Chapter 35 — The Lonely Assassin

1

Manus reclined on his comfortable bed, reviewing the day’s achievements.

[Magician’s Mindset]

A skill that amplifies the power of layered magic.

Plus [Essence of Attack].

A deceptively simple yet overpowered skill that boosts all attack power by 30%.

He had anticipated a lengthy wait, but the opportunity presented itself far sooner than expected.

By this time tomorrow, these skills would be fully integrated. With that assurance, he leisurely contemplated his next acquisition.

‘In today’s battle, mana proved quite scarce. The durability of my barrier was also less than anticipated.’

The experience of gasping for breath and enduring throbbing headaches wasn’t particularly pleasant.

Stamina and sustainability.

He concluded that relying solely on High Restio for intense battles was quite challenging.

To survive as a Caesar, he needed to become an overpowered entity.

He aspired to build a solid foundation until he could single-handedly defeat Named monsters.

‘Speaking of foundation, passive skills are key.’

Up to 5th-class magic comprised spells learned universally.

Beyond that, unique magic would emerge, and that’s when active skills should be prioritized.

Now was the time to focus on casting magic more effortlessly and potently.

‘I’ll settle on these.’

After selecting two skills, Manus drifted into slumber.

Unbeknownst to anyone, he was evolving into an increasingly formidable force.

2

A dark, secluded chamber.

The head maid’s duties extended well into the night.

She had to inspect the dormitories, ensure laundry was properly managed, and prevent any mix-ups.

She also had to verify that ingredients for the next morning’s breakfast were prepared, security measures were intact, and no one had fallen ill.

The guards taking their night shift bowed in greeting.

Veronica acknowledged them with a cordial smile.

Moving silently, she scrutinized each guard’s countenance.

There could be no variables.

This was where the children of noble families from across the continent resided.

Any mishap would fall squarely on her shoulders.

‘No issues today either.’

Her light footsteps echoed pleasantly.

Sniff sniff-.

While returning to her quarters, she caught a familiar yet repugnant scent.

Her steps faltered.

‘Is it that time already…’

It was a scent that jarringly reminded her of her true identity amidst her busy routine.

It was also a recurring reality, as if to reinforce that her seemingly blissful days were mere illusion.

Her feet, which should have been leading her to her room, changed course.

Her destination was known to precious few within the academy.

In an establishment this vast, secluded spots were inevitable.

Naturally, it was a place where foot traffic dwindled to near nothing.

“An imperial edict from the palace.”

“Received. You may go.”

Was it her imagination, or did her hand feel unusually heavy from receiving such a small piece of paper?

She stood motionless, examining the document.

It was a note bearing the imperial seal, containing only terse orders.

『Night of the Festival.

Target for elimination.

…

…

Caesar Manus.

…』

Her expression hardened.

Was the imperial family courting war?

Or had Duke Labeth committed some grave offense against the emperor?

It defied logic.

Why-?

‘If only I could inquire about the reason.’

Rustle-.

After committing the information to memory, she crumpled the paper.

It was all so convoluted.

Everything was.

She longed for a life dedicated solely to caring for the students.

Even if it meant sacrificing all her memories and skills, that would be preferable.

That was why she donned the maid uniform that seemed so ill-fitting.

‘Ah-. Making a living is such a burden.’

She moved with practiced stealth.

She needed time to contemplate.

A method to eliminate him discreetly, without arousing suspicion.

[Who would dare to treat the head maid carelessly.]

His last words lingered in her mind.

She was already a defective product.

Raised as an assassin, yet swayed by personal emotions.

But it was these very emotions that allowed her to exist as Veronica.

“What should I do-.”

She yearned to confide in someone.

How to navigate this precarious situation.

How to resolve it without anyone getting hurt.

But there was no one by her side.

Though she always greeted the students with a cheerful demeanor-

There was no one actually there to lend her strength.

No one witnessed Veronica’s inner turmoil as she retreated to her room.

Only a week remained until the night of madness.

3

After concluding the third-year class, Manus made his way to attend his major course.

The exploration would resume today.

Kael, Anais, Pearson, Melanie.

The initial four-person party should function quite smoothly.

He had instructed Alano accordingly.

To accompany them and impart what she had learned.

‘She’ll manage admirably.’

From today, for a week.

There was a mountain of preparations to be made.

And one more thing.

‘Is the interference still ongoing?’

Typically, when interference with a character concludes, a certain reward manifests.

It was truly reminiscent of a game system.

A few days prior, such a message had appeared.

Indicating that interference had commenced.

He remained uncertain for whom or what kind of interference it entailed.

It must pertain to one of the characters he’s acquainted with, or one that featured in the game.

-Not ideal.

“Senior! Hello!”

“We’re having a mock battle with the Deer Class after school today. Would you care to observe?”

This should have been an event tailored for the protagonist, but-

Anais addressed him with sparkling eyes.

Her usual companions flanked her.

A mock battle with the Guardians.

He hadn’t given it much thought, but-

It seemed an opportune moment to gauge their current abilities.

Manus nodded slightly.

“Alright.”

“Wow-! Really? May I spread the word?!”

“Don’t be impulsive.”

Manus cautioned as he passed by them.

Deer Class.

An interlude event initiated by a proposal from a Guardian tasked with protecting someone.

The choice made here would determine which companion could be recruited later.

Guardians were those trained purely for defense, unlike Melanie who channeled the power of spirits as a tank.

Those who train to protect, who attend classes to safeguard.

In modern parlance, they would be akin to bodyguards.

‘It’s about time for that individual to make an appearance.’

Even among the Guardians, there were those destined to enter the tower.

After all, Mythos Academy wasn’t solely for training mages.

Among them, a particularly useful ally emerges through this event.

It seemed prudent to observe and leave an impression.

A few words of advice would suffice, even for the sake of future endeavors.

There was still time before classes concluded.

‘I suppose I should nurture those for the sub-quests as well.’

Those who handle external affairs, not the tower conquest team.

They were also integral to the overall conquest.

Having many to influence means becoming that much stronger.

The second string is equally necessary.

In the game, they were the ones who made the first string stand out, but how would it unfold in reality?

They too possess emotions, so they must experience a great deal.

‘It’s all so intricate-.’

That can be pondered later.

For now, he wished to immerse himself in knowledge.

Additionally, it was time to commence physical training.

Because he’s a mage, the demons and villains he’d face would persistently exploit that weakness.

And there are characters who can only be encountered in the training room.

As he walked, organizing his thoughts, he encountered a familiar figure.

Pink hair of a completely different texture from Melanie’s.

-It was Veronica.

‘Something’s amiss.’

Veronica should have been approaching with her customary smile from afar.

That’s how her character was designed.

But she was staring blankly into space, as if devoid of emotion.

It was almost time for the magnificent flowers to bloom.

The enchanted tree that blossoms with various flowers each month.

She was quietly gazing down at the enormous tree.

“Veronica.”

“Ah, Young Master Manus. Good day.”

Her slightly startled look and faint smile seemed somewhat forced.

This is almost like-.

“You don’t appear to be in good spirits. It seems you have something weighing on your mind-.”

“No, it’s nothing. Merely a personal matter. How could I trouble you with my private concerns, Young Master?”

It was quite an intense reaction for just a gentle inquiry.

Her bowed head and lightened steps as she retreated slightly.

Manus recalled the in-game content.

[Veronica often gazes at the large tree absent-mindedly.]

[It was her usual behavior when she had to eliminate someone.]

[That tree is said to consume the souls of those who perish within the academy.]

[When she took a life within the academy, exceptionally beautiful and vibrant flowers would bloom that month.]

Someone’s orders.

Mysterious accidents occurring within the academy.

Those who turn a blind eye to it.

The ones who met their end each time villains or monsters infiltrated.

Veronica was implicated in all of it.

Players learn there that the Imperial Palace doesn’t view Mythos Academy as merely an educational institution.

It was truly a cruel narrative.

‘I’ll have to confront her this time anyway.’

That’s why there was much to prepare.

He couldn’t hope to defeat Veronica with pure skill alone.

Behind her gentle smile and seemingly docile facade was a woman bearing the title of Master.

So, he must approach this as a hunt.

Not a confrontation, but a carefully planned pursuit.

To subdue her and interfere with fate, it was prudent not to reveal too much.

“I’m looking forward to the night.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s nothing.”

Manus moved on.

Suddenly, he turned back and addressed Veronica.

Her gaze had already returned to the tree.

“Veronica.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“I apologize for any past transgressions. If you ever find yourself troubled, please don’t hesitate to confide in me.”

“No, it’s nothing of consequence.”

Her eyes trembled slightly.

Then, Veronica bowed her head most respectfully.

Observing her seemingly forlorn figure, Manus spoke once more.

“Whatever it may be, I’ll assist with at least one matter.”

“…”

She remained silent.

Simply bowing her head and closing her eyes.

Manus walked away again.

As the sound of his footsteps faded, Veronica released a faintly trembling breath.

— How she longed to reciprocate his kindness.

Being an assassin burdened with emotions was far more taxing than one might imagine.

Please, don’t do this.

You mustn’t show kindness to me.

Grip-.

Her hand clutching her skirt tightened.

‘I must end your life, Young Master.’

So, please remain the tyrant I’ve known.

You must continue to oppress and dominate me as you have done.

Only then can I fulfill my duty as an assassin without hesitation.

— Killing without remorse proved more challenging than anticipated.

Especially someone who had extended a modicum of kindness when she had no one.

Her gaze followed Manus’s retreating form.

The figure she had once despised was now beginning to linger in her thoughts.

— It was the most wretched feeling imaginable.

–TL Notes–
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