Chapter 137 Gift (1)
I opened my eyes.
"Huh."
I felt much better.
Right after my match with Neike, even the slightest movement was painful, but now my body could move effortlessly.
I propped myself up and twisted my body side to side, wiggling my legs.
There's still some muscle soreness, but at this level, I could go about my day-to-day activities as long as I didn't exert myself too Compared to how I felt before passing out, it was like the difference between hot and cold baths.
"But how much time has passed?"
Had I been out for days?
In a hurry, I glanced at the wristwatch on my left hand.
"...Oh."
It was 4 a.m. on Friday.
Less than 12 hours had passed since I collapsed in the waiting room.
I'm not sure what happened to me, but I'm relieved.
"Where am I?"
I slowly looked around.
Immediately, I recognized where I was.
A place I had seen countless times in the main story.
'The First Hero Department Dormitory.'
A place reserved only for the top ten students in terms of academic ranking.
With over ten rooms attached, it's a luxurious space, way too spacious for one person.
Naturally, the room I was in was also large, at least twice the size of my dorm room.
But despite its size, there were hardly any furnishings or decorations.
Only a few tables and chairs were present.
It felt eerily empty.
Speaking of which, this bed is huge.
And it's as comfortable as the one in my dorm room.
Judging by its design, it must also be provided by the Hero Department.
It's just like them to prioritize treating one exceptional student better than a hundred average ones.
As I thought this, stretching my arms and legs,
"Huh?"
Something fluffy touched the soles of my feet. It felt like a ball of yarn.
Lifting the blanket, I found Little Fist curled up, fast asleep.
Why is he sleeping here?
Carefully, I placed Little Fist beside me.
While it wasn't solely due to his healing aura... his presence probably played a part in my improved condition.
He might be a bit mischievous, but he's always by my side when I'm roughed up.
"Good boy."
I affectionately stroked Little Fist's head.
─...Kiiing, Kiing.
Little Fist twitched in his sleep.
"Shh..."
I decided to let him rest.
If Little Fist is here, does that mean Amy is in this dorm too?
I took a sip from the glass of water placed on the bedside table.
Kiiik─
And then, I headed outside the room.
A spacious living room, more than five times the size of the room I had just been in, greeted me.
Similar to the other room, the only furniture, a table and some chairs, were clearly provided by the Hero Department.
Now I'm 100% certain.
I've seen this place not just in the game but in reality as well.
It was Jang Woohee's dormitory.
Little Fist, who had just woken up, tilted its head at me.
"Oh, you're awake now, Little Fist?"
I scooped Little Fist into my arms and exited the room.
"We should get going now, Amy. Thank you, Jang Woohee, for lending me your space, I'll see you next time."
"It's no big deal, anytime."
"I'll prepare for departure then, young master. Please wait for a moment."
Amy headed into the room she had exited earlier.
However, through the slightly open door, I heard two familiar female voices.
"Umm, Umm······. Oh Theo, that's ticklish, hehe~"
"If it's the order of the future head of the Waldeurk family······ I can't refuse."
It was Siena and Aisha.
"······."
I must have misheard.
I'm probably still half-asleep.
Hastily, I amplified my [Twisted Noble's Dignity] using the [Amplification Orb] and entered the room.
There on the bed, Siena and Aisha were murmuring in their sleep.
Siena had her legs propped up on Aisha's stomach, her top slightly raised.
Aisha had both arms wrapped around Siena's chest.
"······."
─Kiiing······.
Even Little Fist, usually so fearless, seemed startled as it clung quietly to me.
"Get ready quickly, Amy."
"···Understood, Young Master."
Amy, her face a deep shade of red, replied while bowing her head.
After all the midterm exams at Elinia Academy were completed, Maitri returned to his mansion.
His servant, trembling slightly, greeted him,
"Here is your favorite espresso from the Eastern Empire, esteemed Maitri! I trust all was quiet on your trip?"
"On the contrary, A lot happened."
Maitri replied, taking a sip of the espresso.
The servant wanted to inquire further, but couldn't find the courage to speak.
Maitri continued,
"I saw something quite interesting. Particularly in the Knight Department's 2v2 Tournament, where a student ranked 181st astonishingly came out on top. Against even the greatest talents in the Hero Department."
"That's... surprising! From what I've heard, while the Knight Department's 2v2 Tournament may appear to be a midterm for the Knight Department on the surface, it's essentially the second practical evaluation of the Hero Department. Quite the upset!"
"Exactly."
Maitri chuckled, looking at his trembling servant and remarked,
"As always, Roy, you catch on quickly. It's a pity someone as sharp as you is working under me."
"No, not at all! My greatest desire is to forever remain under your esteemed shadow. You define my very existence, my Lord."
"Hmm."
Pleased with Roy's answer, Maitri patted him reassuringly on the shoulder,
"Alright, Roy, I have a task for you."
"Anything you ask, just say the word!"
"I want you to investigate the individuals listed in this document by next week. I want to know more than just the basic details that reporters might have, like their favorite foods, who they're dating, any hidden abilities, and so forth. I expect a thorough report, leaving no stone unturned. Utilize whatever resources and funds you need."
Being one of the main 13 executives of 'Turning White', he had access to resources and funds equivalent to any large guild.
Even in his nervous state, Roy sensed this as an opportunity,
"Understood, great Maitri! I promise I won't let you down!"
"Good, you better not."
Leaning back in his chair, Maitri continued to sip his espresso.
Returning to his room, Roy delved into the documents he received from Maitri.
There were many familiar faces.
He recognized Neike, Piel, and Andrew right away.
"But the others..."
On the page he was currently looking at, the names Noctar, Siena, and Theo Lyn Waldeurk were written.
"Well, I guess I'll find out more when I investigate."