“Alan Ba-Thor’s authority as the Chieftain remains valid. While a significant number of War Chiefs in the Alliance are expressing discontent, the desired level of control is being maintained.”

Tatiana’s voice softly descended in the empty private room.

As the Chieftain’s closest confidant, she was able to use a spacious private room so that her ‘regular reports’ were not hindered in any way, but even so, she never let her guard down.

Half-closed eyes and a smiling face.

The reason for that was simple. Because the Prophet had ordered her to act this way.

She always adhered to the orders she received from the Prophet. Even if she had to put her life on the line.

[What about the artifact used to brainwash that person? Is it still working properly?]

White steam rose from the masked face that asked such a question.

The Prophet was undoubtedly in the Northern Region of the Empire at this moment. To be exact, in the territory under the rule of Margrave Kendride.

It was said that something was being ‘prepared’ at that place.

“Yes. It should at least continue to function as intended for the desired period of time.”

[I see. If any problems arise with it, we will miss many interesting scenes. You better manage it properly. Do you understand?]

“I receive your orders”

[No need to go overboard. You just have to keep it as it is during the ten days when the exchange students from Elfante are staying over there.]

If someone were listening, those words would probably only sound like the babbling of madmen.

Just to witness an ‘interesting scene’ during an ‘Academy Event’ which would last for a mere ten days…

They had brainwashed the leader of a continental superpower so that they could use him in whatever way they wished.

[This is an unusually precious opportunity where four Devil’s Vessels are all gathered in one place. We can’t just let it pass, can we?]

“...Did you just say four?”

She had already met two of the mentioned Vessels.

Eleanor Elinalise La Tristan. The Grey Devil’s Vessel.

Yuria Greyhounder. The White Devil’s Vessel.

But there were actually two more?

[The Blue Devil and… The Red Devil. Both are present in that location right now. I am able to feel it, you see. Though, from now on, we’ll have to find out who the Vessels are.]

“...I will keep that in mind. To ensure a satisfactory resu–”

[Ah- nono, no need to put in too much effort. They’ll eventually come to us anyway.]

With that, the Prophet yawned before waving Tatiana off.

[After all, we have the world’s most efficient ‘trap’, don’t we?]

“...”

Indeed, that was true.

Wasn’t there a man whose existence was literally a magnet for the Devil’s Vessels?

However, there was one thing that still puzzled her.

“...May I ask one thing?”

[Mm? You are usually so submissive and obedient, but suddenly you’re asking questions? What’s the occasion?]

“Why are you only giving that man… ’Trials that are possible to overcome’?”

First, Marquis Riverback. Second, the Boy King Valkasus.

Through those battles, that man had only grown stronger. He had even gradually built closer relationships with the Devil’s Vessels, enough to call them his companion.

Considering the nearly omnipotent and omniscient abilities of the Prophet, the only way that man could produce such results was because the Prophet had given him trials that could be overcome. Without that, there was no way such results could be produ—

[I’ve never done such things, though.]

“...Excuse me?”

[I was sincerely trying to kill him. Although I haven’t really used my full power, the level of the conditions I set needed a miracle to happen for him to even remain breathing.]

“...”

[He was able to overcome them with such efficiency with solely his abilities. It’s pretty interesting to see every time it happens, you know?]

“...”

With a giggle, the Prophet continued.

[Well, if you are looking for a reason why I don’t use my full power even while knowing that is because… It’s not a bad thing for us if he gets stronger and stronger.]

“What… Does that mean?”

[After overcoming more trials, that man will get stronger and his relationship with the Devil’s Vessels naturally becomes closer. That, in itself, is good for us, isn’t it? It actually becomes easier to achieve our ‘goal’, doesn’t it?]

All those facts aligned with conditions necessary to reach the ‘final goal’ that the Prophet had longed for.

After all, even though the end goal that she and that man sought were probably different, both of their primary goals were to ultimately gather all the Fragments of the Devil’s Vessels; And paradoxically, that man was undoubtedly a huge help in achieving this.

[Simultaneously, I like that it’s never dull to watch Dowd flounder around in a desperate attempt to survive.]

Seeing the speechless Tatiana, the Prophet let out another burst of laughter.

[Are you jealous?]

“...”

[You look extremely upset because I complimented him.]

At the Prophet’s playful voice from across the video call, Tatiana remained silent for a while.

The Prophet was probably doing this on purpose.

After all, there was no way the Prophet did not know how Tatiana, someone who would devote her entire body and soul for the Prophet, would feel when hearing such words.

[Yes. I’m doing it on purpose.]

“...”

[Try to kill him to the best of your ability. It won’t be easy. After all, neither that cunning Marquis Riverback nor the strongest Forbidden Sorcerer, the Boy King, were able to. I wonder, how would you fare against him?]

“...”

[Perhaps I could compliment you if you seem more fun than that man?]

“...”

[Cheer up, Apostle of the Reversed Sea. Isn’t it more advantageous for you if you’re near the sea?]

The call ended with that.

After sitting in silence for a long while, Tatiana nodded her head and stood up from her seat.

“...”

For a brief moment, she suddenly looked at her necklace that she had always worn.

A jewel embedded in the middle was blinking a dull green light.

If she closed her eyes, she could hear the ‘thing’ inside of it calling for her; ‘An enormous presence’ near the Forge of Struggle.

Apostle of the Reversed Sea. The last survivor of a tribe forgotten in history that served the ancient existence buried beneath the sea.

She would use all her strength…

To kill Dowd Campbell.

WIthin ten days, by any means necessary.

“...I receive your orders.”

She quietly murmured while tightly grasping the necklace with both hands.

There was one a piece of both good news and bad news.

System Info

[ The effects of consistent exercise are being displayed! ]

[ Rank of ‘Strength’ stat is increasing! ]

[ Rank of ‘Agility' stat is increasing! ]

「Dowd Campbell」

< Status Info >

[ General ]

Strength: E ( Rank-Up: 10% )Agility: E ( Rank-Up: 10% )Endurance: FLuck: FPower: D

The good news was this.

Dowd Campbell. Finally, his first Rank-Up. How glorious. How emotional. How touching.

While in the territory, no matter how much farm work I helped with, my rank refused to go up. However, after wearing the Lion’s Necklace and exercising for a few hell-like months, the moment had come for my efforts to finally bear fruit.

With this, the efficiency of Desperation would be incomparable to before. I would definitely see its effects when using the Tristan-Style Swordsmanship or Fighting Arts.

As for the bad news…

“Keukk, Heauk, Aaahk, Ahk, Ahhh-”

Even with the stat increase, I could not follow the training course Kasa had written for me.

“...”

Riru, who saw me making noises similar to that of screaming rather than breathing, narrowed her eyes.

Today was the first day of the ‘training’ that Kasa had ordered. Among them, this was the most basic physical fitness training.

‘...Usually, it wouldn’t be strange for me to rage while asking you what kind of crazy shit you’re talking about.’

Basic physical fitness wouldn’t just suddenly increase overnight, so there was obviously no way for me to instantly increase my stats that were absolute trash in just a day.

Instead of that, it would just be more efficient to learn her ‘techniques’ first.

I tried to argue with Kasa about this, but…

‘So, are you saying that your goal to finish learning all the Fighting Arts I have accumulated for decades in just ten days makes sense?’

 

‘...’

 

‘You probably said such words because you had your own means, Child. And just like you, I have my own reasons. That’s why I’m ordering you to do this. Do you have any other opinions?’

Of course I didn’t.

Regardless, I had declared to Kasa that I would reach the peak of the Fighting Arts she had devoted her entire life to within ten days.

Since she had simply let it go even after hearing such words, I had no choice but to do anything she ordered without complaining.

“...Hey, stop. There doesn’t seem to be any point in running any further.”

And Riru, who had ran next to me for pace-making purposes, stopped me while clicking her tongue,

“I’m, ahhhhh, sorryyyyahhk-”

“...Don’t speak and just collect your breath.”

After a sigh Riru approached me, who was dry-heaving so hard that it sounded like I was vomiting.

“Stand up straight.”

“...What?”

“...”

Riru glared at me with a slightly red face.

Her expression seemed like she was telling me to not cause her to make any unnecessary explanations.

“...I’ll give you a massage. So, stand up straight. You won’t even be able to stand up properly if you just stop exercising like this.”

“...What?”

“Don’t make me say it twice. Do you wanna die?”

When I involuntarily stood up in response to her brutal words, Riru grabbed my arms and legs and started massaging them.

Perhaps because of her embarrassment, she was using a bit too much of her strength, thus causing me pain. Nevertheless, the effects were clear. The pain in my arms and legs, which felt like they were tearing apart, began to dull.

“...”

What the hell?

Why was she being so kind?

Considering her image in the original game, wasn’t she supposed to coldly look at me with contempt while asking why I couldn’t even do this much?

Even if I took into account her favorability levels, this side of her was undoubtedly unprecedented for her personality.

“...Granny has a lot of expectations for you.”

As if she had read such thoughts of mine, Riru’s murmuring continued.

“She also told me to try my best with you. That’s why I’m doing this. Usually, I would never pull shit like this for a guy like you.”

“...Is that so?”

Despite your words, it felt like you’re really working hard though, you know?

As I stayed still while smiling at her words…

Chills ran down my spine. An ominous sensation traveled across my entire body and goosebumps arose.

“...”

Come to think of it, there was one more piece of bad news.

“Hey, Riru.”

I mouthed these words. After all, the person I was being cautious of right now was someone capable of hearing the tiniest sounds.

“What?”

She seemed to catch on quickly since she followed my lead and mouthed such words as well, even while furrowing her brows.

“Is she still there?”

Riru grasped her forehead without a word.

It seemed like she had felt the same sensation as me.

“Yes.”

“...”

“The tracking spell is unbelievable. Someone like me would never be able to find it.”

“...How did you know it was there if you couldn’t find it?”

“The killing intent trickled out in a stream. When I massaged your body just now, it started bursting out like crazy.”

“...Ah. That’s how.”

After all, I felt ‘something’ as well.

It seemed that it was so uncouth and rough that even I, who was incomparably dense when it came to these things, could feel it.

“Exactly how much love are you receiving from that person for her to act this way?”

‘I don’t know either, my guy.’

It was Eleanor.

She had been following me since this morning. I probably wouldn't have even known if Riru didn’t tell me.

‘...Why is she like this?’

Although I had no clue why she decided to do something like this…

It was still scary.

Like, deadass.

Even now, whenever I got just a tiny bit closer to Riru, I felt a tingling sensation running all over my body.

“...Putting that aside, we should start moving soon.”

After seeing the clock, I sighed while stretching.

Thanks to the exercise with Riru from early in the morning, I felt utterly exhausted, but I couldn’t afford to lay around and rest like this.

After all, the first Exchange Student Event, ‘Friendly Duel’, was scheduled soon.

‘...Friendly my asshole.’

It was said that this event resulted in injuries, from minor to serious, due to the characteristic of people not wanting to be inferior to the academies of other countries.

Of course, rather than such a characteristic, what was more important to me was…

‘...An opportunity to raise my Endurance stat.’

If I achieved excellent results in this event, I would have a chance of obtaining a fairly decent item with the ‘Token of Promise’ that Riru had received from Luca.

Even if only for that reason, I couldn’t afford to take this lightly.

“...But will you be okay?”

As I had such thoughts, Riru, once again, used only her mouth to convey such words.

“...What?”

“To be honest, with your skill, it would be difficult to find someone who could be your duel partner.”

That… Was a legitimate concern.

After all, I was nothing without my Desperation state. How many times now had I been looked down on because I looked weak?

“But you know, if you can’t find an opponent, then you’ll probably have to stay alone in the empty waiting room corridors twiddling your thumbs, right?”

“...”

The goosebumps from earlier returned in full force.

“Can you guarantee that when you’re alone, that woman will do nothing to you?”

“...”

Ah.

The arena, where exchange students from the Empire were scheduled to compete and test their skill against the Tribal Alliance’s students, was filled with excitement.

Of course, most of the enthusiasm came from the Tribal Alliance while the members from the Empire stood half-dead in the waiting room.

With a few exceptions, this friendly duel, taking place in the Forge of Struggle, was no different from an execution ceremony for most Elfante students.

Although it might be different in other fields, the individual combat abilities of the Tribal Alliance warriors were already widely-established.

And Badel Gup-Ta, who had applied for this event, laughed mockingly while looking at the students from the Empire.

‘These fucking Empire weaklings.’

With a greatsword the size of his height slung over his shoulder, he watched the Empire students with contempt.

As expected, there was still no one worthy of catching his eyes. There was virtually no change from a year ago.

It was absurd that these weaklings were considered members of the same ‘Three Superpowers’ that his country was a part of. He had also applied to last year’s event with that thought in mind.

‘Ah, what a joyful memory that was.’

He could still vividly feel the sensation of his fists when he smashed the Empire students to the point of shattering their teeth, as they begged him for mercy.

‘Is there anyone here I can beat the shit out of just like I did back then…’

Regardless of his wishes, students from the Forge of Struggle and Elfante had to freely find their opponents because this event was meant to be friendly.

In that regard, Badel had a particular knack for finding weak opponents.

Although he had quite some confidence in his own abilities, he much rather enjoyed tormenting his opponents slowly by controlling his strength, after all.

A suitable ‘prey’ quickly caught his eye.

‘...He doesn’t even seem like a man.’

A man endlessly looking around with a pale face.

His eyes continued to wander around anxiously. He voluntarily approached other students and pleaded with them for a duel.

However, the students from the Forge of Struggle all frowned and shook their heads, one after another. It was clear that they didn’t want him because he was ‘too weak’.

Every time they did so, even more despair crept over the man’s face.

‘...What a weird guy.’

With such abilities, it was obvious that he would get absolutely pummeled.

This was… How do you put it…

His attitude seemed like he had to ‘find an opponent at all costs’, even if he had to get beaten up.

Almost as if he was being pursued by someone.

Although it was a bit weird…

His weak appearance and uncertain attitude was undoubtedly Badel’s ‘preference’.

He glanced at the name tag.

Dowd Campbell.

“Hey, you. Let’s fight.”

“Oh, really?!”

When he approached and uttered those words, the man’s expression lit up instantly, making Badel inwardly mock him with laughter.

Badel approached the guy who was enthusiastically shaking his hand without a care in the world and whispered sinisterly in his ear.

After all, he wanted to see the bastard’s expression as he froze in fear.

“How stupid of you to be happy. You should prepare yourself instead. It was too late to back out as soon as I became your opponent. From now on, when the duel starts and until the event ends, I will continue to make you su—”

“Thank you…!”

“...”

Badel was left speechless by the unmistakable sincerity of his response.