[Numbers] is Fanta X Aca’s item ranking system.
In addition to the common item system that distinguishes between Normal – Advanced – Rare – Legendary, unique and highly valuable items are assigned numbers.
Similar to how valuable national treasures are numbered like ‘National Treasure No. 12’, these items are assigned identification numbers.
‘Number 100… not bad at all.’
The value of items tends to increase exponentially around that range.
Ian couldn’t help but smile at the princess’s proposal.
‘Originally, the rewards were just a few gold coins and items crafted by artisans.’
Compared to the original rewards of Act 2, it had been significantly upgraded.
“How about it? The princess’s proposal?”
The princess extended her hand, and Ian shook it satisfactorily.
“Great.”
“The more I see you, the more peculiar you seem.”
“In what way?”
“At times, you seem indifferent and indifferent, as if you don’t care about anything. At other times, you exude confidence and have excellent drive.”
“I see.”
“Yeah. It’s like you see through everything, what’s important to you, and what’s unnecessary, as if you know it all.”
Ian felt a bit embarrassed.
‘Have I been too efficient so far?’
He focused on what was necessary based on the information he knew about the scenario and boldly ignored the rest.
Asteria must have noticed his attitude.
“A man who has no interest in a princess’s body is beyond belief. Haha.”
Although she said it like a joke, she must be well aware that she only emphasized the fact that she was not an ordinary woman.
She had a subtle smile in her eyes.
If Asteria in Fool Mode were to laugh seemingly innocent yet alluring, her current laughter was both intellectual and overflowing with grace. Even though it may contain a hint of sarcasm and self-mockery.
“I don’t know how to accept compliments.”
“If you mock me, you’ll be in trouble, even if you’re you.”
“Sorry.”
With a grin that seemed to suggest it was just a joke, Asteria soon crossed her legs and asked seriously.
“I’m not ignoring you, but do you understand the meaning of the mission I gave you?”
“Gather evidence to prove that the head of the Pierce family is involved in the Bloodstone Cult. Just like that, isn’t it?”
“Do you know who the head of the Pierce family is?”
“Richard von Pierce. The Grand Duke of the North.”
“Hmph!”
The one who sighed in admiration was not the princess but someone else.
The heads of Asteria and Ian turned to the side.
Karen was staring at Ian with a completely dumbfounded expression.
She bowed her head.
“Sorry. It’s just surprising that there’s someone who talks about the Duke of the North so casually.”
“It’s fine. I was surprised too.”
Richard Pierce, Grand Duke of the North.
How many people in the world wouldn’t be afraid of his formidable name?
As the princess, still feeling the aftermath of surprise, looked at Karen, she spoke.
“Ian, you probably already know, but I can’t accompany you. Instead, this girl will be with you on your journey.”
“I want to issue the commands.”
“Do as you please.”
Karen was astonished at the princess’s immediate response.
“Your Highness!”
“Karen. I’m not ignoring you. I know very well about the reputation of your family and your contributions so far. But just this once, can you trust my judgment?”
Tingling.
Karen glared at Ian instead of the princess.
Ian, quiet and shrugging his shoulders.
Karen, exhaling a small sigh, bowed her head to the princess.
“… Yes. Of course.”
“Good. Um. By the way, Ian. Are you planning to bring your cat along? She seemed to get along well with you.”
It was about team composition.
Ian hesitated for a moment.
Danya would undoubtedly be helpful.
“Yes.”
“I don’t mind. Considering the location of the Pierce family in the North, it might be good to have a team member with a fire element as well.”
Due to the frozen terrain in the North, the Pierce family had many individuals who manipulated the frost element.
When dealing with frost-based adversaries, a member with fire abilities was essential. Moreover, the difference between having and not having fire abilities could be significant in unexpected disaster situations.
Therefore, including a fire element ability user in any combination was considered a standard strategy when heading towards the North.
“If you don’t know anyone, feel free to hire someone.”
“No need. I know someone.”
Ian knew of a fire element user.
‘What’s the point of going through the main scenario without a heroine?’
However, there was one thing that had not been clearly concluded with her yet.
There was a clear difference between a probability of 0.001% and a probability of 0%.
‘It might be worth checking it out properly.’
He didn’t want to take unnecessary risks.
While Ian was making a decision, the princess came out wearing a hat and sunglasses.
With the sunglasses covering her face, she spoke to Ian.
“I’ll take care of the miscellaneous preparations, so focus on team composition and planning. And…”
Asteria’s hair turned white in an instant.
“This is what my disguise looks like, so keep it in your memory.”
That form, which Karen had been silently observing, made her sigh softly as if she had resigned herself.
“I find it difficult to understand why you trust him so much to disguise yourself like this.”
“Who do you think I am? Hmm.”
With a twirl, Asteria lowered her sunglasses towards Ian.
“Who is it? He is an advisor to the next Empress.”
Frown.
Asteria blinked with one eye.
That sight was somewhat burdensome to Ian.
◆
The next day.
“Be careful.”
Ian went to Silvia’s office to receive the items he had asked for.
Buried under piles of documents, Silvia, upon seeing Ian, stood up, smiling broadly, and turned her face away with a playful ‘Ahem!’ clearing her throat.
“Hmm? What should I be careful of?”
“The princess. The Third Princess. Asteria.”
Silvia, who had risen from her seat, approached, raising her index finger.
“Last time, after the disciplinary committee was over, we had a conversation. She’s definitely not an ordinary person. It felt like she was acting, walking around as if she were a p*ostitute. She’s not just a foolish person, so don’t be tempted easily.”
“Oh… Yeah.”
Was it a somewhat lukewarm response?
Silvia immediately looked sulky.
“As expected, you knew. Now, when will I repay the debt…”
Ian, realizing his mistake, hastily waved his hand.
“No, thanks to you, I feel more alert now. I appreciate it.”
“No need for such cheap comfort!”
Heung! Even while snorting, Silvia’s expression softened.
After a moment of pursing her lips, she spoke.
“Too bad. I also wanted to go to the Northern Territory when I had the chance.”
Come to think of it, the situation seemed unusual.
Many residents had left for vacation due to the Saint Gregory Rest Week.
Yet, with so many documents piled up… the reason was obvious.
“Are Raymond making moves?”
“Yes. Especially the movements of that fox, Emilia, seem suspicious.”
Silvia slightly furrowed her brow.
Emilia, that fox-like woman, was annoying at times, and at the same time, there was something more she wanted to say to Ian, but it didn’t come to mind.
“Oh, right.”
“?”
“There are rumors that the condition of the Saintess candidate, Aria, is very bad.”
“How bad is it?”
“Turned into a vegetable or, well…”
“…?”
“Seems like she’s drugged. It’s not just a baseless rumor; it’s information obtained from a somewhat reliable source.”
In an abnormal state.
Ian thought for a moment.
Aria Lumines Bell.
Her mental state was usually far from normal.
In such a state, with suspicions of her relic being used for forgery…
In Pongpong’s [Strategy Guide], the section about Aria was unusually long.
Most of the content was about how to take care of Aria’s mental state.
‘In a way, it’s natural.’
Ian, who knew about Pongpong and Aria’s past, nodded silently.
“Can you keep an eye on those two for me?”
“Of course. They are people I’ve been observing carefully anyway.”
“Thanks.”
“This much is nothing. Oh, right.”
Silvia took out a small box from a drawer.
Boldly offering the box, Silvia stammered a bit.
“This is, um, the requested… cough, cough. It’s a unicorn string. I don’t know why you need something like this, but its performance is guaranteed.”
“Oh. Thanks.”
Ian checked the item Silvia handed him.
It was a string with a circumference that could accommodate a thick stick.
[Unicorn String]
Originally an item in the game setting, there was no doubt about its performance.
“Uh… there.”
Silvia, whose earlobes were red, hesitated.
“What?”
“The size… No, not this. W-who are you going to use it on?”
“Hmm.”
Ian thought for a moment.
Should he tell her this?
“Ah, no! It’s private, so what am I saying? But Ian, sir.”
“?”
“If you’re confused about whether someone is a v*rgin or not, they’re probably not a v*rgin already.”
Once again, Silvia threw a fastball full of insight.
Ian nodded in agreement.
“I guess so. Thanks, Silvia.”
“Yes! Cough!”
However, Ian couldn’t fully understand why Silvia was so self-assured and confident.
◇
Having left Laurent’s upper floor, Ian boarded the tram heading towards the Academy’s north gate.
Due to the students leaving, the tram was spacious.
He sat in an empty seat and took out the Kirtos terminal.
As the departure date was tomorrow, there was no time to delay.
[Ian] Lina, do you have a moment?
If it were the original Lina, she would have gone down to her hometown to take care of her siblings. However, in her current situation where her scholarship was cut, she couldn’t afford the portal transfer fee, one of the scholarship benefits.
‘She must be in Lichten.’
Given her extroverted personality, she would probably be hanging out with friends somewhere.
However…
[Lina] Yes!
… Was he just staring at Kirtos terminal this whole time?
A surprisingly quick reply arrived.
[Ian] Let’s meet at this cafe in an hour.
[Lina] Yes! I’ll be right there!
The location sent to Lina was a room-type cafe.
Ian played with the unicorn string.
‘It wouldn’t be too much to check simply, right?’
Ian came to a rather simple and reasonable conclusion regarding the events that would unfold in the future.
