Chapter 197 Ruri's Devious Plan

Rumia Flora, now as Ruri Zerem, the daughter of Count Zerem, was in this so-called mysterious ancient world for almost a week now.

Although the time difference between the enigmatic ancient world and Earth wasn't stated through the System messages, all Rumia could hope for was that the time flow in the ancient world was the same as the time flow on Earth.

Apart from that, she was hoping that her body wasn't cremated or drained of blood assuming that her body could be declared dead.

Furthermore, Rumia had also taken note of her Transmigrator's Privilege.

[Absolute Memory]

Description:

— As a transmigrator, every memory of the body where the Soul Body has been transferred would almost immediately be processed and owned.

[Regeneration]

Description:

— As a transmigrator, the Soul Body's infinite regeneration would also manifest through the physical body. This effect would be nullified if the damage was dealt with by fellow transmigrators.

[Abnormal Status Immunity]

Description:

— As a transmigrator, having been blessed by the Cosmos Ocean that holds the power of time, only abnormal status debuffs dealt by fellow transmigrators would take effect.

[Charisma]

Description:

— The transmigrator's existence was considered an anomaly in the ancient world. Be mindful of major events!

Based on what Rumia had theorized regarding the Transmigrator's Privilege, it could be something to be utilized, except for Absolute Memory, in identifying and eliminating other transmigrators.

To begin with, Rumia could act and bump into anyone and get wounded. If the wound didn't get regenerated under the effects of [Regeneration] after a few seconds or minutes, she could conclude that whoever she bumped into was a fellow transmigrator.

It's the same case with [Abnormal Status Immunity], but this would require arduous work to pull off since it's far more dangerous compared to the previous utilization.

"I can try slipping mild poison agents to someone discreetly and let them unknowingly poison my food, and if it affects me, it means the one who poured it is a fellow transmigrator."

Rumia murmured, being alone in her bedroom at this moment.

In addition, the [Charisma] wasn't referring to one's physical looks or hearing, but rather how the transmigrators were attracted, whether they wanted it or not, to major events.

"But it's possible that we will be the ones to cause the major events.

"Well, I just hope this ends quickly so I can return home."

Furthermore, apart from the Transmigrator's Privilege utilization plan, Rumia learned geography and the style of life that exists in this world.

According to Ruri's memory, being the only child of the Zerem Family, she was knowledgeable regarding the basic geography and power system of this world.

At this moment, where the home of Ruri to whom Rumia transmigrated was called Augaia Empire, ruled by the Emperor August Augaia, which was situated in the Central Alpha Continent.

On the other hand, apart from the Augaia Empire, there exists other three superpowers: the Republic of Holacis, ruled by the Divine Pope, which was located on the Western Alpha Continent; Queendom of Snow, ruled by the Ice Queen, which could be found on the Southern Alpha Continent, and lastly, there's the Cana Kingdom, which was situated on the Eastern Alpha Continent, who was ruled by the Wizard King.

There's only one continent called Alpha, but on the borders of the Northern Alpha, the Omega Forest could be seen, where the Demon Queen was currently ruling.

In other words, the Northern Alpha was a border where a war between humans and demons could erupt at any moment.

"Just what kind of world is this..."

Rumia murmured, looking at the neat ceiling of her bedroom.

***

In terms of linguistics, there's only one language that was spoken by every human and was called Cermes.

With the help of the Absolute Memory, just like what its description said, apart from remembering, it allowed Rumia to own the memories of Ruri — and with owning followed the instant processing of knowledge.

Regarding the power system, on the one hand, there were two general categories: Magic and Sword. The former was divided into three; Divine Power from the people of Holacis Republic; Ice Magic from the people of Snow Queendom, and General Magic from the people of Cana Kingdom.

On the other hand, where Rumia was currently, the Augaia Empire was specialized in manifesting "Aura."

"There are too many things to ponder, but not everything is equally important."

What Rumia was curious about the most was that if this opportunity or curse came to be because of the Tower of Growth, it would mean that these circumstances were for her or the fellow transmigrators' growth.

She was also wondering about the new challengers of the Tower of Growth, specifically those who would be bestowed by the Ancient Pearl of the Cosmos Ocean that she had consumed.

And at this moment, she received the virtual answer to her curiosity as the System, out of nowhere, notified her of the gradual change.

[As the flow of the Cosmos Ocean is unpredictable, changes would happen over time.]

[The change will only stop if the first transmigrator has been slain.]

[The first tick of change has been written!]

[Alternative ways to go return to Earth: Eliminate either the Divine Pope or the Demon Queen.]

"This is ambiguous. Does it mean..."

Rumia stopped her train of thought as she realized another possibility.

"It seems that transmigrators aren't bigshots or powerful in the beginning."

It would be unfair if someone transmigrated into the Pope or the Demon Queen's body because they could abuse their authority to hunt fellow transmigrators similar to creating a crusade, which would bring fear to those who were meant to be eliminated.

In other words, a grand action would certainly bring an illogical reaction.

"Sigh..."

Knock-! Knock-

Rumia was cut off by a knock, she then heard Alice Rua's voice from behind the door.

"Ruri-! Our respective fathers are waiting in the dining room. Let's go-!"

"Coming up, Alice!"

'The attempt to hunt will start tomorrow, anyways.'

Rumia muttered before she dressed by herself because she previously told her genuine maid, not Alice, to leave her for some time.

***

Time quickly passed. The day to attend the prestigious academy of the Augaia Empire arrived.

"You... Be a good girl! I will be visiting the capital next month, so do not worry.

"You will frequently see me because of some business, my dear daughter."

'But I don't need to see you, though?'

Rumia, choosing to fulfill her role as Ruri, faintly smiled at her father's words, retracting to blurt out something hurtful.

On the other hand, Baron Rua was bidding his farewell to Alice. Both were emotional even though they weren't going to prison and be unable to see each other.

Rumia fell silent as she saw the lovely scene, remembering her father who left for a few years because of a classified mission, which had probably been forgotten by some affiliated members of the Obelisk Organization.

"Is everything in your Dimensional Inventory?"

Count Zerem's words caused Rumia to prick up her ears.

"Ah... Yes, father."

One thing unusual she recovered from Ruri's memories was that the Dimensional Inventory exists in this world. Rumia was first perplexed by the realization because she was certain that she, as well as her fellow transmigrators, would only be the ones to possess it, but she quickly recovered from the minor shock because the Dimensional Inventory was rather a function from an artifact called Ring of Space, crafted using the vital parts of the Space Insectoids found in the Omega Forest.

After some time, Ruri and Alice, who were accompanied by their respective maids and butlers, entered the spacious and extravagant-looking carriage, driven by two high-class horses, since cars and such weren't present in this world.

"See you soon, my dear Ruri-! I love you!"

"Alice-! S-see you-!"

The send-off for temporary goodbye then ended as the new journey awaited them.

***

On Earth, Orion Continent. At the neat and cozy, spacious Student Council Office of the Obelisk Academy.

"We have summoned you today because the day of the Fourteen Day of Founding Deep Connections will be arriving soon.

"You are the representatives, chosen by your respective professors, that will be participating in the El-Vul-Or Tournament-!

"During the other events: the Capital Tour and Student Exchange, you will be having a mock battle everyday afternoon until early evening.

"It is decided that the classes will be suspended until further notice, which we can assume to be resumed after the tournament.

"Any questions?"

Russell Moon, together with some others of different years, did not say anything upon hearing Professor Murak's words — their strict Player Physical Education professor.

"Alright. Further or additional information will be updated on the Obelisk Website, so keep posted.

"Dismiss-!"

With his words, the short meeting ended.

***

"Did they say regarding the opponents we will be fighting in the tournament?"

Han Jiho asked, looking at Anya, as they took their pace through the hallway.

He shot a glance at Russell for a moment but quickly retracted it.

It's been a few days since Rumia's body was secretly buried in the royal basement of the Nereia's Royal Palace.

When Russell told Samantha that it was good that Rumia had died, the latter, including the others with him, confronted the former about his attitude.

But all Russell had said as a counter was that they were pulling pranks on him, which they didn't deny after some contemplation, which resulted in them hiding the truth behind Rumia's absence and telling themselves that it would only be Rosalin, Rumia's mother, to have the right to tell Russell regarding the crux of the matter.

'I spared all of you the emotions.'

Russell Moon thought, recalling the scenes of Rumia's temporal death in his unpublished novel, which was mourned greatly, causing the entire Nereia to weep as their cries seemed to reach the heavens.

Knowing the intelligence of Rosalin, just by his interaction with her regarding the absurd Obelisk Hymn when he came to the Obelisk Organization with Ayleen to discuss the solution to the Tower of Growth's Failure Penalty, Russell knew that Rosalin, although would be mad at the initial absurdity of the idea, would develop a sense of indescribable trust in him.

In other words, just by proving in front of Rosalin the solution after failing the Tower of Growth, Russell established within her a seed of consideration, which made her realize that Russell's actions, when Samantha had called him and caught drinking, were only superficial and had meaning behind.

'Sigh... I'm too involved for a moment. I need my introvert energy back.'

Russell inwardly lampooned as he beckoned Freya and Amelie before separating ways from the others.

***

In the ancient world. It's been a few weeks since Rumia, as Ruri, and Alice started classes in the Augaia Academy, which was named to honor the bloodline of Augaia, who had ruled this empire for numerous generations.

'It's quite an experience for me.'

Being plunged into the world of magic and swords, without the modern technology she was used to, Rumia found the setting she was in as interesting.

Sitting in the class, she glanced around, trying to find hints about other transmigrators. She already attempted the "getting bumped and wounded operation," but miserably failed since every wound as she tripped was instantly healed.

'I guess I need to attempt the poison-myself-operation, huh...'

With her right hand on her chin, Rumia thought, trying to devise a plan to find a poison or chemical that was not too harmful, but not harmless either.

'Although the empire's specialization is producing knights, it doesn't mean that's all there is.'

An ominous smile crept up her lips as she recalled the alchemy class.

'Time to poison myself through others' hands.'

After some time, the afternoon class started. In the Alchemy Laboratory, she discreetly grabbed a miniscule poisonous ingredient and slipped it through her random target — someone who interacted with her in the past few weeks.

"Ruri, can you try the potion I'm making?"

"I would love to, but it seems you are lacking something."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I mean— make sure to put everything necessary so the effects will be great."

"Haha-! Of course."

A red-haired woman with crimson eyes, around sixteen to seventeen years old, smiled at Ruri as she was making a certain potion that Rumia had no idea about.

"Alright. I'll take a look later. I'm concocting mine first, so yeah."

'Please make it work!'

Rumia inwardly hoped, wanting to eliminate a first transmigrator.