For I Am A Side Character - 100: The Vault and its Many Wonders!

After I was able to receive the key to the hidden vault, Tyen-Lin arrived under the order to watch over me as a witness to my actions.

If my assumptions are right, the Acrylic Elf Core Artifact might just be in the vault. Now the question is…how can I obtain it without having to take suspicion from the principal as well as Tyen-Lin.

I have a bit of time left, maybe I’ll just improvise as I go.

After receiving the key, Tyen-lin was the one who lead me to the direction of the hidden vault. By now, I can assume that those trespassers might also come here in the dead of night to retrieve the same artifact I’m after as well…

Although I don’t know how they might be able to pass through the vault’s entrance without a key, seeing as how they achieved to create the key to open a gate to the Elven world, it must be possible that they have access to the vault as well.

By now at this time, the only people in the academy was a few janitors and a few teachers working in the afternoon. I know it will take some time for me to obtain the artifact so knowing this, I asked Jessica that I wouldn’t be home tonight. I pleaded to her that I might come back around midnight. When she asked what the reason was, I simply said that it was a personal issue…it wasn’t something I was yet prepared to share to her…

And in a way it is…my mission isn’t something I can easily explain to Jessica. After a bit more times of convincing her, she finally gave up and said that she’ll be waiting for me even when its finally past midnight. She simply said…

{I just want to see you come back home safe, so please take care…}

Hearing those words, I couldn’t help but melt inside. To see her genuine care for me, I couldn’t be anymore of a lucky man to have her.

Anyway, back to the mission..

“We’re here.” said Tyen as she stood in front of the library.

Tyen-Lin. A big-boobed ninja that works under the orders of Lionel Crufter, the principal of the academy. Normally I would only find her dressed as a stealthy ninja, blended in the shadows and not once have I ever seen her face…not until now, when she was asked to watch over me.

And I can only say now, that by the way she wore her uniform, you couldn’t blame me for not noticing her in the slightest if we were strangers. To me, she looked like your typical book-worm who wore giant glasses over her eyes. With a brunette hair cut plain as that of a simple short bob cut, and a pimple on the side of her left eye, her presence was as silent as that of a rock in the side of the road. She was more of a side character than I was…she looked literally like an NPC background character found in every anime ever.

And most of all, her chest was as moderate as every other student in the academy. It was nothing like her ninja attire where her chest was the main focus of her entire look. I can only assume that she must have covered her chest to hide her identity in this school. Props to her for going this far.

Well anyway, Tyen-lin has lead me to the front of the library. And from what I can see, the room was empty.

“…Is it inside the library?” I asked.

“It is.”

“Then those people must have been close in finding the entrance to the vault after all.”

“Yes, Just last night, they were found searching near the hidden entrance. We were worried that they might be able to open it before we were given the order to move, but luckily, they didn’t know how to get past it.” said Tyen.

“…Hmm, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to assume that maybe they will come back tonight with some sort of contraption to get pass the entrance.”

“I find it hard to believe that they do have some sort of contraption for the entrance.”

“Why is that?”

“The entrance is made simply to withstand any kind of magic devices or artifacts to forcefully open it. And it has the structured strength to withstand even Master Crufter’s skills. Unless they have the key on hand, they won’t have the chance to obtain whatever it is they are after inside th vault.”

“Hmm, so you are this confident?”

“I am…” she said as she entered the library.

As I followed her in, it was clear that the entire library was empty. In a room filled with shelves of books, not a single person was found inside except for the magical flying dusters cleaning each and every shelf.

The cleaning dusters were the only things allowed inside the library aside from the teachers and students. If you weren’t a student or a teacher inside, these dusters would act as a self defensive item that protects the books. That means that Janitors weren’t allowed in such a place.

That is why in the past few nights, these dusters have been dealt with each and every night, and replaced the next morning by the principal. This sign alone has put in the assumption that the culprit wasn’t a student or a teacher.

Walking along the shelves, Tyen was able to direct me into the deeper parts of the library. With less light found the deeper we went and with less books stacked, it was clear that we were entering a restricted place.

Not long after, when passed an arched hallway which was placed under a magical barrier. Raising the key upfront, we were able to pass through, and up ahead, we were blocked with another magical barrier.

Each time we moved pass a magical barrier, we went in deeper underground. Both me and Tyen were used to the dark, so we didn’t really need to bring a light with us. At this point, we were able to pass the 10^th barrier, and inside it was the final door leading to the hidden vault.

“…have you ever been inside?” I asked.

“No, only my master a few others were allowed.”

“…He must trust you a lot to leave you alone with me in this vault.”

“…” Tyen-lin didn’t say anything from my comment, and instead she simply opened the gate without hesitation. When she inserted the key, it soon reacted to the door and a glow of light was shifted. From here, we both heard a small whisper in its opening.

[~~Open] it said in a cold whisper.

The door to the vault was a moderately sized door. Around 3 meters in height. But when it opened, I noticed that it was around a meter in thickness. The way it opened itself was that it was being pulled inside and pushed to the sides in a slotted space fit for the door.

“…Lets go in.” she said.

“Right…”

As we stepped in, we were met with a cold dark room which soon brightened itself with lights from every corner and pillar of the room.

And just like the library, the hidden vault was filled with shelves which were made of finely crafted wood of various species and color. And from where we stood, it seemed like the space in this vault seems to go as far as into the dark…although not all of the shelves were filled with items, I can guess that the number including the books and items all sum up to a number pass a thousand.

“…Do you feel that?” I asked.

“Yeah…this room is filled with all kinds of items…ominous to its core.” she said as she felt the presence of the room.

It was truly a magical place filled with all kinds of items, books and artifacts that no man should ever touch.

As we stood in awe of the room, Tyen suddenly asked a question.

“What do you intend to do inside this vault?” she asked.

“…I have a hunch of what the trespassers might be after.” I said.

“…Really? And what’s that?”

“I’m not sure if its inside this vault, but if it does…it can help us in the future.”

“Be straight with me, what is inside this vault that made you act this far without the orders from your master! I mean its clear already to me that your acting all alone without the support from the house, so what is it?”

“…a piece of a key I guess.”

“A piece of a key?”

“…Just help me find it.” I said as I move on ahead.

When I stepped on further, I was suddenly halted by the sudden appearance of a magical device that walked up to me in its four legs.

“…What the-”

It was a piece of furniture that resembled an old grandfather clock, with a face carved on the surface of its moving clock system. It reminded me of a trope in a cartoon film in the beauty and the beast, where inanimate objects were alive.

“Good day to you sir.” said the clock.

“…What are you?” I asked as I was taken aback by his presence.

“My name is [Chrome Keeper], but you my address me as Chrome. I have lived in this vault since the day it was made, under the hands of the great crafter, Lionel Crufter himself. ”

“So my master built you?” asked Tyen as she was also taken aback by this appearance.

“Indeed. I was built to keep the items of this vault in perfect condition and protect it from any of those who intend to steal without permission.”

“How are you moving?” I asked.

“…Magic is simply the fine answer I can give you. Although its complex magic, it is magic under the guidance of master Lionel Crufter’s work. He alone is the one capable of such a feat.” said Chrome.

“I didn’t know that the principal was capable of such a thing.” I said.

“…I did. But I never expected that his skill would come pass the limits of creating living objects. Although he created things like automated cleaning dusters and fighting armored knights under simple commands, a creation of its own voice and personality is something I did not consider. My master is really amazing!” said Tyen as she was ecstatic of the creation before her.

“Wait…I thought his skills were about creating toxins and poisons? The last time I received his attacks, he melted my skin in an instant with some kind of poison.” I said as I thought back to the time when he and brother Cecil attacked me all at the same time at my own home.

“You must be referring to one of the weapons he carries around with him. If I am correct, it might be the Xenados leather glove. Its incredibly acidic, with how it can easily tore off an arm in with a single swipe of his hand.” said Tyen who was knowledgeable about his master’s work.

“…Now then, to what honor do I have in serving the two of you today?” asked Chrome.

“We came here to search for the Acrylic Elf Core Artifact.”

“The Acrylic Elf Core Artifact, hmm…I see. I indeed know that it is within this vault and I can guide you to its place, but before I do, for what purpose do you claim to gain this artifact?” asked Chrome.

“You’ll help us?” asked Tyen-lin.

“Within reason and permission from Master Crufter.” he said.

“…I see.” as Soril understood what he meant by Chrome’s words…he knew that if he forcibly took it without reason, Chrome will protect the artifact. It left Soril in a rather hard predicament.

“…Do not try anything hasty. If you were able to touch even a single speck of its surface, I will immediately know and will act according to my master’s orders.” said Chrome as he can see the intentions of the boy with just the gaze in his eyes.

“I’m not going to do anything like that.” I said as I gave up stealing the artifact.

It simply isn’t right for me to do it like this…

But one way or another, I need to get the artifact before midnight comes.

“Show me the Artifact.” I said.

And to my order, Chrome complied. He saw that within my thoughts, I gave up acting harsh to this idea.

As Chrome walked into the domain of the vaults with his four legs, he directed us to the A-section shelf which was a row of shelves formed by their starting letter of their name.

When we followed him, he simply directed us to the placement of this artifact.

And we walked… we walked for about a hundred steps, passing by a hundred artifacts under the name of A.

The Acrylic Elf Core Artifact was unlike anything I had ever seen. As Chrome led us deeper into the vault, I could feel the powerful aura emanating from it, even before we laid eyes on it. When we finally reached the pedestal where it was displayed, I was momentarily speechless.

“…Is this it?” I asked.

“…it is.” said Chrome.

The artifact was about the size of a human hand, shaped like a shard of a larger, intricate key. Its surface was smooth and glossy, made of a translucent material that shimmered with a soft, inner light. The edges of the shard were jagged, hinting at where it would fit with other pieces to form the complete key. Embedded within the acrylic-like material were delicate, swirling patterns of silver and gold, resembling the intricate designs of Elven craftsmanship.

At the core of the artifact was a small, glowing gem, pulsating with an ethereal light that seemed to change colors—ranging from a deep emerald green to a pale, almost luminescent blue. The light within the gem pulsed gently, as if it were alive, resonating with the ancient magic that infused the artifact.

The overall appearance of the Acrylic Elf Core Artifact was both beautiful and ancient. It was simply a relic.

“…As an Artifact, What can it do?” asked Tyen-Lin in her curiosity.

“The Acrylic Elf Core Artifact, even as a single piece, held remarkable magical properties. Its capabilities were legendary, whispered about in hushed tones by scholars and adventurers alike.”

“The Acrylic Elf Core Artifact,” Chrome began, his voice resonating with a subtle hum as if he were reciting a cherished tale.

“Though small in stature, its magical prowess is not to be underestimated. This artifact, young madam, holds within it the essence of illusion itself.”

He gestured toward the artifact, its surface shimmering with a faint, ethereal glow.

“With a mere touch and the whisper of a command, it can conjure illusions of unparalleled detail and complexity. Imagine standing in one place while creating a vivid, lifelike image of yourself elsewhere—a perfect decoy to confuse foes or gain an advantageous position.”

Chrome’s clock face seemed to brighten as he continued, his mechanical movements conveying a sense of pride.

“It is said that with this artifact, one can weave illusions that transcend reality, fooling even the keenest senses. The illusions it creates are not mere tricks of light and shadow but tangible, convincing manifestations that can interact with the world around them.”

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before adding.

“But remember, illusions crafted by the Acrylic Elf Core Artifact are only as potent as the imagination and skill of their creator. Mastery of its power requires finesse and understanding, lest the illusion unravel and reveal its true nature.”

As I listened to Chrome’s explanation, I couldn’t help but marvel at the artifact’s capabilities. The thought of wielding such power was both exhilarating and daunting, knowing that with it, I could manipulate perception and reality itself.

And that is when I knew how the demon fanatics were able to escape such a dangerous place as this vault.

Knowing what they were after, getting into the vault was the hard part, but getting out was as easy as a thought. If they knew what this artifact was capable of, they can easily use it to go against those protecting it.

Its no wonder that they were able to create the whole key towards the elven world.

They must have been using each artifact to their advantage. Something like this elf core was already as strong as it is on its own…if it was in the wrongs hands, no one can easily stop that group.

“…So this is how they can escape then.” I said to myself.

In the end, I knew what God wanted me to do now.

I needed to stop the Demon fanatics from obtaining every other pieces of the key. I need to gather them all…

As I was in deep thought, all of a sudden, a large explosion was heard outside the vault.

*BOOOOOMMM!!!!!*

It was then that I knew, they were here.

*BOOM!*

*BOOM!*

*BOOM!*

*BOOM!*

*BOOM!*

*BOOM!*

*BOOM!*

*BOOM!*

*BOOM!*

*BOOM!*

The explosions kept happening right after another. All to a point that those explosions went pass through the very barriers that blocked the vault.

And to its end, those explosions passed through the doors.

*BOOOM!*

It was unbelievable…

The doors that even the principal was said to be incapable of tearing pass through were broken down into pieces…

How?

How was it possible…

As I asked myself this, me, Tyen-Lin and Chrome quickly went back ot the entrance. in the distance, as the smoke covered the area, I felt it…

The presence of something incredibly dangerous…

It was something that made my heart skip a beat…

And with a single flap of her wings, the cluster of dust were scattered and cleared.

“Hmm…would you look at that, it wasn’t so hard after all.” a voice…the voice of a mature woman…

“…W-wings?” and to Tyen-Lin’s question, what stood before her was the sight of the wings of a vulture…

As gray as that of ash and as threatening as that of a holy being, what stood before us was the sight of a fallen angel.

“…Who are you?” I asked.

And to my question, the fallen angel simply smiled.

“I simply came her to take what I need.” she said.

And what stood beside her were ten demon fanatics dressed in black suits.

Although they looked formal, they all felt incredibly powerful.

“…Ready yourselves!” I said as I quickly brought out my armor and sword.

I wasn’t ready for this…never did I imagine that I would fight an angel.

Hi Guys…I finally did it! I reached a hundred chapters of this novel. never did I imagine that I would go this far for this story….but here I am…I just can’t believe it. all of my patience, all of my stress inducing writer’s block…it was all thwarted with my gut and brain. so thanks, my gut and brain, I am truly indebted to you. for without you, I will literally die at the moment you guys fail. so yeah…

also I can’t forget the guys and gals who are reading this right now. You guys really went and used your precious time simply to read my wackjob of a novel. Its great!! I really appreciate your eyes as they read my words…its weird but yes….I appreciate your eyes and nothing else. anyway, that’s it, I’ll continue on for another hundred chapteers!!!! Be ready folks!, I’m sailing into depression!!!

And you guys well be my crew…my great and awkward crew. We’ll sail into the sea and search for the very motivation I crave for to continue on writing this story!! Are you ready lads!!!! ARE YOU READY LADS!!!!

*BOOM!*

Ah shit! My ship just got shot at with a ton writers block and depression is pouring into the hole!! Crew, abandon ship!!!

Abandon SHIPPP!!!!!