Chapter 98
Irtysh Station was a rural station in the south of Krasilov. There was a mine, but it was insignificant, and it had been abandoned and closed at the end of the war.
The nearby area consisted of insignificant rural villages living off trade, with Chelyabinsk being the only significant settlement, not even included in Chelyabinsks main trade routes.
So, literally.
It was like a rural train station drawn in a picture.
The platform had only two tracks, up and down. Beyond the ticket gates, there was a station attendant dozing off. It meant it was a remote place where you had to ride a carriage for over 20 minutes to reach the nearest village.
I really cant believe it.
Isabelle stood on the platform, touching her forehead.
All of you? Really? Seriously?
Im trying really hard to hold it in right now, so be quiet.
But theres something I dont understand.
Ecdysis looked around, gripping the iron rod tightly.
Isabelle, alright. Weve had a few interactions, so shes within the realm of understanding.
Elpheira? What mischief could that elf girl have caused again? Our kind uncle wouldnt be mingling with elf-like creatures.
But, what about Oscar?
Its not really acceptable for even men to be within the permissible range. Im starting to lose track of where to start fixing things
Isabelle quietly nodded her head. Alright, lets not worry about that idiot.
At least he didnt really mean for us to go on vacation, did he?
I got it right away.
Oscar smiled subtly and pulled out an invitation from his pocket. Isabelle gritted her teeth as soon as she saw the envelope.
Im really annoyed.
Miss Isabelle, Miss Ecdysis, Miss Elpheira. Do you know what you all have in common?
Thieves?
Thats a very creative interpretation, but no, thats not it, especially with me around. No, rather, its just no.
Oscar silently agreed. Alright, lets not worry about these fools.
Arent were the children of the hero party! And this is a sparsely populated rural area. Cant you tell just by looking?
But Lucia isnt here?
What about Lucia? Shes not a daughter, shes a disciple, so she wasnt included? Professor Enrique is infertile, so she couldnt have a daughter, isnt that too much?
I started to get scared of all of you.
Oscar lamented the cognitive impairments of two out of the four party members. Ecdysis being the daughter of Einar, thats understandable, but what happened to Isabelle?
She was clearly a genius girl famous in Tylesse.
Unless she was poisoned for weakening the enemys strength in Krasilov, it doesnt make sense.
But fortunately, theres one more person among them who can communicate. I dont really want to classify them as a person, but at least theyre an intelligent being capable of conversation.
Elpheira, listening to Oscars words, turned her head and asked.
So, does that mean Yermov intends to gather us to assassinate us?
I doubt it. If that were the case, there would have been many better opportunities.
How many times has the recent attack in Frechenkaya happened? Civil unrest within the city always brings about a security vacuum.
If he had attacked during that time, it would have been a much cleaner job. For example, during the attack on the field internship, if Ivan hadnt intervened, Oscar and Isabelle would have surely lost their lives.
So killing isnt the objective. Rather, its
Something they want to show or teach only to us. Isnt it that kind of call? Yermov was a friend of the hero party, a close friend of Professor Enrique, and someone who showed overwhelming performance in the tournament.
Isnt it common sense that if your dads friend is a knight, they would help with training in such situations?
In response to Oscars words, Elpheira let out a bitter laugh.
Humans can be cute sometimes.
What?
Assume youre right. Then what about me? Its true that Yermov handles a sword quite well, but can he also handle magic? Then what can he teach me?
If Ivan had been good at magic, he wouldnt have taken her to explore the underground ruins. And that means, more than anyone else here, she is more suitable to fill Ivans shortcomings.
As Elpheira was an awake elf, she didnt doubt Oscars presence here. Well, isnt gender necessarily important for sexual desire? Neither is race nor age. (The latter is more important.)
So, thats it.
Gathering people who are interested in themselves among humans and tactfully rejecting them because theres an elf present. Huh, youve really thought it through well. How cute.
Oscar despaired as he read that look in Elpheiras eyes.
Theres no sane person?
Not just one crazy, but everyone except one is crazy?
Are these the successors of the hero party?
Fortunately, Oscars despair didnt last long. When the clock in the main waiting room began to strike exactly 5 oclock in the afternoon, heavy footsteps were heard.
Thud, thud, thud.
Elpheiras ears perked up. As everyone shifted their gaze, a man stood in front of the entrance to the station, silhouetted against the sun.
You came on time.
Uncle!
Isabelle and Ecdysis ran towards Ivan with excitement. As they rushed forward as if to draw a sword immediately, thump. Bags were thrown at each of them.
Huh? Whats this? Its really heavy?
Each of you carry one and follow me. Ive packed what we need.
Ivan gestured towards the black carriage in front of the station. It had armored plates, gunports, and barred windows, resembling a prisoner transport carriage.
Were not being kidnapped or anything, right?
No.
Ivan nodded his head.
At his gesture, the station attendant dozing off, the beggar in the corner, the merchant selling dried herbs, and the farmer waiting for the next train all suddenly stood up.
Huh? At that moment, black cloths spread out over the students heads.
With expert skill, the Counterintelligence agents swiftly surrounded and secured them, sparkling eyes fixed on Ivan.
Excellent. Take them away.
Yes, sir!
The agents, greatly uplifted by the praise of the legendary agent, threw the students into the carriage like luggage.
Ivan entered the carriage compartment, where the students were piled up, and slowly reclined in his seat.
Its not kidnapping, its just abduction.
Are you really crazy, uncle? Youre not going to release us? If I get out, Ill really kill you first!
Uncle, abduction is illegal on Drovian. Lets talk.
I have a human hair allergy!!
Ignoring the squawking luggage, Ivan unfolded a map.
Soon, the carriage departed.
***
How to train students who are on vacation.
Unless students have status windows or quests, they will never voluntarily participate in training during vacation, as they are not normal students who think about studying. This is a fact that Ivan, who has lived his whole life as a student under the highly organized education system of the 21st century, knows very well.
Unless there is a motive such as seeking revenge against a fugitive brother or a British phantom who has conspired with the government to carry out terrorism whenever bored, students will never participate in classes voluntarily.
So, in order to train the peaceful university students of this era, and even to conduct training during vacations, what motives should be instilled in them?
Its not money. Isabelle, Ecdysis, Elpheira, and Oscar are wealthy enough to cover the annual operating expenses of Ivans orphanage with their own individual assets alone.
Honor, wealth, goods, and rare artifacts should not be motives but rather rewards given after completing trials. Motives should be simpler and more intense.
Sergeant Kim Sun-woo, the Earths top motivator, already knew the answer.
The correct answer is simply survival.
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