Chapter 35 The Siege of Ophelius Hall (5)

"I might be a bit late due to some unexpected work that came up. I'll try to get there as soon as I can. Sorry."

It would be a lie to say there was no unease.

From the tone of the note left behind, it was clear that Ed Rothtaylor had gotten entangled in something unexpected or faced some trouble.

Yet, Yenika shelved her worries for Ed Rothtaylor. He had always managed to smoothly handle any crisis or problem that came his way.

He never wasted actions, and his responses were always swift. From simple tasks like chopping wood or crafting tools to intervening on behalf of the student council's raid team cornered due to Yenika's mistakes…

Ed Rothtaylor, as a person, instilled a certain expectation that he would somehow resolve any issue, big or small.

Only after being pricked by the blind spot of such complacent thoughts does one reflect on themselves.

"I'll definitely help you then,"

The words she had spoken while sitting at Ed's camp, looking up at the stars, came back to her.

She had told him to ask for help if he ever faced something too hard to handle alone or encountered difficult hardships.

Yenika Faelover was well aware of her own strength. Although she didn't flaunt it due to her inherently humble and considerate nature… she was filled with the conviction that she could definitely be of help in a crisis.

However, Ed Rothtaylor hadn't asked for her help.

He fought on, becoming increasingly bloodied, until he was utterly defeated and collapsed. He fought alone to the end, without ever asking Yenika, who was always ready to lend her strength, for help.

What was the reason?

Why did he go to the lengths of leaving a letter-like note to lure Yenika out of Ophelius Hall, and then spill his blood fighting here?

It's unclear what was happening in Ophelius Hall, but perhaps he didn't want Yenika to get involved.

Yenika Faelover's strength wasn't something Ed needed to handle or not.

Yet, Yenika had already faced various disciplinary actions due to the Glascan incident. Causing more trouble now would undo the minor punishments her peers had accepted on her behalf.

But could she have really stood by and done nothing, seeing Ed Rothtaylor fight to the point of being covered in blood? She finds herself shaking her head at the thought.

That's why Ed Rothtaylor sent Yenika out of the battlefield entirely.

As this realization hit, an uncontrollable anger surged within Yenika.

She didn't know why Ed Rothtaylor was fighting like this. However, she knew well enough that he wasn't the kind to commit unreasonable acts or atrocities as the world might label him.

What was she doing while Ed Rothtaylor was fighting here?

While someone was stepping onto the battlefield with a grave determination, what was Yenika thinking?

Worrying about her appearance, her hair being messy, the color of her hairpin, indulging in futile hopes and dreams like a girl in love, unable to sleep from excitement.

The direction of her anger was towards herself.

But now was the time to set aside that anger.

Whoosh.

Ignoring the sound of the rain, she quietly asks the group led by Taely, "What have you been doing?"

Her voice carried a frosty edge.

"Senior Yenika?"

Taely was the first to respond.

It goes without saying, but Taely at this moment couldn't possibly understand Yenika's feelings.

"Luckily, you seem to have avoided getting involved, senior Yenika. Currently, Ophelius Hall is occupied by other students. But… it seems that's not the end of it. Seeing Ed block the way until the end, there must be more to it…"

"Is that so?"

Yenika's gaze remains downward, making it hard to see her eyes. However, it's clear her attention is directly on those around her.

At that moment, a tremendous amount of magical power surges around the main gate of Ophelius Hall.

The mana sensitivity of Yenika, a second-year magic department's top student, is enough to amaze even the graduates. The lapels of her clothes flutter, and the wind slaps her skin. The small chandeliers hanging from the ceiling sway madly, threatening to fall next to the already destroyed main chandelier.

"What, what's happening?!"

"Senior Yenika! What are you doing?!"

She doesn't summon the high fire elemental Tarkan.

Given its immense power, the damage caused by its summoning during the presentation has not yet been fully repaired.

But there's no need to borrow the power of a high elemental to deal with the freshman trio.

Mid-class fire elemental Olgos, mid-class wind elemental Pesi, mid-class water elemental Flan, mid-class earth elemental Tyke.

Just facing one of these mid-class elementals would require forming a party.

In addition, numerous lesser and minor elementals stir to action, forming what seems like an entire legion.

The storm that ensues shatters the windows on the first floor one by one. Glass shards mixed with the rain are swept into the main hall by the storm of mana.

"Wake up, Taely! It's an enemy!"

Elvira, who first finished assessing the situation, starts collecting all the vials. She's putting them one by one into the torn alchemy bag, but the rows of rain, like a storm, make it difficult as they obscure her vision.

"You know, I wasn't really… that curious about what you guys were doing."

What Yenika wanted to ask wasn't complicated.

Did you guys do that to Ed?

She didn't ask directly like that.

Whatever was happening in Ophelius Hall or whatever Taely's group thought when they entered Ophelius Hall was no longer Yenika's concern.

"Yenika!"

In the midst of the storm, a boy's voice finally reaches her.

He can hardly keep himself upright, but the boy squeezes out Yenika's name with all his might.

Seeing the boy battered and bruised, Yenika feels a deep ache in her heart. Not wanting to push him further, she quietly says to Ed,

"Wait a minute, Ed."

A full minute, to be generous.

That should be enough to sort things out.

She can imagine the aftermath of smashing Ophelius Hall, injuring the juniors, and the repercussions of breaking the school rules. Nevertheless, it's ultimately her past self that accelerates Yenika's actions.

The desire to live up to expectations, not wanting to cause harm to others, and trying hard for the sake of close ones only to fall flat is definitely a reflection of herself.

Ed, struggling alone to the point of being covered in blood and collapsing, is a reflection from the opposite mirror.

This sight stirs the dragon in Yenika Faelover.

She knows all too well how tragic and sad it is, and therefore, she can't leave Ed Rothtaylor behind.

A burning eagle, a lion swirling in the form of wind, a giant made of water, and a horse made of mud rise for their master. Each one is an intermediate elemental that would require at least a few people to subdue.

Taely's group steadies themselves, sweating coldly.

"We need to escape, Taely."

Elvira accurately pinpoints the situation.

Why Yenika is so enraged is unknown, but challenging the renowned second-year magic department's top student is a suicide mission.

Even Lortelle, among the first-year Class A members known for the most delicate manipulation of magic, couldn't make a sound in front of this monstrous summoner.

"Let's face it. We can't break through here."

An unexpected presence. Ed Rothtaylor, the fallen noble guarding the first floor of Ophelius Hall.

Despite the overwhelming difference in power, it took a long time to subdue him, and now a second-year top student appears, scattering intermediate elementals. It's madness to throw oneself into this crazy situation for a few expensive herbs.

"But…"

However, Taely can't shake off his uneasy feeling.

The situation in Ophelius Hall seems more than just an occupation. There seems to be a greater darkness lurking behind, a shadowy presence.

From Taely's perspective, it might all seem like someone else's problem, but if actual students are getting hurt, it's a different story.

Taely's sense of justice is innate, and his posture of not succumbing to trials is a quality he'll carry to the grave.

It's a clear fact, Taely is destined to live the life of a protagonist.

Yenika Faelover, a formidable wall he has already faced. Can the overwhelming power difference truly be overcome with tenacity?

But that uncertainty isn't so important to Taely.

Taely always acts according to what he believes is right, having lived through seemingly impossible trials with sheer stubbornness.

However, Taely's recklessness has been seen as correct because this world has acknowledged him as the protagonist.

As long as the flow of the scenario, "Sylvania's Failing Sword Saint," continues without breaking, trials will be overcome, and Taely will grow from them… repeating.

But Yenika, the enemy they face again, exists outside the 'scenario.'

Against an opponent that jumps out from beyond the narrative flow, can Taely's protagonist qualities prevail? Can he overcome even this overwhelming power difference with his resilience to trials?

Everyone knows that real-world trials are not as forgiving as dramatic game scenarios.

If the power difference is overwhelming, defeat is the logical outcome. Overcoming trials with sudden awakenings of power, divine intervention, or coincidences… those are usually stories within scenarios.

"Taely! Snap out of it! Face reality! Since all the windows are already broken, let's go that way…"

"Then, go when you're told to go…!"

The one who interrupts Elvira, standing up, is Ed Rothtaylor.

"Yenika! That's enough, calm down!"

The sight of Yenika, fury reaching the tip of her head, is like a disaster in itself.

Her fluttering robe and pink hair are completely soaked, making her look like a ghostly maiden who has crawled out of a swamp.

If things had gone according to plan, Taely's group would have been sent upstairs, and Yenika would have sat with them in the rose arbor,

I spent my time mulling over trivial chitchat and watching how the Ophelius Hall siege situation was finally settling down, intending to observe it to the end. I'd even left a note in case Yenika decided to wander somewhere else, promising her that I would be back shortly. Given Yenika's inherently naive and kind nature, I thought that after making a clear promise and even apologizing, she would stay put. But for some reason beyond my understanding, she had returned to Ophelius Hall.

Yenika's good-hearted nature had, unfortunately, led to adverse consequences. I thought we'd become quite close after sharing various stories at the camp and spending time together. Yet Yenika was not the kind of person to stand by and watch a close friend being beaten up without doing something about it. If I left her alone, Taely's group would just end up taking a beating without putting up any resistance.

"Listen. I'll take care of Yenika, so you go ahead with the plan and go up to the second floor," I instructed.

"What?"

Aila Trist looked at me as if I'd just spoken nonsense.

"You were so intent on stopping us earlier, and now you're telling us to go up to the second floor?"

Initially, my goal was to test Taely's capabilities by using various tactics. If they weren't up to the second act's clearance level, it would pose a significant problem.

"I've changed my mind, go up now," I said.

"Ahaha, really? You think you can handle those spirits? You're already badly injured," Elvira laughed mockingly until I smacked her on the head quite firmly. Elvira cried out and stumbled backward, clutching her head.

"Make sure you take care of the reagents properly. Sorry for tearing your bag," I said. Elvira's various potent reagents would be crucial for the twin maids' strategy on the third floor. I fought off her annoyances first since she was the most troublesome of the Ophelius Hall assault team. After her, there shouldn't be any more annoying opponents of that magnitude.

The siege at Ophelius Hall wasn't meant to be a particularly difficult event. The team's strength seemed more than sufficient. From here on out, they could proceed with somewhat less tension.

"What, what the… First you say this, then that… what's with you?!"

Elvira looked bewildered, but I no longer had the mental capacity to give her any attention.

Cutting through the rain pouring in through the broken window, I advanced to the center of the hall. It was only in the midst of the chaotic spirits that I finally saw Yenika's eyes clearly. Her usually warm gaze was strangely cold—her upset now fully apparent, fueled by her inherent temperament.

But well-connectedness can be fortuitous, and luckily, I was already quite close to Yenika. Throughout life, there's nothing more valuable than human connections—blood relations, academic ties, regional affiliations… the blessed trifecta that can clear blocked paths in one's claustrophobic life story. Even the wealthiest and most accomplished people remain humble and treat their acquaintances well because of these connections—they understand the potential for the favor to be returned somehow, someday!

Now was the moment to truly reap the benefits of this so-called networking. I walked straight toward Yenika.

Despite the hall being filled with spirits, they paid no mind to an adversary their master did not perceive as a threat. I cut through the crowd and stood directly in front of Yenika.

"Ed, don't push yourself too hard. I'll handle the rest," I said to him.

"Yenika."

"You can explain things to me later. For now, let's just finish this and get you treated…"

I placed my hands on Yenika's shoulders, speaking directly.

"I'm really okay. You can stop now."

Indulging in sudden skinship is usually a sign of rudeness. Even I was well aware of the discomfort brought by such an act—placing hands on someone's shoulders and looking them in the eye without a word. However, when dealing with someone whose emotions have peaked to the point of shutting others out, it's necessary to make a gesture that says, 'listen to me carefully.'

"Uh, huh?!"

Yenika, somewhat returning to her usual self, exclaimed.

"Ed! Your hands! Your hands are on my shoulders!"

"Yenika… Please send the spirits back. The wind is too strong; it's hard to stand…"

"Uh, huh?! Oh, right, it must be hard to hold your ground. I'm sorry! What should I do… am I being foolish…?"

Then, it happened in an instant. The raging storm of magic quickly dissipated, and the host of spirits awaiting an attack order vanished just as suddenly.

Shortly afterward, only the sound of rain remained in the main hall of Ophelius Hall.

Taely's group looked shocked, unmovable. I waved my hand quickly at them, wanting to avoid the awkward situation. They all had expressions as if they'd seen a ghost.

If they get distracted and miss Clevius on the second floor, things would become even more troublesome.

"Go up quickly… you probably don't have much time…"

Saying this, I let my body relax from the effort it had been sustaining.

Yenika, frantically trying to support my collapsing form, was beside herself.

*

"The downpour is relentless. I'm so upset."

The rain continued to grow stronger, but Yenika's voice, seated with her knees hugged close, sounded dejected and eerily low.

The main hall of Ophelius Hall on the first floor, wrecked by the confrontation. Taely's group had headed for the stairs to the second floor, leaving Yenika and myself propped against the exterior walls, listening to the rain. We were soaked to the bone, a sight quite comical, but sometimes, there's an odd sense of liberation or exhilaration after being drenched in a downpour.

It seemed like Taely's statistics had been developing quite smoothly, judging by the breadth of his Elemental Slash, the agility of his movements, and the accuracy of his sword strike. It looks like he'd managed to complete the regular events successfully.

From my point of view, though, this was not particularly fulfilling. But that's just because I've become adept at nurturing stats. I had to be satisfied that he had at least met the clear criteria.

After this, it becomes a matter of mental fortitude. As the scenario progresses, it increasingly tests the edges of human psyche. Professor Glast's celestial magic traps Taely in the seams of time, experiencing death hundreds or thousands of times. Lucy's high-level magic will drive him to the brink of death, and Lord Crebin's summoning of the evil god Mebuler traps enemies in their worst nightmares.

Despite the trials designed to push human mental strength to its limits, Taely will never submit. As always mentioned, I opt out of such trials. I planned to coast by, reaping only the benefits that suited me. But before I knew it, here I was—life doesn't always go as one wishes.

"Why do you keep getting hurt without saying anything? If something like this happens, you should talk to me…"

"There were some circumstances. I'll tell you all about it next time."

I persuaded Yenika, who was tugging at me to see a healer, convincing her to sit down with me on the main hall floor until the episode was over. Though we'd moved from the rose garden to the hall, my plan to sit tight and monitor any unforeseen variables had gone as expected.

We sat side by side for a while, watching the rain pitter-patter beyond the shattered hall. Despite the unexpected turns, it seemed the first floor had been safely navigated, and Taely's stats appeared to be developing well.

The event had unfolded as planned…

"Those kids went too far. I might not know what exactly happened, but there's no reason to beat someone up like this. I'll be really mad the next time I see them."

Given that Yenika was unaware of my own unruly actions—knocking down chandeliers, setting fires, and even shooting arrows—it made sense for her to react this way. Although grateful for her unwavering support, I wasn't entirely comfortable explaining everything right then. Well, that could wait until later.

"Anyway… Ed… Stop getting hurt, okay? Promise me."

"Thanks for caring. I will."

With that thought, I gathered myself and took the time to rest. Despite the slight detour, I had fulfilled my role as the first-floor boss…

It was time to take a break and look after my camp matters.

Sinking into the relief, I settled in with the sound of the rain.

At least now, I felt a bit at ease.

That is, until Yenika began to speak again.

"But Ed, I saw a huge carriage at the rose garden. It passed by so quickly, I couldn't see it well, but I noticed a golden crown emblem on it. On closer inspection, it was… wasn't that the carriage of the Elte Commerce Group?"

"I read about it in a book once—that golden crown… it's definitely the emblem of the head of the Elte Commerce Group, 'the Golden King Elte.'"

And the sighting of this 'Golden King Elte' at such an early stage suggested that something was brewing outside of my awareness, an anomaly that could mean the end of the peaceful days following the Ophelius Hall siege and before the 'Conquest for the Sage's Seal.'

My breathing quickly became shallow once more.

*

"Are you hurt anywhere else, Taely?"

"Looks like Aila is okay too. How about you, Elvira? Do you have enough reagents?"

"I have plenty to spare. Don't worry."

In the still rain-drenched Ophelius Hall, the three members of the assault team made their way up the stairs to the second floor, reassessing and readjusting their strength.

Something seemed afoot in Ophelius Hall. The feeling was undeniable.

Even just from the way Ed Rothtaylor had blocked them from the first floor, it was clear something unusual was happening. Dealing with the inscrutable Rothtaylor had been exhausting, and they had nearly faced another battle with Yenika Faelover joining in.

The details were still murky, but it seemed imprudent to let their guard down any further.

The foes that lay in wait for Taely's party from here on could prove to be just as bothersome, if not more so than those on the first floor—the mere thought sent shivers down their spines.

Despite this, there was no turning back. With their minds focused, the party continued their ascent, knowing full well that complacency could be deadly.