I Became a Gallery Newbie Beloved by Transcendents Chapter 45

Posted by an_xistence, ? Views, Released on April 26, 2025

I Became a Gallery Newbie Beloved by Transcendents

Chapter 45

Han Yuseong was sitting in the middle of a round table chair.

And two people were sitting on either side of him.

The escort target, Carmine, and the owner of this general store, Maduk.

Fortunately, Carmine Everhart had properly explained the situation to Maduk, the general store owner.

Maduk and the store staff, who had been listening half-heartedly, immediately straightened their postures and began listening with serious expressions the moment the word “Chimera” was mentioned.

“The eldest son of the Raphaelo Viscounty is conducting Chimera experiments?”

At Maduk’s words, Carmine nodded.

“That’s correct.”

“Evidence?”

At Maduk’s question, Carmine’s expression darkened.

There was no concrete evidence she could present.

“There must be traces left in the basement where Vitor, the eldest son of the Viscounty, frequented. Definitely. It couldn’t have been cleaned up completely in such a short time.”

Maduk, who had been quietly observing her, smirked.

“I’m not doubting your words, miss. The fact that the Viscounty is pursuing you so relentlessly is proof enough….”

Pausing briefly, Maduk picked up the teacup in front of him.

Han Yuseong watched the steam rising from the teacup.

“And to be honest, this isn’t the first time a connection between the Raphaelo Viscounty and Chimeras has been suggested.”

At Maduk’s words, Carmine’s eyes widened.

“What?”

“It wasn’t in the Intenes branch but another branch. A middle-aged man once came forward, claiming he had been subjected to Chimera experiments by the Raphaelo Viscounty.”

“What happened to him?”

Maduk’s answer wasn’t what Carmine had hoped for.

“He handed over the information. And died within less than a day. His body twisted grotesquely, starting from the feet—bones and flesh contorted—until he died in a bizarre state. His skin rotted black as if burned, even though he wasn’t set on fire.”

Han Yuseong remarked indifferently,

“That sounds like proof enough that he was subjected to Chimera experiments.”

Maduk nodded.

“Indeed. But the corpse was so decomposed that an autopsy was impossible. Still, given that the Raphaelo Viscounty is already under suspicion for Chimeras, it’s likely we can trust your words, miss.”

Han Yuseong decided to start piecing together the situation.

“The Raphaelo Viscounty seems quite influential, doesn’t it? If it weren’t a family worth worrying about, you’d have pushed forward with circumstantial evidence alone.”

Maduk took another sip of tea before speaking.

“The Raphaelo Viscounty is one of the heroic families that helped found the Ermein Empire. But unlike their illustrious founder, the descendants have shown disgraceful behavior. They’ve been coasting on their ancestors’ prestige and superior bloodline.”

Maduk shifted his gaze from Han Yuseong back to Carmine Everhart.

“But this time, we have a living witness—you, miss. If we handle this well, we can strip away the halo of a heroic family and hold the eldest son accountable for his crimes.”

Maduk asked Carmine,

“So, what was your original plan?”

“I decided to ask for help at Ventura Academy. If I formally enroll there, no imperial power would dare touch me easily. And… I judged that the academy’s headmaster has the power to intervene in the Raphaelo Viscounty’s affairs.”

A glint of interest appeared in Maduk’s eyes.

“A wise decision. Indeed, Ventura Academy has the power to strike the Raphaelo Viscounty.”

With those words, Maduk rose from his chair, opened a drawer, and took out a sheet of paper.

THUD.

He placed a fountain pen and the paper on the desk.

“Write down everything you’ve experienced here, miss. I’ll deliver it directly to the Ventura Academy’s headmaster through a secure channel. There’ll be no leaks along the way.”

At Maduk’s words, Carmine slowly began writing.

A short while later, Carmine handed the completed letter to Maduk.

Han Yuseong looked out the window. The day had already begun to darken.

Han Yuseong, Carmine, and Lengel.

The three were assigned rooms in the general store for lodging.

Naturally, there were only two rooms.

Carmine took the single room.

Lengel watched Han Yuseong, who was sitting in meditation.

“Why are you so strong? You.”

Han Yuseong found the question amusing.

He was just struggling to survive.

“Strong? Didn’t you see me flailing around yesterday?”

Lengel thought Han Yuseong was being modest.

“But you killed them in the end.”

Han Yuseong clicked his tongue lightly.

“That’s the problem. ‘In the end.’ If things had gone slightly wrong, my throat would’ve been cut.”

The battle against the 5th Rank Kylas the day before. And the barrage of magic from the mages earlier.

There hadn’t been a moment without danger.

Today’s escape had been manageable thanks to the talisman he’d received from the Priestess, but if the number of incoming spells increased, even the talisman wouldn’t be enough.

‘I need to get stronger.’

Han Yuseong took out a sword from his inventory.

The Sword of the Malevolent King.

And the sword he’d been carrying at his waist, Mundum Exstinguit.

Dual swords.

Two-sword style.

Han Yuseong thought there was no harm in practicing with two swords.

‘The 7th Form of the 4th Rank Dragon-Slaying Sword Technique I used yesterday would’ve been more efficient with dual swords.’

It was even written in the Dragon-Slaying Sword manual.

He’d only used one sword because he had no choice.

He didn’t think he needed to focus on dual-wielding from the start, but practicing it wouldn’t hurt.

And a day passed.

Then another.

Han Yuseong didn’t feel stifled by staying in the general store.

The Information Guild.

Maduk, the branch leader of Intenes, kept him updated on how things were progressing.

The fact that the headmaster of Ventura Academy, having received the information from the guild, was personally coming this way.

There was no need to feel uneasy as the story was progressing smoothly.

If anything, he felt overly at ease, which was almost concerning.

‘Solving quest-type floors isn’t just about brute strength, after all.’

That made the Tower feel even more daunting.

Another day passed.

Carmine, who had spent two peaceful days in a row, looked increasingly better.

“You look better, Carmine.”

At Han Yuseong’s words, Carmine’s lips curled up.

“I’ve been feeling so much more at ease. I guess it shows on my face.”

Dinner tonight was steak.

Han Yuseong filled his hungry stomach with meat after training.

There was a spacious training area behind the general store, covered by a tent, where he had practiced.

Showing his training to others wasn’t pleasant, so he’d unfolded the Veil of Secrecy to block the Constellations’ observation.

Another day passed.

The headmaster of Ventura Academy finally arrived.

CLICK—

The general store’s door opened, and a middle-aged man walked in.

I sensed a far more intense aura from him than anything I’d felt before.

[Ventura Academy Headmaster – 7th Rank Mage Mandels]

7th Rank.

A mage with long, snow-white hair.

Despite knowing he was a mage, the energy radiating from Mandels’ body was similar to the aura emitted by the 5th Rank Knight Kylas—only several times more oppressive.

Mandels’ golden eyes turned toward me.

No, he should’ve been heading toward Carmine, who was sitting quietly at the round table. Why was he looking at me?

“…….”

Our gazes met.

Even without drawing my sword, I knew.

If we fought now, I would lose without a doubt.

Losing meant death.

There wasn’t the slightest chance of victory if we clashed as enemies.

Not even a speck.

It was unlikely that a 5th-floor opponent would be 7th Rank, but…

The conclusion was simple.

I needed to get stronger.

Mandels, who had been staring at me, finally spoke.

“Are you the one who protected the daughter of Baron Everhart and brought her to this Information Guild?”

He spoke.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“You’re the kind soul who rescued the poor baron’s daughter from her plight and brought her here. You’ve done a remarkable thing.”

Mandels continued, staring intently at me.

“How would you like to enroll in Ventura Academy alongside Carmine Everhart? You still seem quite young.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I have no intention of attending the academy.”

Though I might eventually.

The inevitable was likely coming soon.

“Is that so? A shame.”

Mandels shifted his gaze from me to Carmine Everhart, who had been quietly listening to our conversation at the round table, and took a seat beside her.

“I’ve read your letter carefully. The Raphaelo Viscounty was already under our watch, so your words carry considerable credibility.”

Carmine nodded at Mandels’ words.

“Th-thank you.”

Mandels smiled kindly.

“What do you have to thank me for, miss? If anything, I should thank you for giving me the chance to root out evil in the empire.”

Mandels continued.

“As of now, Carmine Everhart, you are a student of Ventura Academy. I am your guardian and protector. As a special investigator granted authority by His Majesty the Emperor, I will immediately begin investigating the Raphaelo Viscounty regarding matters related to my student.”

Oh.

So he’s a patient who’s also a savior. But at least he does his job properly.

The moment Mandels finished speaking—

As I’d expected, the inevitable arrived.

『You have successfully completed the quest.』

The quest I’d chosen was to ensure Carmine Everhart’s enrollment in Ventura Academy.

The minimum condition—successful enrollment—had just been met, clearing the quest.

[You have cleared the 5th Floor Stage.]

This time, too, it had been exhausting.

[Calculating the score for ‘Player – Han Yuseong’ on the 5th Floor Stage.]

[You chose the higher-difficulty option between the two choices and succeeded. Bonus points will be applied.]

[Bonus condition ‘Eliminating a Strong Enemy’ has been met. Bonus points will be applied.]