; the die had already been cast.

‘Let’s see what changes occur.’

Noa blinked as she focused on Ulan.

She wanted to open the status window.

[Name]: Ulan Bator

[Age]: 17

[Rank]: SS+

[Traits]: Blessing of the War God

[Characteristics]: Great Strength, Valor, Honor, Trust, Indomitable Spirit, Berserker, Energy King, Blockhead, Academic Enthusiasm

The moment Noa glanced at Ulan’s status window, it quickly became clear what had changed.

‘Great Strength has turned into Giant Strength.’

In the Chronicles of Arsen Continent, Great Strength refers to a power comparable to monsters, while Giant Strength signifies strength surpassing giants.

To put it simply, Ulan’s strength has increased by more than double.

‘Thank goodness.’

Increased power will definitely be helpful.

When facing the monsters of the Abyss, it would become a lot easier. Noa, with a relieved expression, asked him.

“How does it feel? Do you think something’s changed?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure.”

Contrary to the changes in his status window, Ulan couldn’t quite feel any difference himself. So, Noa subtly dropped a hint.

“Do you feel like you’ve gotten stronger?”

“Stronger?”

“Yeah, like a surge of power.”

“Then I’ll test it out.”

Huh? How’s he going to test it?

Just then, Ulan clenched his fist. Then, unexpectedly, he flicked his fingers towards the wall she had been leaning against.

And the result?

Crash!

A part of the wall simply disappeared.

“……”

But that’s not all.

As the wall crumbled, a shockwave erupted like a whirlwind. In turn, a massive cloud of dust swirled up, engulfing everything around.

“Cough, cough!”

“W-What the heck?”

“Why the sudden dust…?”

Students who had been caught off-guard.

Leaving them behind, Ulan muttered with a face that clearly understood what had transpired.

“I’ve definitely gotten stronger.”

“It looks obvious.”

Noa remembered the time Ulan flicked his fingers at the wall before. Back then, he merely made a hole in it.

But to think the wall would just explode like this…

In disbelief, Noa started laughing, but at that moment…

Crash!

The remaining wall couldn’t withstand the aftermath and crumbled into nothingness, even causing other walls to tumble down like dominoes.

“……”

“……”

Both Noa and Ulan were left speechless.

They instinctively sensed it.

If they stayed there dazed, the chance of being dragged to the Student Guidance Office was highly likely.

“What do we do now?”

“Uh, well…”

As Noa contemplated, the thick dust cloud entered her view. With a bright smile, she seemed to have landed on a clever idea.

“Let’s get out of here before someone sees us.”

“That sounds good.”

Ulan nodded in agreement.

But what they didn’t know…

Was that quite a few video recording devices had been set up all over the cafeteria.

Two hours later…

Ulan and Noa were apprehended on charges of damaging public property and dragged to the Student Guidance Office.

Chapter 24. Incident in the Capital