Chapter 15

EP.15 Childhood Friend Kidnapping Case - Interlude

[Congratulations! You have defeated the Demon [Orpheus of Slumber (Lv 110)] and gained experience!]

[Your level has improved to 36!]

[Your stats have increased by 12!]

[You have achieved the achievement [Childhood Friend is Safe!]. You have gained an additional 10 bonus stats!]

I bent one knee and picked up the Deep Sea Ring.

A thin, rusted navy blue earring. On it, strange runes were intricately engraved in tiny letters.

[You have obtained the loot [Deep Sea Ring]!]

[Deep Sea Ring]

:: When worn, allows you to read the psychological state of others.

If worn for 7 days, this item will lose its function, but you will still be able to read the psychological state of others even without wearing it.

Grade: 1 Tier

The Deep Sea Ring is an earring that can be worn on the earlobe. When worn, it allows you to see the psychological state of others through a status window.

This item was originally meant for Ian, but it would be much more useful for me, the specialist in feigning unconsciousness. If I need to use it, I can step in and resolve the situation.

At least for the sake of the story, unless it's something Ian absolutely needs or there's an extra, I have no intention of giving up the loot.

While removing the ice surrounding the abandoned warehouse with the Ice Release spell, I turned my gaze toward Ian and Matteo. Kaya was using healing magic on them and looking at me with a sense of wonder.

To ensure proper treatment, we need to find specialized clerics who specialize in healing magic or take them to a hospital. Kaya's magic is only for emergency treatment.

However, Ian has a light-attribute constitution and boasts a monstrous recovery rate. Kaya's magic alone will be enough to fully heal him.

Now that the situation has calmed down, I might as well test the Deep Sea Ring for a moment.

I put the navy blue earring, the Deep Sea Ring, on my right earlobe. The cold sensation of the metal. The Deep Sea Ring adjusted to fit the size of my earlobe.

[You have obtained the passive skill [Psychological Insight (★7)]!]

A passive skill that activates upon wearing the Deep Sea Ring.

After wearing the earring for 7 days, the condition of wearing it will no longer be necessary.

I covered my ear with my right hand to hide the earring from Kaya and Matteo.

First, I looked at Ian, who was unconscious.

[ Ian Fairytail ]

Lv: 43

Race: Human

Attribute: Light, Fire

Danger: X

Psychology: [ ]

Indeed. A new 'Psychology' section has appeared in the status window. It seems to be blank because Ian is unconscious.

[ Matteo Jordana ]

Lv: 76

Race: Human

Attribute: Rock

Danger: X

Psychology: [ You are confused by how strong you are. ]

Matteo, who is staring at me intently. I've never seen such a mix of shock, doubt, and admiration on a person's face. It seems 'doubt' is the most prominent.

Ah, Matteo's level has also increased by 1. It must be due to the cooperative experience points.

[ Kaya Astraean ]

Lv: 91

Race: Human

Attribute: Wind, Ice

Danger: X

Psychology: [ You are in awe of me. ]

'What's with this awe?'

Kaya looks like a zealous follower staring at a cult leader.

'...Well, her level has also increased by 1.'

Phew, know that you've become stronger thanks to me.

I took off the Deep Sea Ring from my ear and put it in my pocket. Starting tomorrow, it will be natural to wear it like a regular accessory.

After that, I walked over to where Kaya, Ian, and Matteo were. Matteo was looking at me with a confused expression, seemingly too shocked to speak.

Well, I don't really have anything to say to him either.

"Kaya."

"Yes, Isaac-sama."

When I stopped in front of Kaya and spoke, I was startled.

Up close, her eyes are sparkling too much. It's almost overwhelming.

...I should ask Kaya what I need to.

"Did you come to help Ian?"

"Yes! Ah! Isaac-sama, do you know Amy Holloway? I heard she was kidnapped..."

"I put her in a safe place."

"Of course!"

Kaya exclaims as if she expected this.

Her eyes are still shooting stars, which is quite overwhelming.

"I'll take care of the aftermath. I'll take these guys to the hospital for proper treatment and make sure they keep quiet."

Even though I didn't say anything, she hit the nail on the head.

This feeling, it's not bad.

Right now, her gaze is overwhelming, and her admiring look is making me feel a bit uncomfortable.

My chest tingles, and a small smile forms on my lips.

"Thank you."

When I said this with genuine sincerity, Kaya's lips reacted intensely.

Her lips started to tremble, and she looked like she was about to faint from joy.

It's the expression she makes when someone she admires gives her a compliment.

I'm not much, but to have her make that face for me...

Well, it's quite satisfying.

"And keep quiet about this demon appearance."

"Huh? Why...? Ah! I understand."

I was about to give a fabricated reason, but she immediately understood, leaving me speechless.

I don't know what thought process she went through, but since she's doing what I want, it's fine.

I recalled my memories of playing *The Mage Knight of Merchen*. Matteo's subordinates will soon wake up. They will support Matteo and head to the hospital.

The situation is over.

I nodded to Kaya and started walking. My destination was my hideout where Amy was.

I could feel Kaya's overwhelming gaze and Matteo's suspicious look as I walked.

I deliberately didn't meet their eyes and hurried my steps.

The sky was already darkening, with the sunset fading away.

The boundary between the sunset and the navy blue sky was incredibly beautiful.

...

"I brought more chocolate."

"Ooh! You're here!"

When I arrived at the hideout, Amy jumped up from her seat and approached me like a rabbit.

Her eyes, eager for chocolate, were like those of a Pomeranian puppy.

"I'm a bit late. But isn't it cold outside? I feel a chill, don't you?"

Amy asked with concern.

It must be because I emitted coldness while fighting Orpheus of Slumber.

I laughed awkwardly and scratched my cheek.

"You shouldn't catch a cold."

"What are you doing?"

Suddenly, Amy reached out her hand to me.

A faint flame appeared in front of her outstretched hand.

Whoosh.

「Fire Creation (Fire Attribute, ★1)」

Oh, it's warm.

"Ah, thank you."

"You're the one who should be thanked. Today was so much fun, and the chocolate was delicious... But Isaac, you still haven't answered me?"

"Answer?"

"You said you'd be my friend."

Now that I think about it, I didn't properly answer when she suggested being friends before I left.

But she'll soon hear the whole story from Ian... She'll quickly figure out why I brought her here.

I wonder how she'll react then.

Still, there's no need to avoid it now.

"Friend... Sure."

"Hehe."

Amy smiled brightly in the warmth of the fire. It was a sincere smile, like a flower in full bloom.

...

*The Mage Knight of Merchen* Act 2, Chapter 2, the Childhood Friend Kidnapping Case has ended. I took Amy out of Joseon Forest and parted ways with her in front of the dormitory. She belongs to the 'Bricks Hall,' where lower-middle-class students stay.

I decided to skip dinner. I wasn't very hungry after enjoying snacks with Amy.

In the dark night,

I went to a secluded corner of the garden to check my potential.

[ Potential ]

Owned Stats: 22

◆ Growth Rate

- Physical Training Efficiency (C): 26/100 [UP]

- Magic Training Efficiency (C+): 33/100 [UP]

- Learning Efficiency (D): 12/100 [UP]

◆ Elemental Resistance

- Fire Elemental Resistance (E): 0/100 [UP]

- Water Elemental Resistance (D): 6/100 [UP]

- Ice Elemental Resistance (C-): 24/100 [UP]

- Lightning Elemental Resistance (C): 29/100 [UP]

- Rock Elemental Resistance (E): 2/100 [UP]

- Wind Elemental Resistance (D): 13/100 [UP]

- Neutral Magic Resistance (D): 8/100 [UP]

◆ Combat Power Against Races

- Combat Power Against Humans (E): 4/100 [UP]

- Combat Power Against This Race (E): 1/100 [UP]

- Combat Power Against Celestials (E): 0/100 [UP]

- Combat Power Against Demons (S): 100/100 [MAX]

'My level has increased by 6, and I've gained a total of 22 stats. 22... That's...'

My top priority is to learn [Ice Burst]. So, I already know where to invest.

I put all 22 stats into [Magic Training Efficiency].

[Your potential [Magic Training Efficiency] has improved from C+ to B+!]

'B+!'

B+ is the realm of geniuses.

Even though Isaac's potential and stats aren't great, his growth rate from now on will be impressive.

After that, I practiced magic and headed to the physical training room.

The Knight Department students welcomed me as if they had been waiting for me.

And then hell began.

...

The next day, in the afternoon.

I met Amy on the way. I was tense, wondering what she would say, but unexpectedly, she greeted me with a bright smile.

[ Amy Holloway ]

Psychology: [ You feel a sense of familiarity towards me. ]

She looked very happy. She said that Ian had come to find her, hugged her tightly, and told her he was worried.

Surprised by the sudden hug, she asked why, and Ian replied that he was worried because he hadn't seen her all day.

He must have stuttered a lot. But Amy was so happy that she let it slide.

Moreover, she was delighted that Ian's personality had brightened up again.

'Amy is on the main route.'

In the Childhood Friend Kidnapping Case, if you save Amy, you get two choices: [Pat on the Shoulder] and [Hug]. If you choose [Hug], Amy will be on the main route.

Congratulations, Amy. Your wedding will be truly touching.

And since the story about Ian's injury didn't come up, it seems he was fully healed by Kaya's healing magic. He must have changed his clothes at the dormitory to avoid worrying Amy.

He didn't even mention my involvement or the confrontation with Matteo to Amy.

Considering his lack of reaction in the classroom earlier, it seems Kaya and Matteo agreed not to mention me.

Good job, Kaya.

"What's that earring? Did you buy a new one? It suits you~."

After finishing the story about Ian, Amy finally noticed the Deep Sea Ring on my right earlobe.

I have to wear it for a week, so I'm glad she said it suits me.

After that, I was called by Matteo. To be precise, the whole gang, including me, was called.

Matteo's subordinates had no memory of what happened after being hit by Kaya's wind magic. They all fainted. When they woke up and saw the abandoned warehouse in ruins, they assumed it was Kaya's doing. Matteo seemed to have confirmed this.

They immediately supported Matteo and headed to the hospital.

Matteo received professional healing magic at the hospital and was able to move again.

Of course, he wasn't fully healed. His arms and torso were wrapped in bandages, and he winced when he moved his arms, but it didn't seem to hinder his movement much.

In a back alley behind the academy building,

Matteo bowed to us, his underlings.

"I'm sorry. From now on, I will live by competing honestly with my skills. Thank you for going along with my schemes. I hope we can just be friends from now on."

His subordinates, thinking he had been defeated by Kaya, patted his shoulder without a word.

Despite the twists and turns, it seemed to have turned out similarly to the main story. I was greatly relieved.

[ Matteo Jordana ]

Psychology: [ You feel grateful towards me. ]

He's thanking me, huh.

After sending away the others, Matteo kept me behind.

We went to the garden and sat under a tree, drinking beverages.

Of course, he bought them. I'm a penniless beggar.

"I saw everything... You defeating the demon..."

Why the formal language?

"You were pretending to be weak all along..."

"Just use casual language. It's awkward."

"How can I possibly..."

Whatever Kaya said, it seems Matteo was convinced by her ideology.

"I'll get angry if you don't."

"Ah, I understand..."

Matteo reluctantly used casual language.

Kaya is used to using formal language equally with everyone, so she didn't say anything.

It was too awkward for me to see someone who used to use casual language suddenly switch to formal language.

"Thanks... If you weren't there, I would have died long ago. Not just me, but the guys I just sent off too."

"Let's call it even with this meal."

"My life isn't worth just a meal..."

Matteo laughed in disbelief.

He always had a serious face, so it felt strange to see him laugh.

It seems he thought the cost-benefit ratio was extremely off.

"...I apologized to Ian."

"Did you?"

"After talking to him, I realized... I was on the wrong path. I thought that as a commoner, I had to treat other commoners harshly to oppose the nobles... But that was wrong..."

I didn't care about Matteo's epiphany. It's probably the same old story of a protagonist's philosophy or beliefs making him reflect on himself.

With the matter resolved, my mind was already filled with the next plan.

'This is the real challenge.'

Act 2, Chapter 3, the Practical Training Part, and Act 2, Chapter 4, the Ant Army Part.

I had already thought through how to deal with the demon 'Garzia of Seclusion' who appears in Act 2, Chapter 4.

Garzia of Seclusion appears at level 140, and his ant army has a highly advanced collective intelligence, making it a major pain point.

The already difficult hell difficulty level increases sharply because as soon as he appears, he builds up his power in the 'Tantak Underground Cave' on the academy grounds.

Two weeks later, he will attack Ian during practical training, having reached his maximum power.

After completing Act 2, Chapter 4, you can explore the Tantak Underground Cave.

There, you can find the rare