Chapter 22.1

    EP – 022.1 – Hidden World

    Being friends with someone for 10 years, meant that you have a lot of experiences and knowledge of each other. Including, those hidden from the public’s eyes.

    In other words, Beatrix not only knew but even became somewhat used to Elnore’s bizarre behavior that appears from time to time.

    “Hey.”

    Still, there are times that even she couldn’t stand it.

    She doesn’t know why but Elnore has been looking like an anxious addict since earlier.

    She would just sigh or her eyes would turn bloodshot out of nowhere. She was acting like a rollercoaster, up and down.

    “What is it this time?”

    “...”

    The pen Elnore was holding in her hand snapped.

    Beatrix sighed when she saw the pen made of solid ore breaking like some kind of rotten twig.

    This amount of force that Elnore was exerting with her hand was a sign that she’s ‘holding back’ something.

    Hence why her response was rather brusque compared to the usual.

    “Don’t remind me of it. I just barely convinced myself to forget. I can’t focus on my work.”

    “...Then explain why, bi?ch.”

    Beatrix curtly pursued, but Elnore simply shook her head instead of answering.

    “Fine. It’s not like it’ll get resolved if you talk about it. Don’t worry about it. If anything, aren’t you working hard right now?”

    This, Beatrix had to admit.

    Although Elnore wasn’t a lazy slob, her current working momentum was simply terrifying.

    “...But this is for the better. It’s pretty busy lately.”

    “There’s indeed a strange amount of administrative work. Is there some important project going on or something?”

    “They say it’s a transfer student from the Tribal Union. I’m sure you’ve heard of the name.”

    Hearing this, Elnore frowned and checked a nearby document.

    “Are they the forces behind the coup? The Chief’s daughter?”

    “Yes. The Empire accepted this.”

    If she was indeed the Chief’s daughter, then she’s basically a celebrity comparable to the Imperial Family.

    A VIP figure of this status would most likely have an ‘entourage’ which the academy, that normally insists on equality among students, had to acknowledge.

    In fact, it would not be unreasonable to say that it’s their whole family tree who have fled en masse from the power struggle.

    “In addition, there will also be a regular delegation from the Holy Land next semester. The Saintess herself is coming.”

    “...”

    Elnore wordlessly nodded and kept the documents away.

    Though, her expression was more strained than before.

    “...If it’s a regular delegation, isn’t it just a matter of convention? Why would such a high figure need to move herself?”

    “I don’t know. There are rumors that the academy has made some requests. They also say that the president’s influence was strong on this one.”

    Elnore’s expression hardened.

    “Why are you so upset?”

    “Even with just these bits of information, it’s very clear that the academy is up to something.”

    “I suppose so. It’s not like their the type to shy away from things like this.”

    The headache she barely managed to control was coming back.

    “He asked me to meet in three days. So shouldn’t I finish all the work until then?”

    “...”

    “How can I not see him for three days? That’s too much-“

    “...This is the last warning. Get to work.”

    Beatrix coldly declared. Elnore pouted and picked up another document.

    Fortunately, the contents interested her.

    “The Full Moon Festival is in three days?”

    “Oh, has it already come to that time?”

    The Full Moon Festival.

    "

    "

    It is the most celebrated day among the imperial holidays.

    Even the academy faculty and staff who are working next to the Void Zone take a break at this time.

    ‘Hence why it’s also the time when the defense is the most vulnerable.’

    As someone who grew up wielding the sword, that’s all Elnore can think of.

    Surprisingly, such a holiday coincided with the day she’ll be meeting Dowd.

    She smiled and put away the documents related to the Full Moon Festival.

    Anyway, all she needs to remember is that three days later is an important day.

    In more ways than one.

    ●

     System Message

    [ Updated additional information on the Main Quest! ]

    [ Main Quest ]〖 Chapter 1 – Purifier 〗

    [ Successfully resolve the events in ‘Twilight Iris’! ] [ D-3 ]

    [ Reward: Branch benefit from the main scenario! ]

    I looked at the system window in front of me.

    This came up after receiving the invitation from Marquis Riverback.

    ‘Branch benefit.’

    I scratched my cheek as I read what’s written on the rewards section.

    I know about this reward as it randomly appears a few times in the game.

    Originally, if you refuse Marquis Riverback’s “offer” in the Twilight Iris, what would follow is either a high stakes escape or battle. Chapter 1 is all about fast-paced progression.

    Branch benefit basically adds a much easier option than the original two outcomes.

    ‘That’s nice.’

    As a Chapter 1 boss, you don’t need to worry about the PURIFIER anymore once you’ve beaten them at once. At least, it’s far better than the subsequent chapter bosses that require repeating boss battles.

    It’s just a little difficult to do it all in one go.

    ‘That’s why I brought this person here.’

    Thinking so, I look at Elijah, who was rubbing her hands saying that it was cold. We’re currently in a quite high altitude.

    “...”