It’s been three weeks since I returned to Arcane.
During that time, through sparring with Ian, I’ve managed to internalize things I had only vaguely understood by intuition.
I thought it would have been great if I had reached the 6th rank in the process.
But I guess that was too greedy of me.
“…It really does feel different.”
Today was finally the day I received my own custom sword.
Helena, who had just recovered, insisted on making it for me.
Of course, since I couldn’t go to the workshop myself, she came to take my measurements and note down my requirements.
Drakan had directly contacted the dean, so my attendance was excused, but skipping classes right before the break would have raised too many eyebrows.
Helena sent the sword with a few warnings.
She assured me that its durability was top-notch, as it was made from a single block of expensive black iron.
However, it was heavier than a typical sword and vulnerable to moisture, so she advised me to keep it away from water and wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth if anything got on it.
“It’s incomparable to the swords Arcane provides.”
As the Empire’s top academy, the swords they provide are already of high quality.
They’re a step or two above what you’d find in most blacksmith shops.
But what Helena made was on a completely different level.
The jet-black blade exuded elegance, and its subtle sheen made it look even more luxurious.
‘Well, what matters most is its performance.’
The weight of the sword was manageable.
It seems my body has grown stronger over time.
I’ll need to test it in actual combat to be sure, but for now, I’m just satisfied to have a sword of my own.
‘It’s better if I don’t have to use it, though.’
Oh, by the way, Ian also got a sword made.
I took him with me when I went to meet Helena.
Sylvia didn’t seem too pleased, but she reluctantly agreed when I asked.
‘It’s good to have a decent sword in case something happens.’
It’s better than wandering around with a subpar sword every time I face a crisis.
If I have a more reliable weapon, things might turn out a bit better.
“The break is coming…”
Next week, Arcane will go on a short hiatus.
Those who miss their families will rush home as soon as possible.
Those who don’t will stay at Arcane and enjoy a month of freedom.
Most Arcane students travel during this time.
After all, they’re either wealthy or exceptionally talented, with a few exceptions.
‘There’s no other time to travel so freely.’
After graduating from Arcane, everyone returns to their respective positions to prepare for their futures.
They’ll no longer be mere students or protected individuals but proud members of society, striving to fulfill their roles.
‘I wish I could have remained ignorant.’
They say ignorance is bliss.
I guess I’m the perfect example of that.
“Ah, Theo Nars?”
“Yes, Professor.”
“The dean is looking for you. Head to his office after class.”
“…Understood.”
At the professor’s message that the dean wanted to see me, I hurried to his office.
‘The new dean…’
After the recent incident, the dean’s position was quickly filled by someone else.
That person was Lumiere de Vestian, the Emperor’s cousin.
Even without the label of royalty, his achievements were impressive enough.
His character was also commendable, earning him the trust and loyalty of countless nobles.
That such a person would take on the troublesome role of dean must have been for the Empire’s sake.
‘From what I’ve heard, he’s not a bad person, but he does have his quirks.’
I’ve only seen Vestian from a distance during speeches.
In other words, I’m not close enough to him to be summoned like this.
If I caused a major incident, I’d be dragged in and subjected to ear-splitting scolding.
But since that’s not the case, I have no idea why he wants to see me.
Knock knock.
“Second-year Theo Nars. I was told to come.”
“Ah, yes. Come in.”
“Excuse me.”
“Sit down first. We’ll talk after that.”
“Yes… alright.”
When I opened the door to the dean’s office, I couldn’t help but be surprised.
Because there, sitting and chatting with the dean, was none other than—
“Saintess, why on earth…”
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m really fine.”
“…Understood.”
The Saintess, Vanice, was sitting politely, engaged in conversation with the dean.
‘Why is Vanice here?’
She’s not a student at Arcane.
Moreover, as the Saintess, she’s in a position where she can’t easily leave her duties.
With the recent troubles plaguing the Empire, people are relying more than ever on the Empire and the Church.
So unless something significant is happening, there’s no reason for her to visit officially like this…
I sat down as Vestian instructed, but the two of them continued their conversation for quite a while.
With nothing else to do while waiting, I sat there like a sack of rice, eavesdropping on their discussion.
‘They haven’t forgotten I’m here, right?’
As I sipped tea and listened, something I couldn’t ignore started to come up.
“You’ll be accompanying the Saintess on a mission during the break.”
“Me?”
“Yes. The Saintess personally requested you.”
“…Why me?”
“She specifically chose you.”
“…”
“Don’t worry too much. It’s not a dangerous place.”
I didn’t have any particular plans for the break other than visiting the Isabel region, but this was too sudden.
“Of course. I have no intention of taking Theo, a future pillar of the Empire, to a dangerous place.”
“…Haha, just in case, but do I have the right to refuse—”
“No. Of course not.”
“Right… of course.”
With both the dean and the Saintess involved, and with the noble cause of serving the Empire, a mere student like me couldn’t possibly refuse without consequences.
‘At least it’s Vanice so it’s not all bad…’
But with the recent rise in activity from the Dark Heavens, a two-person mission was far too dangerous.
They were meticulous enough to appear in the heart of a city, commit massacres, and disappear without a trace.
There was no telling what they might do to eliminate the Saintess.
‘I need to bring someone else as insurance.’
“There’s one thing I’d like to request…”
“Hm? Go ahead.”
“If it’s such a mission, there’s someone else I’d like to bring along. They’ll definitely be helpful.”
***
“So that’s how it is. Take care of things for the next month. Ian.”
“…I never agreed to this.”
That’s right.
The person I requested to bring along was none other than Ian.
‘More firepower is always better.’
He’d serve as insurance, and if anything happened, he’d gain real combat experience.
It was a win-win.
Of course, Vanice’s smile faltered for a moment at that.
“What can you do? It’s already decided.”
“Sigh…”
“It’ll be good for you too. Seeing the world will help with your training.”
Ian clearly didn’t want to go, but unfortunately, he didn’t have a choice.
Just like me.
‘At least I managed to convince him.’
I told him that meeting people and traveling would help him gain experience, which would be beneficial in combat.
Was that true?
‘Of course not.’
With Ian’s talent, he could just stay here and spar with skilled people, and he’d still become a future star of the Empire.
‘I stumbled a bit because I’m not great at lying, but he seemed to buy it for now. I’ll have to keep an eye on him.’
He’s not naive enough to believe everything I say, but that’s about it.
Right now, Ian is ignorant.
He doesn’t know who threatens the Empire, the extent of their power, or what it takes to defeat them.
I want to imprint that on him.
At this stage, all he has is a desire to grow stronger.
So facing the Dark Heavens head-on would be good for him.
‘Though avoiding them would still be the best option.’
I’m bringing him along as a precaution.
Staying at Arcane alone wouldn’t give him the chance to face them.
“When do we leave?”
“Tomorrow. Right after the break ceremony.”
“…We’re going right away.”
“Yeah, they said there’s no time to waste.”
The only good news is that the mission location isn’t too far from the Isabel region.
If we finish quickly, we might have some time to visit.
Of course, I only know the name, so there’s no guarantee we’ll find it.
‘If not, there’s nothing I can do.’