After Oz left, Arrieta slumped back in her chair and leaned her head on the desk.

And there was someone who approached her like that.

It was Olivia Blue, a girl with neatly tied blue hair.

“Holy Lady.”

“Thank you for waiting, Olivia.”

“No, are you better than that?”

“yes I’m fine. You can’t hang on to your past relationship forever, can you?”

Arrieta raised her head again.

There was regret on his face, but no regrets.

But the pain remained.

It’s a lie to say it’s okay. Couldn’t it be okay?

“So you just have to do it all over again. Because we have become so different from the beginning.”

[Saint of Hope], Arietta Domine never lost hope no matter what happened.

She had to be someone’s hope. The guide, who was supposed to stand at the forefront and lead others, could not sit still.

“You just have to do it all over again.”

“… … Holy Maiden.”

Olivia hesitantly spoke to Arietta as if pondering for a moment.

“Excuse me, but can I come and get some fresh air?”

“Yeah, it’s okay, let’s go.”

“I will be back as soon as possible.”

Olivia bowed her head to Arietta and cautiously left the room.

However, contrary to the words of going to get some air, Olivia, who had escaped from Arietta’s office, left the door and sat down.

It was Arrieta, which anyone in the room could notice, but Olivia didn’t really care about that.

-Liar… … .

Moments later, sobs were heard from the other side of the door.

– You said you would come and pick me up.

Just because you’ve sorted out your past relationships, or because you’ve accepted the reality, doesn’t mean it’s not difficult.

Sat down, Olivia pretended not to hear the noise and guarded Arrieta with a small door open.

-Oz is a liar.

The master she served was never to shed tears in front of others.

She would sometimes give Arrieta time in this form.

She couldn’t shed tears in front of others, but it was too heavy to endure everything alone.

So, leaving a small door behind, she let out her emotions.

“ha… … .”

I wished Oz had gone missing.

Olivia paid homage to him even as she thought about that.

Oz was already aware of Olivia’s hidden existence when he was talking to Arietta.

I couldn’t know

It was a fact that even Oz could notice.

No matter how much it was inside ＜Skientia＞, it was impossible not to have an escort by the side of the saintess Arietta.

Moreover, the lights were on in the lead building.

If Arrieta was alone, there was no need for the lights to be on.

“You are tired.”

Oz knew everything, but pretended not to know. Her relationship with Arietta, and Olivia’s vigilance.

He dealt only with Arrieta. It was the last consideration he could send, but it was a very simple response for Arrieta, who had been waiting for him all along.

“What should I do… … .”

Arrieta tried to interfere with Oz. She couldn’t give up on Oz even though she had to end her past relationship. That was her nature.

Oz, on the other hand, tried to get away from Arrieta. He was well aware of his situation walking through a minefield. That’s why I tried not to involve Arrieta.

He had such a nature.

Arrieta, who can never cut ties, and Oz, who can cut all ties for the sake of necessity.

“It is too difficult… … .”

Olivia could not side with either of them.

The direction of his heart was to help Arietta, but when he thought rationally, it was right to respect Oz’s will.

So she couldn’t do anything.

Didn’t do anything.

* * *

I came out of the leading room with a bad feeling.

The unfamiliar feelings that bloomed from the moment I saw the erosion map that broke through the limit and the smile of Arietta make my heart feel painful.

“Tsk… … .”

let’s go get something to eat

It was already late at night, but inside ＜Skientia＞, there were many places that did business even late.

Among them were students aspiring to be chefs and outsiders who came simply to make money.

I choose a store that is still lit nearby and enter it. There was an NPC I saw in the game.

It didn’t have much importance, but it’s a character that I could see occasionally when I went to buy stamina recovery items.

However, even looking at those game-like elements, the [Erosion Degree], which had exceeded 20%, did not go down.

“May I take your order? customer.”

“… … with this.”

I still haven’t gotten used to talking casually to people I’ve never met.

But even if I’m being chased, I’m the [successor of the King of Sorcery].

To the common people, being respectful might actually make them uncomfortable. That’s why it’s good to keep an arrogant tone.

‘Cause I fell into that world

However, it was harder to maintain that tone than I thought, so I blurted out the end of most conversations.

“I will check your order. 1 sirloin steak. Are you sure?”

“And if you have any take-out food… … peel? I hope I have something that can last until tomorrow.”

“Well… … . I’ll ask the boss. Please wait a moment.”

After thinking about it for a while, the brown-haired employee left.

It was also difficult to ask half-heartedly.

What was I like a moment ago? Was this behavior befitting Oz?

After a while, I didn’t know what the taste of the steak came out, so I pushed it in moderation and took care of the food that came out of the package. It was food minus perishable vegetables. meat is good

I like it because it’s luxurious.

“goodbye!”

When I was walking around the bachelor’s school like that, I suddenly felt that the world was dark.

There were street lights and bright starlight, but it felt like a dark cloud.

* * *

[Erosion degree 21%]

dream. yes this is a dream

The [Erosion Degree] that finally broke through the 20% limit was showing me a dream.

That’s why I’m dreaming. But it’s not my dream.

This was Oz’s dream.

It was a dream of enjoying a life without any special characteristics in a monastery without any special features.

“Oz!”

Someone called me as I was sitting still and reading a book. No, I called Oz, not me.

I turned around and saw a girl with white hair and sparkling mint eyes.

“Arrieta, you are noisy.”

There are only four children in the monastery, including Oz, Arietta, and the red-haired siblings.

For them, life was nothing special.

Wake up in the morning, pray and eat breakfast.

Clean the monastery, learn simple education, pray again, and have lunch.

Each of them takes care of their assigned tasks, plays for the rest of the time, and when evening comes, prays and eats dinner.

read a book and fall asleep

So it repeats itself day by day.

In a way, it was a life that could be said to be dry and uncharacteristic, but they must have been happy.

Oz didn’t show his emotions outwardly, probably because he had such a personality since he was young.

On the other hand, Arrieta was bright and lively.

It was quite a departure from what it looked like today.

“It is this child.”

“Yes, this child must be… … .”

“We will take over from now on.”

“All right… … .”

And the featureless world that seemed to last forever began to be colored with something special.

Even if they didn’t want to, the specialness eroded them.

Arrieta broke up with everyone because of her specialness.

It is none other than the Pope who has come to pick her up. As the head of a small monastery, he couldn’t have refused.

“Hey, Oz.”

“… … why.”

“I have to go tomorrow. I said I must go because God chose me.”

“yes.”

“Oz, can you forget me?”

“… … .”

“Are you sure? Do not forget to come and pick me up later.”

Oz was insipid.

He did not turn his head even when Arrieta said that he would leave tomorrow.

It looked savage.

He just gave a short, insincere reply.

“yes.”

But I could tell

At that time, I had no idea what the arrogance Ozu was harboring, what sentiments could be said to be truly Oz.

Oz, the arrogant and gifted boy, answered without turning his head, absorbed in his book.

Pretending to be calm, I was in a whirlwind of intense emotions.

After saying goodbye to Arrieta, Oz muttered quietly.

His eyes stayed on the book, as if he wanted to put everything in it into his head.

“… … I will be sure to pick you up.”

If the existence that takes Arrieta is God.

He wanted to surpass God.

[Erosion degree 20%]

* * *

Morning always came.

If there is a difference from before, is it that there is no fatigue? Oz’s body was stronger than expected.

“under… … !”

A dream I just had.

I didn’t want to know the story behind the game in this way.

Wasn’t it too late

[Erosion degree 15%]

Was it because he showed me a dream?

[Erosion degree 10%]

The [Erosion Degree], which hadn’t gone down ever since the incident with Arrieta, started plummeting again.

[Erosion degree 10%]

Even so, it did not go down to a certain number.

I’m not sure if the lowest point has changed or if I’m still lost, but it didn’t feel good.

“ha… … .”

I put on my school uniform appropriately, put on the leader’s armband appropriately, and left the dormitory after properly disposing of the food I had packed yesterday.

You might think it’s come now, but the fact that I was alone made me feel alienated. I’m just accepting this world.

As I was walking around the school in moderation, I saw a familiar person.

Our interest seed Eleanor.

“synthesis!”

Eleanor was practicing wielding a greatsword, which was rare.

I felt uncomfortable when I thought of her, who was usually thinking about how to act to get attention.

“Noah, what happened? I did all my training from morning.”

“Ah, Master Oz… … . uh? S, did you join the teacher’s leadership team?”

Eleanor smiled and approached me, then stiffened at the sight of the white armband draped over my shoulder.

Somehow, the sight of a thief making my feet go numb is because of my mood?

“Blow gently, what accident did you have in the morning?”

“I didn’t have any accidents.”

“… … Are you going to hit it later?”

“Master tends to see me as a criminal.”

Isn’t the past gorgeous?

Normally, she tries to draw people’s attention, but the rare sight of her wielding a sword is chilling.

I’m sorry to say this, but I can only think of her actions as preparing for an accident later.

“Then why are you training?”

“Isn’t there a welcome party for freshmen soon?”

“right.”

“But when it comes to parties, everyone wants to be the main character, right?”

“I don’t think so, but let’s do it for now.”

“Aristocratic children will definitely come wearing pretty dresses… … Anyway, it’s sure to come in a splendid way, right? Aren’t you petty?”

“No you… … .”

For a moment, I almost said you’re not royalty.

It’s a great camouflage ability. Is it acting that even deceives oneself? Why do you, none other than you, hate nobles?

It’s also sad when you think about it.

Yes, Eleanor must have remembered the moment she enjoyed the party at Chrysos’s palace.

She must have been happy because she was a princess loved by all people.

After all, this party might have reminded her of her past.

Now, from her point of view, getting a dress is difficult.

And even if you can save it, it will be difficult to become the main character on stage because of the people around you.

Could that be why she is trying to rebuild the kingdom of Chrysos as soon as possible? That might be the reason why he has been building his strength while swinging his sword since morning.

Maybe I’m mistaken. She was definitely a seed of interest, but she was also a royal family with a noble mission.

I feel guilty.

“So I’m going to mess up the party venue where I can’t be the main character. okay! I will break it! It’s training for that. Will Master help you then?”

No, now that I see it, there was no need for guilt.

Eleanor was just crazy beyond my imagination.

“… … Shall we go to the leadership department to talk about the details?”

She laughs and talks about it, but her mindset that she will destroy it if she can’t have it is even frightening at first glance.

Having improved my performance as a leader in the morning, I decided to attend class quietly, leaving Eleanor behind.

* * *

After the common class in the morning, Eleanor approached me again with displeasure.

“Isn’t Master Oz strange?”

“Oh, yes. It’s strange.”

Mainly your head.

“I was curious before. Aren’t the leaders not taking classes? Why do you always hold me until late? Is it already the 3rd? The morning and afternoon are all stained with tardiness! They’ve already started getting warnings!”

three times… … .

Once on orientation day and once today. And did I mess it up again in a place I don’t know?

In fact, there were only morning classes on orientation day, so it is said that every moment was exhausted.

It wasn’t long before the school year started.

However, I think the fact that he has already become a regular member of the leading team to the extent that he has such doubts is itself a problem.

What the hell are you doing to get caught so much by the leader? What are you doing in a place I don’t know?

“Since there are no common classes from the second year onwards, let’s take a break.”

Putting aside Eleanor’s weird hair, it answers her questions.

“Are my grades okay?”

“Give credit if you are active in the leadership team.”

“You are cowardly. If this happens, only I will be penalized.”

“Sometimes I admire your shameless mind… … .”

It’s a problem to choose only the actions that deserve the penalty.

Leaving behind Eleanor’s ridiculous complaints, he gets up from his seat.

“Are you skipping afternoon class and going out to play again today? It hurts. I envy you. I want to be an aristocrat too.”

“… … .”

I barely swallowed the words that were about to come out of my mouth.

How could a kid who wasn’t an iconic aristocrat like me, and who was royalty by birth, have such natural hostility?

If it was acting, I couldn’t help but think that it was amazing.

“Starting today, I will also go to class.”

“is that so? So, the teacher’s timetable for today… … . Surely it was a basic combat technique?”

“How do you know that… … ?”

“Ehehehe… … .”

[Contemplation – Activate]

It’s a strange thing.

There is no reason for her to memorize my timetable.

I’ve never shown it before.

Furthermore, even if the class has the same name, if the professor is different, the timetable will be different.

You won’t know unless you do some research.

“Are you aware of the trends of the leaders in advance to create a mess on the day of the freshman party?”

I stare at the silent Eleanor with [contemplation].

Say a word from now on. I’ll pierce through all those lies.

“… … Ahem.”

“Class 1-4 Noah. Penalty points are given by the authority of the leading team.”

“oh… … !”

* * *

According to Noah’s information, the afternoon class I will be taking is basic combat skills.

This class is an outdoor class as much as the subject is a subject.

It’s not like there are a lot of students.

This is because students who want to be warriors and guardians who use combat skills as their main weapon skip the basics and start at the beginner or intermediate level, where subjects begin to be subdivided.

Likewise, students aspiring to be wizards learn from the beginner or intermediate level without passing the basics.

Of course, I skipped the beginner level as well.

There is no reason to waste time on copying.

“Ha ha ha ha ha! I never imagined that the famous Oz student would come to take my class.”

“Ah, yes… … .”

The one who openly pretends to be friendly is Gerard Oren, a professor who teaches basic and intermediate martial arts.

He is a person who feels a sense of intimacy with his muscularity.

“Good idea. No matter how strong the magic is, isn’t it dangerous at close range? If you learn simple self-defense techniques, you should be able to catch your opponent off guard.”

“I think so too.”

There’s not much you can learn from Gerard Oren.

As he said, it would only be at the level of self-defense. Most of the students who came to take this class in the first place would have that thought.

But there was one more reason why I should take this class.

“First, let’s get rid of the body. You will regret it later if you make excessive movements while your muscles are tense.”

Gerard Oren, the boss of Chapter 1 of the main story, is from the Kingdom of Chrysos.

It didn’t matter that he was a professor at ＜Schientia＞, but his family was isolated and exterminated in Chrysos.

The outline of Chapter 1 of the main story is to express that anger and resentment toward Eleanor.

The reason why Gerard attacked Eleanor was because of rumors spreading around the world that the royalty of Chrysos Kingdom had been punished for incurring Heaven’s wrath.

It wasn’t easy for someone the size of a professor to believe such a rumor, but Gerard chose to believe it.

He needed a place to pour out his anger and resentment.

[Contemplation – Activate]

When I looked at Gerard with [Contemplation], I could see that there was burning anger behind the friendly smile.

Unfortunately, it seemed difficult to put the work in advance.

Looking at the circumstances, he had already noticed Eleanor’s presence.

It is impossible not to recognize her who likes to mingle with the people in the first place.

It’s hard to fool even those who have seen her up close by cutting her hair a little.

“Well? Do you have any business? Oz students.”

Gerard Oren is strong.

It was only natural that he was strong because he was an instructor who taught even intermediate martial arts in the first place.

In terms of a game character, he’s probably an SR-level person.

For me, who has just started learning intermediate magic, it will be difficult to win even if I die and wake up.

So, you shouldn’t go with the regular method.

“I am still being targeted by countless assassins.”

“… … .”

“I want to know if the skills I learn from you will be useful to me. Is it worth it?”

This is the class I chose in the first place.

But in an arrogant way, as if it were a natural question, like Oz.

I declared to Professor Gerard.

“Where can you show me your skills?”

So I need to know his fighting style in advance.

Although this is a world within a game, it is natural that the opponent cannot move like a game character.

There was simply no way to move according to the pattern of the monster.

“… … good. Prince of Oz. Looking at your situation right now, you might have that question as well.”

The title changed from a simple student to a prince.

[Contemplation] reads Gerard’s feelings once again.

“But I want you to know that you are not alone in taking the class. Shall we finish quickly?”

The emotion hidden behind a friendly smile is still burning anger.

“It will hurt a little.”

and contempt

I don’t know anything else, but I could guarantee this.

This time, I made sure to act. Gerard started running right at me.