Chapter 23: Shopping and the Beginning of the Plan

Chapter 23: Shopping and the Beginning of the Plan

On Friday afternoon, after Professor Schulm's lecture on the relationship between artifact and magic circles ended, a student came to find me as I was tidying up.

"Adrias Cromwell?"

"Yes, that's me."

"Professor Charon Diphlen asked you to come to his office around 9 o'clock."

"Really? Thanks."

I had actually planned to go there myself, so it was convenient that he called me.

Thinking that things were going well, I wondered what I should do until 9 o'clock.

Since I had just received the reward the previous day, I thought it would be a good idea to go shopping.

"10 million Will. That's roughly equivalent to 10 million Korean won."

It felt roughly similar.

However, in this medieval world, the cost of living and prices were extremely divided.

Luxury items and spices for the nobles were worth a fortune, but the prices of daily necessities and common food for the commoners were relatively stable.

The items I wanted to buy were already decided.

Of course, if I had enough money, I would immediately reclaim the signet ring from the grave robber Fireman, but I didn't have nearly enough with 10 million Will.

'I hope it wasn't obtained and sold already.'

With that thought in mind, I boarded the Mana Train.

The destination was a bustling commercial and shopping district within the Academy grounds.

I didn't want to spend money recklessly, but I felt that this was necessary, so I hurriedly went.

What I realized from the previous battle was that there are still many things in this world that I don't know. Since I can't predict when those variables will attack me, I always had to be prepared.

"This is Alven Street Station. We will make a 5-minute stop and then depart for the next station, Modban Hall."

I sat on the train and read a book for about 15 minutes until I arrived at my destination.

In fact, Albenburg had a significant stake in the Academy, as the name suggests.

Mages may be money-devouring creatures, but if they succeed, they can become wealthier than anyone else, as demonstrated by the Alben family.

Friday afternoon, after the lecture ended, and especially since there were many students wandering around Alben Street.

In addition to students, there were assistants, academy staff, and residents of the academy going about their business diligently.

Between the setting sun that was gradually setting, it was a pleasant sight to see people laughing and chatting with each other.

Although I didn't fit in with them, just watching them made me feel content.

'These people are all settled. They find joy in every little thing.'

Unconsciously smiling, I moved my feet.

Within the academy, there were various gatherings and clubs.

And most connections were formed in such places.

While students in the same class were competitors, in clubs and gatherings, it was easier to become close since they shared the same hobbies or interests.

If it weren't for any pressing matters, I could have attended those gatherings and lived a more sociable life.

As I moved further into the street, less sunlight penetrated, making it darker.

However, contrary to the darkness, the atmosphere was vibrant and intense.

The sound of hammers hitting metal echoed from all around, synchronizing with the beating of my heart.

'I never thought I would see this place for real.'

The blacksmithing street that I had visited hundreds of times in the game.

Among them, it was the most frequently visited blacksmith.

'My hammer is the best in the world.'

It was a blacksmith shop that had a somewhat peculiar name but was well worth its reputation.

There were quite a few blacksmith shops on Blacksmith Street, but based on my experience, this one was the best.

As I nervously entered with an excited feeling after checking the sign, I unexpectedly came face to face with someone.

"Oh."

"Huh?"

"Dianne Alven?"

Caught off guard by an unexpected encounter, I momentarily froze but quickly composed myself and nodded as if I knew them.

Disnne also had a surprised expression but then maintained a poker face after nodding in acknowledgment.

"Adrias Cromwell. Why are you here?"

"I came for a task."

Come to think of it, it was the first time we were having a conversation.

Although we had crossed paths a few times before, each time we maintained an unnecessary level of caution.

Now that I had somewhat adapted to this world, I realized that such behavior was unnatural.

So, I should handle it appropriately.

'Of course, I need to be careful not to raise death flags.'

She still glanced at me with cold eyes, and I, in turn, glanced at her and discreetly looked to the side.

Behind the counter, the blacksmith's assistant was carefully packaging something that appeared to be a weapon.

'A sword. The person who bought it is Dianne Alven. And the owner?'

It was easy to deduce.

Is it a gift for my brother, Carlos Alven?

If that's the case, it meant that Carlos Alven would soon visit the academy, which implied that the incident would not be far behind.

Dianne, who noticed my gaze, quickly turned her body and concealed the sword.

Is she embarrassed about buying a gift?

I don't know if I'm abnormal.

But I don't think being like this makes me a bad person.

'It's evidence that I haven't become a monster yet.'

It could be considered a self-comfort or self-deception.

It's possible that people mistake themselves for being monsters.

Anyway, what does it matter?

I looked at the food approaching me.

"Our special ten-colored roasted chicken with Mama's special seasoning is ready."

"Thank you."

Was the name of this restaurant Mama's Paradise on Earth?

The chef seems to be Mama herself.

I picked up a leg of the chicken-shaped roasted dish and ate it with my hands.

And soon, I almost shed tears from the unexpectedly nostalgic taste.

'Seasoned chicken?'

Of course, it wasn't fried food.

But perhaps because of the seasoning, it tasted similar to Korean-style fried chicken.

Thanks to that, I voraciously devoured the food and called the server for an additional order.

"Yes, please wait a moment."

Only then did I look around and noticed that the students sitting at the table next to me were looking at me with pitiful expressions.

Did I eat too hastily?

I resolved to eat the food from the additional order slowly, but as soon as the food arrived, I realized I was already devouring it with both hands.

'This... It can't be helped. It's irresistible.'

I placed a third additional order, but the server had a apologetic expression.

"I'm sorry, sir. We've run out of our special sauce today, so it's sold out."

"Ah, I see."

Oh, this is unfortunate.

I sighed and reluctantly got up from my seat.

"The ten-colored chicken was delicious."

"I'm glad you liked it."

As I was about to go to the cashier to pay, the server waved their hand.

"The customers at the table next to you already paid and left."

"What?"

I looked toward the entrance of the restaurant, but they were already gone.

Thanks to that, I ended up having a free meal, and it made me feel that the world still had some goodness in it.

Yet, at the same time, I felt a sense of self-disgust.

How pitifully did I eat to receive this kind of treatment?

.

.

.

.

Returning to the Department of Magic, I headed to Charon's office in my spare time.

Although I had about 30 minutes to spare, when I arrived at the office, surprisingly, the lights were on.

Curious, I knocked on the door and spoke.

"Professor, it's Adrias Cromwell."

The usual silence followed, and after mentally counting to 30, I heard a response.

"...Come in."

As I entered, Charon was sitting at the office desk, checking his tablet.

"You're early. Do you have time?"

"I came early to wait, but when I saw the lights on, I knocked."

"Then wait."

I nodded and sat at the table in front of Charon's office desk.

Quietly, I started reading a book I had brought along, thinking it would pass the time.

"Adrias."

About 10 minutes later, Charon called me.

"I heard you caught the Dark Mage this time."

"Yes, that's correct. I was actually planning to see you about that matter, but the investigation was still in progress..."

"I see. Stop talking for a moment and wait."

Charon rearranged the mana and cast an unknown spell throughout the office.

"Now, speak."

"Can I speak freely now?"

"I used a spell to block the noise. So, speak."

Charon seemed to want to hear everything from beginning to end, but it couldn't be done that way.

Before explaining the whole incident, I decided to take the lead.

"Master, I think I've obtained the Codex Apocalypse."