Next Day ~
Driiing!— (Alarm Sound)
As the alarm clock blared in my ears, I groggily reached over to push the snooze button.
Beep!—
I dragged myself out of bed as soon as I heard the beep indicating that the alarm had been turned off. I stretched my arms and legs, but I was experiencing the same headache I had the night before.
Regardless, I quickly changed into my workout clothes and went to the training room.
The familiar image of my training area welcomed me as I entered my training room. It was equipped with high-quality dummies that I used to practice my sword fighting skills and my element of electricity.
I grabbed my practice sword and warmed up by swiftly and precisely slicing through the air.
I could also feel the sword's comfortable weight in my hand and the surge of adrenaline as I swung it with the deadly intent. In addition, I worked on various methods and combos, pushing myself to be faster and more effective with each strike.
And after an hour of sword practice, I moved on to exercising my element of electricity. I concentrated my mana and conjured a small spark of electricity, which crackled and swirled along my fingertips.
I tried casting several spells I had used in a past life in an effort to regulate electricity and harness its power.
"Electric Lumen" (Electric Light) I whispered a spell that produced a little spark of electricity that could only be utilized to cast a small light show or illuminate locations that were otherwise dark.
"...."
Despite the fact that I was a B-Rank magician in my past life, I am now only able to employ such weak spells that even the system won't acknowledge them.
I know several other powerful spells as well, but I can't use them now since I don't have enough mana.
Regardless, these minor spells can at least assist me to enhance my control of the element.
"Electric Discharge," I whispered quietly.
The wave of electricity immediately traveled toward the dummy, striking near its heart.
Shriekk—
It was a spell that generated a tremendous electrical discharge that could be used to stun opponents or disrupt electronic devices. In addition, the modest electrical flow can be used to power small electronic equipment.
...I can also charge my phone using this spell.
"Electric Tremor," I whispered another spell.
The spell caused a minor electrically charged disturbance in the ground, which can be utilized to shake loose objects or create small waves.
...
...
...
After another hour of training, I took a break and sat on a mat, drinking some water and catching my breath.
To assess my performance, I focused on the dummies.
The training dummies had sensors that could measure the potency and precision of my strikes and spells. So, I could notice the improvement I had made from my earlier workouts.
And a sensation of satisfaction came over me as I realized that the force of my blows had actually grown.
I was aware that I still had a long way to go, but I was determined to constantly develop my strength.
I could feel the sweat running down my face and the aching in my muscles as I finished up my training. So I went to the restroom to take a shower.
...
After drying off from my shower and getting dressed in my academy uniform, I grabbed my phone and called Silvia since I needed her assistance with something.
Ring, ring, ring! (Phone Ringing)
—Tic
[H-Hello, Ares?] As she answered the phone, Silvia exclaimed in a surprised voice.
[...Yes It's me, why do you sound surprised?] I was curious.
[O-Oh, it's nothing, I'm just surprised because I'm not used to getting a call from you.] Silvia responded.
"...."
When I heard her, I remained quiet for a brief period.
[Anyway, I apologize for leaving without informing you yesterday. When I saw Jessica, my vampire instincts began to tingle, almost as if they were begging me to flee.] Silvia went on speaking.
[Well, you did the right thing by fleeing there, because Jessica can detect vampires and demons when they are close to her.] I stated.
[That's what I thought as well, but hold on—what about Irethiel? Has she been able to detect her?] Silvia inquired in a perplexed manner.
[...Yeah, she did notice Irethiel's presence.] I responded.
[Oh, poor demon, is she dead? If so, I'm familiar with a cemetery where you can bury her.
We ought to at least give her a respectable burial since she was your slave, don't you think?] When Silvia spoke, her voice seemed ecstatic for some reason.
"...."
[...No, she is still alive!] I responded.
[Huh? How come Jessica let her live?] Silvia inquired confused.
'Of course, she let Irethiel live simply because she thinks she'll be valuable in detecting the demon lords once they're unsealed,' I reflected inwardly.
"Shut up, vampire, I am not the type to die so easily," Irethiel suddenly responded as she swooped down in her crow form.
[Ah shit— sorry, I mean I'm glad you're still alive and kicking, Irethiel; if you had passed away, I would have missed you.] When Silvia heard Irethiel, she said.
"...Miss me? I know you'll be the one who enjoys my death the most," Irethiel said in a neutral tone.
[How come you'd say that? Given how much we've been through together recently, isn't it obvious that if something were to happen to you, I'd be the most hurt?] Silvia stated, attempting to sound sentimental.
"...."
[...All right, enough of that; let me get to the point of why I called you!] I intervened before they began arguing.
[I thought you called because you miss me? Was that not the case?] Silvia asked in a dejected tone.
"Damn you, Aegis." When I heard Silvia's tone, I mumbled internally as it seemed rather familiar to me.
[...I contacted you because I need you to create a fake identity and adventurer card for me.] I ignored her previous statement and clarified why I had called her.
!?
[Eh? Why do you need a false identity?] Silvia asked with confusion.
[...I need to visit the abandoned kingdom, and the only way to do so is to accept the adventurer guild's quest of subjugating the monsters and preventing them from crossing the barrier.
However, I do not want anyone to know that I am there, especially now that Jessica is monitoring me.] I elaborated.
[What? Do you wish to go to the abandoned kingdom? You know it's not a place to go on a whim, right? Since it is now swarming with monsters, things might turn very dangerous there.
Didn't we just get through that annoying gate yesterday? And you now already want to go somewhere even riskier.] Silvia expressed concern.
[...Thank you for your concern, but I have an important task to complete there.] I replied.
[D-Don't you have a tournament coming up soon? Can't you just go after that?] Silvia probed.
[No, I can't; it will be too late by then, and I can return before the tournament begins.] I replied.
'What is that task that he wants to complete that has compelled him to visit the abandoned kingdom so urgently?' Silvia thought to herself.
[So, can you create an identity for me?] Ares inquired.
[Y-Yes, You can use the identity of a gladiator prince and obtain an adventurers card endorsed by our sponsored adventurers party, which was formed by that Howkins guy.
However, I presume you must still take the adventurer exam before accepting any quests.] Silvia elaborated.
[That's fine with me; I don't mind taking the adventurer exam.] I responded.
[...Okay, then I will make the other necessary arrangements!] Silvia made a remark.
[I appreciate your help, Silvia.] I said.
[Ah, do you want me to accompany you?] Silvia sounded interested.
[No...this time I have to go alone.] I stated.
As I had no idea what was waiting for me there because I had only received vague information about this quest from the system.
[I-Is that so... please don't overdo it and take care of yourself!] Silvia stated in a concerned tone.
[...Don't worry, I'll be fine. And I will be hanging up now, as I have to deal with someone before I leave for the abandoned Kingdom.] I remarked.
[Ah Ok, I will see you later then, bye!] Silvia said hurriedly.
[All right Bye!] I said before hanging up the phone.
Tic—
"...When are you going to this ostensibly abandoned kingdom?" Irethiel questioned.
"It's not me, but we're going there," I corrected her as I exited my dormitory and made my way toward the academy's main building.
"...."
As I walked through the hallways, I noticed students already hard at work. Some were honing their skills, while others were studying at the library in preparation for the upcoming tournament.
Even though there will be no classes until the tournament, I was curious about what had transpired in the previous three days while I was away.
And, more importantly, ...it was about time for me to deal with Zerix.
***