NOVEL NEXT Chapter 108 - Chapter 108: Beginning of the Nth Loop
Nth Loop
Chapter 108: Beginning of the Nth Loop
In the 358th year of the kingdom’s history, on Tuesday, October 1st, I greeted this morning for what felt like countless times, to the point where I’ve given up counting. I wonder how many loops it’s been since I last thought, “Alright, let’s do this.” Anyway, let’s get ready.
Today, after the entrance ceremony, I’ll go slime hunting. Then I’ll make magical tools, level up to 100 in one or two weeks, and head to Arcart for the pink-haired gacha. No need to rush. After all, there was a time when I took a three-day break from school and headed straight to Arcart. But over there, they’re still in the tutorial phase. Orientation, class scheduling, meeting the capture targets; the real capture won’t start until around the end of October. Miss Violet managing to charm Wesley-sama from mid-October was quite the feat, thanks to some heavy-duty cash spending. She’s the exception among exceptions.
Since then, I’ve seen several Baroness Vernons with pink heads. Each had their own goals and methods for capturing their targets. But every single one of them failed. One lady charged straight at the main hero, Ulysses-sama, after capturing her first target. Another got obsessed with the RPG part and just kept leveling up. I tried to help her out during that time, contributing a lot, but in the end, it turned into a “power over men” situation, and she ended up as an adventurer end? And then everything rewound neatly. The worst are the rotten Baronesses who want to pair up the capture targets.
“Tristan × Shawn, heartwarming. The underdog couple is finally here.”
For three years, she’s been eagerly observing them from the shadows, leaving behind stacks of sketches. No, there’s no route like that. And she said okay with it in Japanese.
I mean, seriously, doesn’t every game have strategy guides? If you want to clear it, why not just look them up? Well, I guess games are meant to be played however the player wants. But seriously, I can’t help but think back and realize that the first Vivi-chan was the most reasonable.
There’s no point complaining. I whip my almost broken heart into shape and put a ribbon on the new students’ chests.
He’s the one who always supports me every time.
“Alexi, you seem a bit down. Busy?”
Every Saturday night, as always, Lord Luca waits for me by the window. His joyful demeanor when I take him to the dungeon is my only solace. And the other pillar of my heart is Urrica from Charlois, who taught me alchemy in the third loop. How long has it been since then? Her charming elven qualities and tough wisdom are unforgettable. We were good neighbors. I planned to visit her once the loop ended and start as friends.
Seeing my forced smile, Luca genuinely worries about me. I might be at my limit already.
“Luca. I’m going to see an old friend tomorrow. Would you like to come along?”
Inadvertently, those words slipped out of my mouth.
Taking Luca out was unexpectedly easy. He told the household staff, “I’m going to stay in my room all day today, so don’t bother me,” and they obediently followed suit. Apparently, that’s how weekends usually go. Wherever he goes, whatever he does, the staff just silently follows. So, he finds it easier to stay in his room and read his favorite books.
The next morning, I went to pick him up again. He was waiting with a light meal prepared. And then we flew to the Charlois Territory forest.
I feel nostalgic about it myself. I’ve already registered the coordinates long ago until the loop ends. A small brick house. Right in front of her workshop.
It looks inconspicuous, like nobody lives there, but a closer look reveals otherwise. Multiple layers of recognition inhibition and security barriers make it a magical fortress surpassing the palaces of various countries.
“Who goes there?”
As I cautiously knocked on the door, a perplexed and somewhat intimidating voice came from inside. But that’s the voice I’ve been wanting to hear all this time.
“I apologize for the sudden visit. We’ve heard that a renowned alchemist resides here.”
After a moment of silence, I know exactly what’s happening to us. Spirits surround us, conducting thorough body checks.
“Alright. You may enter.”
The wooden door creaks open, and we’re invited inside.
“Aah…”
A small whimper comes from behind me. I understand how he feels. Her workshop has always been at the bottom of the abyss. Even for someone like me who used to be familiar with it, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you haven’t seen it in a while. No, I can’t afford to be overwhelmed.
“Erm… Master Urrica Ordrishka, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Alexi. This is Lord Luca Laquell, the son of Lord Laquell, the Mage Count.”
“Lu-Lord Luca Laquell, here…”
Even Lord Luca’s usually polite voice trembles.
“Hmm. So you know my name, do you? I won’t ask where you heard it. So, what is your business here?”
“We are adventurers, albeit inexperienced. We have some notable materials and wish for your enchantment expertise…”
I arrange some materials on the table that Urrica had desired before… No, first I uncover the table and then arrange the items.
“Oh, this!… That’s what I’d like to say, but…”
She momentarily focuses on the materials but then regains her composure. And for good reason. My coat is Fire Rat + Max, Lord Luca has a ring for status ailment resistance, and around my neck, there are jangling Ruf’s talisman like dog tags.
“Sorry, but could I ask you to listen to us for a moment?”
I had considered just taking a quick look and leaving, but since we’re here, it’s a good opportunity. I explained my situation to the two of them.
“I see. So, you knew about this workshop.”
In front of me, there’s tea and pastries. I bought extra for Lord Luca and snacks. Next time, I’ll bring cake.
She observes my equipment closely. Max-enhanced materials, condensed Max enhancements applied to the target object, dog tags strung together with strings embedded with dark scriptures, a flaming homing device, and a railgun with rapid fire.”Meeting with Lia and Oda must be true,” rushing out of the village without reading the letter carefully, it’s truly characteristic of them.
(Note: If you don’t remember Ophelia(Lia) and Ottilie(Oda) are both daughter and granddaughter of Urrice in the 3rd Loop(C57))
“And so, the reason for visiting me is?”
“Well, I’ve exhausted all my options. I’ve done my best in Arcart to help shape the ending of the story in a good way, but no matter how many times I try, it doesn’t work out.”
I ended my consultation with a statement that I don’t know anyone more knowledgeable than her. Honestly, my heart was already broken, and I just wanted to see her face.
“Hmm, indeed. It must be burdensome for a human. Although it’s not my area of expertise, but perhaps someone from the village can help.”
“The village…?!”
I involuntarily straightened up.