How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game Chapter 725: Festival Champion 3

"So... what is it, Senior?"

They had walked a considerable distance from the garden, the ambient sounds fading into a low murmur. The secluded area behind the church, shielded by towering trees, offered a quiet retreat with scarce foot traffic.

Vanessa folded her arms, observing him.

As far as she recalled, her recent interactions with Riley had been minimal, certainly not enough to warrant this private meeting.

And to be candid...

Her wariness was piqued by this unusual approach.

Not due to him personally, but rather the associations that accompanied him.

Riley possessed a certain reputation.

One that tended to complicate matters.

If they were observed conversing like this, in such a secluded spot—gossip would inevitably follow. And based on past experiences surrounding him, these 'discussions' often escalated into significant misunderstandings.

A potentially hazardous situation, she mused inwardly.

Not in a malicious sense.

Simply a statement of fact.

The sort of individual a young lady ought to exercise caution in being seen with.

Which was precisely why—

She desired a swift conclusion to this encounter.

Riley, too, seemed eager to get to the point.

"I realize this might come as a surprise, Junior Vanessa..." he began, his voice calm yet resolute. "But may I ask you something?"

Her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

"...Proceed."

"Is there any issue concerning the World Tree?"

Vanessa’s eyes widened slightly.

Just once.

She then tilted her head, a look of bewilderment crossing her features.

"...The World Tree?" she echoed. "What are you implying, Senior? You speak as if I possess some special knowledge about it."

A light, almost dismissive laugh escaped her.

"And any troubles? I assure you, nothing of the sort is occurring."

Riley remained unmoved by her response.

He offered no further inquiry.

He simply met her gaze.

Then—

"You are aware that your true identity is no longer a secret to me, correct?"

A pregnant silence followed.

Vanessa’s smile faltered for the briefest of moments.

Swiftly—

It was restored.

Appearing gentle.

Completely under her control.

"...I understand."

She studied him with renewed intensity, her gaze now noticeably sharper. The atmosphere between them subtly shifted, a palpable change.

"So, you have discerned it."

A brief pause ensued.

"...Since when?"

Riley offered a slight shrug.

"Does the exact timing hold relevance?"

"Not particularly," she conceded, releasing a soft sigh. "I am merely curious."

Her gaze drifted downwards momentarily before returning to meet his.

"I took considerable pride in concealing it successfully."

A trace of amusement colored her tone—yet, an undertone of something else lingered.

Something carefully calculated.

"However, given that it is you..." she continued, her expression growing more serious as she looked at him, "it is perhaps not entirely unexpected."

A faint smile graced her lips.

"The caliber of information you have access to... uncovering something of that nature would hardly be a challenge for you, would it?"

Riley offered no denial.

Nor did he provide confirmation.

He simply remained silent.

And that silence was unequivocally answer enough.

Vanessa released a quiet exhale, her shoulders relaxing marginally—though her eyes remained fixed on his.

"...Therefore," she stated, tilting her head slightly, "now that we have addressed that matter..."

Her gaze intensified, locking onto his.

"What precisely do you wish to know regarding the World Tree?"

"Precisely what I inquired about initially," Riley responded, his tone unwavering. "I am curious if the World Tree has exhibited any unusual activity recently. As its priestess—"

He paused briefly before amending his statement.

"...No. It would be more accurate to refer to you as its saintess."

His eyes met hers directly.

"You would undoubtedly be the first to detect any such changes."

Vanessa let out a soft sigh, raising a hand to her temple.

"So you are privy to that much as well..."

Any pretense on her part felt futile at this juncture.

Truthfully, the entire situation was beginning to strain her patience.

Not due to the nature of his questions—but because of the individual posing them.

Riley was not someone she could easily dismiss.

Emilia held him in high regard.

And more significantly... the World Tree itself did not react negatively to his presence.

Through her innate connection to the World Tree, Vanessa could sense it clearly—his presence did not evoke hostility, nor was it tainted in a manner that would trigger alarm. If anything, it felt... complex.

But not inherently dangerous.

At least, not in a way that posed a threat to her people.

Nevertheless—

This did not alter the fundamental truth that any matter concerning the World Tree was extremely sensitive.

Highly sensitive, in fact.

Vanessa clasped her arms once more, her expression becoming composed.

"No," she stated after a brief interval. "There is nothing of particular note occurring."

Riley appeared unconvinced by her assertion.

"Have there been no instances of demonic influence, or... any other form of corrupt energy affecting it?"

"...."

A subtle hesitation.

Lasting just a fraction longer than her previous response.

"...No."

The answer remained consistent.

Yet—

Riley perceived it.

That minute, almost imperceptible shift.

Still—

She was not uttering a falsehood.

That much he was certain of.

"...I see."

He chose not to press the issue further.

If the World Tree remained stable for the present, it implied that the elven domain had not yet been compromised.

For now, at least.

His thoughts drifted, delving into deeper considerations.

The World Tree was not merely an emblem; it was the crucial key. It represented one of the primary catalysts necessitated for Erebil's descent. This made it a dangerous object, not inherently, but due to the potential applications it possessed. And during the previous occurrence in that devastated world, the elves had become ensnared in its path.

Riley's expression turned somber. He was already aware of several strategies to avert such a catastrophe, employing different routes and methods, some more discreet than others. However, all these approaches shared a common requirement: impeccable timing. More critically, they depended on the precise trigger.

[Act 5.]

Specifically, this meant orchestrating a scenario involving both Liyana and Vanessa. Until such an event unfolded, he was limited in his actions without prematurely forcing the situation. “...I suppose I’ll have to let events unfold a little longer,” he mused silently. For the present, his role was to observe the unfolding narrative and intervene at the most critical juncture.

“Inform me if anything arises,” Riley stated as he turned, already preparing to depart. “Anything that might pose a threat. I’ll be there to assist immediately, Junior.”

Vanessa's brow furrowed slightly. “...Why are you so intent on this, Senior?” Her tone conveyed not suspicion, but rather bewilderment. His declaration lacked any semblance of casualness.

Riley paused briefly before responding. “Because the world requires it.” He then added, “And… convey a warning to your king. Advise him to exercise caution regarding dark cultists. While it hasn’t become public knowledge yet, several clandestine groups have recently begun to surface.”

Vanessa's eyes widened. “Wait—” But before she could utter another word, he had vanished.

Just like that. “...What?” She remained standing for a moment, gazing at the empty space where he had stood. “...What kind of conversation was that…” A soft sigh escaped her as she massaged her temple, a headache already beginning to form. Too many elements failed to align, leaving numerous unanswered questions. And somehow, Riley had just introduced more.

... It had barely been a full day since Riley's return to the academy, and despite the extended break, he found himself unable to truly relax. There were still unresolved matters. His companions were largely informed about his recent ordeal with Snow, and Emilia had unexpectedly joined their group, which wasn't an unfavorable development. Beyond that, other obligations awaited. He was obliged, at the very least, to report to the principal out of respect. More pressingly, he required an update on the festival's progress.

Certainly, he could have simply inquired with Snow. However, knowing her, she was likely completely submerged in work, catching up on all her duties as the student council president. Therefore— Knock. Knock. Riley gently tapped before opening the door and entering the principal’s office. He had anticipated a typical scene. Given the reports of the festival's success—rising profits and smooth operations—he had expected at least a pleased expression. Composed. In control.

But— “...What is this?” Riley blinked. “Uh… Principal?” Leilah was seated behind her desk. Or rather, she was slumped over it. Her typically refined and composed demeanor had completely evaporated. Her shoulders sagged, her eyes were vacant, her hair slightly disheveled… and most distressingly—tears welled in her eyes.

“...Ugh…” Her voice quivered. “I despise this… I detest life… I-I gave my utmost effort, you know… I truly… ugh~…. But why must the world harbor such animosity towards me… haha… haha……” Then— “Uwaaahhh!!” She broke down entirely, sobbing uncontrollably, right there, in front of him.

“...!!!...” Riley simply stood there, momentarily stunned, uncertain how to respond. He paused. Although she still possessed a youthful beauty, the image and reputation of elegance he held for her were irrevocably shattered. Gone. Utterly destroyed. “...Yeah…” “There’s no salvaging that.”

....

“Hngh…!” Within a dimly lit, sealed chamber, the young woman trembled, her hand pressed tightly against her chest. Her breaths were ragged and sharp, each exhalation expelling palpable heat that suffused the air and distorted the surrounding space. The temperature continued to climb, gradually and uncontrollably.

“Lady Stacia… please, allow us to enter.” The voice from beyond the door was strained with worry, barely holding its composure. “No… you cannot.” Stacia’s response was immediate, though weaker than intended. Even speaking seemed to fan the internal flames. Outside, her servants stood gathered, their faces etched with apprehension. Her personal butler, usually the epitome of composure, appeared visibly fragile.

This was not a normal occurrence. They were not even supposed to be in this location.

In Killian Hall, servants were strictly forbidden from entering, let alone approaching a student’s private quarters—but this situation had long since shattered all rules and boundaries. It had been days.

Days of this ongoing ordeal.

And still, no one knew what course of action to take.

"I-I’m fine..." Stacia managed to force the words out, her hand clenching tighter over her chest. "Just... give me some time. I will recover soon..."

A heavy silence descended afterward.

Then—

"My lady..." the butler spoke again, this time with even greater caution, though the palpable strain in his voice could not be concealed. "You uttered the same words three days prior."

Stacia pressed her lip between her teeth.

His observation held undeniable truth.

Absolutely not a word was wrong.

But—

"...I cannot permit you to enter," she whispered, her voice diminishing in volume.

The reason was the immense danger it posed.

A danger far exceeding their current understanding.

Her mana had become alarmingly unstable.

Far from being in control.

Ever since that pivotal moment—ever since she was bestowed with the authority of the Fire Spirit King—a profound alteration had taken root within her. At that time, the effect was transient. Dictated by the prevailing circumstances.

Now—

It was an intrinsic part of her being.

And she felt wholly unprepared.

Not yet ready.

The formidable power coursed through her veins as if it possessed a life of its own, wild and utterly untamed. Should she falter in her control—even for the briefest instant—

She could inflict harm upon someone.

Incite a fiery inferno.

Or perhaps something even more dire.

"...I wish to avoid that..."

As her emotions flickered, the ambient heat around her intensified slightly.

Beyond the door, the butler's complexion grew noticeably paler upon hearing her internal struggle.

"My lady..."

He took an instinctive step closer to the door—but then halted himself.

They found themselves in a state of paralysis.

Unable to offer assistance.

Unable to intervene.

Then—

The sound of approaching footsteps.

Swift.

Hurried.

"S-Sir!"

A maid came rushing towards them, visibly winded.

The butler pivoted instantly.

"What is it?"

"I—I bring news!"

She regained her composure, then rapidly conveyed the information.

"It appears... the young lord Riley has made his return to the academy!"

For a fleeting moment—

An absolute stillness pervaded the surroundings.

Then—

A subtle transformation occurred.

The palpable tension in the atmosphere shifted, albeit slightly.

Hope.

It bloomed across their faces almost instantaneously, a subtle yet unmistakable manifestation.

Even the butler’s stern demeanor began to relax.

"...Riley..."

Within the confines of the room—

Stacia’s eyes widened fractionally.

Just by a small degree.

Her involuntary trembling persisted.

The radiating heat did not subside.

But—

For the very first time in many days—

Her focus deviated from the relentless pain.

"...He has returned...?"