Again, I got up from the bed—this time with a more serious expression, revealing that I was beginning to take the situation a bit more earnestly.
Ducas and Valerie stepped aside to make a path for me, and I walked toward the couch where Ducas had laid the unconscious man.
"Lion, huh? Doesn't look like one," I muttered under my breath while observing the man's appearance.
Confused frowns appeared on Ducas and Valerie's faces since they were unable to catch my low voice.
Ignoring them, I focused on the so-called lion boy. His skin was odd—what should have been a pale pink human tone had turned gray and slightly wrinkled. He had blond-yellow hair, an average build, and an average height. His face looked innocent, yet craggy.
Through his torn cloak and faded blue cotton shirt his paper-like gray skin likely came from the poison—at least, that was my guess.
At first glance, he seemed like nothing more than a poisoned human, with no beastly traits. But Persephone already made the observation that he isn't human. And beyond that, I recognized him.
Still, I activated my skill to eliminate any lingering doubt. His presence—now, in this place—is out of place based on what I knew.
+
[ The Active Skill 'Prescient Description' is activated. ]
+
[ Profile has been found. ]
+
A glowing slate with white runes formed in front of me, this time with an extra message—likely due to my existence adapting further to the cosmos. Then his profile appeared:
+
[ Name: Griff Hanson
Age: 32
Blessing: None
Active Attributes: The Unwanted One (General), Malika's Invisible Hand (Rare)
Active Skills: Dawning Shift Lv.2, Strength Buff Lv.1, Survival Lv.2
Passive Skills: Cautious Lv.1, Sharp Senses Lv.2, Pride Lv.1
Overall Stats: Strength Lv.61, Stamina Lv.63, Agility Lv.64, Magic Power Lv.58
Description: Loyal to a fault. I mean, who tries to assassinate someone just because she might be a threat to his queen?
Currently under the effects of a second-order, advanced-level poison. ]
+
I didn't need to look at all the details—his name and attributes were enough to confirm who he was.
How did they find him? I brooded. Griff was supposed to be here during the fallout from the Hidden Script incident—not before. If memory served, he had tried to assassinate Valerie then, using the school's chaos to his advantage. He failed, of course, and faded into irrelevance from Trivia.
Just a loyal soldier, eliminating a perceived threat to his queen... but how did Ducas and Valerie encounter him this early?
"So," I said aloud, still looking at Griff.
Ducas and Valerie, who had been quietly waiting, flinched at my sudden shift.
"Yes?" Valerie answered.
"What happened?"
It was bothersome that they had barged into my room this late in the evening. But if circumstances kept deviating like this, I couldn't just ignore the matter at hand.
"He attacked us. That's what happened," Valerie finally said, her voice carrying a sharp edge, her pent-up anger slipping out.
Silence settled over the room, broken only by the distant giggles of girls outside. I turned, giving her a confused frown at her impolite outburst.
A flicker of panic crossed her face as she realized she'd spoken aloud. Ducas opened his mouth to speak, but Valerie cut in first, explaining:
"I'm really sorry, Assistant Professor. Yes, we need to cure him first. He's poisoned, and we can't identify the toxin, meaning it's highly advanced. Ordinary healing potions won't work, and they're all we could get in Brimos."
I wasn't asking about his condition, I grumbled internally. Why this mix of hostility and concern toward him?
And she keeps switching between 'Assistant Professor' and 'Sir Arthur.' Is there a deeper reason, or is she just confused? Drop the honorifics already.
The etiquette of this continent still felt foreign to me, but I was adapting. Daily interactions—whether with professors or students—made it easier over time, but it still bothers me.
Focusing back on Griff, his poisoned state was evident, but his expression was strangely peaceful—almost like he was already dead.
"I get it. But where did you two find him?" I asked, folding my arms.
His health was a priority, but I needed context. I am not about to casually influence a life-or-death scenario without understanding it first. My presence was already disruptive enough.
"We didn't find him," Ducas said, shifting the conversation my way. Confused, I turned to look at him. "He found us," Valerie finished.
What does that mean? He found them? Did Griff change tactics? Moving up his plan? But why? I hoped it wasn't due to some upheaval in the Lion Tribe.
I lifted my chin, gesturing for them to continue. None of this made sense yet.
"I was returning from the market," Ducas began, "and happened to run into Miss Valerie. We talked briefly and decided to walk back together."
I raised an eyebrow. I hadn't expected such a narrative opening, but I let him continue.
"While we were walking, I sensed someone tailing us. At first, I ignored his presence, but when we turned into an alley, he suddenly ambushed us—wearing a yellow hooded jacket."
"Yellow hooded jacket?" I asked, my confusion deepening.
That's what those freaks who attacked us in the plaza had worn. Was Griff connected to them? That didn't make sense he wouldn't join those groups—unless it's for her.
The thought of spies resurfaced memories of the plaza incident and that awful silver title I might now be stuck with. I swallowed the bitterness as Valerie picked up the explanation.
"Yes, Sir Arthur," Again with the shifting honorific. "He wore the same uniform as the attackers from the market. He tried to corner us, and Ducas captured him."
Her lingering hostility—likely over my role as Lisa's assistant—was still evident. I shifted my gaze to Ducas, who, noticing it, continued.
"At first, it seemed like he was using stealth-based skills, but—"
"But?"
"His fighting style was barbaric—wild, rough punches. He's clearly a melee fighter." He coughed mid-word, and then his voice became more sure. "He was trying to fake agility being his strength. Maybe he was mimicking them on purpose."
I was impressed by Ducas's accurate analysis. Griff is from the Lion Tribe. Natural predators who relied on brute strength to tear enemies apart.
"So how did he get poisoned?"
I didn't push for more detail than necessary. It has nothing to do with me and I didn't want to know too much. I just want enough information to get them out of my room.
Let's get the gist of it so that I can kick them out of my room.
"Um, it was a weird weapon he used. A kind of needle, actually. It had the poison. He aimed for Miss Valerie, but I caught it and threw it back at him."
"Ahh." I nodded in apparent awe and understanding, but—
You did what? I shot back in my mind, without showing it on my face. He caught the needle thrown by a Lion mid-air—and threw it back at him? Damn. Sometimes I forget he's a scam existence.
With the kind of force Griff could throw things, for someone like me, it would be similar to catching a bullet. Since Ducas isn't someone who existed in my dream—or rather, he was supposed to have died unknown without making any mark—his actions always catch me off guard.
I don't think I'd be this surprised if it were Lucien or Yong Hyunjung, I thought, somewhat consoling myself.
Shifting my thoughts away from idle comparisons, I now understood the basic sequence of what happened. In short: Griff attacked Valerie, and Ducas turned his weapon against him.
Racking my brain, I recalled that in my dreams Griff used a special type of poison to target Valerie during the chaos of the Hidden Script incident. He had nearly succeeded that time, but Valerie managed to deflect the poisoned needles using her wind manipulation.
In the end, no one had been poisoned and Griff had escaped. But this time, Ducas had been there to protect her. Again—my actions had influenced the timeline. Ugh, I groaned internally. I already had a good idea why Griff attacked now. But something still didn't add up.
"If he attacked you both… why are we trying to save him?" I asked pointedly.
"That..." Ducas trailed off, his eyes drifting to Valerie. Mine followed.
I understood the situation broadly, except for the part where they were helping their would-be killer. Valerie fidgeted under our gaze but didn't evade the question.
"Honestly, he's someone I'm acquainted with. Actually, 'acquainted' might be too strong a word... I merely recognize him."
So it is that. I already knew she recognized Griff. But I didn't think she would go so far as to save him because of it. At present, I wouldn't say their relationship is close—if anything, it's supposed to be strained.
And since in my dreams Griff had escaped before Valerie even saw his face, I didn't know how she might have reacted if she had caught him.
Ducas looked surprised that she knew him—a perfectly reasonable reaction. She must have insisted on saving him, and Ducas, although confused, did as she asked.
"He is—" Valerie started, maybe intending to tell us who Griff was.
"Ah. It's alright." I cut her off.
"Huh?"
"You want to save someone who tried to kill you. You must have your reasons—and they're yours alone. You don't need to tell us." I spoke politely, choosing my words with care.
I didn't want to be reminded of things I'd rather not acknowledge. At the very least, I didn't want others to realize I knew too much—and risk being pulled into their tangled affairs.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' comments: "Trusting your comrade at any cost is good." ]
+
In the middle of our serious conversation, the god Raziel chimed in, mistaking my decision as some grand gesture of trust in Valerie's judgment. The whole atmosphere cracked like thin glass.
"This…?"
"Archangel Raziel?"
Valerie and Ducas looked to their sides, surprised and awed, looking at the same message from Raziel. I sometimes forget people here worship these higher existences.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' is pleased by the respectful gaze. ]
[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' comments: "You are always too relaxed." ]
[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' comments: "That is why we watch him." ]
[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments: "Yes. He is interesting." ]
+
My mood plummeted at the private messages they sent me. Always treating me like I'm some entertaining pet. What do they mean I'm interesting? I'm not an animal at a zoo.
Ignoring the weird atmosphere, I stood again and walked toward Griff.
"Let's cure him then."
Both dazed individuals snapped back to focus on my voice, still reeling from the High Archangel's message—but they prioritized my words.
+
[ The Existence 'Valerie' has requested a medical check-up. ]
[ The Existence of a lower realm "Valerie Davison" has activated the skill 'Health Summary Lvl.1'. ]
+
Valerie activated one of her skills. A transparent screen, a more complex dashboard, materialized in Valerie's hand from thin air. She scanned various parts of the monitor before speaking.
"The poison is too advanced. I can't detect it with my current skill level. How do we treat him?"
"An advanced potion should be cure him."
"You mean an ampoule?"
"Something like that."
"I am not sure. Even high-grade ampoules might not be enough. We'll need an elixir—and even that might not work."
"Is it really that serious? What of poison was it?."
"I don't know how he acquired it, but the poison is extremely high-grade. His mind has shut down—that's why he looks peaceful. But his body is dying. Wait, let me check further."
They continued discussing Griff's condition and potential remedies. I stayed out of it, and Persephone drifted to my side.
"She's right, he's on the brink. It'll be difficult to save him. But those elixirs you stole from the Vault might help."
Right—the health elixirs I stole from the Church Vault. Just then, a memory flickered: one of my dreams where Griff talked about the poison he used. It was right after his failed attempt to kill Valerie.
+
[ Your perception has increased. ]
+
[
"Shit."
Griff stumbled into the dark alleyway, kicking the curb. The chaotic noise of the school had long faded behind him.
"I failed." His rough voice echoed.
Exhausted and dejected, he dragged himself against the wall, and hauled himself upright against a bin, breathing heavily.
"I wasted a precious item too. Ah."
Panting heavily, he pulled out a small bottle from inside his coat. A beautifully cut glass bottle shimmered under the moonlight—it looked like it was made of diamonds. But it was empty.
He clenched the bottle tightly, his expression twisting with frustration—then hurled it against the opposite wall.
Smash…
The bottle shattered, fragments falling onto the pavement and splashing into a nearby puddle. The pieces shimmered like scattered stars in the dark.
"I couldn't kill her, and now Hydra's blood extract is wasted. Perfect," he muttered bitterly.
The so-called precious item had been Hydra's blood—an item he had obtained from a hidden, high-difficulty Script. And now, that too was gone.
Sigh…
Griff took a long breath and rested his head against the wall.
]
The fragmented memory sharpened into focus, dragging related details with it. Bits and pieces started to snap together, like puzzle pieces from forgotten dreams.
Crazy lion boy. I scoffed, recalling the dream fragment from my memory. He had found a Hidden Script and acquired Hydra's blood—the stuff of Greek and Roman myths.
Giant, snake-like, with eight wyvern-esque heads—the same creature Hercules slew. That one.
That blood was supposed to be lethally toxic to any race. His loyalty is terrifying.
"So what are we supposed to do?"
"I don't know. We need an Elixir, but they're too rare," Valerie replied.
Ducas and Valerie continued their discussion. I finally pushed aside my thoughts and stepped in.
"How high of a grade does the Elixir need to be, Miss Valerie?"
They both paused and turned to me.
"At least Grade Three, I guess," Valerie answered.
Ducas and I glanced at her, doubtful. "I guess"? Elixirs are as priceless as she indicated before—shouldn't she be more certain? I couldn't hand one over like candy without certainty.
Feeling our skeptical gazes, Valerie clarified, "Grade Three should be high enough for whatever poison he has."
She might be right. I don't remember much about curing this particular Hydra poison—only fragments.
Potions, Ampoules, and Elixirs each have five grades. Potions are common, Ampoules are rare, and Elixirs are nearly inaccessible. Elixirs are usually obtained through special means—script rewards or from employees. A high-grade one should do the trick.
"Are you thinking of buying one, Assistant Professor? It'll be very expensive." Valerie's tone was cutting.
Now I had to say—her way of speaking to me had definitely shifted. She cleverly changed how she addressed me. An impressive method of taunting. But now it's futile—I had bigger worries, like that annoying "Silvery Wing" title.
I didn't respond. Instead, I raised my hand over my shoulder, forming a platform. No one could see it, but I was actually reaching toward Persephone, who stood behind me.
—Give me an Elixir, I sent via chatbox.
Persephone gave me a look that said Seriously? but still took out an Elixir and placed it on my hand.
As soon as the Elixir touched my palm, it became visible to the others. Like magic, a glass bottle with hexagonal cuts shimmered with a green hue, appearing from thin air.
"Huh?"
"How did—?"
Their stunned faces were almost worth it. I casually tossed the bottle to Ducas nodding at Valerie.
"This should suffice."
Valerie took the bottle from Ducas and examined it. Her eyes widened.
"This… it's Grade 3. How?"
She stuttered slightly, flicking her gaze back to me in disbelief. Understandable. Elixirs are rare—no doubt the Church had paid a fortune in points to acquire them over the years.
"Sir Arthur, it's too valuable. Are you sure?"
I'm sure. Go ahead—use it, save the day. It wasn't mine to begin with. What problem could I possibly have?
"Life is the most precious thing, Miss Valerie," I shrugged.
Valerie's mouth shut instantly. A 'Seriously?' expression crossed her face, much like Persephone's earlier, equally judgmental, though with less pride. Why the look? Didn't I say something cool? Even Ducas eyed me strangely.
"You're right, Sir Arthur," Valerie conceded stiffly, complying with my words.
Everyone got moving. I went over to one of the bookshelves at the edge of the room and leaned against it, standing upright.
In the center, Valerie and Ducas gently laid Griff's body on the couch in a sleeping position, removing his cloak.
Persephone floated beside me, resting her head against the bookshelf, mimicking my posture.
"What'll you do once he wakes up?"
-Throw him out, I guess.
"He tried to kill those two. Doesn't that make him a murderer?"
-What are you getting at?
I countered her serious question.
"Aren't you going to report him to someone from the Legion? Or whatever security force this lower continent has?"
Since when has she become the morality police? I thought sarcastically. Still, her question made me glance over at the couch.
Valerie opened the glass cap of the Health Elixir—it came off effortlessly. She tilted Griff's head and placed the bottle at his lips. The green liquid began to pour into his mouth.
Earlier, I'd asked her why she wanted to save someone who tried to kill her and she said it was because she "barely recognized" him.
But then, why am I taking part in saving him? Isn't it also because I recognized him from my dreams? He just attempted murder. I should be having him arrested. But in my dream, he escaped after trying to kill Valerie. That could still happen. Maybe I am afraid of changing the future I knew.
My thoughts tangled up, and I exhaled deeply, brushing them all aside.
-There's a fugitive right here who blew up a whole church in a town. Let's just say I know what I'm doing.
I criticized myself inwardly with a sarcastic tone. I wasn't so innocent either.
Persephone gave me a temporarily resigned look and floated over to the couch as I sighed again.
Over the couch, the Elixir began working. The pale, wrinkled gray of Griff's skin gained a faint greenish hue, which then faded. His peacefully closed eyes tightened slightly—
A sign that his mind and body were syncing, each becoming aware of the other again.
+
[ The Existence Valerie has requested an updated medical check-up. ]
[ The Existence of the lower realm "Valerie Davison" has activated the skill 'Health Summary Lv. 1'. ]
+
Another message appeared before me. Valerie glanced at the dashboard she'd placed on the table beside the couch. The data shifted. She read it and spoke.
"His body is strengthening. It can fight the poison now—but it'll take some time before he wakes up."
"How much time?"
My honest question slipped out, laced with a sour expression. I was doing all this so they could leave my room sooner.
"It's a good thing, Sir Arthur. He's not dying anymore," Ducas said reassuringly, then turned to Valerie. "How much longer until he wakes up, Miss Valerie?"
Valerie examined the dashboard and mentally calculated. "Maybe six or seven hours. I thought a Grade 3 Elixir would be enough, but the poison's stronger than I expected. So it'll take time."
"Can't we feed him another Elixir—of an even higher grade?" Ducas asked, turning toward me.
Of course, I had a higher-grade Elixir. But they were extremely rare. Persephone's ring held maybe a dozen or so. But I'd hoped to trade those later. Two elixirs in one day?
"Ah… I don't think mixing two different grades one after another is the best idea. It could cause serious problems—"
***
And then Valerie kept assessing Griff, while Ducas observed, and Persephone… kept looking at me like some exhibit, observing me.
Look away, you old hag. I'm not here for your entertainment.
I grumbled inwardly, since I couldn't say it aloud.
Truthfully, I could've used two or even three Elixirs if it meant kicking all these people out. They're not even my items.
But now, even using two Elixirs might harm Griff more than help him. If only I already knew the poison's grade... If there were some way to get information on it, then maybe Valerie would've told me to use a higher-grade Elixir.
Right. If only…
Suddenly, something clicked in my mind. I immediately opened Griff's profile.
+
[ The Active Skill 'Prescient Description' is activated. ]
[ Profile is being retrieved… ]
+
[ Name: Griff Hanson
Age: 32
Blessing: None
Active Attributes: The Unwanted One (General), Malika's Invisible Hand (Rare)
Active Skills: Dawning Shift Lv.2, Strength Buff Lv.1, Survival Lv.2
Passive Skills: Cautious Lv.1, Sharp Senses Lv.2, Pride Lv.1
Overall Stats: Strength Lv.61, Stamina Lv.63, Agility Lv.64, Magic Power Lv.58
Description: Loyal to a fault. I mean, who tries to assassinate someone just because she might be a threat to his queen?
Currently under the effects of a second-order, advanced-level poison. ]
+
My eyes locked in on the last line on the bottom of the screen lumped in with his description: "a second-order advanced-level poison."
Shit. I cursed inwardly. I should've read his profile clearly.
Now the whole situation felt even more tedious. So much to worry about all at once.
All I want is a good, carefree rest.
That settled it, Let's end this farce. I wanted to end this whole shenanigan once and for all.
But I still didn't want to use a higher-grade Elixir. I don't have many of those… and it wouldn't help anyway.
Then it struck me—that might work.
Straightening up from where I leaned against the bookshelves, I strode toward Griff's couch. His face was still strained, a faint frown tugging at his gray features.
Ducas and Valerie looked at me with curious, wary expressions as I approached. Persephone, as usual, continued to 'observe' me.
I looked down at Griff, then stretched my arm toward Valerie.
"Give me a knife."
Valerie blinked, startled. Right. Why would a normal person carry a knife?
I turned to Ducas instead and extended my hand. Valerie's eyes followed mine. Ducas hesitated but quickly recovered, producing a pocketknife. He placed it—unsheathed—into my palm.
I looked down at the knife. A sleek piece with intricate patterns engraved along the hilt—markings surrounding a clover flower.
I felt its weight.
Some days ago, when I acquired the skill Zoe's Heart, I learned that it would not allow impurities or imbalances in my body.
And when I studied it in my journal, I found out something else:
This skill evolves my body and functions like a passive ability that can harness the full benefits of any health-evolving effects.
And since Zoe's Heart is Level 6...
I pressed the sharp edge of the blade to my wrist.
Combined with a body optimized for healing, this might just work.
People's expressions began to twist into confusion.
+
[ A handful of Nubeculas are confused and watching you with curiosity. ]
+
Even some gods and goddesses were puzzled. Then, realization flickered in Valerie's, Ducas's, and Persephone's eyes—but before anyone could stop me—
—I sliced my wrist with a clean, swift motion.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
"Wha—?"
"Sir Arthur?!"
"Hey—!"
Their voices rose in panic, but I ignored them. I was focused.
Maybe my blood has evolved enough... Maybe now, I can use it like that.
I turned and glanced at them, their concern bordering on hysteria. My expression clearly said: You're overreacting.
"Relax." I said calmly. "I know what I'm doing."