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Chapter 59: First Order

X.

The identity of this symbol was two crescents facing each other.

It was a signal used by the followers of the Moon.

This is the signal used by the people Im looking for. Well done, Yerica. You found it faster than Schudlen.

Yerica silently smiled at Ethans praise. Schudlen was searching for suspicious traces outside the academy.

It must have been quite hard.

Yerica shrugged her shoulders at Ethans praise.

Im constantly working on making the knowledge in my mind my own. It would be nice to simply accept the praise, but the truth is that my abilities are nothing compared to my grandfathers magic.

Yerica, I may not know your grandfather well, but you do, right? There must be a reason he passed on that magic to you.

If it had been magic that she couldnt handle, he wouldnt have passed it on to Yerica.

If he were to pass on his magic, there would undoubtedly be some aftermath that Hecate couldnt have foreseen.

He deemed that Yerica could handle the magic that made him an Archmage, so he passed it on.

Ethan instilled confidence in Yerica.

And I share the same belief as your grandfather. No one else can use that magic except for you.

Ethan said with a smile. Yerica smiled back at Ethans encouragement. Then she hesitated for a moment before speaking.

Ethan, do you have no reservations about my grandfather?

Yerica asked cautiously.

From a young age, Yerica had been on the run because of crimes she hadnt committed.

Every time she ran away, she asked why she had to flee.

Her mother said that her grandfather had turned the crimes around.

Her mother told her that her grandfather took the blame.

He was so powerful that those who coveted his power ended up dead, and they even tried to capture Yerica and her family, who were the grandfathers kin.

But no one believed her mothers words.

What was your grandfather like when you saw him?

I dont remember well. But theres one thing I remember. My grandfather would always smile and praise me no matter what I did.

Then think of him just the way you saw him.

Of course, I dont think your grandfather is guilty. Strong individuals naturally attract envy and resentment.

Ethan said, tapping Yerica on the back.

Revenge, right?

Yes, I have to. Im going to find out who, or rather, what made our grandfather like that, and burn them all to ashes.

Her eyes gleamed with fiery determination.

-Survival probability increased!

Good.

He provided her with another opportunity to leap further. With that, his chances of survival increased a little more.

Im sorry Im late, Young Master!

Schudlen arrived belatedly.

Yerica gave Schudlen a piercing look.

Why are you so late?

No, he came at the right time.

But why did she shoot a look at him?

Schudlen was curious, but there was no one to answer that question.

Good work, Schudlen.

No, Young Master! I did search the surroundings as you instructed, but I couldnt find any reliable information. I apologize.

Its alright, those bastards are secretive. Theyre not easy to find.

I found them, though.

Schudlen couldnt hide his expression at Yericas words.

But Yerica shrugged, thinking that she had been more helpful to Ethan no matter what.

Ill be back!

Before Ethan could stop him, Schudlen left.

I need to find a connection with the outside world.

Whatever the case, it was better to leave that task to Schudlen. Ethan had a lot to do within the academy.

Yerica.

Yes, Ethan. Should I go and gather more reliable information?

No, I have a different request.

A different request?

Ethan started drawing something on the paper in front of him.

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

Youre quite good at drawing, arent you?

Drawing was not his talent. It seemed to be one of Ethan Whiskers talents.

But what is that?

This is a teaching tool for my class, not something you can buy. So Im going to make it myself.

Ethan prioritized physical training for the Understanding the Sword Path class. To do that, he needed tools specifically designed for that purpose.

You need to place an order at the smithy in the Marquis territory to create something in this shape. And I need your weight reduction enchantment magic on it.

Are they all have to be different weights?

Yerica stared at the parchment Ethan handed her, looking puzzled.

What exactly is this?

Its a device for building strength. This one is for lying down and lifting heavier weights, and this one is for standing up and lifting heavier weights.

Just looking at it feels intense. And students supposed to use this?

Even just listening to Ethans explanation made her break into a sweat.

Remember what I mentioned before?

If you want to keep up with the class, you need to train your physical strength.

Ethan chuckled. The thought of rolling them around brought him joy.

Ill be right back and make it right away, as you instructed!

* * *

Hahahaha! Is this really true, Steward? Tell me, is this really true?

Thats correct, my lord. It is the teaching certificate from Ivecar Academy, and this is a gift for achieving top rank!

Count Whiskers.

Despite being incredibly busy and exhausted due to the weight reduction workshop, his fatigue disappeared instantly with a letter that arrived from Ivecar Academy.

Even though Ethan had ensured that the weight reduction workshop would run smoothly in his absence, he still delegated various matters to his father, Count Whiskers, in case of unforeseen circumstances.

He, too, was once his ambition. Although it had faded away in the face of reality, the lightweight workshop had become a catalyst for awakening his fathers ambition.

With the determination that his son could never ruin the business he started, everything was running smoothly.

Amidst such a busy schedule, there were things to celebrate.

I should write a formal letter. Right, Merelly?

Thats right, sir.

Count Whiskers called the steward by his own name, indicating how delighted he was. The steward was also pleased, just like Count Whiskers.

Ethan was like his nephew, after all. And now, this Ethan had become the top-ranking teacher at Ivecar Academy.

Moreover, in the department of swordsmanship, which was the pride of Ivecar Academy.

Hahahaha! This feels so good!

On that day, Count Whiskers held a celebration. Although the protagonist was still in the Marquis Ronds territory, influential individuals such as nearby nobles and merchants all came to visit Count Whiskers.

The atmosphere was changing.

In other words, the scent of money was in the air.

Money was power and authority.

After being ignored for so long, Count Whiskers had learned the hard way the power of money.

Many individuals came with gifts, purportedly as a sign of congratulations, but how could one believe such words?

It seems like everyone thinks Im getting carried away in this situation.

I wonder if they know how much bitterness weve tasted to survive.

However, the age to indulge in sweetness had long passed. Besides, he wasnt greedy enough to jeopardize his sons business.

They dont realize that I dont want money; I want to make my sons business even bigger.

Money was a matter for later.

Just imagine how surprised Nathan will be when he hears this story. Im already looking forward to it, arent you the same too?

Hell be incredibly surprised. The situation has changed so much since Nathan left for the academy.

The two adults joyfully discussed when they should tell Nathan about this fact.

* * *

Night at Ivecar Academy.

On a dark night without a trace of moonlight, someone appeared in the backyard of a building, their footsteps silent.

Dressed in a brand-new robe with the hood flipped up, it was impossible to tell who it was.

After surveying the surroundings, the figure quietly retrieved a piece of parchment from their pocket and gently placed it on the ground.

As they did, something seeped into the parchment.

[X]

The seeping substance was the silhouettes of two crescent moons entwined.

They reached into their pocket and sprinkled a powdery substance onto the parchment, causing various words to come to mind.

[Guest], [Preparation], [X], [Plan].

Among the jumble of dozens of other words written on the parchment, they nodded as if understanding.

They immediately put the parchment back into their pocket and moved swiftly. It seemed they had a destination to reach.

Got you.

Someone secretly followed closely behind them.

Ethan first confirmed the direction they were heading. The person deliberately moved around the building, seemingly trying to confuse their trail.

At times, they stopped to sprinkle something or remained still.

Thats it.

Through the Eye of Horus, Ethan could discern what they were doing.

The followers of the Moon were drawing some kind of magical circle.

Here, once. There, once.

In addition, they left behind signals.

Theyre giving orders to the followers of the Moon within the Academy.

The followers of the Moon were essentially an organization that was scattered like dots and not connected to each other., and as a result, they were unaware of each others identities.

They cant figure it out on their own.

That was why they communicated and gave orders in this manner.

I need to capture the leader among them.

Even though they were that kind of group, there needed to be a head who received and executed external commands.

They were known as the First Order.

The Second and Third Orders below them arent important. They simply report gathered information and the progress of the plans.

The important part was the First Order. Capturing the First Order was Ethans objective.

That way, I can manipulate their plans as I please.

The timing and content would all move according to Ethans plan.

I never expected it to be this helpful.

Playing as the follower of the Moon was a very challenging playstyle.

Being the main villainous faction in MePan, even showing a hint of suspicion would lead to immediate death.

In that case, the game could be considered practically over.

Moreover, even if played naturally, it was difficult to get the position as the Second and Third Orders, let alone the First Orders.

However, Ethan persevered and managed to rise to the First Order.

Ill take on the role of the First Order.

Above the First Order, there were only the highest-ranking Twelve Apostles. In essence, Ethan had penetrated the core of the followers of the Moon.

So, pretending to be the First Order was relatively easy.

The person who had been moving quickly suddenly stopped and placed the parchment on the ground. In an instant, the parchment turned into dust and vanished on the spot.

Illusion magic.

Upon seeing that sight, Ethan was certain. This person was not part of the First Order.

But that illusion magic is the final report sent to the First Order. I just have to wait here.

After the follower of the Moon left, Ethan took a deep breath. This was the most crucial moment.

The First Order was powerful. They possessed strength comparable to that of anyone in the central region.

I might get exposed.

Though he was hiding well at the moment, there was still a possibility of getting caught.

Ethan immediately used his Heos Acupuncture technique.

-Using the Five Elements Acupuncture Technique.

The Five Elements Acupuncture Technique was a buff-type skill that strengthened the body but had clear penalties. When used continuously, it drained stamina.

Ethan exploited this aspect.

-Using the Five Elements Acupuncture Technique.

By repeatedly using the Five Elements Acupuncture Technique and depleting all the energy in his body, he managed to empty it completely after four consecutive uses.

If I focus it in the same area, it will overlap, so I should distribute it to different places.

A tremendous surge of vitality circulated within Ethans body. However, this would last only for three minutes. After three minutes, his stamina would be significantly lower than usual.

Shaaaak-.

After three minutes, the vitality drained from Ethans body completely.

Ugh.

In an instant, Ethan became like a living corpse. If it were anyone else, they would have been quite alarmed by their body losing so much strength. But for Ethan, this situation was familiar.

This is how my body is supposed to be.

Memories of the time when a simple cough could have been fatal resurfaced.

Back then, there were many people who didnt even realize I was by their side. Thats how little vitality I emanated.

The current Ethan was exactly in that state.

Even being weak has its lessons.

Those who had experienced weakness knew how to handle it well. Ethan sat still as if he were dead.

Before long, someone appeared.

He was a man wearing the same robe as before, but his movements were different.

Heup.

Ethan took a deep breath and focused his eyes.

The Eye of Horus activated instantly, and every movement of the man became clear to Ethan.

Although everyone exhibited similar movements, each person had their own distinctive pattern, almost like their fingerprints.

I remember that movement.

Even with the robe flipped Ethan could recognize it. Now, every movement of the First Order was firmly imprinted in Ethans mind.

The First Order quickly gathered the parchment and disappeared.

Ethan, too, attempted to slowly get up while taking deep breaths.

However, his current state was completely depleted of stamina.

Damn.

It wasnt a very dangerous situation, but sleep quickly overwhelmed him.

I shouldnt fall asleep here

Although it wasnt a cold day, Ethan wished desperately for his mouth not to open as he drifted off to sleep right there.