1-Second Invincible Player in the Game

153. I Don’t Want to Go to Adel Academy (2)

In the evening, an owl that had awoken early from its slumber hooted.

I walked, gazing at the light spilling from the window glass.

Beside me, Limberton and Asley wore expressions of utter disbelief.

“…Is it really true that we’re going to Adel Academy?”

Limberton, still struggling to grasp the reality, even pinched his own cheek.

I turned to him, curious about his thoughts.

“I told you it’s real. So, how do you feel?”

“Well? Should I be happy or not? It’s a bit ambiguous, isn’t it? Given the intensity of the classes there, it might be quite overwhelming for me.”

“Don’t worry about that. Asley feels the same. You two were just fine during the regular classes at Shulafe Academy’s knight department, weren’t you?”

Regular classes didn’t teach archery or combat skills.

Aside from strategies for dealing with monsters or survival techniques in the magical realm, there wasn’t much that would be of help.

“Still, since we’re entering Adel Academy, make sure to attend the after-school classes more diligently.”

Asley nodded, casting a burdensome look of respect.

—

But Limberton brought astonishing news.

“Oh, right. My bow has been acting strange lately.”

“Strange how?”

“Well, how should I put it… The speed of the arrows has noticeably increased? Even the instructor was taken aback. He asked what I had done, since the bow’s tension remains unchanged.”

To think the projectile’s speed has risen without even changing the bowstring.

◆ Blessing of the Wind Wanderer ◆

η Wealth and honor are things one must eventually lay down. The only companion for life is oneself.

The accuracy is corrected by the favor of the tailwind.

Targets are sensed through the waves of sound.

● Traits

◇ Marksman ◇

◇ Hawk’s Eye ◇

Of course, Limberton’s shooting skills were on a different level than that of an ordinary archer, but it was still shocking.

This was a precursor to the added trait known as the ‘Vacuum Bow.’

A characteristic that creates a vacuum ahead of the path the arrow must take, sharper than the arrowhead itself.

With no air friction, speed increases, and the range expands dramatically.

“Anyway, it’s a good thing. When I imbue the bow with aura, it usually extinguishes quickly, right? But now the range has increased to reach the target before it goes out?”

What the hell, this guy. When did he grow again?

This is something that should only manifest once one begins to overcome their own complexes.

“Limberton. By any chance, has there been something special happening recently?”

As I subtly inquired, Limberton raised his gaze and let out a soft sigh.

He pondered for a moment.

Perhaps feeling a bit down, he frowned.

“Should I call it a trigger? There was something like that.”

“A trigger?”

“Oh, it’s a bit awkward to say. Remember about a month ago, when a strange sleeping gas spread throughout the academy due to a research mishap by the professors? Everyone had vivid dreams.”

…Is he referring to the Illusion Nightmare Irte incident?

“I had a bizarre dream where I was rejected by Serda and Silah appeared.”

I couldn’t tell if he had a lucid dream or was completely enveloped in an illusion.

If it was a lucid dream, it would mean he actually faced Silah in reality…

—

“Anyway, that brat was getting on my nerves, so I lost my temper. I spat out some rather embarrassing words, but it felt good, you know? It made me reflect on myself, I suppose.”

Limberton’s expression, usually so light, now bore a hint of self-love, as if he was finally trying to confront the self-deprecation he had kept hidden away.

When he fully overcomes those shadows, Limberton’s blessing will bloom.

“That’s quite a good thing.”

As I offered a compliment, Limberton chuckled softly. Asley chimed in.

“You are a proud friend, Limberton. Tonight, I shall pray for the great blessings of nature to grace you.”

“If you do that, I’d be grateful.”

In the midst of our chatter, we arrived at the main entrance of the Shulafe Hall.

Limberton spoke with a tinge of regret.

“So this is the end here, huh? I finally got used to it, and now I have to think about moving. It’s a bit sad, isn’t it?”

“Anyone would think you’re graduating or something. Just come visit, that’s all.”

I said this nonchalantly as we stepped into the lobby.

The sounds of the Shulafe Hall residents filled the air.

They were setting up the table, placing the food they had prepared on top.

“Looks like this time they went all out, huh? Did we collect a lot for the fees?”

“Of course. Thanks to Hursel, our wallets are much better off than before. We ought to show some gratitude. Ah, and of course, we should congratulate the others for their efforts too.”

This was a modest celebration that began at the end of each semester.

A gathering set up for the students heading to Bürger Hall or Adel Hall.

“Hey, Hursel!”

Atra spotted me and rushed over.

Then, in a conspiratorial whisper, she leaned in close.

“I brought in some moonshine this time, want to try?”

“…I won’t even touch the stuff.”

“Tch. How boring.”

It wasn’t exactly a farewell, so the atmosphere was lively and carefree.

As everyone grabbed a bottle of alcohol, the dormitory supervisor, who had been merely observing, sighed and shook her head.

But seeing her smile and leave the room, it seemed she was willing to overlook today’s antics.

Sitting down, I took a sip of water and scanned the raucous crowd.

Had I grown fond of them in this short time?

I felt a twinge of reluctance to leave.

* * *

All the first-year students of the Adel dormitory had gathered in the lobby, exchanging idle chatter.

Perhaps finding it distasteful, Kerdel from the first division furrowed his brow as he passed by.

“Making a ruckus in the dormitory, are we? What is this, a call for discipline?”

His entourage chimed in, as they often did.

“That’s why being too lenient can be troublesome, you know?”

“Right? Isn’t there something we can impose sanctions for?”

Silas, merely eavesdropping, narrowed his eyes at their words.

‘Those fools haven’t changed a bit, even after being humiliated so thoroughly.’

Despite being stripped of their power by the Tenest brothers, their influence remained intact.

Of course, they weren’t as reckless as before, but their insufferable nature persisted.

Kerdel approached, seemingly intent on delivering some form of reprimand.

At that moment, Emeric and Berndal, who were nearby, stepped in front of him.

Berndal, the representative of the Adel dormitory, spoke up.

“Change is coming soon; let them have their discussions in peace.”

“…Berndal.”

“What?”

“Nothing, forget it.”

Kerdel sighed and turned away. As his entourage followed, Amen from the fourth division waved in our direction.

It was clear he was greeting Erucel, now part of the seventh division.

Silas shot a disgruntled look at Erucel.

“What’s this? What’s got you grinning like an idiot?”

“Ahem. I’m not grinning. I merely returned a smile.”

Erucel feigned indifference, but the agitation in her eyes was unmistakable.

“Ugh.”

Silas sighed, finding her reaction pitiful.

It seemed they had reclaimed the tenth division, yet Hursel and Mircel relinquished their positions without a second thought.

They could have completely overhauled the policies for the first years, yet they left with a half-hearted attitude.

Of course, he had known the reason for that long before.

– But, senior. Why are you still allowing them to do as they please?

When I asked this, Emeric replied thusly.

– Do you have any complaints about your current life? I thought I had made plenty of improvements.

– That may be true, but you could still eliminate it entirely. Like, with some discipline or something.

– Is that so? Hmm, I suppose the time has come to speak.

After this exchange, Emeric summoned the first-years.

– Listen well. What I am about to say is a message from Hursel, should you choose to voice your grievances.

What on earth could he be trying to convey?

The tension was brief.

The message from Hursel was truly deflating.

– If you’re unhappy, then you can deal with it yourselves. That’s all.

The rest was essentially telling us to figure it out on our own.

Emeric explained the intent behind it.

– Hursel undoubtedly wishes for you to navigate this well on your own. Uphold his grand vision and dedicate yourselves to training.

Silas burned with determination as he watched the departing Kerdel group.

Hursel’s decision felt a bit harsh, but when you think about it, they are the true culprits, aren’t they?

The arrows of anger should rightly be aimed at them.

‘Yes, it’s only right that I take matters into my own hands and give them a good beating.’

It seemed that others shared this mindset as well.

Many shot fiery glares at the back of Kerdel’s head.

“Now then, since we’ve chased off the troublemakers, we’ll be on our way.”

Bernthal offered a farewell and left with Emeric.

As the small commotion faded, the topics we had been discussing earlier resurfaced.

“Ugh, it’s so annoying. A demotion. I have to start the second semester in the Bürger Hall.”

“Maintaining a position isn’t easy either. The competition is fierce.”

Some were moving to Bürger Hall.

Having spent time together, there was a palpable sense of regret as they prepared to leave.

It was Belman who offered them comfort.

“Make sure to work hard in the second semester. They say if you surpass a certain threshold, they’ll expand the dormitory capacity.”

Originally, the Adel Hall had a capacity of 26.

In truth, this number was merely the minimum, and just by glancing at the vacant rooms in the dormitory, it was clear there was ample space.

Even with subpar grades, they had been placed among the top 26, as if to fill a gap.

As long as their scores fell within the cutoff line set by the Adel Hall, they could remain there, regardless of the additional numbers.

‘That’s true enough. Just look at how the professors expanded the slots for Mircel, the special admission student.’

While Silah watched Belman exchange pleasantries with them, her gaze fell on Reana.

“Well, it’s only natural that Hershel will be coming to Adel Hall. How do you feel about that?”

She teased, trying to provoke a reaction, but Reana averted her eyes.

Silah leaned in closer, a smirk playing on her lips.

“What’s this? That reaction is different from usual!”

“…I’m just avoiding it because you’re teasing me, Silah.”

“That sounds pretty suspicious.”

When she looked up with playful eyes, Reana shook her head.

“It’s just that things will change from the usual environment, and I can only truly understand that once I’m here, so it’s a bit bewildering…”

She was speaking more than usual. Silah could sense a hint of agitation.

Just as she was about to tease her further, Reana hurriedly shifted the topic.

“I heard Limberton is coming too. The atmosphere in Adel Hall will surely change a lot.”

“Ahem…”

Silah cleared her throat and fell silent.

Since the dream incident, Limberton had become uncomfortable.

She worried that the reality of it might be discovered.

Well, as long as everyone kept their mouths shut, it should be fine.

“Ashley, Rix. And even that girl who has no presence.”

“Oh, right. That barbarian was there too. But who’s this girl with no presence?”

“Hmm, I think I know her, but the name… hmm.”

“Forget it, if you can’t remember, then you can’t.”

Silah stopped Reana, who was wracking her brain to recall, as her head began to feel like it was on fire.

In truth, there was little to worry about even if they came.

The biggest concern was that one person.

“And then there’s Dorothian. The others aren’t much of a concern. We just need to keep an eye on her, right?”

As the name Dorothian slipped from Silah’s lips, a sharp gasp echoed from the surroundings.

“Ugh.”

“D-Dorothian.”

Given the number of people who had suffered at the hands of Dorothian, this reaction was only natural.

Those of noble birth had dealings with the Duke of Grice’s family.

It was common for their offspring to cross paths.

“Ugh, I wonder if we’ll have a normal class.”

“Still, isn’t it quiet here? Maybe he’s finally grown up?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. He’s just holding it in for now; one day, that twisted nature of his will rear its head.”

As concerns about Dorothian deepened, Belman stepped forward.

“I think we can rest easy.”

“Really?”

“I heard from Rix that the Shulafe Ministry of Magic is very quiet. As long as we don’t provoke him, we should be fine.”

Skeptical glances lingered.

The lack of explanation for such a claim weighed heavily.

“No, I didn’t do anything, yet I was buried underground.”

“I had the same experience. I merely passed by, and he forced me into a dress, claiming he wanted to play with dolls!”

“And you think we can relax? You’ve never been on the receiving end, so you wouldn’t know.”

Victims trembled in fear, their eyes wide as they voiced their traumas.

Tales of bizarre acts, like locking someone’s glasses or attempting to send them soaring into the sky with lightweight magic.

Yet, the atmosphere shifted swiftly with the confident name that Belman uttered.

“Because Hershel is here.”

The anxious expressions began to ease. They soon exchanged glances, searching each other’s faces.

“What does having Hershel mean?”

“Who knows? Maybe he can suppress Dorothian by force? Ah, so that’s why it’s been peaceful until now…”

“No, I don’t think that’s it. I’ve seen them chatting a few times, and it didn’t seem particularly coercive or anything.”

Belman shared his thoughts based on the information he had received from Rix.

“I heard he’s the only one at the Shulafe Ministry who dares to speak to Dorothian. Recently, they’ve even exchanged jokes, so perhaps it’s his presence that keeps things calm.”

In summary, it was said that Hershel acted as a mediator, suppressing the impending disaster.

Since Silas had been present when Rix was talking, there was no need to listen further.

Silas let the conversation wash over him, engaging in idle chatter with Leana instead.

“But are you still not going to tell me? What dream did you have back then?”

“…I’ve told you several times, it was just an ordinary dream, Sila.”

“No, it’s just that… you’re not being specific, and that makes me curious.”

As they chattered idly, someone approached.

Lifting her gaze, she saw Kerdel, grinning with a sardonic twist to his lips.

He glanced around like a lowly scoundrel, then spoke. It was clear he had checked for Bernal and Emmerich’s absence before feeling at ease.

“To be chattering in such a public place, it seems you lot need a bit of discipline.”

What a ridiculous statement.

They had blocked the meeting room themselves.

Moreover, it was a gathering for which they had even sought the dormitory supervisor’s permission, so there was hardly anything to catch them on.

‘That b*stard, one day I’ll…’

The lobby thickened with tension at the uninvited guest’s arrival.

Just as Belman was about to step forward.

Footsteps echoed from the entrance.

“Wow, the facilities really are different. Klave, wasn’t your home like this?”

“Um, somewhat similar, I guess, Rix.”

“Asley, is that all your luggage?”

“I do not indulge in excess, Limberton.”

It was Hessel and his group, carrying hefty loads.

Hessel stepped forward, approaching Kerdel. Kerdel recoiled, his face a mask of surprise.

“Ugh.”

“I heard something about discipline earlier.”

Hessel leaned in, his eyes glinting with menace as he confronted Kerdel.

“Senior. Do we have to endure that too?”