Chapter 27 [Eye of Odin]

Chapter 27 [Eye of Odin]

As we made our way deeper into the forest, I walked slightly ahead, scanning the surroundings while subtly leading us off the main path. The dense foliage and the eerie silence of the forest provided the perfect cover for my plans.

Oscar, ever vigilant, was on high alert, his eyes darting around for any sign of danger. Amelia, on the other hand, seemed more focused on me, her concern evident in her eyes. I could use that to my advantage.

"Stay close, Nathan," Amelia said, her voice soft but firm. "This part of the forest can be dangerous."

I nodded, slowing my pace so that she and Oscar could catch up. "I know, teacher. That's why I asked you to come with me. I feel safer with you around."

She smiled, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "Just be careful."

"Don't worry, Lady Amelia. As long as I'm here, nothing bad will happen," Oscar assured her with a bright smile.

Despite his obvious interest in Gwen, Oscar had a fondness for Amelia as well. From what Khione had told me, the King's directives encouraged many to seek marriages and children with the Heroes, especially the strongest among us. Amelia had firmly told them to stop pestering us about marriage, but some persisted in secret.

I was fairly certain that several of my classmates had already engaged in intimate relations, particularly the boys with maids. During my late-night outings for training, I occasionally noticed maids slipping into the rooms of my classmates, likely sent under the emperor's orders to ensure the continuation of the Heroes' bloodline.

I wasn't particularly disgusted by this arrangement.

As long as they didn't interfere with my plans or target the women I was interested in, I didn't care. Otherwise, I would have to intervene, much like I was doing with Amelia, who, from my perspective, seemed the easiest to manipulate.

Not that she was an easy woman by any means. It had taken a month of strategic conversations, sweet words, 'accidental' touches, and carefully orchestrated moments to make her start seeing me as a man rather than just a student. She would have directly rejected me after a few days if not for my Luck too.

My concern wasn't about her being swayed easily, but rather about her relenting and going along with the pressures to spare us students.

I could already imagine the Emperor pressuring us to have children. I could see Amelia offering herself, which I wouldn't accept.

"Thanks. It's reassuring," Amelia said with a smile.

"We have until tomorrow afternoon. Let's make sure Hero Nathan gains at least ten levels," Oscar added with a seemingly kind look.

No need to act, Oscar. I know very well you intend to get rid of me one way or another tonight.

"Watch out!" Amelia shouted, summoning an earth barrier in front of us.

When I told Khione what happened, even she couldn't believe it. I could still picture her shocked face.

Obtaining skills through fighting and training was extremely rare. Most people didn't bother with it, preferring to look for skill books instead. This reliance on luck made the process even more complicated in this world.

In any case, I had been very lucky to get an SSS Skill. Even with over 10,000 luck points, I hadn't obtained any other SSS or SS skills. It seemed impossible no matter how many SSS skill books I studied. So, I didn't waste time and lowered my greed to "lower" skills.

Well, I wasn't disappointed at all though.

[Eye of Odin] was the skill I was most proud of and, to me, the strongest.

I looked at Oscar as my right eye flashed gold for a moment.

I saw it.

Oscar.

Level 87.

Unfortunately, probably because I was still too "weak," I couldn't see more. I expected to see more information as I grew stronger. Also, if Oscar was too strong—meaning the margin between our levels was too wide—I wouldn't have been able to see his level at all.

If I could see a level correctly, it meant the person was either weaker, around the same, or just a little stronger than me.

I glanced at my own level.

Nathan Parker.

Level 72.

Yeah, I had become a lot stronger, but not as much as anyone might think, even with a cheat Goddess. And yes, I could have easily farmed more levels if I wanted to, but I didn't.

Why?

What's better: being overwhelmingly stronger than my classmates with few skills or being still stronger than my classmates and having more skills in my arsenal?

I made my choice and willingly neglected my physical training, spending more time in the library to get the maximum number of skills possible using the biggest advantage I had in the castle: free and 24-hour access to the library.

I couldn't waste this chance, especially considering the possibility that I might have to escape the Empire.