“There are exceptional spirit masters like you and Gareth, but most spirit masters become significantly weaker when separated from their contracted spirits.”
Hearing these words, the memory of Gareth’ match flashed through Rourke’s mind. Indeed, in that match, Gareth had achieved a one-sided victory by using spirit arts to separate the spirit master from their spirit. If he could create a similar situation, there was a high possibility that he could defeat Ophelia.
However, as if understanding Rourke’s optimistic outlook, Lily pointed out the problem with this plan.
“But this strategy is difficult against large spirits like Ophelia’s Dreadnought. With Dreadnought, just distancing it slightly or blocking it with a wall won’t be enough.”
“True. In that arena, its range probably covers every corner.”
It was a fundamental problem.
Even if he could separate Ophelia and Dreadnought with an ice wall like Gareth did, the wall would likely be obliterated within seconds.
“So, the key is how to separate Dreadnought from Ophelia and restrain it, right?”
Lily nodded at Rourke’s words. Although a clear vision of victory hadn’t emerged yet, the strategy they should take was becoming much clearer.
“Thanks, Lily. That was helpful.”
“I’m expecting a reward.”
“How about we go to the cafeteria then? My treat.”
Rourke made the offer out of goodwill, as Lily’s advice had been helpful, but she shook her head saying, “I’m fine.”
“I still have something to do here.”
“Are you going to read that book from earlier?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“No, earlier you had a book…”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She repeated the same words with a straight face, like a broken toy. Her expression remained the same absent-minded look as always, but her eyes alone had become incredibly intense.
Was Rourke asking about something he shouldn’t?
“S-sorry, it’s nothing. Well, I’ll be going then.”
“Mm, see you later.”
Having no more business in the library, Rourke said goodbye to Lily and started walking towards the exit. Midway, out of curiosity, he looked back to see Lily taking out the book she had put in her bag. When she noticed him, she shot him a murderous glare, causing him to hastily retreat.
“…Phew.”
Although Rourke was curious about what book Lily was trying to read, he had at least gained some insight into how to deal with Ophelia. Now, he just needed to figure out how to restrain the spirit, but…
“Hmm, can I manage with my current resources?”
A spirit that could restrain Dreadnought. If asked whether such a spirit existed among his current possessions, the answer would undoubtedly be no. Most of the spirits sealed in the substitute body were minor spirits, and the others would likely be obliterated in an instant against Dreadnought.
There was one exception, but summoning it would likely cause various problems, so it was essentially nonexistent for now. If he were to summon it, it would be best to do so only when he had absolutely no other options left, with a mindset of “if I’m going down, I’m taking you with me.”
“Sigh, I guess I’ll check out the grand market later, even if it’s just for peace of mind.”
Hoping to find a hidden gem, Rourke set off towards the grand market.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT LOCALIZERMEERKAT.PAGES.DEV
“Now then, I wonder if there’s anything…”
Rourke muttered to himself as he walked along the main street of the grand market, which sprawled across the eastern side of the academy city, Galadea. Various types of stalls lined the street.
His goal for this visit to the grand market was to search for spirits that might be useful in preparing for the impending academic rank battle with Ophelia.
He had lost several spirits from his stock during the previous ancient ruin exploration, and even if he mobilized all his current spirits, it would be difficult to fight.
Therefore, as Rourke made his way through the grand market, he headed towards a familiar spirit stone shop. His gaze fell upon the colorful spirit stones arranged like jewels.
“First, I’ll replenish the minor spirits… and then see if there’s anything else…”
Rourke picked up the displayed spirit stones one by one, carefully examining the spirits sealed within them.
The academy city, which puts great effort into both nurturing spirit masters and researching spirits, constantly receives captured spirits from various regions.
Among these, spirits with low academic value or those that have come through unofficial routes are often sold to shops in this grand market. If you visit the spirit stone shops in the grand market, you sometimes find rare spirits being sold that make you wonder how they ended up there.
Of course, such spirits are usually very expensive, but you can’t be too stingy if you want to win. How many times had he hesitated due to the high price, only to have the spirit bought by someone else, leaving him to regret during the subsequent academic rank battle, thinking “if only I had bought that spirit then”…
The most important thing is to make quick decisions. Especially when it comes to money, it’s best to buy any spirit you think is good as long as you have the funds.
“…Hmm.”
Despite his determination, unfortunately, no noteworthy spirits caught his eye. Well, if it were that easy to find good spirits, there wouldn’t be much struggle…
“Excuse me, I’ll take this spirit stone.”
“Sure thing.”
Pulling himself together, Rourke decided to purchase spirit stones containing minor spirits of fire and wind attributes to replace the ones that had disappeared somewhere last time.
Losing all his minor spirits would mean losing the ability to use spirit arts, which is Rourke’s lifeline. It’s necessary to always keep a stock of minor spirits of basic attributes on hand.
“Here’s your purchase. Be careful not to drop it.”
“Thank you very much.”
After receiving the purchased spirit stone from the shopkeeper, Rourke left the store and resumed moving to check other spirit stone shops. It’s common to find spirit stones containing the spirits you’re looking for in other shops even if they’re not in one particular store.
As Rourke walked briskly, intending to visit and check all the shops he could remember today, he collided with a robed girl who was walking from the opposite direction, looking around nervously.
“Eek!?”
“Oops, sorry. Are you alright?”
“Y-yes. I’m sorry too.”
The collision occurred due to Rourke’s hurry and the girl not watching where she was going. As Rourke hurriedly caught the girl who was about to fall, the hood covering her face slipped off, revealing her identity.
“Huh, Leia?”
“S-senior!?”
The beautiful silver braids, ruby-like eyes, and above all, the well-formed features that captivated all who saw them undoubtedly belonged to Leia Valhart herself.
“What are you doing in a place like this?”
“Ah, well, this is…”
When Rourke asked, Leia showed an embarrassed attitude that was unimaginable from her usual confident demeanor. She fidgeted, looking somewhat bashful. What’s going on?
“Um…”
“You don’t have to force yourself to answer…”
Seeing Leia’s expression, which suggested she was having difficulty speaking, Rourke decided it would be best not to press the issue and prepared to say goodbye. It would probably be awkward to accidentally meet a senior from the academy outside. Moreover, both of them likely had their own objectives.
“Well then, I’ll be going now. Sorry for getting in your way.”
“W-wait, please!”
“Gwoah!?”
As Rourke tried to leave hastily, his sleeve was pulled with such force that an unpleasant cracking sound echoed from his shoulder.
‘This girl… She’s enhanced her physical strength with spiritual power…’
I thought he was feeling awkward, but now she suddenly stopped me… What the hell does she want?
“W-What is it?”
“…………”
“Leia?”
It might be difficult for her to say, but I can’t understand anything if she doesn’t speak. If she doesn’t want to talk, she should let me go. I really can’t do anything.
As I was feeling troubled, it seemed my thoughts were conveyed to Leia, and she hesitantly opened her mouth.
“Um, well…………”
“Well?”
“…P-Please go out with me!!”
“Huh!?”
Huh!?
“I see, so you want to eat that limited-time crepe, but you don’t know where the crepe shop is?”
“Y-Yes. It’s embarrassing, but…”
As I finished hearing Leia’s situation and summarized the content to confirm, she nodded shyly, indicating that was correct.
I was flustered by Leia’s unexpected statement and inadvertently let out a strange noise, but I quickly regained my composure and reconsidered the meaning of her words.
At first glance, it seemed like a confession, but thinking carefully, I had only recently met her, and our first impression was the worst. Although she seemed to have revised her opinion of me recently due to the ancient ruins incident, that merely brought her evaluation from negative to zero. It’s hard to believe it had entered positive territory.
Based on this, I successfully interpreted her “go out with me” statement as not having a romantic meaning, but rather asking me to accompany her shopping.
What brilliant deduction on my part. Thanks to that, I avoided embarrassment.
After praising my own cleverness for a while, I decided to return to the topic of the crepe shop in question.
“So, what’s the name of this crepe shop?”
“Um, it’s called Happy Crepe.”
“I feel like I’ve heard that somewhere before…”
I think I remember hearing Seria mention going there with a friend before, but where was it again?
“By the way, wouldn’t it be better to go with your friends?”
“Well, that’s true, but… the timing didn’t work out…”
It seems she couldn’t match schedules with Meili. As for Akari… well, after seeing that, it would be difficult to invite her…
“I see, then it can’t be helped.”
She probably doesn’t know the area well, having just arrived here. I’ll help out my troubled junior and earn some goodwill points.
“Anyway, I don’t know the exact location of that crepe shop either, but food places should be in the next district over, not this one. I’ll guide you there.”
“Is that okay?”
“Of course it is.”
I smile wryly at Leia, who looks surprised as if she expected to be turned down. In this academy, there’s no merit in making enemies. It’s better to get along with everyone, whether they’re seniors or juniors.
“Thank you very much.”
“No problem. Let’s go then.”
I turned around and started walking towards the crepe shop.
“By the way, what were you doing today, senpai?”
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