ALL NOVEL Chapter 67
If we were to distinguish between large and small guilds in the Revenant Empire, the possession of magic towers would certainly be a prime example.
The empire holds more than 40 magic towers,
thus, the existence of a magic tower at the guild headquarters implies ease of movement to any location within the empire.
Especially as the attacks from demonkind persist, guilds capable of providing support to the outlying magic towers of the empire have been actively hunting down demon creatures to expand their influence.
“Junior Administrator, Sara Cervantes wishes to meet Lord Rezilus.”
“Let her in.”
The guild Crow Pay strictly prohibits general public access.
In the vast grounds, Rezilus’ personal office is located within a building of particularly unique design.
Tock. Tock.
A woman with short black hair approached Rezilus with solemn steps.
“I apologize.”
While Rezilus simply gazed outside, she bent at a 90-degree angle, bowing her head.
“Begin your report.”
Rzilus’ cold tone made Sara’s heart race.
“Grade B, student Lev Denec has declined the recruitment offer.”
“I see.”
“…?”
Rezilus did not show any significant agitation.
At this, Sara saw a glimmer of hope.
Perhaps today would pass without incident…
“Keep an eye on that one.”
“Yes.”
Of course, Rezilus possessed a cursory interest in Lev Denec, but it was just that—cursory.
The recruitment issue was merely a test of the waters for him.
Though the fact that he declined sparked Rezilus’ curiosity.
“What’s the status of Caeran?”
The prime catch among the new recruits was undoubtedly ‘Caeran Hiss.’
He had innate talent, a sharp mind, and was proficient in both swordsmanship and magic.
He embodied the ideal of both martial and scholarly prowess.
However, he also had a temperament that could be unpredictable.
Many guilds expressed interest in him,
but Crow Pay had granted him mid-level administrator authority from the outset, allowing complete freedom of action for a limited period during the holiday.
However, Caeran, who was expected to meet those expectations, seemed to be in less than ideal condition.
There were significant events remaining where his performance was crucial.
“According to the measurement team dispatched… there have been reports of somewhat unstable fluctuations.”
“Does that mean he’s in poor condition?”
“Yes. He briefly recovers during training but then drops back after resting. This isn’t just a simple condition issue—it’s rather erratic…”
“And what do you think?”
“It appears to be trending downward, so I think we need to monitor it further…”
“Hah!”
Rezilus let out a sound of disbelief.
In fact, he had already taken action regarding Caeran.
The greedy Rezilus had not reached this point due to his good nature.
But he was deemed prudent for always listening to his subordinates’ opinions, thereby receiving recognition for his leadership.
He spoke coldly, like a distant master devoid of affection.
“You’re incompetent.”
“…Huh?”
“Sarah, you always lack practicality. You’re just reciting data without suggesting a single solution. You never take responsibility for your words.”
“…”
“That’s why your background and current rank are your limits. Do you think it makes sense that wearing the Crow Pay title, you can’t even recruit a single B-rank?”
“…I’m sorry…”
“If you understand, then get out immediately.”
“….”
Crackle…
Sara ground her teeth.
The first stitch was the problem. If Lev Denec hadn’t declined, there would have been no reason for her to receive such harsh criticism.
“I’ll make sure to not disappoint in the future.”
“Just do what you’ve been doing like a dog.”
“…Understood.”
Her original mission was to monopolize the loot from low-rank monster raids participated in by the lower ranks.
If she followed the manual, it wouldn’t be particularly difficult.
But… before that.
You intend to differentiate between public and private matters?
No thanks.
I repay those who know their place…
Coincidentally, there was a suitable candidate within the academy.
*
Day 7, Group C, the 13th match is about to start, so those wishing to watch should complete their entry at Coliseum C.
The final day of the class ranking battles at Claris Academy.
Having wrapped up my plans for item farming, I applied to participate as an anonymous mercenary in the raid belonging to Crow Pay.
Since mercenaries can register on the day, they didn’t particularly ask for personal information.
Anyway, I was currently at the Hall of Struggle, eagerly awaiting the duel between Edwin and Caeran.
And from the entrance, the exciting conversations of the students began to be heard.
“Are you here to see this too?”
“Of course.”
“Should we call it a big match instead of a big match…?”
Typically, the matches that garnered the most public interest would be those between S-rank and S-rank.
Melissa, Lily, Selena, and Aveline had each faced their opponents, managing at least one or two wins.
They were probably contemplating which guild to join by now.
The last remaining duel was between Caeran and Edwin.
If following the original work, Caeran would take the flow of the battle,
and in a crisis, Edwin would regain momentum with [Sword of Judgment].
Eventually, Caeran would use Copy and turn the tables…
A legendary self-insert character moment and a quirky downfall section.
However, this time it’s different.
Ding!
——————————————————
[Edwin Gwynn]
[Average Status]
: 3.2
[Specialization]
Sword Mastery (6)
Holy (3)
[Unique Traits]
Tenacity (Lv.5)
Execution (Lv.3)
[General Traits]
Blessing (Lv.1)
Veil (Lv.1)
——————————————————
Yesterday, I gave Edwin a pep talk during his final training session.
“Make sure to win.”
“Uh…?”
“Chara!”
I used the Jewel of Black Armor on him.
As a result, his stats surged immensely, and his unique skills, the Iron Veil and the Blessing of the Black Dragon, were bestowed upon Edwin.
I might feel a bit reluctant about it…
But since only one blessing-type skill can be applied per character, I could simply get something better.
[Jewel of the Black Armor – Veins of Black Armor]
[Rarity: S+]
[A vein said to grant power that exists when the Black Dragon physically manifests. It’s said to possess the nature of fear that seeps through as if not visible like darkness—never breaking away.]
(*This odd magic may amplify itself)
[Combination Item]
And the most expensive reward, the Veins of Black Armor, is in my possession.
If I replace the bowstring with this,
I could obtain special effects that synergize well with a dark attribute demon weapon like Ashen Mountain Beast.
And also, there is another important fact.
Ding!
——————————————————
[Caeran Hiss]
-[*Demon Circuit applied]
[Average Status]
: 3.7(3.95) (Infected!)
[Specialization]
Sword Mastery (6) (Infected!)
Circle Magic (3) (Infected!)
[Unique Traits]
Resilience (Lv.1) (Infected!)
Determination (Lv.1) (Infected!)
Massacre (Lv.1) (Infected!)
Absolute Growth (Lv.1) (Infected!)
——————————————————
So this is how it turns out.
It seems Crow Pay has picked up on Caeran’s essence, having planted something within him.
Well, since he was the one they recruited, it was only natural they’d be highly interested; I expected them to notice it.
My original plan was for Caeran to become a burdensome nuisance, causing disruption in the schedule of Crow Pay.
However, their moves were audacious.
Caeran gaining the power of demonkind happens in Chapter 5 or later…
The Demon Circuit that turns humans into Demons.
The Demon Mark that transforms them into Demon Creatures.
The Demon Kin that transmutes them into Demonkind.
Among these, just as Liris had planned for me, they’ve implanted the Demon Circuit in Caeran.
Anyway, allowing Crow Pay to commercialize the power gained through their contracts with demons for their guild members is an existing fact in the latter half of the story.
However, changing the prototype to Caeran is a considerable variable.
The circuit hasn’t even activated yet, and since he possesses a vast capacity for dark magic, he won’t lose his sanity and erupt straight away.
He is, in essence, a ticking time bomb whose darkening could happen at any moment.
But carrying over the Copy skill would instead bring me calamity…
Ultimately, sacrificing a self-insert character hastened the pace of the plot.
It’s actually a good thing.
Crow Pay’s collusion with demonkind will speed up compared to the original work,
so it won’t matter if I break the foundations without any notice…
Rank S, Caeran Hiss, Rank C, Edwin Gwynn, begin now.
Bound to my thoughts, the sacred duel of Claris Academy commenced.
Match start, 5 seconds remaining.
Waaaaaah!!
Let’s go, underdog!!
Show us!!
Match begins.
Pah-pat!!
The battle unfolded in a manner so familiar I could almost recall it from the fanfic.
Using the attribute of dual-wielding,
Caeran relentlessly pushed forward, provoking Edwin.
Clang!
Edwin remained silent, blocking with either one hand or both.
As it became clear the match would not be decided in a single blow, murmurs began to ripple through the audience.
What? It’s surprisingly even?
No way. C-rank is clearly at a disadvantage.
Right? They must’ve gotten lucky at the start just to hold on.
The outcome thereafter played out just as everyone had predicted.
As exchanges continued, Edwin was gradually pushed back, and though he didn’t concede a clean hit, he was barely managing to stay on his feet.
As expected, it’s not working.
Is the underdog waking up now?
Those who bet against him are done for. It’s over.
Thud!
Eventually cornered into a blind spot, Edwin fell, leaving just one exchange remaining.
At that moment…
Savor the challenge. Go on.
I could see the moving shape of Caeran’s lips echoing the very lines I recited from the fanfic.
It’s not deviating from expectations.
Then,
Uwaaaaaah!!
Edwin’s shout resonated.
Traditionally, protagonists awaken in their direst moments…
This cliché is incredibly clichéd and predictable.
As expected, Edwin fully awakened his execution abilities, fully embracing the moment.
Oh?? It looks like Caeran is on the back foot?
Does that even make sense?
What’s happening???
While Caeran attempted to imitate, unfortunately for him, that technique had long since vanished.
?!
I could feel the expression of Caeran, who seemed flustered in ways I had never seen in the fanfic.
The match had already been decided long ago.
Seeing no need to watch any longer, I left the coliseum.
*
In the original fanfic for Hwanseangaka,
Caeran was supposed to block the demonic invasions from Chapters 1 to 4, earning the affections of the heroines.
The early signs of true darkening began around Chapter 5 when he would acquire the Demon Sword.
He wasn’t going to be a Min yet, but would wield a demon weapon like me…
However, seeing his current state, it deviated from the original.
In other words, Edwin, no?
I…
Had to stop the demon invasions up to Chapter 4 on behalf of Caeran.
——————————————————
[Mission Objectives]
1 – Graduate from Claris Academy without failing or being expelled.
2 – Prevent Caeran’s Ending.
Failure: The world line may collapse, and you might be trapped in the flow of time forever.
——————————————————
So these two are the mission objectives…
They seem simple enough, but the two are interconnected.
However, without the author’s intervention and the notorious scam skill Copy, it’s feasible.
Thus, the first thing to do is,
Participate in the raid and seize the Ring of Induction…
Once I collect the dividends, I’ll have more than 2000 gold in hand.
[Memorize: Ring of Induction]
Since Rezilus found that item incredibly useful,
I must secure it before it slips over to Crow Pay, to indirectly nerf him.
Just when I decided to steel my resolve.
“It’s been a while.”
“…!”
A familiar voice echoed, as if it had been ages since I last heard it.
A cold, slim tone resonated with a chilling quality.
It was Selena, the half-elf, who had taught me Wind Archery.
“…Looks like you’re already here, knowing the outcome?”
As an archer and elf, she was quick to notice since she held a peculiar caution towards humans.
“……”
Waaaaaaahhh!!
Cheers erupted from Coliseum C behind me.
From the overwhelming roar, it seemed…
Edwin must have won.
“The Royal Class Circle has vanished. Caeran has… been completely assimilated into Crow Pay.”
Selena looked at me with her beautiful and sharp eyes.
“…Everything went according to your plan, didn’t it?”
“I don’t quite grasp what you mean from earlier.”
I brushed past her.
Ignoring the gazes around, I had to grow stronger.
From Chapter 3 onward, I had to directly confront demonkind.
“First off… I’ll say thank you. There have been a lot of disturbances among the female students because of Caeran.”
“……”
“I heard Lily had your back during the dungeon exploration practice, including that.”
Was Selena always this concerned about others?
She was a character who would be targeted directly in the upcoming Chapter 3.
Selena, you…
Hence, a cautionary phrase swelled in my throat.
Regardless, she’s a character from the reincarnated hero whom I liked.
What an experience it was to receive gratitude from that character.
“So, I wonder what your hidden agenda is… now I’m curious.”
“You don’t need to wonder. I just intend to quietly graduate from the academy.”
In response to my answer, Selena only offered a faint smile.
.
.
.
The first vacation at the academy was rapidly approaching.