Chapter 131

It has been a few weeks since then.

Every day felt like I was still spending my days in the Department of Sacred Studies, as if in a cathedral.

In fact, during this time, I continued my practice of healing not only with my original abilities but also with the use of sacred artifacts.

Unlike directly using my powers to heal people, using sacred artifacts to heal someone didn’t damage my body.

Of course, if the level increases, there could be damage, but fundamentally, sacred artifacts contain the power to heal someone, and I can store my divine power in them…

It wasn’t a method that matched my preferences, but I had to use it anyway to practice using the artifacts.

It was a disappointing period, but adapting to the use of sacred artifacts meant this was not a bad harvest in itself.

While it’s nice to maintain a concept I like and enjoy myself, what must be prioritized above all else is capturing Maleficent while minimizing damage as much as possible.

However, no matter how much I prepare, when an incident occurs, there will inevitably be sacrifices.

Of course, even if there are sacrifices, I will save them all, and with Arhen stepping up to provide support, things will be less severe…

My goal is to minimize the number of people who d*e.

With that mindset, I had been practicing diligently.

As time flowed by.

Finally, the day of the exam arrived.

“[Sister Stella? Wake up.]”

“Mm… I’m awake…”

What should I do with this sleepyhead?

I clearly told her to go to bed early since there was an exam tomorrow, but she ignored my advice, thinking she would soon gain meaningful research results.

In the end, even on the morning of the exam day, she still couldn’t get up properly.

It’s truly ridiculous.

Especially when I am in a position where I need to maintain as high a grade as possible to receive a scholarship and continue living in the dormitory due to financial issues.

I let out a deep sigh.

But I couldn’t just leave it like this. It felt almost like borrowing stamina, so I shouldn’t overuse it.

But on a day like today, there’s no help for it.

I cast a fatigue recovery blessing on Stella.

“Mm…?”

Stella, who received my blessing, groggily sat up.

Although her eyes were still filled with fatigue, she was much better than when she couldn’t get up at all earlier.

“What’s this… It was hard to get up earlier, but now I’m less sleepy…”

“[That’s because I gave you a blessing. You need to get up quickly for the exam.]”

“Oh… right… that’s today…?!”

It seemed she completely forgot because she was focused on magical research.

I should have known when she said that it would be better to sleep early yesterday but apologized for needing to focus on her research.

“[You might miss the exam if you’re late.]”

“Ugh…!”

Stella, who looked shocked at my words, quickly sprang up, saying she would get ready.

As I watched her head toward the bathroom, I sighed but couldn’t help but smile, feeling that she had become much more active compared to before.

If anything, it seems trials aren’t always a bad thing.

She had become a bit brighter since getting close to me, but it wasn’t to this extent… And she had also become quite close with Uriel.

Of course, staying there was extremely comfortable, but…

I had thought that there was nothing particularly good about it, yet seeing the changed appearances of both Stella and Uriel made me reconsider…

‘I like you, Aria.’

“Ugh…”

What am I thinking again…

Evan’s appearance should look like a typical 3D model to me right now, but maybe it’s because I’ve seen Evan’s bare face for quite a long time during the trials.

Even though the events during the trials still feel like a dream, the image of Evan confessing to me clearly comes to mind, making me feel strange.

‘Why is my heart so complicated…’

Seeing memories of his confession keep surfacing in my mind makes me wonder if I’ve really changed.

“Aria? Aren’t you going to wash up?”

“[Ah… I’ll go.]”

I should wash up first and then think about it.

Thinking it might get a little better while I wash, I headed off to the bathroom.

The final exam of my first year.

It’s already that time…

“Hey, we need to use this.”

“What is it… a bracelet?”

“Didn’t they say we were starting with written exams today?”

“Isn’t it to prevent cheating?”

As soon as we arrived at the academy, the teaching assistants handed us something.

Upon checking, it looked like a bracelet.

“Hmm… It’s magically applied, but the level is so high that I can’t tell what magic is applied…”

I was trying my hardest to interpret the magic circle inscribed inside, but it seemed it was still beyond Stella’s level to understand.

This is the first time I’ve seen Stella this flustered.

What kind of incredible magic did they put into it?

‘It feels unnatural.’

It’s obvious that this bracelet is for protecting against Maleficent’s attacks.

While I was revealing my doubts, a voice came from the bracelet.

– The bracelet you have been given must be worn at all times during the examination period for your safety and to monitor for cheating. It won’t operate outside of exam times, so there’s no need to worry about invading your privacy.

– While it is operational, the gem on the bracelet will emit light, so you won’t get confused.

‘Ah… this is it.’

At first, I was uncertain, but it seems this is correct.

It’s suspicious for them to only start using something now after not using it until now, but…

‘That should raise no suspicions from Maleficent’s side.’

There’s nothing to be suspicious of.

Although there are many magic forms that cannot be verified at the student level, it’s only natural since the one who used the magic is Arhen.

I heard that the use of this bracelet during exams is a fact that has been confirmed for a long time, and they’ve added additional elements to prepare for Maleficent, so there was even less reason to worry about raising suspicion.

The voice from the bracelet seemed to be heard not just by me but by other students as well.

The students who were questioning what it was just a moment ago had disappeared.

That means it’s about time.

I stood up from my seat.

Seeing me trying to head somewhere, Stella questioned where I was going.

“[I need to meet someone for a moment. I’ll be back soon.]”

I intended to talk one last time, just in case.

Stella seemed puzzled about who I might meet at this time, but eventually accepted it and hesitantly spoke.

“Um… do you have to come back quickly?”

It might seem awkward to say this, but she seems even cuter than before.

Not being able to see this cute version of Stella filled me with despair once again as I casually waved goodbye to her.

“[Of course.]”

With that, I assured her that I would return quickly.

After exiting the classroom, I looked around to ensure that no one was following me before heading to the Dean’s office.

Even though I thought they’d manage things without me confirming it, it’s better to meet up just in case…

Dread.

“Hmm? You’re here.”

As soon as I arrived, he turned around as if he had been waiting and made eye contact with me.

Although I couldn’t see his eyes, of course.

“I’ve already prepared for this. If you activate the magic circle on the bracelet, all the students will be evacuated. You’re wearing it well, aren’t you?”

“[This is indeed the bracelet meant for the exam, right?]”

“Yeah, that’s right. I’ll create a shield that can protect the students to some extent in case something happens. Such artifacts tend to be less efficient, but with my protective barrier, we can significantly improve its effectiveness. It should be able to withstand most attacks.”

“[Wow…]”

“It’s not just that; there’s also a teleportation magic that activates when I send a signal. Even if Maleficent attacks, no students will d*e.”

He has seemed incredibly busy recently, but it turns out he was creating this.

Creating bracelets for each student shows just how much he cares about them.

“[Can I take off this bracelet in the middle?]”

“I would prefer you to keep wearing it if possible, but…”

“[If I’m not there, it will be impossible to catch that person.]”

There’s nothing I can do about that.

Arhen looked at me with a concerned expression and asked.

“Are you really okay…?”

Am I okay?

…

I was fine.

If anything, I would feel joyful rather than burdened; I didn’t think it would be difficult.

Just…

“[Please don’t worry about me. You should prioritize catching the executive.]”

It might be difficult because of other people who might feel distressed because of me.

It might seem selfish, but I just hope that they won’t suffer because of me.

Upon hearing my words, Arhen sighed and nodded slightly in agreement.

That’s all I needed.

Really.