Chapter 16

EP.16 Ant Nest (1)

"2000 gels."

In the end, I took out a high-interest loan from the Academy Bank. The monthly interest rate is 5%, which means I have to pay 100 gels each month. It's a killer interest rate, but since the loan amount itself is small, it's not as devastating.

The loan approval criteria are primarily based on one's mana capacity, academic performance, and credit. Since my mana capacity is only E-class, the loan limit is only 2000 gels, and I could only choose a loan product with a very high interest rate. Moreover, I had nothing to put up as collateral...

'Isn't this almost illegal lending?'

The institution that monopolizes the financial sector under the Academy is truly terrifying.

Still, I think it was a choice I had to make personally.

I couldn't bear to rely on Matteo for food by boasting that I saved his life.

If my plan succeeds, I'll be able to pay off the debt in no time, and the worry of being penalized in my grades due to the loan will also disappear.

Although the success of the plan is uncertain, it feels like a gamble...

Anyway, now is the time to eat well and get stronger.

[Status]

Name: Isaac

Level: 36

Gender: Male

Grade: 1

Title: Freshman

Mana Capacity: 260 / 400

- Mana Recovery Speed (D+)

- Stamina (C-)

- Strength (C-)

- Intelligence (C-)

- Spirit (B)

Potential <<Details>>

[Combat Abilities]

Element 1: Ice

- Elemental Power (C)

- Elemental Efficiency (C)

- Elemental Synergy (C+)

Element 2 (Locked)

[Skills]

Active

- (★1) Ice Creation (C-) / (★5) Black Ice (C-)

- (★2) Ice Barrier (C+)

- (★1) Cold Emission (C+)

- (★1) Basic Protection Magic (D)

Passive

- (★7) Mind Reading

Skill Tree <<Details>>

"Alright."

In the dim evening.

In a secluded corner of the garden, I inscribed the incantation of the 4-star ice magic [Frost Flower] on a piece of parchment. Now I have it memorized.

[Frost Flower (★4)] [Acquisition Possible!!]

:: Emits a powerful cold in the form of flames.

Type: Active Skill (Versatile)

Attribute: Ice

Acquisition Conditions

- Level 35 (O)

- [Ice Creation] C- (O)

- [Cold Emission] C+ (O)

- Ice Attribute [Elemental Power] C- (O)

- Ice Attribute [Elemental Efficiency] C- (O)

Activation Conditions

- None

To use magic, you need to memorize the shape of the magic circle.

Except for 1-star basic magic, magic doesn't just activate by randomly releasing mana into the air.

You need to release mana in the shape of the magic circle, using your mind and senses.

When the unique trait [Evil Slayer] activates, it feels like my body already knows the magic circle, allowing me to use magic naturally.

But with my ordinary body, I had to follow the proper method.

I spread my right hand, palm facing the sky. Now, I release ice mana in the shape of the magic circle.

A pale blue magic circle forms above my palm.

On top of it, a pale, smoky cold and pale blue ice mana form the [Frost Flower] in the shape of flames.

"Wow...!"

[I have acquired the ice attribute magic [Frost Flower (★4)]!]

Got it, got it!

A cold mana flower burning faintly. I can feel the mana being continuously drained.

I pointed the hand with the burning [Frost Flower] forward and grabbed my right arm with my left hand.

I pour mana into it.

「Frost Flower (Ice Attribute, ★4)」

────Whoosh──!

A pale, smoky cold and pale blue mana, containing snowflakes, surged forward like flames.

The range was very short, but with D- proficiency, it's to be expected.

"Wow... ."

Finally, I have a proper offensive skill. Exclamations of amazement kept escaping my lips.

I clenched my fist, extinguishing the faintly burning [Frost Flower], and closed my eyes tightly.

My whole body trembled. This feeling... I know this overwhelming emotion.

It was a sense of achievement.

"Kukuk."

I still have a long way to go.

'Next is [Ice Wall].'

[Ice Wall (Ice Attribute, ★4)] [Acquisition Possible!!]

:: Creates a sturdy wall of ice.

Type: Active Skill (Defensive)

Attribute: Ice

Acquisition Conditions

- Level 30 (O)

- [Ice Creation] C- (O)

- [Cold Emission] C (O)

- Ice Attribute [Elemental Power] C- (O)

- Ice Attribute [Elemental Efficiency] C- (O)

The sensation of using [Ice Wall] was ingrained in my body.

However, just a few days ago, I struggled to use [Ice Wall]. Creating a solid ice wall required considerable mana control.

But now, it felt possible.

I closed my eyes, imagined a wall forming in front of me, and released ice mana.

Crack───.

As I moved my hands slightly, a thick something seemed to rise from the ground.

When I finally opened my eyes, my view was blocked by an ice wall.

[I have acquired the ice attribute magic [Ice Wall (★4)]!]

「Ice Wall (Ice Attribute, ★4)」

[Ice Wall] success! I finally have a decent defensive skill!

Indeed, with my [Magic Training Efficiency] at B+, the growth rate has noticeably accelerated.

"Kukukukuk...!"

The moments of hard training flashed before my eyes like a panorama.

"Kukukukuk!"

The sense of achievement surged like a volcanic eruption.

Overwhelmed with joy, I punched the air repeatedly.

Like Manny Pacquiao.

...

In one week and four days, there will be the second act, third chapter, the practical training.

The ant demon, the secluded Garzia, will start to build up its power two weeks before the practical training.

By now, it should be settled in the underground cave of Tantak.

The mana residue created by its mana, the Jefrim, should also be formed.

For reference, the Jefrim you can obtain after completing the second act, fourth chapter, and going to the underground cave of Tantak is not much. This is because many Jefrim have lost their function due to overload from excessive mana.

In other words, if I can go to the underground cave of Tantak in advance, there's a high chance of obtaining a lot of fresh, high-quality Jefrim.

In other words, this is the optimal timing.

Fortunately, it's the weekend tomorrow. After finishing all my classes today, I plan to immediately take a carriage to the underground cave of Tantak.

It will take about 5 hours by carriage to get there, so I'll have to spend a night outdoors after dealing with the secluded Garzia.

If I leave tomorrow, solve the problem, and return immediately, it would be more comfortable.

But saving even a day to invest in stats and train would be more efficient for getting stronger.

'Did I pack everything?'

D-Class lecture room. The lecture room was empty because all the students had left after the class ended.

I was sitting in the middle row, writing a packing list on parchment and checking off each item.

Food like water and bread, a portable light lamp.

Camping gear like a tent and a folding chair, blankets and pillows. I also packed extras just in case...

I brought two magic pouches to store Jefrim. I bought them all with the gels I borrowed.

'Perfect.'

No problem. I can leave right away.

The sky was gradually turning red. It would be pitch dark by the time I arrive at the underground cave of Tantak.

I picked up my bag with the magic pouches and went to the carriage station to catch a carriage.

There were no horses. The 'ma' in 'carriage' here means 'magic,' not 'horse.'

The form is the same as the traditional carriage, but the carriage is powered by the mana of the driver in front. It moves when he infuses mana into the handle.

The exact principle is not explained in the official settings, so I don't know. Since it's a game setting, I just have to accept it.

"Where are you going?"

"To the underground cave of Tantak."

"Huh? If you go there now... it will be quite late. There are no accommodations nearby, you know that, right?"

"I'm fine, please take me there."

I boarded the carriage and sat down.

The driver muttered, "Hmm, are you sure...?" and started the carriage.

He's worried even though I said I'm fine.

"..."

The carriage creaked as it moved.

It would be good to take a nap to relieve fatigue at a time like this.

I closed my eyes and fell asleep quietly.

* * *

20 minutes before Isaac left.

Kaya finished her A-Class class and arrived at the door of the D-Class lecture room.

The ominous conspiracy theory that had recently come to her mind, 'The Secret of Merchen Academy.' She had been pondering for days how to investigate this issue.

If there really was a dangerous secret hidden in the Academy,

it would be a matter of great importance for the safety of the students, including herself.

In the end, she came to a conclusion. She decided to tail the man, Isaac, who she believed was the only connection.

It seemed like the same old behavior, like stalking someone she admired.

But Kaya justified it as something she had to do.

The lecture room was empty after the students left. Kaya peeked inside from behind the open door.

Isaac was sitting alone in the middle row, scribbling something on parchment.

What is he doing? Studying? No, it doesn't seem like studying...

Kaya's head was filled with question marks.

"Ah."

When Isaac stood up, Kaya was startled and quickly ran to the side.

Fortunately, there was a cleaning closet in the hallway. She hid behind it.

She peeked out from behind the closet. Isaac was crossing the hallway after leaving the D-Class lecture room.

Now, I'll tail him. Like an assassin, hiding my presence, quietly...

Kaya stealthily followed Isaac, hiding behind cover.

Isaac headed to the carriage station. Kaya, hiding behind a tree, tilted her head.

"Carriage?"

Isaac got on a carriage and started to leave somewhere.

The sky was yellow. It was a late hour to leave somewhere by carriage. Where is Isaac going at this hour?

It didn't seem right.

Should she follow him or not? After some thought, Kaya decided to follow him.

She went to the carriage station and quickly got on a new carriage.

"Excuse me, sir. You need to tell me where you're going..."

"Please follow that carriage. Without being noticed."

The driver tilted his head. A love affair between students, perhaps.

As long as he gets paid, it doesn't matter to him. He started the carriage without a word.

The sun was slowly setting in the sky.