1-Second Invincible Player in the Game

79. The Feast

“Oh, is it already time for the freshmen to head to the Magic Realm? How time flies.”

At Akandric’s softly spoken words, Rockefeller smiled gently.

Hershel Van Tenest would surely not escape the worst score in the upcoming Magic Realm exam.

“Hmm, but Rockefeller. There’s a statue there I’ve not seen before.”

The headmaster pointed toward the window.

Turning his head, Rockefeller furrowed his brow.

Before the fortress stood the statue of the founder, flanked by unfamiliar ice sculptures.

One, brazenly resting a hand upon the founder’s shoulder, resembled Hershel, while the figure sprawled beneath his feet looked like Emeric.

“To do such a thing right in front of the professors? Especially in a place like the headmaster’s office, where it is clearly visible? Given the state of authority, I must question your capabilities.”

“I-I will have it removed at once.”

This is a major incident.

Yet, it is already too late.

Akandric scowled, unleashing a torrent of complaints that lingered at the corners of his mouth.

“In my youth…”

Akandric’s nagging echoed endlessly in his ears.

“…it was like this. This is a matter of authority. How can students take guidance from professors under such circumstances? It seems your fundamentals as an educator are…”

A fog enveloped his mind.

Since it has just begun, it should conclude around sunset.

‘This is all because of Hershel Van Tenest. That damned brat…’

It seems I shall once again be tormented by neurosis.

“Are you even listening?”

“Y-yes.”

Rockefeller wished to kill Hershel.

Perhaps he would feel this way for a lifetime.

* * *

—

The lobby of the Shulafe Hall was noisy once more today.

“Wow, you really went through it. How did not a single one die?”

“Right? Normally, about five wouldn’t make it back.”

The upperclassmen had thrown a celebration for the first-year students who returned alive from their dungeon practice.

It was unusual, but it seemed that their recent collaboration in sparking a slave revolution had forged a sense of unity among them.

Yet, there was no food, and all the drinks were just water.

“This is all thanks to Rix. When the Warden showed up, I thought we were done for, but we barely managed to take it down together.”

As a girl spoke, a nearby boy shuffled closer, hesitantly.

“Ahem, well, it was alright, I guess.”

From the way the Lethe folks glared at him, he seemed to be one of their members.

Most had taken the third exam, though a few hadn’t even managed that.

“Don’t talk to him, come over here.”

As they shot him warning looks, the boy left the girl’s side with a disappointed expression.

The girl wore a similar look.

It seemed like they had some sort of romance brewing in the dungeon.

“Not studying when you should be. Looks like you’re fated to linger in Shulafe Hall forever. Tsk tsk.”

I clicked my tongue in disdain, and Limberton started rambling.

“…Melphin is out of reach now.”

“What?”

“I don’t mess with taken women, so I’ve memorized that. It’s my principle.”

Limberton’s expression was as if he had just been dumped by a lover.

“Anyone would think you were dating her.”

“Ugh.”

“Are you crying…?”

“I’m just envious. Envious.”

Limberton shook with suppressed sobs.

After all the effort he’d put in last time, maybe I should offer him some words of encouragement this time?

…Coming to the academy just to find a girlfriend was indeed a sad tale.

“Limberton.”

“What?”

“Isn’t it a problem that you’re trying too hard? Just think of a woman as a bedmate. If you stay still, a few will surely come to you.”

Limberton let out a thoughtful hum, his expression deep in contemplation.

“That’s a good point. Maybe it’s time to change the approach. If a guy who’s always been a nuisance suddenly shuts his mouth, wouldn’t that be a bit unsettling?”

Such a simpleton.

Perhaps it would finally quiet down.

As Asley yawned, the main players of the dungeon practice made their entrance.

Rix and his group, freshly emerged from the shower, their hair still glistening with moisture.

The seniors seemed to have a favorable view of them, bustling over to engage in conversation.

“I know it’s a bit late to say this, but I’m sorry for back then.”

Ah, that’s the guy who was hiding on the stairs during the defense.

Rix had asked for help, but he had coldly refused.

Rix seemed to remember, responding to him.

“It’s all in the past. I know it’s ironic to say this, but thanks to that, I ended up meeting some good friends, so it turned out well.”

Rix glanced at me, a bit uncomfortably.

Thinking back, this guy was one of the culprits who almost led me to a terrible fate at the hands of Bidon.

I instinctively felt the need to keep a safe distance.

“Honestly, you guys are strong. You challenged Makdal like that, and it seems it really paid off?”

“Still a long way to go, though.”

The spotlight turned toward them.

Strangely, Klave was not the center of attention, but…

Well, since he did join the celebration, I suppose I can take my leave now.

At that moment, someone tapped a glass with a spoon, ting-ting.

It was Atra.

“Attention. It’s not much, but Makdal has something he wants to say to you, so he asked for a moment.”

Makdal stood in the center, scratching the back of his head, looking a bit bashful.

“Um, it’s just that… it’s a bit embarrassing to say this all of a sudden.”

He stared at the ceiling for a moment, then lowered his head after a few seconds.

“I’m sorry for what happened in the past.”

Perhaps he didn’t want to show his face, as he didn’t straighten his back.

“Being isolated made me realize. I understood how much I was hated, and it led me to think a lot. Then I found a turning point and reflected deeply. Of course, I’m not asking for forgiveness, just… I felt it was right to apologize, so I gathered my courage to say it.”

Feigning indifference, yet his voice trembled slightly, as if on the verge of breaking.

Perhaps it was thanks to the images he had shown recently that things felt somewhat alright.

Rix approached him and helped him to his feet.

“…It’s all in the past now. I’m sure everyone has already forgiven you.”

“Suddenly speaking so formally makes me feel awkward.”

“I apologize for my lack of manners all this time, Makdal-senpai. And thank you. I’ve learned so much thanks to your guidance.”

I shook my head at the sudden farce unfolding before me.

Can I really leave now?

“Oh, but we didn’t even get to congratulate you on your victory in the dungeon practice, did we? Atra-senpai, how about we take this opportunity to catch up?”

“That sounds good! Then, all the honorees, gather around.”

As I tried to slip away, humans began to block my path.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“You can’t leave out, you know.”

Ultimately, I was pushed into the center of the lobby.

Beside me stood Limberton, Asley, and Makdal.

Atra turned to Rix.

“You all should come over here too.”

“No, it’s fine. We’ve already had our share of attention.”

Rix’s group exchanged glances, smirking and nodding in agreement.

“Well, if you say so.”

Atra pointed at Limberton.

“This little guy, didn’t he do quite well? Hitting arrows with such precision from that distance. I was amazed every time one of them fell.”

People murmured in approval.

“That’s true.”

“When I first saw him, I thought he was just a fool, but he’s got some real talent, doesn’t he?”

“I never imagined arrows could have such effects when combined with magic.”

Even the women’s attention was drawn in.

Limberton, perhaps taking my earlier advice to send the woman to bed, refrained from uttering anything distasteful.

From his expression, it seemed he was struggling to suppress a goofy grin…

“As for Asley, that goes without saying. Who would have imagined he could single-handedly hold back their reinforcements at that thick iron gate?”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Asley raised his fist toward them, his voice booming.

“Arehō!!”

The people echoed back in unison.

“Arehō!”

“Arehō!”

Some among the listeners frowned in confusion.

“What does that mean? Are? Arehō?”

“Haven’t you heard? It’s the language of Asley’s homeland. It means ‘blessing,’ or something like that.”

“Oh, that’s a nice sentiment, isn’t it?”

It seemed Asley’s popularity had surged in my absence.

Indeed, many were drawn to him, regardless of gender, captivated by his exotic charm.

“So, next is Magdali, right?”

“Hold on, Atra. It feels a bit off to say that right after we’ve just apologized.”

“Really? Then just one last thing.”

Atra pointed at me.

I silently prayed for this to end quickly.

But then, that insufferable woman began her political maneuvering.

“This is Hershel, who has done much for our Shulafe district. You all know, right? He came here even after taking the third exam.”

Atra continued, unnecessarily embellishing her words.

“To be honest, if he had set his mind to it, he could have gone straight to the Adel district. So why did he come here?”

As she sought their agreement, a wave of responses began to flood in.

“Well, he must be here to check the underbelly!”

“Exactly! So he could deal with the nuisances and even declared war on those Burgers, right?”

“Hey, Hershel! You planning to stay in Shulafe?”

Pleased with their responses, Atra wore a smug grin.

I leaned in, whispering softly into the ear of the arrogant woman.

“Senpai. If you think I’m just some fool swept up by the atmosphere, you’re mistaken.”

“What?”

While Atra stood there, momentarily dazed, I shouted toward the residents of Shulafe, igniting the ‘embers of noble blood.’

“I’ll say it clearly. I’m going to the Adel Hall, you insects.”

They are nothing more than fleeting connections.

Drawing a line with these vermin is the path for my future.

Still, there’s a bond, isn’t there? If I go to Adel Hall, they might at least use me as a errand runner.

“Why the grim faces? If you want to follow, then follow.”

Of course, they can’t come.

I grinned mockingly, presenting a tree they could never climb.

But their reactions were unsettling.

“Indeed… Hessel, you are.”

“Are you really trying to seize even Adel Hall?”

“Y-you really mean it.”

Something feels off, like the situation is slipping through my fingers.

I hastily spat out the words I was about to finish.

“Of course, you can’t come—”

“Hessel is serious!!”

It was Rix who interrupted loudly.

“The culture of discrimination that runs rampant in the Academy. I understand the differences in rewards based on dormitories, but we must never take lightly the actions of disdain and disregard. Therefore, we must convey our intentions clearly to those at the top in Adel Hall. Right? Hessel.”

This lunatic?

“Even if you insects were to die and come back—”

“Indeed, as Hessel said, to convey that intention, dying and coming back would not be enough. The bitter truth is that only the words of the powerful are heard. At the very least, we must strive to grow our strength with all our might so that our message can reach them.”

The humans applauded Rix’s fabricated speech.

I felt my mind freeze at the disaster unfolding before my eyes.

‘What kind of situation is this?’

‘Though unintended, Hessel. You’ve made a name for yourself. In their eyes, you will only shine as a hero. In this atmosphere, even if you curse, they will only cheer.’

‘But still, does this make sense?’

‘When a crowd forms, intelligence tends to decay. There’s nothing more terrifying than a collective intelligence led by a foolish leader.’

I shook my head at Donathan’s words.

‘No, these fools have no intelligence left to fall.’

I resolved to escape this den of lunatics as quickly as possible.

* * *

A man leaned against the railing on the terrace, straining to catch the sound of a woman’s voice.

“I’ve heard that the slaves from the Shulafe House have been shouting for the downfall of the Adel House lately.”

“Is that so?”

“Soon, the practical magic exams will begin. Doesn’t that worry you? Even if this year’s freshmen are capable, there’s still that variable, Hershel. If we’re not careful, it could leave a stain on our record.”

The Adel House always claimed the top ranks in exams.

It had always been this way, a tradition tied to their pride that they had upheld until now.

But if they were to score lower than the likes of the Bürger House or the Shulafe House, it would haunt them for a lifetime.

“We need to raise some awareness.”

The man, who had only been listening, pushed himself off the railing and spoke to the woman.

“Gather all the first-years in the lobby.”

The representative of the Adel House, Berndal.

A man among ten began to take action.

—