1-Second Invincible Player in the Game

112. Undead (1)

In Rockefeller’s office, a loudspeaker adorned with beads stood sentinel.

It was a device often used not only for the citadel but also for announcements in the Shulafe district.

Luon set the loudspeaker down and took a hearty bite of the last remaining apple.

Crisp—

Pheldira, seated at the desk, closed the grimoire embedded with crimson stones and spoke.

“Preparation is complete. In three hours, the spells will stretch across the entire area.”

The magic Pheldira had woven was a golden art that sacrificed living beings to the earth above.

The larger the scale, the longer the time required.

Luon gazed at the ‘Grimoire of Crimson Jade’ with a glint of curiosity in his eyes.

“It seems far removed from the tomes dense with explanations. Is there something within that amplifies power?”

“Indeed. Some books become weapons simply by their possession.”

Pheldira stretched and rose from her seat.

“Remember, Luon. If that mosaic you hold shatters, the magic will unravel. So, how about hiding it away somewhere safe?”

The mosaic was a gem containing the mysterious power that Pheldira had concealed while she was alive.

If this core of the spell were to break, everything would return to naught.

Yet, Luon shook his head.

“That would be dull. This is, after all, a game.”

A game must have mechanisms for both sides to face defeat; otherwise, it loses its essence.

“I lose if I cannot protect the mosaic. They lose if they kill me and cannot shatter it. Without even this simple sense of crisis, it would be utterly boring.”

Through this endeavor, Luon sought to reclaim the thrill he had not felt in a long time.

However, Pheldira looked at him with a gaze tinged with pity.

Though she soon returned to her usual sly expression.

“By the way, the invitation you sent to Hussel. Is there a particular reason you prepared it with such care?”

Luon, with an impassive face, mumbled around the apple in his mouth as he replied.

“He is an anomaly. I feared he might disrupt the game. That’s why I need your help.”

“Hmm.”

Luon answered while rubbing his neck.

“Of course, I won’t force you. If it feels unfavorable, you can leave at any time. You can even refuse entirely.”

With the professor’s body now hers, Peldira had also lifted the ‘Curse of Control.’

In many ways, she had received considerable help.

“You’ve already given me so much,” she said with a sly smile.

“Well, I’ll take care of that myself. For now, I suppose I should finish my work and go create a body for myself?”

Luo nodded in response.

Peldira had been boasting about the task she needed to complete after crafting her own form.

Suddenly, curiosity gnawed at Luo—what exactly was that task?

“Are you really thinking of bringing your master back to life?”

As he voiced his speculation, Peldira scoffed.

“Fool. The dead cannot be revived. Even if it were possible, it would be a mere imitation. Look at me. I am not Peldira; I am but a thought created by the original. Would I cling to something fake? Rather, it is because I am a fake that I obsess over the real.”

Luo tilted his head slightly, as if struggling to comprehend.

If she claimed to be a fake, then even if she possessed a living body, wouldn’t she still be a counterfeit?

That body, too, would be rotting away in the original, and the one she crafted would merely be a reconstruction.

Still, he nodded, thinking there must be some personal standard she held.

“Alright, then I should start moving as well.”

Luo rose from his seat and gathered his sword.

It was likely he would never meet Peldira again.

Yet, out of social convention, he felt he should at least offer a farewell.

“Peldira.”

“Yes?”

“I don’t know what it is you wish to do, but I hope it goes well for you.”

“………”

Peldira hesitated for a moment, then smiled brightly and waved her hand.

“How kind of you to say that.”

With that, she averted her gaze and began to step out of the office.

Luo waited for her to leave first.

Thud.

Suddenly, Pheldira halted her steps, and Luon stared at her blankly.

In that moment, she whipped her head around and spoke in a somewhat brusque tone.

“If you change your mind, come find me anytime. I’ll be waiting by the fountain.”

Pheldira left those words hanging in the air as she slipped away.

“I’ll consider it.”

Luon muttered to himself with an impassive face, then turned his steps toward the stage.

* * *

The atmosphere in the main hall grew chaotic.

Some were too drunk to grasp the situation, but the majority sensed the seriousness and fidgeted with unease.

“What are those things? What are the professors doing…?”

“I heard. The floors and the faculty building are all sealed off. It seems the only place left intact is the main hall.”

While everyone was in a state of confusion about what to do, I waited for Belman to speak.

“From what that guy said, the entire building must be under lockdown. Otherwise, the professors wouldn’t leave things like this unattended.”

A student asked Belman, “Isn’t this some kind of joke?”

“The main hall is a place that even Frost Heart manages with special care. Would they allow the undead to set foot here just for a prank?”

Many nodded in agreement with Belman’s assertion.

“If you understand, then block the door. That won’t be nearly enough.”

The so-called lock was nothing more than a single candlestick hung like a bolt on the handles of both doors.

Creak—

As Belman pushed a table, the students seemed to feel the urge to do something and lent a hand.

Thus, a sturdier barricade was erected at the door than before.

“Phew, this buys us a little more time to think.”

Wiping his sweat with a handkerchief, Belman approached the front.

“Was it called an invitation?”

“Yes, yes. I was told to deliver one to each of the nine names as written…”

All eyes turned to us, the ones who had been called earlier.

In truth, under normal circumstances, I would have viewed this situation negatively, but deep down, I thought it necessary to receive Luon’s invitation.

After all, wouldn’t that allow me to see if the scenario was unfolding as it should?

Indeed, it was wise to provoke him when he came to execute the little vagabond troupe.

—

But there was one more variable besides me.

“Why am I…”

Eruzel, who should not be in Frost Heart according to the script.

This fellow had also received an invitation.

“There’s a common thread. All those who received invitations had ventured into the forest that day to hunt the instructors.”

As Belman said, the criteria for Luon’s invitation were the students who had gone to take down the instructors that day.

To my eyes, they must have seemed like capable candidates for participation.

“…I was there too, you know?”

As I turned my head at the softly spoken voice, Klave was raising his hand timidly.

To think he had such an unnoticed presence that even Luon couldn’t perceive him.

Belman averted his gaze from Klave, fidgeting with his glasses instead.

“Ah, I see. Perhaps I was mistaken in my assumptions.”

Don’t bother with pleasantries; just speak freely.

It’s probably because you’re so much like a transparent ghost that I didn’t notice, I thought.

“Ahem, anyway, the situation isn’t looking too good. He mentioned a time limit. So, Hursel, what will you do from here on?”

Belman suddenly fixed his gaze on my face as he asked.

Rix and the others mirrored his expression.

In truth, it was within the realm of expectation, so I wasn’t surprised.

It had become their nature to seek me out first whenever something happened.

Even so, the line must be drawn clearly.

The Luon subjugation was a stepping stone for their growth.

An extra should not become too deeply involved.

I looked down at them coldly, igniting the ‘noble blood’s embers.’

“How long will you let yourselves be swayed by me?”

The words slipped out in a chilling tone.

Perhaps my unexpectedly forceful demeanor caught them off guard, as they swallowed hard.

Rix opened his eyes wide in surprise and spoke.

“Well, I thought it might turn out well this time too.”

I replied firmly.

“Rix, will you keep seeking me out every time a crisis arises?”

—

“…I think that’s the best judgment.”

“Then what do you plan to do when I’m not around?”

From the widening of his eyes, it seemed he had caught on to my intent.

I scanned the faces of the others, continuing my words to ensure they understood as well.

“Think for yourselves and make your own judgments. If you only rely on others, you’ll remain stagnant. Sometimes, I wonder why you all came to the Academy.”

Then, I subtly pointed to Limberton.

“In my eyes, he is the one most dedicated to his craft here. He came to the Academy to grow, and he has proven through results that he is undoubtedly a better person than before. Yet, did none of you feel anything when you looked at Limberton?”

Everyone averted their gazes, as if embarrassed.

But Limberton, oblivious to the atmosphere, babbled uselessly.

“Ah, well, honestly, it’s largely thanks to you—”

“Enough, Limberton.”

I cut off his words, burning the ‘embers of noble blood’ at full intensity.

I had been through it all.

Leaving such words unaddressed would only lead to further complications.

“Ahem.”

Limberton quickly turned his head and fell silent.

With the distraction removed, it was time to conclude.

“So, I believe this is an opportunity. A chance to ponder what you will do and how you will achieve it. This will be a valuable experience. Within that process, there will surely be clues for growth. Am I wrong?”

Belman nodded seriously.

“…Yes, you’re absolutely right. I understand what you want to say, Hessel. If you come to the Academy, it is only right to grow. Let’s consider the current situation as a stepping stone.”

His words created a consensus among the others.

I inwardly grinned as I picked up the weapons I had retrieved from the inventory earlier.

No one would have brought weapons to a banquet, so this would certainly be a great help.

“Of course, I don’t intend to do nothing. If you’re short-handed, I’m willing to help. However, you all should take the lead in action. I will decide whether to accept it or not as I move.”

I strapped the sword I received from Rockefeller to my waist.

As I handed over the bow and arrows, Limberton squinted his eyes.

“When did you gather these? Once again, you seem to be fully prepared just in case—”

I shot Limberton a sharp glare.

“What?”

“Oh, nothing. It’s nothing at all.”

—

With this, I had perfectly assumed the position of the observer.

Yet, I must not allow even a hint of weakness to show.

To appear somewhat formidable, I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall.

Donathan spoke to me, as if in awe.

“Your skills in deception have greatly improved, Hessel.”

“If they come at me with malice, I too must respond in kind.”

“Indeed, ‘survival’ is a term that seems far removed from you.”

Only after pulling another con did I come to a stark realization.

How utterly depraved I had become, to the point of feeling no remorse whatsoever.

But such a trait was essential for surviving against those demons.

“Don’t get too comfortable. This trick won’t work more than a few times. They’ll surely change their strategy soon. I must always think one step ahead.”

“Hmph. To think ahead, you say. It sounds grand, but in such a pitiful situation, it makes you seem a fool.”

“Shut up.”

While I bantered with him, Belman was discussing with the other key players what needed to be done next.

“First, we must check the invitations. Since each of us received one, the contents may differ. Let’s see them, quickly.”

Roon’s location was on the top floor.

There were three staircases leading up, and of course, our team was divided into three groups.

The invitations indicated which staircase each of us was to ascend.

Having yet to receive my invitation, I approached the attendant who was the messenger.

All the while, I listened closely to their words.

“There are rules to this game. If those uninvited join in, who knows what might happen? He may consider it a breach of the rules. Remember, the initiative lies with him.”

Rix nodded in agreement.

“Right, he has practically seized the stronghold. We can’t risk unnecessary dangers, especially not knowing what penalties he might impose. I think it’s best to accommodate his demands as much as possible.”

Leana turned to Belman with a question.

“But there are many undead outside. We have no weapons. All we possess are Limberton’s arrows. I think it’s impossible to break through with just these.”

At that, Rix raised his hand eagerly.

“I can create something weapon-like with manifestation magic. Though I lack a staff and there’s a time limit due to my mana, it should be usable to some extent.”

Belman smiled, seemingly satisfied.

“Then it’s settled. Our first destination is the armory. With Rix’s magic, we should be able to hold our ground long enough to reach it.”

The weapons we had borrowed for practice had all returned to that very place.

It is wise to make the armory the first target, for it is not only convenient for gathering equipment, but also offers the shortest route.

“Then, we can save time with this. Leana, Shila. After gathering the gear, we ascend the right staircase as stated in the invitation. Rix, which way are you going?”

“Oh, I’ll take the left staircase. Asley, Limberton. I’m counting on you two.”

Belman cast a glance at Eruzel.

“You’ll be heading to the center, then.”

“Indeed. We are with Riamon and Edina. Riamon knows nothing. Edina, you can trust only me.”

Despite the chatter, the narrative flowed as it should.

After finishing preparations in the armory, the main task was to unravel the challenges assigned to each squad.

I wondered which of the three squads I would be assigned to as I opened the invitation.

Yet, only an unexpected line was written within.

I shivered, unsure of what that rascal Luon was thinking.

Belman, oblivious to my unease, asked me, “Hursel, which staircase are you taking?”

I answered by extending the invitation.

The contents read as follows:

[To the dining hall of Adel.]

This was a place unrelated to the scenario.

And it was a summons to come alone, without joining any squad.

I pondered how to deal with this unexpected variable, but regrettably, I had no time to indulge in idle speculation.

Thud, thud, thud!

A heavy vibration began to resonate from the floor, and the barricade we had set before the main hall shattered along with the door.

Boom!

Fragments of tables and the shattered limbs of emaciated undead scattered through the air.

At the center of it all stood a massive armored skeleton, its blue gaze glowing as it drew a rusted sword.

It was no surprise to find knight-class undead in a place that had once seen the ravages of war.

The ground was littered with the remains of countless warriors buried beneath.

Though they had risen as feeble wretches, they still retained a semblance of their former strength, making their combat prowess far beyond that of a mere undead.

Thud, thud, thud!

The creature charged toward us.

I ignited my mana blade and advanced.

Tatataht!

The creature’s sword swung toward my neck.

At the same moment, I thrust my blade into its chest.

Kang!

The sword of the undead knight shattered in two, cleaved by the ‘one-second invincibility.’

In contrast, my blade sank deep like a dagger.

Pook!

*Shadow Blade of Weakening*

When infused with magic, the blade’s sharpness amplifies.

It weakens the opponent’s armor, inflicting additional damage.

One spell can be inscribed upon it.

Was it said that to coat it with hundreds of gold, one must use magic as an adhesive?

I had come to realize through experimentation that merely wrapping the ‘Shadow Blade of Weakening’ in magic was considered sufficient.

This meant that simply igniting the mana blade would trigger both the ‘sharpness amplification’ and ‘armor weakening’ effects simultaneously.

Tang!

The undead knight crumpled like a marionette with its strings cut, disintegrating into dust along with its armor.

From my blade oozed a black liquid.

This was the blood that flowed from its dark heart.

When slain, the undead vanish like this, leaving only blood behind.

Ping!

After shaking off the blood from my blade, I glanced at the weapons held by the main characters.

Though Rix’s weapon, conjured through shape-shifting magic without a staff, appeared somewhat flimsy, it looked quite usable.

Krararar!

Thus, the undead surged toward the main hall.

Here, it was Sila who shone with dazzling prowess.

◆ Blessing of the Tyrant Abel ◆

Ξ Bow your head. If you do not wish to lose your neck to the swinging sword.

Receive a 1.2 times stat boost against the weak.

Slightly increase strength upon subjugating a target.

Receive double attack power when striking the neck.

The true nature revealed in mass slaughter.

Silra carved through the horde of undead like a scythe through weeds, her resolve unyielding.

Whenever danger loomed, Belman unfurled his barrier spells.

Though lacking a staff, his power was diminished, yet it sufficed to fend off the undead’s assaults.

We swiftly dispatched foes in the corridor, breaking through thresholds with ease.

Thus, we emerged into a hallway lined with windows.

The writhing undead met the same fate, dispatched without mercy.

The last remaining creature met its end as Leana drove her sword into its heart, ensuring its demise.

Thud—

Then, she turned her gaze toward the window, eyes widening in shock.

“…Everyone, look outside.”

Her voice trembled, a quiver of fear.

Silra, beads of cold sweat on her brow, furrowed her brow in disbelief.

“C-could that be all of them?”

The Frost Heart’s grounds lay blanketed in snow.

Yet the ground was not pure white; it was stained black, a deep hue of the undead.

Crrr—

They surged toward the fortress entrance like a tide of ants.

I brushed aside any sentiment, pointing toward the armory.

“Are we to linger idly? We must save every moment we can.”