Distracted, she was extremely distracted!
Even though this was Lomio’s first time teaching someone his techniques, he could clearly tell that Ibuki Rei was not in the right headspace.
Despite this being a course designed to train reaction time and countermeasures, her movements were becoming slower and slower.
If a woman’s heart is free of men, her swordplay will naturally be divine.
Now, however, she was likely at the opposite extreme!
“Again!”
But Lomio continued the sparring session without pointing out any of these issues.
He had to be joking. Teaching the apprentice everything would only starve the master.
Each lesson cost 30 credits. If she didn’t zone out, how was he supposed to make a profit?
As long as the credits were provided, Lomio was more than happy to waste the entire day with her!
“Damn it!”
Ultimately, under the influence of the Charm Halo, Ibuki Rei collapsed to her knees, filled with shame.
“As I thought, my training is still insufficient. I can’t keep up with the rhythm at all!”
“Oh, it’s fine, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” Having pocketed the credits, Lomio flashed a sunny smile. “If you want to learn more next time, just come find me.”
“…Um.”
The girl gave a soft response and turned her head away, her ears already burning red.
‘Ibuki Rei! You are a woman who must prove herself to your family and change your fate!’
‘How can you let your heart be shaken by a man just because he is young, promising, powerful, and… handsome!’
‘Especially since he is a teammate and a reliable partner — at least he’s reliable to his own people!’
‘We have to spend three years together at the Academy!’
‘I need to go back and change my pants first.’
***
After leaving the training hall, Lomio felt a wave of relaxation wash over him.
“This is exactly it. This is the academy life I wanted — people lining up to give me credits wherever I go.”
He hadn’t fleeced Ibuki Rei too hard this time; it was only 160 credits.
For an average student, it would likely take two major exams to accumulate such a score.
But what could be done? The young lady had pockets full of gold and a curiosity for martial arts.
The Dragon Ninja set consisted entirely of ultimate moves from a hidden class. Other classes simply couldn’t replicate them.
The 40-pound Dragon Sword alone was something ordinary people couldn’t even lift.
Was he cheating? No, he just hadn’t turned the ‘hacks’ off.
With 450 points from the exam, 160 points from Ibuki Rei, and everything else he had gathered before…
After this major exam, Lomio’s personal credits had skyrocketed to over 900, nearly reaching 1,000!
With money in his pocket, he naturally had to put it to good use.
Before long, Lomio arrived at Ankat’s Alchemical Workshop and swiped his card to open the door.
“*Hic*, ah, Lomio!”
A 1.5-meter-tall red-haired girl was clutching a liquor bottle. The pungent smell of alcohol drifted everywhere within the workshop.
It was none other than the “Spirit of Life” Lomio had given her previously!
“Oh my, it’s only noon and you’re already disinfecting yourself. Professor, you certainly lead a healthy lifestyle.” Looking at the 96% alcohol content label on the bottle, Lomio gained a new understanding of the Russell people’s constitution.
In his previous life, it was either a vodka bottle or a spittoon!
Even that fellow Cafnir, who looked serious on the surface, actually had a massive private wine cellar!
“This is nothing.”
Ankat’s eyes were bleary with intoxication, but her speech wasn’t slurred at all.
“You did well on this exam. Come here, your teacher has a reward for you.”
“Oh? I like the sound of that.”
Hearing there was a reward, Lomio stepped closer.
However, as soon as he approached, the stench of alcohol forced him back.
Fine.
This girl had probably been drinking since last night.
The smell was so strong that it was a question whether she had even bathed. It made it impossible to approach her with any peace of mind.
Add to that her underdeveloped physique…
The word ‘sexy’ truly had nothing to do with her.
“How about you just deposit it directly into my account?” Lomio suggested, trying to maintain a safe distance.
“Sigh, how can it be a reward if I don’t hand it to you personally?”
Ankat patted her less-than-plump thigh. “Come over here to your teacher, quickly!”
Something was wrong!
His intuition, honed by being victimized by women, told Lomio that this was not normal!
There was a high chance some bizarre event was waiting to be triggered!
‘Don’t panic. Panicking won’t help.’
Lomio wasn’t the type of idiot who would face-check a bush.
Was this scene in the game’s plot?
Actually, it was!
However, it was a “Reward Side Quest” for the protagonist — essentially a stroke of luck.
There were plenty of fan-service moments.
But therein lay the problem!
Who would want to have a romantic encounter with an alcoholic ironing board?
Who would he even ask for mental compensation?
Not to mention the protagonist…
*Knock, knock.*
*Click.*
With two crisp sounds, the workshop door opened again.
“My, my, if it isn’t my Master.”
A familiar voice came from behind him.
Lomio felt a sense of dread. He turned around and was momentarily stunned when he saw the newcomer.
“Why are you here?”
Sylvia’s hair, which should have reached her waist in natural waves, had been trimmed into a clean, ear-length cut.
Her butler uniform was still bursting at the seams, and combined with this new medium-length hairstyle, it gave Lomio quite a shock.
It was like coming home and finding your dog had been taken to the groomer; you almost wouldn’t recognize it.
‘I told you to gather more dragon materials, not to change your look!’
“Sylvia! You’ve arrived at the perfect time!”
Upon seeing the newcomer, Ankat displayed a squinty-eyed smile, looking like a mascot about to pass out from drunkenness.
“Without your help these past few days, I would have been swamped!”
As she spoke, she pulled out an alchemical card and tossed it to a nearby Automated Alchemical Golem.
The golem held the card aloft and headed straight for Lomio.
“What is this?”
Lomio scrutinized the card.
Its surface shimmered with iridescent patterns; it was clearly no ordinary item.
“Do you like the surprise I’ve prepared for you?”
Sylvia walked up to Lomio, practically pressing her body against his.
Lomio could even see her nostrils twitching slightly!
‘Is this right?’
Lomio couldn’t figure it out.
He had messed with Sylvia so much, yet she kept getting closer and closer, sticking to him like gum.
If money and credits could automatically crawl into his wallet and account like she did, at least half of Lomio’s problems would be solved!
“Shouldn’t you explain this card?”
Lomio picked up the card and toyed with it. After a brief thought, he understood why Ankat was so happy.
“It seems your teacher rating went up, which benefited you as well.”
“Ho—”
Having her secret exposed in a single sentence, Ankat stumbled over her words.
“What are you talking about? This is a surprise I specially arranged after seeing my students make progress and achieve great results!”
“Oh, I’m almost embarrassed to accept it!”
Lomio gave a fake smile while rolling his eyes internally.
‘Student progress?’
‘More like your funding doubled and you no longer have to worry about buying booze!’
“Speaking of this card, it is my recent masterpiece!”
Ankat changed the subject and raised her chin, announcing, “This card’s name is… Automated Golem Mark I!”
“A Grade 4 card!”
“No, what kind of trashy name is that? Don’t you need to pay Iron Man for the copyright…”
Just as Lomio muttered to himself, his memories of the game from his previous life were suddenly triggered.
‘Wait, that’s not right!’
‘Isn’t this the name of a Grade 4 trash mob in the game?!’
As his memory stirred, several words flashed before Lomio’s eyes.
‘I’m a pro gamer. Did you think I was here to play house and engage in some low-level battle of wits?’
‘If I have that kind of free time, wouldn’t I go look for where the SSR Senior is hiding?’
‘Ridiculous!’
***
Chapter One Hundred and Sixteen
The hand holding the teacup across from him suddenly jerked, causing the porcelain cup and saucer to clink sharply.
The composure on Beatrice’s face shattered completely. Her almond-shaped eyes went wide, and her fingertips turned white as she gripped the rim of the cup. Her feigned calmness vanished, replaced by an overflowing agitation that even caused her voice to crack.
“What nonsense are you talking about? Who is Camus? Is Senior Lomio drunk?”
‘Oh? Still acting?’
Lomio pulled over a rattan chair and sat down. He tapped his fingertips against the edge of the table, nearly laughing out loud.
‘Did you really think I didn’t study the villain backgrounds in the game?’
Camus Cromwell, the eldest son of the Cromwell family. He had used his face to charm his way through the noble circles of the Duchy’s capital. From 40-year-old countesses to newly legal noble daughters, there wasn’t a bedroom door he couldn’t get through.
In short — this noble scion was rather… versatile.
He was suitable for young girls and mature women alike.
Of course, those noble ladies and matrons who enjoyed his services would never publicly admit to using him.
In a world with a severe gender imbalance, a handsome “vibrator” was hard to find.
But for the players?
The official forums back then had given him a nickname: “The Duchy’s Living Bus.”
Lomio didn’t believe for a second that Beatrice had suddenly experienced a spiritual awakening or sudden enlightenment.
But if there was a man possessing her, attempting to do something?
That was perfectly logical.
“My mistake, my mistake. I’ve seen too many men living off their looks lately, so everyone looks familiar.”
Lomio cocked an eyebrow and poured himself a cup of black tea. His fingertips brushed against the cold wall of the cup as he spoke in a nonchalant tone. He didn’t even mention the name “Camus” again, instead putting on an empathetic front.
“You’re right. It’s not easy for men like us to survive in this world, is it?”
He swirled the tea in his cup, his words laced with barbs. “Unlike those girls who can conquer the world with their fists, we simply don’t have that kind of ability.”
“I used to think the same way. Drink tea with this senior today, dance with that countess tomorrow, exchange some credits, get some magic crystals… It’s all making a living through one’s own skills. Nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Unfortunately, my stomach is too healthy. I can’t stomach ‘soft rice’ comfortably. If I kept changing places to spend the night, my lower back wouldn’t be able to handle it, you know?”
Lomio said this with an expression of utter sincerity.
If it weren’t for how insulting the meaning behind his words was, anyone would have thought he was having a heart-to-heart about the hardships of being a man.
“Oh, really?”
Beatrice’s tone shifted slightly.
Even though she hid it well, Lomio could still sense her rage through his Mind’s Eye.
“I just can’t do it.” Lomio shook his head, wearing a regretful expression. “I’m clumsy with my words and don’t know how to please people. Getting a few credits feels like walking a tightrope!”
“Unlike some people who can flirt with noblewomen one moment and welcome a crowd of men the next. If I had that kind of professional ability, I’d probably be successful and famous by now.”
The disguise on Beatrice’s face finally collapsed. A cold, dark gaze resurfaced, devoid of any trace of a spoiled young girl. She spoke through gritted teeth, her voice lowering into the deep, cold tone of an adult male.
“It’s not too late for you to start now. Do you need me to teach you how to please a woman?”
“No need.”
Lomio spread his hands and leaned back into the rattan chair with an innocent look. “Even though we men don’t have much to offer besides our faces and bodies, right?”
“Oh, wait. I’m still different from some people,” Lomio paused, flashing a brilliant smile. “I sell my skills, not my body. The credits I get from cutting people down feel stable when I spend them. It’s much more reliable than getting things by looking at other people’s faces.”
“At least I don’t have to worry about ghosts knocking on my door in the middle of the night, right?”
As soon as he finished speaking, a sizzling sound came from the rattan railing of the balcony. The black magic seeping from Beatrice’s fingertips corroded the vines, sending up puffs of white smoke.
She stared intently at Lomio, her eyes so dark they looked like they could drip ink. The black magic at her fingertips surged several times, yet she didn’t dare to actually make a move —
The pressure Altemis had released on the high platform earlier hadn’t dissipated yet. The entire Crystal Hall was within the Headmaster’s range of perception. If he actually started a fight, the first person to be caught and ground into ashes would be him, a Black Mage possessing a young girl’s body.
Looking at how the other party was fuming but didn’t dare to speak, Lomio almost laughed.
‘That’s it?’
‘You can’t even win a verbal spat?’
He picked up his tea and took a sip, looking down at the rowdy hall below. He happened to see Karenina surrounded by three senior students. Her face was stiff as she struggled to maintain her composure.
‘If it weren’t for my good brother… the one being surrounded might have been me!’
‘Brothers are meant to be sold… I mean, for the sake of loyalty!’
He turned back to Beatrice, who was still smiling but radiating a dangerous aura. He cocked an eyebrow.
“Fine. I don’t care who you are, but if you’re only here to talk about such boring things, please excuse me.”
Beatrice took several deep breaths to suppress her surging killing intent. The black magic at her fingertips vanished completely, and she forced a cold smile onto her face.
“Student Lomio certainly has a way with words. I came here today to talk about a partnership.”
“A partnership?” Lomio raised an eyebrow, tapping his cup. “A multi-person sports partnership with rich ladies? Not interested.”
“The draw for the Tianshu Device.” Beatrice leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper, an enticing smile in her eyes. “You’ve accumulated so many credits… it’s probably for this, isn’t it?”
“Aren’t you?”
Lomio touched the side of his teacup, comfortably feeling the warmth against his skin. “Since we’ve reached this point, are we still playing riddles? Are you going to make me guess your conditions?”
The Tianshu Device was, to put it simply, the weapon gacha system within the game.
Its main function was allowing students to directly exchange credits for weapon souls at the Academy, which could be used as alchemical materials or for weapon forging.
Due to the instability of the Tianshu energy flow, what came out was entirely random.
Although Lomio had his talent tree system… dragon materials were extremely scarce.
Even with sparring against Tai Lan and challenging other powerful enemies, he could only obtain a limited amount.
Looking at the future, if he wanted to reach Grade 5 or higher and achieve further breakthroughs, what he had was far from enough.
From that perspective, if he wanted to upgrade the Dragon Sword and his various skills, he truly couldn’t skip the card-drawing phase.
What was even better…
Lomio himself was half an alchemist. Even if he pulled junk, he could recycle it!
He could draw cards while turning the unwanted materials into alchemical cards for sale, thus recovering his credits.
Just thinking about it was too tempting!
Seeing that he was interested, the smile on Beatrice’s lips deepened. She leaned in even closer, her voice barely a whisper. “The Tianshu Device draw pool opens next week. Every year, the initial pool features a limited Grade 6 weapon soul.”
“I can increase the probability of pulling that soul to 60%. I can give this opportunity to you, but it’s not free.”
She paused, tapping the edge of the table, her eyes ominous. “I only want one thing.”
“Cafnir… who exactly is he?”