Successfully capturing Ajitani Hifumi added new evidence to my earlier speculation about the card's judgment criteria.
Although I believe that with my looks and character, it is only natural for any female student in Kivotos to fall for me, judging from Hifumi's reaction, she is probably still a little distance away from completely falling in love with me… right?
Of course, it is also possible that she had long since secretly given her heart to me and was merely pretending to be pure to lure me into making the first move. But if that were the case, she probably would not have been captured only after I hugged her.
Compared to affection, the weight of trust might be higher.
Rather, that would make things more reasonable. Otherwise, with my dignified bearing, every time I walked into a crowded place, the card would have to heat up several times just to do me justice.
This also aligns better with what Seia once mentioned to me about the card's requirement, to establish an unbreakable bond.
Perhaps on one or two occasions before, I wrongfully blamed my precious cheat ability.
…But thinking about it carefully, Serina and Wakamo, are they not even more terrifying than before?
In any case, I focused my attention on the card and confirmed the authority Hifumi granted me.
—
Conversion Authority: [Brass Fire Serpent]
Description: You may designate one [Brass Item] type object as a vessel, granting it the traits [Poison Resistance] and [Burn Resistance]. The vessel may be replaced through a ritual.
Source: Ajitani Hifumi Capture Success
—
This was a fine treasure.
The moment I saw it clearly, I realized its importance.
Although the exact effects of the resistances were still unclear, both poison and burns were things that the Shittim Chest could only resist to a limited degree, and the scope they covered was likely quite broad.
With this authority, my survivability undoubtedly rose another notch. At the very least, I could guard against a few more schemes and ambushes.
After a moment of thought, I removed my keychain and found a brass key.
Ever since Akane secretly cleaned my bedroom, I had been carrying the key on me instead of leaving it inserted in the bedside drawer's keyhole.
As my thoughts stirred, the key became covered in a crimson glow. Then, as if heated, it quickly melted into liquid and, wrapped in that glow, reshaped itself into a cross necklace with a serpent coiled around its top.
I stared at the necklace and could not help falling into thought.
…So my bedside drawer key is gone?
After brief consideration, I decided it was not a big problem.
At worst, I could use Kivotos' specialty lockpicking method, fire two shots at the lock later.
I rubbed the cross with my fingertips. Instead of the usual coldness of metal, it felt slightly warmer than my body temperature.
I put the necklace on under my clothes and closed my eyes to sense it carefully.
As expected, I felt no difference at all.
I opened my eyes, walked into the washroom, pulled down my collar, and looked at myself in the mirror, nodding in satisfaction.
With this small accessory as an accent, my originally gentle and refined temperament might gain a touch of heart-fluttering contrast when necessary.
The little episode with Hifumi tonight could finally be declared over. Since I was not yet sleepy, I sat at my desk and used the Shittim Chest to handle remote work, with Arona's assistance, though she seemed a little listless due to the late hour.
Until my phone chimed with a Momotalk notification.
I picked it up and saw that it was indeed the person I had asked for help.
Serina: Good evening, Sensei!
Serina: I am very sorry to disturb you so late. (;д;)
Serina: But I have successfully obtained Azusa's student file! ☆(≧?≦*)ノ
If I remembered correctly, I had asked her to help with this just a few hours ago, after finishing cleaning the pool.
This efficiency… and at this hour… I can only say, as expected of Serina.
Me: Sorry to trouble you with something like this.
Serina: It is no trouble at all. As a member of the Remedial Knights and the Johannes faction, and as Sensei who accepted a related request from the Tea Party, we both have the authority to access these materials.
Serina: And I am happy that when Sensei runs into difficulties, you think to talk to me~
That may be true, but having the authority to access it does not mean there is no procedure required. To achieve this kind of efficiency, perhaps Serina has extensive connections, or perhaps she used some other means to bypass the process. Naturally, I would not ask further.
Just as I would not ask whether Serina knew that I had not yet gone to sleep.
Immediately afterward, the kind and beautiful little nurse sent several photos. They were Azusa's student file.
I focused on confirming the previously attended school and asked Arona about it. The reply I received was that it was an unremarkable but indeed existing ordinary school.
Although I knew the Tea Party must have already investigated this information, I still planned to ask a certain somewhat annoying but extremely reliable Millennium student to help verify its authenticity.
In exchange for one of my selfies.
After noting down the school's name, I glanced through the rest and saw that Azusa had indeed taken a transfer exam. Her score was not high, barely passing the line.
That was another suspicious point, but with Koharu as a counterexample, it was hard to say for certain.
After confirming the remaining details, I continued messaging Serina.
Me: Thank you.
Serina: You are welcome~
Serina: By the way, may I ask if you will be staying temporarily in Trinity's annex during this period?
She seemed to be asking something she already knew.
Me: Yes, what is it?
Serina: Nothing, I just hope you will not push yourself too hard!
Serina: Even if you are not injured, staying in an unfamiliar environment might make you feel unwell or fatigued. If that happens, or if you run into any other difficulties, please be sure to tell me right away!
Serina: Because no matter when or where, I will rush to Sensei's side immediately.
Seeing that line, I subconsciously glanced at the pitch-black night outside the window and suppressed the urge to get up and draw the curtains.
Me: All right, I will rely on you when the time comes.
Serina: Okay! O(∩_∩)O
Serina: Also, Sensei, I have already returned to the dormitory.
Serina: Image[1].jpg
After quickly opening and saving the selfie Serina sent, I frowned slightly, suddenly feeling that things were not so simple.
So I casually took a photo and sent it back.
Me: I am also in the dormitory.
Serina: (＊／ω＼＊)
Serina: It is already very late, so I will not disturb you any longer.
Serina: Please make sure to rest early!
Only then did I feel somewhat reassured.
After quickly contacting Himari and handling some additional work matters, I went to bed.
With the doors and windows locked and the curtains drawn.
And just like that, the first day of the training camp came to an end.
[1] https://imgur.com/BHLA7BB