Chapter 62 : An Unexpected Event (9)

Chapter 62: An Unexpected Event (9)

I entered the Room of Memories, only to lose my memories instead.

Saying it aloud made it sound like some kind of ridiculous pun.

But it was exactly as I said.

Right now, I was in a state where I had completely forgotten everything that happened just before I left the Room of Memories, as if it had been cleanly cut away with a knife.

Let me go over the situation once again.

Indeed, I had thoroughly forgotten what happened just before I left the Room of Memories.

However, in contrast, I was able to recall some things from before, thanks to the help of Talia Poas.

…Yes, the things I had been forcibly made to forget until now.

‘Someone played a trick inside my head….’

This wasn’t something I could just brush off lightly.

And yet, paradoxically, the moment I heard those words, I felt my mind clear up.

Because only then did I notice the truth behind the incomprehensible things I had experienced and the moments of incongruity I had felt along the way.

Talia Poas told me things so valuable that I couldn’t possibly put a price on them.

Stories about the Brand.

Stories about the Eight Demon Lords, who possessed the power to turn back time.

And finally, the story about the suggestion that hung over my head.

‘I forgot the earlier parts… but fortunately, it seems I was able to remember this part.’

She mentioned the names of two of the Eight Demon Lords to me.

The first was Popolotuass, who was said to have been able to turn back time.

The second was Tobrida of the Mirage, who was said to be unmatched in mental spells and incantations.

‘She clearly said that perfect mind-control magic cannot exist in this world.’

Or to be exact, at least it had never appeared until now.

She said even Tobrida’s suggestions—which were said to have toyed with and mocked even the Wolpen Knights—would gradually weaken and lose their power over time.

That meant the prohibition placed upon me, which she spoke of, would also grow weaker with time.

The fact that I could clearly recognize the existence of the prohibition.

And that even though I still forgot some things, I was slowly regaining my memories—this was proof of it.

“Hoo.”

I quietly steadied my breath, trying not to dwell on it.

Because I remembered Talia’s advice: if I tried to forcibly recover my memories, there could be backlash. The best course was to wait until the spell’s power weakened on its own.

I also clearly remembered her warning: if I carelessly tampered with it, I could end up a fool—or worse, it might never unravel until the day I died.

‘No, I mustn’t think about it. Don’t think about it….’

It was while I was muttering to myself like that, as though talking to myself.

“I would also like to accept the professor’s offer.”

“…Me as well.”

Unlike me, the two who had hesitated for a moment now voiced their agreement.

As I had suspected, but fortunately, both had decided to become Windy May’s disciples.

With this, Cecilia and Mercedes, these two, as I knew, would indeed become Windy May’s disciples and, years later, walk their own paths as Heroes.

‘Hoo….’

As I let out a hidden sigh of relief, Professor Windy May clapped her hands together with a sharp sound, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Good.”

Windy May nodded leisurely as she spoke.

“Then, could all three of you make some time free?”

Her ears twitched slowly up and down, showing no intention of hiding her good mood.

“We’ll set a day for a simple initiation ceremony, and then continue the conversations we were having. And as I mentioned earlier, I’ll also need to explain in detail the subjects I’ll be teaching you.”

With that, she ended the matter, saying they’d discuss details later, and let out a small sigh as if concealing her weariness.

“Then I’ll see you at that time.”

As she rose from her seat, the dean, Yeriel Helmont, who had remained silently seated until then, looked at Cecilia and me.

“Ah, if it’s all right, could you two stay for a moment?”

His voice was hoarse, and he seemed more startled by his own voice than we were, coughing repeatedly afterward.

“Mm, it’s nothing serious, so no need to feel tense or worried. I just have a few questions I’d like to ask.”

Windy May nodded at his awkward smile.

“Then, Lady Mercedes. Shall we take our leave?”

“Yes, Professor.”

Princess Mercedes said that and bowed her head slightly toward us.

“Please excuse me.”

With that, she left the room with Professor Windy May in a brisk manner.

Only after the door closed did the dean clear his throat lightly and turn his gaze toward us.

And then…

“I’m truly sorry.”

Suddenly, he bowed deeply toward us, voicing a heartfelt apology.

Before we could even respond, he continued to apologize again and again.

“For what happened a few days ago, during the Dungeon Field Class. I sincerely—truly sincerely—apologize. Even with ten mouths, I’d have no excuse. I am truly sorry.”

With his head still lowered, he continued.

“Normally, I should have come to you sooner and offered a formal apology… but shameful as it is, I had far too many matters to handle, and only now was I able to find the time. And since it was designated as classified, I had to be mindful of others’ eyes, so I couldn’t lightly approach you both either.”

As he kept his head bowed, Cecilia and I looked silently at each other.

Cecilia gave me a small, quiet nod.

So I spoke softly to the dean, who still had his head lowered.

“That was an accident. Please, raise your head now.”

“But…”

“If you remain like that, it will only make us uncomfortable.”

“Kh-hm.”

At my words, he coughed awkwardly and slowly raised his head, looking embarrassed.

“…Thank you for understanding.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Dean. And honestly, who could have possibly expected something like that to happen?”

Here, I paused for a moment before adding:

“…This incident, if you think about it, was no different than dragons suddenly appearing in the skies above the capital.”

“Even so, it was our duty to prepare for and respond to such things. With how clumsy our response was, we deserve any scolding.”

He muttered with clear remorse.

“In any case, I must apologize once more. And also thank you. If not for the two of you, this incident would not have ended so lightly. …There would surely have been countless casualties.”

I said nothing.

Because in my past life, there had indeed been more than hundreds of casualties.

“All of this was thanks to you two, who quickly subdued the ringleader and wrapped up the incident. Once again, I sincerely thank you.”

After repeating his words of gratitude, he let out a small sigh and looked at the two of us.

“So, the thing is….”

He cleared his throat again.

“It may be awkward to bring up the main point so directly, but as you know, we cannot publicly announce this incident.”

“Yes, we’re well aware.”

“Yes. Me too.”

I nodded, and Cecilia gave a slight nod as if imitating me.

“Indeed… but that doesn’t mean we can just let it pass as though nothing happened, can we? So first of all, as a small token of my gratitude and apology, I intend to offer you some form of reward… Do you have anything in mind that you desire?”

I steadied my breath for a moment before asking him:

“If it isn’t impolite to ask, in the case that we don’t particularly wish for anything, what kind of reward did you intend to give us?”

“I was planning to recommend you as Special Students.”

The dean sniffled slightly as he spoke.

“Of course, I cannot recommend you immediately. Within a year, I was planning to create a proper reason and personally write the letter of recommendation. A few others who know the situation would surely approve it, so there would have been no problem in passing.”

Special Students.

It might not sound like much at first, but once the words ‘Arpentia Academy’ were attached in front, the story became entirely different.

Becoming a Special Student meant receiving privileges far beyond what befit an ordinary student, and most importantly, it was like gaining a title that certified one as a talent endorsed by the Academy.

For this reason, a Special Student of Arpentia Academy could expect top-class treatment wherever they went.

That was why the students from the Dots most longed for the position of Special Student.

‘Even from what I vaguely remember, there were countless privileges….’

Not only were personal attendants assigned, but one was also given a private chamber with a workshop or training ground attached….

Tuition was fully waived, and even previously paid amounts were reimbursed, if I recalled correctly.

Additionally, the rights to access and use various internal facilities of the Academy were greatly expanded.

And beyond that, though I couldn’t recall all the details, I remembered many other privileges were attached as well.

At the very least, it was a position that had no disadvantages.

But in my current situation, it was also something that held little meaning for me.

“If there is anything else you desire, do speak freely. I will assist you to the extent of my power.”

Perhaps sensing my reaction, the dean quickly added.

At his words, I gave a small nod and cautiously spoke.

“The Forbidden Forest within the Academy.”

“Mm…?”

The dean flinched in surprise, but I paid no mind and finished my words.

“I wish to visit its central area.”

‘…I didn’t expect him to agree so readily.’

At my request, the dean hesitated briefly, then soon granted permission without issue.

He even went a step further and suggested we could depart immediately if I wished.

Perhaps because I had fully expected him to refuse.

His brisk response left me momentarily at a loss.

In any case, as they say, strike while the iron is hot.

After saying I would make a few preparations, I was now on my way back to my dormitory.

The Forbidden Forest.

Or, as it was also called, the Forest of Secrets.

Though it was called a forest, in truth, it referred to a vast tract of land located within the Academy grounds.

It was one of the most strictly protected areas in the Academy, and entry was heavily restricted to anyone outside of authorized personnel.

Because of this, the Forbidden Forest had developed its own ecosystem. I had heard that it housed everything from small species like goblins and slimes to large species such as ogres.

On top of that, various magical ingredients and herbs could be found there, and coupled with the unique phenomena of mana-rich ley lines, even professors were required to enter in pairs at minimum.

With that much, it was clear why it was called the Forbidden Forest.

It was the perfect place to enter recklessly and never return.

Especially for students of this age, overflowing with ambition and curiosity, there was no place more enticing….

‘…But why would such a place even exist inside the Academy?’

Wasn’t it practically inviting trouble?

Anyway, in my previous life, I had only ever heard of it, but never once stepped foot inside.

After all, it wasn’t open to students in the first place—and even if it had been, I would never have gone there.

‘Just what exactly is inside there….’

Was this why Talia Poas had told me I must go there?

That I must visit its central area?

“…I don’t know.”

Well, I would find out soon enough.

I quickened my pace a little more.

“Hmm?”

“Ah.”

I spotted someone loitering near the dormitory entrance.

Upon noticing me, she turned her body sharply in my direction.

Pale blonde hair.

A face that looked somewhat familiar.

She was clearly the maid who had previously delivered a letter to me.

Beside her stood another maid, this one younger in appearance, with light brown hair neatly braided.

“Excuse me, are you Sir Lian Gwendil?”

The pale blonde maid asked me in a blunt, yet not discourteous tone.

She already knew, but seemed to be confirming out of formality.

“Yes, that’s me. What business do you have with me?”

At my reply, the pale blonde maid stepped forward.

Then, with a graceful and precise movement, she bowed deeply to me.

“I humbly offer my apologies.”

“I—I humbly offer my apologies as well!”

The light brown-haired maid hastily bowed to me in the same manner.

“…Huh?”

And just like that, I suddenly found myself being apologized to by two maids, leaving me dumbfounded as to what in the world was going on.

It seemed today was a day full of apologies.

That was the only thought that came to mind.