[Achievement unlocked: Advent of ]

[1 skill points acquired]

''Congratulations, Miss. You have indeed understood the way of nihility.''

''Thanks.''

''Yay~! Nilihity!''

''Congratulations.''

''It is indeed a commendable achievement.''

AUF—!

Somehow, the whole house comes over for a celebration, which... isn't that bad, really. I guess being merry like this sometimes won't hurt.

Either way, according to Kyomu, I now need to work on the efficiency and control of this new energy. As of now, each stroke of my nihility costs over twenty MP, which is already one-tenth of my MP pool.

The power it brings is great, but it's honestly quite unnecessary.

Maybe I should try to focus on which area I want to destroy more?

Kyomu also said that the overall output of this style doesn't rely on any system-related value, so the best thing I can do is refine my mind arts. In the end, I haven't found a sword art to overwrite the system's skill, so I'll probably end up adopting Kyomu's one.

Aside from that... now that I finally have a direction for my growth, I should start to consider future plans.

First of all, conquering the Witch of Calamity's territory is something I want to finish quickly. Although even with her part done, there is still the central lake of Zircon to be worried about.

Second, the newly emerged problems of Miko's admission and Claire's past. Since we can't really do anything about her yet, we will just have to wait.

Finally... Nydia. I haven't heard from her since the day of her departure. Still, I believe she will contact me sooner or later.

The night I suddenly miss the gentle Nydia, she appears before my eyes in a quite... unexpected way.

''It is an honor to meet you, Miss Silaerob. My name is Nydia Alaina Astra.''

''...''

For whatever reason, Sierra decided to bring Nydia out here. By 'here,' I mean the rooftop in which the crown princess and I usually have our meetings. Different from the maid Nydia, this version of her bears quite a resemblance to actual princesses—elegant, prideful, and beautiful. Donning a raven-black dress, she looks fantastic today.

''She decided to come under me.''

After that, Sierra lets out a little 'hmph' as if proud of herself. Then, she returns to fidgeting the ice pawn that I gave her the other day.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Does she want to brag...?

If there is one thing that makes me uncomfortable... well, Nydia's gaze is quite cold, unlike her usual one. Having them side by side like this does a good job of highlighting their similarities.

''I see,'' I reply anyway.

''Oh, right, Silaerob.''

''Hm?''

''The answer to your riddle you gave me the other day. You asked me who was responsible for Ra's death, didn't you?''

''Yes.''

''It's the moon, isn't it?''

Pushing the pawn toward me, Sierra shoots me a piercing gaze, her silvery-white eyes gleaming under the moonlight.

''From start to finish, the moon was always present, watching the protagonist's every step... assuming Ra was not an utter idiot, there is only one explanation—the moon did it. Moreover, Ra would only wander at night when the moon was the brightest, meaning that without the moon, she would have been under no threat at all.''

''...''

''Judging from your silence, I assume my answer is right.''

''Sure.''

As much as I want to say that she is being way too serious about this little puzzle, seeing her slightly proud expression, I swallow my words. Still, when I turn around to look at the moon—the real moon, I can't help but be a little discouraged.

Immersed in that quiet atmosphere, I am once again awakened by Sierra's unprovoked words.

''Thank you for the warning.''

''What do you mean?''

At some point, Sierra's emotions have been replaced by what seems to be seriousness. And on the side... Nydia is somehow looking at me suspiciously. What happened?

''I believe you won't do this kind of thing without intentions.''

No, I do. I really do.

''And... I don't know if you have realized this, but whenever you are deep in thought, you will try to tap your index finger against the back of your thumb.''

''...''

''It doesn't strike me as you have no worries when you do that while having your eyes on the moon, you see.''

...It seems I have underestimated how sharp this girl is.

Vowing to be more careful in the future, I gloss over the matter before ending the brief meeting. Since Sierra seems to love the ice pawn, I decide not to melt it for the moment.

Nevertheless, a few days quickly pass by, and before the students realize it, the second semester has come.

February 18th, 1835.

Since tomorrow is the first day of school, students have been flooding back to the dorms, causing a bit of traffic. Amidst that, the academy's grounds has become lively again after weeks of inactivity.

Aside from the rumor that the Miko of Yugen will be transferred to class 1-A, there is actually a piece of news I did not expect.

''Nydia is coming, too...?''

Somehow, people are saying that the newly recognized imperial princess, Nydia Alaina Astra, will soon be admitted to the academy. This is, once again, a scenario I haven't seen in the game. If Nydia is available at the academy, she will not bear the title of a 'hidden' heroine since approaching her is that easy.

''Hah. I knew that bitch would come back sooner or later.''

Tone it down, Chloe. A lady shouldn't use that kind of vulgar language... but I guess Chloe is not really a lady. She is more of a wild cat in my eyes.

But...

''Isn't Nydia a year older than you right now?'' I speak up. ''If so, she will be transferred to second year, right?''

Hearing this, Chloe, who has been creepily hugging her pillow since earlier, lets out a few squeals of terror.

''D-Don't tell me I have to start calling her 'senior'...!''

It seems she genuinely hates the idea.

''Senior?! What senior? Why would I call my former maid that? No. No way. Like, 'Good day to you, senior Nydia~!'? Fuck that. I'd feel like I've cucked myself after calling someone who kisses my crush so respectfully. This damned—''

''...Have you been drinking?''

''Oh, yeah?''

''...''

Seriously. Nydia hasn't even left for a bit, and Chloe's eating and drinking habits have gone out of control. Maybe... I should learn to cook?

I miss you, Nydia.

That night, I suddenly have a revelation. What if I find a way to let Ariel become Chloe's maid?

Ariel can certainly cook, and she will gladly take the position since she complains about being bored all the time. We just need a method to connect her consciousness to a physical body.

The body can be handled by the doc, but the linking part...

Should I have 049 study Peln?

Maybe he can bring out the mechanism these doppelgangers use to transfer consciousnesses.

But for now, it is time to welcome the transfer student.

Bring it on, Miko.