"Every year, our academy has consistently ranked at the bottom in the tournament. Even last year, when we had Senior Harvey, we still ended up in last place. Relying on a single strong student won't alter our situation. That's precisely why I'm committed to ensuring that everyone here grows strong together."
"I shall assist you, Princess. After all, it's what Jake desires as well," Reina affirmed.
"Jake... hmm. I see. Ms. Rowe, tell me. What's your relationship with my Jake?" Marilyn inquired.
Reina stammered, "W-what do you mean? Why are you asking this?"
Marilyn continued, "You usually refer to other people by their surnames, but you address Jake by his first name. That's quite unusual for you."
Reina swallowed hard. She didn't know how to respond. Seeing Marilyn's seriousness, she felt a surge of anger. While the princess was Jake's childhood friend, Jake was her boyfriend. What gave her the right to interrogate her like this? Nevertheless, if the princess wanted to know about her relationship with Jake, she was prepared to tell her.
That was her intention, but a familiar figure approached their table. Jake stumbled toward them, his body adorned with runic tattoos. His veins bulged as if they were on the verge of bursting, and his reddened skin emitted hot steam.
Both Reina and Marilyn sprang to their feet and caught Jake just before he collapsed.
"Jake, what's happening to you?" Marilyn asked, panic creeping into her voice.
Reina didn't ask the question, but her eyes welled up with tears. She couldn't comprehend what was unfolding. Just yesterday, Jake had been perfectly healthy, and now he was in this dire condition.
"Please hang on, Jake. I'll carry you to the infirmary," Reina said, lifting Jake into her arms.
Jake managed a weak smile and gently caressed her cheek, his hand burning hot. "I'm sorry, but put me down. I'm grateful I can see both of you. I need to share my final words with you both."
"Stop talking. We're going to ensure you survive," Reina insisted. As she prepared to hurry to the infirmary, Jake suddenly lowered himself to the ground. Reina stared at him with confusion, but Jake immediately explained.
"Please, both of you, sit down. I think I have about ten minutes to explain my situation and convey my last words. Haha, my condition is rather pitiful, isn't it? Well, it all began when I was training a new ability."
Reina was about to lift him again, but Jake held onto her and the princess's wrists.
"Sorry, but listen. My new ability was on the verge of completion, but I didn't anticipate the demanding requirement for its final stage. Well, it's my fault, so I don't mind facing death like this." Jake turned to Marilyn. "Marilyn, please hear my final words to you."
"Enough! I should be the one passing first, not you. You mentioned the requirement for your ability, right? Tell me what it is. I'll do anything to fulfill it," Marilyn declared.
"No, thank you. It's impossible," Jake responded.
"If you don't want to tell me, I'll use my [Magic Eyes] to find out," Marilyn threatened, removing her blindfold and fixing her [Magic Eyes] on Jake. However, her expression soured almost immediately.
"See? You'll die if you help me," Jake remarked.
"What's the requirement, Princess? I'll take your place if it's truly dangerous," Reina offered without hesitation. Despite becoming Jake's girlfriend only yesterday, she was willing to be of service to someone she cared about. As a warrior, she would rather die meaningfully than die as a helpless bystander.
"It's..." Marilyn hesitated, her gaze shifting between Reina and Jake. Then, she turned her attention back to Jake and began unbuttoning her uniform.
However, before she could proceed any further, Jake stopped her hands. "What's the use of surviving if I can't see you anymore? Marilyn, my life just flashed before my eyes. Reflecting on it, I cherished every moment with you. If I manage to survive at the cost of your sacrifice, I don't think I could ever forgive myself. Let me go, Marilyn."
Tears welled up in Marilyn's eyes, but her expression remained resolute. She looked at Reina and knelt before her. "Miss Rowe, please save Jake. You're the only one who can. Please."
Reina turned to Marilyn, a sense of urgency in her voice. "What should I do, Princess?"
Marilyn hesitated, her voice trembling. "To unlock his ability, Jake has to... He has to be with a virgin girl. I... I would be willing to do it, but I have a condition that prevents me from doing so. Only you can help him, Miss Rowe. Please, assist him. I'll do anything you ask in return if you do."
Traditionally, women often reserved their virginity for their husbands until marriage, following societal norms. Even those willing to give up their virginity before marriage preferred to do so on a special occasion, wanting to create the right mood for the experience.
Reina fell into the latter category. She didn't mind parting with her virginity before marriage, but she envisioned it happening after a meaningful date. She yearned to feel special. However, given the urgency of the situation, her determination shifted.
"Is it true that giving my virginity to Jake will heal him?" Reina asked.
Marilyn weakly nodded, her tone reluctant. She loved Jake and initially wanted her first time to be with him, but the circumstances demanded immediate action. She was willing to do anything to save him.
"In that case, I'll do it," Reina declared.
---
The previous night, Jake had an epiphany regarding a plan to help Marilyn accept Reina. To put this plan into action, he locked himself inside his room under the pretext of mastering a potent ability.
"To start my strategy, I need to reach level 10 first," Jake muttered as he unlocked a chest in his room. Inside the chest, he discovered Legacy Potions that Mr. Whitehound had given to him.
Grabbing a bottle, he stated, "I believe these should be sufficient to elevate my level to ten."
Jake popped the cap off and downed the potion in a single gulp. He then swiftly consumed another one.
Continuing this process, his experience points began to accumulate, and he achieved level up after level up.
[You have leveled up!]
[You have leveled up!]
Jake disregarded the messages generated by the system, persisting with his consumption of the potions.
Eventually, after finishing the last potion, he successfully reached level ten. Jake clicked on the system notification and perused his updated status window.
[Name: Jake Butler
Species: Human
Level: 10
Talent: Center Shift (E), Akashic Eyes (S), Overcome (F)
Strength: 51 (C) || Endurance: 71 (A)
Agility: 61 (B) || Perception: 67 (A)
Intelligent: 84 (S) || Wisdom: 84 (S)]
[Ability: Center Shift (E), Akashic Eyes (S), Overcome (F), Butler Style (A), Pain Resistance (D), Mental Fortitude (E), Meditation (E), Ice Attribute Affinity (F).]
Jake's face lit up with contentment as he gazed upon his newfound level. He then directed his attention to two pop-ups appearing at the side of his screen, indicating that he could select two fresh innate abilities due to his S-grade intelligence and wisdom stats. These new abilities were instrumental for his plan.
Starting with the intelligence-related ability, Jake clicked on the pop-up, revealing a list of five available abilities for him to choose from.
[1. Name: Arcane Ignition
Rank: F
Description: Ignite the mana inside your mana pool, increasing magic attack.]
2. [Name: Mindshield Ward
Rank: F
Description: Fortify your intellect to create a protective barrier against mental attacks.]
3. [Name: Rune of Knowledge
Rank: F
Description: Inscribe ancient runes, enhancing spellcasting accuracy and intelligence stat for a limited time.]
4. [Name: Astral Insight
Rank: F
Description: Tap into cosmic wisdom, temporarily boosting intelligence and unlocking hidden magical potential.]
5. [Name: Arcane Resonance
Rank: F
Description: Harmonize with arcane energies, allowing for the absorption of enemy spells to enhance your intelligence and power.]