Several days prior, atop the Eldain Academy's faculty building.
An uncanny chill permeated Noah's office.
The room held two occupants.
Nox and Noah sat opposite each other on the central couch.
After receiving the Princess's message, Nox sought a private audience with Noah. Noah agreed, hence their current discussion.
Ignoring the tempting array of sweets and tea, Nox focused on Noah.
He broke the silence first.
"Dean Noah, do you derive pleasure from seeing your students go out on a limb, or die?"
His tone was somber and stern, but his anger seeped through his words.
His fury wasn't just an undercurrent.
It was unmistakable.
And justifiable.
He understood that Dean Noah had requested a reward from the Imperial Family for rescuing the princess. This notion seemed absurd to Nox.
Why would Noah put herself in danger for a reward he didn't solicit? In his mind, he was itching to question.
'I'm now part of the Dark House. Am I expected to march to the Holy House, audaciously demand a reward from the capital of Arkheim, and return unscathed?'
His outrage was palpable.
'As if I didn't have enough concerns, Noah has only added fuel to the fire. At the very least, I would have to risk my life to reach Talonfeather.'
He meant venturing into demon-infested land.
Regardless of his awareness, Noah simply smirked, savoring her pastry.
Anger threatened to surge, but Nox swallowed it down.
She might act recklessly if he didn't fully appreciate the gravity of facing four sages and a formidable beast.
Just as his patience neared its limit, Noah finished her pastry and responded.
"I don't aim to belittle you, Nox-kun. I merely seek recognition for my effort in safeguarding Miss Penelope!"
"You're willing to risk your life for this…reward, which, as I see it, shouldn't outweigh your life…."
"Hmm… Given your resourcefulness, Nox-kun, I trust you'd handle it."
Pajig.
A vein throbbed on Nox's forehead as he mustered a frosty smile.
"You give too much credit to the rascal from Reinhafer."
"Unless he's acting!"
"..."
Nox swiftly redirected the conversation as acting was mentioned.
"I understand you're meant to reward me with….access to the Academy's arcane library and the freedom to choose a book."
"That's correct!"
As if cornered, Nox grudgingly accepted the proposition.
"Sigh. If I must acquiesce, do me a favor. If I venture to Talonfeather, you'll find yourself…and I'll likely return with just my head, odds nine to one."
"With modern magic, I can reattach a limb in an instant, although I can't guarantee your neck!"
"...Are those words befitting a student's mentor?"
Nox lost control of his temper, unable to suppress his irritation. Noah merely scoffed, breaking into laughter.
"Just saying…Moreover,"
She scrutinized him for a brief moment before resuming her train of thought, slowly and deliberately.
"I intended to assist you, Nox-kun, right from the outset, even if you didn't approach me. Yet, I didn't anticipate such 'desperation' on your part!"
She stressed the word 'desperation' peculiarly.
Nox's irritation reignited at the crunching sounds as she munched on another cookie. He reigned in his annoyance, realizing that rash behavior could undermine everything.
"Acquiring a book from the Arcane Library is a rare privilege. I wouldn't dream of depriving you of it. So, fret not. I aim to assist you, Nox-kun, and ask nothing in return!"
"Why would you do me such a favor?"
"Heavens! Does a dean need a reason to safeguard a student?"
'You're spouting nonsense.'
Nox was skeptical.
Just a while back, Vernon and Lars had barely averted a massacre of the students by a demon. What had Noah done then?
She was attending an imperial feast, relishing her sweets.
The audacity of her pretending to be concerned for her students was beyond him.
What a fraud.
Yet, Nox had seen his fair share of battles.
His nod was impassive.
"Quite the character."
"You're a convincing liar, Nox-kun. Do you hear that often?"
"...No."
"Tehee. Lying again, are we?"
A ripple of laughter passed through Noah, after which she composed herself.
"You questioned my motives for helping you, Nox-kun. The answer is simple: you possess an innate talent."
"Talent, you say? But don't many students possess unique abilities, too? Not just Princess Penelope, not just Echidna von Xenos. Even Paracelsus, Leon… I suspect there's a specific reason behind your unusual generosity towards me."
"What you possess, Nox-kun, differs. Your talent shines brighter than the rest. Although, you may not fully comprehend it yet."
Nox dismissed her observation with a shake of his head.
Noah bit her lip lightly.
There was no stammer, no attempt at cuteness.
She merely gazed into his lavender eyes with a calm, assessing look.
She resumed speaking.
"You're destined to become a formidable wizard, maybe even a knight. Regardless, I know one thing for certain: Your presence is delightful, and I can't afford to lose you. You have many more performances to deliver!"
"..."
Nox found her words cryptic, leaving him perplexed.
He opted to remain impassive, deciding it best to let her finish.
"I can't allow Nox-kun to meet his end before he realizes his potential, not for me, not for Theo, not for him… he bears great promise."
An unusual chill echoed in Noah's laughter.
"So, utilize what you have at your disposal, be it people or resources. You're prepared for that, aren't you?"
A wave of goosebumps washed over Nox.
Noah may have had an uncanny insight into his thoughts and plans.
His aspirations, his intended outcomes.
Yet, for the moment, survival took precedence over deciphering her intentions. For now, Noah was an ally.
With Noah's assistance, he might yet escape the impending nightmare unscathed.
Nox was certain of this.
Noah then presented him with a crystal ball.
This object was an extraordinary artifact, enabling communication over vast distances. It was a high-end relic, to say the least.
Internally, Nox questioned its adequacy, but Noah encouraged him to have faith. He had no choice but to trust her.
Surprisingly, the artifact functioned exactly as she had anticipated. For now, the advantage was Nox's.
Against Louis von Arkheim, the first prince and reigning monarch of the Imperial Family.
* * *
The resolution of the situation didn't take long.
Pitting four sages and three swordsmen against their adversaries was a formidable task, even for a royal family.
Even if Prince Louis were to amass the full strength of the Emperor, overcoming them would prove nearly insurmountable.
Each sage and swordsman embodied a myth, their power spanning continents.
This was no mere hyperbole.
They had earned legendary status on the continent.
[The four sages and three swordsmen, hailed as demi-gods, are the seven stars of the world, a force akin to a natural disaster].
[Never provoke them. Time has twisted their temperaments. Avoid confronting their 'perversity' at all costs].
A novelist and roaming mercenary named Hewitt coined these descriptions.
His encounters with these mythical figures cost him two eyes, an ear, a left arm, and a leg.
His depiction of Noah von Trinity in his book was as follows:
[The 'Witch of the Freeze', appearing as a child, is a menace. Some wizards have dared to challenge her, assuming she weakened after sealing the demon Paimon IX].
[...However, I disclose through this book, it's a deception. Her nonchalant demeanor is capable of freezing the world].
[Noah von Trinity is the most perverse individual I've ever met].
[Let no one be foolish enough to oppose her, for a chilling demise awaits them].
'This narrative, as legendary as it may be, cannot be overlooked. Noah von Trinity. I've encountered her story multiple times within Inner Lunatic.'
I had personally witnessed Noah von Trinity's current power levels.
Seven semi-divine entities.
They are, in essence, otherworldly beasts.
This extends to the entire game, Inner Lunatic. Regardless of your build's strength or how extensively you've developed your units, they're unmatched.
Their status is a prime illustration of this.
In Part 1, the player narrowly manages to restrain Baal, primarily due to the protagonist's plot armor.
These seven myths cleared the path to the demon castle's end, enabling the protagonist to seal Baal.
Goosebumps prickled across Nox's skin.
Perhaps Noah was unraveling his entire plan.
His thoughts, his intended goals.
However, at present, survival takes precedence over deciphering her thought processes. For now, Noah was an ally.
If Noah remained on his side, he might claw his way out of this imminent nightmare.
Nox was sure of that.
Then Noah extended a crystal ball to him.
This artifact was incredibly unique, capable of maintaining communication regardless of their distance. It was a top-tier relic, at least.
Internally, Nox doubted its adequacy, but Noah reassured him. He had no choice but to believe her story.
Contrary to his doubts, the artifact functioned exactly as she had predicted. For now, Nox held the upper hand.
Against Louis von Arkheim, the first prince and incumbent ruler of the Imperial Family.
* * *
The matter was quickly resolved.
Mounting four sages and three swordsmen against their adversaries proved an intimidating task, even for an imperial family.
Even if Prince Louis accumulated all the Emperor's powers, defeating them would be nearly impossible.
Each individual represented a mythic power that spanned continents.
These were not just idle claims.
They held a legendary reputation across the continent.
[The four sages and three swordsmen, demi-gods, are the seven stars of the world, akin to natural disasters].
[Never attempt to oppose them. Time has warped their temperaments. Never, ever confront their 'perversity'].
The novelist and itinerant mercenary Hewitt coined these terms.
His encounters with these mythic figures cost him two eyes, an ear, a left arm, and a leg.
How does he describe Noah von Trinity in his book?
The description is as follows:
[The 'Witch of the Freeze' is a plague masquerading as a child. It is rumored that wizards have dared to challenge her, underestimating her after she sealed the demon Paimon IX].
[...However, I disclose through this book, it's a deception, and you're far from the truth. Her nonchalant demeanor freezes everything in the world].
[Noah von Trinity is the most perverse individual I have ever encountered].
[May no one be foolish enough to challenge her, as a chilling death awaits them].
'This narrative, as legendary as it might be, cannot be overlooked. Noah von Trinity. I've encountered her tale multiple times in the Inner Lunatic.'
I had personally witnessed Noah von Trinity's current power levels.
Seven semi-divine entities.
They are, in essence, creatures from another dimension.
The same applies to the entire game, Inner Lunatic. No matter how strong your build or how extensively you've developed your units, they're unmatched.
Their status serves as a prime example of this.
In Part 1, the player barely manages to stop Baal, primarily due to the protagonist's plot armor.
These seven myths cleared the path to the demon castle's end, enabling the protagonist to seal Baal.
Louis identified Noah's voice emanating from the crystal ball.
She didn't seem so intimidating anymore.
-Whoa! I'll be on the sidelines for this…! The only thing more exciting than a fight is watching one!
The crystal ball, imbued with Noah's magic through the [Spatial Interference] effect, floated in mid-air. Now separated from Nox, the sphere glowed and prepared to observe the upcoming duel.
Not the worst arrangement, in my opinion.
After all, with Noah's surveillance, the prince wouldn't dare try foul play.
'This might not be so bad after all.'
I thought, focusing on what lay ahead.
In fact, my reason for proposing a legitimate duel with him was straightforward.
To seize my current advantage.
'The prince's motive in instigating this duel is clear. He wanted to defeat me, Eldain's top student, to showcase his abilities and gain control over me. He planned to puppeteer me.'
To use me as a pawn in his power play.
That embodies the essence of a prince.
Self-serving tendencies are vital for leadership.
Thus, he dangled the Arkriver as a reward, attempting to recruit me.
But first, he would need to dominate me, to prevent me from rising above him.
But oh, no.
Now, I intend to use you.
'If the prince were to lose here, the fallout would be significant.
But he has no reason to lose intentionally.
He probably won't even fight back. I must trounce him in full public view to ensure he remains subdued.
"Don't hold back. Scumbag."
"Enough talk, just release [Silence]. If this drags on, I might 'accidentally' sever an arm or two."
"..."
Louis remained silent and finally dispelled [Silence].
Immediately, the knight from the Imperial Family, serving as the mediator, took note of the situation and declared,
"It seems there was an issue, causing the duel to be temporarily halted. The duel shall now resume."
"Let's begin."
The prince stated and lunged forward as if his words could strike blows.
Kaching!
(pachichig!)
His sword, shrouded in Mental Attribute Magic Power, revealed itself to me.
Lightning, a unique magical attribute exclusive to the Arkheim lineage.
It's renowned for its superior effectiveness against the Dark Houses, as it carries a passive skill known as [Heavenly Punishment] due to its divine attribute.
In Penelope's case, the effect of this punishment manifested through magic, while for Prince Louis, it materialized as lightning in his sword.
In that respect, his attacks are not weak. Facing them head-on with just my sword skills, however confident I may be, seems daunting.
At least, that's how it looks, according to my untrained physique stat.
"No matter how prodigious you are, you stand no chance against me. Perhaps, in the future."
Prince Louis radiated confidence. It's a natural reaction, considering a five-year childhood gap isn't easily bridged.
He was now dueling against a fifteen-year-old, while being a twenty-year-old Eldain graduate. It's absurd to consider this an easy victory in the first place.
But that doesn't mean he can't lose.
Power isn't his alone, and my talent surpasses his.
[The artifact '???'s superlative orb' enhances the player's magic].
[Passive skill activates].
[The effect of 'Intermediate Magic Correction' amplifies the damage of low and medium magic].
[Active skill 'Magic Missile' triggers].
First, the passive skills and magic discharged from artifacts.
Moreover,
[Active skill 'Genius Hour+' triggers].
[Player's perception of time slows down].
Time seems to halt momentarily, with the enemy's slowed attacks becoming visible. A faintly perceptible form of ki radiates from the True Sword, filled with Mental Lightning.
That's sword energy, a specialized technique to channel magic into a sword.
Yet, I remain calm.
In this slowed-down time, there's no reason to accept that attack.
I channel energy into my wooden sword, just as he did.
However, it's not yet ki, only a raw emanation.
But a genius can bridge the gap with talent.
I swiftly fire a [Magic Missile] into the ground, disrupting his balance, then charge at Louis with accelerated speed.
Cha-ing-!
(chaeaeng-!)
The sound of a wooden sword colliding with a real one resonates.
I feel the shocked gazes of spectators boring into my back.
Pain shoots through my grip.
But what else can I do?
In a split second, I release a concentrated burst of energy. I straighten my sword and thrust the wooden blade, which has withstood a real sword, directly at the prince's head.
Whoosh!
(huung!)
"Hmph...."
Prince Louis narrowly avoids my attack. No, he must have used an artifact to assist him.
The necklace isn't his only concealed artifact.
It's entirely plausible for that superficial charlatan.
"You…! How do you possess such power!"
While exclaiming this, Prince Louis wildly swings his sword at me.
However, I only hear the whoosh, whoosh, whoosh of the sword slicing through the air.
In addition, the [Magic Missile] relentlessly targets him. It'll penetrate him if he drops his guard even for a moment.
The prince's face contorts.
I understand. It's humiliation.
You've convinced yourself of your own talent.
You've grown complacent, believing you're invincible.
For someone who has lived such a sheltered life, genuine talent can be crushing.
It makes you feel impotent and casts you down into the depths.
"I don't know what you're implying."
I mentally traced the sword path he'd etched and holstered my sword.
A familiar system chime echoed in my ears.
[Talent 'Genius with Sword and Martial Arts' has copied some of the enemy's sword techniques].
[You have acquired 'Ackheim Empire Sword – Basic'].
Instantly, my sword handling shifts, mirroring the enemy's technique.
My sword waltzes, just as the prince's had when he glared at me moments before.
While it lacks the Mind Attribute power, it's sufficient to strengthen the sword. Startled, the prince raises his sword to block mine.
Clash, clash, clash!
(seogeog! seogeog! seogeog!)
The only distinction is that time operates differently for my enemy and me.
Or should I say, for geniuses and prodigies?
All my attacks target the prince's body.
Not once does he parry my sword.
"Thwack… Whack… Crack..."
("heog… keuheog… heog....")
Louis' battered armor is torn to shreds.
The metal, supposedly the best steel on the continent, lies wholly shattered.
Blood gushes from the steel shards scattered across the floor.
"You asked why I use magic?"
I slowly approach him.
"The reason is simple. I have a knack for magic, and as a student of Professor Lars, I've answered that question adequately.
But.
I pause.
"That doesn't mean I'm not a knight. I'm a scion of House Reinhafer. Swordsmanship is in my blood."
Technically, I've brandished a sword for a longer time.
After all, the family hasn't had much experience with magic.
... Not that it matters now.
"So, who won the duel?"
I turned to the Imperial Family's knight and posed the question.
The prince's body is already horrifically mutilated from our duel. Any more would cripple his lord's body.
Finally, the knight makes a decision.
"The winner of the duel is Nox von Reinhafer."
-What the…!
-The swordsmanship genius, the First Prince, was defeated?!
-How is that possible…!
-A scion of the Reinhafer family demonstrating such skill? This is preposterous! Using magic is an overreach!
Meanwhile, a woman's hollow voice cut through the chorus of shocked reactions.
It belonged to Princess Penelope.
"It's impossible... to defeat Louis in those conditions, at least five years his senior, and with imperial blood in his veins? Moreover...."
Her lips curled into a thin line.
"He did that, knowing he would face repercussions. Why? He could have easily joined my side if he'd chosen not to align with me. What on earth was he thinking...."
"I presume."
Echidna chose this moment to interject.
"Nox von Reinhaber appears uninterested in joining Prince Louis' faction. I can't entirely decipher his intentions, but.... We still have a chance to recruit him, and now is the time to act.
Penelope immediately nodded at Echidna's words.
It was a nod of resolve.
"When this mess is resolved, I want you to quietly summon Nox von Reinhafer to my room, Echidna. Ensure no one notices."
Penelope added softly.
"One way or another... I will have him on my side...!"