Chapter 8: Consecutive Visits (3)
The students of the student council couldn’t hide their bewilderment.
“Jace’s Dantian…… has been fixed?”
An unexpected turn of events.
Then the story changes completely.
Hero Academy is thoroughly merit-based.
If one is strong enough for everyone to acknowledge.
Some flaws can be overlooked easily.
Moreover, Jace was once counted among the few Hero candidates.
Why did that exemplary noble son become a scoundrel?
Because his Dantian was broken, he became weak in an instant.
“……”
But the problem has been resolved.
It’s like a case of being cured after contracting an incurable disease.
Since he can now build up strength, there’s no reason for him to cause trouble again.
Of course, it would be difficult to become as strong as before.
But considering that unparalleled potential……
‘He’ll need some time, but eventually he’ll settle in the upper ranks……’
Although they didn’t say it out loud, most were thinking that way.
How could they expel a student whose excellence is guaranteed?
From Hero Academy’s ideology, it’s absolutely impossible.
The condition was to manifest sword energy.
But immediate expulsion was problematic.
They just gave him a chance that wasn’t really a chance, as he himself hoped.
“……”
Now that impossible condition has become an obstacle.
They should consider withdrawal even if it threatens the fairness of the trial.
Eventually, an emergency meeting was held.
Of course, this wasn’t something the student council could handle alone.
The decision would be up to the adults.
But before that, they had to organize the content to report.
The meeting began with Chloe’s eyewitness account.
“He overwhelmed them one-sidedly, it was really amazing!”
Handling the three problem boys by himself.
Even though they were below standard kids, he knocked down three at once.
Actually, that alone was enough qualification to return to the academy.
The saying ‘form is temporary, but class is permanent’ fits perfectly.
“I went to check on Jace’s condition. He’s working harder than ever before.”
Seria’s testimony followed.
Even though she’s engaged to Jace.
Given her upright character, she wouldn’t take sides privately.
The student council members had finished their confirmation.
Then they had no choice but to positively consider Jace’s return.
His history of causing trouble is somewhat problematic.
But that was merely a secondary issue.
When they reported to the academic affairs department, a reply came immediately.
[Handle it at your discretion.]
“……”
The entire student council sighed inwardly.
It was obvious they had passed a troublesome task.
They fell into worry again about whether to proceed as planned or make an exception.
*****
There was a small lake in the forest.
I began to wash myself roughly there.
“Hmm, definitely handsome.”
A face reflected transparently.
I fell into narcissism without realizing it.
The top-ranked S-grade pretty boy in the province……
It was perfect enough for such an expression to come to mind.
Yeah, being handsome isn’t bad.
In modern society, looks are also an ability.
While humming and drying off the moisture.
I ended up making eye contact with a young girl.
“……”
Hey, could you make some noise when approaching?
I was less surprised since I’d experienced this several times.
But I still couldn’t get used to it.
The cute-looking villainess.
Chloe seemed to have brought the items i had ordered.
But…… is it just my imagination?
I felt her gaze burning hot.
She stares piercingly at my bare upper body.
Well, I understand.
This body is forged with real combat compressed muscles.
It wasn’t made in that short time.
It’s just that this body’s physical condition is excellent.
Anyway, I understand the girl’s feelings.
But I didn’t want to provide excessive service.
This is clearly a body that belongs to someone.
It would be terrible if there’s a misunderstanding.
I absolutely can’t be hated by my fiancée!
When I deliberately cleared my throat.
After being flustered for a moment, she smiles calmly as if nothing happened.
“Look. I brought everything without missing anything.”
Even without checking, her meticulous personality made her trustworthy.
There isn’t much time left, but I want to spend the remaining period comfortably.
“Oh, right. The student council held a meeting. About your treatment.”
I wondered what she was talking about, but it wasn’t unfavorable news for me.
The standards might be somewhat relaxed.
Well, it didn’t matter anyway.
This body is a lump of elixir, so it’s expected to meet the existing conditions.
‘Speaking of which……’
I paid attention to Chloe’s words and actions.
She spills information smoothly without being asked.
I wanted that, but it felt too easy.
Why isn’t she playing hard to get?
Normally she should test the waters, wondering whether to tell me or not.
“So, what do you think about it?”
“I have no intention of going back on what I said.”
“Huh? Are you really okay with it?”
“Of course. Think carefully about who I am.”
“……”
I tried to bluff a little.
There was nothing good about being looked down upon by this villainess.
I had to show that I’m formidable so she won’t play tricks in future dealings.
“I understand. I’ll try believing in you.”
Right now my power is insufficient.
There didn’t seem to be any signs of trying to use me, but eventually I’ll have to listen to her request at least once.
‘I can think about that when the time comes……’
Not bad.
Overcoming immediate difficulties is urgent.
For now, I’ll make full use of this informant.
“Um, this is a somewhat rude question…… may I ask?”
‘If you think it’s rude, don’t bring it up!’
I wanted to shout that, but I had already received something from her.
So when I told her to go ahead, something really unexpected popped out.
“The broken engagement…… will be postponed, right? Since the situation has changed quite a bit.”
Huh? Why are you interested in someone else’s love life?
Nothing is more interesting than that, but it’s not a topic to bring up in front of the person involved.
“What’s your intention in asking?”
“I’m just curious. Ahaha……”
Is this why she’s an informant?
Just when it seemed like she’d brush it off with an awkward laugh, she speaks up again.
“It seems like you’re keeping distance from your fiancée……”
“It’s because I’m pathetic. It’s going to take quite a while, I suppose.”
Seria is the only person I can rely on.
That’s precisely why I don’t want to lean on her right now.
Male pride.Â
Useless stubbornness.
Even if you dismiss it as such, I have nothing to say, but probably the original owner of this body would have done the same.
But……
Why does this girl look so pleased?
KYAA! So good!
She openly shows such signs.
As expected of a villainess.
She seems to enjoy others’ misfortune, so I should give her a piece of my mind.
“You should fix that personality of yours.”
“What?”
“If you were just a little gentler, you’d be very popular……”
“───??”
My comment is also somewhat rude.
But since the other party started first, it’s tit for tat.
“Anyway, I’ll use these well.”
After packing my things, I turned around sharply.
Even after walking quite far, I kept feeling her gaze following me.
Ah, did I say something I shouldn’t have?
She wouldn’t hold a grudge over just that, would she?
What’s done is done.
Next time we meet, I’ll have to give her some insincere compliments.
*****
Chloe stared endlessly at Jace’s retreating figure.
Until he disappeared.
“So cool as expected……”
No matter how many times I see him, I don’t get tired of it.
I feel like I’m completely falling for the charm of that cold man.
“I should organize my thoughts for a moment.”
It was just a short conversation, but surprisingly I gained a lot.
First.
He has no intention of going back on what he said.
According to those words, he seems confident.
The speed of recovering his level was surprisingly fast.
Second.
He’ll continue to keep distance from his fiancée.
There are several things I can guess.
Since he’s in a shabby state now, it seems like he can’t do this or that.
‘I’ve got time to watch for opportunities.’
No need to be impatient.
Opportunities always come to those who wait.
Finally……
I figured out Jace’s ideal type of woman.
Chloe took out her notebook and summarized it nicely.
-Jace likes gentle women.
“He seemed to know my true nature…… Well, I’ll have to adjust a little.”
Although I felt slightly humiliated, Chloe didn’t mind at all.
She firmly believed that she would be the final victor.
Once she becomes the mistress of the Crodaine family, the tables will turn.
“Should I act like a gentle lamb until then.”
The incarnation of greed.
No one could stop the girl’s desire.
*****
After completing my exercise quota.
When I swung my sword without rest, sweat poured down like rain.
[Sub Quest Complete]
[Reward: Achievement Points +300]
[Sub Quest Complete]
[Reward: Achievement Points +1,000]
Points accumulating steadily.
Even though it doesn’t seem like much, it’s surprisingly worthwhile.
I was very tired, but meditation makes me refreshed quickly.
I should gradually wash up and get some food.
Today’s meal is venison steak, no less.
This body’s performance is so good that I easily caught a deer with just three or four arrows.
My cooking skills can’t be called good even as flattery.
But fresh meat with spices added was decent enough.
“……”
Sorry, deer……
I’ll eat you deliciously as an apology!
The law of the wild where one eats and is eaten.
Living in the forest for so long, I couldn’t help but feel that weight.
When the meat was getting nicely grilled.
A male student walked over from the other side, step by step.
Yeah, if you’re going to approach, you should make noise like this.
That’s good, but couldn’t he just not come at all?
I haven’t done anything wrong, but I feel unnecessarily anxious.
I have a feeling that some bad event is going to happen!
The student council mark on his chest area.
Given the circumstances, he must have been watching me.
“……”
If it were a girl, maybe.
It feels creepy being stalked by a guy.
He had a sturdy impression, and looked like someone who’s good with his fists.
THUD.
Without permission, he sits across from me and glares at me.
“……”
“……”
Ah, I got the feeling.
This guy definitely hates Jace!
I don’t know the details, but there must have been some kind of friction in the past.
‘It’s about time for memories to surface……’
Is it not a very important matter?
Well, there’s a possibility I guessed wrong.
It doesn’t matter if I don’t know such a trivial thing.
I’ll find out soon anyway.
I waited for the guy to speak up, but……
“……”
“……”
He just creates an intense atmosphere.
Hey! Stop glaring and speak up!
I didn’t want to speak first since it would feel like backing down, so I just let it go.
I could endure it as long as necessary, but unfortunately I was in the middle of grilling meat.
What should I do about this? Should I just beat him up?
I was confident. Confident that I would lose……
The student council is an elite group composed entirely of A-grade or higher students.
As a single force, it boasts the strongest power in the academy.
In other words, with my current strength, I couldn’t dare oppose them.
“……”
As if claiming his grudge runs deep.
He grinds his teeth and growls.
Yeah, this is a beast in human form.
The moment I’m looked down upon, he’ll pounce to bite.
I must never look away.
I opened my eyes wide and engaged in a fierce battle of nerves.
As time passed like this, the meat I was grilling was burning.
Suddenly a good idea comes to mind.
Taming beasts with food is the standard rule.
Here, eat this and get lost!
When I threw the meat that had almost become charcoal.
He devoured it voraciously as if he’d been waiting for it.
“Hmph……”
His eyes were still annoyingly hostile.
But perhaps because I gave him food, he finally backed down.
“……”
Ah, I’m dizzy……
Why on earth did he come?
Well, what’s good is good.
Nothing happened, so that’s enough.
*****
On his way back, Largo.
Vividly recalled the confrontation from moments ago.
‘His eyes were alive.’
The appearance of trying to stand up again.
I could feel manly fighting spirit.
I heard testimony from Seria and Chloe.
But I went to find Jace to confirm with my own eyes.
Even though I glared at him with all my might, he responded sharply as if he couldn’t lose.
An unexpected change.
Unlike before, he gives off a wild scent.
Judging by that appearance.
Jace’s revival seemed to be a matter of time.
‘Good……’
It was what I had hoped for.
Largo couldn’t forget the humiliation of the past.
One year ago.
I met Jace in the finals of the martial arts tournament.
Since there was no chance of winning through orthodox methods.
I tried to give flesh to take bone.
But I was countered by Jace’s nimble response.
‘I was stabbed too deeply……’
Not only was I eliminated from the tournament.
Due to the aftereffects of the injury, I couldn’t maintain my ranking.
I’ve recovered everything now.
But my wounded pride still stings.
I must repay this humiliation.
While watching for opportunities with burning determination.
Jace, whom I secretly considered a rival, self-destructed.
An emotion beyond emptiness……
I couldn’t describe that feeling.
I couldn’t bully the weak.
I tried hard to cut off my interest.
But each time, the part where I was wounded throbbed.
Because of the lump in my chest.
Largo had been carrying stuffiness all this time.
But.
Now there’s no need for that.
A refreshing sense of liberation.
It felt like ten years of chronic indigestion had suddenly gone down.
“Hurry up and climb back to the top. I’ll be waiting……”
Beyond belief, I’m certain.
Jace will definitely be revived.
It will take quite a while, but I could wait as long as necessary.
Waiting will become that much thrill.
How exhilarating would it be to defeat my rival?
“No, wait a minute……”
A sudden thought.
Small fries might bite at Jace while he’s weakened.
Something similar has already happened.
It will get worse when he returns to the academy.
Largo quickly made his decision.
How could I let my prey be stolen?
That was absolutely unacceptable.
“I’ll have to keep an eye on things from time to time……”
Thus.
The boy’s obsession manifested in a somewhat strange form.
