NOVEL NEXT Chapter 158
Shwooo…
In the center of the square corridor, a fountain.
The identity of the fox Aria saw at this fountain was Lev Denec.
From how he returned from the dead to why he became the Saintess’s fox, there were so many questions to ask him, but there was one particular thing that was bothering her the most.
It was simply,
What was Lev doing in Yeriel’s room?
‘Surely…’
Due to the sudden activation of the surveillance magic and the mysterious ambush, she couldn’t see clearly.
Also, because of the nature of the surveillance magic, all she could glimpse were the silhouettes of the observed target or what the target could see through their eyes, leaving Aria with images burned into her brain of Yeriel’s closely held back figure, the curve of her neck and shoulders…
And, Lev fully holding her tight.
But, wasn’t there a certain atmosphere…?
Aria definitely felt an odd and moonlit vibe.
It was like witnessing a forbidden scene, one that should not be seen, where hands would immediately rise to the mouth…
Thus, she had no choice but to ask.
“So… what were you doing with Yeriel?”
“……”
Lev’s gaze, which had been kindly looking at Aria, turned to face ahead.
“…?”
Aria felt a subtle déjà vu.
Something was off.
That’s why her voice came out slightly chillier.
“Answer.”
“…”
“Please answer.”
Conversely, the gray-haired man understood.
In a conversation with a rational person, a brief moment of silence or hesitation to answer can yield results worse than simply choosing the wrong option…
He barely managed to produce his response.
“Yeriel… washed me the day she became the fox.”
“Yes, and she washed you?”
Aria’s gaze, as well as her tone, became entirely businesslike.
In the end, Lev felt a déjà vu as well.
Sweat beads started to form on his forehead.
“The transformation was undone…”
“Yes, the transformation is gone.”
“…Right.”
“So then?”
The interrogation wasn’t over yet.
Aria still sent Lev a gaze that was impossible to read.
The difference from before was that she had taken his large hand and placed it firmly on her lap, gripping it tightly with both hands.
Instead, this skinship seemed to kindly ask Lev, ‘Are you thinking of lying to me?’ which only weighed heavier on his heart.
At this point, he had no choice.
‘Let’s go full honesty.’
As Lev resolved to speak freely,
“Aria…! And… what about you…?”
A savior appeared.
With beautiful platinum hair and red eyes…
Creating a mysterious aura every time she appeared was none other than the Saintess, Psyche.
*
Afterward, time passed in a blur.
The fact that I, Aria, and Yeriel were all attending the same academy was conveyed to Psyche.
–“What?! Lev, are you a student of Claris? A first-year at that…”
–“Am I that old-looking?”
–“No, given your skills… I thought you must be someone from higher-ups…”
She was rightly astonished by my identity, having saved her twice.
Though her appearance seemed like one of similar age, the age difference between Psyche and me was considerable due to her saintly nature.
But indeed, as expected from a saintess, her capacity for acceptance was broad.
–“To you… I have nothing but gratitude. Thank you for saving me and my child.”
Not only did she hide my identity, but she also helped me escape from the Hwangdo in fox form.
Returning safely to Claris Academy, I naturally became known as a survivor who miraculously escaped from Mystic Island.
…
“Claris Academy Marksman Department’s major required subjects. Let’s announce the top and second in practical shooting.”
How many more days had passed since that day?
“Remarkably, the top score comes from this class: Lev Denec, first-year. Perfect scores in all evaluation areas.”
With the words of a middle-aged elf, a male professor, the classroom erupted into chaos.
“And the second place is from the first-year S class: Selena Windforce. She too has obtained nearly perfect scores.”
–“Oh wow. Another win for that guy Marksman against Selena?”
–“This time, it’s said that 2nd-year seniors also participated. Crazy, just crazy.”
–“Said he was a study bug since the first semester.”
–“Really? I heard he doesn’t show his face outside of class these days.”
–“Thank goodness. Those who laughed at him at first can’t even lift their heads…”
Most of the marksman department was made up of elves, with a few exceptions for spawn of hunters.
Of course, I initially was treated like a laughingstock as a human marksman.
Choosing a crossbow with a clear limit, I had neither innate talent nor family backing.
Until defeating Gailon, I had to endure the elves’ disdain and derision.
However, at this point, as winter approached, the tables had completely turned.
Having hunted the Great Demon and monsters multiple times, it could be said that I had no rivals among my peers anymore.
“Since we announced the grades today, there will be no classes. Rest is also a form of training…”
As the professor spoke, the students quickly packed their things and exited the classroom.
No one picked on me unnecessarily now.
In fact, many students were out of sorts because they had come to accept the situation.
–“So you’re the popular human marksman these days? You’re pretty cute.”
–“Well…”
–“…I actually kind of like you. We’re having a party at my family’s mansion soon, you should come…”
Starting with an upperclassman who suddenly showed interest,
–“It’s unfortunate, I’ve heard you’ve been disowned by your family… it must’ve been tough, huh?”
–“Not particularly.”
–“Ah… anyway! Want to be my partner? I’m only saying this to you! Don’t misunderstand!”
Quite a few nobles from decent families approached, offering me a partnership.
Of course, popularity is a good thing, so I was relatively pleased, but I had no time to indulge in it.
As is characteristic in an academy story, in the latter half of the [Reincarnated Academy], chapter 5, demons descend upon Claris and cause havoc.
According to the original, Bunea, who appeared during the Claris festival, was supposed to strike again with Yellody’s help.
‘I killed him in advance.’
Moreover, Yellody is within my ranks.
I had done my part.
‘If they dare to charge in under such circumstances…’
Then there would be no choice but to eradicate them…
Walking toward the Circulation Train platform, I opened my skill window.
Ding!
————————————————————
[Haisman’s Family Secret – Extraction·Creation] [Lv.Max] (Active) (Ultimate Technique)
: Creates a spell scroll for the ‘Dimensional Gate spell linking to Pandemonium.’ This scroll can be activated by the user tearing it.
(Usable once)
(Important note) Nicolseta’s older brother, Maclead, has a natural talent.
If used sparingly…
–Lev Denec’s memo.
Exp: (0/0)
Acquisition Difficulty: Very Difficult
————————————————————
‘Let’s think…’
There are slightly twisted events, specifically about the usage of this dimensional portal scroll that Haisman secretly developed.
‘If I were him…’
I would somehow collude with Pandemonium and fully utilize this dimensional scroll to its maximum capacity.
Then where would be the most efficient place to break through?
A location with minimal influence from the Sanctuary, where I could request cooperation from a villain at the connection point.
And above all, a place where they could strike precisely like demons against the humans.
That would be…
‘The Empire’s Underground Prison.’
This place, located beneath the Royal Palace, is likely.
Here, remnants of Lev Denec and Crow Pay are imprisoned, allowing for smooth access, and the Empire would never suspect it immediately below the royal palace.
‘The reason they targeted Psyche…’
If they killed the Saintess, it would weaken the Sanctuary’s power and gain trust from Pandemonium, and even if it failed to catch her, being imprisoned would naturally lead to the underground prison.
And by leveraging the characteristics of the underground prison, where all magical incantations are sealed, they would have intended to use the scroll to open a dimensional gate.
‘Not bad for a villain.’
The Emperor of the Empire is set to be such a coward that if he were to discover that a dungeon was right beneath his luxurious palace, the order of the Hwangdo would collapse in seconds.
‘How horrifying.’
If it weren’t for Aria’s surveillance magic… I would have had to witness this grand scheme that could turn the capital of the Empire into the territory of Pandemonium with my own eyes.
‘Indeed… waiting idly seems foolish.’
This scroll heading towards Pandemonium… the demons likely aren’t even aware of its existence.
So now is the time to raise the tempo and strike first.
They are demons who use any means necessary.
‘A true leader…?’
A leader’s party.
In RPG games where opposing factions exist, it refers to parties forming to assassinate the leader NPC of the enemy faction.
Success rates directly correlate with stealth, unity, and geographical knowledge of the enemy faction.
‘Let’s stay calm.’
There’s a saying that says, “the more urgent, the slower you must go.”
I checked the time on my wristwatch.
Dinner time was creeping up.
‘So close.’
After this incident…
If I don’t return before dinner, Aria and Yeriel will become incredibly anxious.
Thus, I found myself with a curfew without compulsion.
And due to what happened in Hwangdo, our relationship had become quite awkward.
–“Yes. Womanizer… Lev.”
Aria’s gaze had become colder than before, and she subtly looked at me more often…
–“Ah? Ummm… Does Lev have to come back early…?”
Yeriel was so embarrassed that she couldn’t even look me in the eye.
There was so much to discuss to clear up misunderstandings that weren’t misunderstandings with them, but…
I couldn’t do that either.
[Knock prohibited except for Lev]
Such a sign was hung by Lily…
Clunk!
Umm! Lev! I knew you’d be back!
Having stayed with me at Black House, she also seems to have had her share of heartache, as the traces of solitary crying were still present in her room.
I want to sleep with Lev…
Thus, out of pity, indulging her lead to always having her stick by my side at Black House.
Above all… she was…
…underestimating a human male’s reproductive desires.
…
I can’t be satisfied with just this, huh?
Every time we ate, she would rest her chin on her palm and glare at me intensely as Selena did.
‘So scary to go in…’
Bang!
That was the moment.
As I approached the Circulation Train platform…
“Long time no see~. Womanizing junior.”
“…”
With familiar sky-blue hair.
The demon girl Yellody was sitting on a bench, rhythmically raising and lowering her legs as if she was fanning the water.
I quietly sat beside her.
Though she’s part of my group, I could not completely let my guard down.
She may not know, but when I’m not in demon form, controlling myself becomes quite complicated.
“I didn’t expect you to return to school this quickly.”
“Hmm~ is junior a bit concerning?”
I smiled and asked her.
“Yellody, do you know…?”
“What?”
“Do you know where the Demon King is?”
Droop!
At my question, Yellody’s movements halted.
“…”
And then, slowly, she opened her mouth.
“Hmmm~ that…”