The rewards poured in, and several new status updates appeared.
——「Special Act: Mori Forest」——
「Rewards Obtained:」
◆ Understanding: +25%
◆ Purification: +10%
◆ Mental Fortitude: +20
「Bonus Rewards for Maximum Difficulty:」
◆ Understanding: +25%
◆ Purification: +10%
◆ Mental Fortitude: +20
————————————
Purification was a sort of gauge that players could unlock based on their mana capacity.
Normally, mana flow wasn’t completely pure, which caused inconsistencies when casting spells.
Purification helped smooth out the flow, and improved efficiency,reducing mana consumption for certain spells upon mastery.
Mental Fortitude, on the other hand, measured a player’s mental resilience. It served as a defense against mental attacks, such as those from spirits or demons that specialized in psychological manipulation.
Vanitas realized that the Archdemon he fought had such abilities. Mental Fortitude helped resist such influences.
Truth be told, upon arriving in this world, what surprised him the most was the high mental fortitude of the original Vanitas Astrea.
Despite having a relatively low mana capacity, his mental resilience was exceptional. Perhaps that explained why his influence remained strong.
Satisfied, Vanitas nodded and stood up. It was time to help Charlotte settle into their new home.
Of course, he had turned down her request to let Cassandra move in with her. Why would he allow a stranger into their home?
* * *
“This is him, huh?”
Reports had finally come in. One of Damien’s requests to Second Inspector Adrienne was a background check on Vanitas Astrea.
A document lay open before him, featuring a portrait of Vanitas Astrea.
“Do you know him, Captain?” Adrienne asked.
“More or less,” Damien said, rubbing his chin in thought. “I’ve run into the kid a few times on past missions.”
Vanitas Astrea. A licensed university professor with a history of allegations. But every single case? Dropped.
“Do you know the saying,” Damien began, tapping a finger on Vanitas’s picture, “A wise man doesn’t sharpen his blade where the world can see?”
Adrienne raised a brow. “What are you trying to say, Captain?”
Leaning back in his chair, Damien exhaled a slow puff of smoke.
“What I’m saying is, Vanitas Astrea isn’t your typical noble. A man who knows how to play the game. Knows how to keep his hands clean without making a mistake.”
Adrienne frowned, flipping through the documents. “These cases…. bribery, smuggling allegations, suspected illegal magic research…. ghostwriting…. all dismissed?”
“Not because he’s innocent, but because he knows how to cover his tracks. He’s the kind of man who doesn’t get caught, Adrienne. Knows how to make problems disappear.”
“And what about this?” Adrienne tapped on another document.
Damien’s eyes scanned the page. “Suspected contact with the Queen’s murderer?”
In other words, the man linked to three deaths—the Imperial Queen, Julia, and two palace maids.
Zelliel.
Adrienne sighed. “Looks like another cold case. Even the journalist who reported it backed off and disappeared.”
Damien leaned back, rubbing his chin. “This one’s…. different. It smells like a conspiracy. Probably just an easy accusation. Someone like Vanitas is the perfect scapegoat.”
Adrienne frowned. “Is that what you really think, Captain?”
“Nah,” Damien chuckled, exhaling another puff of smoke. “That whole Queen shit is complicated. The case didn’t even make it past that small firm it started from. From what I’ve heard, it was buried before it could go public.”
“You think Vanitas Astrea’s actually connected to the Queen’s death?” Adrienne asked, flipping through the file.
“No clue. Not my problem to begin with,” Damien shrugged. “But if he was? Good for him. The whole monarchy shit has always been annoying, anyway.”
The case linking Vanitas Astrea to Zelliel never went public. It was dropped before any real progress was made.
The journalist covering it wasn’t well-known either—no big cases to his name. Heck, the guy vanished, probably scared for his life.
But the Grimreapers had their ways. They had connections everywhere. Through word of mouth, rumors, and the right people, they could always dig up the information they needed.
Adrienne raised an eyebrow. “You’re not exactly subtle about your opinions, Captain.”
“What? You starting to sound like those bootlicking investigators now?” Damien scoffed, tapping ash onto the floor. “Fuck the system. Fuck the government. They’re not the ones out here killing demons, are they?”
Adrienne sighed. “So what now?”
“We bring him in,” Damien said, tapping the file. “Seems useful. Heard he’s got ties to the mafia too. How great is that? Demon hunting ain’t exactly a clean business.”
“And if he refuses?”
Damien grinned, leaning back in his chair—the same grin he wore when a demon lay crushed under his boot. It was the kind of look that always sent a shiver down Adrienne’s spine.
“A little blackmailing wouldn’t hurt.”
* * *
Vanitas and Charlotte arrived at the land where the Astrea Estate once stood. Now, construction was underway for a factory. His goal was to use this land to build his own dynasty.
For now, only one factory was being built—a winery.
In the future, he planned to expand into different industries, but trying to do everything at once could lead to failure.
Starting with the winery was the smartest move.
With official approvals, partnerships, and solid connections already in place, it provided him a solid foundation for future ventures.
Moreover, they also had their own vineyard, which was being managed by Charlotte under Vanitas’s guidance.
Thus, ensured a steady supply of quality grapes for production
“Wow….”
Charlotte stared in awe at the completed building, watching workers move equipment inside
“What do you think?” Vanitas asked.
“It’s…. wow…. I can’t even put it into words….”
Vanitas chuckled at her reaction.
After a moment, Charlotte turned to him. “But,… why wine? Why start with this?”
Vanitas smirked and crossed his arms. “Tell me, Charlotte, what do you think the aristocracy value the most?”
Charlotte tilted her head, thinking for a moment. “Wealth? Influence?”
“Close,” Vanitas said. “But above all, they value luxury. Nobles enjoy things that set them apart. Things that scream status. And what better symbol of luxury than fine wine?”
Charlotte’s eyes widened in realization. “So you’re targeting the upper class?”
“Yes.” Vanitas nodded. “Wine has always been a staple of noble gatherings, celebrations, and even politics.”
“I see…” Charlotte nodded, deep in thought.
Archmage Zen was known for his refined taste in wine. He had even invested in several wine brands in the past.
She thought Vanitas would stop at managing the vineyard, but to think he planned to revive the old winery venture and bring it into the current generation truly surprised her.
“What do you plan to name the brand?” Charlotte asked.
Vanitas paused for a moment before answering, “Vanessa Clarice.”
“….”
Charlotte’s brows raised in surprise, and she stayed silent for a moment.
“That’s….”
“Clarice, from our mother’s name,” he said, glancing at her. “And Vanessa, from you.”
It had to be said.
Charlotte’s full name was Charlotte Vanessa Astrea. Vanitas, on the other hand, was Vanitas Constantine Astrea.
Hearing him say that made her chest feel tight with an emotion she couldn’t quite describe.
Vanitas had done so much for her in the past few months. At first, she felt embarrassed to bring it up, but now, she was certain.
Turning to him, she spoke hesitantly.
“Vanitas,” she paused, then smiled. “No.… Oppa.”
Vanitas raised a brow. Hearing her call him that always got a reaction out of him, and Charlotte found it amusing.
“What?”
“The upcoming festival.… I’m participating in a play. It would be nice if you could come.”
“A play?”
Charlotte nodded with clear enthusiasm. “Yeah. I’m playing the lead role, actually. It’s been getting quite a bit of attention.”
He paused, looking at her for a moment, as if processing what she had just said.
Truth be told, he was aware of the play Charlotte was participating in. And he did plan on watching in secret. Though he hadn’t expected Charlotte to openly invite him like this.
It felt…. nice.
Having a little sister excitedly ask for his support. What kind of older brother would say no to that?
With a small smile, he reached out and gently ruffled her hair.
“Alright,” he said. “I’ll come.”
Charlotte blinked. “Really?”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
* * *
“Here’s the detailed report. All compiled and verified,” Vanitas said, handing over a neatly stacked set of documents to Damien.
Damien took it without a glance and passed it straight to Adrienne, who frowned before flipping through the pages.
Without missing a beat, Damien turned back to Vanitas. “How would you like to work for the Grimreapers?”
“I refuse.”
A blunt answer. He didn’t even consider it, causing Damien’s brows to twitch slightly at the immediate rejection.
“We wouldn’t expect much,” Damien continued. “Just if there’s someone like you within a certain area, we could call on you to handle demons on our behalf—”
“I refuse.”
“….”
Damien studied him for a moment, then let out a short laugh.
Vanitas had no real reason to join them. The Grimreapers were a bunch of lunatics with no regard for their own lives.
They weren’t even an official government body. They were independent, and were only driven by their obsession with wiping out demons. Nothing more.
And Vanitas had no interest in demon hunting right now. One didn’t need to join an organization just to exterminate a demon to begin with.
“I see.” Damien sighed, tapping the desk. “I didn’t want to resort to this, but….”
His eyes glinted. Vanitas narrowed his gaze, sensing the atmosphere in the room shift.
“Zelliel.”
“….”
Vanitas remained silent. That name caused fragments of memories to surface—ones that weren’t his.
Glimpses of past meetings with the man flashed through his mind, but the details were hazy and muffled. Even so, he kept his expressions as impassive as possible.
“You know him, don’t you?” Damien pressed.
“The Imperial Queen’s murder.”
“No, no,” Damien chuckled, leaning back. “Your partner.”
Vanitas didn’t react, remaining still and composed as possible. If Damien truly knew something, others would too. Yet, here he was, still free, still standing.
“I see,” Vanitas finally spoke. “This again.”
It was the same as before. He had seen glimpses of the original Vanitas facing accusations, allegations with no real evidence, just empty words thrown his way.
“I didn’t want to bring this up, but it seems I’m being accused of something yet again,” Vanitas continued. “Did you know? My mother was always a sickly woman.”
“Ah…?”
Damien’s face shifted, a tinge of uncertainty flashing in his eyes.
Bingo.
He didn’t know much after all.
“I was diagnosed with an illness in the past,” Vanitas said. “With a sickly mother, it’s only natural to think her children might inherit some of her frailty.”
“….”
Damien remained silent, watching him carefully.
“A doctor who was entrusted to treat the Imperial Queen herself,” Vanitas said. “Why wouldn’t my late father try to consult him?”
Vanitas traced his cheek with a thoughtful expression, and continued.
“I’ve always been known as a frail man. This pale face of mine? A result of pneumonia when I was younger. My body’s weak because of slow blood circulation.”
“Alright, you don’t have to—” Damien started, but Vanitas didn’t stop.
“So tell me,” he said, tilting his head slightly with a blank face. “Is it a crime for a man prone to illness to seek treatment from a reputable doctor? One handpicked by the Imperial Family?”
Damien sighed. “Yeah, alright, I get it.”
“Check your facts properly, Sir Damien. I’ve been accused of shady dealings before, all because I was just trying to manage my health. Misunderstandings over baseless slander are exhausting, you know?”
The room fell silent, save for the soft rustling of papers as Adrienne flipped through the report.
“If we’re done here, I’ll take my leave.”
Without waiting for a response, Vanitas turned and walked out of the Grimreapers’ office.
Damien leaned back in his chair and let out a deep sigh. Adrienne glanced at him.
“Looks like it was a dud,” she said.
Smack—!
Damien suddenly slapped the table, a wide smile spreading across his face.
“I told you he was good!”
* * *
People’s perceptions were shifting. Vanitas’s name was spreading fast.
The news of him defeating an Archdemon alone quickly overshadowed other reports of demons being taken down during the comet’s passing.
Across the world, similar events had taken place. Many mages had taken advantage of the comet’s effects to hunt monsters and demons, but none had done what Vanitas did.
To those who caught wind of the news, they were taken aback.
“We can definitely use this to boost sales, right, Elder Tristan?”
Inside the Scholars Institute, the news spread quickly. Although scholars focused on research, demons were always a subject of interest for mages.
Magic was originally created to combat demons, after all.
“Yes,” Tristan nodded.
As the Elder responsible for verifying and publishing Vanitas Astrea’s thesis, Tristan received a five percent cut from the sales.
Money wasn’t the primary goal of scholars, but research required funding.
So naturally, they explored ways to generate income, such as investments in stocks, grants, and business ventures.
“I wonder which kind of magic he used.”
“Hmm….” Tristan pondered, listening to his junior scholar’s curiosity.
He turned his attention to another thesis, submitted by Vanitas Astrea, with the handwritten notary of the student Vanitas had mentioned.
“Fascinating….”
The spell detailed in the thesis was impressive. It described how to manipulate air molecules, compressing them into a dense, high-pressure state, and then releasing them to generate strong winds.
In short, it created an artificial hurricane.
But it didn’t stop there.
By adjusting air pressure and temperature, the spell could form rain clouds and trigger controlled rainfall.
The final part utilized a concept called Thunder Node Formation.
When activated, these pockets of concentrated energy would unleash powerful lightning strikes.
In simpler terms, the spell combined a higher form of Pyro—Plasma, Zephyr, and Aqua essences, working together to manipulate wind, water, and electricity.
“What’s that, Elder?”
Tristan looked up from the document and replied, “A new Grandmaster spell for the records.”
“Who submitted it?”
Tristan placed the paper down with a slight smile.
“Vanitas Astrea’s student…..”
* * *
Examinations.
To give students enough time and energy to enjoy the festival, practical exams were skipped. But the theoretical exams were challenging enough on their own.
The three days of written tests passed quickly, and before they knew it, the big day had arrived.
October 24, 2022
The festival had officially begun.
The gates of Silver University Tower were wide open, and the streets were packed with stalls and visitors.
But inside the drama club hall, Charlotte and her team were still busy rehearsing.
Eight actors and eighteen staff members worked hard, focusing on every detail of the script and timing.
Then came the unexpected news. Someone had bought a ticket—someone important enough to attract celebrities, dignitaries, and well-known actors to follow suit.
Franz Barielle Aetherion.
The Imperial Prince himself was coming to attend the festival for his alma mater. Not only that, but he personally bought a ticket for some reason.
In no time, the show was completely sold out. In fact, they had made more this year than in any previous festival.
“Let’s take a short break and start again from the top,” the director called out.
As practice wound down, Cassandra walked over, carrying a towel. She didn’t even belong to the drama club, but she had come just to support her best friend, Charlotte.
“Wow~ Charlotte~ You look so beautiful~!” she beamed.
Charlotte stood in her full Elise costume—blonde, curly hair and an elegant purple dress. No makeup yet, but even in this rehearsal, she already looked the part.
After the rehearsal, the two headed outside to enjoy the festival themselves.