With the Duo exams looming just a week away, the commencement of the second chapter of the main scenario was imminent.
Like the beginning of any game scenario, it was meticulously crafted to leave a lasting impression on players, introducing key characters and plotlines that would shape the narrative ahead.
These initial events were designed to provide context, leaving players with a clear idea of the type of build, party composition, and narrative direction they desired for the game's story to unfold.
Each character, especially the heroines, would be spotlighted in their own way during this phase, offering players insights into their personalities, strengths, and potential romantic connections with the protagonist.
However, despite the apparent spotlight on each heroine, the nature of the Duo exams meant that Lucas would inevitably have to make a choice.
While the scenario would showcase each heroine individually, Lucas would ultimately need to select one to partner with for the duration of the main storyline.
As long as the main scenario adhered to the structure laid out in the game, Lucas's choice should remain within the expected parameters. Or at least, that's what I hoped for.
The impending event carried a weighty consequence that demanded my intervention, despite it not being part of my main scenario.
The crux of the matter lay in the fact that depending on which heroine Lucas chose to partner with, the remaining bosses assigned to the other heroines would be unleashed into the forest where the exams were to take place.
The prospect of four formidable boss-like monsters roaming freely in the forest sent shivers down my spine.
Ignoring these creatures was out of the question. As much as I needed to focus on my main scenario, I couldn't afford to disregard such valuable experience boosters.
While I hadn't confirmed it yet, I couldn't risk overlooking the potential benefits they offered. With survival at stake, defeating these bosses and absorbing their experience points became imperative.
Fighting and vanquishing a single boss had proven challenging enough, but the thought of confronting four more sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. Each victory was essential for my growth and survival in this unforgiving world.
Therefore, it was a must for me now to face these formidable bosses head-on, harnessing their power to bolster my own strength as swiftly as possible.
In the game, defeating boss monsters had the potential to yield valuable rewards in the form of skill runes, granting access to powerful abilities.
However, the chances of obtaining such runes were slim, with a mere 3% drop rate. Still, the prospect of acquiring a new skill through these battles was enough to ignite a spark of excitement within me, if only momentarily.
My own luck stat left much to be desired, but I knew there were ways to mitigate this issue.
Aligning myself with individuals possessing exceptionally high luck stats presented a viable solution.
Fortunately, I could count at least three such individuals among the many important characters in the game, their remarkable luck evident in their character stats alone.
Even if Lucas inadvertently partnered with one of these three individuals during the upcoming exams, I remained optimistic.
My strategy was clear: ensure that I secured one of the other two individuals to form a duo party with me. With their luck on my side, the odds of obtaining valuable skill runes would increase significantly
With five heroines—Snow, Janica, Rose, Seo, and Clara—to choose from, I couldn't shake the feeling that Lucas would find himself in quite the predicament once the events unfolded.
While I wasn't that aware to his progress with each of the girls, I was fairly confident that all the groundwork had been laid. By now, they should all be either attracted to him or interested in him to some degree.
With that in mind, my focus shifted to preparing for the upcoming events and adapting to whatever twists and turns the day might bring.
The key would be to navigate the complex web of relationships and emotions without causing any unintended consequences, while simultaneously waking it out in the shadows.
In other words I just had to avoid all the drama that would unfold on this certain scenario.
"Are you sure you want to buy this, kid?" the grumpy-looking merchant questioned, eyeing me with skepticism.
"Yes," I replied with a smile, unfazed by his demeanor as I accepted the slightly unpleasant-smelling pouch from him.
I found myself in the bustling commercial district of [Lupos] situated near the heart of the academy, adjacent to the education institute and the buildings housing the general department students.
Despite being my own dorm being located near in such a central location, I rarely ventured outside of my dormitory.
My time was consumed by recounting events and meticulously noting down important details in my notebook, preparing for the chaos that loomed on the horizon.
As I glanced around, I realized I should have taken the opportunity to indulge in a bit of sightseeing. However, with the impending events that awaited the school, I knew such leisurely pursuits would soon become a luxury.
"Take care" the shopkeeper bid me farewell, likely feeling a tinge of pity after witnessing my purchase of what was undoubtedly the worst item in his shop.
Nodding in acknowledgment, I made my way back to my dormitory, the unpleasant odor of the pouch in hand serving as a constant reminder of my recent transaction.
Placing the pouch on my side table, I couldn't help but grimace at the thought of its noxious scent. However, after enduring the foul odors of goblin-infested dungeons, the fragrance emitted by the flower
In front of me lay the object of my recent acquisition—a Rock Flower.
Its appearance was nothing short of repulsive, resembling a dried-up turd rather than any semblance of a flower. And to make matters worse, its odor matched its unsightly appearance.
Knowing full well that I couldn't risk tainting the smell of my room with such a foul scent, I quickly resolved to conceal it away in a small shelf or box.
The dormitory maids were known for their meticulousness, and I had no doubt that they would be quick to dispose of anything they deemed unsightly or offensive.
Even if I were to explain the importance of the item to them, I doubted it would make a difference.
They would likely dismiss my words with a scoff and dispose of it regardless.
Thus, it was imperative that I took precautions to ensure the Rock Flower remained out of sight and out of mind, at least until it served it's purpose for me.
The item I had acquired held little immediate value, but I knew its importance would reveal itself in due time.
Once I scam— I mean borrow and amassed enough of Seo's money and secured the legendary item from the auction, this seemingly insignificant object would prove its worth.
Having achieved the prestigious rank of third among the first-year students in the Knight Department, and with the monthly allowance of 50,000 gems granted to all A-class students, we now luxuriated in our own lavish private rooms within Codex Hall.
My own room was a spacious haven complete with its own kitchen, living area, and even a private training room.
It was the epitome of comfort and convenience, providing the perfect environment to hone our skills away from the prying eyes of the public training areas.
Haah… how I wish to just enjoy a lazy school life in here.
As much as I yearned for a life of leisure, fate had other plans in store for me.
[Mission: Reach the next semester????]
Despite leveling up and growing stronger, the system continued to taunt me with its cryptic missions.
Now, with an additional three question marks added to my mission, it seemed as though fate was mocking my impending demise. I tried to maintain optimism, but deep down, I couldn't shake the feeling that these signs held weight.
No matter how meticulously I planned or how prepared I thought I was, the challenges ahead remained daunting.
Unlike the E-D rank bosses, such as the hobgoblin I encountered in the goblin dungeon, the adversaries awaiting me now were in a league of their own—the real deal boss monsters of the C-B and A rank tier.
"Whoo"
Making my way to the bathroom, I brought the Rock Flower with me, as I took a deep breath of fresh air.
It may have seemed absurd, but I knew that washing it was necessary to mask its overpowering odor, even if only temporarily.
After washing the Rock Flower, I carefully concealed it in an empty box on one of the shelves. It wasn't the most pleasant task, but for the time being, it seemed like the safest option.
With any luck, the maids wouldn't notice it tucked away there.
With that task out of the way, I turned my attention to my daily exercises and sword practice. Approaching the door to my private training room, I grabbed a bottle of water and began to remove my shirt, anticipating another sweaty session ahead.
But before I could open the door, a series of sharp knocks echoed through the room.
Knock...! Knock...!
"Young master" came the familiar voice of Yui, the private maid assigned to me. Without hesitation, I opened the door myself, opting not to wait for her to enter.
I couldn't afford to have her come in right now, not with the lingering odor still wafting through the air. As she entered, I made a mental note to address the issue later. For now, I greeted her with a polite smile, hoping she wouldn't notice anything amiss.
I realized I should open the windows before proceeding with my training. "What is it, Yui?" I inquired as she stood before me.
"A letter has arrived for you, young master," she replied, her voice composed.
A letter? But from whom?
My mind raced with possibilities.
Was it from my father? Or perhaps my mother? Then suddenly I realized with a pang of guilt that I hadn't kept them updated on my life here at the academy.
News of the recent terrorist incident must have reached our village by now, and I could only imagine the worry they must be feeling.
Yui gently retrieved the letter from her pocket and handed it to me with a small bow before bidding her farewell and leaving me alone.
Her departure underscored the school's commitment to privacy—or perhaps it simply reflected her indifference.
Either way, I was left alone with the letter in my hands.
As I touched the soft paper, I couldn't help but marvel at its high quality. It seemed out of place for a letter from my family.
But as I turned it over and glimpsed the writing on the back, my heart plummeted with fear.
My hands trembled as I beheld the very familiar family crest on the back of the letter. Two dragons, one black with demonic wings and the other white with angelic wings, faced each other, surrounded by golden and red details.
There was no mistaking it—this was the crest of the Heavens family, the dukes of our empire.
The family crest of my beloved fiancée.
Dread gnawed at my insides as I pondered what this unexpected missive might contain.
What is that monstrous woman up to now?
[Mission: REACH THE NEXT SEMESTER??????????????????????]
'Shut it!'