The Academy's Barbarian

Barbarian | Interlude - A Silent Supper

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Right after leaving the Armory, Ulan carried the unconscious Ibella and headed to the infirmary. After a brief examination, the medical report was soon delivered

"Her breathing and heartbeat are normal. Oh, and just to be sure, I checked her eardrums, and they're intact."

The doctor, dressed in a white gown, flipped through the report diagnosis with a tired expression. Then, she yawned as if it was nothing, "Ah...! To cut to the chase, she just fainted, so you don't need to worry too much."

"That's a relief."

Ulan breathed a sigh of relief, honestly relieved that nothing had gone wrong, given how she had managed to withstand the Master's momentum.

As he silently exhaled a breath,

"You know what?" Suddenly, the doctor spoke up, her voice accompanied by a subtle smile, "You must be Ulan, right?"

"Yes, that's me. You know me?"

"Of course I do. You're quite famous," a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

"You're the terrorist who made over a hundred people faint in the entrance ceremony."

"I didn't mean to do that."

"I know. I heard the reasons. You meant to just greet everyone casually, right?"

"That's right," he nodded in silence.

In truth, it felt a bit unjust.

Ulan had only meant to say hello amicably, but the windows had shattered, and people had collapsed as a result.

"Hehe, just as I've heard."

Whom had she heard it from?

The doctor burst into laughter again, "Regardless, moving forward, a touch more gentility in your greetings would be appreciated. It can be rather disconcerting when a sudden influx of patients occurs."

"Understood. I'll bear that in mind."

"Very well then. Until next time."

With a parting nod, she turned away and left.

As her figure receded, her pristine white coat fluttering behind her, his attention was drawn to a wall-mounted clock 5:45 PM.

As soon as he checked the time

"Oh."

he remembered a promise he had forgotten; he was supposed to have dinner with Dilia.

As soon as he recalled it, Ulan glanced back at Ibella. He had intended to greet her if she woke up, but she hadn't shown any signs of stirring yet.

"What can I do?"

At the very least, he could leave behind a note before his exit. It would have been nice to write something; unfortunately, the hospital room lacked paper and a pen.

Then, his eyes landed on the wall. It seemed fitting, almost serendipitous, that the first thing Ibella would encounter upon awakening would be this spot.

"This spot should be good."

Extending a finger, Ulan channeled his Spirit into his index digit and pressed it against the wall.

Swoosh!

The finger slipped in the wall effortlessly and a few moments later, a message was written on the wall in Ulan's handwriting.

Im going first. (Ulan)

This should be enough.

Ulan smiled in satisfaction. Then, feeling lighter, he turned around he was heading for the dining hall.

* * * Meanwhile, while Ulan was in the infirmary, Noah dragged her tired body back to the dormitory. Running from building to building to attend classes had pushed her to her physical limits.

When she arrived at his room,

"Huh?"

Noah raised an eyebrow; a note was attached to the door.

It said the warden's office had a letter for her, and she should come to the office to receive it.

A letter? For me?

She didn't have anyone in particular to send one for her? Then who was it?

For a moment, the thought of Azur came to mind, but she wasn't someone who would write a letter.

Growing curious, Noah headed straight for the wardens office. Shortly afterward, she found out who the sender of the letter was.

Demuel Ron Dermore

Commonly known as Count Dermore; the person who had written recommendation letters for Ulan and Noah to enroll into Arsene Academy.

The letter was unremarkable; its contents were of straightforward composition.

It congratulated Noah on entering the academy and expressed a desire to continue the amicable relationship.

However, this made Noah realize something, "It seems I'm a candidate too."

A wry smirk graced Noah's lips.

Behind Count Dermore's philanthropic facade lurked ulterior motives.

Bringing his daughter back to life after she died of an unexplained illness some three years ago. Seeking to revive her, he resorted to forbidden methods as there was no ordinary way to do so.

And the result? He succeeded in obtaining the soul.

'Just the soul alone.

It can't last long.

The human form functioned as a vessel safeguarding the soul. Ergo, to achieve his goal, he needed a suitable vesselan appropriate bodyto transfer his daughter's soul.

This was the Count's purpose and plan.

And that's why he befriends young mages of a similar age, and presents himself as a benefactor.

The Count's daughter was a mage; as such, they had to be mages of similar age in the flesh. Alternatively, someone who manipulated mana would suffice.

In either case, they were graced with monthly communiqus and a measure of patronage from the Count.

Much like Noah's current situation.

Thump!

A gold coin rolled forth from the envelope.

Swift as the wind, Noah caught it and placed it into his pocket, "Even if it's money from a schemer, the money itself isn't guilty of any sin."

More than anything, the more money, the better. Noah glanced at the count's letter again.

The count needs two main things.

One was a candidate for the bodythe vessel.

The other was materials for the process of transferring the soul into the body. Some of these materials were found in the 'Fountain of Magic'.

And that's why hell enlist the help of Professor Dirac.

Professor Dirac, as a professor at the Magic Department, had unrestricted access to the Fountain of Magic under the pretext of research.

Supported by the Count's research funding, Professor Dirac could not refuse his instructions. Ultimately, he would enter the Fountain of Magic to gather the materials.

'And...'

It just so happens to be during midterms.

In other words, the fundamental reason Dirac, swallowed by the magic, would transform into a monster was due to Count Dermore's orders.

Conjuring the narrative of the original work, Noah's gaze grew frigid.

I have no intention of being used.

She knew the count's true intentions well; she knew what the Count aimed for and understood that achieving his goals would open the Gates to the Abyss, ever so slightly.

So I'll just take the money that's sent regularly and ignore the rest.

Because, as she said, money itself was devoid of any sin.

Having decided on a course of action, Noah crumpled the letter. Just as he was about to toss it into the trash,

"Um, excuse me!"

an unexpected figure appeared; a girl with ashen-colored hair and glasses Sylphy Ludric, Noah's classmate.

She pointed to the letter in Noah's hand and spoke cautiously, "Sorry, but that letter... I wondered if it might be for me..."

Huh? That can't be right.

Because the beginning of the letter clearly said, 'To my dear Noah Darshen.' She must have been mistaken. Just as she was about to answer,

"Are you the student Sylphie?"

An office staff member approached, holding an envelope, "There is a letter for you."

".........!?"

Sylphys eyes went wide; her surprised face looked stunned. Unsure of what to do, she took the envelope, fidgeted, and bowed to Noah, "E-excuse me!"

Then, she hurriedly left.

Noah watched her disappearing figure and narrowed her eyes.

It was the envelope that Sylphy had been holding just before she left.

'If I'm not mistaken, it's addressed from.'

The seal of the Count Dermore.

Furthermore, before she received a real letter from the staff, she had mistaken Noah's letter as her own.

So what did she see that made her think it was for her? There's only one answer.

Sylphy is also a candidate for the vessel.

Her azure orbs dimmed as they sank into contemplation, an ocean of questions swirling within her thoughts.

When did Sylphy, who wasn't even mentioned in the original work, become connected with Count Dermore?

And who is Sylphy..

She passed her general studies exams and got in.

But the Count wanted a vessel of someone who was either a mage or someone who could manipulate mana.

'The more I unearth, the more layers of doubt shroud the truth.'

A narrowed gaze bespoke a mind grappling with mysteries anew, a question once relegated to obscurity now demanding her attention.

Kazan Ludric.

The great warrior of the ancient Desert Kingdom; the original owner of the mark on Ulan's back.

He and Sylphy shared the same last name.

Recalling the question she'd forgotten, Noah's eyes ignited with the fervor of inquiry.

I'll have to stop by the library later.

She would gather information about Kazan Ludric. If she researched him, she might learn something.

As Noah neared the conclusion of her contemplation,

Grrrr!

a sudden sound came from her stomach, as if protesting for food. With her slightly emaciated belly as her accomplice, Noah murmured under her breath.

".........Let's start with food."

The library's opening hours extended until 10 PM, whereas the cafeteria shuttered its operations at 8 PM. Thus, while en route to the cafeteria,

she bumped into a familiar face.

"Huh? Ulan?"

Ulan walked with purpose, his strides resolute. As if he had noticed Noah, he halted in his tracks.

"Where are you headed?"

"To the cafeteria."

"Oh, really? In that case, let's go together. I was just about to have my meal too," Noah grinned.

It was a fortunate coincidence, for dining alone seemed rather dreary.

Meanwhile, Ulan cast a fleeting glance at Noah, then muttered in a low voice, "It shouldn't matter if there's one more."

"Huh? One more person?"

"Nothing. Let's go."

Ulan spurred his pace once more.

A short while later,

upon reaching the cafeteria, Noah finally discerned the meaning behind Ulan's murmur.

* * * Within the Arsene Academy's freshman cafeteria, a separate space known as the "Special Room" existed, separate from the main student cafeteria. This area could accommodate up to twenty individuals and was originally intended for visiting guests or visitors from outside the academy, although occasionally, it was opened to students during times when visits were not allowed.

Of course, it's only a picture-perfect arrangement.

This was due to the exorbitant fee associated with utilizing the Special Room. Even calculating by the hour, the cost rivaled that of a stay in a major hotel.

However, today was different.

For the first time, Noah found herself stepping into the Special Room. The moment she and Ulan entered the cafeteria, staff members promptly approached them, explaining that they had a reservation and escorted them to their designated seats.

From that moment, Noah realized something was wrong.

Looking at the way things are going, perhaps

Somehow, it felt as if Ulan had made an appointment with someone.

But could there possibly be someone around Ulan wealthy enough to reserve the Special Room? Just as the thought crossed her mind, she arrived at the Special Room.

A while later, the door opened

and Noah's eyes widened considerably.

"...........!"

She couldn't help it; there was someone she hadn't expected.

[Name]: Dilia Arpen

[Age]: 17 years old

[Grade]: SS

[Trait]: Blessed by Mana

The person before her was one of the Seven Warriors.

An indomitable figure known as the apex of magic and the one Noah had sworn to become acquainted witha presence dubbed the Star Witch.

Meanwhile, the instant the door opened, Dilia's complexion brightened.

"Ulan."

The one she'd been waiting for had arrived.

However, this mood was ephemeral; her expression swiftly hardened. This was due to her spotting an uninvited guest.

Cold, golden irises fixated on Noah; a dry voice soon followed suit, "Next to., who?"

"It's Noah. Noah Darshen."

"Name, I was asking, no."

She hadn't wanted to know in the first place.

Dilia narrowed her eyes.

"Your, relationship, what?"

"We're fellow disciples."

"Fellow disciples?"

Her small head tilted in bewilderment; presumably due to their unexpected relationship. At that moment, Noah swiftly intervened in the conversation, "Me and Ulan were taught by the same teacher, that's why fellow disciples."

"Then you're also..."

"Yes! I'm from the tribe of the grasslands," Noah replies with a wry smile.

So, they were from the same tribe. Dilia's gaze softened slightly, as if she understood the general situation. Yet, her expression remained aloof. Quick to perceive, Noah immediately discerned the underlying reason.

'She probably had something important to discuss.'

Just the two of them, alone.

Merely observing their booking of the Special Room was enough to deduce that. The room was soundproof, after all.

'Normally, I would make room for them...'

However, this time, she had no intention of doing so; because this was an opportunity.

An opportunity to engage in a conversation with Dilia and build camaraderie. So, regardless of how it went, Noah was determined to continue the conversation and make headway.

As she resolved herself..,

"Your ordered meals have arrived."

the door swung open, revealing an array of dishes; various culinary delights were placed atop the table. Likely considering Ulan's preferences, most of the dishes were meat-based.

"There are so many dishes I've never seen before."

"In our country, they're famous traditional dishes."

Traditional dishes from the Arpen Kingdom.

Among them, there was one particular dish that captured everyone's attentiona peculiar fare that had a distinctive quality. It was none other than a worm-cuisine.

"Huh? That looks like pupa soup, right?

{Pupa soup is a Korean soup made with silkworm pupae as the key ingredient. A South Korean dish.}

A broth-filled dish teeming with mealworms.

Noah's eyes lit up; of course, it didn't taste like the pupa soup she was used to, there were similarities in some aspects; to the extent that it invoked a sense of nostalgia.

And so, she lost herself in savoring the moment, when turned her gaze toward Noah, "Surprisingly, you seem to enjoy it."

"Hehe, I've had a lot of it before," Noah chuckled sheepishly.

It felt good somehow. It felt like she could continue the conversation smoothly.

But that was the end of it.

Just like that, all conversation came to an abrupt halt.

"..............."

"..............."

Neither Ulan nor Dilia spoke anything; everyone just focused on their food.

It truly was a silent feast.

Ugh, I feel like I'm going to suffocate!

Even after the meal was over and dessert was served, no one spoke. Unable to bear it any longer, Noah finally decided to initiate a conversation.

'There's an event coming up soon.

The annual event at Arsene Academy.

Recalling this, Noah let out a hollow cough. It was meant to break the silence, "Ahem! Anyway, are both of you prepared for the preliminary rounds?"

"Preliminary rounds?"

"Yes, they start in three days."

"What is that?"

Ulan cocked his head in curiosity when Dilia provided the answer, It's the annual event at Arsene Academy."

"Right. It's a test to select the ten most talented students from the freshmen."

"And what's good about being selected?"

"Well, you get bonus points, and you also earn the qualification to participate in the mock battles next month."

Mock battles? What's that? Ulan's confusion was evident. It was a reaction that meant he didnt know.

Dilia, sitting on the other side, asked in a puzzled tone, "The brochure, haven't you read it?"

"The brochure, haven't you read it?"

"I'm reading it."

"........Still?" Dilia questioned, sounding surprised.

At the same time, Noah responded, "Well, in simple terms, after the preliminary rounds, the 10 students who are finally selected form a party and fight against the sophomores."

Of course, the sophomores competing in the tournament were also among the top 10 students. It was essentially a competition among the top-ranked students from each grade.

However, despite the explanation being over, Ulan was still perplexed, "Why do we have to fight though ?"

"Because the mock battle is an annual event of the Arsene Academy, just like the preliminary rounds. And if you want to find another reason."

"Invest, talent, Scout."

"Invest?"

"Yes, nobles from all over the world attend the mock tournament. As Miss Dilia mentioned earlier, they're trying to secure promising individuals through investments and sponsorships."

Nobles benefit by securing potential talents for the future, while students who receive investments gain financial flexibility.

Of course, this doesn't apply to Dilia.

She was the princess of the Arpen Kingdom.

She had an abundance of money. Just looking at the fact that she rented the Special Room was enough to understand that.

"Moreover, there are plenty of advantages to participating in the mock battles regardless of the outcome. Participants receive various benefits, and you can get the attention of the nobles who come to watch."

"Prestige, opportunity," Dilia chimed in.

Ulan finally nodded in understanding at the friendly explanation. He grasped the concept to some extent.

While they were discussing the mock battles,

Ding-dong!

there was a polite knock on the door.

"The use of the Special Room is about to end."

"Please let us know if you'd like to extend."

Before they knew it, the time had run out.

At that moment, Dilia shot a quick glance at Ulan, as if she had something she wanted to say. Witnessing this, Noah unexpectedly butted in, "Oh no! Has it really been that long?!"

With a startled expression on her face, she fixed her gaze on the clock and then lowered her head toward Ulan and Dilia, "I'm sorry, but I need to leave. I have a book to borrow from the library."

For now, she had achieved her goal; she had engaged in conversation and bonded with Dilia.

From now on, it was important to not upset Dilia's feelings and build rapport.

True to form,

As soon as Noah stood up, Dilia's complexion brightened. Noah, sensing that she had chosen the right response, smiled, "I had a great meal, thank you!"

With a polite bow, Noah bid them farewell and quickly left the room.

A little while later, when her presence had completely disappeared, Ulan also stood up from his seat, "I should go as well."

The meal was over, and dessert had been eaten too.

Since there was no reason to remain here any longer, he intended to return to the dormitory. However, just as he was about to leave, Dilia, who had rushed over, blocked his path, "...........No."

She spread her arms wide.

With a pouting face, Dilia spoke. "I have something to say, I told you.

Ah, come to think of it, she did mention that.

She said she had something to say, didn't she?

Ulan nodded his head, "Go ahead, tell me. I'll listen."

"Okay. But, instead..," she looked around furtively, "..... Not here, outside."

Considering that their allotted time was ending, Ulan understood. Following that, he left with Dilia.

* * * The two who left the cafeteria headed for the forest.

Of course, the forest was just behind the cafeteria. Nevertheless, perhaps due to the late hour, there was no sense of popularity in the surroundings.

Saaaaaaah!

The wind blew from beyond the forest; Feeling the cool night breeze, Ulan waited silently for Dilia's mouth to open.

How much time had passed?

The voice he had been waiting for finally came, "....., Ulan."

"Yeah."

"I, a lot, have thought about it."

Dilia looked up at him; her expression solemn. Golden eyes sparkling in the moonlight, she tightly clenched her small fist.

"About your, sincerity."

"Sincerity?"

Ulan repeated, looking at her in puzzlement.

Dilia nodded.

From the moment she first saw him during the specialty test,

To the library and the mock hunt.

Ulan had consistently conveyed his sincerity. So, Dilia thought, with such a sincere and honest confession, she had to respond in some way.

"To be honest, it's the first time for me."

It was her first time hearing such words from someone of the opposite gender.

It was the first time she'd been confronted with such pure sincerity.

Everything was a first for her. So, she had spent sleepless nights contemplating.

"But."

Dilia's voice trailed off for a moment.

She hid her fidgeting fingers behind her back. Then, looking up at Ulan again, she continued, "We don't know, each other, yet."

Their first meeting was during the specialty test; they learned about each other when they were assigned to the same group.

Their subsequent meetings were in the library and the practical hunt. In other words, they hadn't known each other for long.

"Of course, not that I don't like you, no."

Dilia was not good at expressing feelings.

From a young age, she had been referred to as the Kingdom's hope and had been forced to adopt a mature attitude. She had learned to hide her emotions before she learned to show them. Maybe because of that, she was more skilled at being expressionless.

Had she always been that way, keeping herself distant?

There had been no one by her side.

No one approached, and no one wanted to stay by her side.

But Ulan was different.

Remembering his sincere confession, her pure white cheeks flushed a little.

So if she were to say which one .

Dilia was also fond of Ulan.

But..

She wasn't sure if it was a crush or just a friendship.

Like she said before, she was inexperienced in expressing her own emotions.

"So, I mean."

Her small lips twitched.

It was as if she was struggling with whether to say the words that had come to her mind. A little later, with a determined expression on her face, she bit her lip and finally spoke, "Can we start as friends?"

"Friends?"

"Ah, I'm not saying no!"

She exclaimed urgently.

Dilia's eyes widened, as if she were more surprised by the loudness of her own voice than by anything else. Her face turned bright red and she stammered, ""But still, a little more..."

Because she still didn't understand her own feelings, she wanted to take things slowly rather than rush into a decision.

Originally, she was going to say this.

However, the words didn't come out easily. Struggling for a while, Dilia ended up not revealing her true feelings.

Meanwhile,

Ulan stared at Dilia in surprise. As if it was a bit unexpected.

Starting as friends

He thought there might be something she had to say, but he never expected it to be a proposal to become friends.

Ulan had a new look of emotion.

This is much faster than my last life.

After returning from the brink of death, the time he spent with Dilia from then until now was only about two weeks.

It was a far cry from his last life, when she hadn't even recognized him as a friend until three years after their first meeting. In comparison, it was an astonishingly quick pace.

Is this change, too?

Ulan burst into laughter.

Although it felt slightly different from the future he remembered, it wasn't a bad feeling.

So he readily nodded in agreement, "Alright, let's do that."

"R-really? Still, are you sure?"

"Sure."

They were destined to become comrades someday. It wouldn't hurt to become close friends early on. With his thoughts settled, Ulan extended his large hand, "Take care of me in the future, Dilia."

"Yes, me too, please."

Dilia grabbed his hand with a bashful expression.

After the somewhat awkward handshake, a bright smile blossomed on her face. As if her worries had been resolved and she felt relieved.

It was a particularly starry night.

For the first time in her life, Dilia had made a friend.

Three days later.

All the freshmen gathered in one place.

This was to select the top 10 strongest students who would participate in the mock battles next month.

(End of Chapter. . . . . . . .Thanks for Reading. . . . . . . . . )

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