1-Second Invincible Player in the Game

1-Second Invincible Player In The Game 53

53. Comrades of the Magic Department (4)

It’s good to be prepared, but it’s a pity it had to be so soon.

If possible, I wanted to participate in the defense battle while enjoying the benefits of Rix’s blessing, ‘The Sage’s Devotion’.

It was a perfect opportunity to permanently increase my mana, yet at this point, our relationship was nothing more than groundwork laid.

Without having built a rapport, all I could do was look forward to the next chance…

“Before we start, let’s check your gear.”

Ashley’s only equipment was a large shield strapped to his back.

It wasn’t likely bought with money.

If you’re from the Knight’s Division, you’d have a sword or armor, and from the Magic Division, a staff or a few tools on loan.

“Ashley’s checked.”

And Limberton was in light armor with a broadsword.

The peculiarity was the bow on his back, which was smaller than usual.

“Does the Knight’s Division have such small bows?”

When I asked, Limberton spread three fingers and boasted an arrow that looked slightly larger than a crossbow bolt.

“I bought it for 30 coins, how is it?”

“Weren’t you going to stick with swords?”

“It’s good to have something familiar in hand.”

“Well done.”

Ashley seemed to want to boast as well, pulling out a thick book.

Then he pointed at me and spoke in a clumsy accent.

“The one who gives money. Boss.”

The book was an Imperial language dictionary.

“Boss.”

I felt a slight twinge at the tip of my nose.

Proud of them.

I thought they would waste their coins, but they invested in themselves…

“Yes, call me boss, Ashley.”

As the bell rang longer, the hallway became busier.

I led Ashley and Limberton through the chaos of classmates and headed to the first-floor lobby.

Walking down the stairs, I heard the foolish chatter of seniors from the floor where the second-year students stayed.

“Hey, where are you going? Going to die with those chicks?”

A man in pajamas with a pillow asked, and the man in armor blinked.

“Huh? Why are you dressed like that?”

“Ugh, you dullard. Didn’t you read today’s rules?”

A man in pajamas thrust a rule mirror at him.

The armed man just grinned foolishly.

“Wow… Even these crappy rules can sometimes be helpful, huh?”

Today’s rules were as follows:

[Do not use the stairs at the end of the right corridor, and only use the left corridor. If you happen to hear this wrong and go up the stairs, you will find yourself on the same floor repeated. Do not panic, stay calm and wait there. Someone will come to rescue you tomorrow morning.]

Pathetic fools.

They’re willing to step into a place where strange phenomena occur just to skip out on duties.

“…What, what’s with the seniors? They shouldn’t be entering the left staircase today.”

“They know, but they’re doing it anyway. They’re planning to pretend they got stuck until someone comes to rescue them in the morning.”

As usual, they’re experts at sucking the honey.

“That’s why I don’t treat them like people.”

“I’ve always felt it, but you talk like someone who’s graduated from here?”

“Ahem, that’s because I have a good sense and noticed it. You can tell with those guys. Just by looking.”

If he wanted, he could interfere and prevent such tricks.

He had the necessary item in his backpack.

[Anti-Demon Potion]

It restores phenomena caused by magic to their original state.

But it seemed a waste to use it on such scoundrels, so he went on his way.

The lobby on the first floor was a mess five minutes ago.

A woman in pajamas with armor thrown over, a man properly armored but with an empty scabbard, and people who hadn’t prepared anything at all.

Half of them were cowering in fear, and the rest seemed oblivious to the situation, yawning with dull faces.

They all looked like faces he had seen somewhere before.

“Hershel, they all look like freshmen?”

“…You noticed too?”

“I memorized the girls’ faces a long time ago.”

“……..”

Ignoring Limberton’s nonsense, he counted the number of people.

Roughly a total of 250.

With about 170 freshmen at Schule, the combined number of sophomores and juniors was barely 80.

It was fewer than expected, an alarmingly low number.

For an Ice Bison, it’s 50 coins each, and for taking down a warlord’s leader, which effectively ends the situation, the bounty is a whopping 1,000 coins.

Still, the low participation rate among the upperclassmen was probably because they didn’t want to deal with the newbies…

While gazing blankly at the freshmen, the dormitory supervisor cleared his throat.

“Ahem, attention.”

His face was marked with embarrassment.

Despite his experience, it was a situation without precedent, and he was understandably flustered.

“Let me ask just in case. Have any of the freshmen completed their defense training?”

As many shook their heads, the supervisor sighed deeply.

The sophomores and juniors looked on with expressions of sheer horror.

“To put it simply, it’s training to defend against monster invasions. You just need to prevent them from entering the fortress outskirts, and you’ll be rewarded for any monsters you subdue. For an Ice Bison, since it has two horns, you’ll receive 25 coins per horn. So…”

With a look of guilt, the supervisor pleaded with the upperclassmen.

“Please, I implore the seniors of Schule to generously guide these juniors who are still unaware.”

The seniors’ response was fervent.

“Are you joking, sir? Teach them in the midst of battle, with these numbers?”

“Call Rockefeller out right now! This is all his doing!!”

Ashamed of his own pathetic pleas, the supervisor closed his eyes tightly.

Poor man.

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He was just there to pass on additional notices…

“Hmm.”

Regardless, I watched the scene unfold with detached amusement.

After all, my target was only the warlord’s leader.

I never considered the sophomores and juniors as part of my force, nor did I need them.

One advantage of fighting the warlord was that once the leader was taken down, the remaining forces would scatter in disarray.

And I had a way to get to the leader at the heart of the force.

“No, I won’t do it. I thought I’d make some money for once, but what is this.”

“I’m out too. Trust my life to them? Am I insane? I don’t want to do it just for some coins.”

As the pitiful supervisor remained silent, the few sophomores and juniors began to leave one by one.

Ignoring them, I spread a piece of paper on the ground.

“Ashley, Limberton. Pay attention to what I’m about to explain.”

As they bowed their heads, I began to sketch out the planned boss raid strategy with a pen.

In the midst of this, I saw a man hurrying towards the seniors and stopped my hand.

It was Rix.

* * *

The Orian family is known among the residents for their kindness.

Their fame comes from the time of poor harvests when they shared food with the residents until their granary was empty.

They did the same during major civil engineering projects for public facilities like clock towers and cathedrals.

Construction projects that everyone discouraged as impossible.

Though it cost a fortune, when completed, everyone hailed it as a miracle.

It was the belief of the head of the Orian family to do his best to improve the residents’ quality of life, and he always created miracles this way.

Although they couldn’t live in abundance, Rix’s heart was always full, having grown up watching such a father.

The residents, in turn, would voluntarily donate and eagerly participate in construction, and the sense of unity they felt when the clock tower was completed remains to this day.

“I should go to the stairs and get some sleep.”

“I saw earlier, they were swarming like bees, not sure if there’s any space left?”

As the seniors walked towards the left staircase, Rix quickly approached and blocked their path.

“Please wait a moment, seniors.”

The seniors frowned at Rix’s sudden action.

“Never seen you before, are you a freshman?”

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“Yes, I am Rix Don Orian. Please, I beg of you, help us. We freshmen know nothing. But we’re well aware that without the seniors’ help, we’re in big trouble. Please guide us.”

“Oh.”

As he bowed deeply, some looked on with pity and gently chided.

“Well, we understand your predicament… But honestly, it’s unreasonable. To expect us to sync up with you who haven’t even trained.”

“I was planning to earn a good sum this opportunity too. But it’s unfortunate with so many missing. It’s regrettable.”

A senior patted Rix’s shoulder and tried to move past.

“…Still. If we all work together, I don’t think it’s impossible. I hesitate to say this, but I’m confident in magic. I won’t hold you back. And there are capable friends too-“

“Capable?”

At that moment, the senior cut off Rix’s words.

Rix flinched at the suddenly cold gaze of theirs.

‘What? Why has the mood suddenly…’

“Sure, that would be great. If you’re talented enough, you might even make it to the Burger Crown.”

“Is he bragging right now?”

“Ah, there’s always one every year. Those who make it obvious they’re just passing through.”

The seniors shoved Rix’s shoulder as they passed by.

“Move.”

“Take care of it with your friends.”

Rix let his shoulders droop as he watched them leave.

But with the arrival of his friends, he had no choice but to lift his head as if nothing had happened.

“Rix, why did you follow the seniors? We were worried when you suddenly ran off.”

“I just tried to persuade them. As you can see, it didn’t go well…”

Clave said hesitantly, with a look of concern.

“…The atmosphere seemed tense earlier, you didn’t get into any trouble, did you?”

“It’s nothing, Clave. Can you wait for me in the lobby? I think I need to try persuading them again.”

As he followed the seniors, Clave’s voice, tight with worry, reached him.

“Rix!”

All eyes among the friends turned to her at once.

It was a move that, to her, seemed quite courageous.

“What if it doesn’t go well? Maybe you should ask for Hassel’s help?”

“…If it’s that story again, I don’t have time to listen, Clave.”

“But, but, you looked really strong then.”

What she meant was the same old story about how he came out unscathed from the giant fox’s attack.

When she brought up the unbelievable and absurd tale of how the fox’s claws nearly fell out, the friends sighed deeply.

“I’ll go check.”

Rix averted his gaze from Clave.

The friends chided her.

“That story again? We know you want attention, but let’s keep it moderate.”

“Right, someone like him couldn’t possibly come last in the third trial, Clave.”

Rix glanced at the disheartened Clave with a look of pity.

‘He wasn’t one to lie…’

Upon reaching the left staircase, he found the seniors crowded together.

It was indeed curious to see someone attempting to enter against today’s rules, but Rix faintly realized what was happening.

‘Could it be, they’re planning to hold out there until the rescuer comes in the morning?’

At that moment, the left staircase, which had seemed empty, began to swirl like a whirlpool mixed with various paints.

Seconds later, a dense crowd too packed to even step on the stairs revealed themselves behind a translucent curtain.

It seemed like the seniors who had secured their spots were already there.

“Ah, there’s no room.”

“The last one to come in should leave. We’re over capacity.”

“The Staircase Spirit is full.”

Complaints went back and forth among those who couldn’t get in.

“Ah, I’m going crazy…”

“It’s all because of that horsehair-head brat that we’re late.”

“Huh? Wait. Did he follow us all the way here?”

A senior with a scowling face approached Rix and grabbed him by the collar.

“You little rascal, how are you going to take responsibility for this!”

“I beg you again, seniors. Please, guide us.”

“What?”

The seniors inside the staircase and those right in front of him sneered.

Yet, Rix believed they would surely help and pleaded with everyone.

“I implore the seniors inside as well. Please participate in the defense.”

“Wow, has this guy lost his mind?”

The senior holding the collar gritted his teeth and raised his hand as if to strike.

Just as his palm was about to trace its path, a deep voice resonated clearly.

“Wow, what a bunch of trash.”

Blond skull with long legs.

It was Hershel.

“Ashley, they say those are trash. Try saying it. Trash.”

Behind him stood a bulky barbarian and a short man.

“Trash.”

“Don’t provoke the seniors… Ashley, you too.”

The senior who had been holding the collar seemed to recognize them, released his grip, and stepped back.

And then, with a bewildered expression, he broke out in a cold sweat.

“You, you are…”

The others had similar reactions.

“Isn’t that the guy? The one who was peddling the request forms.”

“Yeah. I clearly remember the faces of those three. It’s definitely them.”

The senior who had grabbed him by the collar asked Hershel.

“What brings you here, you rascal?”

Hershel, with a sharply pointed smile, fumbled in his backpack and pulled something out.

“I’m here to rescue the seniors.”

As the glass bottle he held sparkled, the seniors hiding on the stairs cried out in horror.

“Gasp! The potion of counter-charm.”

“Wait, just calm down for a moment. First, put that down, junior.”

What was it about that potion that elicited such reactions?

Just when I was wondering, Hershel called out a name.

“Rix. In this world, there are fools who can’t understand unless you speak harshly.”

“What?”

“For such fools, a whip is the perfect answer. Like this.”

He threw the uncapped potion down the stairs.

Soon after, a sound akin to a whale’s wail echoed through the dormitory.

ooohhh──

And then, the translucent barrier between the stairs and the corridor vanished without a trace.

As the seniors on the stairs turned pale, Hershel displayed a lofty aura.

“Unless it’s an accident, you know it’s mandatory participation, right? If you don’t want to fall behind the professors, gather in the lobby quickly.”

The seniors moved hastily, grinding their teeth.

Along the way, there were plenty of curses like “Let’s see about that,” or “That crazy b*stard.”

When the stairs were finally empty, Hershel turned his back.

“Wait a moment.”

Rix, without realizing it, called out to him urgently.

“I have something to ask you.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you think my way is wrong…?”

As I hung my head, Hershel instead asked me.

“Let me ask you first. Is this your first time seeing such types of people?”

“…”

“Indeed. Coming from a prestigious family, you must have only met those who are kind to you. With no rough edges to your character, only those with good morals would flock to you. This must be your first time dealing with such hopeless cases, right?”

Rix felt as if his heart was being carved out under Hershel’s gaze, which seemed to read people like an open book.

It was as if Hershel had known him from the start, his words not missing the mark at all.

“…I can’t deny it.”

“You’re not wrong. The ones at fault are those people.”

Rix lifted his head.

Hershel continued with a serene smile.

“You did what you could, and I did what I could. Maybe next time, your way will be the right answer.”

With those words, Rix felt as if his narrow-mindedness was broadening.

And he realized that his judgment of this man had been prejudiced.

Ironically, he had clearly seen how Hershel hurt others for their sake.

He was prepared to be hated for it.

In a way, it was akin to a sacrifice.

Perhaps the bad rumors about him stemmed from this very aspect.

‘…Wasn’t the way he cared for Clave genuine, not an act?’

Remembering the events that occurred during the Clave incident, Rix was certain his guess was not wrong.

‘I might understand a bit now. A man who doesn’t shy away from hatred for the sake of others…’

With that thought, Rix found himself wanting to take Hershel’s side when someone spoke ill of him.

“Come along, Rix. If we don’t hurry, the walls will crumble.”

“Right. Oh, and I’m sorry I didn’t greet you properly when we first met. I also didn’t get to thank you for the root. Thanks to you, I got an A.”

With a sense of human curiosity, Rix followed Hershel to the lobby.

* * *

The vibration from the ground.

On the plains, herds of white cattle were rushing in.

At the forefront, a senior girl in full armor drew her sword, finding its balance.

She had introduced herself earlier as the representative of the Schlafe Guild.

“The Shield Squad will block at the front. When the Ice Beasts stick to the shields, the swordsmen will stab wildly through the gaps. The mages prepare their spells from behind. Oh, and first-year Shield Squad members. I don’t expect much from you, so just hold your shields properly if you don’t want to die. Got it?”

One of Rix’s friends holding a shield at the front shouted a loud ‘Yes!’

“Remember this. All we can do under these conditions is defend. If we keep taking out the front-runners, they’ll think it’s futile and retreat, right? So let’s muster our strength.”

Rix gripped her staff tightly, absorbing each of her words deeply.

“Ah, even if they retreat, don’t think about chasing them. An Ice Beast requires three people to take down. Those that stick close and move are hard to catch. There’s no opening to attack. So, I’d rather you not risk your lives for coins.”

In the midst of this, a senior girl’s eyes widened.

She had spotted three people wandering around the outskirts of the long, unbroken formation.

“You, what are you doing? Are you crazy? Why aren’t you joining the formation?”

It was Hershel and his companions.

Unfazed by the senior girl’s shouting, Hershel calmly ignored her and spoke his mind.

“I’m going to hunt the boss now. Anyone want to come? It’s a chance to earn some coins.”

“The boss? You, a freshman?”

Naturally, no one stepped forward.

“Well, if you don’t like it, never mind.”

“Hey! Are you insane? Can’t you hear me?”

“Then, good luck to you.”

“Hey!!”

He ignored the senior girl to the end and went his own way.

Then Clave quietly suggested.

“A chance to earn coins, huh? Wouldn’t it be good to follow?”

The friends’ reactions were negative.

“Hey, you again…”

“I hate to say this, but please, just shut up.”

“…Sorry.”

Rix chuckled at Clave’s suggestion.

“I think it’s a good offer, you know? Feels like we could really rake in some coins.”

“What? Rix, are you serious?”

“It’d be nice to earn, but trust Hershel? That’s a bit much.”

In front of his worried friends, Rix moved his feet.

“If you don’t like it, never mind. Then let’s go together, Clave.”

“Huh? Yes!”

Following that, friends also began to follow, emitting an air of awkwardness.

“Ah, let’s go together!”

“That guy, really! Hey, Rix. I’m going to follow too!”

The senior girl shook her head sideways as she watched the procession of additional deserters.

“…There sure are a lot of crazy kids among the freshmen this year.”

* * *

A smile spread across the system window that appeared on the retina.

[You are under the influence of a blessing.]

[The protection of a devoted sage.]

[An additional effect is activated.]

[When those who harbor goodwill defeat monsters together, the amount of mana slightly increases.]

At best, enough mana to cast magic only twice.

How much will it increase this time!

“Hershel, but does this method really work?”

As a herd of ice bulls the size of oxen advanced, Limberton asked with a voice mixed with concern.

I answered by throwing a glass bottle I took out of my pocket towards the herd.

“Limberton, whether it works or not, you’ll know once you hit that with an arrow.”

“Uh… Wait a moment.”

Limberton aimed at the falling glass bottle with his bow, drawing a parabola.

The launched arrow shattered the glass bottle.

Red powder scattered and fell widely.

As the powder settled on the bodies of the ice bulls, the sound of horns clashing erupted.

Click, click, click!

The herd that got hit with the powder began fighting amongst themselves.

With this, the formation of the herd that was surging like a wave partially collapsed.

Limberton’s eyes shone as he saw the new glass bottle I took out.

“Wow, what exactly is that powder?”

“It’s a drug that makes monsters fight each other.”

[The Powder of Madness]

The monsters that are inhaled become extremely aggressive.

However, it doesn’t work on some monsters.

“I’ll throw everything I have, Limberton. You keep hitting the mark.”

“Uh, uh…”

While Limberton was busily pulling back his bowstring, I patted Ashley’s back.

“Ashley, get ready.”

Ashley gripped his shield tightly and began to advance.

“Limberton, you just need to hit the eyeballs of those charging at the shield while advancing. Confident?”

“Advance like this? Wait, just a moment. What if we’re attacked from behind?”

“It’s okay. The ice bulls don’t care about the enemies they’ve passed.”

Of course, there are exceptions.

That exception came upon us about 100 meters into our advance.

One ice bull, its eyes bloodshot red, snorted steam in my direction.

It seemed to be intoxicated with powder medicine.

“……”

Just then, Ashley was busy blocking the herd with his shield, and Limberton was preoccupied with shooting his bow only forward.

While I was watching them, the drugged ice bull charged at me.

I extended my arm towards such a creature.

After all, these guys only charge straight, which is quite convenient.

Boom!

[A physical attack has been detected.]

[A trait has been activated.]

[1-second invincibility cooldown: 59 seconds]

As if it had rammed its head into a firmly fixed spike, the ice bull was instantly killed by my index finger.

I decided to collect the horns later and as I lifted my head, a gasp of ‘Huh!’ burst out from afar.

“See, I was right, Rix.”

“Sorry for doubting you, Clave…”

“One finger took it down?”

“Clave’s words were true. Unbelievable.”

They were Rix’s companions.

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···So there were actually some who followed when told to.