Chapter 72 — Side Effects Are in Everything

1

A serious atmosphere had settled in the Chairman’s office since early morning.

Manus.

Aden.

Chairman Nyx.

Alano.

Kael.

These five people were astonished by the news of Lupera’s return to school.

Everyone present here were those who originally remembered Lupera.

As it was the first time she had returned alone, they were unsure how to explain the situation.

“Well, it seems to have turned out well… Aden, keep an eye on her for the time being.”

“Understood.”

“I’d like to ask Alano as well. As you’re in the same class, please monitor her.”

Alano nodded in agreement.

For now, Lupera’s situation was something they needed to observe further, and the discussion moved on to Emerson.

According to Kael’s report, Emerson had returned to school without any issues.

This matter also seemed to be without major problems.

The real agenda was how to draw her into the club.

Her level of predictive ability, akin to foresight…

“She specializes in observing, analyzing, and predicting enemy patterns. I believe we must recruit her.”

“Is it alright to draw a friend into such a dangerous situation?”

The slight drooping of Kael’s eyes wasn’t just imagination.

She was well aware of the dangers of the Tower.

Was it right to send someone who had once been trapped in a place teeming with demons back there?

At the very least, she thought they should thoroughly ask for her consent.

Although Kael usually followed Alano’s words closely, this time she voiced a different opinion.

Fortunately, Alano fully understood Kael’s concerns.

“You’re right. Choice is what’s important here. We all know it’s not something we should force on her.”

“I’ll ask her. Oh, and-“

Kael also brought up the topic of appraisal.

Not just anyone could perform appraisals.

Even within the Academy, there was only one appraiser.

Even then, this year was supposed to be a sabbatical, so artifacts collected from the Tower had to be converted to cash through various procedures.

Now that wouldn’t be necessary, and they could procure equipment on-site.

An appraiser’s value is immense.

“We’ll need to protect her thoroughly. Kael, please pay special attention to this.”

“Understood.”

Given that there were places that kidnapped appraisers and used them as slaves, her protection was essential.

Even nobility isn’t safe in the face of greed and crime.

Manus had been listening silently, and turned to leave when told they were done.

As the conclusion was to observe for now, he too had no choice but to watch and wait.

In truth, he had much to think about and couldn’t focus on the conversation.

Variables.

This was a word Manus was extremely wary of.

‘I’ve had more than my fair share of trouble because of these damned variables.’

While variables exist everywhere, this time it had crossed a line.

But there must be a way.

The villains that appear in this world are predetermined.

Especially the named villains.

Now, let’s think.

Did Lupera escape the Tower alone?

Or-

“Senior.”

“Hm?”

The clear voice of Kael broke his reverie.

As he turned, she approached him with eyes filled with anxiety.

While thinking she might be becoming too dependent, he found himself unable to be angry at the protagonist’s moment of weakness.

How could one be harsh to a child approaching with such a tender, worried expression for a friend?

Manus calmly waited for Kael to speak without saying a word.

She opened her mouth cautiously.

“As we climbed the Tower this time, I felt the need for more power.”

“What problem did you encounter?”

“We met an opponent that magic didn’t work on.”

Manus nodded.

He could easily recall.

This was also why the balance of party members’ professions becomes more important in the latter stages.

The wall Kael was feeling now was entirely natural.

Manus offered a surprisingly simple answer.

“Then we need to increase our allies.”

“Will there be anyone willing to go to such a dangerous place?”

“The opportunity will arise. Wait and see.”

Kael nodded, but still unable to hide her anxiety, she let out a small sigh.

Manus quietly bent down to meet her eyes.

Though her pupils trembled slightly, that trembling ceased when she looked at Manus.

In her eyes, he stood with his characteristically stoic expression.

The world is much more indifferent and cold than he is.

He hoped she would view the world with a similar perspective as she did him, whom others found difficult to approach.

“Don’t be afraid. If you’re scared, hone your abilities and pursue knowledge. So that nothing can hinder you.”

“Am I… doing well?”

“More than enough.”

Kael smiled softly.

Her face, smiling as she looked at him, was like a pet relieved to see its owner after a long time.

It was a natural psychology to want reassurance whenever anxiety struck.

Manus had already become the sole sanctuary in Kael’s heart.

A person who seemed capable of accepting any childish behavior.
A person who seemed like he would be an unwavering barrier no matter what trials shook her.

“Hehe, then I’ll work even harder. Someday… I’ll be able to catch up to you, right, senior?”

“You will.”

Your talent is the strongest in this world’s setting.

Believing in your own talent and moving forward.
Even if there are obstacles you can’t overcome immediately, pushing through stubbornly.
The attitude of not giving up and consistently challenging was necessary.

“Always believe in yourself.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know how many times this is, but I’ll say it again. If you whine one more time, I’ll leave you behind in the Tower.”

Manus was concerned that if she continued to act childishly, she wouldn’t be able to navigate the Tower alone.

So he added some harsh words before turning away.

She nodded with a bright smile.

Kael didn’t take Manus’s brusque words at face value.

In fact, she knew that he cared for them more than anyone else.

‘He’s telling me to… stand on my own, isn’t he?’

Any more childish behavior might be excessive.

Manus was already doing a lot for them in places they didn’t know about.

It would be inconsiderate to keep clinging to him just because she was having a hard time.

Kael suddenly felt a desire.

She no longer wanted Manus to move forward alone.

She wanted to be with him.

‘For that, I need to become stronger.’

She needs to become strong enough for him to trust her and allow her to move independently.

To increase her skills, two things must be fulfilled.

She shouldn’t fear going to the Tower.

Surely, there must be a way to defeat even the demons that magic didn’t work on.

Endless practical experience and the pursuit of knowledge were the only paths she had to walk.

2

“…Hmm.”

Manus stood blankly, staring at the sudden messages that appeared.

There were two messages.

The timing was somewhat unexpected, causing him to be a bit taken aback.

He had come up to the third-year classroom to attend class, and on the desk, Albion was rolling around, having turned into cotton candy.

The messages were as follows:

[DLC story will proceed.]

[The results of the changed world line are gradually revealed.]

[A branch has been reached.]

[S3 will be deleted.]

[S3 rewards will be transferred to S4.]

[S4 — A Loner’s Vain Dream]

[Reward: ???]

[Keywords: Lupera / Guillermo / Emerson / ??? / End of Month Evaluation]

‘This is also DLC… and finally, the story is branching.’

From now on, he’ll have to be on high alert.

Knowledge will only serve as a basic foundation, not a fundamental solution to the problems.

The one consolation was that as the original characters grew, he too would become stronger.

[Interference confirmed.]

[Maximum mana capacity slightly increased.]

It seems there was a change in Kael’s mindset during the recent counseling.

Now, about the traitor.

Moreover, there was an unexpected name written in the keywords.

Emerson and Lupera were understandable, but was Guillermo related to this story?

Anyway, he’d have to face it to find a solution.

Guillermo…

‘I’ll have to keep an eye on everyone for now.’

Thinking alone won’t provide answers.

As it was, they needed Guardian or Warrior class members among those ascending the Tower.

The reason for his participation was somewhat childish, but he would come seeking on his own soon enough.

The contemplation didn’t last long.

Professor Trail entered, signaling the start of class.

“Next week will be the end-of-month evaluation. I trust everyone is preparing well? The theme for this month’s evaluation is ‘Cooperation’.”

Cooperation.

This end-of-month evaluation was not only an event-style scenario but also a scenario introducing other job classes in earnest.

It was also the time when Buckley Guillermo would join the party.

The black eagle symbolizing the Warrior.

The blue deer symbolizing the Guardian.

Finally, the golden serpent symbolizing the Mage would all gather for the evaluation.

“We’re preparing it like quite a big event. Invitations have been sent to each family, and institutions from various countries will be coming as well.”

Huh?

This wasn’t in the expectations.

Suddenly, the scale has expanded significantly.

Why was it suddenly classified as a DLC story?

The answer to that was coming from Professor Trail right now.

Unexpected content flowed from his mouth.

“The Imperial Palace has directly supported the event. In this end-of-month evaluation, you’ll have to showcase your skills to the entire continent.”

What could be the cause?

Professor Trail continued speaking while making eye contact with Manus.

As if to say it was because of you.

Manus inwardly smiled bitterly.

The Night of the Dead.

So the events from that time have flowed all the way here.

They say an evaluation team sent by the Emperor will arrive.

“Although this was a sudden decision, you are students of Mythos Academy. I believe you will do well. Oh, and-“

Professor Trail singled out Manus.

His eyes were twinkling with amusement.

What could be the meaning behind that smile?

“Manus, you’ll have to choose. Whether to take the evaluation with the second-years or the third-years.”

“If I take it with the third-years, are there any merits?”

Professor Trail nodded.

Mythos Academy gives ample rewards to those who achieve outstanding results.

As if to say why state the obvious, a hint of a smile played on his lips.

Everyone was expectant.

Caesar Manus.

His talent was at the top tier like his family members, and he particularly stood out for his eccentric actions.

“If you take the end-of-month evaluation with the third-years, you can skip a grade. It means early graduation is possible.”

The murmuring grew louder.

This meant officially integrating Manus, who was only in his second year, into the third year.

This was an incredibly big benefit and a treatment that had happened only a few times in history.

Basically, Mythos Academy was a place where only talented individuals gathered.

As the curriculum was tailored to their level, the standard was very high.

To skip a grade there?

In classes that most people struggled to keep up with?

‘Isn’t that amazing?’

‘Was his talent really at that level?’

‘We called him a monster, but it seems the professors see him as even more of a monster.’

The eyes of the third-years were unsettling.

Manus calmly deflected their gazes and fell into thought.

If he competes with the third-years, wouldn’t something come out of it?

Professor Trail smiled as he watched Manus deep in thought.

The fact that he was considering it at all was impressive in itself.

The gap between second and third year was quite significant.

The difference in knowledge absorbed over a year during the growth period was far greater than what the students themselves perceived.

“I understand.”

“Well then, let’s start the class. Manus, take your time to think it over and let me know by this afternoon.”

The class began.

Manus stared blankly at the blackboard.

Even in moments like this, his talent shone brilliantly, and all the lessons were neatly stacking up in his mind.

–TL Notes–
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