1-Second Invincible Player in the Game

107. The Calm Before the Storm (1)

Gomon stared blankly, his eyes darting about.

He suddenly thought how the Rockefeller office was steeped in a dreary atmosphere.

The curtains were a dark purple, so dim it was hard to tell if they were black.

The paintings on the walls were painted in colors so gloomy they could plunge any viewer into despair.

And the candlesticks, oh, how antiquated their design was, evoking memories of something seen in a museum.

‘What a peculiar taste he has.’

It was then, lost in the flickering flames, that a dull thud echoed as something struck the desk, reverberating in his ears.

Bang!

“Gah!”

Gomon flinched, turning to face Rockefeller.

The hollow gaze in his eyes was nothing short of menacing.

It seemed he had been caught lost in thought.

“Are you listening to me?”

“Ah, yes. I was paying close attention, Professor Rockefeller.”

As he mumbled an evasive response, Rockefeller narrowed his eyes and asked, “Is that so? Then, speak with that mouth of yours and tell me what I said.”

If he couldn’t answer here, he would be picked apart for the rest of the day.

Yet Gomon felt confident.

He knew well enough what Rockefeller’s nagging was about, having let it wash over him like water off a duck’s back.

“You were talking about Hursel Ben Tenest receiving the highest score, weren’t you…?”

Rockefeller grimaced, clicking his tongue.

“That hulking brute slips away like an eel, doesn’t he?”

Gomon thought to himself, “Of course.”

Yet Rockefeller seemed determined, showing no signs of halting his scrutiny.

“Well, you must have had some inkling, yet to not grasp it is disappointing. I may not have said it outright, but you know, don’t you?”

“Y-yes… I understand you wish to incorporate that fellow into the knightly order.”

“And so. What have you all done?”

“Well, that is…”

Gomon felt a deep sense of injustice.

In truth, he had concocted a plan to interfere.

The problem was that there were essential conditions that needed to be met to execute that plan.

“I thought they seemed utterly disinterested in hunting the three-headed wolf, so I figured they’d be racking up points through treasure hunting. I thought, if anything, it would just burn up, be it herbs or whatever.”

For a fledgling band of wanderers, fire tactics were fundamental.

Just as they had scorched their food supplies, he anticipated that anything would go up in flames.

Even if they managed to remain intact, the moment they stepped outside, he planned to set it ablaze.

Circumstantially, he would let them believe the culprits were the fledgling wanderers.

“But?”

“I couldn’t ascertain where they built their fortress… I need to know that before I can act.”

Even through the crystal orb, he could not find them.

He had only managed to confirm their movements sporadically.

If he let his attention wander for even a moment, they vanished as if into thin air.

“Honestly, Professor Rockefeller, you know well, don’t you? How difficult it is to monitor 250 students with just three of us, while also keeping an eye on the instructors.”

As he voiced his own struggles, Rockefeller’s murderous intent seemed to ebb.

In fact, he even appeared amused.

That made Gomon even more uneasy.

“So, is this my fault then? I admit it. I overestimated you all. I must ensure this is reflected in the next performance review.”

“Profit…”

As Rockefeller grasped his pen, Gomon’s expression fell.

Just a few scribbled words from that man, with ill intent, could delay his promotion.

To evade this crisis, he had to keep defending himself.

“Y-yes, but that fellow even found an artifact, didn’t he? I believe that even if I had done my utmost to obstruct him, the outcome would have been the same. At that point, the score was already set.”

“Hmm.”

Rockefeller lifted his gaze, as if lost in thought.

His demeanor suggested he was weighing various possibilities, perhaps even calculating.

“Well, now that you mention it, it’s true. That fellow searching for the relic is something no one would have anticipated.”

“Of course, I can’t do anything about him.”

“Tch, let’s leave that topic for now. You may go.”

With a dismissive flick of his hand, Rockefeller urged him to leave.

Gomon felt the moment was ripe to act, but suddenly recalled his promise to Hessel, halting his steps.

He would hear another reprimand, but a promise is a promise.

“Um, by the way… Professor Rockefeller?”

“What is it?”

“Actually, we had an agreement with him to hunt the Blood Serpent in exchange for something from the Academy. Ahem.”

As expected, Rockefeller’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Why did you decide that on your own?”

Gomon grumbled inwardly at his cold tone.

‘You took care of him during the demon incident…’

“…No, he was stronger than I thought. Even if I hadn’t fought alongside the other instructors, I would have been done for on my own.”

He felt as if a reprimand was about to burst forth, and he tensed.

Yet Rockefeller spoke calmly.

“I can’t speak for other matters, but I do acknowledge your magical prowess. I knew Vermi was stronger than expected. Hessel van Tenest managed to dispatch such a foe with ease.”

There was a hint of regret in his voice.

Gomon nodded, empathizing with Rockefeller’s sentiment.

“…It is a shame he’s in the Ministry of Magic.”

“So you’ve finally realized. He has surpassed even the professors’ skills. Though, of course, as a swordsman, not a mage.”

At his words, Gomon’s eyes sparkled.

If he could hear what Hessel had requested, Rockefeller would surely be pleased.

“Haha, but don’t worry too much. It seems he’s not entirely giving up on the sword, is he?”

“Hmm?”

“He asked for a sword, a decent one. He requested the Academy to provide him with something useful. Perhaps he’s even slightly inclined to join the Knights?”

Rockefeller’s eyes glimmered with interest, though he replied curtly.

“I’ll consider it. Now, you may go.”

“Then, take care.”

Gomon hurriedly exited the office.

Only after he left did Rockefeller sink into the back of his chair, a smirk creeping onto his lips.

“Though I’d rather not, I suppose I must offer something good.”

The thought of chaos erupting among the vagabonds made him chuckle involuntarily.

“That bloodied serpent, Vermi, slain by a mere student…”

Perhaps all those who made a profession of exploring the arcane had already caught wind of this news.

The heads of other academies must be seething, having sold Hessel for a pittance.

Akhendric would surely take delight in boasting about it.

Such was the boundless worth of Hessel.

* * *

From the break of dawn, the lobby of the Shulafe Hall was a cacophony.

A hulking figure, clad in full armor, was bellowing with a thunderous voice.

“I’ve heard the rumors. Let’s see your skill, Hessel Ben Tenest!”

As he removed his helmet, I cautiously began to back away, seeking an escape.

I wasn’t sure what had transpired, but that face was unmistakably that of Goren, the so-called saint of the South.

Then Rix shouted at the man, pointing a finger at me.

“If it’s Hessel you seek, he’s right there, Sir Goren. Even for you, it would be wise to prepare yourself. Wouldn’t you agree, Hessel?”

No.

I tried desperately to flee.

Yet, for some reason, Riamon, Belman, Leana, Shila, and Eruzel from the Adel Hall had gathered to block my retreat.

At the center stood Rockefeller.

“Hessel Ben Tenest. He’s your guest, isn’t he? You’d best wrap this up quickly.”

With a flick of his wrist, Rockefeller used telekinesis to bring me before Goren.

Goren drew his sword.

“We shall strike first.”

As he swung his blade, a system window materialized before me.

[Shock detected.]

[Traits activated.]

[1-second invincibility cooldown: 59 seconds]

I watched in a frenzy as the sword of Goren shattered before my eyes, desperate to feign bravado.

Yet he had another blade, and with a swift arc, the edge sliced through my neck with a sickening *thwack!*

“Ugh!”

As I bent forward, a white blanket came into view.

Droplets of sweat fell, plink, plink.

Ragged breaths escaped my lips.

“Haah, haah…”

…Was it a dream?

“Hussel, was it another nightmare?”

Donathan asked, his voice laced with concern.

I struggled to calm my racing heart and replied, “W-well, it might have been a prophetic dream…”

With each passing day, this place began to instill a deeper fear within me.

I found myself thinking that perhaps the mansion was the better option.

If I didn’t take action soon, it felt as though something truly terrible awaited me.

This matter required profound contemplation.

Knock, knock.

Suddenly, a sound of knocking broke the silence.

Outside, morning had arrived.

A visitor at such an early hour.

“Hussel Ben Tenest? Hmm, still asleep, I see.”

It was Gomon’s voice.

I rose from my bedclothes and opened the door.

“Ahem, I’m sorry to disturb you so early. But I couldn’t wait to share this news.”

“News, you say…?”

“Yes, the sword meant for you. Professor Rockefeller has prepared it, and he asked you to come and collect it.”

Did he really need to come all this way just to tell me?

“…You could have just brought it along, couldn’t you?”

I shot him a pointed look, and Gomon’s expression turned sheepish.

He glanced around, then leaned in close to whisper in my ear, so softly that only I could hear.

“No, it’s… actually, it’s something from the treasure vault. You know what that means, right? If this gets out, it could cause quite a stir, so you mustn’t tell any other students. This is only given to the exceptional among the graduates.”

The treasure vault, you say?

For a moment, I doubted my ears and stared at Gomon, asking again.

“Is it true?”

“Yeah, you fool. So hurry up and get ready.”

The treasure vault was a storied armory filled with the legendary swords said to have been donated by renowned pathfinders just before their deaths.

Among them, there were likely the final works of legendary blacksmiths.

It wasn’t just about performance; those swords held a value that couldn’t be measured in gold.

I quickly stopped by the showers, changed my clothes, and followed Gomon.

* * *

To reach the treasure vault, we had to pass through the faculty building.

Along the way, I felt the occasional gaze of professors upon us.

Perhaps they were bothered by a student wandering around such places so early in the morning.

In the midst of this, a shout echoed.

It came from inside the faculty office.

“What are you doing, handling things like this?”

“I-I’m sorry…”

“Goodness, it’s the first time I’ve seen someone mark the wrong answer as correct. You should have encountered this if you graduated here; what on earth is going on with the professors?”

As we passed, I stole a glance.

A young-looking female professor was being scolded by an older one.

Professor Gomon cleared his throat and turned his gaze away.

“Ahem. There are many interesting sights on the way to the treasure vault; shall I give you a little tour while we’re at it?”

“No, it’s fine. Let’s just go.”

I already knew all of this.

But it was when we passed the faculty office corridor and a new door came into view that Gomon, perhaps feeling the itch to guide, took it upon himself.

“That room is responsible for the barriers of the castle walls. Occasionally, when you all train for the monster defense, they manipulate the devices from there.”

“…”

“And this is something even other professors don’t know well: if you go to the principal’s office, you can manipulate the barriers inside the stronghold. Isn’t that amazing? You can block off not just the rooms but even the stairs at will.”

There was nothing particularly surprising about it.

In the heart of the cursed realm stands an academy, where security must, of course, be unwavering.

Though I feigned indifference, Gomon did not cease his explanation.

“Long ago, this place was often besieged by ferocious beasts, unlike the times we know now. It was also an era of turmoil, with armies raiding at all hours.”

This place is far too remote.

In times of war, it would be a strain for the Empire to send proper forces.

Thus, it has often been eyed covetously by hostile nations.

Yet, that is but a tale from ages past…

“The Grand Sorcerer took such matters into account from the very beginning of the design, you see.”

“…Is it permissible to share such things with a student?”

As I squinted, Gomon chuckled awkwardly.

“It’s not exactly a secret, is it?”

Professor Gomon seemed quite fascinated by the history of Frost Heart.

With so many secrets shrouding the fortress, it was no wonder his curiosity was piqued.

“If only there had been no wars, the records would have been preserved intact. Such a pity. Truly a pity.”

Was it not said that after the Grand Sorcerer’s death, Frost Heart fell into foreign hands for a time, centuries later?

The records lost then are a mystery even to me, the user.

The only one I might recognize is the girl in the moving portrait.

Before I knew it, we had arrived at an exhibition hall filled with ruins.

I paused for a moment, gazing at a frame.

In this image, the Grand Sorcerer and three young apprentices smiled, almost like a video.

Two were girls.

One was a boy with white hair.

Perhaps it pleased Professor Gomon that I took an interest in the painting, for he chuckled softly.

“Isn’t it fascinating? A moving picture. Or should we even call it a picture? It feels as if the scene has been embedded right into it.”

“Do you know who those three are?”

“Hmm? I suppose they look like the Grand Sorcerer’s apprentices, but I can’t fathom why their names have been lost to time.”

With a spark of mischief, I pointed at the girl with long hair adorned with a necklace, ready to share an Easter egg that I thought Gomon would enjoy.

“There’s a ghost story tied to this painting. At the stroke of midnight, the girl with the necklace glares chillingly at the girl with the hair tie.”

“W-what?”

I stifled a laugh, playfully evading the question.

“Just a jest. I had a feeling it might be so.”

Professor Gomon scratched his head.

He gestured toward the open door, waving his hand as if to leave.

“You’re quite the joker, aren’t you? Anyway, this is the treasury. I don’t know what you’ll receive, but tell the others it’s a sword sent from home. They’ll believe it easily enough, given your family’s wealth.”

With a cheerful demeanor, he took his leave.

I didn’t particularly dislike him.

He talked a bit too much, but he was a likable sort.

“Thank you for the guidance.”

“Sure. I hope you receive something good.”

The interior of the treasury was filled with a soft, ambient light.

Inside glass cases lay armor, staffs, and swords, all resting in slumber.

‘Hmm, there are far too many tempting items.’

‘Choose wisely, Hessel. Remember, if it doesn’t feel right, ask to exchange it.’

I licked my lips at the sight of a robe that would greatly enhance my magical defenses.

‘Should I ask for the robe instead of a sword?’

‘This brat…’

I pondered what might provoke Donathan’s ire this time.

The sound of boots echoed, accompanied by a voice I wished to avoid.

“Ah, Hessel Ben Tenest, you’ve arrived.”

Rockefeller approached me.

I didn’t smile; I didn’t want to bend my pride before this man.

He would likely toss me something mediocre anyway.

Yet, surprisingly, he examined the weapons with a serious demeanor.

“The sword you wield is a longsword. I noticed you tend to prefer a smaller cross guard. You also seem to favor a blade of average thickness… Now that I think of it, you chose such a weapon for the third exam.”

In the dungeon practice, there was freedom to choose from various weapons.

He had observed all the way to that detail and seemed to remember it well.

It was a strong indication of his obsession with incorporating me into the knight’s department.

…A chill ran down my spine.

“Well then, this should suit you. Care to give it a try?”

Rockefeller swung the staff.

The glass vanished, and the longsword flew toward me.

I gazed at the blade, entranced.

『Song of Flames』

Temporarily enhances one’s defense upon attack.

Creates a shield of fire to momentarily ward off enemy strikes.

Igniting flames upon the blade increases armor penetration.

If one were to classify it, this is a rare S-rank cursed sword.

To think they would offer me such a treasure.

Yet, it was a weapon I should not accept.

“May I choose a different sword, one that I desire?”

For this was the blade that Leana was meant to earn upon her graduation.

“Hmm, are you serious? It seems you do not grasp the value of this item.”

“I understand its worth. Still, I have a weapon close to my heart.”

I approached the black cursed sword slumbering within its glass case.

The hilt was unremarkable, and even the cross-guard bore a grim, unsettling hue.

『Shadow Blade of Weakening』

When infused with magic, its sharpness amplifies.

Weakens the opponent’s armor, inflicting additional damage.

One spell can be inscribed upon it.

Its rank is A.

A sufficiently good weapon, yet after witnessing the finest grade moments ago, it felt somewhat shabby.

Still, I chose this weapon for its versatility in magic and the ability to inscribe an additional spell.

“I will take this one.”

Rockefeller raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion flickering across his face before he smirked arrogantly.

“Ah, the sword of Sir Benjamin, the cursed swordsman of the Black Sea. To choose the blade of one whose end was less than favorable—what poor judgment, Hursel Ben Tenest.”

Indeed, this man was as insufferable as they come.

* * *

From the iron bars of the window, Pheldira swooped in.

Luoan, lying on the bed and gazing at the mosaic shards of glass, asked,

“It seems you often return at this hour.”

“Ah, you see, there’s a professor I’m keeping an eye on. Always watching.”

“A professor? Is that even possible?”

“Isn’t that just how society works? Some adults get thoroughly scolded and secretly weep in the shadows.”

Peldira had been observing a young female professor who had recently joined at specific times.

Perhaps it was because she was new to the world, but her occasional blunders made her a regular target for reprimands from her senior colleagues.

Her increasingly fragile mind was a tempting feast for the restless spirits.

“Oh, and about that hair tie bound around your ankle. Luon, you must cut it for me.”

Luon looked at her, puzzled.

“Wasn’t it a precious item?”

“Indeed. But at the same time, I loathe it.”

“…I find it utterly incomprehensible.”

Luon rose from his seat and untied the hair tie.

The dove returned to the wild, soaring out the window.

Thud!

As the metal hair tie snapped, a thick, dark mist billowed forth, shaping itself into the form of a woman.

—