Chapter 13 Preparations

Three days have passed since Ryuuji's arrival to the academy. This morning my new personal guard is getting used to their new equipment. They do it in an open space a few minutes from the entrance of the city. Since they are still new to Galia, I had to come with them, although in reality the one who led us here was Zera.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that much of yesterday was used in the selection of such equipment. After all, I couldn't let my guard wear such simple armor and old iron swords.

This was also an opportunity to perform some experiments with my skills.

For example >. It says it prevents theft of objects except the equipment. I put it to the test with Zera. Giving him some of my personal items, and clarifying differences through my words. One was a gift, another was a loan, also I gave him money to buy some things.

The results of the experiment were interesting.

First, gifted items lose any link with the previous owner, or so I think, since nothing happens. The borrowed objects are interesting, since if at some point after lending them I ask for they to be returned, they return to my hands, no matter where the object or the person is.

Zera even thought he lost my things and apologized frantically.

In the case of equipment, regardless of whether it is borrowed or given away, the ability is not activated.

The case of objects bought with money did not give good results, although that may be due to the fact that what was purchased was equipment, maybe I should try something different.

One way or another, I will find good use for this skill.

I also took the opportunity to order some things from different artisans in the city, as well as a couple from academics whose projects were going smoothly.

This was also an opportunity to tour the city again, which I didn't do weeks ago, since I stayed inside the academy reading and directing some projects.

My fears are realized when I see the people of Galia. I think there will be no time for Rad to train Ryuuji. I will have to resort to a strategy that doesn't involve him. Well, from the beginning my encounter with him was surprising, so I just have to speed up my previous plan.

Although the information I have obtained about them in the library of the academy seems good ... It is information from 1000 years ago. I just can't trust it, but I have no other choice. The alternative is little less than reliable, in addition to putting me at risk directly, it's uncertain that those of Iren will respond as I expect. I have to take a chance with the > of the mountain.

In TLO, the Half are entities different to monsters.

While the monsters are decidedly enemies to defeat, the Half may or may not be enemies. Sometimes the goal of a mission may be to help them, other times they are the ones who help you. > takes advantage of this, as it serves to trade with these races human or not.

If it worked in TLO, it should work in this world.

Preparing for my encounter with them, yesterday I also took care of getting what was necessary to climb the mountain.

Naturally I will not climb alone, that is why my guards must get used to their new equipment, because they must climb while wearing it. It's time for they to know it.

"Captain, we must talk".

Hearing that I call him, the captain addresses me. Wearing a shining metal plate armor, with joints to allow rapid movement. It isn't something I can afford to use, even if I can bear the weight of the armor, I would be too slow.

The great sword that he carries in the waist is also a luxury article, but not in the aesthetic sense. It's a full-fledged weapon, its name is . Supposedly forged from the rock in the top of the mountain. It's the most expensive sword in Galia and its attributes are outstanding compared to other weapons people carry in the city.

Sword of the Top▼

-Resistance to electricity +6.

-Resistance to heat +7.

-Wind Resistance +8.

-Resistance to corrosion +10.

- Weight of the world x2. >>

If I remember correctly > is a skill that makes the weapon heavier when attacking, which implies greater damage and pressure to the enemy, making it difficult to defend properly and increasing the chances of damaging shields and armor. A fearsome skill if you use it well. I imagine that "x2" implies twice the effect.

Between that ability and the additional resistances added to the weapon's own stats, which are quite good, I would say they are similar to those of a weapon used by someone who is about to go up to the EFEBO grade.

At the top of the PAIS rank then? Very appropriate.

"What do you need? My lord".

"You and your men must get used to the new weapons and armor as soon as possible, we must prepare to climb the mountain. We will leave tomorrow".

"Will we climb the mountain?"

"That's right. Up on this same mountain, there is a nest of Flying Half. My intentions are to negotiate with them to cooperate in the defense of Galia".

"W-Can you do that?"

"I have confidence in my abilities to negotiate with them. Getting their cooperation won't be easy. But their help is, in my opinion, necessary".

"Understood. We will begin training with our new equipment, as well as with the climbing equipment before the end of the day".

"That's more like it. Don't forget to rest; Captain, you must protect me in this business".

"We will do so. Men!"

And while I see the captain walking away to give instructions to his men, another person occupies my attention. Someone who came with us from the academy and has been watching me for a while.

"Does something happen, Zera?"

Young Zera, who has become my personal assistant for a week, approaches me with slow steps and a worried look.

"On the matter ... Of the in-invasion of Galia ... Do you think it will happen?"

"Captain Rad has had experience as an adventurer, in military, and of course, as a guard. And he found no flaws in my logic. I'm afraid it will happen, and it's not just my opinion".

"I-I un-understand. Shouldn't I tell the director and the others?"

Watching Zera's expression carefully, I realize that he doesn't distrust my words. Even so, he doubt about my decision to keep this a secret between us.

"Listen. Even if the invasion is a fact, the time is still a mystery. If they conquered Galatea to prepare a siege, it would most likely not happen immediately. They will wait a while, until the lack of a trade route weakens Galia economically, it is then that they will act".

"It's been almost two weeks since Galatea's fall. How much more do you think they will wait?"

"Galia is self-sufficient in terms of food and water, so it will remain stable for a while before weakening, it will take a little before they decide to invade".

Actually, the invasion has already begun. But it's not a good idea to tell him, although I should discuss the matter with the director. I will need his cooperation.

"I understand your concerns, Zera. I will discuss the matter with the director, but for now I cannot tell anyone else, it would only cause unnecessary panic".

"Y-Yes. Thank you!"

Just when I thought it was over and I could go to the director's office, Ryuuji approached me from the entrance of the city, accompanied by that pair of academics I met along with Zera and Johan ... Jal and Berta, I think they were called .

Jal is a squalid young academic, although not as much as Zera, he's also taller. With hair well combed back, allowing you to see his forehead clearly ... Do he use gel? I have no idea how he keeps his hair combed back without leaving a single misaligned hair.

Berta is a young woman, I would say she is 22 - Jal must be around that age too - and her body has a woman's development, although average. If something stands out in her it's her hair, is so spongy. Her hair of an orange brown looks like it could be used as a sleeping pillow.

"Excuse me Mr. Argent, but young Ryuuji has tried to tell us something for a while and ... Well, only you know how to speak his language".

"I understand. You are Jal right? Thank you for bringing him here. You too, Berta".

"Argent-san".

"Tell me what's up Ryuuji".

Ryuuji's face doesn't hide his insecurity. Whatever he wants to tell me, it's bothering him.

"Eto, Argent-san, I wanted to know if- if there was anything I could help with. These days I have done nothing but stay in that cave".

"The academy. That place is Galia's AS academy. We already talked about this, these people from the 'cave' are academics.

Well, it's not like there is something I need you to do. But I talked to Rad. This is an opportunity, he has mentioned your potential and wants to train you himself. What you can do is follow that training to the letter".

"Is that true? Well, after all my stats are high ..."

"It's not just that. He saw real talent with the sword in you and thinks you'll be a great swordsman".

"Is-Is that then? I see. Tell him I appreciate it and that I will do whatever it takes".

Once again I call the captain, who apparently finished instructing his men.

"Captain. Ryuuji wants me to convey his words to you".

"I understand, I'm hearing".

"Ryuuji honestly admires you very much captain, and feels sorry for what happened in Galatea. That's why he wants to overcome his weakness, he wants to beg you to train him".

"Mm. It's not that I don't understand it, but Ryuuji is a noble. I don't know if it's a good idea".

"I'm sure you noticed it too, Ryuuji's potential".

"Yes ... That strange strength he showed the day we left Galatea ... I never saw anything like it. But I had not seen anything that scared me so much either. At that time, it was like the old stories. A warrior of anger unleashes a immense power".

"That's why he needs someone to teach him how to control that power. I don't ask you to teach him how to kill captain, I ask you to teach him how to protect, to use that power inside him for the good of others. That's also Ryuuji's wish".

The captain's eyes seemed to see in the distance as he watched Ryuuji, as if looking at the past. Then his eyes showed great firmness.

"I will ... No. I'm asking you, let me do it".

"Very well captain. I put you in charge of Ryuuji's training. I will cooperate in transmitting your words, I'll be the link between you".

"My sincere thanks my lord. I had never met someone as noble as you. I strongly believe that it is for you that there is such a word even today".

"I accept your words, but you must not forget that we have a mission in our hands. Ryuuji will have to train alone for now. Just explain to me how he should begin and I will tell him".

◆◇◆◇

Walking through the rocky corridors of the inner academy, I stand in front of large and luxurious doors. Behind these wooden and metal doors is the director of the academy.

Having already transmitted to Ryuuji the first steps he should take in his training, I left him and my guards to do what they should.

Now I have to deal with a different matter.

After knocking on the door, a voice is heard from the other side, and someone opens my way. The director of the academy remains seated at his desk. Johan, who had opened the door gives way to me and says goodbye, closing the doors behind him.

"I am pleased to see you, Mr. Argent. To what do I owe such an honor?"

"There is an important issue that I should discuss with you, director. One of vital importance".

The director's face doesn't hide his concern. He almost grimaced while he straightened his back in the chair. A very good quality chair by the way. The wood has a certain shine and the skin that covers it looks soft and cozy, although not as much as mine.

This isn't the first time I entered the principal's office, but I have already made sure that my own room is in a state of superior luxury. Obviously it's not reflected on my face, but a grimace of satisfaction of my own would describe the feeling I have right now.

The most important person must have for himself the most luxurious room in the place, and who has it is me.

"What could that matter be? My noble lord".

"I wish you would leave the formalities when we're alone director".

"I could not do such a thing my lord".

"No ... I guess not, after all, I don't deserve it".

The director's face shows some suspicion of my words. And I don't blame him. In less than two weeks I have taken control of his academy and given order after order to its academics, including him.

If I am going to do this, I will need the full cooperation of the director. I can't let him be cautious around me any longer.

"You'll see, director. There is another matter that I would like to clarify with you before talking about something else. It's about my arrival at this city, at this academy".

For a moment, the director's eyes widened. It was only a moment, if you blinked, you didn't see it. But I'm sure of it. You must attack when the prey is off guard or confused.

"The person who asked to keep the Kaplag plant out of Galia was me. I told the guard that the plant could be used to make poison, and I asked he to not let it in".

The director was perplexed. He simply couldn't believe my words. In front of his stunned eyes, I bowed in apology. His ears conveyed a message that his brain didn't expect.

"I confess and apologize".