100\% DROP RATE : Why is My Inventory Always so Full?
Chapter 70 - Trash

Chapter 70: Chapter 70 - Trash

On the way, the Talisman Department Head, Orren Runeforge, kept bringing up his offer. He wanted Lucien to become his disciple. Or at the very least, his assistant while he stayed in the capital.

Coming from a noble bloodline of master Talisman makers, Orren assured him that someone like Lucien would be highly appreciated in the capital if he agreed to learn under him.

However, Lucien politely declined every time.

Orren looked a little disheartened but Lucien couldn’t help it.

He didn’t need a master.

In Lucien’s eyes, he already had everything he could possibly need.

With SKILLPEDIA, he could learn any skill he desired.

With the MAGIC BOOK, he had access to all known magical knowledge.

With MONSTERDEX, he could study the traits and weaknesses of every monster he’d encountered.

And with the System itself, the right drops and the CRAFT feature could give him everything else.

Why would he need a mentor when his cheats was the greatest teacher of all?

He couldn’t even come up with a decent excuse to justify it.

Lucien sighed as they walked through the academy’s expansive hallway.

Every corner of this place was beautiful.

Refined architecture.

Artistic detail.

And an air of prestige.

Lucien couldn’t help but admire it as they moved forward.

Soon, they arrived at one of the classrooms.

Orren came to a stop in front of the door and knocked thrice.

A few moments later, it opened to reveal a woman in her mid-twenties wearing the scholarly uniform of an academy professor.

Her dark eyes scanned the hallway... then lit up with recognition.

"Uncle Orren? What brings you to my class today?" she asked with a warm smile.

Orren returned the smile and leaned in slightly. "Niece Maelin, the academy’s new benefactor would like to sit in for your lecture."

Before she could respond, Orren quietly explained what had transpired earlier.

How Lucien had become a major benefactor of the academy and how there was more to him than met the eye.

He leaned closer. His voice dropped to a whisper.

"Make the class engaging. Pull him in. If we can spark his interest in runes and talismans, he might just stay. It would be a tremendous gain for our Runeforge family."

Maelin nodded thoughtfully.

She, too, was a member of the Runeforge noble house and a respected professor on runes and talismans. If Lucien truly was as exceptional as her uncle claimed then this wasn’t just a class visit.

It was a rare opportunity.

Her eyes drifted past Orren and landed on Lucien who was casually speaking with the Silvermine Guards a few steps behind them.

He stood out instantly.

Not just in appearance but in the way he carried himself. His calm and composed demeanor was worlds apart from the typical young nobles she taught.

There was an edge to him.

A weight.

As if he was already used to commanding attention.

Maelin wasn’t someone who judged hastily or discriminated without cause.

But as her eyes sparkled with newfound interest, one thing became clear.

If what her uncle said was true... this boy could become a major asset to the Runeforge family.

Maelin smiled brightly and stepped aside.

"Esteemed guest, please come in."

Lucien gave Orren a brief nod and the older man returned it with a look of encouragement.

With that, Lucien stepped into the classroom flanked by the Silvermine guards.

Maelin followed, letting the door close behind them.

Orren remained outside. A faint glint of curiosity and anticipation lingered in his eyes as the door shut.

...

The moment Lucien entered, the atmosphere in the room shifted.

Fifty students turned in unison. Their eyes locked onto the newcomer.

Lucien scanned the space.

The lecture hall was grand. Larger than necessary for a single class.

The seats were arranged in ascending tiers, allowing every student a clear view of the front where Maelin would teach.

Lucien’s gaze moved slowly across the room, observing the reactions of the students.

Some looked wary. Others intrigued. A few even seemed intimidated.

It didn’t take long for him to notice the underlying tension...

Small cliques.

Tight-knit circles.

Whispering glances.

Even here, the political games were in play.

These weren’t just students.

They were noble scions being shaped into future leaders, diplomats... or manipulators.

And then, his eyes paused.

Vivian.

She sat near the middle of the hall. Her hand covered her mouth in stunned disbelief.

Their eyes met.

Something unspoken passed between them.

A flicker of recognition. A quiet connection.

Lucien gave her a small smile and a polite nod.

But he didn’t speak. Not now.

It wasn’t the right time.

For the moment, just seeing her again was enough.

Maelin returned to the front of the lecture hall and faced her class with a composed smile.

"Everyone," she began, "we have a distinguished guest joining us today. Please welcome him."

Silence.

The students, most of whom hailed from noble families, remained motionless.

Proud.

Elitist.

Quick to judge.

Many of them hadn’t even heard of Lucien, much less cared for introductions.

To them, respect had to be earned... or inherited.

Their eyes flicked to the Silvermine guards flanking Lucien.

That gave them pause.

But still... no reaction.

Then—

Clap.

A deliberate clap rang through the air.

It was Vivian.

The sound echoed in the stillness like a ripple across calm water.

Those seated near her glanced at her then slowly joined in.

The clapping grew, hesitant at first... but then steadier.

Lucien smiled faintly.

’So she has allies here,’ he thought.

He offered them a slight wave and a courteous nod.

His calm, almost casual demeanor seemed to reassure them. The clapping grew louder, gradually spreading throughout the hall like a wave rolling uphill.

Eventually, even the hesitant ones joined in, more out of peer pressure than enthusiasm.

But not everyone applauded in good faith.

Lucien caught the sharp, narrowed eyes of several noble boys seated near the upper tiers.

Their gazes were hard.

Resentful.

Displeased.

Enmity?

Lucien exhaled quietly, eyes drifting back to Vivian, who was still clapping softly.

Her eyes never left him.

’She’s more respected than I thought,’ he mused, noting the possessive glare of some of the boys.

And judging by the hostile stares now aimed at him, Lucien could already tell...

He’d stepped right into a nest of politics.

"Esteemed guest, you may take the seat at the very top," Maelin said with a smile.

Lucien nodded silently and began ascending the steps of the lecture hall.

But then...

He paused.

A foot was casually extended across his path, just enough to trip someone not paying attention.

It wasn’t subtle.

It was the kind of move that said, "You don’t belong here."

Lucien’s eyes flicked to the culprit.

A boy with striking blond hair sat there, casually leaning back in his seat with an arrogant smirk.

Around him were other students.

Equally prideful, equally pompous.

Their postures were relaxed but their eyes watched Lucien like wolves waiting to bite.

They watched Lucien climb with the air of men waiting for a joke to land.

The blond boy didn’t even try to hide it. He lounged in his seat with exaggerated ease, clearly expecting Lucien to stumble.

The way the others deferred to him... murmuring respectfully and seeking his reaction before acting... it was clear who the leader of this little clique was.

Lucien cast a quick INSPECT.

Thornel Golddust.

The name rang familiar.

Lucien narrowed his eyes slightly then glanced at the rest of the group. Most of them were forgettable background characters in Thornel’s orbit.

Except one.

A Coalheart.

Lucien almost scoffed.

Back at the border, the Coalhearts strutted like royalty...

But here in the capital, he was clearly nothing more than a lapdog... trailing behind someone stronger. More connected.

’How fitting,’ Lucien mused. ’Birds of the same feather, after all.’

He returned his gaze to Thornel.

The golden boy didn’t move his foot.

Lucien smiled faintly.

’So this is how you greet a guest, huh?’

Lucien resumed his climb, eyes scanning casually until he noticed Thornel’s expression tighten. He was looking behind him.

’Oh-ho... he recognizes the Silvermine Guards.’

Lucien smirked inwardly.

He played the part of the clueless newcomer, strolling forward with innocent ease.

That’s when Thornel made his move.

The blond noble shifted, subtly swinging his foot forward... aiming to trip Lucien in plain sight of the class.

But Lucien had already seen it coming.

He was faster.

Before Thornel could complete the motion, Lucien’s boot came down hard.

CRACK.

"AGHK!"

A sharp yelp of pain rang through the lecture hall as Thornel jerked upright in his seat clutching his foot. Every student turned toward the commotion.

"You!?" he shouted in disbelief. His voice was strained with both pain and humiliation.

Some of the students had caught what happened.

Thornel’s reputation preceded him.

Arrogant.

Entitled.

Always picking on others.

A few quiet giggles rippled through the class.

His face turned red.

Lucien turned to the Silvermine guards.

His expression?

Picture-perfect innocence.

"Hm. I think I stepped on a trash... but it disappeared. Might’ve flown into the room. Could one of you help me look for it later?"

A few stifled laughs escaped the students.

Even Maelin raised a hand to cover a small smile.

Thornel shot up, fury burning in his eyes.

"You dare!?"

Maelin took a step forward, ready to intervene and de-escalate the situation.

But then—