‘D-Did you hear that?’
‘Ugh, seriously! Stupid Dick! It’s your fault again……!’
Just as everyone stood frozen with tense expressions, Francesca walked past the group and headed toward the lectern.
‘D-Did she not hear it?’
She glanced toward Simon’s group from the podium, but without a word, she began the class.
“We’ll continue with the next page.”
Rolling up her sleeves, she tied her long hair tightly with a string, she looked like a gladiator preparing for battle, brimming with solemnity.
“There is a famous saying about poison.”
She took a deep breath and spoke.
“Alle Ding’ sind Gift, und nichts ohn’ Gift; allein die Dosis macht, daß ein Ding kein Gift ist. (Everything is poison, and nothing is without poison; only the dose makes something not a poison.)”
“………”
“What is poison? Just a toxic substance? No. Anything harmful to humans can be poison.”
She looked around at the students as she spoke.
“So here’s a question. If we assume you consume the same amount of spice and toxic herbs, and the spice is actually more harmful to your health, why would that be?”
Class president Jaime quickly raised her hand.
“Because the amount of poison didn’t reach a lethal dose!”
“Correct, Jaime. You’ll receive five academic points.”
Jaime beamed with a clearly excited expression.
“For any poison to be effective, the dosage must reach the lethal amount. If it’s below that level, it can even be used as medicine. On the other hand, why aren’t non-toxic substances considered poison? Jaime?”
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Jaime froze for a moment before answering.
“B-Because they’re not harmful to the body?”
“It’s simple. Because the lethal dose would be the amount needed to make your stomach burst.”
A ripple of quiet laughter spread through the room.
“So, the basics of handling toxins are accurate measurement of lethal dose and analysis of the subject to be applied. If you want to use poison on a monster, you’ll need to calculate a new lethal dose. Now, let’s look at the three laws needed for such dose calculations.”
Francesca smoothly continued her explanation of difficult theories. Maelyn, with her hands clasped under her chin, wore a dreamy expression.
“Ah, I love this. How can every single word be so easy to understand?”
Simon silently took notes as he listened to Francesca’s lecture. Then Dick nudged Simon with his elbow.
“You’re only ever quiet during Toxicology class. Something going on?”
“Huh? Not really.”
Time passed, and the Toxicology class came to an end. The students packed their things and left the lecture hall.
Just as Simon was about to leave too—
‘Huh?’
He saw a familiar face.
It was none other than Jane’s assistant. He remembered receiving sparring guidance from her while preparing for the duel evaluation. After that sparring, she had seemed to avoid him for some reason.
“Ah!”
She had been looking around anxiously, but then spotted Simon and walked over to him.
“Simon!”
“Hello, assistant instructor. What brings you here……?”
She responded with a question instead.
“Have you decided on your assignment for this weekend?”
“No, I’m still considering my options.”
“That’s perfect!”
She grinned and continued.
“You’ve been summoned by Professor Jane.”
* * *
Simon arrived in front of Jane’s research lab with the assistant. She lowered her voice to a whisper.
“The professor has been on edge lately due to recent events, so please keep that in mind.”
“Got it. Thank you for the warning.”
“Alright, let’s go.”
The assistant took a deep breath and knocked twice, politely.
“Professor Jane, I’ve brought Simon.”
A voice from behind the door told them to enter. The assistant opened the door and gave Simon a slight bow. Simon also bowed politely and stepped inside.
As always, Jane was buried in mountains of documents. Her main office was said to be in the Keyzen headquarters, if her lab was this packed, Simon couldn’t imagine the amount of paperwork at the main office.
“Take a seat.”
Without so much as a glance, Jane continued moving her quill.
“Yes, thank you.”
Simon sat down, clasped his hands, and placed them on his knees, sitting up stiffly.
As always, facing Jane made him nervous.
“A designated assignment has been issued to you, Simon.”
A designated assignment.
Unlike general assignments that students freely choose from a posted list, a designated assignment was one in which an external client directly selected a student to carry out the task.
Naturally, only powerful or wealthy individuals with influence over Keyzen could request such a thing.
“Take a look at the details.”
Jane handed him a golden-colored request form, neither white nor blue. Simon’s eyes sparkled as he began to read.
Request: VIP Bodyguard
Grade: D
Reward: 1,000 Gold
Location: Bluehane Territory
Details: Personal protection for the client during the Undead Exhibition.
Note: Participation in Blue Harbor Undead Exhibition required.
Simon’s eyes widened in shock after reading it.
‘A D-rank mission with a 1,000 gold reward?!’
That was double the 500 gold he had earned using tricks during his last assignment. As expected of a designated mission, the pay was on a whole different level. Moreover, the mention of an Undead Exhibition piqued his curiosity.
“Of course, just because it’s a designated mission doesn’t mean you’re forced to accept it. Will you take it?”
“Yes! Absolutely!”
It was rare to find an assignment that satisfied both curiosity and reward.
Given the nature of bodyguard work, the difficulty might vary depending on the client, but it wouldn’t last more than five days at most.
Simon judged it well within his capability.
“Then I’ll consider it accepted.”
Jane swiftly scribbled her signature across the form and stamped it with a loud thud.
“I was planning to send some minions to that exhibition anyway. This saves me the trouble.”
“Huh?”
“For modern necromancers, exploring and analyzing new trends is incredibly important.”
She handed several documents to Simon.
“While you're at it, observe thoroughly. And when you return, I’d like you to complete these documents.”
“These are……”
Reports. Not just any reports, but professional ones requiring predictions on investment value, core capabilities, and future profitability.
Simon stared at the documents with a dumbfounded expression.
“Is it okay for me to write such an important report? I’m still just—”
“Students of Keyzen aren’t amateurs. While it’s structured like a school, Keyzen is also a formal organization with salaried positions.”
She placed her quill down and laced her fingers together.
“You are the only one attending the exhibition on behalf of Keyzen. Participate in it with the mindset that you represent us. Do not, under any circumstances, cause disgrace.”
“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind!”
Somehow, this had grown into something much bigger than Simon expected.
A 1,000 gold assignment, and the representative of Keyzen.
Simon rose from his seat, heart pounding.
* * *
That night, at the ruins of Feer.
[Kyaaa! Blue Harbor, of all places!]
Erzebet placed both hands on her cheeks and let out a joyful squeal.
[It’s an incredibly famous beach resort!]
[You’re not going there to have fun, Erzebet.]
Feer said as he wiped his greatsword with a dry cloth.
[I’ve heard that island has been isolated from the mainland for a long time, developing a unique ecosystem. If we discover new undead, they could enhance the strength of the Legion……]
[Commander! How about this outfit?]
As Erzebet touched her own body, her dress transformed into a swimsuit. Caught off guard, Simon’s face flushed bright red.
“......Erze!”
[Or how about this one?]
With another touch, the swimsuit changed into a more revealing one. Simon quickly turned his head away.
“Are you planning to swim? Isn’t saltwater bad for the undead?”
[It stings a bit when it touches us. But still, isn’t there something special about the wide beach and the resort vibe? I’m so excited I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight.]
“......You don’t sleep anyway.”
Feer banged his fist against the stone altar.
[Shame on you, Erzebet! How can you call yourself a general of the Legion with such rotten thoughts!]
[I think it’s better than being a stuffy, humorless Legion-obsessed boomer.]
[......? What’s that supposed to mean?]
[I’ve been learning Keyzen student slang in case I need to blend in one day.]
[I don’t know what you just said, but I feel absolutely disgusted right now!]
“Al-alright, break it up, you two.”
Simon stood and opened a subspace. What he pulled out was an empty suit of armor.
“This is for you, Feer. I ordered a larger size than before.”
[Oh! Yes, now this feels right!]
“And Erze. Just so you know, I need to stay focused on the assignment. I probably won’t have any time to hang out.”
Erzebet, who had been alternating between a one-piece and a bikini, pouted.
“Just enjoy your vacation on the beach. I’ll try to drop by briefly after I’m done with the mission.”
[Really?!]
She clapped her hands with delight. Simon turned his head toward Feer.
“What about you, Feer?”
[I’ll scout the island and see if there’s anything useful! Contact me immediately if anything happens!]
“Yep, sounds good.”
Simon stretched his arms wide.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
* * *
The next morning.
Simon was the first among Keyzen students to teleport. This time, he rode the teleportation circle alone, without any other students.
Wooooooong!
He relaxed into the now-familiar sensation.
Moments later, when he opened his eyes—
‘Oh.’
A completely different landscape unfolded before him.
A wide, open blue sky and a white sandy beach stretched endlessly. Beyond that, the emerald sea sparkled as waves crashed gently.
This was the island known as Blue Harbor, a natural paradise and famous resort.
At Simon’s sudden appearance in midair, a young couple kissing nearby screamed in surprise and clung to each other.
Simon gave an awkward smile and bowed his head.
“Have a nice day~”
Heading to a more secluded area, Simon released Erzebet and Feer from subspace.
“While you’re here, both of you, try not to do anything too attention-grabbing.”
After saying that, Simon looked at Erzebet in her bikini and then at Feer in full plate armor under the blazing sun. He put a hand to his forehead.
“......Well, avoiding attention’s impossible anyway, so just try not to cause trouble.”
[Kehahaha! Don’t worry, boy!]
[Freedom and happiness await this girl!]
After parting with the two undead, Simon followed the map written on the request form.
Though it was an island, the area wasn’t particularly large. The more he saw, the more he felt it was a truly beautiful city.
The buildings were modern and stylish, the streets were clean and well-maintained. As if to highlight the name “Blue Harbor”, every roof was painted in a matching shade of blue, a detail that stood out clearly.
‘Ah, this is it.’
He arrived at his destination. Among the modern buildings in the city, this one was exceptionally large and extravagant. Just looking at it, he could tell that only someone wealthy enough to pay 1,000 gold for five days of security would live here.
‘I’m getting a little nervous.’
Simon straightened his tie and brushed his bangs before approaching the door.
Two burly men, likely guards, stood out front.
“Uh, hello. I’m—”
Swoosh!
The guards stepped aside and bowed at a full 90 degrees in a formal folder bow.
“Welcome! The Count has been expecting you.”
They didn’t even need to see the request form, they recognized him right away from the Keyzen uniform. Simon passed through the mansion’s security with ease.
“Wahaha!”
Upon entering, he heard the laughter of a child from the garden.
There was a boy running around with a trowel in one hand and a basket in the other. His face and clothes were covered in dirt, while two middle-aged men in butler uniforms struggled to stop him.
“Oh!”
The boy spotted Simon and pointed at him.
“It’s Keyzen! He’s here!”
He tossed the trowel to the ground and ran over.
“Your clothes are super cool!”
Then, with his dirt-covered hands, he began rubbing and patting Simon’s uniform.
Simon wept inwardly. He had only just washed this uniform not long ago.
“Hey. What are you doing here?”
“Playing! I’m Shun!”
“I’m Simon. I’d like to meet the Count. Do you know where he is?”
The boy grinned.
“I’m the Count!”
“Huh?”
The butlers coughed awkwardly and stepped forward.
“Please mind your manners. This is Count Shun Oldwen.”
Simon’s eyes widened.
So this little boy, was the client who paid 1,000 gold?
Superb.