Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Anyway, for various reasons, I desperately needed an attack skill.

[Divine Imitation] is one of the top three overpowered skills.

I must obtain it.

My decision was not just because of the practical test next week.

"That guy really annoys me."

"Exactly. How can he not show his face to Teron?"

"Don't tell me he's sided with Yuridia?"

"That's unlikely. It seemed like they were watching him too."

Currently, the first year is divided into three factions.

Teron's faction, who is the top student, Yuridia's faction, who is second, and the neutrals.

'But not all neutrals are the same.'

Those without abilities are ostracized even among the neutrals.

Living almost invisibly, they play the role of the lower ranks of the academy and extras who die in the story.

The problem is with those who have abilities but remain neutral.

They're often bullied with threats like, if you're not with us, we'll kill you!

Eventually, neutral students had to join one of the two factions.

'It's total bullshit.'

Annwood Academy knew about this but let it happen.

The political strife and intrigue of the Annwood Empire.

It's a microcosm of that.

It's like they're telling us to get used to it here.

"Let's see his skills next week. Maybe he got third place by luck."

"If he's talented, we'll recruit him, if not..."

"We'll have to grind him up. He's no ordinary brat."

They spit out such terrifying words casually.

As you can see, my fate is postponed until the practical test next week.

'I must get Divine Imitation. Otherwise...'

I was imagining being torn apart by the kids.

Luna tapped my shoulder.

"Hey, where are you going today?"

"Huh?"

"You've been wandering around for days. Whenever I ask, you always say it's a secret."

Actually, I didn't need to take Luna along.

The condition to receive the skill from the clown was a minimum of two people, and it was just an act to build a minimal bond with Rodelin.

'And speak correctly. It's not me taking you; it's you following me!'

Maybe because I'm her only friend.

She followed me around like a cat wishing to be chosen.

"Hmm, I found something strange."

"Strange? What is it?"

"Keke, it's a secret."

"...Ah, I see?"

Luna smiled slyly. But her face turned into a demon in an instant.

The demon began to bite my ear.

What did I do wrong!

Even if I told you, you wouldn't progress the hidden piece! Your intelligence is too low to understand anyway!

Beep- Beep!

"Unhealthy relationships with the opposite sex are grounds for demerits!"

"That's why I'm saying that we're not like that!"

Rodelin instantly exorcised the demon.

Rodelin, as impeccable as ever today.

She frowned.

"Zero, you always seem to cause trouble."

"You misunderstand. I am the victim here."

"I know the truth. Just kidding."

Rodelin smiled playfully.

Ah, so she can joke around too? Today is full of surprises.

"Demon! Demon!"

A parrot suddenly fell from the sky and landed on my shoulder.

The kids watching stepped back.

Don't say that and sit there. It sounds like you're calling me a demon!

"Keke, Mr. Parrot. You shouldn't say that. People will think it's weird."

"Demon! Save me! Demon!"

"...Stop talking."

The parrot pecked my cheek with its beak.

"Initial form?"

"No, to be precise, it's more like a research form."

"Research... form?"

"Yes, compared to the corrosion spreading in the borderlands, its speed is extremely slow. Or rather, it's stopped."

"That makes sense. If it hadn't stopped... Mr. Parrot would have met death long ago."

"Right. Different from corrosion, but not completely. So, how about we hypothesize? What if this is the prototype of corrosion... an initial form?"

Rodelin said nothing.

But this should be enough.

Our Rodelin, unlike someone beside her, is a very smart child.

"Hey, what were you just thinking? It seemed like a very rude thought."

"Keke, Miss Luna. You misunderstand. I wasn't thinking about anything."

"Something seems suspicious..."

"Ah, Miss Luna, what do you think when you see this?"

"Blackened pork cutlet?"

"..."

Ah, I see.

Pork cutlet... delicious.

Maybe she's thinking of a well-fried pork cutlet.

I looked away from Luna, who was slightly drooling.

That's when Rodelin's eyes lit up.

"The Empire first encountered corrosion 15 years ago. And this Mr. Parrot appeared about 20 years ago, it's presumed."

"That's right."

"Then, someone conducted experiments on corrosion, and this place... Annwood Academy, was the experimental site? The traces accidentally remained on Mr. Parrot's body?"

Clap, clap.

I couldn't help but applaud. Her deduction was perfect.

Even I, a veteran, was initially puzzled by this mystery.

"If we can find the research records of the prototype... we might find a way to eliminate the corrosion spreading across the continent."

"Keke, it's not certain yet."

"But it's worth investigating. No, more than enough!"

Rodelin was noticeably excited.

I understand why, but she needs to calm down a bit.

"I don't want to unnecessarily escalate things. You understand the reasons, I presume."

"Yes, indeed. There's no need to alert the academy. It's just speculation and assumption for now."

"Keke, a rational decision."

Obtaining the hidden piece is my goal.

More people means more interference and wasted time.

In the worst case, I could lose the chance to conquer 'The Demon's Shard.'

"I plan to search the academy for more traces until the weekend."

"I see. I'll look around when I can."

"Then, let's keep this between us for now..."

"Wait, Zero."

Rodelin interrupted me.

Why is she doing that? Did I make a mistake?

"Yes, go ahead."

"How did you know this is an early form of corrosion? Normally, people would just think it's a black spot, right?"

Ah, that's a sharp question.

Normally, people would think it's a disease or just a parrot with black skin.

But it's okay. I have the perfect excuse.

I leaned close to Rodelin's ear and whispered.

That is...

"It's a secret."

"Zero! This is a serious matter. It's not something to be answered jokingly!"

"I am serious. Everyone has their secrets. We're not yet in a relationship where we can deeply trust each other."

"I already deeply trust you. I don't have secrets to tell."

"Keke, is that so? Then, you can tell me the secrets of your family."

"The family's secrets...?"

I whispered even closer to her ear.

In a voice only Rodelin could hear.

"The Lucid family is afflicted by a demon's curse, right?"

"You, how did you...!"

Rodelin's face turned pale.

--TL Notes--

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