Madness gave him one week to find what Bone is after, and it was more than enough for Nikolai. Luckily, he had the crystals and Fate Points to keep him going for a while.

The curse didn’t hurt him other than being an uncomfortable reminder that he could die at any second. That’s why he had plans to look for an enchanter to enchant a potion.

However, as soon as he returned to the academy, Miss Jena called out to him. Nikolai wanted to ignore her, but he knew she would come after him toward his room. That’s why he obediently went to her office.

“Who is it?” She answered his knock. When he said it was Nikolai, allowed him in. “Come in.”

“Do you want to get expelled?” As soon as he opened the door, the lecture began. She was still working on her papers as she reprimanded. “Skipping on your morning classes, do you think your special?”

“Am I?” Nikolai blinked. “There’s a rule in Rohan that states students won’t be punished unless they skip three or more days per week.”

“You know the rules, I’m impressed.” Miss Jena glanced at him with a raised brow. “However, with your grades, skipping isn’t allowed. I thought you have turned over a new leaf.”

‘Of course, I know the rules, I would need them later on.’ Nikolai smiled coldly in his heart.

“… I have,” Nikolai answered sincerely. “I had some matters today, that’s all.”

“That’s…” Miss Jena paused as she turned to his forearm. Even though he covered it with his sweater, it was still a deeper shade of grey than the rest of it. “What’s wrong with your arm?” She sniffed.

“It’s nothing.” Nikolai hurried to hide it but Miss Jena already left her chair and grabbed his wrist. He winced at the pain and she was lifting his sleeve with a frown.

“How did you get this?”

“A goblin,” Nikolai said unhesitatingly. “I was hunting and that’s why I’m late.”

“… this goblin must have had a ruler to make such a vertical cut.” Miss Jena said as she glanced at him. Nikolai felt awkward by such an obvious lie, but it was better than saying the truth.

“Coincidences occur,” Nikolai said with a smile.

“Lucky for you,” Miss Jena scowled as she took out a standard potion from her desk. “Stay still.” She said as she poured the potion on his arm. It stung but it began to heal quickly. “I planned on sending you to the mines today, guess you’ve had things going on. Tell me if you get in trouble, okay?” Miss Jena looked him in the eyes.

“I will.” Nikolai lied; he would never ask for help. He’ll solely use his strength to prevail.

“Are you ready for your midterms? They’re this Monday.” Miss Jena crossed her arms. “I’m not having too high of expectations, just try to avoid ranking last.”

“I might surprise you.” Nikolai smiled before he left the room. Miss Jena looked at the door with complex emotions. He had changed so much.

***

When he returned to his room, only Lan was there. As he entered, Lan closed his book and handed over a small pouch. As Nikolai grabbed it and opened it, he found a purple crystal inside.

“This will help you with your gun,” Lan said before returning to read his book. Nikolai grabbed his payment and went toward his bed.

He couldn’t use the rest of the crystals now with Lan around, but he could use the Intelligence Crystal that Lan gave him. He had 22 Fate Points now and eleven crystals.

He could use two points on each. This would give him 2-points from each crystal. Nikolai absorbed the crystal without further ado.

[2 Intelligence Stats Points have been absorbed.]

Nikolai grinned. At that moment, the door was knocked. Lan closed his book and stood up to open the door. Nikolai’s interest was piqued when he heard Lan stuttering.

“Y-yes?”

There were some whispers. Nikolai frowned and peeked. At that moment, Lan rushed back in with panic.

“It’s Valkyrie, the Young Miss of Helnes!” Lan said while hyperventilating. “She’s asking for you! You!” He said with a trembling finger.

Nikolai smiled at his expected reaction. After all, House Helnes had a duchy, making them only second to the Royal Family. Valkyrie was the daughter of a duke, making her standing in Rohan city second only to the duke himself.

Nikolai stood up unhurried and went toward the door. He found Valkyrie standing there with a courtesy smile.

“How about we take a walk?” She asked.

“That would bring me trouble, you know that.” Nikolai frowned and scowled. “Please don’t trouble me, Lady Valkyrie Helnes.”

“I’ve heard some rumors. They would bring you more trouble if you don’t know them.” Her words made Nikolai pause. Seeing his expression, Valkyrie started walking away and Nikolai helplessly followed after her.

They reached the academy’s lake after a few minutes of silence and Valkyrie broke the silence as Nikolai was about to.

“I’ve seen your skills with a gun. Given your age, I know you’ll grow into a talent.” She said with a smile as she peered over the lake. “My offer still stands.”

“Are you simply restating your offer?”

“Also adding a few conditions to join our party. You’ll need to rank in the top thirty in the upcoming midterms.”

“That’s my plan, to begin with.” Nikolai wore a thin smile. “Is that all?”

“No,” Valkyrie turned to him with a stoic expression. “I’ve heard some news that you’ll be targeted in the next practical exam. Make sure to overcome this, that’s all.” She began walking away as soon as she said what she wanted to say.

“Does it feel good?” Nikolai asked from behind her. She turned toward him with a puzzled expression. “To act high and mighty?”

“Ho,” Valkyrie gave a sly smile. “You dare talk to me this way, I guess I wasn’t wrong about my choice. It doesn’t feel anything but a necessity.” She was gone after she said that.

Nikolai looked at her departing back as he thought about her warning. She could’ve sent a message or told one of her lackeys, but she chose to meet him herself.

This would scare the small fishes away and attract the big ones to him, his life was getting more and more hectic.

[Fate has been stolen. 5 Fate Points have been gained.]

His meeting with Valkyrie would pave the way to more events and it was a direct result of the skills he gained in the past. This meant that he was deviating greatly from the original timeline.

After he returned to his room, his two others roommates looked at him with cautiousness as soon as he entered the room. He was taking out his items from the box beneath his bed when a shadow loomed over his head.

“What is it, Nar?” Nikolai looked upward and studied the foreign student who had an ego as big as his nose.

“How do you know Miss Helnes?” He said with a thick accent that he couldn’t shake off even after living here for a while. “What did she want from you?”

“That’s none of your business.” Nikolai frowned. “Do you think you’re my parents or something?” Nar looked at him with a livid expression before a smirk emerged.

“Seeing how your parents threw you away, I wouldn’t dare.” He said in a menacing tone. Nikolai looked at him quietly, seeing through his provocations.

“Good.” He said with a nod. Picking up his bag, he left the room and headed toward the laboratory. It was time to prepare for the midterms.