Healing at the Academy convenience store

Chapter 44

‘Why is she behaving this way all of a sudden?’

“What kind of sudden change of heart is this?”

“What do you mean?”

“The Sanctuary of Flowers is situated on the outskirts of the Eastern Forest District. It’s not just any forest; it’s perilous to venture there.”

“Yes, but if we gradually clear a path and ignite the purifying flame, wouldn’t it also cleanse all this pollen?”

Only the flame of purification can return everything to its original state.

Eve’s unconventional idea sent shivers down my spine.

The Eastern Forest District, true to being a level one area, even its final boss isn’t too formidable. However, the additional field, or the so-called Sanctuary of Flowers, is more challenging than you might expect.

But if you’re wondering whether Eve von Roengreen’s group can set it ablaze…

It’s possible. A magic power level of 22 is no joke. Surpassing the human limit of 17 and the genius level of 19, a score of 22 is like a blessing from the gods, capable of scorching the Earth and raining meteors from the sky.

Of course, it demands a corresponding amount of training. While Eve possesses exceptional talent, her actual combat instincts are lacking. Nevertheless, if she claims she can unleash purifying fire, she will.

What I need to contemplate is the outcome when this exceptional Eve ignites the Sanctuary of Flowers, turning fairies to ashes and absorbing their resentment.

“There’s nothing to gain from this.”

“…What?”

“Don’t even mention burning down the Sanctuary of Flowers. Is that something fitting for a superior to say?”

“…I didn’t anticipate you saying that.”

Ah, you share the same sentiment?

Honestly, I do too.

But if it needs to be halted, so be it.

Interestingly, this presents another episode with a solution.

“Anyway, that’s not something a superior should utter.”

“Ugh. Yes… I need to reflect on that. I spoke impulsively.”

“Exactly. So you’re planning to set fire and eliminate all the fairies in there?”

“…There are fairies in the Sanctuary of Flowers?”

Ah. Right.

That’s a tale that unfolds later. Specifically, it happens when Kelters, Eve, and their cheerful comrades raid the place.

Hmm. Might as well be upfront here.

“Of course. They’re present.”

“How do you know?”

“It’s recorded in the royal archives.”

Seriously. It’s documented there.

“Seems like you haven’t paid a visit to the royal library. You should peruse some books. It’s not just about grades; wisdom matters. Intelligence alone doesn’t equate to wisdom.”

“…Ah, I had plans to read them after this summer break!”

Well, naturally.

Because you’ll stumble upon legends about fairies in the books you’ll be perusing in the royal library during your summer break. Based on that hint, you can summon fairies in one corner of the map in Act 1, and from then on, you can include the fairy tribe in your party.

Well, it’s not uncommon. The hidden stage in Act 1 typically unlocks around Act 4.

“Anyway, I can somewhat manage the issue of pollen emanating from the Sanctuary of Flowers. I mean, the allergy problem.”

“…Really? Are you certain?”

“I can at least ensure you can live without concerns about the pollen.”

“Ha. You’re not merely boasting, are you?”

I grinned.

“Me? Bragging? In front of you? Why?”

“Don’t leave your sentences hanging! It sounds like you genuinely doubt, which irritates me even more!”

“Regardless, I believe I can handle it to some extent.”

“…Hmm. Uh-huh. If you can do that, well, I have no objections. What’s come over you? You’re even doing worthwhile tasks.”

“What are you talking about?”

“……..”

“Give and take. Let’s discuss the terms from now on.”

“……..”

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, is there?

***

The first thing I requested was access to Wolfram’s warehouse.

“…This is where you stored items from your illicit accumulation of wealth. Goods you couldn’t sell and left behind.”

“Um.”

“Is there anything valuable hidden here?”

“No. There’s nothing like that.”

Eve regarded me suspiciously, but there truly isn’t anything of value. This is genuinely a warehouse filled with assorted items.

In the main story, Eve had already gathered and sold everything Wolfram had for running the academy, so it’s truly a warehouse of odds and ends.

Typically, when you hear ‘The place where the treasure of the ousted former President is hidden!’ you’d expect to find a weapon to carry you through to the end of the story around the eighth act, right?

However, all of Wolfram’s embezzlements occurred within the Academy, so Eve could collect and sell it all. So what’s in here is really just junk. It’s unfortunate.

However, even in here, there’s occasionally something useful. And it’s an item specialized for this episode.

I discovered glass bottles filled with shimmering brown liquid. About fifteen boxes of them. I was concerned about not having them, but I’m relieved they are here.

‘Found it.’

“Ah, it’s here. Take this item first from what’s in here. We’ll settle the rest separately.”

“……? What’s that?”

I didn’t answer. Because it’s not something I could call an Easter egg.

***

Easter egg. A term derived from Easter eggs. In games, Easter eggs refer to interesting elements hidden within, much like hiding a raw egg among Easter eggs.

And there are several Easter eggs in this D/Z SAGA, one of which is right in Wolfram’s embezzlement warehouse.

“The stuff you brought is alcohol, right?”

“Um, yes.”

“…You said there’s no expensive alcohol in there.”

“It’s not about it being expensive. It’s about the type.”

“Type?”

“It has to be whiskey, rum, or gin.”

“You’re specific about the types of alcohol.”

“Educate yourself. In a few years, you’ll have to step into a banquet hall where only that type of alcohol flows.”

“·········Damn it!!”

After verbally besting Eve, I continued with the preparation. I was relieved that it was there; I was genuinely worried about not having it.

“Hmm. This should be sufficient.”

“What are you making?”

“Bonbons.”

“···Bonbons?”

As Eve watched what I was doing, she tilted her head.

“I’m putting alcohol into hollow chocolates and sealing the hole with more chocolate. In simple terms, that’s the idea.”

“Ah, when you eat it, the alcohol inside seeps out. That would be flavorful.”

“Um.”

“I’ve had chocolate a few times in the palace as well.”

While working, I saw Eve’s eyes light up. I suppose her real interest is in the chocolate, not the alcohol.

“Stop wandering around and eat this.”

“···Ah. You’re giving me black bread? To me, Eve von Roengreen?”

“There’s chocolate cream in the middle.”

“I’ll enjoy it. ···Hehe.”

After saying that, Eve leisurely savored the chocolate cream black bread, and I focused on my work again. The bonbons I had to make were very small, so they demanded meticulous craftsmanship.

“This is challenging.”

To be honest, it’s incredibly challenging.

Should I give up now?

Do I need to exert this much effort for Eve?

Would it disrupt any aspect of my life, Wolfram von Roengreen, even if Eve is weeping and sniffling?

As I pondered.

[Repeated actions have a minor impact on your skill]

······.

I should keep going.

***

Afterward, we headed towards the Eastern Forest region together.

“···Do I have to go too?”

“Yes.”

“Why? There are good people around who can escort you, right?”

“I’d think the same, but it’s an inevitable matter.”

“······The Eastern Forest has pollen flying around.”

“Then wear that full-face helmet. Even you, the ‘Golden Eve,’ will look good in it.”

“Don’t call me Golden, please!”

With a deep sigh, Eve eventually gave in and donned the full-face helmet.

“Hoo. Ssshh. Ssshhhh···.”

“Let’s go.”

“Yesss···. It’s really uncomfortable to breathe in this. Really···.”

Well. It must feel like walking through a chemical warfare zone wearing a gas mask.

“You’re having a hard time.”

“Ah. Consoling me now?”

“No, I’m immune to pollen, so I mean you should keep up the good work.”

“If you die someday, I’ll be the culprit.”

Hmm. Should I report her and have her arrested now?

Turn right at the entrance of the eastern forest. Standing in an empty clearing, I gaze into the void. The trees ahead are dense, blocking the way.

“What is this? There’s nothing here… Shiiiik.”

“Look closely.”

Hidden maps are usually found at the entrance of dungeons. Eve isn’t familiar with games. In any case, she’s a gaming novice.

“What’s really happening…?”

“You see as much as you know.”

“I’m getting really annoyed…”

First, let’s activate the skill here.

I take a sip of the mana potion that Aila prepared and activate the royal bloodline.

“1”

“What… what’s happening all of a sudden?”

“Hoo. Keep watching. A change is about to happen.”

Afterward, the empty space that had been blocked suddenly cracked open.

“Ugh.”

“Hmm.”

Then from within, something intense began to emerge—so intense that even Wolfram with level 3 magic could sense it. It appeared as light but felt like darkness, embodying the heat of fire and the ethereal beauty of shadows. The word to describe all of this is simply “aura,” an aura that isn’t even its true form.

Soon after, a red wolf emerged from that cracked space.

“I have confirmed that you are of the bloodline of an old friend.”

“Is that so?”

“An old friend who remembers the pact, it’s been 150 years. However, even if you are an old friend, you cannot enter here with a stranger. If you wish to enter, prove your qualifications.”

“Qualifications?”

“The power to step onto this fairyland!”

Saying so, the wolf bared its fangs.

Oh, the intense aura. This is no joke. I could die in a second, seriously.

But this royal bloodline skill prevents me from showing any unsightly appearance at any time.

“Wolfram, step back. I’ll handle this…”

“No, there’s no need for that.”

“But you’ll die! Step back…”

“Red spirit.”

“Alright. Are you challenging the trial?”

The trial.

From now on, I have to fight fiercely with this guy.

In fact, in the original story, Eve was the only one who met the criteria. She was allowed entry solely due to her royal bloodline, which had something to do with a promise made to the first emperor.

From there, Eve boldly proclaims.

-When stepping onto the land of spirits, we’ll be as one, and all of us will step in at the same time.

-Because we’ve all combined our powers to find our way here!

So, they eventually take on the trial of the spirits. The part involving solving mysteries was enjoyable, and the trial itself was fun as it resembled a puzzle-type battle.

“Ah, I didn’t mention it. This one over here is also a child of the pact.”

“···So, hurry up and let… what?”

However, what does that matter?

“This one also has royal blood. Could you please move out of the way?”

“···Uh, um, uhh, I see, uh, yes, sure···.”

“According to the pact, if we’re allowed in, we’d like to receive some hospitality. Also, talk to the flowers and have them clear away the pollen.”

“Uh, what?”

“Meeting the Fairy Queen is a matter of course since the pact was made between her and our great ancestor.”

“That’s… right···.”

“Then, we’d appreciate your assistance.”

“Ah, understood. Uh···. It’s the right thing to do.”

The wolf tucks its tail and moves aside, and Eve and I smoothly enter.