Chapter 88

EP.88 Church of the Rose - Interlude

─ "Senior, are you okay?"

─ "I feel so let down. It's like stepping in dog poop."

I wrapped myself in the cape shawl and made a [Frost Blossom] bloom in my right hand for some extra training. Despite the pervasive sunlight, a subtly chilly wind blew.

Lunchtime, in a corner of the butterfly garden.

I was sitting on the ground, recalling what Dorothy had said.

Dorothy received a 14-day suspension according to the disciplinary committee's decision. It was surprisingly lenient.

This was possible due to a certain disciplinary system at Merchen Academy.

Depending on the case, if a certain amount of fine is paid, there is an opportunity to reduce the level of punishment, and this opportunity was given to Dorothy. The basis for this was that her act of protecting me was justified.

Although a considerable fine had to be paid, it was probably just pocket change for her, who had more than enough gels.

'I knew it would turn out this way.'

The logic of capitalism must have played a role behind the disciplinary committee's decision.

Considering the interests entangled between Dorothy and the academy, it makes sense. If the academy can use the fact that a great genius is enrolled as a business card, money will multiply. But if that kid gets a severe punishment? It would damage Merchen Academy's public image.

Investors are already leaving due to the appearance of demons, and Principal Elena is begging on her knees to keep them.

Given these special circumstances, the academy had no choice but to take a passive attitude towards giving Dorothy a severe punishment. That's why they presented her with a choice that already had a predetermined answer.

'Fortunately for me.'

In the end, Dorothy, with a forced energetic greeting of "See you next time. It was really fun!" and accompanied by the dormitory staff, headed towards the dormitory. It was a pitiful sight.

Even if it's just a light punishment, it's still a punishment. A sense of guilt, as if a pair of pliers were gripping my heart, washed over me.

I can't just accept this favor without doing anything in return. I decided to give Dorothy a gift as a token of gratitude when her suspension ends.

The problem is that Dorothy is not an official heroine. Therefore, there are no items specifically for heroines. I need to think about what gift to give her before her suspension is over.

Anyway...

'I really do feel let down.'

The plan to play with Dorothy all day has completely fallen apart... I'm so disappointed.

Of course, I didn't dislike the situation itself. Pretty girls surrounding me and wanting only me? It's a happiness beyond my station.

I just wanted to play with Dorothy until late last night...

'Forget it, just let it be.'

What's the point of lamenting over what's already happened? Since everyone did it out of affection for me, it's hard to be angry at anyone. I should just think about what gift to give Dorothy.

Fortunately, I didn't run into Alice again.

It might be an overinterpretation to conclude that she has lost interest in me, but at least she doesn't seem to think of me as an obstacle anymore.

'I wouldn't think of myself that way either.'

Considering the situation, I was no different from a weakling being dragged around by girls.

I might have looked like a poor excuse for an obstacle.

Regardless, I have some familiarity with Alice now. It can't hurt to be on good terms.

'The rest of the situation seems to be well sorted out.'

In the morning, I went to see Matteo Jordana to discuss the scenario.

Ian, who had regained his senses, didn't know why the Kerubim necklace was around his neck, but he intended to return it to the Four Constellations.

However, after some discussion, the Four Constellations said, "It's just the treasure finding its rightful owner, and since we were planning to distribute the treasures anyway, there's no need to return it."

Ian still wonders why the Kerubim necklace came to him, but I asked Matteo to gloss over it.

Next, I went to see Eva Hyllow, who had sold my information.

The Red Constellation members, who were part of the Four Constellations, had been influenced by Maloch's hallucination magic, which affected their minds, and they had accepted him naturally.

In other words, with Maloch defeated, the memories of the Red Constellation members must have been altered. I wanted to confirm how their memories had changed.

─ "Eek!!"

As soon as she saw me, Eva was so startled that she fell backward, landing on her buttocks and screaming. That dolphin-like ultrasonic scream still seems to be ringing in my ears.

Have I ever made someone so afraid of me? A person as kind and exemplary as me shouldn't be feared by anyone. It was a rather unique feeling.

Anyway, from what Eva said, it seemed that the Red Constellation members hadn't lost their memory of Maloch being their leader.

There was only a piece of parchment left in the hideout, written in Maloch's handwriting, stating that he was stepping down as leader. However, no one knows where that parchment is now.

'Scarlet Atlas has returned well.'

Scarlet Atlas is the former leader of the Red Constellation. It seems that this senior has returned to take the leadership again.

For reference, she is a significant senior, a mid-boss in the <Magician Knight of Merchen> "Act 5, Chapter 3: Blue Wave vs. Red Constellation" part.

You know, sometimes during a fight with the protagonist, extras suddenly have a backstory. She's that type. She will likely face off against Ian soon.

'The rumors spread well.'

The rumors I wanted spread among the students, thanks to Dorothy pressing down on Reisel for me and declaring me as her partner.

This would instill the idea that "Dorothy is on Isaac's side, and anyone who messes with Isaac will end up like dried fish."

'My favorite character is so reliable.'

Moreover, the perception that "Isaac is weak and needs to be protected" also spread simultaneously, making me seem far removed from the image of a powerful black monster.

If I'm worried about the rumors, I can just spread the ones I want. Dorothy has given me a lot of power to achieve my goals. Yes, Dorothy is a god, and I am invincible.

By the way, a strange rumor started that I am a god of lust, randomly approaching any girl. This is due to the altered memories. Since it's just a one-time topic, I decided not to worry about it.

Actually, it's not a lie. I like harems. If I'm called a god of lust, it's not entirely wrong, so I don't intend to deny it as long as it doesn't negatively affect me.

I just plan to suppress my desires until I defeat the evil deity.

'Anyway, it's fortunate that the rest of the matters are going well.'

The last thing to consider.

'When should I use this?'

I threw the old silver key in my left hand up and caught it as it fell.

The trophy obtained after defeating Maloch of Envy, the "Key to the Mysterious Basement."

[Key to the Mysterious Basement]

: A key imbued with an unknown magical power. It opens the door to a certain basement. It can be used anywhere.

Grade: Tier 1

[※ Caution: When used, numerous threats of death will target you.]

The term 'basement' might make you think of a typical basement, but that would be a mistake.

'This basement is the Netherworld.'

'The Netherworld.' As the name suggests, it's an incredibly dangerous place.

However, if handled well, it's also a place where you can achieve tremendous growth.

In <Magician Knight of Merchen>, Ian used this key to fall into the Netherworld and had a party of experience points by defeating many enemies who were after his life.

If the player went there prematurely, it often led to a game over, and even if they survived, the growth efficiency was not great.

The destination is the edge of the Netherworld, the most insignificant corner.

By the way, I remember the map and situation being very interesting. I really enjoyed playing it.

And this key disappears after a certain amount of time.

If you pretend to insert the key into a lock in the air, like a mime, the key's power will return the target to their original location, and the key will instantly turn to dust and disappear.

In essence, it's a consumable spatial teleportation spell in the form of a key.

For reference, since it moves you to a corner of the Netherworld, you won't likely encounter ridiculously strong beings like the 'King of the Netherworld' or the 'Primordial Demon Beasts' that are not bound by the mortal and nether realms.

'If you do, you'll die.'

Of course, you shouldn't encounter them.

'Anyway, using this now would just lead to a miserable death.'

I need to grow stronger before I go there for an experience point party. It's not necessary yet.

Let's wrap up my thoughts here. I need to start my lunchtime training.

[Status]

Name: Isaac

Lv: 76

Gender: Male

Grade: 1

Title: First-year who has adapted to dorm life

Magic Power: 9000 / 9000

- Magic Power Recovery Speed (B)

- Stamina (B+)

- Strength (B+)

- Intelligence (B-)

- Spirit (A+)

[Potential]

Owned Stats: 0

◆ Growth Speed

- Physical Training Efficiency (A-): 70/100

- Magic Training Efficiency (S): 100/100

- Learning Efficiency (B+): 60/100

I invested 9 of the 18 stats I gained from defeating Maloch of Envy into [Magic Training Efficiency]. As a result, [Magic Training Efficiency] reached its maximum, and the unique trait [Non-Technician] emerged.

[Non-Technician] helps to easily increase the proficiency of magical weapons and even enhances their power.

There is a limitation that it has no effect on legendary weapons like the Frost Scythe, but it should be very effective on Zanya's Staff.

I invested the remaining 9 stats into [Physical Training Efficiency].

As mentioned before, a strong body greatly influences the handling of legendary weapons like the Frost Scythe. After all, you need a body that can withstand using such weapons.

Moreover, if both [Magic Training Efficiency] and [Physical Training Efficiency] reach their maximum, you can obtain a certain unique trait. One of the effects of this unique trait is to apply the [Non-Technician] effect to legendary weapons.

There will also be moments in the scenario where good physical abilities are needed. I needed to prepare in advance.

I clenched my fist to extinguish the [Frost Blossom] and picked up Zanya's Staff, which I had placed beside me.

The staff, made from the magical stone and the Tree of Wisdom, harmoniously blending the twilight and the sunset. The color is truly stunning.

I stood up, extended Zanya's Staff forward, and released my magic power.

"Indeed..."

I felt this last night and this morning.

The chaotic flow of magic power within Zanya's Staff, which I couldn't control just a week ago, has noticeably become gentler.

This is the effect of the unique trait [Non-Technician]. I can really feel it.

Now, it's time to cast elemental magic.

I extended the tip of Zanya's Staff forward and formed the incantation for [Frost Blossom].

Then, I fired a cold flame.

────「Frost Blossom (Ice Attribute, ★4)」

Whoosh────!

A fairly impressive cold flame burst forth. Wow, the more I see it, the more amazed I am.

I was worried about when I would be able to handle this magical weapon...

I started to feel excited. I began to cast elemental magic with Zanya's Staff.

Every time I cast a spell, a "Wow" escapes my lips. The improvement in [Elemental Power] and [Elemental Efficiency] is very clear!

"Wow..."

For a while, I was immersed in the afterglow brought by Zanya's Staff.

This is Yatsushi.

* * *

It's high tide. The vast sky and sea are extremely serene.

Above the western sea of the Gerber Empire, the robust fishermen, who were fishing, suddenly felt a strange sensation as if their shadows were elongating.

"Hmm, what is it? Suddenly the shadow...?"

"Hey, what's that?"

"What is it, man? Why did your expression suddenly... stiffen...?"

Soon, the fishermen's gazes turned to one spot.

They dropped their nets and harpoons, unable to believe what they saw, and their mouths hung open.

Above the horizon, a mysterious floating island hovered in the sky.

It was a vast sky. There, something of unimaginable size seemed to be engraved, floating quietly.

"What is that...?"

It was a fortress.

An island.

A harbinger of destruction.

A heaven and a hell.

It is a 'mysterious enigma' that has left its mark in the history of the empire, suddenly appearing in the sky and destroying a country and the land before disappearing just as quickly.

It has reappeared, imprinting its existence in the vast sky, observing the vast sea.

──────────.

A strange resonance spread through the heavens and earth, like a long breath blown into a wind instrument. It sounds like a cry announcing its presence.

Floating island.

It has revealed itself again in this world.