1-Second Invincible Player in the Game

115. Second Gate (1)

The journey back was far swifter than the time spent away.

With real weapons now in the hands of the main players, it was only to be expected.

As I stepped into the main hall, I surveyed the remnants of the battle that had unfolded here.

The Ministry of Magic’s lot looked weary, casting spells without their wands, and every chair around lay shattered.

It seemed the knights had used them as makeshift weapons.

“Looks like they took advantage of our brief absence, huh?”

As I asked, they slumped their shoulders in defeat.

“Ugh… I’m completely drained.”

“For you lot, I have a gift.”

Asley set down his backpack.

The others, too, distributed weapons to all the first-years, keeping only what they would use for themselves.

Now, even if we stepped away, our bodies would know how to defend themselves.

With this, the first gate was perfectly resolved.

“Still, it’s a relief there’s plenty to eat. Let’s take a moment to catch our breath before moving on.”

Stretching my arms, I approached the table laden with food.

The ones who had just returned were the first to seek out drinks.

Rix gulped down water, his expression reminiscent of a desert wanderer who had found an oasis.

“Ahh. I can live again.”

Thanks to the swift handling of matters, our rest time had been extended.

Those who quenched their thirst replenished their energy with food, and when digestion was nearly complete, Bel spoke up.

“With this, we’re ready to fight. But I can’t quite grasp what we should do next.”

Rix set down the cup he had been nursing.

“He definitely mentioned a game. There might be clues hidden about what we need to do next.”

“That’s true. A game cannot exist without shared rules. Otherwise, it’s merely solitary play.”

While they debated, I quietly stepped back to check the wall clock.

Time remaining: 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Soon, the answer to the ruckus they make will reveal itself.

In the meantime, with nothing to do, I let my gaze drift downwards.

At my feet lay a plate adorned with a fish dish.

Earlier, while choosing the food, I had set aside some for the cat as well.

Shwooo—

As expected, smoke began to waft in, and the cat took shape, ravenously tearing into the fish.

Chomp, chomp.

I watched this scene unfold, my mind conjuring the next scenario that was about to play out.

Soon, the wraiths will burst through the walls of this place.

The wraiths, crafted by Peldira, are specters of a librarian, a chef, and a professor.

Three in total.

They are not foes to be hunted.

One might say they are akin to game masters.

From this moment, the protagonists must embark on a treasure hunt.

The wraiths will merely guide them to where the clues are hidden.

To approach Luon, one must break the barrier of the ninth-floor stairs, and the key to unlocking it lies in finding the emergency key.

After that, it will be a matter of defeating the trio that serves as the mid-bosses, and then the first act’s boss battle will commence.

Yet, this invitation in my possession.

The venue is the restaurant of the Adel Pavilion, a place that bears no relevance to the scenario, and I shall enter alone.

This raised many concerns.

With the variable of Eruzel thrown into the mix, I could not even ascertain whether the protagonists would successfully subdue Luon.

What awaited me in the restaurant gnawed at my mind, making me worry for my own safety before considering theirs.

There are far too many unsettling elements at play.

The only solace I find is the cat feasting at my feet.

This is my sole comfort.

I reached down to stroke the cat’s back.

Meow.

As it finished its meal, I spoke softly.

“It’s about time I called on your help.”

The cat slowly opened its previously closed eyes.

—

Then, the creature coiled around my left wrist like smoke.

A black band suddenly etched itself onto my forearm, as if it were a tattoo that had never existed before.

This is my bodyguard, a one-time lethal strike.

It shall become my lifeline.

As I felt a surge of reassurance within, the main hall erupted into chaos.

“Hey, hey? Look at the wall over there!”

“Oh my, is that a ghost?”

Translucent phantoms, clad in fluttering garments, drifted into view.

These lace-clad figures wept softly, explaining the game to the main characters, beckoning them to follow.

As they cast furtive glances at my expression, I nodded in response.

But then, a student from the Shulafe Academy approached me, asking,

“Hey, Hessel. Aren’t you going to go?”

“Why? Do you want to go in my place? That’d be convenient for me.”

The student, genuinely afraid that I might transfer my invitation, bolted away with a startled face.

Of course, I would go when I wanted to.

Don’t push me off the cliff.

You little brats.

* * *

In the professor’s building, Rockefeller pressed Hamendal.

“How many times must I tell you it’s not that way?”

Hamendal, possessed by the undead, had his mind elsewhere, yet communication was not entirely impossible.

Other professors employed sound transmission magic, visualization spells that could be seen even in darkness, and various other magics that allowed the undead Hamendal to share his vision through mirrors.

With a blend of diverse magics, Hamendal was equipped with multiple functions.

“Crrrraaah.”

As Hamendal rolled his eyes and let out a mournful wail, Rockefeller turned to the professor beside him.

“Has his intelligence dropped to that of the undead?”

The professor pointed at the mirror.

Undead swarmed around Hamendal.

“I suspect he’s merely acting. If he spoke human words, he’d be caught.”

“Then that means he’s listening.”

—

Rockefeller shook Hamendal’s shoulder and spoke.

“Finding Lord Velen is your task. Don’t stray elsewhere; go to the club floor right now!”

One would have thought of Akandric first, but if he had been in one piece, this situation would never have arisen in the first place.

Something had surely gone awry.

Thus, as a fallback, only Lord Velen, with skills to match, remained.

“But what about Hessel van Tenest? He should be in the main hall by now; wouldn’t it be wise to check there too?”

At the professor’s question, Rockefeller clicked his tongue.

“Tch, if we keep giving that brat tasks, the academy will be in ruins.”

Recently, they had rewarded him with a famed sword from the treasury.

The already lofty boy’s ambitions had soared even higher.

If they kept offering rare treasures every time something went wrong, they would soon find themselves unable to cope.

“He must be handled with more caution. It’s best to avoid him unless absolutely necessary. So, I hope you remember this.”

Rockefeller glared at Gomun, his eyes sharp with warning.

“If someone dares to offer Hessel van Tenest a reward on a whim again, I will hold them accountable.”

“…Professor Rockefeller, that’s already in the past, isn’t it? Heh heh.”

“Silence, Gomun.”

Gomun shrank back, curling into a corner.

The professor, watching the mirror, asked, “But what if the club floor where Lord Velen is located is also blocked by a barrier?”

“That could be the case. But there’s no need to worry. With her skills, the one once called the Empress will handle a barrier just fine.”

As they waited in a haze, Hamendal finally set foot on the club floor.

As expected, the entrance was blocked by a barrier.

Hamendal carefully maneuvered through the nearby undead, pressing his forehead against the barrier.

Beyond it stood two students on watch, pointing and snickering at them.

“Hey, hey. Doesn’t that look like Rockefeller?”

“Right? Looks like a real brat, doesn’t he? If it weren’t for the barrier, I’d just—”

A gasp escaped the professors’ lips.

“…”

Rockefeller trembled, glaring at the two students reflected in the mirror with hollow eyes.

“Bring those two to my office as soon as they’re done.”

“Yea, yea······.”

As a professor scanned the list of students, Rockefeller spoke to Hamendal.

“Hamendal, tell those two foolish ones to fetch Lord Bellen at once.”

“Krulrrrraaar.”

Hamendal knocked on the barrier door with his hand.

Knock, knock.

Then he whispered softly and distinctly.

“Excuse me, is Lord Bellen inside?”

* * *

The exclusive dining hall for the Adel Council was on the sixth floor.

Undead filled not just the corridors, but the stairs as well.

They lunged at me the moment I appeared.

Krulrrrraaar!

Yet, I did not even draw my sword.

I merely waved my hands leisurely, slicing through the air.

“Step aside.”

Krulrrr?

The undead flinched, slowly retreating.

Perhaps bewildered by the sight, Donathan asked.

‘W-what in the world is going on here?’

I tapped the black line tattooed on my wrist.

‘They saw the cat and ran away in fear.’

This was a creature brought forth by the archmage from the very depths of the demon realm.

An entity that thrived in a hell filled with terrifying monstrosities, it was naturally of a far higher caliber than mere undead.

No matter how rotten the undead might be, they must have instinctively sensed this being as a predator.

“Well, in any case, isn’t it nice to have an easy passage thanks to that?”

‘No wonder······. That’s why I felt a bit of ease from you.’

Thanks to this, I was able to ascend the stairs without any significant battle.

I stepped into the corridor, watching the undead scamper away in fright.

In the distance, I could see those who were fighting—Bellem, Leana, and Shila, who had business on the sixth floor like me.

“Belman, barging in like this at all hours, it’s impossible to find any clues. Can’t you just seal it off?”

“Just hold on a little longer. My mana hasn’t fully recovered yet.”

“Shila, take Belman into the library. I’ll block the entrance.”

Those fellows are diligently making their progress in their own way.

Not wanting to be a hindrance, I averted my gaze from them and walked toward the dining hall.

The door to the dining hall stood wide open.

Not a single undead in sight.

The place retained its original cleanliness, illuminated by a soft glow.

The fragrant aroma of food wafted through the air, suggesting it could serve patrons at any moment, just like always.

Click-clack.

As I stepped inside, I gazed at the long table.

The guest seat I had used before.

In that honored place sat Pheldira, possessing the body of a professor.

She savored her wine.

“The food is good, and the wine these days isn’t bad either. How should I put it? The taste is really clean. The aroma too, you know?”

A question burst forth from my lips without hesitation.

“What’s the reason you called me here?”

“Oh, just sit down first. Is there anything you want to eat? If there is, just say it. I’ll whip it up for you in no time. Not a single one of the servants here has been harmed.”

That one is a disciple of the Grand Sorcerer.

Who knows, they might even know something about the cat.

I sat down, careful to keep my sleeve from exposing the tattoo on my left wrist.

“I’m fine with the food.”

“Really? Well, you must have eaten your fill already. Something about a wake, right? Honestly, we didn’t have such things back in my day.”

With my left hand covering the table, I naturally propped my chin up with my right hand, guiding my gaze.

This should be enough to avoid suspicion.

Since Pheldira has taken a human body as her host, she wouldn’t possess the sharp senses of a beast or the spiritual awareness of the undead.

“It seems you want to have a conversation with me.”

With a gentle probe, Pheldira nodded.

“Right. I’m just curious about what kind of person you are. Well, let’s say it’s for my personal curiosity.”

Oh, that means we can exchange words freely.

“Do you have something you wish to ask me? Then let us do this. We shall take turns, one question at a time.”

The current situation was a far cry from the norm.

In this moment of uncertainty, gathering information through Peldira seemed the wisest course.

If she were to attempt any trickery, then I would simply end the scenario, no questions asked.

“Are we to have a Q&A? With me?”

She scoffed, her gaze piercing into mine.

The ‘Obsession of Peldira’ possessed the ability to read the memories of her subjects.

It might have seemed absurd for me to say such a thing, but that thought would be fleeting.

I had heard that those with mental traits were immune to her powers.

And I bore the corresponding trait: the ‘Ember of Noble Blood.’

“Ugh.”

As expected, Peldira flinched at the corners of her eyes.

I chuckled, a smirk of derision on my lips.

“Unless you’d rather not.”

With a sharp, teasing tone, Peldira huffed in indignation.

* * *

The seventh-floor corridor was cleared in an instant.

Thanks to Asley’s monstrous strength, the undead had been reduced to mere pulp.

With a moment’s respite, Rix followed the chef-clad Lace, speaking up.

“Looks like there’s a clue here.”

The chef entered the food storage room.

As we stepped inside, Lace spoke in a ghostly, buzzing voice.

– In the old days, I would hum a tune while pondering what dish to prepare. Of course, I did so while reminiscing about my homeland. Ah, how I long for it. Frost Heart was a land far removed from my home.

Asley narrowed his eyes at the lengthy explanation.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying; it’s too long. Summarize it.”

– Ahem, in any case, I left behind a beloved wife, and that weighs heavily on my heart. I did send her living expenses, but I’m sure she was quite sad without me.

Lace cast a wistful glance over Rix and the others.

– So, I suppose the name of that woman could be considered a riddle I present to you.

Rix tilted his head, puzzled.

“If we solve the riddle, will a clue be revealed?”

– Ah, yes, please gaze upon this storeroom of materials. My lover’s name, curiously enough, is the same as an ingredient.

Reis pointed to the shelves brimming with jars.

Indeed, the vast warehouse was lined with them, far too many to sift through one by one.

Rix swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on Reis.

Yet, Reis scratched his head in uncertainty.

– The truth is, Lady Pheldira instructed me to create a problem for you, but I possess no talent in such matters… I cannot be sure if you will enjoy this.

“Everything here is ingredients, but how am I to find a name among them…?”

As Rix grumbled, Reis flashed a sly smile.

– Very well. I shall offer you another hint. I was a chef from the western realm of Belta. That place is renowned for its spices. The sunlight pours in so beautifully, and the crops flourish, filling the territory with a fresh aroma…

Though he called it a hint, it only served to scatter their thoughts further.

Perhaps it was a shallow ploy to buy time.

Just as Rix was about to voice his frustration, Asley interjected.

“Rix. Can’t you use magic to rid us of that annoying thing?”

“…Should I give it a try?”

Just as Rix was about to swing his staff, a voice broke through.

“Rosemary?”

Limburton spoke absentmindedly. In his hand, a single green sprig of rosemary was held, though they knew not when he had picked it up.

Reis’s eyes widened in surprise.

– Yes?

Limburton scratched his head and replied once more.

“I said rosemary… Could it be the answer?”

– No, how could it be? I haven’t even given you all the hints yet.

“You mentioned you were from the west, right? There’s a famous Casanova from there, and I was quite taken by his essays. I remember a passage that said, ‘She was indeed a woman fragrant enough to bear the name Rosemary.’”

Rix spoke with admiration in his voice.

“Such books can be helpful, it seems.”

“Well, it was sweetly written, but it was an affair, nonetheless.”

Limburton seemed to ponder, resting his chin on his hand as he muttered.

“What was it again… rosemary… rosemary… Ah, I believe it was Rosemary Eldress.”

As the surname slipped from Limburton’s lips, Reis recoiled in shock for reasons unknown.

– Rosemary Eldress? Eldress, you say?

His expression was one of betrayal and shock, as if his soul had fled, and Limberton asked with a hint of hesitation.

“…Ah, is your family name Eldras?”

And moments later.

Rays became a sad, bubbling sound that faded away for reasons unknown.

···Plop, plop.

With a pained look, Limberton watched his end unfold.

“Seems it’s true after all…”

Rix and Asley, too, fell silent, their gazes heavy with the weight of his passing.

* * *

Stepping back into the corridor, Rix ascended the left staircase alongside Limberton and Asley.

There weren’t many undead along the way.

At most, they encountered just a few.

Crack!

Even those were swiftly dealt with by Asley, and soon they reached the entrance to the ninth floor.

A blue barrier blocked their path.

“It’s blocked here, isn’t it? Limberton, could you pass me that metal plate we found earlier?”

As the metal plate was handed over, Rix pressed it against the barrier.

Swoosh—

The barrier dissipated, and they stepped into the ninth-floor corridor.

In that moment, frantic footsteps echoed, accompanied by a woman’s scream.

“Ahhh!”

From the end of the corridor, a woman was running, her face twisted in terror.

Limberton squinted, his voice low.

“That woman… She’s Adel Kwan from the second year, Brandel-senpai. A member of the Magic Department.”

Rix showed his confusion.

“Well, that’s quite a talent, but like before, it’s sometimes downright chilling to see.”

“It’s just that I’ve been holding back because of what Hershel said recently; truth is, I’m this kind of guy. Didn’t you know?”

“That may be, but… No, this isn’t the time to be leisurely. We need to help her.”

Rix was the first to dash toward the senior.

As Asley followed closely behind, Limberton swiftly readied his bow.

Something unidentifiable peeked out from the door of the classroom, revealing itself slowly.

“What is that? It looks… strange.”

Only its upper body was tilted, so it was hard to tell exactly.

But judging by the color, it didn’t seem undead, yet it was too amorphous to be human.

I thought of labeling it a monster, but its face was unmistakably human, making it difficult to shoot without hesitation.

As I examined it more closely, Limberton’s eyes widened.

“Alcys…”

That face was undoubtedly Alcys, a high-ranking member of Lethe.

“What the hell? You’ve arrived already? Damn, I haven’t even had my fun yet. Sigh.”

As the creature fully emerged into the corridor, Rix gasped in horror.

“What, what is that…?”

Alcys’s torso resembled that of a snake.

A snake of tremendous thickness and length.

“How do I look? I took the potion Ruon gave me, and this is what happened. Well, they say I’ll return to normal once the effects wear off, so it’s no big deal.”

Alcys grinned, tucking his tail back into the classroom door.

“Alright, it’s a game, so I’ll play along. Speaking of which…”

As he pulled his tail again, the corpse of a man, neck twisted and lifeless, dangled out.

“How shall I kill you?”