No matter how you looked at Caldwell Academy, it was difficult to regard it as a normal educational institution.
The fact that there were things that would never exist in a regular school was already widely known among outsiders.
Since it was such an old and mysterious place, the school itself was riddled with all kinds of "abnormalities."
Secret rooms hidden everywhere, ghosts that appeared at random times, and entire buildings that carried their own legends…
Hanzo was familiar with them all.
He had heard not just a few dozen, but thousands of such tales. He had long since memorized them.
Regardless, he was a professional assassin—one whose name was feared. If he couldn't handle this kind of environment, then his reputation was a farce.
Hence, when he suddenly saw a translucent blue membrane appear on his arm, he froze.
'The Guardian's Soul…!'
A defensive barrier that suppressed attacks, greatly reducing the power of any weapon within its range.
It was said to appear inside certain buildings, though both the exact time and place were always completely random.
But why here? Why now?
As Hanzo thought this, the "student" in front of him began to walk closer, stick in hand.
'Fool.'
Hanzo sneered.
Even with a barrier that reduced weapons to useless toys, an assassin of his caliber was the weapon. His very body was a blade honed by years of bloodshed.
And Hanzo wasn't just any killer. He was among the best.
What could some kid do with a stick? With that weak, unimpressive body that carried no trace of combat skill?
At least, that was what Hanzo believed—
—until the first blow.
-!
-!!
A storm of strikes came crashing in, so fast they blurred into one continuous motion.
In the blink of an eye, Hanzo was screaming. His vital points were struck with unerring precision, tearing the air from his lungs.
Yet the physical pain wasn't the worst part.
The true agony came from the realization that hollowed him out inside:
'I… I can't even follow his movements…!'
As a top rank assassin, there are only a few sword styles in the continent that he can't identify.
Not to mention, if it was wielded by a swordsman who could exert this much power with an object that was not even a sword to begin with!
'Caldwell Style Swordsmanship!'
Why is it that he couldn't read the skills of a guy who could execute such a technique?
'…!'
It was then that epiphany dawned on him.
If what he's thinking is right...
'I shouldn't have messed with this guy from the start…!'
Hanzo thought as he helplessly fell to the ground.
●
[ Successfully used Attribute! ]
[ Attribute: Caldwell Style Swordsmanship Proficiency Increased. ]
"…"
What's this?
Why is it so strong?
I stare at the fallen Hanzo, blinking.
Honestly, I didn't expect much from the Caldwell Style Swordsmanship because what I have is only the tutorial version. I thought it'd be like swinging a stick at pigeons, not one-shotting a mid-boss.
After all, wasn't this guy supposed to be a decent mid-boss in the main quest?
The dude had a reputation, his name carried some weight in the underworld… and now he's just fertilizer on the floor.
'…How strong will this be if I complete it?'
I knew this sword style was strong since it's the one the Final Boss uses, but I didn't expect it to turn me into a speedrunning glitch.
Originally, my plan was simple: buy time, stall, and bolt.
"…Ha. I see. It was a trap from the beginning."
…What?
I look at the guy collapsed in front of me. Why is he talking like he just uncovered the grand conspiracy of the century?
"I don't know how, but you definitely knew that the Guardian's Soul would appear. That must have been the reason why you chose the stick as your weapon from the beginning."
That's just… the game's mechanics, man.
Weapons don't work at 'save points' that exist in buildings. That's literally the only reason I dragged him here.
"And in order to use that method, you lured me in by hiding your skills from the beginning, didn't you? That's why you purposely broke away from the group. To keep me away from Princess Caldwell."
"…"
Not really.
Actually, I was going to run away after distracting you a bit.
[ Skill: Irresistible Allure has been activated! ]
[ The Villain is in awe of your elaborate plans! ]
[ Rewards are added to the Gift tab! ]
"…"
…What elaborate plan?
Seriously, why does everyone think I'm some genius mastermind when I'm literally just winging it?
Is running away and crying for help an elaborate plan now?
Where has all the subtlety of the world gone?
"Bastard, who are you? Were you raised by Duke Caldwell? Or an agent of the Imperial Central Intelligence Agency?"
"…"
I'm from a remote place who raises cows and farms for a living. Not exactly espionage material.
"Looks like you have no intention of answering. Alright, kiII me now."
"…I don't intend to kill you."
"You're not going to kill me? Why?"
Hanzo's eyes actually widened, like I'd handed him the plot twist of the century.
I have no intention of murder.
'In the first place…'
He's part of that criminal group, Vagabond — a major player in chapter three of the scenario.
If I poke him the wrong way, the Vagabond will come for me. Great. Very comforting.
However.
'I can't just say that.'
So I needed a believable excuse.
What would be best…
Ah, yes.
"Spread the word: don't approach Princess Lirielle. Even an assassin like you nearly bit the dust trying."
I don't know who Hanzo reports to, but this happened during an academy event — chances are their employers aren't exactly weekend hobbyists.
Even after failing, they might try again and again, slowly stacking Lirielle's 'Corruption' meter until Malivara wakes up and ruins everyone's day.
Better to cut off the source before they get clever.
Hanzo's a well-known killer; a warning from him should carry weight, right?
"…"
Hanzo's face twisted.
"What if I don't keep my promise? If you let me go, we might go after Princess Lirielle again."
Honestly? I don't think so.
Knowing the 'Vagabonds' in the original work, he definitely won't. They're not the type who would go against someone who saved their life.
Strangely enough, they're criminals who strictly uphold honor.
But let's spit some talk here.
"Try again, then."
I continued with a smirk.
"I'll still be there to protect her."
"…Is Princess Lirielle that precious to you?"
"You can think of it however you want."
Let's just gloss over it since it's a pain to explain in detail.
Saying "because she favors me" would only trigger a hundred more annoying questions. This should be fine…
[ Skill: Irresistible Allure Activated! ]
[ The skill efficiency is extremely high! ]
[ The Villain's favor has greatly increased! ]
[ The Villain's favor has greatly increased! ]
[ The Villain's favor has crazily increased! ]
[ The Villain's favor... ]
"…"
What the hell is this?
The system prompts started popping up like an overexcited slot machine, completely blocking my vision.
Uh.
No way.
"…"
I tilt my head slightly and… yep. There she is. Princess Lirielle. Standing at the end of the hallway, staring at me wide-eyed.
"…"
"…"
…Yep. I'm screwed.
I don't know how, I don't know why, but every instinct in me is screaming the same thing.
I'm in deep shi†.