Chapter 115
“So… you’re saying you were stuck with Roy for three hours before we arrived?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
I nodded at Nia’s question.
In fact, until Nia and Lisa returned to the Academy, I had been held up by Roy the entire time.
‘Roy left the moment Nia and Lisa showed up.’
I still wasn’t sure what kind of person Roy was.
But seeing how he left as soon as others appeared, it seemed he didn’t particularly like being around too many people.
“You said you talked with Roy about ancient magic?”
“Yes. We talked about ancient magic and the beings of the ancient times.”
“Really? How was it? Interesting?”
“It was quite fascinating.”
I wasn’t just saying that.
Although I had been stuck with Roy for about three hours, those hours couldn’t be described as boring or unpleasant.
Ancient magic and ancient beings.
Those were topics unfamiliar even to me.
‘Well, it’s not like I’ve never heard of them before…’
I had heard bits and pieces before, but I didn’t know the details.
Even in the game, information about the ancient beings wasn’t something easily found.
“Judging by your reaction, it must’ve been pretty fun. Whew, that’s a relief.”
“What’s a relief?”
“Oh, that you actually enjoyed it. Most people get bored to death when Roy starts talking about that stuff.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. Roy’s field of study—ancient studies—is considered pretty niche even among magicians.”
Nia gave an awkward smile as if it couldn’t be helped.
“You’d know since you’re in the same class, but Roy’s not much of a talker. He’s been like that since he was little, and even now, it’s rare to hear him speak.”
“Yes, actually, today was the first time I ever heard Roy’s voice.”
“The only time that guy talks a lot is when it’s about something he’s passionate about.”
I nodded again at Nia’s words.
That made sense—after all, the reason Roy had started talking to me in the first place was because the topic was related to his passion, magic.
“When it’s about magic or ancient studies—those two topics—he turns into a different person. You said he started talking to you while you were practicing magic, right?”
“That’s right. And I received quite a bit of help from him.”
“You said you were practicing fire magic, didn’t you?”
“Yes. There was a part I was stuck on, but thanks to Roy, I managed to resolve it.”
Nia nodded with a pleased expression.
“He may look quiet and reserved, but that guy’s got real talent when it comes to magic.”
I kept listening carefully to what Nia said.
It felt like if I didn’t ask now, I might not get another chance to hear about Roy.
“He’s not called a once-in-a-century genius or anything, but Roy’s far more skilled than most magicians. His ability as a magician long surpassed that of an ordinary student.”
“Yes, from what I saw, he seemed incredibly skilled.”
“Exactly. With that much talent… sigh, I just don’t get why he wants to go into ancient studies.”
“Is ancient studies that bad of a field?”
“Hmm, I wouldn’t say it’s bad, but…”
“Yeah, it is bad.”
Sitting beside me, quietly holding me in her arms, Lisa suddenly spoke up.
“The Empire gives out annual research grants to scholars, but the amount depends on the field of study.”
“Lisa’s right. And the determining factor is how popular the field is…”
“So, ancient studies must not be very popular.”
“Exactly. So if Roy really goes into that field… he’s basically choosing a thorny path for himself.”
Nia sighed softly before continuing.
“Well, our family’s rich, so it’s not like he’ll suffer too much financially, but… it’s just disappointing. For me, and for our family too. He’s got such outstanding talent in magic, yet he’s choosing to spend it on something like ancient studies.”
“Still, who knows? Roy might end up achieving something incredible.”
“I doubt it.”
Nia shook her head, but I continued speaking.
“I think it’s possible. Especially since the ancient evil gods and evil dragons that Roy is interested in… well, I feel like they’re genuinely worth studying.”
“It’d be nice if things went the way you say… but I’m not sure. Honestly, it won’t be easy. There’s a reason people abandoned ancient studies nearly 300 years ago.”
“Hmm, 300 years… 300 years, huh.”
Lisa murmured quietly, then tilted her head as if a question suddenly struck her.
“Hey, sis. But why did research on ancient studies suddenly stop 300 years ago?”
“Huh? Hmm… I’ve never really thought about it, but… now that you mention it, why did it stop all of a sudden back then?”
“Was there some kind of event 300 years ago?”
“An event that could’ve affected ancient studies 300 years ago… there wasn’t one, was there?”
“Yeah, probably not.”
“Ugh… now that you mention it, I’m curious too. If I remember later, I’ll just ask Roy. He might know something about it.”
Like Lisa, Nia also showed a brief expression of curiosity.
But soon, both girls brushed the thought aside.
Especially Lisa—she seemed to have already done so.
“Gideon. You haven’t started patrol yet, right?”
“Yeah, not yet… I mean, uh… Yes, I haven’t started patrol yet…”
“Why did you suddenly switch to formal speech?”
“That’s only when we’re alone… right now, Lady Nia is beside us…”
“You don’t have to worry about Nia, it’s fine.”
As Lisa said that, she hugged me tighter and gave me a light kiss on the lips.
Watching that, Nia shook her head and sighed.
“Haah. Fine. Don’t mind me, Gideon. You can speak casually to Lisa or even pounce on her in front of me, I couldn’t care less.”
“No, Lady Nia, still…”
“It’s fine. If you’re that uncomfortable, just take care of Roy or something. Or, during the vacation, come visit our house with Lisa. I get bored since there’s no one to hang out with. And Lisa.”
Nia turned to look at Lisa.
Lisa bit my ear lightly, then glanced at Nia.
“Final exams are coming soon, so don’t drain Gideon’s energy too much. What if his grades drop?”
“Then I’ll take responsibility. But, sis.”
“Yeah?”
“What does it mean to drain energy?”
“…Never mind. Forget it.”
With another sigh, Nia got ready to leave.
Lisa didn’t care and continued to enjoy her skinship with me.
The day I first talked with Roy.
A lot had happened that day, but there was one thing that particularly stuck in my mind.
‘Just like Nia said, the final exams aren’t far off.’
Before I knew it, the semester was already coming to an end.
Even though it hadn’t been a full semester since I was brought into this world… well, anyway, finals were near.
‘Which means summer vacation is just around the corner.’
There were already plenty of things I needed to handle during the break, and it was making me anxious.
But for now, I had to focus on the more immediate task ahead.
The final exams.
‘Final exams… if I remember right, the finals should be…’
The written exams wouldn’t differ much from the midterms.
So, the practical exams were what mattered most.
I already knew what kind of test Luke planned to assign for Swordsmanship Class.
‘It’ll be better than the midterm, but still not easy.’
Just like before, I intended to do my best.
As I organized my thoughts, I glanced at the calendar hanging in my dorm room.
‘Tomorrow’s already June.’
There were about fifteen days left until the finals.
That was enough time to prepare.
‘I should review the abilities I’ve gained and practice as much as possible before the exams.’
With that in mind, the abilities I had obtained—
Let’s summarize them for now.
‘First, the swordsmanship techniques I’ve practiced recently. I’m not sure if these count as abilities, but to sum them up…’
Defensive Swordsmanship, the Isrinbloom Family’s Swordsmanship, and the Balmuth Family’s Swordsmanship.
‘I can also roughly imitate Jason’s swordsmanship and Luke’s, though not perfectly. Still, I should practice more before the exams.’
That was about it for swordsmanship.
Now, moving on to abilities outside of swordsmanship—my supernatural powers, so to speak…
“Should I count Siri too?”
“Woof?”
The black dog lying on my bed.
At my small mutter, Siri lifted her head immediately.
“It’s nothing. Keep lying down.”
“Woof woof!”
“By the way, you’ve really grown a lot. You’re growing fast, that’s for sure.”
Siri had now grown to about the size of a large dog—no, more like a small wolf.
Still, from what I remembered, a Hellhound’s growth slowed down from this point onward.
It would take a few more years to reach full maturity, so she could stay in the dorm until I graduated.
‘Anyway, I’ll include her. Siri, and Aura. My Aura has improved quite a bit with training… and then there’s the power I received from Peregrie.’
The power to control wind and summon lightning—or more simply, the power to command storms.
It wasn’t overwhelmingly strong, but depending on the situation, it was an extremely useful ability.
‘Other than that, there’s the Water Rune, Blood Energy… and Fire Magic.’
Whoosh—
While thinking about it, I drew my sword and activated Fire Magic.
Flames began to flare around the blade.
‘Roy’s tips really helped. If I learn a bit more from Kara and keep practicing… I might be able to match Sara to some extent.’
I had tried to mimic all sorts of sword styles since relying solely on Defensive Swordsmanship wasn’t enough.
Fortunately, the effort paid off. Now, even if I had to go on the offensive, it wouldn’t be a problem.
“…Looking at it this way, I’ve worked really hard this semester. I’ve gained all sorts of abilities.”
Even in a game, I doubt anyone could do this.
To gain this many abilities in just one semester at the Academy?
Unless you were an absolute veteran player, it was nearly impossible.
‘Anyway, that about sums up my abilities… Hmm, no, there’s one more.’
I looked down at the sword I had just drawn.
To be precise, it wasn’t my sword.
It was a sword I had borrowed temporarily from Regnil.
‘Come to think of it, the Mistcatcher’s awakening should be complete by now. I should be hearing from him soon…’
With Regnil’s skills, the Mistcatcher’s awakening would have been completed without issue.
Thinking of the Mistcatcher made me want to contact Regnil after a long time.
Just as I was hesitating while holding the Crystal Sphere—
Bzzzt―
The Crystal Sphere vibrated first.
When I checked it, it was a message from Regnil.
“…It’s done, so I can pick it up tomorrow?”
Reading the message from Regnil, I nodded.
It seemed I’d be able to make use of the Mistcatcher’s weapon skill during the finals.