Chapter 3

Chapter 2 – 2. Encounter (2)

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The accident was quickly contained.

Since train derailments due to falling rocks in the mountains the train passed through were relatively common, various safety measures were well in place.

The fact that there were no fatalities or even serious injuries in what could have been a major derailment proves this.

I nearly died, having been hit directly by a rock.

The students quickly switched to another mode of transportation and headed straight to the Academy, receiving top-level medical support in case anything was wrong.

And with such a full-body check, it’s inevitable that some time will be left over.

I have the time to thoroughly examine my current situation, after all.

Gift #1 - Fated Attraction

I confirm the phrase written below the window with a look of disbelief.

With these conditions, it’s no wonder I couldn’t find it even after doing all sorts of things since I possessed the body.

The Campbell Baronetcy is such a cozy place that it’s hard to find even a neutral-aligned person, let alone someone with evil tendencies. Since the basic conditions weren't met, it’s natural that the gift didn’t activate.

I sigh and turn the window to the skill side. I should at least see what I got.

In contrast, [Fatal Charm]...

“...”

Is it really okay for me to have this?

I don’t know to what extent it makes me easy to like, but in this game, people with evil tendencies are all dangerous.

A boxer who goes berserk and goes crazy in a fight.

A sword fanatic who will cut anyone with a knife if they get within three steps.

An assassin who will kill anyone if the conditions are met.

A genius mage who seems indifferent to everything.

The thought of being involved with any of these people makes my temples throb.

Ah, whatever.

‘...Isn’t it better to have something good for now?’

I chuckle and close the window.

Getting a skill that provides direct help for survival, even if it’s just one, is a significant achievement.

After all, since I possessed the body, all my actions have been centered around my own survival.

Even my desire to fulfill my role as an extra stems from that.

In a world where a hellish scenario awaits, there’s no reason to refuse something that helps me survive.

‘The strange thing is...’

The skill level is marked as ???, which is an unusual phenomenon.

Normally, it should be marked from the lowest F to the highest EX.

This is the first time I’ve seen this, even as a seasoned player.

“Why are you talking to yourself? Do you need another mental check?”

“No, I’m really fine.”

I answer the medic in front of me, and the man, who was writing my condition on the chart, looks at me with a suspicious gaze.

“Sure, all the numbers are normal, but...”

“Then can you let me go now? It’s just an accident where no one was hurt, so what’s the fuss...”

“That’s true, nominally. But this will probably be treated as an accident.”

The medic answers with a sigh.

“But we need to think about whether this really was an accident.”

“Huh?”

“You were on the train with Lady Tristan, right?”

“...So?”

“And you’re from a baron’s family with no proper backing, right?”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I’m giving you serious advice. I’m a graduate of the Elpante Academy, and I was from a nameless peripheral noble family like you.”

The medic continues with a wry smile.

“Do you think it was a coincidence that the rock hit that particular carriage?”

“...”

“The House of Tristan has many enemies. This time, you couldn’t avoid it, but in the future, it’s better to stay away. If you mix with high-ranking nobles, you’ll only get hurt.”

I know that, sir.

In an academy where all sorts of plots and dark machinations run rampant, that person wouldn’t just have the title of a final boss candidate for nothing. Just being by their side means I’ll face life-threatening situations as easily as breathing.

The problem is...

▼ Elnoir

...I already hate that I’m involved with this person.

Shit.

●

The opening ceremony ended as quickly as a lightning strike.

The endless glory of the Royal Academy Elpante. This year’s freshmen are truly exceptional.

A genius from this area. A royal from that area. A barbarian warrior from beyond the distant mountains. A notorious thief from the back alleys. And so on.

The Academy Elpante accepts any type of person as long as they have talent. Of course, being a royal academy, only nobles or those with a noble’s recommendation are admitted as students.

Naturally, as a place where all sorts of people gather, this damn academy is a place where nothing ever goes smoothly.

For example, the ‘practical evaluation’ that follows the opening ceremony gives off that vibe.

“The opening ceremony is over, so we will proceed with the level evaluation-”

“The evaluation will be conducted through various practical tests, including one-on-one sparring-”

Right. It’s an educational institution, so it wouldn’t be right not to divide the classes.

I look at the students lined up and the assistants working hard to control them, letting my thoughts drift.

The event is progressing, but a deep sense of depression is overwhelming me.

“...”

To be honest.

I’ve already given up on living as an extra.

I had dreamed of that possibility when I first came here, but meeting the Student Council President in the same carriage made everything go wrong.

Or rather, the problem arose after I unexpectedly got a related event due to the unexpected gift activation.

That person, due to their position, is a key figure in all the main events in Sera. The moment I got involved with them, my original plan was as good as over.

Farewell, contented and voluntary loner life.

Welcome, game scenario filled with all sorts of dangerous events.

And the one facing these scenarios is Daud Campbell, with his glorious all F stats.

How could I not be depressed?

“Then, first, the students will form pairs for one-on-one sparring-”

I half-listen to the assistant’s words and return to my thoughts.

So, am I going to give up?

No. That’s not it.

Even if there’s no clear answer, it’s important to try everything possible. My life is on the line.

‘The immediate goal is...’

To deal with this first.

▼ Elnoir

I don’t know what the ‘related event’ is, but given this person’s background, it’s not going to be a casual chat over snacks and parting ways.

Someone’s blood will definitely be spilled.

So, the immediate goal is to boost my stats as much as possible within two days.

“...”

Is this a joke?

In other possession stories, there’s usually some waiting time before events start. Why do I have to risk my life to grow within 48 hours?

‘...There’s no choice.’

I engrave thirty patience characters in my heart and continue my thoughts. Getting angry is a waste of time.

Let’s think.

“Student. Hey.”

Of course, as a seasoned Sera player, I can easily see the ways to power up within the academy.

But none of them can overcome the two-day time barrier.

The only way to significantly improve myself in this short time is this.

Gift #1 - Fated Attraction

I don’t know what will come, but at least getting a little bit of favor from Elnoir brought me two skills. The efficiency is undeniable.

In other words, I need to somehow get the ‘villain’s favor’.

As quickly as possible.

“Daud Campbell!”

A thunderous shout right in front of me brings me back to reality.

The assistant in my field of vision is frowning deeply.

“Where’s your mind at! I’ve called you several times!”

Judging by his voice, which echoes loudly in all directions, he must be really angry.

Thanks to this, the entire world is now looking at me.

“All the other students have been paired for sparring. Therefore, your opponent has been automatically decided.”

With this, I realize the situation more clearly.

Most of the gazes on me are filled with pity or ridicule.

Sparring pairs are usually formed by students of similar levels, but someone who zones out and misses the pairing process ends up in hell.

Naturally, only the ‘no one wants to spar with’ types are left.

‘Ah.’

I sigh inwardly and look at ‘my opponent’.

A girl with orange hair streaked with red. A well-worn but clearly well-used activity outfit. A plain longsword at her waist.

But there’s an overwhelming ‘presence’ that can’t be hidden by her plain appearance.

A charisma that’s almost overwhelming just by standing there.

I glance at the name tag, which reads [Elijah Krisanak].

I know her.

Actually, it’s impossible not to know her. She’s on par with Elnoir.

“Um, hello?”

The world’s greatest genius.

The protagonist of the ‘Savior Rising’ world, who will grow to become a savior, awkwardly smiles and greets me.

“...”

Is this a joke?

Although the protagonist’s stats at the start aren’t particularly high, this kid will later be able to destroy mountains with a single strike of a sword or magic. Even at this early stage, his talent is genuine.

Before entering the academy, he participated in regular knight missions and even conquered a dungeon alone. His achievements are at a level that’s hard to believe for a student.

The fact that he’s the most avoided among the already talent-filled Elpante freshmen shows how famous he is. The gap in combat power between us is nothing short of catastrophic. I could really die...

“...?”

Wait a minute.

I delve deeper into the thought that just crossed my mind.

I recall the ‘abilities’ I have, the ‘information’ about my opponent, and my ‘immediate goal’ in sequence.

And I draw a conclusion.

“...Hello.”

I shake the hand shyly offered to me, thinking to myself.

This might not be a crisis but an opportunity.

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