Chapter 48: Schwi Heiron 3

Schwi Heiron had always been an ambitious person. From the earliest days of her childhood, she had harbored high expectations of herself, and those around her had equally high expectations for her future.

Her remarkable talent and keen intellect set her apart from her peers, and she consistently pursued excellence in all her endeavors.

The accolades she received from her father served as her ever-present driving force. Schwi's life was marked by perfection, not by the accident of fate but by the sheer willpower she possessed.

She was the embodiment of relentless dedication, working diligently to maintain her status and reputation.

Schwi had a compromising attitude that made her willing to join forces with anyone or anything that could help her achieve her goals.

She was a pragmatic and realistic person who would choose the necessary evil if it brought her closer to success.

Understanding the pros and cons of any situation was Schwi's forte, and this ability often tilted the scales in her favor, ensuring she got the best outcome from any given situation.

Despite never truly needing to prove herself, Schwi had an unshakable desire to be the very best. She yearned to show her father that she was his most valuable and flawless asset.

It was a drive rooted in her childhood, a time when she felt the weight of her father's high expectations. From a young age, she believed that to earn his approval and admiration, she had to be unrivaled in every way.

This relentless pursuit of perfection wasn't just a quest for personal greatness; it was a daughter's endeavor to fulfill the dreams her father had envisioned for her.

Her efforts were a testament to the unspoken promise she had made to herself and to him—to be exceptional, to be extraordinary, to be the best, before her time ends.

And the best she became so much so that it became her end.

Tragically, Schwi's life came to a premature end during her term as student council president

.....

"I have a proposal for you, Adrian. Would you be interested in working with me on a project?"

I raised an eyebrow, curious about what she had in mind. "Project?"

Schwi's smile widened, and she seemed genuinely eager about the idea. "Fufu, it's a rather simple one but also a rather ambitious one" she said. "Have you heard that the great sage Haiter is visiting the academy soon? They say he's here for the Staff of Estelle, he's probably here to buy it"

The Staff of Estelle is a magical artifact so precious that the academy considers it its number 1 treasure. It was the very staff used by the arch mage Estelle herself when she first founded the academy. It serves as one of the school's seven relics, as well as its pride and joy

"No, I hadn't heard about that."

Schwi chuckled softly. "I guess so, it's hidden news, after all."

This girl was revealing information that wasn't available to the public, but as someone who had read the novels, I already had some knowledge of the situation.

"It's such a precious treasure for the academy, and yet they're going to sell it to a random sage? Tell me, Adrian, why do you think they're doing something like that?" Schwi inquired with a charming smile.

"They have no money?" I responded, my answer stemming from the most logical assumption.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Schwi gave a triumphant clap and said, "Yes, exactly. But you're only half right. You see, in the near future, the Heiron family is planning on building a new commercial district near the northwestern side of the academy."

Schwi looked at him curiously, trying to understand his words. "Excuse me?" she asked.

With a carefree smile, Adrian dismissed his earlier comments, "Oh, it's nothing. Alright, I accept," he said as he extended his right hand for a handshake.

"Okay?" Schwi responded, still perplexed by Adrian's strange reaction. Nevertheless, she reached out to shake his hand

[Authority: Touch of the Crying Doll: {Activated}]

Schwi's eyes turned dark..

...

"#######"

"I didn't take too long, I just wanted to confirm something first"

"##@!@###!"

"Yeah, yeah"

I looked at the dazed Schwi, her beautiful blue eyes were now shrouded within darkness.

"Now then how should I make use of you?"

"????"

Suddenly, I sensed the presence of something – a mana wave that was trying to get in contact with me. I extended my senses to perceive it better.

While mana waves typically dispersed in all directions, this particular mana wave was directed towards me intentionally, as if someone were trying to send me a signal.

Upon closer analysis, the mana wave felt strangely familiar. I recognized it as similar to the mana signature that permeated the grounds of Kaksan Forest.

...

"Hey Meralda wake up"

I shook Meralda awake, her cheeks feeling soft against my fingers as I tried to rouse her from her slumber. She had been sleeping on my bed, even though the sun was high in the sky.

"....Eugnyaaekk!!" Her drowsy mumbling turned into a strange, unintelligible word as she slowly woke up.

"Master...?" she mumbled; her voice heavy with sleep. After her encounter with my sister, her soul had been slightly broken, so I'd allowed her to rest and even sleep on my bed. However, it was clear she was taking advantage of her already healed body to be lazy.

I insisted, "Wake up, Meralda. We're going somewhere."

Her eyes shot open, and all traces of drowsiness vanished. She looked serious and alert as she sat up.

"Where?" she asked.

"To Kaksan Forest," I replied.

Meralda's eyes immediately widened, and her gaze intensified, banishing any remnants of drowsiness that had clouded her vision. Her focus sharpened, as she sat up with a newfound alertness.