Chapter 365: One Troubled Asley
Although the opportunity to speak came without warning thanks to Warren, I ended up telling everyone how much more powerful the Devil King had been compared to me when I and the Holy Warriors faced him. It was difficult to convey the message in a concise manner, but at least everyone seemed to take things seriously.
Catherine and Jacob listened especially carefully, perhaps due to them having worked closely with Devils such as Billy and Idïa for a long time. Quite unexpected, but also not really.
Then again, they’re human, not to mention two of the Six Braves — not the kind of people to side with the Devilkin, unlike Billy. Their reactions to all this new information were in fact of the expected kind.
Now, all that talking was hard enough, but the thing that ended up following that was... even harder.
“Whew.”
I let out a sigh once I was back in my room, and Pochi opened her eyes slightly, seemingly curious.
“Hmm...? Something the matter, Masterrr?”
“Oh, you know... just had some late-night brawling with Sir Charlie and Sir Argent. I’m tired as hell...”
“Aww, that’s cooooool~~”
And so Pochi closed her eyes again.
That doesn’t seem right. Is that all the reaction she’s going to give? I personally think it’s quite a big deal, at least...
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The next morning, before going to the magic classroom, we showed up for a bit at the Adventurers’ Guild.
“WHAAAAAATTTTTT!? You fought Sir Charlie and Sir Argent!? Why didn’t you tell me about that, Master!?”
Oh, NOW she’s making the appropriate reaction.
When we woke up, I talked to her about it again, assuming that she didn’t remember me talking about it last night. Looks like I made the right move there.
“Well!? How did you lose to them, sir!?”
“What the hell!? I WON, God damn it!”
“You... WOOONNNN!?”
Holy shit, that falsetto...
For a second, I thought her voice was about to break the Guild building’s windows!
“W-who are you!?”
“It’s me! ME! What, you think I’m an impostor or something!?”
“You WOOONNNN!?”
Again with the falsetto.
It’s so... powerful that all the adventurers around us are blocking their ears. I proceeded to shut Pochi’s mouth and apologize to everyone on her behalf.
“Why didn’t you call me for such an important meeting!?”
“I did! Countless times! With Telepathic Call! But you were too freaking drunk to pick up!”
“Aww, it felt GREAT though! I mean, it did make my belly feel a bit chilly, but still!”
“God damn, that’s the one thing that’s so admirable about you!”
“Aww, that’s flattering, sir!”
“Whoa, Anri! You’ve got to tell me more about that!”
Huh, Lina is into this kind of gossip, too?
It’s strange that this, of all things, actually makes Lina look like a normal girl to me. She’s so extraordinarily talented and capable, after all, though I guess her achievements may not have much of an influence on her personality.
“I was doing that, yes. Is there a problem?”
“”HWUH–!?””
Despite blushing a little bit, Claris’ reaction is nowhere nearly as strong as the others. Now then, how am I supposed to react to this?
At my side, Pochi is trying her best to hold her laughter.. and she’s managing it badly so far. Like, she could lose it any second now...
While I was agonizing over what to say to them, someone came to my much-needed rescue, albeit unintentionally and quite suddenly.
“Hehehe... you seem to be quite a popular character, Professor Asley.”
Minerva said as she stood on the podium.
Whoa, when did she even get there? Surely I should’ve sensed her coming at some point, but no — it’s like she completely slipped past my perception.
Everyone seems to also be surprised by Minerva’s sudden appearance. Even Irene, as I saw in a corner of my eye, was at a loss for words.
All the class attendees stood up and saluted to her, who would serve as today’s lecturer.
Minerva nodded to us and waved her hand, prompting us to sit down.
“Now then, let us get started.”
“”Yes, ma’am!””
Everyone’s voices echoed through the venue, signaling the proper beginning of the class.
“Many of you must have been surprised by my supposedly sudden appearance. I would like to spend today’s time explaining how that is achieved.”
Huh, so she’s showing what we’d be learning first before teaching us. That’s one good way to pique everyone’s interest in the technique in question. It probably helps the teaching process go more efficiently, too.
“Let’s see... Mister Asley, please stand in front of me.”
“...Yes, ma’am.”
I walked up to Minerva, and she moved to my side so that the attendees could see both of us.
“This time, I’ll use the technique only on Mister Asley here. Pay close attention, everyone. And Mister Asley, try not to lose sight of me.”
She’s confident enough in it to say that AND use me as the subject of demonstration. Everyone must understand that, too, as apparent from how they’re focusing their attention on Minerva’s every move.
I did so as well... or so I thought.
“Huh?”
Suddenly, I heard the voice of a random class attendee, and at that same moment, Minerva disappeared from my field of vision.
It’s like she just used Invisible Illusion... but she in fact did not turn invisible at all.
“This way, Mister Asley.”
I heard her voice calling from behind me.
Immediately turning around, I saw her face, cracking the usual mysterious smile.