Before anyone could say anything, I mustered enough strength and swiftly made a clean cut over my left wrist.
I held back a painful grunt, and then—
"Wha—?"
"Sir Arthur?!"
"Hey!"
The room stirred with anxiety, but my mind remained focused.
Maybe my blood has evolved enough that I can use it like 'that.'
I turned to them "Relax." with an expression that clearly expressed their reactions as exaggerated. "I know what I'm doing,"
I turned my focus back to Griff. Yes, let's try this. It might just work, and I'll find out if my theory is true or not. Worth a shot—I'm not losing anything.
No one could comprehend my actions. Even I am judging myself a little, because the flesh I'd cut so casually was burning now.
The act of cutting oneself has always been shown so plainly on TV shows. I assumed it would be bearable.
But the burning sensation… I am barely enduring it.
The people in the room looked either angry or confused—or rather, one felt furious, and the other two baffled.
Ignoring them, I tossed the knife onto the couch near Griff's legs. Then I pushed my fingers between his face and the cushion, tilting his head toward me. I pried his mouth open, clutching his lower jaw while pushing his upper with my thumb.
Then I positioned my bleeding wrist above his mouth.
"Here you go."
Blood dripped down into his mouth, oddly soaking and staining my entire palm in the process.
drip. drip. drip. (Blood dripping)
Soon, Griff's mouth filled with blood, and—almost instinctively—his body started swallowing in continuous gulps. One gulp after another.
Then I stood up and exhaled, "That should do it." I muttered with an exhausted sigh.
I turned to Valerie, Ducas, and Persephone. Each of their questioning expressions bathed in the dim lavender light from the bulbs in the corner of my room. A faint glow also seeped in through the large window.
They were all confused about why I'd suddenly cut myself.
Even the Nubeculas had been puzzled earlier, but now they'd only be curious—building their own assumptions, and if things went as I wanted, they'd only be wondering if I could be useful.
+
[ A handful of Nubeculas are discussing you. ]
+
Yup. Already guessed that.
"Ah… Would you stop giving me that look?" I grumbled aloud.
Valerie and Ducas's expressions softened slightly at the tone of annoyance in my voice—but quickly tensed again.
I knew I wouldn't be able to brush this off easily—my actions were bizarre for someone who usually avoided involvement with others—hurting myself? Naturally, there'd be questions.
But what really annoyed me was Persephone's frown. It demanded an explanation, and before I could even think of what to say, I started talking.
"Look. My blood is kind of… might be… different."
Since Griff hasn't shown any changes yet, so I am not entirely sure
"It'll heal him better than any Elixir ever could… I think," I shrugged, feigning nonchalance.
"Might be? You think?" tone dripped with ridicule, and through the soul contract, I could feel her anger simmering—hot and insistent, her very eyebrows were fighting to abandon the grace they usually wore.
"Assistant Professor? Do you mind telling us more?" Valerie cut in, arms crossed. "Because that wasn't a whole lot to go on. Could you care to elaborate?"
"Yes, what exactly do you mean, Sir Arthur?" Ducas added.
+
[ Some Nubeculas are curious and looking in your direction. ]
+
I'd rather deal with them than explain myself to these three.
Still, I had to say something.
But… I decided that could wait.
Again, I turned back to Griff, observing him.
First, I need to see if his condition improves.
Ducas and Valerie, sensing my pause, held back their questions. Persephone stayed silent as well, though I could still feel her foreign anger through our bond—either fading slightly or maybe I was just getting used to it.
Thankfully, we didn't have to wait long.
The next instant, Griff's gray flesh began to regain its color.
A healthy, pale-pink hue emerged beneath the fading gray, like mist dissolving under sunlight.
Finally, I turned to the others, unable to suppress a smirk.
****
The room's focus sharpened on me, all focus landing on me.
What the hell did Arthur just do?
Without warning, I'd cut my arm out of nowhere and then fed it to Griff—which somehow healed him.
Aren't we all shocked?
"Check his vitals now, Miss Valerie," I said casually, taking a step toward her.
She moved past me, and we exchanged positions to some extent.
+
[ The Existence "Valerie" has requested an updated medical check-up. ]
[ The Existence of a lower realm, "Valerie Davison," has activated the skill 'Health Summary Lvl.1'. ]
+
The system message appeared in front of me. And once again, a dashboard with smooth white edges and rounded corners—like the one from before—materialized in her hands.
Ducas stared at me from his spot by the bookshelf, eyes brimming with questions. I ignored him—and Persephone—keeping my attention on Valerie and Griff.
Valerie's gaze flicked across the dashboard screen. Her expression quickly shifted—confusion knitting her brows as if she doubted the readings.
"Oh. His vitals are completely normal now, and the poison is gone as well. He should be—"
Then, suddenly—Griff jolted upright.
"Oh my god!" Valerie nearly screamed, clutching her dashboard close to her chest as she stepped back.
As she spoke, Griff's upper body lurched forward. With a sharp inhale, he was sitting upright, face twisted in pain and disorientation.
"Uh—uh—uh!" His breaths came heavy and ragged.
Ducas tensed, his right hand subtly tightening around the hilt of his sword beneath his cloak. His expression, however, remained calm.
I flinched slightly—though I doubt anyone noticed. I had expected he might wake up soon, though this was faster than I thought.
Just like in my dream. I beamed inside.
Speaking of, I realized I still hadn't explained anything about the wrist-cutting or healing blood.
Well now that Griff—no, not Griff. I reminded myself. I don't know his real name—at least, I shouldn't.
Either way, he is the main focus now.
Griff swayed and bent forward with his head hanging low as he took slow, deep deliberate breaths.
I quickly stepped forward, and Valerie instinctively stepped behind. Positioning myself slightly in front of her, I studied the awakened lion-boy with a serious gaze.
I stood just off-center, deliberately blocking Griff's peripheral view of Valerie. She didn't protest, so I assume it's fine.
I did receive a notification about her skill deactivating, though.
Griff's breathing steadied, and he slowly straightened.
His light yellow pupils glowed dangerously like topaz beneath his disheveled bangs—but the next blink dimmed them, revealing a more human-like mix of orange and green.
He blinked several times, scanning the room with confused, searching eyes. His breathing began to slow.
"What? Where… am I?"
His voice was rough, disoriented.
The first thing he saw must have been me as we made eye contact.
Before he could launch into the usual string of fifty confused questions, I spoke first.
"Stop looking around." I began. "You were poisoned and unconscious. We cured you."
Let's just cut through this quickly.
Griff froze, staring at me through half-lidded eyes, as though trying to make out my features through a haze.
"Professor Arthur?"
Well, Professor is a bit, technically Assistant Professor, but hearing Professor before my name made me smile just a bit.
"What are you doing here? And what is this place?"
And there it was—question number two of fifty.
Griff's gaze darted around the room before locking onto Ducas, who now stood behind the couch.
Wait—when did he get there? Not that it matters.
Also, I should mention: Griff is also currently a student at Trivia Academy. Not that surprising.
Just an ordinary student here, but in his tribe?
He's known as a failure—someone unworthy of the inheritance that should've been his by right.
Griff suddenly turned toward me again. I gave him a few seconds to process everything I'd just said.
"You cured me? No… that's not possible," His voice wavered between disbelief and pain—likely from residual soreness.
And I understood his confusion. Seeing Ducas, he must have remembered how he was poisoned—with hydra's extract, second-order advanced-grade toxin, which I should have known. Without a high-grade elixir, recovery should've been impossible.
But thanks to my blood, he is perfectly fine.
"It wasn't that hard," I said, gesturing toward the empty Elixir bottle on the coffee table.
Griff's eyes locked onto the shimmering green glass—beautiful and unmistakable.
Normally, breaking it would cause it to vanish instantly.
But I am glad we kept it intact. It will certainly help us convince him.
Griff scooped up the bottle, rubbing its smooth surface with his thumb, inspecting it carefully.
Strangely, the sound of his breath seemed to drown out everything else in the room.
"How do you have this?"
His voice turned sharp, and he flicked the bottle toward me.
Fair question. High-grade elixirs weren't something just anyone could obtain.
No matter how many points you're willing to trade, you can only get high-grade Ampoules in the market.
But Elixirs?
Only royal families and the Church have access to them.
Royals bought them at auctions; the Church hoarded them as "divine blessings."—to be used for their followers in need.
Total crap.
A thoughtful expression came to my face.
"Ah."
I can dodge this one.
Casually, I sidestepped—letting Valerie come into Griff's line of sight.
And just like that, the confusion in his expression vanished. Rage surged in his eyes.
"You."
He suddenly tried to lunge, but Ducas moved fast—grabbing the back of Griff's collar with ease, like he was restraining a misbehaving cub.
I shifted back, blocking Valerie again. Griff's glare burned into me.
"You expect me to believe anything after seeing her?" he growled, shrugging Ducas's grip off his shoulders.
"This is all a plan. I know it."
It was an expected reaction. I am not surprised at all. I met his rage eyes with calm amusement.
"Mister Sanderson" I said, smiling as I perched on the edge of the coffee table. "I've been told you're an intelligent person. But I guess someone's been spreading rumors lately."
Jason Sanderson—that was the name Griff had registered under at Trivia Academy.
"Think. You attacked someone, and her companion overpowered you. Now both of them are here. You were poisoned... but you're still alive. Well instead of being dead of course."
"You just need something from me."
A fair possibility, and I already knew he wouldn't believe me so easily. I need him to calm down first. So, I hit where it hurt.
"Don't be rash. You want to live, don't you?" My voice turned low and persuasive. "How would you protect the ones you care about if you're dead?"
My words were vague, but their impact was precise. Griff stiffened, his defiance crumbling. His eyes dropped, avoiding mine. Ducas and Valerie exchanged faintly amused glances.
Fake student identity aside, Griff Hanson—the so-called useless waste—carried the attribute Malika's Secret Hand. He is a hidden warrior, a covert guardian of a "Malika." Just like in my dreams. Even now, he should regard his life as hers.
His fists tightened, loosened, then tightened again. Finally, he gritted out:
"Explain, then. What's the cost I'm paying for your Elixir?"
His tone was sharp, and his gaze shifted to Valerie when he said your. Ducas's grip twitched toward his sword.
"You should be the one explaining," he said, voice low and threatening.
He is right, but before anyone could respond, a soft voice came from behind me.
"It's alright. Let us explain, and we'll clarify everything." Valerie stepped forward, her tone smooth but firm.
I hadn't expected her to be nervous, but I thought she'd try to avoid getting too involved. Yet, she looked calm—confident, even.
Valerie met my eyes and gave a small, assuring nod.
"Don't worry, Sir Arthur."
Who's worrying? I stifled a scoff. She's powerful—more powerful than me. And eventually get even more powerful. Why would I be worried?
Still, I gave a resigned look and stood. "Fine."
My expression probably made it obvious that this was now becoming a hassle for me. I intended to march toward the bed, but Persephone's gaze made it feel like I could only swiftly walk. It was oddly reminiscent of my childhood—facing my parents after doing something wrong.
But I pushed past it, striding to the bed. I slumped against the pillar, arms crossed.
"Hey, Jackson. How are you feeling?"
On the other side, Valerie approached Griff, her voice gentle despite his glare. He looked weary—his face tense with suppressed anger and physical fatigue.
"I've checked your condition with my skill. You're completely fine, so don't worry. And you should thank Sir Arthur. The Elixir was his. He must've acquired it through incredible luck."
She tried to keep things civil, assuring him that he was unharmed. I, however, felt a flicker of annoyance at how she just handed him that detail. How am I supposed to explain having an Elixir?
Still, maybe it wouldn't be a huge issue. But if rumors started to spread, people might begin linking me to the royals or the Church. That is the last thing I need.
Griff's eyes shifted to me at her words. We made eye contact—briefly—before he broke it and snarled at Valerie.
"So, now that you've said your polite words. what next? Are you going to threaten me? Hold my secrets over my neck?"
He'd already slipped, admitting to having a fake identity.
"Just like your human family constantly threatens mine, pressing us beneath your thumb."
Another harsh jab. Valerie's polite smile faded to neutral.
"Does your human family even have a heart? Pathetic."
Clearly, Griff had no intention of playing nice with our princess. Valerie's smile vanished, words caught in her throat. She was struggling to keep composure.
"Is it her? Is she aware of your actions?"
"Okay." I cut in. "I guess we're going off-topic now."
Valerie went in straight with the pointed questions.
+
[ Some Nubeculas are curious about the situation involving Existences around you. ]
+
Great. Now things were getting even more complicated, and a system message popped up. Valerie had told me she wanted to save him because she knew who Griff—rather, Jackson—was. I'd suspected tensions between their families, but now they are just airing all of it in front of me.
Please don't drag me into this any deeper.
I figured Valerie had intended to keep things minimal, say little, and leave. But Griff had no such plan. So, I intervened before it escalated too far. Valerie's approach clearly wasn't working.
I went through all of this just so these people in my room would leave, and I could get some rest. But the situation kept spiraling. It had even reached the point where Griff said "Human Family."
"Let's just settle this with you—yes, the angry one—answering two of my questions. And I, an Assistant Professor, assure you that no one will know whatever secret identity you're carrying. Okay?"
Valerie exhaled sharply and sat down on the chair beside the couch, clearly holding back more than a few words.
Persephone, meanwhile, seemed to recede into the background. Apparently, this wasn't captivating enough for the goddess of the Underworld. Still, I could feel her curious gaze lingering.
Griff watched Valerie take her seat, then glanced back at me under his bangs. He seemed focused now, waiting for what I'd say next.
I wasn't overwhelmed. I already knew most of the details, both about his situation and the tangled history between their families. But controlling the conversation so directly was... uncomfortable.
Ducas was the only one truly out of the loop, but judging by his face, even he was starting to piece things together from context.
"Also," I added with a sigh, "I advise you all to save your personal matters for a personal space."
No one responded.
Alright then. I'll ask why he attacked them, and what assurance he can give that it won't happen again. Reasonable enough.
"Jackson, right? Can I ca—"
Knock. Knock.
A sharp knock echoed through the short hallway.
Silence blanketed the room. All eyes turned toward the door.
The moment reminded me of a horror movie, when something—or someone—unexpected knocks, and time stands still.
All that was missing was a dramatic, zoomed-out hallway shot.
Knock! Knock!
The sound cut through the hallway again, sharper this time. I lifted my head from the bedpost.
Now who is it? I'm getting way too many visitors this evening. With a sigh, I pushed off the bed.
It's my room, after all—of course I should be the one to answer it.
"Sir—"
Ducas started to say something, but I waved him off and moved toward the hallway.
My mind was more occupied with coming up with excuses—what would I even tell whoever was behind that door?
Three students with problematic situations gathered in a faculty dorm? Yeah, that wouldn't go over well.
KNOCK!! KNOCK!!
The knocking turned furious—almost intolerable.
Yeah, yeah. I'm coming. Why does everyone insist on showing up at my door today?
KNOCK!! KNOCK!!
Impatient, to say the least.
Who knocks like that? This is still my room.
I began to imagine the door bursting open—maybe a little exaggerated, but honestly, at this rate, the other faculty members would definitely notice something strange.
What felt like a long time passed, but I'd only just reached the hallway.
Now that I think about it, this room is unexpectedly large.
Then came a voice, just after the next knock.
KNOCK!! KNOCK!!
"Open this door or I'll tear it down and kill all of you."
I froze mid-step. Did I just hear that right? Was that a threat?
The voice reverberated through the room. It was clear and calm—almost too casual—but the words were terrifying.
Everyone immediately tensed up. I stepped forward, cautiously approaching the door.
"Sir Arthur. Let—"
Ducas started again, likely offering to open the door instead. But the voice returned before he could finish.
"If you're not going to open it..."
There was a low groan at the end—whoever was on the other side was about to do something.
I watched as the doorknob slowly began to twist. I halted again.
What's going on?
It kept turning, slow and deliberate, until it hit its limit—and then came the sound of straining metal.
Creak...
Things had been normal just a few days ago. But now?
Yesterday there was that attack. Eddie.
Today it's Griff, Valerie, and Ducas—all still here in my room.
And now someone's trying to break in and kill us?
Tak.
The doorknob spun clean off its hinges and clattered to the floor.
Then the door drifted open—slowly—revealing a figure in the hallway.
The person standing there had long blonde hair tied in a high ponytail, reaching down to the back of their Trivia uniform cloak.
"Ah."
"Oh."
Valerie and Griff. Both of them recognized the person standing at the door.
Naturally, I did too.
Honestly, I had suspected it might be this person. It's always like this—whenever Griff is in danger, this person rushes over.
Still, I'd hoped to make them all leave before it came to this.
The ponytailed intruder scanned the room, observing each of us one by one.
Their gaze passed over Ducas with disinterest, then moved to Valerie.
Their entire posture stiffened with anger.
Perhaps trying to reason with themselves, the eyes continued on—until they landed on Griff. And then the shaking started.
I followed their gaze over my shoulder and landed on the dried blood stains around Griff's chin.
It must've dripped from my hand earlier when I fed him my blood. We'd ignored it at the time—it didn't seem like a big deal.
But now, as if guided by smell, the intruder's eyes landed on my blood-covered hand.
A curtain of blonde hair fell across their face, casting a shadow over their expression.
Then came the slow lift of the head. And with it, a feeling as if judgment itself had descended on me.
There was anger deep in those eyes. Killing intent thickened the air.
And then a low, chilling voice slipped from the lips:
"How dare you?"
She lunged, right hand stretched out like they were ready to strangle someone.
I reacted on instinct, stepping aside, not to protect myself, but because I knew her true target. Valerie.
I moved in front of her, blocking the path.
Thinking about Griff's reaction to Valerie earlier… and now this—these two are far too similar, I thought.
Bloodshot eyes locked onto Valerie—then shifted and now glared into mine.
Fwoosh!
It all happened in an instant. I couldn't keep up with their movements—they were too fast.
I was already near, so a single step placed me between them. But the others—monsters compared to me—reacted instantly.
In a second, the entire room's formation shifted.
I now stood between Valerie and Ponytail.
Valerie used her wind manipulation to slam the door shut. The hum of wind filled the room.
Ducas appeared behind the blonde intruder, grabbing their collar again.
Guess he's got a thing for collar-grabbing.
He moved quickly—across the hallway, around both me and the intruder. Scary thing is, I didn't even notice him.
Then Griff—he moved too, appearing in front of me.
That confirmed it. He'd regained his full strength. My blood had matured enough.
I smiled to myself.
He stood between me and the intruder, unmoving—like a wall protecting me.
At some point, Persephone appeared beside me too. Well, she's a goddess, so no surprise there.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments: "Woah." ]
[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' is clapping in astonishment. ]
[ The Nubecula 'Who Likes Cigars And Candy' comments: "Tch... Superhero kind of bullshit." ]
+
Reading the Nubecula's messages, a speechless laugh slipped from my lips.
"Ha, haha—"
It was a serious situation.
Ponytail had just stormed in, ready to kill someone barehanded—and they were treating it like we just given a good stage performance.
My laugh was soft, but the room was silent. Only the faint sound of Valerie's wind remained:
hush... hush...
My low chuckle echoed in the room, drawing sharp attention.
Rage flared in the intruder's eyes.
"You think this is funny?" Ponytail's snarled.
"Please stop!" Griff intervened..
The hand meant to strangle Valerie had stopped—inches away from his throat.
"Please, calm down," Griff pleaded again.
Confusion replaced the anger in her eyes—and in mine as well.
He's defending us? After his earlier hostility?
But from his response, I wondered if he even intended to cooperate.
"What are you doing?" I whispered to Griff—just loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Others aside, I do believe you're just a caught-up bystander. So I'm trying to save your life."
"What bullshit are—" the intruder started to snap back, but Griff cut her off.
"Please, Big Sister." Griff cut in, voice firm. "You can't hurt him. He saved me!"
Big sister, huh?
We all already knew. So no one was particularly shocked.
+
[ Several Nubeculas react with joy and surprise at the unexpected revelation. ]
+
Of course they did. It's a twist in the story.
And we—these so-called "existences"—are all just entertainers to them.
It's not that they don't understand the seriousness of the moment.
They just don't care.
I kept my expression calm, tinged with annoyance and confusion, but inside, I was on edge.
Trying my best to stay out of this family drama.
Still, a part of me felt… excited.
Maybe it was nostalgia—seeing them together like in my dreams.
No… it couldn't be just that.
I've seen these dreams my whole life. I grew up with them.
I know the future ahead of these people is anything but easy.
So why was I feeling thrilled?
That's when I realized—it was a foreign feeling mixing with my own.
I glanced over my right shoulder.
Persephone stood there, looking calm. I felt a flicker of guardedness.
But that excitement? It was definitely hers.
Our eyes met briefly. I saw the excitement flash in hers—then it quickly vanished, hidden behind a composed mask.
Even Ducas looked stunned, eyebrows arched behind Griff and his sister.
Okay. So everyone was surprised.
Still—not nearly as surprised as they're about to be.
I smiled and greeted the infamous "big sister."
"Good evening, Miss Felicity. I assume you didn't barge into my room to submit your assignment, right?"
Our blonde-haired intruder, a.k.a. Ponytail, was none other than Felicity.
Griff's big sister.
The only person in all of Trivia who could stand toe-to-toe with Valerie in terms of growth.
The 'Malika' of the jungle.