Chapter 54

Chapter 54 – The Soul Of A Collector

What grudge the goddesses of fate have against me, as three days felt like three months and finally ended.

I could finally enjoy a normal life in the Forest of Heroes.

It could be said that my life transitioned from deep, dark modern tale and martial arts fiction to a bright and green academy story.

After all, the Forest of Heroes could be seen as an academy attended by all sorts of mythological protagonists.

With light steps, I left my dorm and headed towards the Forest of Arts for my first class.

I cleared away the riddles left by my sisters in the name of Mother(?), Nyx, and Hermes, who left with a sparkle in their eyes, and all the various affairs of the gods.

Just for today, I decided to enjoy my day as an ordinary student and stepped out.

To become a hero, there was no time to rest, as the curriculum assigned in the Forest of Heroes was exceedingly rigorous.

Even excluding the morning runs that were halted due to the temporary closure of the Colosseum, the schedule was packed with all kinds of classes, practicals, and part-time jobs from sunrise to sunset.

“Let’s see... the first class today is...”

Today’s class, as written on the timetable, was a music lesson scheduled in the Forest of Arts.

Hercules grumbled that music was of no use to a hero who faced monsters and villains, as he played the twelve-stringed zither in frustration.

However, I realized Chiron was indeed a principal who deeply cared for his students.

No matter how strong-willed a warrior might be, if they leave mental scars unattended after consecutive bloody battles and seas of blood, they are bound to break down in one way or another.

Among them, the more moderate ones become desensitized to murder and blood, while in the worst cases, they become murderers intoxicated by blood or are consumed by their inner demons, leading to self-destruction.

Music lessons, which allow one to build culture and heal wounds alone in this way, would be quite beneficial to the heroes who would wander this land in the future.

“Huh? Supplies?”

However, under the timetable, with a small note for music lessons, it was written to bring a flute as a supply.

There was a brief guide to a musical instrument store located in the market area, so it seemed possible to prepare and go without being late for the lesson.

“What the...?”

The supplies listed on the timetable.

I reminisced about my distant school days, chuckling softly as I turned my steps towards the market area.

The statue of Hermes greeted me with a sly smile, and as I passed it, the large market where Atalanta and I had snacked yesterday came into view.

“Groceries, blacksmiths, second-hand weapons, the latest extras...”

Though called a market, the neat rows of two to three story buildings with price tags and goods displayed reminded me of a large shopping mall.

Walking along, admiring the neatly organized shops, the music store I was looking for appeared in front of me.

“Hello? Oh?!”

“Oh my! You must be the new student, Dianes, right? Welcome, we have only gathered instruments that even Apollo would praise!”

As I entered the music store, a nymph with a warm demeanor tuning a lyre greeted me.

I was captivated by the flute displayed behind the shop owner.

“...I would like to see a flute.”

“A flute? Ah, of course! Today is Marcia’s music class!”

Nodding repeatedly, the shop owner enthusiastically explained each flute she took out from the counter.

But my eyes couldn’t leave the shabby stone flute quietly displayed in the back, which clearly signaled it wasn’t for sale.

It was a haunted object.

And a very old, serious one at that.

Even without enhancing my vision or awakening my spiritual sight, its unusual aura was unmistakably visible.

Whether it was bound by a vengeful spirit or cursed, the sinister energy growling as if it would show hellfire to anyone who touched it recklessly was astonishing.

However, what caught my eye more than its sinister energy was its craftsmanship.

The flute, being easier to carry than gold and possessing the unique high-pitched tone of a wind instrument, was useful for detecting enemies or understanding terrain. I often used sound techniques with a flute.

Also, when I wandered alone on missions, I would play the flute to ease my loneliness, so I prided myself on having quite a knack for the flute.

And that mysterious, glistening stone flute I saw was a remarkable masterpiece, or perhaps even more than that.

It was definitely a flute made of stone, yet without any signs of carving or assembly seams, with a smooth body and gentle curves that shimmered with a mysterious light, it was impossible to believe it was a human creation.

“...How about that flute in the back?”

“Oh? This? I went far last night and found this near a mountain by chance. It had a slightly worn look, but it is a flute made in the style of the ancient Hydria Island... Student, could you come closer?”

“Pardon?”

At the beckoning of the shop owner, who looked excited, she approached the flute and took a closer look.

This flute was not just an ordinary stone flute.

“Wow...”

The beautiful obsidian flute that would have surely become the crowning jewel of my collection in my past life.

Even the miscellaneous spirits vanished, and its body shining brightly under the sunlight was mesmerizing.

“Entering the Forest of Heroes was really a great decision.”

In an instant, my pockets became light, but money can always be earned again!

With the satisfaction of an amazing find filling my heart, I turned lightly towards the music classroom.

The sunlight sparkled, the greenery was fresh, and the bright youth laughed and chatted on the beautiful school path.

And the satisfying weight of my darling felt in my arms.

It was as if the whole world was blessing my new beginning, my academy life.

“Atalanta, you traitor! Do you still claim to be the daughter of Artemis?”

“...I have nothing to say, Sister.”

“Do not call me sister!”

...Just three minutes after thinking that, a voice that pierced my eardrums trampled on my happiness.

Ten meters ahead, a group of women blocking the path and a familiar redhead with her head bowed low were glittering like sunshine.

Wearing the same sparkling twilight-colored dress she had on yesterday, she was still beautiful, but her face was full of worry.

“Atalanta?”

Was there some kind of conflict?

It seemed like she did something wrong to that group, but no matter how bad it was, wasn’t it a bit much to publicly humiliate her in the middle of the road?

As I hurried my steps, suppressing my floating feelings and sensing the unusual atmosphere.

A woman with a tough impression, who seemed to be the leader of the group, drew a dagger.

“What is this clothing?! If you don’t take it off immediately, my sword will tear it apart!”

“Wh-What are you doing?!”

“Artemis! Allow me to punish this foolish traitor!”

Was she really thinking of tearing her clothes in the middle of the street? The blade of the lunatic, invoking Artemis, lunged toward Atalanta’s clothing.

-Whack!

Of course, my foot striking the pervert’s face was faster than the dagger reaching Atalanta’s clothes.

“D-Dianes?!”

“Eek?!”

“Wh-Why is the freshman here?”

“Didn’t he say he was going to music class?”

...It was a good morning.

It was a good day and a good start.

But in this moment, when I just needed to go to class.

It was all ruined in an instant by those lunatics shouting the name of that lunatic unicorn, Artemis.

“Enough, bow your head.”

Then I’ll let you walk to the healer.

Even I thought it was a very merciful suggestion.