Chapter 72
To put it simply, Finn has grown.
He easily overpowered the Skeleton Soldier that was his level during the entrance exam and has now managed to coat his sword with a stable aura that he couldn’t show before.
Those who had been watching him consistently, like Emily, opened their eyes wide in surprise and showered him with compliments. “You’ve worked hard. You’ve made progress. Amazing!” The commotion around him was filled with praise.
However, even after his turn was over, Finn showed not a hint of a smile. Instead, he bit his lip, seemingly frustrated and embarrassed, clenching his hands tightly.
I quietly observed him, wondering how he assessed his current state. Was it worth continuing or should he be discarded?
“I’m sorry, Vargan.”
Growth? Well, yes. No matter how pitiful his entrance exam performance had been, it was just three months ago. Gaining the upper hand easily isn’t simple.
Effort? Yes, that too. It was mentioned in the novel, and I had heard that he trained with members of his branch, including Leon. They were all filled with passion, so he wouldn’t have slacked off.
However, there was an undeniable fact that should never be overlooked.
Finn received Helion’s relic just like I did. He had gained an environment that allowed him to grow faster than anyone else.
Even I had reached a level where I could see transcendence in the field of mana. I could confidently say my total mana was vast enough to fit in both of my hands compared to other humans in the novel.
Of course, it was possible because of my reincarnation bonus and exceptional talent, but he should have at least had a somewhat similar feeling.
“I’m sorry for disappointing you.”
“…….”
Every time Finn displayed his skills, every time he moved and thrust his sword, a deep sense of disappointment surged within me, visible on the surface.
Neither he nor I could be satisfied with this level.
“I find myself pathetic as well. With a first-class relic, I’ve only managed to grow this much. I hate that I am constantly disappointing you, Vargan.”
Finn clenched his trembling hands, trying hard to regain composure. His lips were tightly sealed, and his eyes were filled with determination.
He felt shame.
“I will strive harder. I will fight back more fiercely.”
No, he wouldn’t give up. His trembling eyes were filled with resolve. Then he declared:
“I will prove my worth in the first-year second semester final exam.”
The value he promised to himself.
He swore he would show it without fail.
“…I see.”
Reaffirming his will, I replied. Perhaps I even smiled a little at the corners of my mouth.
After confirming the papers, I responded. Perhaps I had a slight smile on my lips.
Finn might not know, but the ‘Second Semester Final Exam’ is in a one-on-one tournament format.
He might face strong opponents right from the start, and as he progresses, he will encounter exceptional talents. The people he will meet will be incomparable to the members of Arbol Frutal.
On that stage, surrounded by countless spectators, he declared that he would showcase all his skills and prove his worth by defeating the strong.
It’s true I had some expectations since he wore Helion’s relic, but Finn was really just extra.
If he didn’t give up, then there was no need to discard him. The period wasn’t long anyway.
He set the limit for the Second Semester Final Exam. It’s roughly the same time I initially considered, so there’s no rush.
I glanced at the paper with the next member’s information and casually said, “I’m looking forward to it.”
Finn steadied his resolve once again and walked away.
*
The promotion ceremony is over.
Most of them had their skills re-evaluated. They developed as I expected. What’s slightly disappointing is that it was simply ‘as expected’.
After all, cases like Alicia are so unique that even when aware of their talent, they always provide new surprises; if you’re a typical genius, this level makes sense.
Among them, one student caught my eye: a male student under Emily’s charge. He hadn’t been described or mentioned even once in the novel, but he shows pretty good growth.
He hails from the commoners of the Troa Empire and has a strong combat spirit with a significant thirst for strength. He was also the only one who got promoted this time.
Earlier, he seemed to openly disdain Finn. I wonder what chemical reaction he will bring about.
Well, that’s a matter for later, so I’ll set it aside for now.
“What’s your business?”
The complex scenery of the laboratory disappeared, leaving a vacant lab where Francesca and I faced each other.
There are long and deep conversations to be had with her.
“It’s a gathering for smooth interaction between senior and junior… but I doubt you’ll believe that.”
Francesca’s eyes narrowed. Perhaps my approach was unexpected; her golden eyes scrutinized my reaction.
I analyzed her actions. Unlike with Diphelia, she didn’t show signs of nervousness.
“If you have nothing else to say, I’d like to return.”
“You must be busy, right?”
She doesn’t avert her gaze. There’s not a hint of wavering or awkwardness.
“Being a Second Year means I have a lot to study.”
“I see….”
One, that’s why it stands out even more.
Without dragging it out longer, I threw out a sharp comment aimed like a spear. Impatient Francesca was already preparing to leave her seat.
“Is the research on the ‘Bones of the Ancient Dragon’ going well?”
She hesitated.
For a moment, there was a hiccup in her movements. She turned her body back to me with an expressionless face.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Playing dumb, are we? You’re quite natural at it, Francesca.”
At least she doesn’t seem third-rate; she appears to have some talent. Still, she has a long way to go.
“If you’re going to spout nonsensical words, then it’s not worth listening to me. Am I right?.”
“I’ll help you.”
My words echoed softly in the spacious laboratory, filling the entire place. Taking advantage of her inability to respond appropriately, I took a step closer.
The low echo spread throughout the vast laboratory, reverberating as she hesitated to make a proper reaction, stepping forward another pace.
“I can help you,” I said.
“…….”
Francesca stared at me for a moment, then sat down. In that brief interval, her gaze had shifted entirely—from doubt to vigilance. She leveled up.
“It’s not particularly strange. After all, my curse magic is ultimately a branch of dark magic. Knowing a bit of secret information about Francesca, the top dark magician among second-year students, isn’t unusual at all.”
“…Who did you hear that from?”
Who did…?
Well, who do you think I heard it from, Francesca?
“Well, it might be your ‘assistant’ who has helped you get closer to the bones, or maybe not. Regardless, it’s not a crucial matter in our current situation.”
“…….”
Francesca’s eyes hardened. The eyes that usually shone brightly looked murky, as if sinking to the bottom.
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying I’ll help you out of goodwill. As you might have guessed, I am not the kind of fool who helps others without a reason.”
I continued with a grin.
“Rather, it’s a proposition from a junior who discovered that they can help the esteemed senior. If you’re suspicious, we could even establish a curse contract between us.”
Given Francesca’s personality, there’s a high chance the curse will be cast upon both of us. And for me, it serves as insurance, so it’s necessary.
I merely hint at it and don’t push; I act as if it’s more comfortable not to do it.
Then the opponent will likely say,
“…Let’s talk a bit more.”
They’ll want to bite.
“Alright, let’s see the terms of the deal I had in mind. I hope you’ll like it.”
Francesca must have wanted to resolve matters related to me before the first semester ended.
However, since I suddenly entered closed training, it must have disrupted her plans, leaving her a bit anxious.
Just a light poke and she bites, so it shouldn’t take long.
Ocel Victoria Francesca.
Spirit Summoner Francesca.
“If you join me, we can revive the ancient dragon’s bones that reside in the Academia.”
Unlike the foolish protagonist, I won’t stop you. I shall turn the festival episode that occurs in the second semester into your own stage.
And once the festival is over and darkness begins to creep in,
Become my nourishment.
*
The burning village.
From all around, the screams of people mixed with thick black smoke feeling overwhelming.
The village guards who had been protecting the people lay sprawled on the ground, rotten and decayed.
This phenomenon is happening far too quickly to be labeled as ordinary decay. It seems some power is defying the natural order.
“Please save me…!! I earnestly beg you. Please, at least let me… just me!”
A middle-aged man slammed his head hard against the ground, begging for his life.
Liquid representing his desperation flowed continuously from his eyes, nose, and mouth, while blood trickled down from the stone-filled forehead.
“I will praise the goddess! Not a scrap of wood like Yggdrasil, only for the goddess… the one and only goddess, I will pray and live for her??!!”
“Not a piece of wood like Yggdrasil, but solely for the Goddess… I shall live praying only to the one true Goddess!!”
Facing a being sitting atop a wooden box, the man repeatedly banged his head on the ground, confessing his newfound faith.
Each morning he prayed with his family to Yggdrasil, but in the face of clear death, he easily shifted his beliefs as if stepping over a threshold.
His twelve-year-old son, ten-year-old daughter, and wife were all corpses nearby. They, too, had decayed completely, their original forms lost.
“Please… tell me your name! I wish to serve you for life under your wing. Perhaps… in a way, this was all part of the fate guided by the Goddess….”
As the man spoke, he again saw the faces of his former family, and his throat tightened, unable to form proper sentences.
“Please… please… show mercy?”
Drip. Drip.
The decay began at the man’s head, spreading quickly, wrapping around his entire body and snuffing out his life.
『Ptooey, tastes awful. Even this one is garbage-flavored.』
Spitting on the man’s corpse.
The being sitting on the wooden box swung its legs, propping its arms back on the box while gazing at the sky.
White clouds floated across the blue sky.
Black smoke filled the air from the burning house.
『I only end up with tasteless ones… what horrible luck.』
The being appeared as a boy around thirteen years old, but his vertically split pupils and the ominous aura he exuded were anything but human.
Stretching out, the boy easily lifted himself, then jumped down to smash the decayed man’s head.
『Ah… I can’t forget that taste from fifteen years ago… By now, it should be even richer and tastier, right? I want to eat it soon.』
The boy shivered with pleasure as he recalled memories of the past. Just remembering sent shocking sensations through him. If he could experience that absolute level of taste once more…!
He would be utterly happy!
『I can’t wait any longer. Fifteen years of aging is enough. I can’t let it go rotten!』
Longing for a specific something, the boy walked lightly. There wasn’t a single intact person or building where he stepped. Everything was decayed and collapsed.
【Crunch.】
A red-bodied Priest-level Altife awaited him. Its form was slightly unique, resembling a horse.
Naturally, he climbed atop the Altife. As soon as his master intended to move, all the surrounding Priests gathered, following him.
From a distance, it looked like a river of blood had swept over the village.
That massive army couldn’t possibly fit within a single village.
The boy licked his lips. He wanted to eat it quickly. That healthful and vibrant delicacy he’d never encounter again!
『Ah, ah…! I want to see it soon. I want to taste the rest of the parts too! Helion?!』
The boy wore a blissful expression.
A Bishop among the second danger class of the Goddess Church at fifteen.
「Ami」.
Leading the Altife Army, he moved on to the next village and the one after, bringing destruction in his wake.
Wherever he went, the stench of rotting corpses and swarming flies followed.
