Chapter 61 - My Fighting Style [1]

"You want money?"

The headmaster asked, stunned.

He sat down and leaned back slightly in his leather chair, blinking in sheer disbelief as if he had misheard my answer.

"Yes."

I confirmed with a confident nod of my head. I kept my posture steady and my gaze unwavering, showing no signs of backing down or changing my mind.

Zion, Cindy, Crystal, and Cordelia were all staring at me with mixed expressions of confusion and subtle shock. Everyone in the room looked at me with weird eyes after hearing my words, and I can understand them.

After all, I could’ve asked for level 2 access in the academy’s library to level up my abilities, but I would’ve been able to unlock that and higher floors in my senior years.

Gaining entry to the higher floor archives was a privilege that would naturally open up as I progressed through my academic terms anyway.

I also could’ve asked for more equipment inside the armory, though based on my achievement—they just would give me another one from the first level.

Requesting an additional item token would only grant me access to the exact same tier of gear we were already receiving today.

I only need one new item for now, so it would just be a waste. There are future events too that would allow me to access higher levels of the armory.

Cluttering my inventory with mid-tier weapons wouldn’t benefit me in the long run, especially when upcoming main scenario quests offered far better rewards.

And thinking about this realistically, with money; I would be able to use it flexibly.

Currency provided immediate, unrestricted freedom to adapt to whatever unexpected circumstances came my way.

I can use it however I want, and I’m also in dire need of it.

My daily living expenses, training materials, and personal supply restocks were all bleeding my limited money dry.

"That shouldn’t be too hard."

The headmaster said that to me after seeing in my eyes that I was serious.

He broke into a soft, wry chuckle, letting out a short breath as he adjusted the cuffs of his elegant blue coat.

"You’re a scholar of the academy, right?"

He asked. He crossed his arms over his chest, looking down at me as he recalled my student registration records.

I immediately nodded my head in response. I affirmed his statement instantly, acknowledging my official status as a recipient of the academy’s academic grant program.

"Okay, since you already have an account where your grants are being sent monthly, I will send the money there directly as well, is that fine with you?"

He followed with that.

He tapped a few floating mana runes on his desk surface, bringing up my official student ledger in a quick flash of blue light.

I didn’t even need a single second to weigh the options. And without hesitation—

"I am, thank you, headmaster."

I bowed my head and replied with that.

I offered a respectful bow from my seat, genuinely appreciative that he was willing to process the reward so smoothly.

*****

We immediately left the headmaster’s office after receiving our rewards.

We gathered our belongings, bowed once more to the headmaster, and pushed open the heavy wooden doors to step back out into the quiet fifth-floor hallway.

Cordelia, Zion, and Crystal also received additional rewards because they’re within the top 5 of the individual ranking as well. Their high performance scores on the individual evaluation board entitled them to request an extra personal commendation from the academy head.

Cindy unfortunately missed thie chance by placing seventh, but she wasn’t really bummed about it by the looks of it.

Moving on, just like me, the three of them received the opportunity to wish for their rewards.

Cordelia and Crystal just asked for more academic credits. The two noble heiresses prioritized their institutional standing and high course marks over physical items or extra funding.

Meanwhile, Zion obviously asked for another piece of equipment in the armory.

He wanted to maximize his combat readiness, taking full advantage of the chance to grab two items from the vault today.

The headmaster quickly approved of their request, and just like that... Zion, Cindy, and I are now headed to the armory.

He stamped their digital petitions without any fuss, allowing our smaller group to move on to the next destination.

... ... ...

... ... ...

... ... ...

Cordelia and Crystal separated with us a few minutes back after leaving the headmaster’s office. They said that they have something else to do, and that they don’t plan to enter the armory today.

They offered a polite farewell near the grand staircase, mentioning that they needed to report back to their respective family representatives or attend private appointments.

’I guess being a noble is really stressful.’

Anyway, the group didn’t ask for the reason why I picked money as my additional reward. I think they just probably thought I really needed it because of my situation.

I was living like a fugitive because of my own family, after all.

None of them pressed me for an explanation or made uncomfortable comments regarding my unusual request.

My current standing left me cut off from the massive resources of the Frostguard household, leaving me to survive entirely on my own merit.

Cordelia and Cindy definitely know it, Crystal must’ve heard it from Cordelia by now, and I already told Zion of my situation a long time ago. They were all aware of the delicate and strained political reality surrounding my presence at the academy.

This really worked out for me, at least they don’t have to look at me like a money-hungry bastard.

Their understanding kept the atmosphere light and friendly, saving me from having to justify my financial needs.

... ... ...

We walked down the long, sunlit stone corridors of the main building, leaving the administrative block behind us.

... ... ...

The campus path was quiet, with only a few upperclassmen walking past as we navigated toward the reinforced fortress wing.

... ... ...

A massive stone structure built directly into the side of the surrounding cliffside came into view, its heavy iron gates standing tall.

Cindy, Zion, and I arrived at the armory not long.

The imposing building gave off a heavy, secure atmosphere that clearly signaled the importance of the treasures kept within.

There are two staff guarding the entrance, but after showing our plaque—they let us in.

The two heavily armed guards inspected our metallic bronze tokens, nodding firmly before unlatching the thick iron doors.

The armory was really big inside, it’s like a white dome inside full of weapons, armors, and equipment wherever you look. There are also stairs leading below, and that’s the other floors where stronger and better items are stored.

The cavernous interior stretched out in a wide circular layout, with towering display racks holding thousands of gleaming armaments under soft magical illumination.

We are not allowed on the other floors, only here on the first floor.

The guarded stairwells leading to the lower subterranean vaults were strictly off-limits to standard token holders like us.

Anyway, once we got inside, a female staff member greeted us politely.

She stepped forward from a side desk, wearing a crisp academy attendant uniform as she bowed toward our group.

"Hello, I will be your guide and also observer during your stay here at the armory."

She said with a smile. She might’ve looked innocent, but we can instinctively feel that she’s level stronger than any of us.

Her pleasant demeanor hid a dense, extremely refined mana pressure that hummed softly beneath her calm breath.

’So she’s here to keep an eye on us, to make sure we don’t do any funny business.’

I thought to myself as I registered the sharp, watchful glint in her eyes. Not like the three of us had any thought of doing some sort of stupid thing like that.

We were here purely to select our rightful rewards and leave without causing a single scene.

So, with the staff’s guidance, she let us browse the whole first level so that we can pick our reward.

She gestured toward the vast rows of categorized equipment, allowing us to walk through the displays at our own pace.

Zion, Cindy, and I—The three of us agreed to separate so we can look better for ourselves and meet up after picking our equipment.

We nodded to one another, splitting up into different aisles to focus on our specific personal requirements.

I saw Zion heading straight to the armors, probably because he already has a strong sword, [Excalibur].

His main weapon was already high quality, so upgrading his chest piece or gauntlets made the most practical sense for his attacker role. He must’ve realized this during our dungeon run.

Cindy, on the other hand, went toward the artifacts, she’s probably trying to find something that will help her fight better, probably an artifact that enhances her speed even more or hides her presence.

She moved directly toward the glass display cases containing enchanted rings, pendants, charms, and more.

"Okay, now it’s my time to pick."

I nodded after seeing them go.

I turned my back to the central hub, taking a long look over the weapon directory maps posted on the nearby pillar.

I already have something in mind I want to get, not a specific item—but at the very least, I know what type of equipment I want.

I didn’t need another primary long blade, nor did I need heavy metallic plating that would slow down my movement.

So with confident steps and no hesitation—

TAP-

I walked across the polished marble floor, my boots making a crisp sound in the quiet vault.

I headed toward the section where the daggers and short blades are.

The wall displays in this sector were lined with sleek, lightweight sidearms crafted from various magic-conductive metals.

I already figured out the fighting style I want for myself.