I'm the Slit-Eyed Character at the Academy, but I'm not the Mastermind

Chapter 56

"Haa..."

A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I reached my room.

Luna's words about not taking a single step away were no joke.

She really hadn't moved an inch.

Who would have thought that the dormitory would be the only place out of Luna's sight?

'I need to seriously consider recruiting a new companion.'

It won't be easy because of my slit-eyed trait, but it's something I have to accomplish.

If I don't get Luna a new toy, I wouldn't be surprised if I'm destroyed tomorrow.

Click-.

I opened the door and stepped into the room.

It was late at night, but the room wasn't too dark.

Blue moonlight streamed in through the window.

Apart from the corners, the room was relatively bright.

"..."

I looked around, but nothing had changed since I left.

Of course, there was no one there.

But I could feel it instinctively.

In my room.

'...Is there something?'

Why a question? Because I couldn't see the form of that 'something'.

But I was certain there was something in my room.

[Hyper Sense] kept sending me signals.

'In the game, places with something would be marked with a red box...'

But this is reality.

I glanced around, but there were no red boxes in sight.

Instead, I could feel it instinctively, sensually.

Judging by [Mental Defense] and [Divine Imitation], skills in this world exert absolute power.

Moreover, [Hyper Sense] is an S-grade skill obtained through a potential gamble.

It's on par with the two skills I mentioned before.

It wasn't something I could dismiss as a mere delusion.

'Hyper Sense is merely a skill that informs me of something nearby.'

In the game, you would go near a place marked with a red box or use a trap disarming skill to interact.

This is my room.

It's unlikely a trap was set in less than a day.

So, it must be.

'A person is the most likely.'

When I concentrated, it became clear.

In front of the wardrobe, a corner of the room steeped in darkness.

There was something there.

'At least it's not an enemy.'

If it were an enemy, it would have attacked me immediately.

A surprise attack is supposed to be executed before the target realizes.

There's no need to drag it out like this.

'Could it be... Luna?'

If so, she's a real crazy stalker.

To follow me right after parting, even entering my room before me and hiding?

I felt a chill run down my back.

'No, that can't be it.'

Normally, Luna would be the most likely suspect.

But physically, it was impossible.

Even getting here before me, let alone hiding, was beyond Luna's capabilities.

Then.

'It must be someone sent by Teron or Yuridia.'

10 merits. And the first commendation stamped with the Principal's seal.

They would use threats to bring me into their faction.

That must be why this person was sent.

'What a scare. It was nothing.'

While the hiding skills are impressive, it's just an academy student after all.

One strike of [One Flash] and it's over.

They probably intended to threaten me with a weapon from behind.

'But to me, who has dealt with the psychological warfare of Caron, this is nothing.'

The killing machine Caron, who truly strangles his victims.

I, who have briefly experienced what death is at his hands, am not intimidated by a mere weapon threat.

'It's neither Teron nor Yuridia, I have no intention of joining either.'

I didn't want to interfere and change the future.

Using [One Flash] would be an easy way out, but I might accidentally kill this innocent student.

So.

'I'll bluff to make them back off.'

A show of force.

But what the strong exhibit is not a show of force.

It's 'composure'.

Rustle-.

I pulled out a chair and sat down.

The wardrobe is on the opposite side.

Meaning, I am currently turning my back to an unknown enemy.

At times like this, it's important to act nonchalant, as if nothing's wrong.

The ease of knowing someone is hiding but being confident I can subdue them anytime.

'Making them think I'm unaware, only to reveal I knew all along.'

Keke. I have to admit, it's pretty cool.

Now, let's put that thought into action.

"Keke, what brings you here? It's quite late for a visit, isn't it?"

No response came, but there was no need to worry.

'They must be panicking, not knowing what to do.'

Next, I'll say 'Keke, show yourself. There's no need for us to fight.'

Then, after a good talk, I'll send them out of my room.

'To surprise me, they should've brought someone like Caron, right?'

That's when I thought this.

A voice came from the darkness.

"Impudent brat."

The voice seemed to come from nowhere.

Thanks to the power of [Mental Defense], I didn't show it, but I involuntarily tensed up.

It was a voice I knew too well.

After the ant nest incident, it was a voice I could never forget.

Swoosh-.

The darkness in front of the wardrobe transformed into a form.

The form of a person standing on two feet.

"You're quite good at bluffing."

The Bad Ending Maker, Caron.

He revealed himself before me.

"..."

Caron was silent.

'He must be surprised.'

Caron's stealth level is master-class.

Not something a fifteen-year-old student can notice.

Ironically, I was just as surprised.

'Why are you here?'

If I had known earlier, I would have welcomed him.

Then, this awkward situation wouldn't have happened.

We could have laughed and ended it on a good note.

Why did it have to become so complicated?

"Impudent brat."

There was anger in Caron's voice.

Rightfully so.

'Keke, what brings you here? It's quite late for a visit, isn't it?'

If I were Caron, I would have blown a hole in my head.

'Well, looks like I've already messed up.'

Then.

It's time for my eighteenth trick, the ultimate shameless strategy.

"Keke, teacher Caron, what brings you here?"

"I came to see you."

My heart raced.

Don't misunderstand. That's not a confession of love.

It's a confession of murder.

"Keke, I enjoyed today's show."

"...Shut up."

Caron clicked his tongue, seemingly annoyed.

Calling the actions taken while desperately trying to match our lips during the award presentation a 'show' must have irritated him.

"Keke, but why did you give me the award? Didn't you tell me to avoid conspicuous actions?"

"It's an adult's situation."

I know about Dwener's fondness for me.

And that I received the award because of his stubbornness.

But I had to ask.

'Caron might think it's strange.'

We promised to avoid conspicuous actions.

But not questioning the award?

Caron would immediately suspect whether I manipulated the situation, or if I'm connected with Dwener.

'Or both.'

So, it's right to ask such questions.

'Why give me an award when you told me to keep a low profile?' It's a necessary question to avoid suspicion.

And one more thing.

'I have to hide my relationship with Dwener.'

Reluctantly, I admit, Caron is far superior in manipulating people's psychology.

If he knows Dwener is weak for me, he's likely to use me for his advantage.

'But that's not all.'

As far as I know, Dwener is a puppet set up by the Herizeus family to keep Elester in check.

And Caron is the emperor's shadow.

If Caron finds out Dwener is just a puppet, Elester might leave the academy.

'That would significantly change the future I know.'

So, I must hide that Dwener is a pushover.

A slight headache came over me.

For just one move, how many thoughts I had to go through.

This unexpected encounter with Caron was troublesome in many ways.

"Tch, giving an award to someone like you. I almost had my hand rot." (TL Note: A Korean saying to describe a situation where you narrowly avoided getting involved in something troublesome)

"Keke, the rotten part should be cut out."

"Didn't I say it was almost? Impudent brat."

What kind of response would not be seen as arrogant?

"Keke, that's a bit harsh for a junior."

"Didn't I tell you not to use that word?"

"You forbade 'senior,' didn't you? This is my first time using 'junior'."

Crack-.

A mysterious sound came from Caron's grip.

Why is he reacting like this when I'm just stating facts?

'Phew, at least I bought some time to think.'

It's not just a pointless conversation.

Ever since Caron appeared, my mind has been racing.

'The atmosphere isn't as hostile as it was during the ant nest incident.'

He's not here to kill me.

He came to me for a reason.

Understanding why Caron is here and his purpose is of utmost importance.

"...I've confirmed the information."

"Information?"

"Yes. Hus was a spy. No, more like... just a fool."

That's when I understood why Caron came.

To confirm information and to obtain new information.

'...He's fast.'

I had considered the possibility that the entity hiding in my room could be Caron.

For about a second? But I immediately dismissed it.

Why?

'Because I provided the information yesterday.'

I didn't think Caron could verify information in just one day.

It's a natural assumption.

The process of verifying information is more complicated than one might think.

Checking the credibility of the information received.

Identifying the suspect.

Capturing the suspect's abnormal behavior.

Subduing and detaining them.

Interrogation.

Listing, confirming, and summarizing the information provided by the suspect.

Cross-verifying the information from the suspect and the informant.

Completing the final verification process.

'All this in just one day... not even a full day?'

It's an insanely fast pace.

Caron, who kept me on my toes until the final chapter in the game.

His skills seem to be beyond my imagination.

I revised my assessment of Caron in my mind.

Too competent. To the point where I wouldn't want to deal with him again.

"Hus was destroying information while leaking it. Thanks to you, we caught him just in time. Otherwise, more information would have been lost."

I decided not to ask the stupid question of how he confirmed Hus was a spy.

The rat of the empire, the one managing the imperial intelligence service.

It was obvious how he made Hus talk.

"First, the payment for the deal comes."

He meant the reward for providing the information that Hus was a spy.

"Keke, that was a service."

"I believe in clear transactions. Don't hesitate and ask. I'll provide information equivalent to this incident."

Uncharacteristically generous of Caron.

"Speak. What information do you want?"

Since he's offering, I decided not to refuse.

We're not allies, just business partners.

'I don't particularly need any information right now.'

But there was one thing I could ask for in exchange for information.

--TL Notes--

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