Chapter 30: All Eyez On Me (3)

The afternoon lectures finally came to an end, concluding all of Monday's classes.

'Ugh.'

I managed to endure by pinching my thigh.

Using Overload for 10 seconds took a toll on my body.

I calmed my trembling body and barely held back my eyelids from closing.

Luckily, the practical evaluations following the duel, such as first aid and crisis management, weren't as physical, so I managed to endure them.

'That's why I used Overload.'

Still, the practical evaluations were tough.

If it were a theory class, I could sit back, relax, and let my mind wander.

"Ah, I'm tired. Let's go."

"Sure, there's a place near the dorms with great chocolate shakes. Want to stop by?"

"Sounds good."

I overheard students chatting.

...Was it the relief of having safely attended all the lectures? My tension eased, and drowsiness quickly washed over me.

But I can't sleep yet. Today is Monday, the day of the Tactical Strategies Club's regular meeting.

[Sub Quest: Join and actively participate in at least 2 clubs.]

Reward: 2 Shop Gold Coins

'I should have just done two. Why did I choose three?'

Despite that, the reward is too tempting. Oh well, I'll just do it.

As I think about following Aisha, who had gone ahead of me,Diiscover new stories at nove/lbin(.)c/om

"Here, Theo."

Noctar approaches me, handing over a black bag.

Judging by the texture, it's the traditional potion of the Noctar Tribe.

But it was as if he had psychic abilities.

It just so happens that I finished the last one yesterday.

"...How did you know I ran out?"

"I thought you'd be out by now if you were consuming it regularly, so I brought some."

"Thanks, I'm off to club activities."

I immediately chased after Aisha.

Soon, I saw her sitting on a bench under a large tree.

I caught my breath and approached her.

"Whew, Aisha. Sorry for being late."

"Seriously, Theo! Why were you so late? I've been waiting forever. The carriage just left, so let's take it slow."

"Understood. No. Okay, alright.”

"···Just say 'understood' like you used to. Sigh······ People might think I'm the bad guy here."

Aisha and I maintained a distance of about three steps as we arrived at the bus stop in front of the Hero Department's main entrance.

'Ugh.'

Each step felt as though my body would give out.

Step by step.

With great effort, I boarded the carriage.

Since most students had already boarded the previous one, the inside was quiet.

"······."

Drowsiness swiftly enveloped me.

I spoke to Aisha, who sat diagonally behind me, as politely as I could.

"Aisha, I have a favor to ask."

"...Yes?"

"Please wake me up when we arrive."

Aisha looked at me with a puzzled expression.

She'd probably grant me such a small favor, right?

"······I trust you."

With that, I fell asleep immediately.

Aisha observed Theo, who was sitting far away, with a somber expression.

Although they resembled each other, their appearances were distinct upon closer examination.

"Go ahead and get some rest."

"...Huh? It's not even 8 o'clock yet..."

"I'll go to bed first."

I didn't even have the energy to speak.

Leaving behind Amy, who seemed to have something to say, I waved my hand and entered my room.

I wanted to lie down immediately, but I couldn't go to bed without washing my dirty body first.

My Twisted Noble's Dignity would never let me hear the end of it.

I had to wash up quickly.

Gathering my strength, I headed to the bathroom.

After swiftly rinsing my body, I lay down on the bed.

"Haah."

Once I lay down, sleep didn't come easily.

My duel with Piel came to mind.

'The difference in our level was too great.'

Even in my Overlord state, I couldn't even graze her clothes.

I wasn't angry or felt it was unfair.

The gap between us was simply overwhelming.

'Our stats should have been similar for that moment.'

The difference lay in our traits, skills, and speed.

The original game was oddly realistic in some ways.

For example, there's an unrealistic setting like traits and awakenings, but at the same time, there's a very realistic setting where speed and technique are more important than strength in sword fights.

Thanks to the [Observer's Eye], I wouldn't fall for the same technique twice, but Piel was a [Weapon Master] and a [Sword Master].

With these traits, she had achieved a level where she could create her own swordsmanship.

If Piel's swordsmanship were a giant, mine would be a minuscule creature perched on the giant's shoulder.

But I couldn't give up.

All I could do was try.

I'll do my best to mimic her.

To analyze her.

I need to land at least one hit on her this semester to feel satisfied.

'Since I can't do anything about the traits for now... I should focus on honing my skills and speed.'

As I pondered that, I recalled Irene's words about visiting at least once a week.

It hadn't sounded like a joke.

"Huu."

...I should visit the knight department tomorrow.

Irene should be able to provide a solution.

***

The next day, Tuesday.

A lecture in the Knight Department's classroom was well underway.

"...For this reason, when facing an opponent wearing full plate armor, you should aim for the joints that the armor doesn't cover. That's why you should always carry a dagger."

Despite being an honor student, Mina found it difficult to concentrate on the class.

This was due to Irene, who had applied makeup for two consecutive days since enrolling at the academy - something she had never done before.

"..."

Mina kept glancing at Irene, who wore makeup that did not suit her at all.

Irene had fair, firm, and well-toned skin.

Light makeup would have been more fitting, as if she had barely applied any.

·····But it appeared she had used so much powder on her face that the color of her face and neck were mismatched, and her lips were a vivid crimson, as if bitten by a mouse.

'Her usual appearance is much prettier.'

Mina wasn't the only one who thought so; her peers also stole glances at Irene, their expressions filled with confusion.

Even Jacob, who had confessed his feelings to Irene during the first semester and been rejected, looked appalled.

·····Mina resolved to tell Irene the next day:

Don't ever wear makeup like that again.

***

Last bonus! Bonus#3, this one is thanks to Randomizer!

Enjoy the chappy!