A few days later,
It was hard to believe that just a little while ago, the Academy was in an uproar due to the defeat of the Beast of End.
When the news first spread about the Beast of End advancing, even before the fight had begun, there were already those who were lamenting about having lost and died.
Now, however, the kids were cheerful, showing off their powers like any young ones would.
‘For a while, nothing is going to happen.’
The field trip to the Realm, which, for all intents and purposes, could be considered a life-or-death trial, had ended safely…
Aside from any incidents that may arise about the time of the second semester exams, one could say no immediate events were expected to unfold.
While a part of me worried that the attacks might start earlier than the second-semester exams, the incident began as an assault that exploited the weaknesses of the exams, so unless the schedule was advanced, it shouldn’t happen.
‘Looking at it this way, the power of the Saint is indeed overpowered…’
If there had been fatalities during the event in the Realm, it wouldn’t be so bright and cheerful, but thanks to my ability to heal everyone who was injured right before my eyes, what had happened became an experience or a humorous tale to share.
Of course, if there had been fatalities, no matter how much I brought them back, it wouldn’t feel as bright as it did now… Nevertheless, the fact that I could bring someone back to life, even if someone else had to die, was quite positive in some sense.
Provided, of course, that I didn’t have to endure the pain of death.
‘Actually, it’s nice.’
It’s the same as what I normally eat; it’s a familiar feeling, but not bad at all.
Didn’t someone say that the end of tuning is factory settings?
For me, the pain of death could be considered factory settings.
No… One could say it was the end of pain.
In the end, all pain culminates in the pain of death, which leads to rest thereafter.
I only feel the pain of death and come back to life, but for now, I can think of it as a proven pleasure, no, pain.
From there, I’d be gaining a good perception alongside it.
Anyway, even though there’s the issue of enduring pain, the fact that I can save someone who isn’t a part of it means there’s a subconscious thought that it’s okay even if someone dies, right?
It’s not surprising that no one died at all, with only the injured remaining.
It’s not unreasonable to think how bright things are now compared to how we were just a little while ago.
After all, everyone survived while facing the monstrous disaster that turned the past Northern Region into that state, and they even managed to defeat the calamity, which is understandably worthy of such joy.
Moreover, the Hero who defeated that calamity and the Saint who dedicated herself to slaying the monsters are in the same grade, so it’s no wonder they feel proud instead of fearful.
In fact, everyone is praising them, so I think this year’s first-year students will return with significant rewards.
‘I don’t have any of that…’
I’m the Saint after all, so perhaps it’s natural.
Sometimes, seeing this reminds me of how individuals in games, comics, or movies seem to sacrifice themselves so casually.
I seek to blend the pleasure of experiencing pain with social reputation; if I had to genuinely feel pain, I wouldn’t have harmed myself for someone else.
Anyway…
Considering all of this, this event was undoubtedly… a huge success.
No, it was beyond successful; one could even argue it couldn’t have worked out better.
It seems that more people have started visiting me compared to before… especially since most students in the swordsmanship department are somewhat injured, making it the perfect opportunity for them to gain Divine Power through a variety of pains.
Saying this might make me sound crazy, but the fact that the pain felt differently depending on where it was located, while its intensity might be lower, was qualitatively superior.
Just like how everyone has different erogenous zones.
In reality, it hurts more to injure an arm or leg compared to a toe or finger, but conversely, bumping a toe or finger is often more painful.
Ah, this could be because the area where force is applied is smaller.
Anyway… it wasn’t something I intentionally did, but I was relieved to see everyone managing well.
After all, it seems they aren’t struggling greatly due to the monsters, so there’s no need to worry further.
So now, only one schedule remains for this semester.
More like, is it even a schedule?
“Finally, the academic calendar is over…”
“Is it time for vacation now? It felt long…”
Uriel and Stella muttered to each other with expressions of relief and joy.
‘Vacation…!’
Finally, the long-awaited vacation had arrived!
Unlike in schools back in the previous world, the specific dates for vacation aren’t directly provided; instead, it’s assumed that as soon as the educational curriculum ends, vacation begins, much like in universities.
They seem to put up posters on bulletin boards to inform those who might not know, but it doesn’t really matter to me since I wouldn’t understand anyway.
Regardless, I can hardly express how delighted I am that this long-awaited day has finally come.
Right next to me, Evan appeared to be contemplating how to train during the vacation.
Most students tend to worry more about how to have fun rather than how to train once vacation comes.
‘Well… am I similar?’
Perhaps Evan is thinking that as a Hero, he shouldn’t rest; such thoughts made me a bit worried.
After all, I intended to take Evan to the beach, so I could just tell him then.
‘Speaking of which, I haven’t asked Evan.’
There’s no guarantee he would follow even if I didn’t ask him what he’s thinking… so it’d be best to ask him right now.
There’s a saying that if you’ve got a horn, you should use it while it’s hot.
It’s always better to ask quickly.
“[Evan, brother.]”
“Uh, yeah?”
What’s wrong? Why is he flustered?
Previously, he would have calmly asked what was wrong when I called him, but something feels off about Evan now.
“[Your reaction feels odd…? If you’re in pain, please let me know.]”
“Ah, no, nothing like that!”
“[?]”
What is wrong with him?
I wondered at his overly exaggerated response, but since he claims there’s no problem, it felt off to press further, so I decided to move on.
“[The reason I called you is… I was wondering if you could join me at the beach during this summer vacation.]”
“B-beach?!”
“Did I just say beach?!”
Wait.
I was speaking to Evan, so why are Uriel and Stella reacting?
I turned to them, slightly bemused, and it was clear they were lost in some fanciful thoughts.
“Ah, ah…!”
“Uhmm…”
Uriel’s face turned red as she turned her head, apparently caught up in her own imagination, while Stella seemed to hesitate before looking at me.
“Um… can I come too?”
I can’t believe she’s really asking if she can join.
‘Well… I don’t mind…’
After all, the trip to the beach was mainly to acquire a hidden relic, as well as to assist Evan in his next trial, the Trial of Wisdom.
Having the two come along wouldn’t be a problem at all.
While it’s not an issue, though…
‘Is it really not an issue…?’
It feels a bit strange that they would tag along.
Am I feeling some jealousy about only Evan and I going alone?
‘It’s a good thing, though…’
Hmm… for some reason, I don’t want to accept it.
I briefly pondered whether I should accept or not, but then thinking about being alone with Evan felt wrong as well.
‘Alright, let’s accept it.’
Having the two of them join with Evan to form a harem is better.
Eventually, their relationships would grow closer… and I, in some way, wished for more women to find happiness with Evan.
Yeah, that works.
Without hesitation, I smiled and replied.
“[Of course, it’s okay!]”
They seem to think we’re just going on a trip for fun.
Not at all; I’m not going just to have fun but to cultivate strength in anticipation of the future situations ahead.
Now that they’ve agreed to come, there’s no backing out.
Let’s see what happens!
‘Let’s call it a hellish hotel vacation.’
You guys are doomed now!
Ah, of course, I won’t directly make them do anything.
I’ll need to go ask for requests separately.
