Some things seemed to have changed.
In the original storyline, Liezen was supposed to lose easily because he underestimated Leon too much.
But this time, it was clear that Liezen had better caution even though he still lost.
I thought about the reason, and it was obvious—it was because there was no side villain named Farley Vicius with him.
Farley tended to look down on Leon, and maybe because of that, Liezen unconsciously picked up Farley's habit of acting like 'everything will go smoothly' and 'nothing bad will happen.'
I let out a deep sigh.
After this, due to his actions that shamed his family, Liezen would leave the academy at their request and bear the burden of disgrace for the rest of his life.
It's cruel, but it's his own fault.
I sighed once again.
In the empty corridor, I looked at a student in front of me.
Due to the duel earlier, his body was still covered in sweat.
Without wasting time, I got straight to the point:
"Alright, I need your help, Leon."
Leon looked at me with a complicated expression, seemingly unsure how to respond after what I'd told him before.
I took out what Sierin had given me and showed it to Leon.
"Do you know what this liquid is?"
Leon's complicated face was replaced with one of surprise.
"T-this..."
This liquid had no name, but everyone knew its effects.
It could strengthen a person's body and enhance their magical energy. Wasn't this perfect for Leon, who excelled in both?
Leon didn't take his eyes off me, and a smile appeared on my face.
"I'll give you this liquid if you help me."
Hearing my words, Leon seemed to think for a moment, and then I could see a look of determination on his face.
"What do I have to do?"
I curled the corner of my lips into a smirk.
---
Hestia let out a sigh of relief.
Leon's previous fight had made her break out in cold sweat.
She had held her breath, her face full of worry more than once.
Luckily, Leon managed to win without injury, and that made her feel at ease.
She was currently looking for Leon, who had suddenly disappeared from the field. Fortunately, Hestia had seen where he had gone earlier.
"He's here."
Leon's voice was heard, though faint. Hestia wasn't sure what he said, but she was confident it was Leon.
Hestia stopped at a corridor that turned to the right. She paused when she saw a familiar figure.
Black hair, red pupils, and Leon's voice.
"What do I have to do?"
Leon's words made Hestia freeze.
'What's going on?'
Hestia wondered, her expression filled with confusion.
Why was Leon saying something like that to Farley?
To Hestia, it sounded like Leon was awaiting orders from Farley.
But what was the reason?
'Is Leon being threatened?'
There were many possibilities, but Hestia didn't know which one was the real reason.
She didn't know what was going on.
"Let's meet again on Sunday."
Farley's voice was heard.
Sunday?
What were they going to do?
Hestia racked her brain.
At that moment, the sound of footsteps grew distant, and Hestia saw that Farley had walked away from Leon.
Hestia rubbed her face in frustration as she looked at Farley, then let out a long breath.
After that, Hestia composed herself and walked toward Leon.
"Hi, Leon."
A gentle smile blossomed on her face.
She didn't know what was going on, but seeing the situation, she needed to know whether this was good or bad for Leon.
---
I did it!
Just as I expected, Leon accepted the liquid.
I smiled.
With this, I could secure what I needed most in my current condition.
My goal was to go to one of the forbidden zones to retrieve something.
But those forbidden zones were filled with monsters that could easily kill me.
That's why I intended to bring Leon—so he could protect me while I obtained what I needed.
Since I still had a lot to prepare at the academy, I decided to go next Sunday with Leon.
The academy's day off would be the perfect time to go there.
Once I found what I needed, I'd be ready for the next scenario.
The next scenario...
From how the story was progressing, I could conclude one thing.
That girl would die in the next scenario.
I could ignore it and let her die, but...
I clenched my fists.
'I can't do that.'
I promised to walk the ideal route. Even if it's difficult, I have to make sure that girl lives.
The story would change if she lived, and the fact that the information I had about the game would become useless scared me.
Well, I would help her and do everything I could to make sure she survives.
Setting aside the ideal storyline, the fact was—I just couldn't stand by and let someone die, especially when I knew exactly how it would happen.
My eyes dimmed slightly.
The next scenario would be one where the academy was attacked by a group known as 'The Inverted Peace.'
That meant chaos.
Their objective was still unclear, and I hadn't completed that part of the game.
There would be many variables.
Remembering everything was difficult because humans tend to forget. I was one of them—I didn't know how much I could remember, or when I would remember or forget.
What I knew for sure was—I had to be prepared.
I took a deep breath as I climbed the stairs in the corridor.
At that moment, I heard footsteps behind me.
"Wait a second."
I stopped and glanced back.
Now what?
I grimaced as I looked at Hestia, who stared at me like I was some horrible villain.