TL/Editor: Raei
Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun
Illustrations: Here
Seria paused briefly at the entrance of the laboratory.
'Sure enough, it's Seria.'
I observed her closely.
Deep violet, long wavy hair cascading down her back and matching violet eyes.
Those features alone accounted for a 99% match.
Moreover, her bust, asserting an even more impressive presence under the faint moonlight of the late-night sky, made it a definite 100%.
'······Siena, she's even bigger than Mari.'
Honestly, one could identify Seria just by taking a glance at that aspect without even looking at her face.
There would be no need for [Observer's Eye].
"······."
Oh man.
What am I thinking right now?
While it's a natural train of thought for n, now is certainly not the ti for such considerations.
I refocused, my gaze shifting to the mana cuffs in my hand.
The mana-sealing tool gifted by Rok.
Or in other words, mana cuffs.
This item ca as a set – a key and cuffs.
However, there was no key at present.
Rok had ntioned that the key was stashed in his personal storage and told to visit him tomorrow.
'But that doesn't matter in the slightest.’
If it's Seria, she'll undoubtedly attempt to unlock these cuffs herself, keyless.
And she'll fail.
Despite being top of the Magic Departnt, these cuffs were the creation of a master dwarf.
It would be a difficult task for any student.
She has a huge pride when it cos to [Restraint] and [Sealing].
Naturally, her pride will be wounded and she'll agree to my deal, in hopes of obtaining the key.
As Seria appeared to be leaving the lab.
'Excellent, now's the ti!'
I hurled the magic cuffs.
Whoosh.
Even without any throwing-related traits, the mana cuffs traced a perfect parabola and─
Thump.
Landed right in front of Seria.
"?!"
Taken aback, Seria glanced down at the mana cuffs before scanning her surroundings.
Swoosh.
She then picked up the mana cuffs and retreated to the back of the lab.
'Oh.'
I'm impressed.
She's ticulous.
Despite being the sole person around, she still opted for a more private location.
We would definitely be good partners.
I took a detour and discreetly positioned myself behind the dense trees at the back of the lab.
I continued to scan my surroundings.
My [Observer's Eye] doesn't enhance vision like Aisha's [Sharp Vision].
However, I quickly found her regardless.
'Ah, there she is.'
I could see Seria crouching behind the lab, examining the note attached to the cuffs.
Her eyes, widened in surprise, were like those of a cat discovering an intriguing toy.
Soon, Seria, now cradling the mana cuffs, stood up and began surveying her surroundings once more.
Her eyes, radiant as athysts, sparkled under the night sky.
However, she couldn't find anything.
Eventually, she left.
'Hehe.'
I learned from observing Amy and Jang Woohee's concealnt skills.
There was no possibility of being detected.
'It's done.'
She was sure to return at this sa ti tomorrow.
Finally, I too would be able to wield magic.
Magic that consus 0 mana.
It felt overwhelming.
The next day, Thursday.
Lunchti.
Having hastily finished lunch, I made my way to the interrogation room where we had left lon the day before.
Rok had to be there.
I hadn't him seen all morning.
I approached the room stealthily.
'Hmm.'
As a student, it wouldn't look good to be seen entering and exiting such a room, so I decided to enter directly without knocking.
I gently turned the door handle.
'Huh?'
The door swung open effortlessly.
It hadn't been locked.
"......"
Inside the room, I found Rok.
Seen from behind, Rok was gently wiping a corner of the unconscious lon's mouth with an extravagant handkerchief.
I approached him and spoke in a low voice.
"Senior Professor."
"!"
Rok, taken aback, turned his head towards .
"Hmm, hmm, you're here."
Rok swiftly tucked the handkerchief into his pocket with a feigned cough, as if nothing had happened.
"......Mm."
Look at this old man.
Of course, Rok wouldn't have done anything unseemly.
He wasn't foolish enough to tarnish his distinguished career as Senior Professor due to a montary desire.
But this situation in itself was rather awkward.
Do you now understand my feelings now? Bald old man?
"......"
I remained silent, my face expressionless, as I studied Rok.
For the first ti, Rok exhibited a hint of discomfort.
"Hmm, what brings you here."
"I ca for the key."
"Ah, right, that. Co to my office after today's lecture. I've been here since last night, interrogating."
"Understood. Did you manage to extract anything?"
"I didn't get anything new. Just a confirmation of the information you gave . There were no discrepancies. I've felt it before, but you're remarkably thorough. Impressively so.”
"If I'm going to do sothing, I intend to do it right. Then, I'll see you after today's lecture."
"Alright. See you then, Theo."
Rok nodded his head.
Today's classes ended.
The afternoon was allocated for practical combat class.
Practical combat class.
Instructors would showcase how to actually spar, demonstrating 'appropriate reactions under certain circumstances', 'key points to consider against an opponent ard with specific weaponry', and so forth.
Naturally, my [Observer's Eye] captured every detail.
All the instructors are currently active heroes.
Verified individuals.
I learn a lot from simply observing.
Naturally, any useful techniques, I would adapt to my style and apply them as needed.
While focused on this thought, packing my bag,
"......"
"......”
My eyes t Piel's.
Her green eyes held a sorrowful gaze.
Much like the one she'd given the previous day.
Now that I think about it, Piel has seed rather low-spirited lately.
Her typical vibrant, self-assured deanor was missing.
'Why do I keep noticing this?'
It's all because of that rascal inside, Theo.
I could feel heat rising in my cheeks.
I amplified my [Twisted Noble's Dignity] with the [Amplification Orb].
‘Whoooooo-’
Barely maintaining composure, I shifted my gaze away from Piel.
However, my discomfort didn't end rely because I looked away.
More fuel was added to the smoldering flas.
Theo's emotions were escalating.
The [Observer's Eye] doesn't easily forget what it focuses on.
Especially having been so focused on her captivating sword dance yesterday, it's bound to linger in my mory for quite a while.
'I need a plan.'
"Theo~ You do know there's a Foodie Exploration club eting today, don't you?"
Aisha, who had approached , bead brightly.
"···Yes."
"Hehe, we're going to an especially pricey place today. Let's go together."
"No, you go ahead. I have a place to visit first."
"Where are you going?"
"You don't need to know. Just make sure you're not late for the eting."
With that, I headed towards Professor Rok's office to get the key.
The Foodie Exploration club eting ended.
It was already past 7 o'clock.
The eting with Seria was scheduled for 10 p.m., so I had so ti to spare.
Until then, I decided to provide Aisha with a lesson in swordsmanship.
Just as I was about to depart from the restaurant,
"Theo."
Andrew called out to .
"Huh."
"······I have a question."
There was a pause before Andrew spoke again.
What's he up to? Sothing seed off.
"What is it."
"······The eting next week is for hotdogs, right? Do you, by any chance, like hotdogs?"
"Hotdogs······."
I do enjoy them.
In my previous life, in the modern world, I ate them quite frequently.
"Yeah, I like them."
"Ah······."
"Why do you ask?"
"······Ah, it's nothing. I was just glad to see you today. Well, I'll be going now."
Andrew, his face turning pale, quickly left his seat.
"······?"
What's up with him?
After the eting, I gave Aisha a lesson in swordsmanship.
Contrary to her dazzling performance from the day before, she reverted to her usual lethargic self today.
'Damn, was that all an act?'
That skill she displayed yesterday was authentic.
I wasn't in the best condition and I also let my guard down.
But regardless of that, I couldn't possibly have let such a diocre opponent land a hit.
Well, even if it was an act, it doesn't matter.
It's good for if Aisha becos stronger.
... I am curious about what ga she's playing, though.
After the swordsmanship lesson, I trained so more and then imdiately headed to the Magic Departnt.
I got off the carriage.
The ti was currently half past nine in the evening.
I still had thirty minutes to spare until the appointed ti with Seria.
Even though there wasn't a soul in sight, I emulated Jang Woohee's fluid movents, moving to a spot near the lab where trees were densely packed.
Then, I opened the bag containing the disguise tools.
I had asked Amy to prepare them in advance.
"......."
Inside the bag was a black, form-fitting attire along with a mask, identical to what Jang Woohee had worn during our operation to capture lon.
It's the attire typically worn by Equilibrium assassins on their missions.
"Hah."
... Damn, how am I supposed to wear this?
***
Ahh too bad. More Seria next week :P
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