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Alright… I should have seen that coming.
When you're new to something, mistakes are inevitable. I say that because I may or may not have just caused an explosion in my lab.
I was testing a variation of a regeneration potion and overdid the reagent. The result was a completely uncontrolled release of the alchemical reaction. Luckily, none of the ingredients were harmful, so the only casualty was my lab coat, now thoroughly stained.
This is more complicated than I thought…
I muttered, tossing the ruined coat into the nearest basket before sitting on the bed and stretching, feeling my muscles finally loosen.
The trip to Hollberg should happen in a few days…
In my opinion, this is one of the most important early events in the story. In a way, it will be a direct test of Ren's ethics and morality.
And it will be dangerous.
The assassins who operated in Hollberg were considered high level, at least compared to ordinary freshmen. That was exactly what led to the Hollberg massacre.
A filthy political move orchestrated by the Parker patriarch. Hundreds of children dead just to gain more power and recognition.
Like I once told Drokan… in my opinion, the only thing humans surpass every other race in is cruelty.
But this time… it will be different.
…
It has to be.
I fell back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. For a few minutes, I let the weight of those words sink in. It wasn't just a thought. It was a promise.
One I intended to keep.
Ding. Dong.
The doorbell rang just as I was about to close my eyes.
I sat up, frowning at the door.
I didn't remember ordering anything…
I tried to recall any forgotten appointment, but quickly shook my head. I wasn't expecting a package. Or anyone.
With a flood of questions running through my mind, I walked to the door. In the end, overthinking wouldn't help. I wasn't popular enough for someone to randomly show up looking for me.
But just as I reached for the handle, I froze.
…
Standing in front of me was a young woman with long, glossy black hair cascading to her waist. Her dark, crystalline eyes observed me from above with absolute calm.
After a brief silence, she spoke.
"May I come in?"
…
For a few seconds, I remained quiet, studying her with an indifferent gaze, mentally weighing whether letting her in was worth the trouble.
…?
She tilted her head slightly, noticing my hesitation, and waited.
I don't really have a choice, do I…?
I sighed softly and stepped aside.
"Come in."
The sound of the door closing behind her pulled me out of my thoughts.
When I turned around, a complicated expression crossed my face.
I kind of forgot about this…
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Anyone would call this an oppressive situation. A highly relevant and well known person knocking on your door out of nowhere and asking to come inside.
Anyone would feel nervous. Especially if you were a Lock freshman and that person was Amanda.
But in my case, I didn't really care.
Maybe because I had expected it. Amanda is absurdly curious and hates owing anyone. It was obvious she would seek out the two people who defeated Elijah that day.
…
Silence.
That's usually what happens when two quiet people are left alone in the same space. Many say Amanda and I have similar personalities, but I disagree.
There's a clear difference between cold… and lazy.
Pheeeeeew.
The sharp whistle of the kettle broke the silence, releasing steam. I had put the water on before Amanda even arrived.
I stood without much thought and walked to the stove, leaving her seated by the kotatsu.
"Would you like some tea?" I asked without turning around.
…
"Yes…" she replied softly, almost a murmur.
I prepared the tea, and soon a pleasant aroma filled the room. The soft lighting, combined with the natural light from the window, made the space surprisingly cozy.
"Your room is nice," Amanda commented, looking around.
The Japanese aesthetic was obvious. Everything neatly arranged. Simple, well placed furniture. She sat on her knees over the soft tatami, in front of the kotatsu without blankets and with the heater off, since it wasn't winter yet.
"Thanks…"
"It's very organized for a boy's room."
"Is that supposed to be surprising?"
"Not at all."
I returned to the table with a tray, the kettle, and two cups. I poured the steaming tea and sat across from her.
I took a small sip. Bitter, but pleasant. Not as sweet as I'd prefer, but acceptable.
"It's good…" Amanda murmured after tasting it.
We remained silent for a few minutes, simply enjoying the tea, until she finally spoke.
"May I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"Why do you hide your strength?"
There it was.
Of course that would be her first question.
I took a few seconds before answering, taking another sip.
"I imagine you already know the answer."
She tilted her head slightly, momentarily confused.
"Being too well known is a pain. You turn into a walking magnet for trouble. I'm sure you don't enjoy your fame all the time either."
"I see…"
Amanda seemed to understand. She had lost count of how many times she'd been kidnapped, not to mention being the main cause behind Elijah's recent attack. Fame had its advantages, but it was exhausting.
"Actually… I came here to thank you."
Even without her saying it outright, I knew exactly what she meant.
"You don't have to," I replied flatly. "I didn't do it for you."
I took another sip of tea.
"It was a chaotic situation. I only fought Elijah because it was the only way to save my own life. So I don't need a reward."
Amanda's expression turned serious. When she spoke again, her voice was firm.
"I understand… but I can't simply accept that."
"Tsk… stubborn."
Of course Amanda Stern wouldn't accept being indebted to someone. I should've expected that. Looks like she's not getting off my back anytime soon.
"Then let's do this…"
I declared, finishing my tea and placing the cup down with a soft clink.
"As the heir of the Demon Hunters, I'm sure you have access to your guild's skill arsenal. Show me the catalog and let me choose one. I'll pay half the market value for whatever I pick."
…
Amanda's face grew serious instantly.
It was a difficult proposal.
Even at half price, some skills simply had no real price. Many were treated as absolute trump cards of the guild, guarded fiercely. It was like asking for a 50 percent discount on a multi million mansion. Borderline absurd.
"What's wrong?" I asked, tilting my head slightly. "Is your life not worth that much?"
Amanda didn't get angry.
On the contrary, she remained composed, eyes focused, as if mentally calculating dozens of variables at once. Costs. Risks. Precedents. She truly was a natural negotiator.
She stayed silent for a while before finally speaking.
"Alright… but I have conditions."
"Figured it wouldn't be that simple."
Amanda raised her hand, holding up one finger.
"First, your options will be limited to Rank C skills or lower."
A second finger.
"Second, this negotiation must remain absolutely confidential on your end."
Then a third.
"Third, you will pay 75 percent of the market value."
The terms made sense… to a degree.
The first two were acceptable. Rank B and above would indeed represent irreparable losses for the guild. But the last one…
"I accept the first two," I said calmly. "As for the price, I'll settle at 55 percent."
…
Amanda remained silent for a few seconds.
"70 percent."
"60."
"65," she replied without hesitation. "Final offer."
She wasn't budging. Her expression was serious and completely unreadable.
I felt it immediately.
"Fine…" I agreed, pouring myself another cup of tea. "65 percent it is."
For a moment, I could almost hear a sigh of relief from her. It seemed like a heavy weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
"One moment. I'll give you the catalog. You'll have time to choose."
Amanda pulled a tablet from her dimensional storage. Within seconds, she handed it to me, already opened to an extensive skill database.
I spent several minutes analyzing it.
There were truly impressive options. Ridiculous physical enhancements. Flashy elemental attacks. Highly specific utility techniques. It really was an impressive arsenal of possibilities.
Still, I felt many of them could be replicated, or even surpassed, by certain named breathing techniques. None justified the investment…
Until my eyes stopped on one particular skill.
==========
[Rank C: Moon Veil]
By completely concealing their face, the user becomes perceived in a distorted manner by observers. Their silhouette turns unstable, with shifting proportions, visual glitches, and a voice that changes in tone and origin, making recognition, targeting, and reaction significantly more difficult.
The effect does not grant invisibility. It merely renders the user impossible to properly comprehend. The ability dissipates if the face is revealed and does not function against individuals who know the user and consider themselves emotionally close.
==========
…Very interesting.
It wasn't flashy. It didn't display overwhelming power. But for espionage or stealth, it was perfect.
"…Alright. I've decided."
After a few more minutes, I handed the tablet back to Amanda with Moon Veil highlighted.
She examined the skill carefully, then looked at me for a few seconds, visibly suspicious.
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
I took another sip of tea, now lukewarm.
"I see… I'll send you the account details. Once the payment is processed, I'll arrange delivery of the skill as soon as possible."
My terminal vibrated with the message.
"Understood."
65,000,000 U.
A single skill cost the equivalent of a fully equipped, state of the art alchemy laboratory. Even so… I had secured a 35 million discount.
After confirming the transfer, Amanda nodded and sent a message to someone. An odd silence filled the room.
…
…
A few minutes later, Amanda stood.
"Thank you for receiving me. I need to go."
"No problem."
I walked her to the door.
Before leaving, she gave a brief wave, indifferent as always.
"Goodbye."
"See you around."
…
As she left Yuto's room, Amanda felt satisfied with the outcome of the meeting.
She had gained a slightly better understanding of the student who helped her that day. There were still many things she didn't understand about him, but at least she had made progress.
He was calm. Controlled. And despite being alone with her, he hadn't shown the slightest fascination with her appearance. Something unprecedented.
His behavior was far removed from what one would expect from a sixteen year old boy. He wasn't arrogant. Nor petty. Perhaps a little detached… but surprisingly easy to talk to.
Honestly, it was strange.
As she walked back toward the dormitory, Amanda heard several whispers around her. As always, she ignored them completely and kept moving.
"Now… I don't owe you anything anymore."
Amanda felt as if a weight had finally been lifted from her chest.
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