Chapter 269
Chapter 269
Even the students of the White Tiger Tower were restless.
They questioned whether it was right to snatch a proposal made by a fellow tower mate.
But Anglago paid no heed.
"This is not particularly dishonorable conduct for a knight," he declared.
"Is he insane?"
Ignoring the prince's remark, Anglago continued, "It's simply about having an item and paying a fair price for it. That's all there is to it."
'I shouldn't be the one to talk, but is this really okay?' Yi-Han thought to himself.
He knew that the students of the White Tiger were adapting to the magic academy, but this seemed like an overly smooth adaptation.
"Anglago. That sounds like something a merchant would say..."
"A knight isn't forbidden from buying items! If there's a coveted sword everyone desires, and someone attempts to purchase it first, would you just give up? Is that really the wise thing to do?!"
In his desperation, Anglago resorted to specious arguments.
The students of the White Tiger, overwhelmed by his fervor, tilted their heads, pondering, 'Is that so?' 'It seems like it.'
Gainando muttered, 'That sounds like nonsense,' but his words failed to reach the White Tiger students.
"Alright, Wardanaz! I'll pay double, so let me have it first..."
"Wait. I'll pay triple!"
"..."
Anglago had forgotten one thing.
If he entered the bidding by doubling the price, others could join in by raising it even higher.
This time, Shyles Richmond of the Black Tortoise, from the renowned family of carriage transporters, stepped in. Being from a wealthy family, Shyles had no concerns about credit.
'These filthy rich brats,' Yi-Han grumbled inwardly.
Was it really okay for them to waste money like this, money they didn't even earn themselves?
"Richmond, you bastard... are you trying to interfere with the White Tiger Tower's affairs?"
"What nonsense! Didn't you say it was a legitimate right?"
"Then I'll raise it to four times!"
"You think I'll back down? Five times the price!"
"Wait. Everyone, come here!"
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Anglago gathered the White Tiger students.
Rowena, who had just spoken, was also pulled into the discussion.
"It's become difficult to purchase it alone. Let's pool our resources."
"Pool our resources?"
"Let's buy it together and share it."
"..."
Yi-Han looked at the White Tiger students in disbelief.
What madness, to think of sharing it?
But the madness wasn't confined to the White Tiger; it had spread to the Black Tortoise as well.
Shyles had also gathered his tower mates.
"Tutanta. The scoundrels of the White Tiger are trying to buy Wardanaz with money! Help us out!"
"Those despicable cowards. Is that what knights are supposed to be?"
"..."
Realizing the odd turn of events, Asan opened his mouth from the back.
"Wardanaz. The current situation is a bit..."
"Yeah, I didn't expect this."
"Right? There's only one way out of this."
"What's that?"
"Everyone, gather around."
"?"
Asan began to gather the students of the Blue Dragon.
They seriously calculated how much silver each could contribute.
"We must buy it first. Contribute as much as you can..."
"Take the initiative! Make sure they never dare to challenge us again!"
"..."
Yi-Han was frustrated.
Yi-Han had the urge to tear down a castle but ultimately refrained from doing so.
It wasn't just a matter of conscience; he knew that the longer the tail, the more likely it would get stepped on. He didn't want to see the Imperial Newspaper headline: Einrogard First-Year Student's Outrageous Scam... Multiple Victims, Is This Acceptable for Einrogard?
"Stop raising the price. I'll help in the order you spoke," he said firmly.
"But Wardanaz, if we do that, the ones at the end might not receive help due to depleted mana."
"That won't happen," Yi-Han assured.
"But..."
"It won't happen," he repeated firmly.
Yi-Han was certain of one thing: there was no shortage of mana.
"Wardanaz, I know this may seem a bit chaotic to you, but..."
"Enough with the excuses. Do I just infuse mana here?"
"Uh, yes."
Crackle!
A torch lit up with mana. The student from the White Tiger was amazed by its instant activation.
"Impressive!"
"I thought there would be some trial and error, but it worked on the first try. Is this the final version?"
"It's supposed to also amplify mana, but seeing how it ignited instantly, maybe this is as good as it gets..."
"Stop the nonsense and do it right."
At Yi-Han's remark, the student from the White Tiger looked downcast.
Yi-Han then proceeded to examine the other students' constructions.
"Wardanaz, this device is designed to repel undead creatures that approach..."
"Did you create this targeting the principal?"
"Wardanaz, what do you think of this mana-powered wooden horse?"
"Was that a horse? With eight legs, I thought it was a spider."
"..."
Yi-Han felt relieved after seeing his friends' constructions.
He had worried that his own creation was of inferior quality, but it seemed it wouldn't be far behind.
'What?!'
However, his thoughts changed upon seeing the princess's design.
The blueprint depicted a small fountain, intricately connecting five magic devices, a beautiful piece employing illusion, elemental, and enchantment magic.
Rowena proudly said as if it were her own work, "How is it, Mr. Wardanaz? Her Highness the Princess worked on this design for days without proper sleep. I was worried since she studies three schools of magic, but even in such circumstances, to complete such a design is truly..."
Rowena paused mid-sentence.
The princess's followers beside her also halted, startled.
It was indeed remarkable to major in three schools of magic, as most studied one or two.
Studying three required exceptional intelligence and fervent scholarly passion...
...but in their presence was someone studying twice that number.
"...Even if taking three majors doesn't seem that impressive to you, this is really remarkable..."
"It is remarkable, so there's no need to downplay it," Yi-Han said, somewhat amused.
In fact, it was just that Yi-Han's life had somehow gotten twisted, but studying three schools of magic simultaneously was indeed a sufficiently remarkable feat.
"It's really well-made," Yi-Han commented.
"Really? Are you pleased?!"
Rowena was overjoyed, as if she could jump with excitement. Yi-Han thought to himself.
'Shouldn't she be more concerned about her own grades?'
When he had looked earlier, her design was somewhat lacking...
Yi-Han didn't say anything further since he had already expressed his approval. After all, with the Princess's level of connections, she might be able to secure a position for Rowena after graduation.
A being on a different level than Gainando, who had only money to offer!
After thoroughly reviewing the design, Yi-Han asked, "So where do I infuse the mana?"
"Right here."
"?"
Yi-Han paused.
The place Rowena had pointed to only had a single round frame, nothing else.
It was supposed to be a fountain that required five magic devices to be intricately connected to complete, but there was only a single round frame?
"Ah... Are the other devices located elsewhere?"
If Gainando had been there, he would have bluntly said, 'Stop talking big and reduce the difficulty,' followed by a smack on the back of the head. However, given the princess's influence, Yi-Han asked as politely as he could.
"No, they aren't!" Rowena replied.
"They aren't?"
"Yes! They are still being prepared!"
Rowena's cheerful response momentarily stunned Yi-Han.
With only a week left, not even one device was complete, let alone the entire apparatus.
...Could this really work?
'It seems risky, no matter how I think about it.'
Even with a generous estimate, the situation seemed perilous given that the other students had already completed more than half of their constructions.
"Isn't this... too slow?"
"It's okay!"
"Ah. So there's a way."
"Yes! This level of challenge is definitely manageable for Her Highness the Princess."
"...?"
Yi-Han tilted his head slightly, puzzled by Rowena's confidence.
"So, what is the method?"
"Who knows?"
"..."
Yi-Han's eyes were drawn to the White Tiger emblem on Rowena's coat.
'That's right. She's from the White Tiger.'
Yi-Han nodded, understandingly. Unaware of the implications, Rowena looked puzzled.
'Aren't there any other followers?'
"Nebren."
Nebren of the Kirak family, belonging to the same Blue Dragon Tower as Yi-Han.
Yi-Han called Nebren over to ask.
"Isn't this too slow?"
"It might seem a bit slow, but if it's Her Highness the Princess..."
"No, not about faith. Is there a way to complete all five devices quickly?"
Nebren hesitated. Yi-Han grew more uneasy.
This...?
"Princess. Are you sure this is okay? It seems a bit slow?"
Upon Yi-Han's inquiry, Adenart fell into thoughtful contemplation.
Although she hadn't fully realized it, the truth was that time was indeed running short.
"Indeed, a bit..."
"It's okay. Mr. Wardanaz!"
"Her Highness the Princess can surely do it!"
"..."
The princess, about to speak, hesitated upon her followers' words and fell silent again.
"You were about to say something, Princess."
"Was I?"
"Probably that you can do it."
The princess fidgeted with her fingers, hesitated, and finally gave up, returning to her seat.
Yi-Han thought to himself.
'She definitely looked like she just realized the problem.'
Though his face was expressionless, Yi-Han had seen many students like her before.
It was the look of a student who, despite feigning calmness, had already sensed their impending fate.
"Right. You guys must be correct! Where should I infuse the mana?"
Growing impatient, Yi-Han decided to just do his part and leave.
The princess looked intently at Yi-Han, trying to signal something with her eyes, but he ignored it.
'Sorry. Your followers are annoying.'
The princess's followers were more troublesome than he expected. Interacting with them could also become a headache for Yi-Han.
After infusing the mana and turning away, Yi-Han spoke to Gainando, who was passing by.
"Gainando. Maybe it's better to be like you, without any annoying followers."
"What, what did I do wrong?!"
"Guys, how many suns were there originally?"
"...Finally, someone has lost their mind."
"I knew it would happen someday."
Upon hearing the words of a student from the Tower of the Blue Dragon, the crowd of friends stirred restlessly.
"Look, it's not that! Look over there!"
Confused murmurs filled the air.
Students from not only the Tower of the Blue Dragon but also from other towers raised their heads.
To their astonishment, there were two suns floating in the sky.
"What... what is that?!"
"It's the Principal's attack! It's the Principal's attack!"
Gainando crouched down and lowered his stance. Then Professor Alpen spoke.
"That's not the Principal's attack."
"It's not?"
Feeling sheepish, Gainando slowly stood up.
"That's a Phoenix."
"A Phoenix?"
"You don't know what a Phoenix is?"
Professor Alpen kindly explained to the students gathered around.
On rare occasions, when the magic of the fire attribute strongly converged and certain special conditions aligned, a Phoenix would emerge from the mass of concentrated mana.
"This is indeed a rare and mystical sight. You students gathered here are truly fortunate."
"Wow..."
"That's a Phoenix?"
The students had been subtly celebrating the Phoenix throughout the week.
The small, newly-emerged sun in the distance was actually a Phoenix.
That realization alone seemed to warm the hearts of the students, previously chilled by assignments and studies.
"It's like a miracle!"
Psh-psh-psh-
With a soft sound, crimson feathers, glowing in the sky, began to fall like rain.
And wherever a feather fell, flames began to ignite.
Silence ensued.
"Ah! Ahhh! Stop it!"
"That crazy Phoenix! What is it doing?!"
It took less than ten seconds for the miracle to turn into a disaster.
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