Extra's Descent-Chapter 373: White Christmas [7]

6:00 PM.

Brandon had just finished his meeting with the Imperial Army's higher ups.

The Field Marshals.

The artifacts had finally finished its testing phase.

For that reason, Brandon showcased the products in front of the Field Marshals.

"Haaa…."

There were twists and turns along the way. The other Field Marshals seemed to have been skeptical, knowing a 17–year old cadet was in charge of the entire operation.

However, the moment it was revealed that Brandon was the newly ascended S–ranker, the reception took a turn.

And in the end,

It was a success.

The artifacts had been greatly approved, and would be supported for mass production.

They've seen the potential Brandon Locke had. And so, they wanted to invest in him.

Because he was exceptional.

However, Brandon didn't need that kind of support unless it was financially.

And Brandon seized the opportunity to mention Amelia's name.

That he was her benefactor, and his company supported her faction.

To try and get on his good side, they claimed to pay more attention to Amelia.

And that was all he needed to do.

For them to finally notice Amelia's efforts.

There was a chance it could backfire in the future. After all, though they claim to see things out, their objective in the end, was Brandon.

But if Amelia were to show them valid and positive results, she would be able to retain her upcoming supporters.

From here on out, it all depended on Amelia's efforts.

Brandon had done his part.

Sooner or later, she would soon come to find out of his involvement.

He couldn't wait to see the look on her face.

"Heh."

He scoffed.

"Glad to see you're feeling good, Boss."

Zed, who stood right beside him, casually spoke.

"Right? I wonder what kind of reward Miss Amelia would give him."

Matthew said with a grin, raising his eyebrows continuously, making Brandon frown in response.

He had brought the two of them along to assist him in disseminating the artifact's complexities.

He wanted to bring Ironaxe instead, but the dwarf was too busy.

"You're both fired."

***

There was still time left today.

For that reason, though it was winter break, Brandon headed for the academy.

He had an agreement with Evelyn to assist him in mastering the [Permafrost] affinity.

He was well aware the affinity wasn't compatible with his body.

For that reason, progress was slow.

[Permafrost]

∟ [Eternal Glaciate] 7%

∟ [Glacial Bloom] Locked

∟ [Winter's Aegis] Locked

∟ [Aurora's Embrace] Locked

∟ [Veil of Eternal Frost] Locked

——————————

The [Permafrost] affinity's understanding was rather different to [Curse].

And so, he needed someone with profound understanding to guide him.

For a week now, Brandon would train with Evelyn for a good two hours everyday.

Although it was winter break, instructors still needed to work.

Brandon was the first to arrive inside the empty training hall.

He sat around and waited for Evelyn. At the moment, she should be discussing with the other Field Marshals after his presentation.

Seconds turned into minutes, and minutes turned into hours.

After about two hours, Evelyn finally arrived.

"Took you long enough."

"And who's fault do you think that is?"

"Amelia's."

"...."

Evelyn could only frown at his words. How shameless can he be?

But she could see what he was trying to do. His willingness to support her was rather admirable.

Much to the point where he established his own company, became responsible for replicating Milis technology, all for the sole purpose of directing attention to his girlfriend.

In any case, Evelyn finished changing and stepped outside the changing room.

Looking ahead, Brandon was dangling his feet as he sat high above the podium, reading a book.

Evelyn couldn't help but smile.

She was proud of her student's achievements.

Brandon had a bright future ahead of him.

At the age of seventeen, he had already accomplished so much.

But despite that….

"...."

He didn't look happy at all.

As if everything he had done so far wasn't enough.

'Isn't it enough?'

What was his goal in all this?

Evelyn realized she had never once asked what his aspirations were.

But if he wasn't satisfied with his accomplishments now, just how high was he aiming?

'He'll burn himself out….'

Evelyn could only support him here on out.

In any case, the moment magic power began to swirl around Evelyn, Brandon's gaze met with hers.

Brandon set the book down, and hopped off the podium casually.

Fixing his gloves, Brandon slowly walked towards her.

However, Evelyn quickly moved.

Her body emanated a radiant light, and Evelyn blinked forward.

Thwack!

But Brandon, seeing it coming, swiftly adjusted, catching her fist coated in [Celestial] mana, with his palm.

However, the strength disparity was still there. Brandon was pushed back a couple of meters away, and he could already feel the painful sting in his palm.

"Oh?"

Evelyn's brows raised.

"Did you get stronger?"

"Did you not hear my bones crack just now?"

Indeed.

The moment her attack collided with his palm, Brandon could solemnly swear his shoulder had dislocated somewhat.

Or maybe he was just imagining it.

The first thirty minutes of their training focused solely on combat. For the rest, it was focused on adjusting to his [Permafrost] affinity, circulating and properly redirecting appropriate mana, and launching it from his core.

It was hard.

Being a Deviant itself was hard.

More so, because it was different from the case of [Skillweaver] where the information was downloaded in the brain instantly.

But in any case, Brandon was determined.

Because his new affinity would serve as his trump card.

If there were spies close by, they must've known his abilities by now.

For that reason, Brandon had agreed with Evelyn to keep his new power hidden from the public eye for the time being.

Before he realized it, two hours passed by in a flash.

"Haaa…. H-haaa…."

Sweat trickled down his back as he took deep heavy breaths.

His entire body was drenched in sweat. Much to the point where he felt his clothes stick to his skin.

"....I think I'm starting to—Haaa….. Grasp it."

"Are you?"

Evelyn tilted her head.

He was NOT grasping it at all.

From what Evelyn could see, it was another wasted day.

But there were slight improvements.

Like for example….

"Uh…."

His body seemed to be getting more toned?

"And uh…."

His hair was getting longer?

"What are you thinking about?"

Brandon suddenly asked, cutting off her thoughts.

"Ah?"

Flustered, Evelyn's brows raised.

"N-nothing…. Uh…. you're doing great!"

She gave him a thumbs up.

Brandon frowned, noticing her reluctance in acknowledging his statement.

But it was the truth.

After all….

∟ [Eternal Glaciate] 13%

The percentage increased.

'So I did grasp something, right?' ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

Right!?

In any case, today's training session was adjourned, and Brandon left the training hall.

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As soon as the coast was clear, Evelyn slumped down on the ground, exhausted.

"Haaa…. H-haaa…."

She clenched her chest tightly.

For some reason, ever since the surgery, her stamina seemed to drain really fast.

Much to the point where it was occasionally hard to breathe.

She had consulted it with the surgeon before, and she was told it was a side effect after the surgery.

So for that reason, Evelyn had no choice but to wait it out.

Time was the best healer.