Lucas frowned. When the System put it that way, it did sound bad.

"Those were all for good reasons though."

[All villains believe their actions are justified. This is fundamental villain psychology.]

"Can you just... not? For like, five minutes?"

[System will reduce commentary frequency. However, System must note that Host should prepare for tomorrow's journey. The route to Asmir's Keep passes through several areas with increased monster activity.]

That was actually useful information.

"What kind of monsters?"

[Standard wilderness threats: Dire Wolves, Giant Snakes, occasional Bandit groups. Nothing Host cannot handle with current capabilities. However, System recommends Host craft some basic potions before departing.]

Lucas glanced at where he'd stored Henrik's journal. He did have access to recipes now, and the academy's alchemy lab should have the basic ingredients he'd need.

"I'll do that after the fireworks show," he decided.

[Host prioritizes recreation over survival preparation. This is suboptimal decision-making.]

"Host is going to ignore System's commentary and do what he wants." Lucas said.

[System acknowledges Host's autonomy while maintaining that Host's decision is inadvisable.]

Lucas checked his pocket watch. Still several hours until sunset. Enough time to review more of Henrik's journal and maybe get some actual rest.

He pulled the book back out and continued reading, skipping past the disturbing Apex Enhancement Serum section to focus on more practical formulas.

Smoke Bomb - Basic

Simple but effective. Combine sulfur powder, charcoal, and sugar in a 2:3:5 ratio. Add a pinch of magnesium for enhanced visual effect. Seal in a thin glass sphere. When broken, creates a dense smoke screen lasting 30-45 seconds.

That could be useful for escapes or creating distractions.

Adhesive Resin - Combat Grade

Mix tree sap, powdered bone, and a catalyst of your choice (I prefer crushed beetle carapace). Heat until viscous. Can be thrown to immobilize opponents or seal doors. Hardens within 10 seconds of exposure to air.

Also useful, though the ingredients might be harder to source.

Night Vision Elixir

Cat's eye gem (crushed), moonpetal extract, purified water. Consume before entering dark environments. Effects last 2-3 hours. Warning: Makes eyes sensitive to sudden bright light. Do NOT use during daytime.

Lucas made mental notes of several recipes that seemed immediately practical. He could probably craft a few of these tonight if he had time after the fireworks show.

The hours passed quickly as he studied. Before he knew it, the light outside his window had taken on the golden quality of approaching sunset.

Time to meet Lydia.

Lucas changed into cleaner clothes. It was nothing fancy, but at least it was not covered in forest dirt. After this he made his way to the North Tower courtyard.

The area was already crowded with students, all chattering excitedly about the upcoming display. Lucas spotted Lydia near the fountain, waving to get his attention.

"You made it!" she said as he approached. "And you're on time. I'm impressed."

"I said I would come."

"True, but I was half-expecting you to change your mind." She linked her arm through his. "Come on, I found a good spot where we can actually see."

She led him through the crowd to a raised section of the courtyard that gave them an unobstructed view of the North Tower.

Several other students had claimed spots there, but Lydia had apparently saved them a place by spreading out a blanket.

"Premium seating," she said with a grin.

They sat down, and Lucas had to admit the view was good. The tower rose dramatically against the darkening sky, and he could see figures moving on the upper levels. It was probably the staff preparing the fireworks.

"So," Lydia said, settling beside him close enough that their shoulders touched.

"Nervous about your trip tomorrow?"

"A little," Lucas said. "I'm not sure what I'm going to find when I get there."

"Marie's tough. Whatever's going on, she'll handle it."

"I know. But I'd still rather be there to help if she needs it."

"You're a good friend, Lucas. A lot of people would just assume everything's fine and not bother checking." Lydia said.

"Marie would do the same for me."

"Would she though?" Lydia's tone was teasing. "Marie's great, but she's not exactly the type of person to drop everything and rush to someone's rescue."

Lucas thought about it. Lydia had a point. Marie was loyal and capable, but, as the top student of year 2, she was also pragmatic to a fault. She'd probably calculate whether the trip was worth it before acting.

"Okay, maybe not," he said. "But that doesn't mean I shouldn't go."

"I wasn't saying you shouldn't. Just pointing out that you're a good friend." She leaned her head on his shoulder. "It's one of your better qualities."

Lucas felt himself tense slightly at the contact, then forced himself to relax. This was normal. Friends did this kind of thing. It didn't have to mean anything.

[System notes Host's physiological stress response. Heart rate elevated, minor perspiration detected. Host is experiencing symptoms consistent with romantic nervousness.]

Not now, System.

[System merely provides objective observations.]

The first firework launched with a sharp whistle, exploding in a shower of gold and silver sparks high above the tower. The crowd gasped appreciatively.

More followed in rapid succession. Blues and greens and reds, each one more elaborate than the last.

Some formed recognizable shapes like dragons, gryphons and phoenixes and one even had the shape of a crude representation of the academy crest.

Lucas had to admit, it was impressive. The magical enhancements made these far more spectacular than any fireworks from his old world. Some of the explosions seemed to hang in the air, defying gravity as they slowly drifted apart.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Lydia said.

"Yeah," Lucas agreed. "Though I still think it's overkill for midterms."

She laughed and gently hit his arm. "You're impossible. Can't you just enjoy something without overthinking it?"

"Probably not."

"I noticed."

They sat in comfortable silence as the show continued, and Lucas began to think about tomorrow.

Tomorrow he'd be traveling to Marie's estate. After that, assuming everything was fine, he'd need to continue to Asmir's Keep. Then back for class placements, followed immediately by Srest.

Not to mention, he was supposed to be investigating a conspiracy, studying alchemy and continuing his training to get stronger.

No wonder I'm so stressed, he thought.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.