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Published at 2nd of February 2024 05:21:03 AM


Chapter 36

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Chapter 36:

It was an early Saturday morning.

The students from the travel department gathered at the main square, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Philip and Lua.

“... Sudden camping plans, huh? Isn’t it a bit unexpected?”

Janice Morrela furrowed her brow as she felt the weight of the backpack on her shoulders. Along with Cheryl and Stephen, she had prepared for the camping trip based on Philip’s announcement.

If they were third-year students in the Swordsmanship Department, they would have been quite accustomed to camping. However, the unfortunate reality was that the Magic Department’s students only had the opportunity to spend a night outdoors once a year.

“Still, it might turn out to be fun. No strict professors around, and I have a feeling Instructor Philip won’t mind whatever we do,” Cheryl chimed in optimistically.

“But there will be bugs, and Stephen will be there,” Janice countered, causing Stephen, who was standing nearby, to look hurt.

Stephen’s presence as a guy was something she was already familiar with, but it was a little disheartening to have him associated with bugs.

“Do you dislike my company that much?” Stephen asked, his expression showing a hint of sadness.N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

“Come on, don’t twist my words, Stephen. It’s not about disliking you,” Janice replied with a sigh. “I’ve asked you so many times to speak casually, but you still can’t stop using formal language.”

“I’ve called you ‘Miss’ all this time, and now you expect me to change overnight?”

Stephen tried to defend himself, but Janice just shot back, clearly annoyed.

“Don’t make excuses, Stephen.”

Thankfully, Philip and Lua appeared in the distance, rescuing Stephen from the awkward moment. Cheryl was the first to spot them and greeted them with a nod.

There was one more person with them.

“Isn’t that Professor Oswald from the Swordsmanship Department?”

Encountering a professor from the Swordsmanship Department was quite rare for a student in the Magic Department. However, Felicia Oswald was an exception.

A prodigy in swordsmanship; she had become the youngest professor in the history of Privia Academy.

During her time at the academy, as soon as she reached the third year, Felicia was already known as the strongest in the Swordsmanship Department.

She surpassed numerous students from prestigious swordsmanship families and was hailed by the Swordmaster Emil Phanoy as his disciple.

Cheryl secretly admired Felicia. It was because Felicia’s character resembled the protagonists she had enjoyed reading about in novels.

“Hello, everyone,” Felicia said with an awkward smile, waving at the magic department students.

Her presence was not without reason.

During a recent faculty meeting, there was a discussion about the inadequacy of having only one new instructor accompany the academy’s external activities.

Having received many favors from Philip, Felicia found it difficult to refuse his request.

“It seems everyone has prepared diligently,” Philip remarked, observing the students’ well-packed backpacks with satisfaction.

With their prior camping experience, the third-year students appeared to have packed supplies, scrolls, and even magical items, ready for the journey ahead.

In contrast, Lua had only brought along a sleeping bag and a few sets of clothes; her preparations seemed rather modest in comparison.

“Let’s discuss the details during the carriage ride. For now, let’s set off.”

“Yes, Instructor.”

The students replied in unison, making their way towards the academy’s main gate, where a horse-drawn carriage awaited them.

* * *

Felicia felt a slight sense of unease as she glanced around at the students. While she was confident she could engage in meaningful conversations with her own assigned students, she felt less certain about connecting with the magic department students, with whom she had limited interactions.

Sitting beside Lua, who also appeared a bit awkward, Felicia smiled warmly as she tried to answer the students’ questions, hoping to put them at ease.

‘If I took her to Korea and made camping videos, I might become a millionaire.’

In natural settings like the mountains or forests, Lua moved like an elf, perhaps even faster and more agile than elves of her age.

Thanks to Lua’s skillful hands, a pile of dry branches quickly accumulated.

However, compared to their bustling movements, the process of building the campsite progressed slowly.

‘Should I use magic to cut the wood?’ Janice pondered.

“But if you accidentally use a spell like Wind Blade here...”

As Cheryl reminded her of the potential dangers, Janice let out a resigned sigh.

As Cheryl had pointed out, Wind Blade magic wasn’t very convenient. They didn’t know what might happen if they accidentally affected other trees.

They had no suitable supports to erect the tents.

“I think we can do without support. Can’t we just secure the cloth by nailing it into the gaps between the trees?”

Stephen suggested suddenly. It sounded quite plausible, and the girls nodded in agreement.

* * *

Philip hurriedly circled around the lake alone, moving quickly towards the opposite side where he had some business with the lake’s owner.

Pushing through the bushes and branches, Philip would soon arrive at his destination.

On the opposite side of the lake, amidst the swirling mist and between the secretive gaps of the trees, stood a solitary statue. It depicted a barefooted woman, her figure gracefully carved, and her identity held a hidden enchantment—it was a sculpture fashioned in the likeness of a fairy, residing in this very lake.

“Greetings,” Philip called out into the emptiness, and as if in response, the lake’s mist took on the shape of a woman. Her hair cascaded down to her hips, barely concealing her form.

“Hello? Who might you be?”

The woman with water-like hair inquired, and her expression was of innocence and curiosity.

“I am a traveler seeking to spend the night by this enchanting lake. Knowing this place belongs to you, I thought it proper to greet you first,” Philip replied with respect.

The woman clapped her hands in approval. “You are quite polite. I have a fondness for well-mannered guests.”

However, a hint of disappointment crept across her face. “... But this means I must give up my sole source of amusement. If I were to play tricks on you, you would discern it’s me. Please enjoy your stay and then return safely.”

The fairy of the “Singyuru Lake” held a peculiar pastime—she delighted in conjuring misty illusions to entertain visitors and relish their reactions. Yet, her intentions were never malevolent, for she had another purpose hidden within her games.

After reveling in their amusement, she bestowed them with unique gifts only she could grant, and among these rewards, some held great significance.

“No, worry not. I shall keep this encounter a secret, allowing you to savor your mischief to your heart’s content. In fact, I have a favor to ask of you. Those young ones will one day encounter all sorts of malevolent illusions and dreadful fantasies. Experiencing some beforehand might prepare them for what lies ahead,” Philip earnestly requested.

Taken aback, the fairy brought a hand to her mouth. “Really? Is that permissible?”

“Of course, as long as you avoid overly harsh pranks, especially anything that might lead them into danger, like falling into the water.”

“Hehe, understood. It has been rather dull with only lumberjacks visiting lately. I never expected young girls to come by. Playing tricks on children is the most amusing, you know.”

The fairy confessed with a gleam in her eye.

And so, an arrangement was made between the lake fairy and Philip.

“In that case, I shall contemplate the most enjoyable tricks to play on them. Remember, the secret must be safeguarded!” The fairy vanished into the depths of the lake, leaving Philip with a hint of concern.

“She seemed so thrilled. I hope all will be well.”

_________

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