Healing at the Academy convenience store

Jephryn 1st-year common dormitory.

The dormitory hall at Jephryn was in an astonishing state of disrepair due to the disruption caused by a graduate student and the intervention of two members of the royal family.

While the 1st-year students at Jephryn were in class, the dormitory underwent repairs. The school had hired a construction company, and this company, with connections to Maestro, subcontracted the job. Further subcontracting was also involved.

However, the initial contractor had estimated the job at 300,000 Rin per worker, but for some inexplicable reason, the on-site laborers were only receiving 70,000 Rin.

Nevertheless, they put in considerable effort, perspiring profusely and working diligently for the benefit of the first-year students.

They successfully completed all the assigned tasks within a tight schedule. Someday, when they return to Jephryn, they will proudly say, “I was the one who repaired that 1st-year dormitory.” Their dedication was truly remarkable.

The construction work had concluded, and it was time for the external companies to depart. All that remained was for everyone to resume their daily lives.

Bokkulom, Jolkulla, Yapgamnon, and Jelralien, the laborers who had come from afar, sensed that it was time to bid farewell.

They had formed strong bonds at the construction site, sharing morning water and afternoon lunches, working together on tasks like mixing cement, painting, and wallpapering.

“Great job, Nephti.”

“You worked tirelessly too, Bippullaen.”

“Thank you.”

Bokkulom, Jolkulla, Yapgamnon, and Jelralien were hardworking laborers who carried themselves with dignity wherever they went. Bippullaen, their forewoman, smiled in response to Nephti’s words. Her smile was distinctive, marked by her curly hair and full lips.

“Nephti…”

“Why are you crying, Bippullaen? You’ll spoil your lovely face.”

Bippullaen, who oversaw the labor office, had been observing Nephti closely. She was a powerhouse, doing the work of three men and lifting two H-beams.

“No need for formalities. We’re a united crew, aren’t we?”

“Exactly. We’re one crew, the Wolves of Sabuten.”

“Yes. We’ll cross paths again someday. And we’ll still be a crew, won’t we?”

Bippullaen smiled, holding back tears as she agreed with Nephti.

“Absolutely!”

“Great, then it’s settled.”

They shook hands firmly.

Just before departing, Bippullaen handed something to Nephti.

“What’s this?”

“My gift.”

On a yellow background, black letters spelled out “Safety Manager.” It was an emblem symbolizing Bippullaen’s authority, as she was the sole holder of a safety manager certification.

“Will you accept it?”

“Yes, Bippullaen! I’ll consider it the spirit of our Wolves of Sabuten crew!”

She left, leaving behind her sentiments, and the Wolves of Sabuten bid farewell to Jephryn. Waving them off, Nephti clutched the emblem in her hand.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind her.

“Is the farewell complete?”

“Yes.”

Aila Tristar, Nephti’s new employer, spoke.

“So, it’s time for you to begin working for me.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m ready whenever you are.”

“Good attitude. But what’s that?”

Aila looked puzzledly at the emblem in Nephti’s hand.

“It’s a token to promise a reunion.”

“Is that so? Well, I don’t quite understand.”

‘Bippullaen, Bokkulom, Jolkulla, Yapgamnon, Jelralien… We will definitely meet again. When we do, I will be someone who works diligently without speaking much.’

However, whether their reunion would come to pass was uncertain to everyone. After all, the Wolves of Sabuten were all undocumented immigrants.

***

The next day, right after class, Mille-feuille came to the convenience store to try out some snacks. On several occasions, Mixweet succeeded, and among them, some were extremely popular.

“How about this one?”

“As expected, the previous one is no longer available.”

The major drawback of Mixweet’s great success was that the buffs couldn’t be stacked. The original system remained the same. With regular buffs or Mixweet’s addition, you could apply up to two buffs. But with Mixweet’s multiplication, i.e., the great success, only one could be applied.

“You might think you can alternate between them, but each buff seems to have its own cooldown. So, in the fight with Kelters, it appears we can only use one buff.”

“Then should we go with half-berserk?”

“Yes, that seems like the best option.”

We both nodded simultaneously. It seemed like the most rational choice. This was also something they had discussed beforehand.

“I’m concerned about Aila’s lack of experience in close combat. I don’t know if she can prepare for hand-to-hand combat.”

“Ah, she said she was going to find an instructor.”

An instructor? Aila, who doesn’t have friends, is looking for an instructor? Who could she be planning to bring? As I pondered this, the door to the convenience store suddenly opened.

“Are you here, chick?”

“Yes, yes, senior!”

“Good, follow me! I’ve brought an instructor!”

“Yes, yes?”

I looked at the instructor standing next to Aila. A girl wearing a yellow armband that said ‘Safety Manager.’ A knight of belief. A reliable senior. Nephti was there.

***

I couldn’t hide my surprise at the fact that Aila had hired Nephti. Initially, Aila was the antagonist in the Magic Department, and Nephti was in the Knights department… a protagonist?

Nevertheless, upon further reflection, I realized it was a good pairing. Aila has a lot of money, so she could even control Nephti’s loyalty. For the wealthy merchant family Aila comes from, it’s a strategic move.

“Hmm, so you’re going up against Junior Kelters.”

“Yes, yes.”

“You made a wise choice. I’ve memorized all of Junior Kelters’ stats and skills.”

“Really?”

“I generally memorize the stats and skills of promising students who have the potential to enter the Knights department. That way, I can provide proper guidance later.”

Although skills and stats are usually publicly available for review every six months, I had no idea Nephti had memorized them all. But given her role as a supportive senior in the original storyline, it makes sense that she would put in such effort.

“Then let’s have a practice battle while considering Kelters’s stats and skill distribution.”

“…Yes! I’ll give it my all!”

Filled with the determination of Mille-feuille, the answer resonated in the convenience store. Nephti and Mille-feuille then headed off for the battle, with Aila following closely behind. Before leaving, Aila gave me a mischievous smile and raised her fist.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you shouldn’t get upset even if I snatch that cute chick from you.”

Ah, I see.

Aila left the convenience store humming a tune. At that moment, the door opened once more.

“Is Wolfram here?”

“…No. At least, I have no intention of dealing with someone who interferes in other people’s affairs.”

“Isn’t the motto of hospitality ‘the more, the merrier’?”

“‘Do good to others, harm to none.’ That’s Wolfram’s motto.”

The visitor was a blood relative, whose name was listed at the bottom of the registry—Eve von Roengreen.

***

Eve walked into the store and her eyes lit up when she saw the snacks on the table.

“The source of these snacks, Wolfram you…”

“Hmm? Ah, it’s because I’m preparing something.”

“Preparing? This is preparation?”

“Yes, a significant preparation.”

Upon hearing that, Eve’s eyes widened, and then she broke into a warm smile, glancing at me with a subtle grin.

This is truly exasperating.

Why are they being so critical?

So I asked,

“What are you chuckling about?”

“Ah, finally, Wolfram has become more human.”

“What do you mean?”

“Whether it’s running a convenience store that’s so unlike you or participating in the Magic Craft competition, I was genuinely considering whether you should drop out. But it seems you’ve finally found your calling!”

“······.”

“Yes, Wolfram. You may not know much else, but you do have a subtle skill in crafting snacks. So it feels like you’ve finally found your purpose. Wolfram has become more human. This is how a person should live. How long will you be a bother to everyone around you with nonsense? I was really worried, but I’m relieved.”

“······.”

“Now, leave the academy and return to the royal palace to become a pastry chef directly under the court. Then, in heaven···.”

“Eve.”

“···What? I’m trying to praise you for once; don’t ruin the mood. Anyway, you’ve decided to live more like a human···.”

Praise?

Is that supposed to be praise?

Right now, I should clarify this misunderstanding before discussing anything else.

“Don’t talk nonsense, Eve. I have no plans to leave the academy, nor do I intend to become a pastry chef. And I will participate in the Magic Craft competition.”

“···What?”

“The pile of desserts you see in front of you is the magical tool that I will be using in the Magic Craft competition.”

“······Have you finally lost your mind?”

Look at the way she talks, really. Is this the tone to take when you’re supposedly concerned?

***

Since continuing to argue with Eve seemed pointless, I handed her one of the desserts I was making to keep her quiet.

“So this is a bribe···.”

“Either eat it and stop talking, or leave.”

“Yum.”

Eve picked up the cake with a fork on the spot and widened her eyes after a moment.

“···Huh? This.”

“Buffer-type··· no, it’s a Magical Sweet.”

“What a cute name. No, not that, this has… an enhancement effect? I’m not sure about the details, but it’s a resistance-type··· No, instantaneous. So, if I had to guess, it enhances resistance against all fire magic?”

Eve muttered something, then quickly determined what kind of magic was on the dessert and frowned.

“You’re well-informed. That’s precisely what a Magical Sweet is. A supplementary food that provides the eater with beneficial magical effects.”

“So this is···.”

“Yes. This is what I will present at the Magic Craft competition.”

Upon hearing this, Eve reached her right hand to the side.

[Light Spear: Barrier: Disruption]

A protective barrier?

Why?

As I looked at Eve with a puzzled expression, she frowned and alternated her gaze between the dessert I made and me.

“Wolfram, did you really create this with your own hands?”

“Yes, I’ve developed a skill called Magical Patissier.”

“So you’ve crafted a snack that instantly impacts any battlefield?”

“Yes.”

“What’s the highest tier it can reach? Does it cap at the upper 9th tier?”

“No, currently it goes up to the upper 8th tier.”

Upon hearing that, she furrowed her brow even further.

Why is she suddenly acting so menacing?

“So you intend to present this at the Magic Craft competition?”

“Yes.”

Hearing that, Eve let out a deep sigh and maintained her frown.

“Wolfram, as the student council president, I strongly recommend, no, I’m warning you to reconsider.”

“···What?”

“Don’t submit this. Ah, why now of all times? If you truly insist, considering my rate of progress, perhaps next year… No, that’s still risky. Just put a halt to it.”

“May I inquire why?”

“Because you could end up dead if you’re not careful?”

“What?”

Upon hearing my question, Eve let out another sigh.

“Wolfram, you are aware that the total number of students at Jephryn is one hundred thousand, correct?”

“Of course, I’m aware.”

“And you also know that the odds of safely progressing from the first year to the fourth year are, at best, around 70%, correct?”

“I know.”

“But if this product enters the market, it’s going to create a major problem.”

“Hmm.”

“To put it simply, this buff has the potential to alter exam outcomes. Someone who should fail might pass, and someone who should pass might fail… While artifacts are generally monitored, this could even influence the outcomes of forbidden exams.”

“So it could be used for cheating?”

“No? Everyone would resort to illegal means. Do you want to be discovered as an outsider in Zone 8, with your life in danger among a hundred thousand people?”

Wow, that’s truly alarming.

But I recall hearing something similar before.

Yes, the energy drink situation.

I was explicitly advised not to release it recklessly.

“I believe it will take me about 2 years to gain full control of the academy and wield authority. Then, I won’t discourage you from going public. But revealing this to the public now is putting too much pressure on yourself.”

“…”

“By then, I’ll adjust the supply and establish the sales route for you. Then, you can proceed with the sales, Wolfram.”

Eve’s words gave me pause and made me think. Does going public with this jeopardize my life?

“But…”

Before I could continue, a familiar voice echoed from beyond the barrier.

“Don’t worry, Wolfram is safe.”

Then, the sound of a skill being activated followed.

[Obsidian: Single Shot: Maximum Power: Destruction]

The obsidian, with one more effect than usual, began to dent the barrier that Eve had erected.

Crack.

The barrier, constructed with a magic power of 22 in three verses, couldn’t withstand the assault from the four-versed obsidian and shattered. Aila stepped in with determined strides.

“Chick and Nephti are engrossed in their training, so I came to see Wolfram and stumbled upon your intriguing discussion.”

“Aila Tristar, we’re in the midst of a serious conversation concerning Wolfram von Roengreen’s whereabouts. Let’s talk later.”

“That’s not possible.”

“What?”

“The distribution and rights to Wolfram’s Magical sweet has already been primarily negotiated by me, Aila Tristar.”

Hmm.

Now that I think about it, that’s true.

I traded them for four boxes of Mana Potion.

Upon hearing Aila’s words, Eve ran her hand over her throbbing head and let out a sigh.

“Aila Tristar, I know you seize excellent items first because they’re outstanding. But this is genuinely perilous.”

“It’s okay. Wolfram will create even more hazardous things, and I’ll protect him. Do you think I’m unaware of the risks?”

“You know, and yet you still want to sell them?”

“Yes, if anything goes wrong, I’ll be the one to face the consequences.”

“What?”

“Think about it, who do you think will believe more: students who think Wolfram can produce items like this, or those who believe I manufactured them and used Wolfram as the front?”

Upon hearing this, Eve was convinced, turned her gaze toward me, and furrowed her brow.

“Who would believe that Wolfram made these? Everyone among the hundred thousand at Jephryn knows he has a magic power of 3.”

Don’t say that, it’s hurtful. And this is a talent skill, you know.

“So, President, you don’t need to worry.”

“Fine! Do whatever you want!”

Eve became irritated.

So, to sum it up.

This dessert is genuinely very dangerous, and my life might be at risk.

So, Eve suggested waiting until her influence within Jephryn becomes stronger before distributing it.

And Aila, fully aware of all this, advised against meddling with it since she got rights first.

So, in short.

“Eve.”

“What!”

“Thanks for caring about me.”

“Wh-, who? Who’s caring? Me? Abou-, about? Wo-, Wolfram? Ha-, Ha-, Ha? Me? Wo-, caring? Ha! That’s not even, not… Ahh!! Really!!”

Saying so, Eve hurriedly left the convenience store.

I really didn’t want to admit it, but I felt genuinely grateful for Eve’s concern and thanked her sincerely.

Did she really have to get that upset?