Chapter 27

026. The Ghost Incident at the Dormitory (2)

Eve left, and I stayed behind.

I put away the accessories, opened my notebook, and started writing something down.

What would happen if Eve didn't meet Kelthers and proceeded with Act 1, Scene 1?

At the top of the page, I had written "Eve von Loen格林 becoming a steamed sweet potato," but I crossed it out with an X.

"I forgot about this."

Immediately, the theory of an impossible clear.

"Originally, with 22 magic power, anything would fly away the moment she strikes, including ghosts."

In the original story, Eve von Loen格林 can't do that.

Because if she were to rampage with 22 magic power in the first-year dormitory, all the first-years would be flung away by the commotion, so Eve limits her magic power as much as possible.

And... the enemies in 1-1 are not compatible with Eve.

So, she borrowed Kelthers' strength, and Kelthers helped her, allowing her to go all out. If Eve could handle everything on her own, why would she need Kelthers?

"Hmm, I never even imagined what would happen if it couldn't be cleared..."

If it can't be cleared, what would happen...?

I don't know. After all, no one has seen them since the game over with Kelthers, and it just returned to the title screen.

Jefrin might go to hell, or it might not... This game has too many variables depending on the route and branches.

But a clear failure ending in 1-1 with a fully powered Eve von Loen格林.

"Hmm."

Why can't it be cleared?

It's because Kelthers isn't there.

Then what?

Should I find someone to replace Kelthers?

***

The next day.

A suitable replacement came early in the morning.

"Are you talking about the first-year dormitory at night?"

"Yes."

"Why are you going there? Or are you telling me to go?"

"Go and help me deal with the unusual events happening there tonight."

"But I'm a second-year now, and entering without permission is a bit..."

Nephthys tilted her head, and I took out a banknote.

"200,000."

"But that's against the rules..."

"250,000."

"It's not easy."

"300,000."

"What time should I start?"

"Join Eve when she heads to the dormitory."

"Student Council President... going to the dormitory?"

Nephthys, who initially didn't understand, soon nodded.

"I remember hearing that the first-year dormitory has ghosts, as the freshmen said."

"Yes. And it seems Eve is trying to resolve it alone today."

"Ah, I see. Since you're President Wolffram's sister, you must be worried."

She looked at me as if I were brave.

Get rid of that disgusting imagination.

"Hmm, I'll do it. I'm a second-year, but I think I'm still trusted in the Knight Department. If I say I'm going to help the freshmen, everyone will accept it."

"Thank you. The heart of a brother who cares for his sister. I understand."

That's not it.

***

If Nephthys and Eve work together to resolve the incident, it would be perfect.

"Hmm. Hmm."

The next day, I skipped class and started writing down the strategy for 1-1 in my notebook.

The 1-1 story in the original game was as follows:

The Ghost Incident at the Dormitory.

Last year's Student Council President, Wolffram von Loen格林, was expelled, and the reign of the new President, Eve von Loen格林, known as the Light Princess, began. However, this change was not something the first-years could feel.

Instead, their hearts sank even deeper.

This was because, not long after classes started, 10% of the first-years had either dropped out or been expelled.

Unable to keep up with the classes, experiencing their own limitations, and suffering from the pain of being criticized by professors despite being called geniuses in their hometowns, they left Jefrin.

If they had left gracefully, it would have been different, but their thoughts remained in the dormitory, and the sadness and pain they emitted gave direction to the magic power.

Ultimately, the magic power went berserk, and a lump of wandering thoughts was born in the middle of the night.

A human-shaped magic power, glowing blue, wearing a freshman uniform, wandered the dormitory corridors, crying softly, "I wanted to stay a bit longer... I wanted to do well..."

That's the whole story of the Ghost Incident at the Dormitory in 1-1.

"Here... Eve can't slay that spirit."

Because it might affect the surrounding first-years. That's the surface reason.

And Eve von Loen格林, as the Student Council President, hesitates when dealing with such a sad spirit.

At that moment, Kelthers, standing beside Eve von Loen格林, draws his sword and rushes at the spirit, slaying it with one strike.

And Kelthers says:

"I'm sorry, but we can't stop here."

He sheaths his sword and smiles at Eve.

"You're a good person, President."

"Yes, yes?! S-Senior, you're not teasing me, right?!"

The episode ends with Eve blushing, but...

"Even if Nephthys says something like that to Eve, it's fortunate I won't have to see that disgusting scene."

I genuinely thought so.

"Hmm. But here's the problem."

I was lost in thought, considering the operation that would take place tonight.

Assuming Nephthys and Eve work together to resolve the incident, what would Wolffram do?

"How can I sneak in, get the clear item, and escape without being noticed?"

Exactly.

Let you guys handle the clear.

The noble and kind-hearted knight and the great Student Council President should liberate the wandering spirit.

I, the third-rate extra and convenience store owner, will do my best to get the reward item and escape.

***

Eve von Loen格林 looked at the Knight Department student who was sticking to her side and tilted her head.

"Nephthys?"

"Yes, Student Council President Eve von Loen格林."

Second-year vice-chair.

A girl who is known for her impeccable conduct and the trust of those around her, embodying a proud knight.

"Why are you here?"

This was the evening at the first-year dormitory.

Eve, who had instructed the first-years to stay in their rooms and intended to handle the ghost incident alone, couldn't help but be puzzled by the sudden visit from a classmate.

This was quite surprising.

Eve hadn't officially requested support from the Knight Department and had even instructed her subordinates to avoid getting involved. The addition of a third party was extremely unpleasant.

However, Eve didn't treat Nephthys as an enemy or show any dislike.

This was because, during the previous year in the General Department, Nephthys' conduct was impeccable. Although her stats were a bit lacking, Eve believed she would become a diligent worker for the empire.

Nephthys was a knight among knights, living by her principles. Eve's preconception was that Nephthys was a good person.

"There are reports of ghosts appearing in the dormitory. I came to help."

"I appreciate your offer, but I can handle this on my own."

"Ahaha... I'm sorry, but I can't do that. Someone who cares about you asked me to protect you until this incident is resolved."

"Really?"

"Yes. Someone who cares about you like family asked me to do this. So, may I serve as your shield?"

Eve looked at Nephthys intently and sighed.

How could she refuse?

But before that.

"What are your stats? And your skills?"

"Me? Ah, so my health is 16..."

After hearing Nephthys' full stats, Eve nodded.

They weren't outstanding, but they were stable and decent.

While her offensive capabilities were lacking, her skills were focused on defense and protection.

"Alright. I'll let you be my shield."

"Yes! But, are the ghosts real?"

Eve, unable to hide her melancholy, murmured.

"About those ghosts... I have a rough idea of what they are."

"Really?"

"Yes. They are probably from the freshmen..."

"Freshmen?"

"...We can confirm their true nature after we meet them. Let's start from the upper floors and work our way down."

"Yes, yes!"

***

Late afternoon, just before 1-1 began.

"Phew. Phew."

I left the convenience store and headed to the first-year dormitory.

After much deliberation, I had roughly decided on a route.

"The dormitory has a back entrance. If I use that route, I can reach the clear room without being noticed."

Clear room.

The room that appears after defeating the boss, where the reward item pops up.

So, while Nephthys and Eve are fighting, I'll wait in the clear room and grab the item.

There's no chance of being caught.

Even if I am, I can just act shamelessly and say I came to check on Nephthys.

As I was heading to the dormitory, a heavy, elderly male voice echoed in my ear.

"Phew, hmm. Is... is that Wolffram?"

"Professor Rantica Grace?"

The elderly professor, with bloodshot eyes and his tie loosened, was panting heavily.

The devil who tried to bury me in graduate school was right there.

He approached me with a gleam in his eye.

"Meeting you here is quite a coincidence. How about we go to a café? Or have a meal? I know a good steakhouse. I'd like to discuss academia over a meal. Would that be alright?"

"Um, well, that is..."

Have a meal and talk about academia with a steak the professor is buying? Are you really a psychopath?

I had to refuse, but if I said the wrong thing and the professor got upset, it could affect my grades, and I'd be doomed again.

Damn, this is really a hellish difficulty!

"Um, Professor. I'm heading to the first-year dormitory to check on my food cart. We can talk later, can't we?"

"Hmm, I see. You're doing business here. I was looking for you around the graduate school area... Alright. Now that I know where you are, I have plenty of time. I'll come by after school tomorrow."

Don't investigate!

Don't come, you crazy bastard!

"Um, so why are you here, Professor?"

"Ah, one of my lab students skipped work, so I came to... catch them, no, find them. Haha."

"Um, I see."

"Yes. When I heard that a freshman wanted to become a first-year and was seen near the dormitory, I came to... discipline them, no, find them. After all, they are my students, and it's my duty as a professor to guide them on the right path."

"Um, yes. I understand."

"Anyway, if you see that student... no, that academy student, tell them I'm looking for them and to return quickly. His name is Zolf."

"Understood."

Zolf.

You're still not back.

"Phew. Hmm. I'll really teach that kid a lesson when I catch him..."

I wished Zolf good luck as I watched the professor disappear into the darkness.

"Ah, this isn't the time. I need to go for the run-and-grab."

Now is not the time to worry about the runaway graduate student.

***

Ultimately.

I successfully infiltrated the dormitory quickly.

This back entrance is a route Kelthers uses for night actions up to Act 3, and it has never been caught by the system.

I was worried about Jefrin becoming reality, but it's a clean route.

I successfully infiltrated the room where the intense battle with the wandering ghost would take place on the first floor.

"Phew."

I took a deep breath, sat in a corner of the room, and slightly opened the door to observe the situation.

There were no signs of anyone else.

As expected.

In the original story, Eve ordered all the first-years to stay in their rooms to resolve this incident alone. That's why Kelthers is so impressive, as Eve actually asks for his help.

Now, Nephthys and Eve will investigate the upper floors and eventually encounter the ghost on the first floor.

"Ugh, ugh... ughhh..."

"Ah, the boss."

It's a new experience.

That is a lump of magic power filled with the strong thoughts of a freshman.

A sad portrait of our era, created by the desire to stay in Jefrin.

I listened to the freshman's sad voice.

That crying... is it really...

"Graduation... Degree... Degree... Freshman... Master's... No, Doctorate..."

"?"

Was it really crying like that...?