Chapter 191 — Now It’s Our Turn to Repay

1

The Belt of the Selfish Mind.

It was one of the few [Growth-type Items] in this game.

An item whose performance increases gradually according to the wearer’s level.

It was one of only six such items, and many people passed it by since they couldn’t obtain it.

Nice to have, but not particularly necessary?

Yet the difference between having it and not having it was immense.

“This feels… quite different.”

“Can you appraise it now?”

“Yes. Please wait a moment.”

Emerson focused her attention on the belt.

Light began to emanate, and Emerson’s mouth slowly opened.

Everyone’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Emerson stammered as she revealed the item’s options.

Her voice trembled slightly, as if she herself couldn’t believe it.

How could such options exist?

“F-first… it has an energy recovery effect. It restores mana and health.”

“Ooooh, that’s great! What else?!”

“And, it has an effect that increases all attack power. Oh, and… it also has an effect that reduces all damage slightly?”

“W-what is this?!”

But Emerson’s words didn’t end there.

Because the most important part remained.

“And… there’s something most important.”

“What is it?”

“There’s something else important beyond this?”

“Yes… it seems to have the ability to grow by consuming other artifacts.”

Was there such a function?

Even Manus tilted his head at this option.

The ability to grow by feeding it other artifacts was unheard of.

Wouldn’t this make its value astronomically high?

Everyone’s eyes filled with amazement.

And a glimpse of desire could be seen as well.

An artifact with excellent versatility, regardless of class.

It’s natural for anyone to desire it.

Emerson quietly asked.

“So… who wants to have this?”

“How about we decide by vote?”

“Vote? That’s good.”

Nia stepped forward in agreement.

They decided.

Tomorrow morning, everyone would gather in the club room to decide the artifact’s owner.

A lot had happened today.

There wouldn’t be much point in going further ahead.

Since this was a floor with a return point, they could go down and rest.

There was still much to do after returning.

They would need to absorb magic stones and review their battles.

“This time was particularly tough.”

“Yeah. I think I’ll attend Professor Jennifer’s class too.”

“Why, because you ran around all day?”

“Yes. Haha, I guess even as a mage, I can’t neglect exercise. I wonder how many floors we climbed today…”

Everyone related to Pearson’s rambling comments.

It seemed physical strength had become important now too.

The enemies’ level had become too high to solve everything with mana alone.

It had been two eventful days.

Especially for Manus, it was a day of truly diverse experiences.

Still, they had made progress without anyone getting seriously injured.

It was a relatively successful climb.

2

On a night when deep darkness enveloped the sky.

Kael was thinking about the artifact.

In truth, her mind was already made up.

She was still mulling over those words.

[The Tower is a place that can be tainted by greed.]

The words Black had told her.

A hint of anxiety welled up from the look in her companions’ eyes today.

Of course, they wouldn’t show it on the surface.

But you never know what’s in people’s hearts…

Especially Kael, who had seen such things many times while living outside the Academy.

Adults struggling desperately to get even the smallest thing more.

Children fighting and quarreling to possess something.

‘That’s why, at least I shouldn’t show such behavior.’

The moment even one person showed greed, everything they had built up until now could crumble.

She instinctively knew this fact, and because of that, she made up her mind.

After all, it was Manus who had killed that giant in the first place.

“Alright, decided.”

Kael climbed up to her bed above her soundly sleeping roommate.

She wondered what the others were thinking.

She was curious about their intentions.

She hoped they wouldn’t forget his kindness.

She hoped they wouldn’t break this tight bond.

Meanwhile, Anais and Alano were having similar concerns.

Manus.

The debt they owed him was truly deep.

They hadn’t seen a way to repay him through family or ability, but this was perfect timing.

‘This time, it’s a way to repay the kindness we’ve received.’

Strangely enough, both of their thoughts aligned exactly.

There had been many changes.

They had always been on the receiving end of help.

Now they thought it was time for them to help him too.

‘Kael will definitely suggest giving the artifact to Senior.’

Anais pondered with her chin resting on her hand.

Senior Alano would likely vote for Manus too.

As for Senior Guillermo… honestly not sure, and she planned to convince Pearson.

The problem was Melanie, Emerson, and Senior Nia.

“I really can’t figure out Senior Nia. Can’t read her inner thoughts at all.”

That’s right.

Although they fought together, they couldn’t figure out what thoughts she had about climbing the tower, or what she thought about them.

Maybe that’s a good point in its own way?

Sometimes it’s not good to show your inner thoughts about everything.

‘I don’t mind, but others might think strangely of Senior.’

We’ll see from this.

What position she takes.

They had to go to classes again from tomorrow.

Now that midterms were over, at least that was one worry gone.

“Ughhh. Let’s sleep quickly.”

She was incredibly tired after running around and casting spells all day.

She dragged her weary body.

Dawn would break soon, but that was okay.

Because they had gained so much in return.

3

The next day.

Before classes began, everyone gathered in the club room.

They all had grave expressions, with dark circles under their eyes as if they’d struggled with concerns all night.

Finding their appearance quite amusing, Manus smiled.

“Looks like everyone’s been worried.”

“How could we not worry?”

“That’s right. That thing is a real treasure.”

Well, it’s natural to feel unsettled when encountering such a treasure for the first time.

Even he had worried a lot when he first got this item.

Who would make the most optimal use of it?

Who should receive the item to make future progression easier?

They probably had similar concerns.

No, perhaps they had stayed up all night for an even more fundamental reason.

Manus laughed because he could fully understand the situation.

“So, have you all thought enough?”

“Yes.”

Seeing them answer in unison made them look incredibly adorable.

Now, it was time to vote.

Emerson was in charge of the proceedings.

“Then, please gather your slips here.”

“Here.”

“Here you go.”

All the slips were gathered.

The person with the most votes here would become the owner of the [Belt].

Gulp, someone swallowed dryly.

Emerson opened the first slip.

“Um… one vote for Kael.”

“Next?”

Everyone’s expressions trembled slightly.

Would they split into factions now?

They held their breath and hid their anxiety while waiting for the next slip.

Emerson opened the next slip.

“…One vote for Senior Manus.”

Phew-.

Someone stroked their chest in relief.

Manus raised a mental question mark.

What’s going on?

Why are they all happy when my name came up?

‘Could it be they’re trying to give it all to me?’

Such a touching thought?

Let’s see.

He crossed his arms and watched the situation unfold.

The name was called from the next slip.

“This time it’s Senior Manus too.”

“Ooh.”

“N-next? It’s Senior Manus again, right? Right?”

Anais blurted out.

Emerson opened the next slip and nodded.

Everyone looked at each other.

Nia crossed her arms and spoke.

“Let’s be honest, everyone wrote Manus, right?”

“…Yes.”

“Me too…”

“Then who voted for Kael?”

Everyone’s gaze turned to one person.

The person who had his arms crossed like Nia, Manus.

Manus calmly received their gazes and nodded readily.

“I wrote it.”

“Oh… So Kael was your first choice?”

“I was just thinking about efficiency.”

“How thoughtful of you. But what now? Seems like everyone wants you to have it.”

Everyone nodded with sparkling eyes.

Emerson smiled and held out the belt.

“Here you go. Since everyone wants Senior to have it… this is yours.”

“…Thank you.”

Clap clap clap!

Melanie started applauding to congratulate him.

As if the joy was contagious, soon everyone was applauding enthusiastically.

Pure joy and congratulations.

Manus received the belt while feeling the emotions being conveyed.

They’re still so pure.

That’s why he felt relieved.

‘If only it could stay like this going forward.’

He could think of several episodes off the top of his head.

That could be resolved gradually later.

When he put on the belt, a strange power was transmitted.

‘The real effect will probably show in the Erosion Zone, but…’

Still, he could feel a peculiar stirring power.

Alano stretched widely as she got up from her seat.

Today the grades would be announced.

The classes would be divided according to grades.

“Today’s the day grades come out, right? Hope everyone did well.”

“Ah… that’s right.”

“Why do I feel nervous?”

There’s no way anyone here would have bad grades.

But receiving grade reports was always a nerve-wracking event.

Even Manus, who maintained his composure, was somewhat excited.

Everyone dispersed while chattering away.

Only Kael and Manus were walking leisurely.

“Um…”

“What is it?”

“The anniversary is coming up soon. The founding.”

“That’s right.”

Kael’s ear tips turned bright red.

Manus intentionally continued walking without looking at her.

“Senior, are you returning to your family?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Then… would you like to go to the city with me? I heard the Chairman opened a new business connection recently.”

“Hmm…”

Thump thump.

Kael’s heart was racing.

Would Senior Manus accept her proposal?

She squeezed her eyes shut.

No answer meant…

Just as her mood was plummeting, a gentle voice was heard.

“The city. Good. Let’s go.”

“Really…?!”

“Yes. I haven’t seen the city either.”

Seeing Kael’s eyes asking ‘Really?’, Manus quietly nodded.

The city.

It was both the place most closely connected to the Academy and where the Empire’s great canal was located.

The setting was that the canal was the reason the Academy could be located in the center of the continent.

As Manus thought about the city, his excitement grew.

It had been a while.

It felt like going on a picnic.

‘I guess I’ve adapted quite well now.’

Perhaps it was because new places are always exciting, regardless of whether you’re an adult or child.

In any case, Kael’s proposal was something that could provide refreshment for Manus as well.

Occasional rest and reorganization were absolutely necessary.

“The test results are out-!”

Lunchtime.

The results came out with someone’s shout.

–TL Notes–
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