Chapter 168 — Her Worries

1

After safely completing their exploration, the group returned without incident.

Kael’s concerned gaze, constantly fixed on Manus, was quite striking.

In the original game, there weren’t many opportunities to see such varied expressions from her.

Manus, gazing at the stars spilling across the sky, stood by the window, lost in thought.

When engaging in battles with a detached attitude, there were moments when he was reminded that this world was a game world.

Yet, as he experienced various expressions and surging emotions, he became certain that this wasn’t just a game world.

There were still times, when he was alone and staring blankly, that he recalled the first letter he had received.

Why? And from whom? Why had they sent him to this world?

‘It’s because they want something from me, no doubt.’

Perhaps countless others had also disappeared into this world.

If everyone who purchased the DLC was facing the same situation as him?

It was absurd, but the world was a place where absurd things happened frequently.

Kael, Anais, and the others had all been gently persuaded and sent on their way.

Starting tomorrow, they would all be busy with midterms.

How many days were left? Two weeks, maybe?

It was about time for him to start reviewing as well.

Pushing aside unnecessary thoughts, Manus rose from his seat, and a bundle of white papers caught his eye.

[A Study on Installation Magic and Magic Fusion]

The thesis that Professor Kaiser had given him.

There were certainly areas that needed improvement, and Manus had much to learn from it.

But what had left the deepest impression on him were the short notes she had cut out and attached to the pages, like Post-its.

— Explain this part in more detail –

— Break it down for ■■■ to understand –

— Strengthen the theory –

— Seek advice to make it more specific –

— Study this part more; it’s meant for ■■■ –

“…She truly cared for her students.”

As Manus peeled off each note, he couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of heaviness.

Yes, in the end, if you don’t express yourself and communicate, no one will understand your feelings.

The issue between the two of them was that they never confirmed each other’s true thoughts.

The gap between the one who wanted to give and the one who wanted to receive was close, yet far.

And then he, the outsider, had rolled in and widened that gap.

Fate had a way of being oddly cruel.

It was because of these thoughts that Manus placed such high importance on communication between his companions.

If there was a complaint, it needed to be voiced, and problems had to be addressed head-on.

‘I’ll just have to figure it out before they say anything, though.’

That was the way of living with others.

Fifteen years of living without knowing anything.

Trying to navigate hardships with people like that was bound to lead to all sorts of challenges.

Manus put the thesis away in his subspace and began to think about what he needed to do next.

First, he would have to stop by the Buckley family. Then, he would help Anais with her student council duties little by little.

He wouldn’t get too involved—that would be meddling—but he could at least point out the ones they should be wary of.

And after that, it was time to figure out what the Abrel family was scheming.

The family might be able to handle that on their own, but… still.

‘Anyway, for now, I should rest. Studying can wait until tomorrow.’

As usual, after a day’s work, a flood of thoughts began to cloud his mind.

Was this Caesar Manus’s true nature, or was it a lingering trace of the world he had lived in before?

He swallowed his complicated emotions and closed his eyes.

Like sediment that had been violently stirred but was now gradually settling, Manus’s consciousness sank deep.

---

2

The weekend ended, and another week began.

It was the day when the students’ footsteps felt the heaviest.

Today, especially, the atmosphere was particularly damp.

It was probably because of the drizzling rain.

Just last night, the sky had been clear, bathed in moonlight, but while everyone slept, dark clouds had gathered, and the rain had begun to fall.

From his office, Chairman Nyx watched the scene—some students using magic to shield themselves from the rain, some carrying umbrellas, and others dashing through without any protection.

Then, he turned away.

Everyone had forgotten about the existence of Chesthip.

No one remembered what had happened, and only Siren, the maid, remained as someone who sought to harm Manus.

Was it because she had dared to challenge such a prestigious family?

Or was it in an effort to uphold noble authority?

A report came in that she had been found dead, her body cold.

“Of course, she was in the tower. It seems everything has been resolved, though it’s unfortunate, in a way.”

“Justice was served.”

Manus responded while sipping a cup of tea with a rich, clean aroma.

The three student council presidents also nodded solemnly.

There was no need for pity or sympathy.

He was someone who had hurt others, slandered them, and tried to kill them.

Losing everything in an instant might have seemed tragic, but… he shouldn’t have done anything worth regretting in the first place.

The Chairman brought up Professor Kaiser.

Having lost her assistant, how would she view everything now?

It was a significant matter.

“Manus, you should visit Professor Kaiser. It would be good if you could assess the situation objectively.”

“Understood. I’ll head over now.”

“You’ve done well. The rest of you, please stay for a bit longer. I have something to discuss.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

Nia responded on behalf of the others.

When she had rested overnight, she had been shocked to hear that Chesthip had been defeated.

To think that such a major event had almost taken place while they were away… it left her feeling uneasy.

They had vowed to uncover Manus’s secrets and the truth of the tower, yet had they shown such weakness?

Her chest tightened, making her feel suffocated.

Maybe, instead of whining, she should have been more persistent.

In the distance, Nia saw her reflection in a mirror—her proud golden eyes, like those of a dragon, gleamed back at her, mocking her with their drooping expression.

Manus had narrowly escaped death, and the others had fought to the very end.

They had spent 24 hours, over two days, in the jaws of death and managed to pull through.

Suddenly, Nia began to feel extremely inadequate.

‘And I’m supposed to be their Senior…’

She had always been good at everything and had never needed to hold onto anything for long.

Magic, studies, relationships, you name it.

The Abrel family’s bloodline was one of greatness.

Her family wasn’t a mere well but a vast lake, with towering, magnificent walls surrounding it.

Even after stepping out into the world, she had never felt inferior.

She had never felt the need to, because she was always exceptional, and nothing was beyond her reach.

Even when taking things lightly, she could keep up.

No, she had enough talent to overwhelm others effortlessly.

“…So I’d like you to prepare quickly.”

“Understood, Chairman.”

“It’s fortunate that everything was resolved before the midterms begin…”

At Anais’s comment, everyone nodded in agreement.

Nia, having been lost in thought and missing part of the conversation, sighed quietly.

Manus, and the tower.

Was it the changes in daily life, or was it something Manus had said that made her feel like her life wasn’t flowing as it should?

[I hope you find the answer.]

That “answer” again.

Was it something that would ever come?

This midterm… it felt like it was going to be quite the event.

She remembered hearing that someone was coming—who was it, again?

“Well, that’s everything for now. See you later.”

The Chairman stood and left for his meeting.

The three students also stood, having listened quietly.

Nia stayed silent, carefully listening to the conversations of the others.

When you don’t know something, listening closely to others’ conversations usually helps you figure it out.

“Is it true that His Majesty the Emperor will be attending the midterms?”

“Yes, the Chairman received the news directly, so it seems true.”

“Things are getting bigger and bigger.”

Anais sighed softly.

The Emperor?

Why would the ruler of the great empire take such an interest in the Academy?

Then again, perhaps there was a reason for his interest.

Nia, listening to their conversation, was quietly surprised.

The Emperor, the ruler of the Bradley family, was personally coming to the Academy.

This midterm might just become the most competitive in history.

Once this news spread, how would the students study over the next two weeks?

‘It’s going to be a frenzy.’

Not just the students, but also within their families.

Nia could already sense that the Academy’s banquet hall would soon be buzzing again.

It was time to take care of the tasks she had been putting off.

If her family heard the news, they would undoubtedly attend the midterms as well.

When that time came, they’d be able to gather valuable information.

What kind of orders would her family issue?

Her family would likely dig even deeper, more persistently than she could.

She just hoped they wouldn’t do anything unnecessary.

“Senior. What do you think?”

“About what? His Majesty coming?”

“Yes. What should we do?”

Nia hid her complex thoughts, masking them with a calm expression.

Honestly, what could they really do?

“What else can we do? We study hard and prove our abilities, just like we always do.”

“Hmm… That’s true.”

“Even though we’re in Class A, don’t let your guard down. This is the kind of place where you can fall at any moment.”

Once you’ve gone through your second and third year, you naturally learn that.

Anais nodded quietly at Nia’s words.

It was true—there was nothing they could do but study hard.

She had almost forgotten, but the Academy itself was a fiercely competitive battlefield.

One of the most intense arenas that couldn’t be taken lightly.

Anais watched Nia as she walked ahead.

Though Nia seemed lighthearted and, at times, a bit temperamental, she was still the strongest mage in the third year.

‘There are definitely things to admire… She’s an incredible person.’

And yet, for some reason, Nia’s confident stride seemed slightly hesitant today.

Something suddenly occurred to Anais.

It was presumptuous, but… it would be nice if she could help share even a bit of that burden.

“She’s got the air of a Senior, don’t you think?”

“She does. I think I need to learn from her as well.”

Alano smiled softly.

The three of them shared the same thought.

Now that the incident was resolved, what was Manus up to?

And what about Melanie, who had said she would confront Livy?

Starting today, it was time to focus on their exam material and magic training.

They would need to understand the professors’ thoughts and pay close attention in class.

Though the incident had been settled and they could breathe a little easier, there was no time to relax.

They were students, after all, and time marched on without delay.

“It’s going to be intense.”

Anais muttered quietly as she picked up her pace.

By now, she was starting to understand how to handle things with composure.

To the point that even Manus might nod in approval, she was steadily becoming more capable.

–TL Notes–
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