1-Second Invincible Player in the Game

109. The Calm Before the Storm (3)

Despite the appearance of the undead, no one screamed.

This was Frost Heart, a place where pathfinders were trained.

Those who slaughtered monsters in the magical realm had no reason to fear a mere humanoid undead.

Krrrraaal—

If there were many, it might be different, but just one?

“Why is an undead here? Did those Shulafe idiots let it slip by?”

“Not likely. They’ve never attacked during a defense.”

…The reaction was merely a slight surprise at the presence of a monster in this place.

“So, who’s going to catch it? I didn’t bring any weapons.”

“Oh, this is a product for sale. If you use it, it becomes secondhand.”

In the atmosphere of pushing and shoving, the undead lunged at a nearby female student, mouth agape.

“Eek, gross!”

In the end, it was the female student who drew the short straw in the undead extermination.

But then, in an instant, Velen slipped between them and severed the undead’s neck.

Thud.

The undead’s head splattered against the ground like a crushed tomato.

Though it had been dealt with quite easily, Velen’s expression remained gravely serious.

With strange events unfolding continuously, even such a simple occurrence could hardly be taken lightly.

“Strange, isn’t it? There are no undead in this area…”

I caught her soft mutterings as I turned to speak with a member of the clothing club.

“Thinking of getting something tailored.”

“Uh? Oh, um… Should we measure your size first? It’s just odd, isn’t it? Even things like that show up here.”

“Indeed.”

I gazed absently at the corpse of the undead over the shoulder of the man measuring my body with a tape.

That was merely a creation, a demonstration of another aspect of Peldira.

Now, possessing the body of the recently missing female professor, it was possible.

【Peldira of Obsession】

A thoughtform that reads the memories of its target.

The activation condition is to gaze into the target’s eyes through the host’s own.

And it had the limitation of only affecting those without mental characteristics.

Unlike the previous “Peldira of Loss,” it wasn’t an overwhelmingly powerful ability.

Of course, being a named thoughtform, it had its own quirks.

It was well-versed in knowledge compared to other thoughtforms, thanks to its abilities, and its active nature meant its behavior patterns branched out in various ways.

While the “Peldira of Loss” would charge straight toward the forbidden library, this one was adept at striking and retreating based on the situation.

The potential for variables was a slight concern, but I thought it wasn’t something to worry about too much.

The main title of the scenario was, after all, the Ruon Subjugation.

The Peldira of Obsession was merely an aide to Ruon, destined to be dealt with once the task was complete.

I only needed to focus on whether the protagonists could effectively drive Ruon and his faction away.

“Looks good, doesn’t it? Should I adjust the fit for you?”

“Do as you please.”

After taking all the measurements, we discussed fabrics and accessories.

When I said I didn’t need any of that, the man looked taken aback.

There were a few requests for re-measurements, but he soon nodded in understanding.

With that done, I returned to the Shulafe Hall.

* * *

In the dead of night, in the storage room on the first floor of the faculty building.

Peldira, clad in a black robe, swept her hair back with her hand.

In the process, the strap of the bag slung over her shoulder slipped, and she adjusted it once more.

“Hmm, the hair is a bit short.”

The current body belonged to the marked female professor.

Peldira pouted her lips while adjusting her face.

Not much to look at, really.

Though the body was filled with discontent, it wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

This too was a body born of cursed talent.

The undead magic she had tested out had worked quite well, hadn’t it?

It was akin to the curse talent she had possessed when her true self was alive.

“Sigh, just a little longer.”

Peldira exhaled deeply and moved a shelf with telekinesis.

Thud.

A plain wall revealed itself between the shelves.

Yet, as she inscribed the spell, the bricks split apart, unveiling an entrance leading underground.

Peldira descended the stairs with familiar steps, her boots echoing against the ground.

Clack, clack—

She gingerly placed her hand on a dull skull that she had arranged against the wall.

As she infused it with magic, the luminous gemstone in the ceiling flickered to life.

The stone door at the end of the corridor opened of its own accord, a momentary delay before it creaked open.

Creeeak.

This was the space between the stronghold and the underground dungeon.

Long ago, Peldira had secretly crafted this hidden laboratory.

Feeling a wave of nostalgia, she surveyed the dust-laden desk.

“Ah, I conducted so many experiments on thought creation here.”

The wooden shelves and papers had all rotted into dust.

Even the metal materials were rusted beyond use.

Only a few tools made of stone and glass, along with the desk, remained functional.

Peldira pulled out modern tools and a vial snatched from her instructor, one by one, from her bag.

As she sprinkled a solution into a test tube and discovered a new substance, she smiled in rapture, immersing herself in her research.

Though she pondered how to apply the modern knowledge gained from her unique dark magic and the memories of her host, it didn’t take long to grasp the composition and combination of the pills.

“A substance that binds with the cells of monsters… I’ve found quite a bit in the demon realm.”

In comparison to the distant past, the land we have tamed is vast, and the newly discovered materials are plentiful.

Knowledge was abundant; all that was needed were the materials.

Fortunately, here at the Academy, the professors often engage in their own research, so acquiring what is necessary should not be difficult.

Peldira filled the blank page with dense writing, a smile creeping across her face.

“Once it’s complete, Roon will surely be pleased, won’t he?”

Reconstructing her own flesh could wait for later.

First, she must assist that man.

The moment Roon subdues Akandric, the forbidden tome will belong to her.

“With the grimoire of the crimson jewel, I shall be reborn as a human.”

Peldira continued to jot down her bucket list of what she would do once she regained her humanity.

* * *

This morning, the little ones departed.

They all appeared slightly anxious about heading to an unfamiliar place, but upon glancing at the inhabitants of Shulafe, they exhaled a sigh of relief.

It seemed they thought it better to be away from those creatures.

As for Melin, a separate letter had already been sent to the mansion.

In this regard, the professors had once again tacitly approved the censorship, just as they had when I sent a letter to entrust the children to the hostess.

It was one thing that the lord, Aol, was a graduate of Frost Heart, but why the hostess was also permitted, I could not fathom.

The faculty seemed to harbor a peculiar faith that the hostess would manage things well on her own.

…Is there a connection I am unaware of?

And then, the following day.

First-year students, newly fitted in their garments, began to appear sporadically in the lobby of Shulafe.

Elegant suits and dresses dominated the scene.

Everyone seemed to regard the celebration as some grand ball.

After living such an ascetic life, it was only natural.

In a time when there was little to entertain, and with alcohol available, they must have longed to feel a taste of nobility once more.

But isn’t it still lunchtime?

The celebration is set to begin in the evening.

I tore my gaze away from the dreamlike revelers.

Then Limberton asked, “But why are we supposed to bring bows and arrows?”

“Later, you’ll understand. You know? That high-tension bow you wield. Bring all the arrows you can find to use with it.”

Limberton looked at me with a puzzled expression but soon nodded in agreement.

As I returned to my room with him, I stood before the full-length mirror, checking if the newly tailored suit fit well.

There were no frills or extravagant decorations as requested, yet it still differed from what I wore during my days as an office worker.

The man responsible for the design seemed incapable of creating anything plain; he had dressed the black fabric in a subtle cobalt blue.

The buttons were made of a slightly brighter metal, and a tie fashioned from string was prepared.

Even the collar of the white shirt was adorned with a small diamond-shaped accessory.

“Hmm, to my eyes, it still looks rather flashy.”

‘Though I’m not well-versed in modern attire, doesn’t it look quite nice?’

Receiving such praise only made me feel a twinge of regret.

After all, if I had to use a self-destruct spell in an emergency, it would all be for naught.

Becoming attached to such things is a problem in its own right.

“With plenty of money, perhaps I should get several of these made.”

I carefully folded the clothes and waited for Limberton to arrive.

In the meantime, I allowed him to knock and enter.

“I brought it.”

However, his outfit sparkled like that of a trot singer.

I wondered if that was acceptable and asked Donathan.

‘What do you think of that?’

‘No one, regardless of era or race, would like something like that.’

Indeed, a fashion terrorist.

“Limberton… It’s embarrassing to be seen with you like this; change into something else.”

“Eh? Is this not good?”

“I’ll help you pick something more suitable, so head to your room.”

It seemed I would need the help of others.

One must have a keen eye to understand what styles are universally appealing.

Thus, I gathered a few well-dressed men and spent some time in Limberton’s room.

* * *

At this moment, in the principal’s office, Akandric smiled benevolently.

“The banquet is soon, yet your attire remains the same, Luon. I recall having tailored it for you.”

Luon sat with his legs crossed, resting his chin on his hand as he replied.

“It’s uncomfortable to wear it ahead of time, you see.”

“Indeed, that’s true.”

Luon uncrossed his legs and expressed his gratitude to Akandrik.

“More than that, thank you for postponing the punishment for Alsis and Aiman, Headmaster Akandrik. Thanks to you, I can at least send them off with a drink.”

The two men were to pay the price for what they had intended to do to Sila during the practical magic session.

However, due to Luon’s request, that matter was deferred until the end of the wake.

Naturally, participation was impossible, and they were under house arrest in the special wing.

Yet, they were permitted to bring back the alcohol from the wake.

“It can’t be easy to be confined at such a young age. However, this is something that cannot be tolerated. Remember, if any more unsavory circumstances arise, the punishment will fall upon you as well, Luon.”

Of course, this meant he would bear the burden of collective responsibility, but Luon didn’t mind such things.

He pulled a black pebble from his pocket and placed it before Akandrik.

“What is this?”

“It’s a gift from my friend. He told me to give it to someone dear.”

Akandrik’s eyes glistened with unshed tears.

“Ahem, it seems I have something in my eye. Yes, I shall keep this close.”

As he tucked the pebble into his pocket, Luon glanced at the wall clock and subtly made a suggestion.

“Are you busy, by any chance? There’s still time left, and I’d like to train a bit after a long while.”

A spark of enthusiasm lit up Akandrik’s face.

“Training, you say? That’s a commendable thought. Indeed, I haven’t had the chance to do so properly since the practical session. Yes, well thought out, Luon. If you rest too long, your body will stiffen. Let’s head to the training grounds.”

Luon followed Akandrik as they walked.

As they exited the fortress, Luon asked, “Why do you treat me so well?”

Akandrik glanced at Luon and replied, “Is it so strange to treat a disciple with love?”

“You should know that this nature of mine doesn’t change easily, yet I can’t quite understand it.”

“······.”

Akandrik paused for a moment before speaking again.

“It seems you do not truly know your own nature. I can see it. It is merely the murky water that has seeped in from a flawed environment. I recognized that.”

This time, Luon fell silent.

—

The place where I arrived, leaving footprints in the snow that rose to my knees, was atop a frozen lake.

A realm where the chill was so concentrated that it would not melt even in the height of summer.

Luoan exhaled a white breath and spoke.

“Come to think of it, my friend once told me to convey these words to the one who receives that object.”

Luoan chuckled softly, recalling the words of Pheldira.

“Keep it close, linger here. And be bound.”

In that moment, Akandrik’s eyes widened.

Swoosh!

The pocket tore, and the black stone began to transform, enveloping his body like liquid.

*The Stone of Binding*

A liquid chain that dulls movement.

As time passes, it drains the strength of its target.

Akandrik struggled to tear away the liquid clinging to him.

Luoan swiftly pulled out a steel box.

Just as he was about to open the lid, his wrist twisted painfully.

Crack!

It happened in the blink of an eye, whether from a blow or sheer force, he could not tell.

Luoan looked up at the shadowed old man, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

‘…Is this what it means to be dulled to this extent?’

From the shadow of Akandrik’s eyes, a thick glimmer of intent flashed.

He paid no mind to the bindings, instead tightening his grip around Luoan’s neck with his forearm.

“It seems it’s time for some discipline, Luoan Al Vanas.”

As Akandrik slumped down, Luoan, bound by the joint restraints, found his back pressed against the snow.

He resisted with all his might, but Akandrik pressed down on the wrist that choked his neck, settling into a firm hold.

It was a near-perfect cross choke.

Even in this dire moment, Luoan squeezed out his voice.

“I-I didn’t think it would be easy, you damned old man…”