NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 93
93. No way it’s what I’m thinking, right?
Soon, Nebia will enroll in Aligieri as a saint of the sect.
It’s essential for saints to be admitted to Aligieri, built upon the resting place of the divine beast’s bones, which is considered a divine apostle.
The reason Nebia is trying to get close to me is probably because I’ll soon become a senior.
She needs competent students who will become her allies.
“I heard from Sister Angela. The most trustworthy man at Aligieri is Radon Crawler, and that’s you, senior.”
It’s understandable that Angela, a direct descendant of the admired divine beast, receives more attention than her.
She risks being pushed aside while Angela might seize power and status from her.
‘That absolutely must be prevented.’
Thus, it’s necessary to make outstanding seniors her allies.
She needs to prove she’s more benevolent than others by winning over everyone.
As the scale of power grows, the chance of disputes ending without spilling blood increases.
Non-violence is the ultimate ideal pursued by religion.
Now that she has become a saint, she plans to adhere to that ideal while gaining everything she desires.
“It must be fate that you and I met like this. No matter how many bad rumors circulate about the Crawler family, I’m always ready to support you.”
The “allies” Nebia wants to build will be used through various means.
If the authority of the saint is for defense, she will also need an offensive force.
Specifically, that pertains to Angela’s dark history.
The nine-tailed fox who invaded Aligieri was none other than Angela. In fact, regardless of the truth, just this alone is enough for incitement and publicity.
Incorporating Radon Crawler into her faction will lay the groundwork for that.
“Don’t you think I have more connection with you than with Sister Angela?”
Approaching, Nebia lightly placed her hand on my chest. A mysterious energy, white and enchanting, flowed from her gentle touch.
Holy Power. The sacred spear technique that allows free manipulation of this power, making it even more powerful.
Even the bishop-level devotees find it tricky to use, but Nebia, as a saint, had no difficulty with it.
I don’t quite understand the sacred spear technique pouring into me, but…
[“Blessing of Light” increases all stats by 10%.]
[“Benevolent Prayer” increases overall luck.]
I could tell through the spear appearing before my eyes that it was a buff.
It’s obvious she wants to grant this and have me become her ally.
This is akin to slyly handing out a bribe to gain votes.
“Doesn’t that seem a bit underhanded to you?”
“Underhanded? I’ve received help from your father, so a return like this is only natural.”
Nebia seems to rationalize bribery as a way of repaying debts. However, her role in this story is that of a villain.
Most types of villains who meet a tragic end often use such enticements as leverage.
I vaguely recall Trisha, who once tried to gaslight those who were trying to help my family.
The way to deal with her is the same as back then.
“There’s really no need for this much.”
“It’s only polite to accept someone’s kindness.”
“I truly do not need it, because…”
Ssssh—
The black snake emerging from the shadows devours the sacred spear technique bestowed upon me.
Nebia, having received the saint’s power, narrowed her eyes, sensing the spirit energy.
“I see you don’t usually respond well to that kind of power.”
“…”
True to its title as the Shadow of Gluttony, Muto can devour anything. The buff that was placed upon me was no exception.
“He often devours anything that comes his way. If I cast it again, the result will be the same.”
[Degradation Rate Decreased: -4%]
[+400 Credits]
Muto isn’t just a mindless devourer; it just reacted to my will when it consumed the sacred spear technique.
It can easily be misunderstood if I frame Muto as uncontrollable.
“So, what can I do?”
Nebia asked desperately with her eyes. It seems she hasn’t given up on me yet.
If there’s anything she can offer… there’s really nothing.
Even she, who has received fragments of the divine, seems oblivious to the curse of the liar.
Even if I try to inform her, it’ll be soundlessly processed, and even if she realizes it, there is no guarantee it can be solved.
“There is nothing.”
I said it firmly.
Seeing my indifferent reaction, Nebia wore a dark expression.
Since I can’t assist her in any way, she can’t become my ally. This mindset was likely troubling for her.
But why does that concern me?
“Above all, I don’t want to put myself under someone who can only hand out bribes.”
“But… how else can you recruit others as allies? Material schemes are indeed the driving force to move people.”
Nebia was too naive. A sigh involuntarily escaped me.
A group tied together by bribes, power, and greed is easily built like a sandcastle.
‘And it collapses just as easily.’
No matter how massive it grows through such means, it can fall apart with a gentle touch like Jenga.
They only bow before power, not bound by loyalty and camaraderie.
The faction that Nebia builds in the main storyline will likely split apart in this manner too.
“Excuse me, but I’ll say just one thing.”
“…?”
“You, Saint Nebia, are unworthy to lead others.”
“W-what…?”
Nebia’s green eyes quivered.
Though a bit shocked, I needed to be direct.
I don’t expect my words will change her actions, but I at least hope she doesn’t hover around me.
“If you truly wish to make a good impression on me, may I request one thing?”
I stated resolutely.
“Please avoid approaching me as much as possible.”
Nebia’s expression turned desperate as if cornered.
Due to the grace I received from my father, it would be awkward for her to punish me.
Even if she wanted revenge, she has the other saint candidate, Angela, waiting behind me.
She could hardly act rashly.
As the moment of tension passed—
The door suddenly opened, and the group that had left returned.
Fifteen minutes had gone by in my conversation with Nebia. They certainly had ample time to come back.
“Who would’ve thought the Cardinal knew the Cage Department Head?”
“Thanks to that, I think they held us in high regard.”
“Setting that aside, we also perfectly completed our mission.”
“If we return, we should receive good news.”
The chatter intruded and shattered the tense silence. Nebia, unable to show any melancholic appearance, forced herself to manage her expression as she rubbed her face.
“Did you talk about anything?”
“Nothing much.”
“Nothing much, and yet both your faces look a bit odd?”
Trisha only ever picks up on things like this.
Let’s not stir any unnecessary parts, senior.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Cardinal, did you have a good meeting?”
“They said there will be good results.”
Trisha replied calmly, but it was evident she was mildly affected by Nebia’s hastily crafted expression.
“Was there anything that happened while we were out?”
“Nothing at all. I was just a bit hungry.”
Nebia shrugged off the question and pretended to munch on the remaining rice balls.
Then, the sound of the door opening again alerted us to other devotees rushing in.
“Is Radon Crawler, the student here?”
“Me?”
“The student has a separate room prepared. We will guide you.”
Seems like women stick together, and men stick together too.
With only me left as the sole male in our group, it seems I’ll be spending the night alone.
As I followed the devotees out, I gave the girls one last glance.
‘To be honest, I’m contemplating just leaving.’
Unlike the main story, Trisha is unexpectedly included instead of Crona.
But will her presence really have a significant impact?
Regardless, since Nebia is set to be the villain, I was guided to a personal room.
With Radon gone, not a single man remained.
It was not a place where I could blend into a world inhabited solely by them.
“I’ll be taking my leave as well.”
The heartwarming scene wasn’t for someone whose heart isn’t pure like Nebia’s.
More than anything, I had much to think about from my conversation with Radon Crawler.
“Are you just leaving?”
Trisha stopped Nebia in her tracks.
Although she felt awfully out of place in her identity, she seemed to be reluctant to miss out on this pleasant atmosphere.
“I have a lot on my mind, and for chit-chat with the saint, I’d prefer the fox sister over there.”
“Do you want to share those thoughts with us?”
Nebia’s grip on the doorknob loosened.
Turning around, I met eyes with Trisha, a glamorous woman with glasses. The mysterious aura she radiated made my legs weak.
‘What a curious person.’
Intrigued by her strange charm, Nebia eventually returned to the couch and sat down, unaware that she was captivated by Trisha’s warm smile.
“Shall we hear what’s on your mind?”
*
I washed up in the personal room I was guided to and lay on the bed.
They said to use it as my room just for today, so I was able to relax in solitude.
‘Though I’ll be going back tomorrow.’
It’s already been a week since I completed my mission.
The C or B-grade tasks handled by others tend to be less challenging, so they are usually shorter.
At this point, the others would probably have arrived before me, waiting for my return.
“Once I’m back, the first semester of the first year will be completed safely.”
There’s still the main chapter left, but I don’t have to worry.
Even if the artificial golems stage a rebellion, they absolutely cannot harm humans.
That’s how I structured it, making their rebellion a trivial happening.
‘Then Professor Radian should survive and finish safely too.’
His survival is essential for a comfortable life ahead.
That way, I can keep watch over the new professor, Jason Baikel, who will be appointed in the second year.
He is a new instructor planted in the academy by the Emperor, wary of the Lycans incident and the nine-tailed fox incident.
His primary role is that of a knight commander serving the royal family.
He was jealous of the former Radian, and he mistreats the combat students he cherished.
‘That will only serve to double Lyman’s already heated rage.’
He’s slated to be a mid-boss in the second-year season chapter alongside the saint candidate, Nebia.
That despicable fellow’s training methods amount to abuse disguised as education. However, with Professor Radian by his side, the intensity of that hellish training will diminish.
He acts strong in front of students, but when he sees Professor Radian, he turns into a coward.
‘And the decisive reason for his entry as a professor is…’
Mirona Kirien Divine.
The youngest daughter of the Emperor is also slated to enroll next year, and Jason will take on both her guard duty and teaching position.
The empire’s princess and two saint candidates.
Next year’s new students are a group that would put the Avengers to shame.
What’s more, the “Magical Martial Arts Festival,” held every five years, is scheduled for next year as well.
As long as I can navigate the upcoming events well, I should be able to endure until graduation without difficulties.
‘If only we could skip the resurrection of the final boss, the “Destruction God.”’
With such unnecessary hopes, I gently closed my eyes.
Despite the strong sunlight filtering through the window, I once again entered a comfortable slumber.
*
The next morning.
A carriage awaited at the entrance of Kreuz.
To show respect to departing guests, a line of paladins was forming a path to the carriage’s door.
And the students of Aligieri, having completed their sublime missions in assisting the paladin faction, walked by.
As expected of the saint’s friends, they welcomed them politely.
“If anything happens, let this sister know. I’ll rush over whenever.”
“And you should let me know if anything happens as well. Got it?”
Angela and Luska were having their farewell. They seemed miles apart from the sibling relationships seen in reality.
“Um…”
The voice that trailed off was Nebia.
I felt a mix of strangeness at the fact that she, who’s supposed to be a villain, came to see us off.
Considering her nature as someone who thinks of others as tools to be used, she would never do something like this.
Especially taking into account her accumulating influence with political maneuvering against the protagonists.
“Well then, see you next year, junior.”
Trisha elegantly greeted as she mounted the carriage.
Since she usually ought to be addressed as a saint, the knights raised their brows, but since she’s expected to become a junior, they didn’t put up a fuss.
“Yesterday was quite enjoyable. Senior, I look forward to working with you next year.”
Nebia bowed and greeted politely.
It was the appropriate mannerism, yet there was something about it that lacked the eerie aura typical of a villain.
Because rather than a cunning guise of a fox, her expression showed signs of embarrassment.
‘Did something happen in my absence?’
A moment later, as the carriage departed, I immediately questioned Trisha.
“What happened yesterday with Saint Nebia?”
“Fuhuhu.”
Trisha suddenly laughed alluringly.
“I just had a bit of fun. Although I did expend some precious treasures.”
“Treasures?”
What caught my eye was Trisha’s bag.
Among those, a pouch of reasonable size usually protruded squarely, but now it seemed utterly empty.
Inside were likely the crystallized desires of Trisha.
“It was quite a meaningful time. Fuhuhu.”
Trisha continued to smile.
She had the expression of someone who felt fruitful for having produced something.
No way it’s what I’m thinking, right?
Hmm… it couldn’t possibly be.
Surviving as an academy scammer.