Chapter 53: 2.19.

Sequence sliced the meat blocks in the air and tossed it into the bubbling pot. Other dried vegetables and spices were also added to adjust the taste. Cold hard bread cut into individual slices and heated for easier consumption.

“Smells good,” Adrinne said, bringing her nose near the pot.

“It’s really the first time I’m seeing someone cooking using magic,” Nordd said.

“Our class rep is super skilled in a lot of stuff, I guess,” Taylor said with a shrug.

“Pass this around,” Sequencee took out the individual wooden bowls and gave it a quick shock of mana to disinfect the surface before pouring some of the stew into it.

“Class rep, how exactly do you do magic like that? How long have you been practicing magic anyways?” Despite already knowing Sequencee’s first-rate performance during the practical classes, Nordd still felt incredulous. Sequencee wasn’t an elf, which meant that he was either a prodigy or had some system gift which helped him perform magic.

Though, the real truth was because he was a demon lord. If Sequencee were a normal human, even with the aid of the system, such a feat would be impossible even for him. Demon lords naturally had a knack for magic.

Sequencee passed Evelyn her bowl last, she accepted it with a silent nod. Sequencee hadn’t thought about how he should proceed after what Schwii said. As they were still in the dungeon, he would have about a week to make a decision.

“Your Highness, how is the taste?” Nordd asked.

“It’s better than expected for something made in this sort of environment,” she said with a smile.

“I wonder how the other teams are doing? Looks like we’re the fastest one here,” Adrinne dipped the bread in the warm stew as she looked around.

Team Five predominantly relied on Sequencee’s magic control when it came to the factor of heat, procurement of water and balance of the pot floating above the flame. There were some teams that tried to mimic that but struggled to keep the pot upright. As such, they had to construct a makeshift stand to secure the pot in place.

Magic is essential in life, and it wasn’t like fighters couldn’t use magic. If they practiced, they could use the basic few survival-based magic in cases like this. Of course, with Sequencee and Nordd here, Carlsim, Adrinne and Taylor didn’t need to trouble themselves with this aspect. That said, as this was an excursion to learn, Sequencee thought to let them cook tomorrow while he supervised.

“Your Highness, I’ve been wanting to ask but could it be that you’re the hero’s fiance?” Adrinne asked out of curiosity.

“Right, I’m curious about your relationship with the hero. There are two heroes right? Are they really siblings?” Nordd added.

“Hold up. If you want to ask something like that, at least begin by hearing what Her Highness has to say about her opinion of the two heroes. Have you gotten into some troubling situation where you got your life saved?” Taylor asked with sparkling eyes.

“Um, first of all, Hero Takashi and I are not an item. Even now, I still haven’t gotten close enough to use his first name..”

“Is that so? How about his looks? Charming? Exotic? I never got to see the hero so I don’t know.”

“My honest two cents? I would say that Hero Risa is a beautiful sister by my standards. As for Hero Takashi, I’d say he looks alright? Please don’t spread this, I might get hit if he finds out,” Evelyn chuckled.

For the rest of the hour, Evelyn narrated the adventures she had with the heroes in the short month she had spent with them. Nothing notable had happened yet, though there was an incident where an enemy had broken into the castle, just to be driven away by the hero. The identity of the enemy is unknown, but it is believed to be an assassin sent by The Sovereign.

This piece of news caused their blood to run cold. When the demons of this era have so much strength, some doubted if the hero would be able to save the world. It was a blessing that no one was hurt by the assassin that night.

Hearing the story, it led Sequencee to reassess his contribution to prevent humanity's demise.

===

By the day-night standard of time, it was 1 am in the morning. The students were instructed to get some shut eye as each team was going to move out at 8 am in the morning next day. As the student mages had gone to sleep, magic lamps have been set up all around camp to replace the manual light orbs. Nevertheless, the light could only do so much to drive away the darkness.

Sequencee had left the camp in secret to perform his usual routine. After which he came back by masking his presence. He molded the ground into a chair as he sat with his back against the splat. He opened his journal and wrote today’s entry with the light from the orb.

Once that was done, he shut the book and looked at the girl observing him.

“Anything, Your Highness?”

“What is that which you were writing? A diary?”

“It’s a streak journal and gratitude journal.”

“I don’t know what a streak journal is but a gratitude journal? Since when?”

“Since my mother’s death.”

“.. My apologies for asking something so insensitive..” Evelyn lowered her head.

“Why are you up so early? It’s only 2 am, and it’s not like you need to play any part in night watching.”

“I thought maybe if I woke up early, I would be able to have some time to clean myself,” Evelyn showed the white towel she had hidden behind her.

“By that you’re implying?”

“Could you help wet this with warm water for me?” she held out the cloth with both hands.

“Right..” Sequencee gave it a thought and a ball of warm water manifested in the air. He directed the water to the towel to soak it through and through.

“Thank you. Don’t peek alright?”

“As if I would.”

Evelyn giggled as she headed to her tent.

‘She could’ve used her own magic.’

Sequencee wasn’t sure if anyone here had life magic for instant clean. It was a while since he had used this magic so he wasn’t sure if he could perform it properly. That said, comparing a wipe down to life magic to clean, the former was much better.

It wasn’t long before Evelyn finished her self care and came out to once again observe Sequencee.

“What is it?” Sequencee broke the silence between them.

“Is she really your fiance?”

“Yes.”

“Tell me more about her,” Evelyn sat down on the ground in front of him. She looked like a kid ready to hear papa’s story.

“I don’t want to play dumb here, but what is your goal even if you knew more about her?”

“No reason. Just plain curious.”

Sequencee wondered if he should just say a few white lies to elude suspicion.

“Then why are you trying to get so close to me?”

“What kind of question is that? Of course I have to be close to you. Not only are you my savior, you’re also going to become one of the heroes’ companions, which would also identify you as my companion. Do you not understand?”

‘I can’t argue about that. But I’m sure as hell certain she has another reason for her actions..’

Sequencee didn’t feel all that happy being the flower swarmed by bees. And even if those bees were all just imaginary and made up in his mind, it didn’t feel pleasant. Could it be that he was overthinking things?

“So, when did you first meet Schwii?”

“I met her back when I was 5 years old, or around that time.”

“That really.. is so..” Schwii even won out on time spent.. Evelyn began to wonder what advantage she had over that lass.

“We met every year, until during our last meeting, she said she would wed me but.. she never showed up again. Then the thing happened at Estia Barony, I went to a relief home at Luddite Earldom, and when I was coming to Rika Nation, I bumped into her. Her situation is complicated, so she says she can’t tell me the full story behind what happened during those six years we were apart.”

“I see.. Though, was it a coincidence that you bumped into her?”

“She came to find me.”

“She found you? Even though I spent an entire three years and couldn’t find a single clue?”

“Apparently.”

“Have you ever wondered how it is that she found you?”

‘Iona’s gift. Though, it’s not like I can tell Evelyn about it.’

“It’s something I can’t disclose. But I think you should already have a guess as to how.”

“System gifts. How convenient,” Evelyn sighed.

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Sequencee shrugged.

“I was planning to hold a party to invite you as the newest member of our team though.. It seems things have turned out to be quite complicated. I don’t think we can accept someone like Schwii if she doesn't cooperate.”

“That’s.. you’re right about that.”

“Well. You just have to keep a stable balance between the two. We’ll do our best to prevent humanity’s demise,” Evelyn said with a resolute voice.

“Yes..”

For the peace of the world, all demon lords and demon generals must be killed; high demons should be kept under strict observation at all times..

‘Doesn’t that mean we need to kill Schwii eventually?’

Was this the reason why she didn’t want Sequencee to join the hero’s party?

===

KAsha, kasha, kasha.

“C-rank gray centipedes.”

A group of five larger than human sized centipedes was found blocking the path. The legs made a disgusting sound as it slowly crawled towards the scent of humans as the feelers were like tongues, sweeping the air ecstatically as if it had found its prey.

“Students please stand back,” Elaine stood forward and had Team Four to Team Seven to stand behind her. Schwii was in Team Nine, under Judy’s supervision.

“Miss Willy, let us try.”

“We should be able to do this much right?”

“Now, now. I’m going to prioritize your safety above everything else. Besides, our purpose here is simply to have you get used to the environment. You’ll get your chance as the semester progresses.”

She crossed her arms and swept outwards. A strong wind blew as invisible blades shot out. Some of them struck the centipede, causing strong acid to spurt out from the gaps. A nauseous smell perfused into the surroundings, prompting most students to cover their noses.

Seeing how there was a threat, the centipedes crawled towards the class of students with greater speed. The retreating speed of the students also increased, some began to run.

“Don’t leave the group no matter what!” Elaine shouted to the students panicking at the rear as she wove a net of white lines. The gray centipedes stopped short of the net and didn’t advance. From its mouth jingled a disorienting noise, voicing its displeasure.

Elaine smiled, sweat dripping down her nape. The net suddenly separated into three and incapacitated the three centipedes. Shrills echoed as the white nets tightened, digging into the thick shells of the carapace, causing more and more acid to spurt. Eventually, the centipedes let out its last cry and dropped dead on the ground– in pieces. Elaine gasped for air, just to stop because of the acrid taste. She quickly announced a retreat.

“Your Highness,” Sequencee called out.

“H-Huh.. e-eh?! I-I’m sorry,” not realizing she had reacted out of fear, she quickly let go of his arm.

“You’re lucky nobody was looking.”

“...” Evelyn looked away and fanned her face.

They left the vicinity of the smell, returning to the stale air of the dungeon, it was at least much better than breathing the stench of the centipede juice.

“We’ll take a detour. Students, please do a headcount. Team leader please raise your hand if all members are present,” Elaine heaved.

Four hands shot up, representing four teams, which meant that everyone was fine. They went back in reverse to reach the fork and entered a different tunnel.

After a short walk, a group of gray goblins appeared. Sequencee found the spawn rate of the monster plain weird. Nevertheless, it would explain why this trainee dungeon was suited for training students.

There was no coordination between the members as Elaine alternated the teams which would take the monster groups in their path. For now at least, endurance and mental fortitude of the self was being emphasized.

Five hours into this cycle of repeated walking and resting, having killed over ten groups of gray monsters each, the students were beginning to wear out. Surprisingly, Miss Elaine Willy was still holding strong.

“Team Five, front, gray wolves numbering ten.”

‘It’s the same thing all the time.’

So far, Elaine had only allowed the students to handle monsters that were E-rank and below. They met a D-rank giant shield toad, earlier, but was however dealt with by Elaine.

“Finally.. we’re going to fight..” Taylor cheered, dropping his bag on the ground.

“It’s ten, not six. Be careful,” Adrinne prepared her Chakram.

“Sequencee. How about you go? I’ll take care of the bags,” Her Highness said through the languid smile that hung on her face.

“It’s fine.”

“Yeah! Our class rep can’t keep hiding behind forever! You know what, I’ll take care of the bags. Class rep, you go,” Taylor offered.

“If you say so,” Sequencee dropped his bag on the ground and walked to the front. He found it silly how E-rank monsters here would take their sweet time making their advances. If not for this trait, the team switch outs would not be possible.

“I’ll go on ahead, support from behind,” Adrinne charged towards the center of the pack.

Carlsim said nothing as he took large strides forward holding a long spear.

Nordd lit the way with multiple light orbs, which was also a mini lightning sentinel which would zap the monsters that were nearby.

Sequencee thought that he didn’t really have anything to do at this point. The students in his team were more than capable in handling these small fry. Moreover, he didn’t have experience working with a group like this. Back during his dungeon explorations in the past, he and his mom would have each other’s backs facing each other.

Adrinne’s movement was like water. A graceful, dangerous dance using the round blades to sever the vital point of the wolf such as the legs and neck.

A wolf lept from above and tried to bite down on her neck. She lowered her stance and threw her mana imbued weapon upwards. It sliced the throat of the wolf overhead as it boomeranged. During that short period of being weaponless, other wolves ganged up on her. She deftly meaneurvoured past their attacks, received the returning Chakram and sliced up the rest. Nordd’s lightning-cum-light sentinels did help ruin the coordination of the wolves, reducing the danger she was being exposed to.

Carlsim on the other hand, used forceful attacks that required a swinging momentum. He used the spear more like a pole, striking the incoming wolves mercilessly with the durable shaft to stun them before piercing them directly at the head. He was efficient in his movements, taking prudence by avoiding encirclement and taking down the wolves one at a time.

‘There really is no point huh..’

Sequencee did the simple act of creating more light orbs to ease the darkness.

One of the few last wolves broke from the rest and charged towards the backline– at Sequencee.

“Watch out!” Adrinne yelled.

Sequencee stood his ground and watched as the wolf closed in– just to hit a barrier. With that short stun, he incapacitated the feet with earth, a black plant shot up from the ground up and pierece the neck. If anything, Sequencee was overexerting his mana just to use nature magic in a place where plants normally can’t thrive but– he had his reasons.

The wolf’s blood was being sucked by the parasitic plant alive. The already gray wolf grew paler as its eyes lost colour. The plant, satisfied with the blood returned to the ground, never to be seen again.

“Miss Willy, is it alright if I brought back the wolf to camp?” Sequencee turned to Elaine and asked.

“If you can promise me not to make a mess?”

“I’ve already removed the blood. It shouldn’t make much of a mess now.”

“Then I will allow it.”

Sequencee released the rock grounding the feet of the blood-drained wolf and carried it with levitation magic. It was a sight which caused a wave of doubt to ripple across the students.

An hour later, they returned to camp for lunch. While everyone was exhausted from the repeated battles and boring walk, Sequencee began preparing the meat for preservation.

“Where did you get that from?” Schwii asked.

“Where else, right?” Sequencee crudely removed the pelt from the meat. He wasn’t good as a butcher and merely cut the wolf into the basic chunks like the legs, abdomen, breasts, thigh and back. It was so random that if someone who knew the art of meat carving saw it, he would berate Sequencee indefinitely.

Wasted parts were incinerated with magic flames. Schwii helped Sequencee settle the-bone turned-charcoal with her unique red flames, turning it into ash. The ash was buried into the ground, Sequencee offer Schwii a random part of the meat which she accepted with a stiff smile.

Unbeknownst to them, the burning of the wolf remnants had elicited a wonderful meat scent around the camp, which made the students drool. It garnered a faraway peanut gallery.

The class rep and his assistant flirting over a carcass didn’t sound all that romantic, but when they learnt that he had offered some of his spoils to Schwii, a somewhat primitive idea of romance blossomed in the minds of some of them.

Evelyn questioned the imagination of some of these people.

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