Chapter 100: A Trip

Chapter 100: A TripSpeeches were delivered after the exchange, and the Mages, usually haughty and self-assured, were made to stand in a formal gesture of respect, bowing their heads to the Knights’ benches.

It was a humbling moment, one that left the Mages’ faces tight with suppressed frustration, though none dared protest under Mrs. Georgina’s stern gaze.

The Knights, meanwhile, couldn’t contain their joy. After the ceremony, they spilled into the courtyard, their laughter and boasts echoing off the stone walls.

The camaraderie was electric, a rare moment of unity that even the most stoic Knights couldn’t resist joining.

But Adrian didn’t linger amidst the cheers and backslaps.

His mind was already elsewhere, ticking through a mental checklist of tasks he needed to complete before tomorrow’s travel.

The healing potion he had consumed during the match was a temporary fix, and he could feel the faint tremor in his limbs, a warning that its effects would soon wear off, leaving him vulnerable to the injuries Julian’s dark spears had inflicted.

’I need proper healing.’

After a brief exchange with Serena, Adrian slipped away from the crowd.

He made a beeline for the infirmary, his steps quick but measured to avoid drawing attention.

On arriving, the healer listened as he explained his situation.



"I received serious injuries, but I took a potion to stabilize them."

She nodded before gesturing for him to sit on the bed.

"Let’s fix you up proper," she said as she began a light-magic chant.

Her hands glowed softly as the warm radiance seeped into Adrian’s wounds.

For ten minutes, her magic worked to purge the potion’s side effects and knit his injuries back to full health.

The process left him drained but whole, the dull ache replaced by a faint tingling as his body stabilized.

Thanking the healer, Adrian returned to his dorm.


The room was quiet, and it wasn’t a surprise that Karl wasn’t back yet.

He didn’t mind the solitude as it gave him space to focus. After changing out of his battle-worn clothes and refreshing, he didn’t waste time to jump into the Factory.

Before diving into work, Adrian checked the assembly room.

The production lines had been busy: 150 Magic Heaters, 50 Magic Coolers, 50 Mana Detectors, and 50 Version 1.0 Communicators were completed already and ready for sell.

Satisfied, he paused the line working on the Communicators and reprogrammed it to start churning out grenades.

With that adjustment made, he returned to the workshop, his mind already shifting to the next day’s plans.

***

The next morning, Adrian stood at the Academy’s market, dressed in a practical outfit be had designed himself.

Over his shoulder, he carried a heavy sack, its weight no burden thanks to his enhanced strength.

Adrian quickly navigated the market to locate the stall that sold passes.

The stall’s keeper eyed the sack suspiciously before his gaze flicked to Adrian’s attire until he spoke up. "Hundred points for a day’s pass."

"I want 99 of them."

The man’s demeanor cracked and his squint narrowed further as he raised an eyebrow.



"We’re not joking here, kid," he said in annoyance. "That’s 9,900 contribution points. You got that kind of currency?"

Adrian didn’t bother with words. He hefted the sack onto the counter with a heavy thud, the sound drawing a few curious glances from nearby students.

"Here are the required contribution points," he said evenly.

The man hesitated, then opened the sack with cautious fingers, as if expecting a trick.

His eyes widened as he peered inside, revealing a stack of cards, each stamped with the Vice Dean’s seal.

He picked one up, turning it over to inspect the signature.

"These are... all valid," he muttered, almost to himself. He glanced at Adrian, then back at the sack, counting silently. "Nine hundred and ninety, exactly."

He straightened, his tone shifting to one of reluctant respect. "Your badge, Adrian," he said, reading the name off one of the cards.

Adrian handed over his badge, and the man cross-checked it against the cards, confirming their authenticity.

"Sorry for the delay," he said with apology in his voice as he retrieved all 99 passes, stamping on each of them and fufuling all necessary procedures before handing them to Adrian in a sturdy leather bag.

"Safe travels, kid."

Adrian nodded, accepting the bag and turning toward the Academy’s gate.

At the gate, he presented a single pass and his name and badge were recorded in the ledger before he was waved through.

Once outside, Adrian tossed the bag of passes into his [Inventory], the weight vanishing instantly.

His first stop was the Association, where he delivered his latest haul of inventions and accepted his payment, before leaving after speaking with the Director, who shared him news of how the Coolers and Heaters were taking the market by a storm.

After Adrian wrapped up with the Association, he didn’t waste much time. He hailed a carriage that would take him to the Gilded Tankard.

As the carriage rattled through the city, Adrian’s thoughts drifted to the 99 passes now stored in his [Inventory].

Spending nearly all his contribution points might have seemed reckless to some, but he was unfazed.

’I’ll make more,’ he thought, already planning new inventions to pitch to the Academy.

For now, the passes gave him the freedom to move without worrying about overstaying.



The carriage slowed as it approached the Gilded Tankard, afterwhich Adrian paid the driver and stepped out.

He had already been communicating with the emissary that was meant to be waiting to escort him to Varyn.

He pulled the Communicator linked to the emissary from his [Inventory] and activated it.

"I’ve arrived at the Gilded Tankard."

"Okay, sir. I’ll be there," the voice came through almost immediately.

Moments later, a figure emerged from the inn’s entrance.

"Master Adrian," he said as bowed low, his voice carrying the weight of formal respect.

"I am Timothy, emissary of Lord Varyn. It is an honor to escort you."

He straightened, gesturing toward a sleek royal carriage nearby. With practiced motion, Timothy opened the door, holding it for Adrian.

"Please, after you."

Adrian nodded, climbing into the cushioned interior, and the door closing with a soft click.

The carriage rolled forward afterwards, beginning their journey to Varyn, where Adrian would negotiate the deal for the Corrupted Lands.