NOVEL NEXT Chapter 18: Chapter 18 - Class
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༺ Class ༻
'I feel like dying.'
Not figuratively, but quite literally.
"—The sword is the most basic weapon, suitable and flexible for any situation…"
The professor's words entered through one of my ears while immediately exiting the other.
In the first place, it was just the basics. There was really no need to listen to it attentively or at all for that matter.
"Professor, I have a question."
And the fact that it was the most basic of basics also went hand in hand with the question of why on earth this person was taking this class…
The blood drained from the professor's face when the expressionless Eleanor, who was seated to my left, raised her hand.
"Of course, what is your concern, Lady Tristan?"
"Don't you think the theory is a bit too lengthy? All of that knowledge doesn't work much in real combat now, does it?"
"I apologize. I will correct it."
The professor stiffly laughed and spoke out those words in response.
It was a very bizarre sight, where the student casually commenting on the class material was enough for the professor to immediately agree and correct himself, but no one really refuted this phenomenon.
If it were concerning Lady Tristan, no one would dare to point that out.
Nobody.
Except for one person.
"Uh, I was listening though?"
Iliya, seated to my right, retorted with a small smile on her face.
She didn't look intimidated by Eleanor's chilly gaze in the slightest.
"…Don't tell me you think that this kind of tabletop discussion is helpful in actual combat?"
"Classes are at the discretion of the professor. You are not forced to attend now, are you?"
Eleanor closed her mouth in displeasure.
Unlike Iliya, who was a freshman like me, Eleanor knew she didn't need to be here.
From what I heard from Atalante, Eleanor wanted to join the class. 'Put me with him,' was what she said.
"But even if it's a basic class, it should be more practical than this—"
"Now that's just biased opinion—"
The war of words thus intensified with each passing moment.
The professor, who should be leading the class, was left unable to say anything, and for good reason at that. There was really not much he could say against these big shots— the next Hero candidate and the Duke's daughter.
"Then what do you think?"
"Yeah. What do you think?"
And thus, this was the reason that I said I felt like I was dying at the moment.
They went back and forth against each other, before eventually throwing the bomb at me.
"…I think it's better to continue the class for now."
The professor looked so pitiful… shivering and even turning blue while standing helplessly in front. So I went with this for now.
With this, Eleanor's brows slightly furrowed while a bright smile blossomed on Iliya's face. The professor also let out a relieved smile.
"Alright, one more win."
"…I lost again."
I massaged my forehead as I listened to the murmurs all around.
These two have been doing similar acts throughout the entire class.
They discussed the content among themselves and asked me for my opinion at the end. They then decided and tally up the wins or losses based on which side I took.
Every time, the winner would be deathly overjoyed, while the loser would look like they were crumbling apart. It was utterly ridiculous.
'What the hell do my words mean to you guys…?'
Why were they doing this to me…?
"…"
Because of this, the other students were now looking at me in an even weirder light, more so than the situation would warrant…
They were probably thinking something along the lines of, 'Who is this guy to be treated like that by the Hero candidate and Lady Tristan?'
'I don't know either.'
Uh, I really didn't know.
At least, it could be seen from this that the academy was suppressing information about me quite well. Some didn't even know me and were just confused about what in hell was going on here.
In other words, Elfante was extremely attentive to my activities.
'…If something goes wrong, they'll take care of it.'
'So let's just do what I need to do and distract myself from this jarring scenario.'
As the professor resumed the lecture, I turned my gaze to the window floating in front of me.
< Gift-Related Character Alert >
♥ Eleanor Elinalise La Tristan
[ Trust Level 5 ] >>> [ Love Level 1 ]
[ Rewards available! ]
▼ Iliya Krisanax
[ Curiosity Level 5 ] >>> [ Interest Level 1 ]
[ Rewards available! ]
I then opened the rewards tab to view the contents within.
Received Gift Reward from Eleanor
[ Attribute: Breathing Technique — Duckweed has been acquired! ]
[ Mastery Info ]
Attribute: Breathing Technique – Duckweed
Grade: Basic
[ ■ A breathing method that dramatically increases the body's endurance and strength when trained for a long time. It has a high compatibility with the Tristan Style Swordsmanship ]
Attribute: Tristan Style Swordsmanship
Grade: Basic
[ Current Profiency: 58%. ]
[ Master the Sword Technique of the Tristan Duke Family! ]
[ ■ Can exert a certain level of power regardless of the weapon used. ]
'…Compatible?'
Duckweed Breathing Technique and Tristan Style Swordsmanship were activated almost as a set.
The person who was using such a combination right now was none other than Lady Tristan.
There were many reasons why Eleanor reigned as the final boss of the game, however, the combination of these two skills accounted for a large portion of her close-range combat power.
Apart from boasting monstrous aggression, her body was as durable and tenacious as a weed. So even if one managed to land a hit, that would be far from enough to knock her down.
In terms of body-related techniques, it could be regarded as a combination with the highest efficiency.
And then…
System Message
[Received Gift Reward from Iliya Krisanax. ]
[ Acquired 2,000 points! ]
[ Current Points: 2,000pts! ]
Instead of something special, Iliya just gave me points. Still, as the main character, the points were quite generous indeed.
However, I wish there was something more…
System Message
[ You have exerted more than a certain amount of influence on a character with a good alignment! ]
[ The second gift has awakened! ]
[ Marked with Negative Tendency! ]
[ Skill: Evil Ruler has been acquired! ]
"…"
I really awakened another gift!
< Special Gifts >Gift #1 – Fated Love
[ Obtain rewards as you gain favorability of characters with an evil alignment. ]
Gift #2 – He Who Touches The Pitch Shall Be Defiled
[ Obtain rewards as you gain favorability of characters with a good alignment. ]
[ However, this is a given at a much smaller level than those with an evil alignment. ][ Instead, if you taint a character with a good alignment with negative tendencies beyond a certain level, you will receive a great reward! ]
< Skill Info >
[ Skill: Evil Ruler ]
[ Grade: E ]
[ Bewitch characters of the good alignment that you have sufficiently influenced. ]
[ Characters under the effect of Evil Ruler must do one thing you ask for. ]
[ Characters under Rule: None ]
I read the text in front of me.
'…Hmm.'
Then I read it again and again…
No. I didn't quite understand.
To sum it up.
Did that mean that if I made a good guy bad I would get a reward?
'That's…'
"…"
'Is that right?'
It was soon the last subject for the day, which was Introduction to Survival Science.
The class would be held at a walking distance from the academy in a beautiful verdant forest named, Fairy Forest.
On the outside, it looked no different than your typical jungle. But it was a place that shared history with Atalante, an Eternal, which meant that it was far from ordinary.
The forest harbored all kinds of beasts, magical plants, and even rare minerals.
Some could literally kill you, they were that lethal.
At this time, Eleanor and Iliya also finally quieted down.
It could be that they got tired from constantly fighting. But the real reason was that there was no arguing here, not with the one in charge of the class.
"Welcome, Chicks."
Conrad spoke indifferently.
However, facing the Knight School's Dean, the freshmen were visibly nervous.
After all, anyone with some knowledge of the state of Elfante knew the notoriety of this class.
"Survival science is the product of practical combat skills gathered by miners and dungeon explorers. If you don't want to die, pay attention."
The Dean's appearance was not at all exciting. Moreover, talking about death right off the bat didn't exactly help with the heavy atmosphere.
However, for generations, it was customary for the Dean to lead the first class. There was no way around it.
One could even clearly tell that this was an important subject. In fact, some students' eyes were gleaming eagerly because of the extra hiring credit, which was especially advantageous in the Imperial Family recruitment.
"The task is simple."
But Dean Conrad's following words immediately doused those passionate flames.
"Bring me something I like from the forest. I'll give you all 10 minutes."
"…"
"Ah, and also, just scream loudly if you feel like you're about to die. I'll come and save you. However, don't expect a high mark if I have to do that."
"…"
Amidst the deafening silence, a student carefully raised their hand.
"What is it?"
"…Um, are there no rules or set requirements that we need to meet?"
"Like I said, bring me something I like. You'll be graded accordingly."
"…"
"Remember little chicks, life is a battle. Now, you have only 5 minutes to prepare."
"And Student Council President, please help me in grading."
While the other students were busy contemplating Conrad's words, I was in my own bubble just staring at the status window.
Gift #2 – He Who Touches The Pitch Shall Be Defiled[ Obtain rewards as you gain favorability of characters with a good alignment. ][ However, this is a given at a much smaller level than those with an evil alignment. ]
[ Instead, if you taint a character with a good alignment with negative tendencies beyond a certain level, you will receive a great reward! ]
I had no idea what this meant.
'Taint a character with a good alignment with negative tendencies' was too abstract.
'…Well, at least, it should be related to bad.'
I mean the name of the gift itself had negative connotations.
"Teach, wanna go together?"
Iliya suddenly asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.
Well, I wasn't interested.
"You can go with your friends."
I said while while pointing at the "main character party" gathering nearby.
The warrior Luca, the mage Falco, the healer Trisha, and the marksman Grid.
After the assassination incident, they became friends.
"…Um, Teach is also my friend, so why not go together?"
"No, thank you. I'll be fine."
Uh, like legit, she couldn't be with me.
Iliya needed to get acquainted with the main character's party right away.
As the only saviors of the world, they needed to grow powerful as soon as possible.
I would only be hindering them if I tagged along.
"And we're not that close now, are we?"
"…"
Iliya pouted discontentedly at my remark.
"…This makes me sad, really. Ah, Whatever!"
She left.
She looked quite angry.
"Excuse me."
I then heard someone calling me from the side.
When I turned to look, I saw a handsome blond-haired man, who was oozing with the aura of a model student.
'Ah right, there was this character too.'
I instantly remembered who this guy was from just a glance at the spear on his back.
Talion Armand.
He was the eldest son of Armand, an honest viscount. Among this year's freshmen, he was undoubtedly a standout talent.
I remember him being a perfect character in the game. Unblemished regardless of the degree of scrutiny.
Integrity. Humility. Composure. Discipline.
And his skills were just right below Iliya's too.
This was why he got his own fan club despite only being a freshman.
More importantly…
'…Wasn't he the mid-boss of Chapter 1?'
This guy would get corrupted from some kind of accident and turn into a mid-boss.
I didn't expect to meet him this way.
'But why is he here?'
Just as I tilted my head in wonder, Talion soon cleared my doubts with his following words.
"You, what's your relationship with the Hero candidate?"
"…Uh?"
I couldn't help but make a confused noise at that.
No, I didn't mean to do that, it was just that I was unable to guess his intentions.
"What do you mean? What relationship?"
"Why did you approach… Excuse me, I meant how did you two get acquainted?"
Although he was being polite, his sharp gaze told a different story from what his voice suggested.
It was as if he was trying to uncover everything about me.
'…Ah, I see what it is.'
I remember that Iliya was his idol — a role model to reach. Even if it was just once, he wanted to be her equal.
"I guess it's because she wanted to be friends with me?"
The corner of his eyes began to twitch when I told him the truth.
"…To someone called a fraud?"
His tone became a bit aggressive.
At the same time, my eyes widened but it was not because of this guy's sudden change in demeanor.
System Message
[ A character with a good alignment was enraged by your influence! ]
[ Some gift conditions have been met! ]
Rather, it was because of the system window that popped up in front of me.
'Is this how it works?'
Basically, the more I made this guy angry, the more likely it was for me to get rewarded?
So negative tendencies include anger as well, huh…?
"…"
The cogs in my brain began to turn quickly.
I could kill two birds with one stone. Not only could I activate the gift, but I could also potentially plant Evil Ruler on this guy.
Plus, I would get rewards as a bonus.
'This ain't half bad.'
One had to keep in mind that this man wasn't just your Average Joe, but a mid-boss. There were many ways he could be used.
'I could also use the corruption event to my advantage.'
If things didn't deviate too much from the original, it shouldn't be that difficult.
Now, my job here was rather simple.
Agitate this guy until the gift conditions were met.
"But there is no evidence of it though?"
"I'm certain of what I saw. There's also no proof that the sparring between you and the Hero candidate isn't a fake, is there?"
It looked like the Academy was doing a good job.
Despite having stood out multiple times in various incidents, I was still able to maintain a degree of anonymity among the students.
"As I've said…"
I couldn't help but smile bitterly inside. I especially appreciated the lack of awareness at this moment.
"…I don't know why, but she wanted to be friends that's all."
"…I don't believe it."
"Why?"
Because I could really rile him up with this.
"Is it because you feel hard-stuck after seeing the person you made your goal get defeated in one hit? Is that why you don't believe that the sparring was fair?"
His eyebrows twitched.
This was the crux of the situation.
He could deny it all he wanted but he had no reason to pick a fight against me if it was not for that.
"And."
I added with a smile.
"Let's say that I was indeed a fraud, just what can you do?"
"…What?"
"I'm saying that even if I am a scammer, I'd be better than you."
Talion's face contorted in anger.
"…Then, let's make a bet."
He said with gleaming eyes.
"Let's see who gets the better grade in this test! How about that?"
System Message
[ Gift Prerequisites Met! ]
[ The other party was enraged! ]
[ You'll be rewarded for your opponent's humiliating defeat! ]
Alright.
'Got 'em.'
"…Hey, Student Council President."
Conrad looked bewildered.
Meanwhile, Eleanor's expression remained unchanged.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Although I did ask you to help me grade the outputs, I didn't ask you to do a sloppy job."
"I haven't been sloppy."
"…"
Conrad wordlessly looked at the paper that Eleanor had given him.
This was what she did as soon as he gave her the grading tools.
"Then can you please explain why Dowd Campbell got a perfect score when the class hasn't even started yet?"
"Because it's perfect."
"…"
"He got full marks."
What was she saying here?
Conrad squinted at her but Eleanor continued her words, still expressionless.
"It seems that you are not satisfied."
"Would you be if you were in my shoes?"
"Then, I'll observe him more closely and write down why he got a perfect score. I'll come back after going into the woods."
"…You just wanted to stick with him from the very beginning, didn't you?"
"No."
Eleanor calmly replied.
"I just don't want him to be alone with that freshman, Iliya."
"…"
"I have a feeling that something is going to happen between them inside the forest. Please let me join."
"Thank you for being honest."
It was indeed the case.
Conrad grinned.
"Stay put, before I kick you out for disrupting the class."
"…"
However, just because she was being honest, it didn't mean that Conrad would just accept everything she did.
"To read 250 chapters for $20 and read the first 25 chapters for free, visit: patreon.com/casca02."