[12:32]
It was already afternoon when Evelina finally got off me, stretching and looking satisfied and refreshed, like she had just stepped into the arena.
I, however, was still on the floor, waiting for the blood to return to my limbs after her lying on top of me had cut off the circulation.
"I really needed that~."
She hummed softly, looking over a window for any particular objects of interest.
After spotting her target, she knelt beside me and placed a quick kiss on my cheek.
"I guess it’s time to return to our responsibilities..." She sighed, clearly not wanting to.
Talk about a departure from when I first arrived, from prioritizing preparation and pragmatism to wasting time just for pure comfort.
She was finally learning to prioritize her own needs instead of just being the usual perfect heir her father wanted.
I could tell just from the way she smiled that it was genuine, with her body language more relaxed than usual.
I was doing well in changing her original fate.
"Same thing later?"
She let out a teasing giggle as the floor beneath her slowly rose and began to envelop her.
[Dark Step]
"I’d be happy to."
I laughed, finally feeling my limbs again as I watched her disappear with a wide smile on her face.
And now...
I was back on my own, and this time without Kevin with me to use. Although it was fine, he was doing an important job anyway that would benefit all three of us in the long run.
For now... I guess I should abuse my system more and start to rack up some useful artifacts.
And if lucky, may be able to even get more out of this system than just simple fusing.
And of course, grab some gifts for later while I’m at it.
[Profaned Step]
*** Academy’s Forest Outskirts
My first target was a group that was the farthest away from any other group, quite literally by the edge of the entire assigned arena.
And considering how the arena was already the size of a small city, they were quite literally untouchable or undetectable as long as they played it safe.
Guess they relied more on the survival points than the elimination points to pass the examination.
Too bad they had something I needed.
Well... if they’re willing to part with it without fighting, they’ll be safe.
"I can’t believe this just landed near us!"
A female student cheered.
It was a group of five female students, all A-Ranks. They weren’t pushovers, but it looked like they weren’t taking any risks.
And I could respect that, staying put is just as important as fighting.
"We really got lucky with this spot."
Another said.
They were all surrounding a metal staff, or more specifically, a [Multiplying Staff].
An artifact that effectively doubled the effects of magic without the disadvantages that came with it, like a harder spell formula.
It had only advantages and no drawbacks, and if any of them wielded it, I was sure they could temporarily reach S-rank without much trouble.
But...
FWOOSH!
"Unfortunately, I’m going to need to take that staff away from you all."
I appear from behind two trees, hands in my pockets as I reveal myself, trying my best to look as intimidating as possible so I can end the encounter without violence.
I’d rather not eliminate potential assets I could use in later days.
Didn’t mean I wasn’t against it, though.
"L-Lord Arden!?"
The first girl, clearly the leader, yelled out, hands hovering on her mouth as she recognized me.
"I-Is he the one Vivianne was talking about!?"
"Oh my god, she wasn’t kidding! He actually looks really good!"
...This isn’t really the reaction I was expecting.
What in the gods’ name did Vivianne tell everyone to raise my reputation? I knew she focused on female students... but...
This was far beyond my expectations.
And here I thought the encounter back before the examination started was just a rare occurrence.
"E-Excuse me?" I asked, tilting my head.
But...
"Y-You need this staff, right!? Here you can have it!"
She immediately grabbed the staff and handed it to me without any hesitation; even her teammates didn’t seem upset.
They all just agreed, without argument, to let me have it.
I mean, it was the smart choice. It’s not like they could’ve beaten me in a fight—even with the staff on their side.
"Don’t worry about it, we won’t be using it anyway. Besides, if you keep it, it’ll paint a smaller target on our backs."
Another female student added, making a good point.
If they hadn’t met anyone yet in this spot of the academy, there was no point in keeping a staff that radiated magic without end.
It’ll just break their entire strategy.
"And while it’s useful, I think you’ll make better use of it anyway."
Another one added.
Wow...
They were really forthcoming in handing over a staff that cost a fortune, huh?
Although...
I scanned over the group and recognized all of them from the student list. They were all daughters of Counts, and their families were bound together in a trade alliance between their lands.
They were stupidly rich.
Even richer than me.
Makes sense why they weren’t bothered much, I guess.
And I sure as hell didn’t care about asking for clarifications. If they’re handing it to me, then no reason to refuse.
"I-I’ll be off then?"
I laugh, scratching the back of my head.
"See you!"
The five waved off in unison as I left.
[Profaned Step]
Well... that was an interesting interaction.
And... while it wasn’t exactly what I had in mind when I asked Vivianne to boost my reputation, it still gave me all the benefits I was hoping for.
So I’ll count it as a win.
Besides, it’s their problem if they end up becoming the target of Evelina’s jealousy. I’ll support her no matter what, anyway.
Now, it’s time to move on to my next artifact and finally start fusing.