Tenebrous Wolf
Chapter 49: Faulty Vending Machine

Chapter 49: Faulty Vending Machine

Time slowly ticked by, and thus, the rune language lesson ended.

It was 2:00 PM. Klaus had already finished the Tactical Survival lesson at 12:00 PM and had spent the past two hours studying rune language. More specifically, he had been learning the peculiar subject from a particularly quiet girl. As it turned out, learning from someone else was far easier than struggling through it alone. Naturally, someone with better comprehension skills could explain their understanding more effectively to another person. However, this largely depended on the subject in question. For instance, a person might excel in Geography, while another might thrive in Chemistry or Biology.

Truth be told, this wasn’t strange in the slightest. Perhaps it would be more fitting to refer to it as a form of ’uniqueness.’ Ultimately, no two individuals could ever be exactly the same.

Following this principle, Klaus’s grasp of Chaos Runes was still developing, whereas Yuki’s understanding was significantly more advanced. It wasn’t necessarily because she was better than him academically, but rather because her comprehension of that particular subject was sharper. As a result, she could process and explain it with greater clarity.

Even though her personality was somewhat questionable (and a little messed up), she didn’t seem to mind him pestering her about his ’weakness.’ Normally, Klaus would have been ashamed to rely on someone else, especially considering his unpleasant experiences in high school. His social anxiety and guarded nature made it difficult for him to seek help. However, he had no choice since mastering Chaos Runes was crucial if he wanted to survive his First Departure!

Truly, nothing could be done about it!

Everything went fine, so I shouldn’t be too bothered. For that matter, I don’t think it will be long before I fully comprehend the Hermes and Elvis languages.

With a satisfied smile, Klaus continued his casual stride. After his lesson with Yuki, the two had gone their separate ways as usual. Since the academy’s library was positioned at the center, hence why it was called the Central Library, those from the North, West, East, and South Divisions could all access it with ease.

For the young Awakened, this was ideal. He could take his time walking while keeping an eye on his surroundings. Ascension Academy was filled to the brim with countless marvels, so it was only natural that one would wish to explore.

Fundamentally, humans had always possessed an insatiable desire to venture into the unknown. No, the same could be said for demons as well. If Briar had been with him, she would have observed the world through his Soul Stream. Unfortunately, the succubus had no such desire and remained in his dormitory, messing around with her Mini Pad. It was as if she had transformed from a proud demoness into a complete neet!

Ah, wasn’t that the case? As the thought crossed his mind, a wry smile tugged at the corners of Klaus’s lips.

Feeling a bit thirsty and urgently needing something to cool his throat under the relentless heat, he made his way to the nearest vending machine. It was a unique model that operated through digital transfers rather than paper money or coins. While older vending machines were still in use, even within the Sanctuary, only a handful of high-end companies had adopted these advanced versions. The academy had acquired them solely to ensure the maximum satisfaction of Ascendants and Riders.

Considering the Shadow Realm was a place where death was an everyday reality, those chosen for departure into its depths were given the means to indulge in their desires if only to grant them some fleeting comfort before they perished.

It was a grim thought, yet it was simply the way of things. Honestly speaking, there was a chance he might not even survive to return back.

No, no, no. Let’s not think about that.

Shaking his head, Klaus let out a sigh before tapping the vending machine’s interface and proceeding with the digital transfer. Then, he waited.

One second. Two seconds. Five seconds.

Nothing.

The vending machine’s interface flickered momentarily before an error message popped up.

[Transaction Failed: Unable to Process Payment]

Klaus frowned. That was strange. His account had more than enough funds, and digital transactions were supposed to be seamless. He tapped the screen again, this time a little harder, but the same error appeared.

[Transaction Failed: Unable to Process Payment]

The fuck?

Tilting his head in confusion, Klaus felt his thirst grow more irritable by the second.

Was the machine malfunctioning? Or was there an issue with the academy’s network?

He glanced around, wondering if anyone else had encountered the same problem. A few people passed by, but none seemed to be using the vending machine.

Walking away immediately came to mind, and he thought about doing just that until a sudden ding from his smartphone made his expression twist in shock.

[Debit Alert: €50.41 has successfully been transferred.]

What the hell? No, no, no, come on, please...

At this moment, Klaus began to panic. It wasn’t the amount that mattered, his account had plenty of zeroes to spare, but the principle of it. That was his hard-earned money! His €50.41! And now, the machine had the audacity to take his money without delivering his drink? Was he being challenged?! His heart screamed in outrage as he began tapping on the machine in a frantic manner.

Damnit! What kind of rotten luck do I fucking have? If you’re not going to give me a drink, then at least give me back my money!!

Gritting his teeth, Klaus knew without a doubt that if he, in a fit of rage, shook or kicked the vending machine, the alarm would go off.

If anyone saw him at this moment, they would probably wonder how someone could be so cursed by the Goddess of Misfortune.

Amidst his despair, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps from behind.

"Don’t stand idly in front of the vending machine. If you’re not buying anything, then step aside. The weather is hotter than the forecast team predicted. Tch. What did I even expect?"

The voice was cold, yet unmistakably feminine. Inside the academy, it wasn’t unusual to hear someone say something like this, but this particular voice carried an unknown air of familiarity.

What? This is...

Turning his head, Klaus found himself staring at an oddly familiar girl. She had bob-styled silvery-white hair, light tanned skin, and facual features that didn’t require makeup to enhance. Dressed in the academy’s female uniform, a long-sleeved shirt and fitted pants, she grumbled about the heat like an overworked salarywoman getting off a fully-loaded train rather than a refined young lady.

But Klaus did not know how to react to this situation.

What is she doing here?

Naturally, this girl was none other than the number-one Aspirant on the ranking table — Seraphim. He assumed she would be attending a class right now. Or had she already finished and come here to quench her dry throat?

"Well," Seraphim said, hand on her hip. "Aren’t you going to move?"

"Ah..."

Hearing that snapped him out of his reverie. Perhaps it was because of the heat that he had started thinking about unnecessary things.

Klaus glanced at the vending machine and asked:

"You want to use this vending machine?"

Seraphim tilted her head.

"...Yes?"

"Oh, that’s not good. I think this vending machine is broken. At best, it will just eat your money."

"I know already."

"You already know and still want to use it. Is the military using it as some kind of offertory box?"

"Not that I know of."

"Then?"

"You shouldn’t worry too much. There’s an underhanded method that can fix the machine."

Underhanded method? Those words raised an immediate sense of alertness within Klaus, a really bad feeling. What kind of method was she talking about?

In the next instant, Seraphim tilted her body at a perfect 45-degree angle and delivered a devastating kick to the side of the vending machine.

Bang!

A painful clatter resounded inside the machine before a can popped out.

Klaus blinked.

Did she really just do that?

"Since this is one of the first advanced models after the old vending machines, it still has the same flaw. The strings holding the drinks loosen over time, so a simple kick is enough to fix it."

Seraphim explained matter-of-factly as she bent down to pick up the can that had popped out. When she saw the label, her brows furrowed slightly in displeasure.

"But you can’t choose which drink comes out. Still, if you’re just trying to quench your thirst, does it really matter?"

She trailed off as her gaze landed on Klaus.

"What’s wrong?"

"Nothing."

Without realizing it, Klaus had given a monotone response. It wasn’t intentional. His mind was simply struggling to reconcile the image of the academy’s top Aspirant with the granny-like oblique kick she had just performed at a perfect 45-degree angle.

If that vending machine had a consciousness, it would probably be screaming "ASSAULT! ASSAULT! I HAVE BEEN ASSAULTED!!"

"Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Can every girl in the academy kick like that? I didn’t think vending machines were part of the combat curriculum."

Seraphim glanced at Klaus as if he had asked the most idiotic question known to humanity.

"You’ve never thought to kick a vending machine before?"

Klaus hesitated.

"Uh... no?"

"Tch. That’s why you let it scam you."

Seraphim let out a sigh and cracked open the can, taking a sip before grimacing in distaste. It was some obscure grapefruit-flavored drink, probably one of the least popular options available. Even then, despite her displeased expression, she still took another sip.

"Eh? Oh, speaking of which, you lost money to this vending machine," stopping mid-way, she went silent. "... Hey, by any chance, did you already buy something?"

"...."

He didn’t answer.

Seraphim narrowed her eyes at Klaus, waiting for a response.

"...Yeah," he muttered reluctantly under that glare and rubbed his neck. "I paid. Didn’t get my drink, though."

"How much did you spend?"

"Is there any point to ask? It’s not like I’ll get my money back."

"Hmm. That is indeed true. Technology created by man would be hungry and especially greedy. Surely, it won’t be defeated by a single kick."

Before Klaus could ask what she meant, Seraphim tilted her body once again, this time shifting to an even sharper angle.

BANG!

Her foot struck the vending machine’s lower panel with pinpoint accuracy. This time, with a even heavier impact than the previous kick. The machine shook violently as if it had just been dealt a critical hit.

Then, all at once—

Clatter! Clatter! Clatter!

A cascade of cans erupted from the slot like a slot machine hitting a jackpot. One, two, five, ten — way more than what either of them had paid for. A grapefruit-flavored drink rolled onto the floor and gently tapped against Klaus’s shoe.

"...Huh," he said dumbly, watching the growing pile.

Seraphim frowned slightly.

"That was a bit much. Did I miscalculate that kick?"

Klaus gawked.

"A bit much? You just turned a vending machine into a charity drive!"

As if to confirm his words, the vending machine suddenly emitted a loud, shrill beep.

[ALERT: UNAUTHORIZED DISPENSING DETECTED. SECURITY HAS BEEN NOTIFIED!!]

Both of them froze.

Then, in perfect synchronization, they turned to stare at the flashing red light on the top panel of the vending machine.

Klaus turned pale.

"Oh, shit."

Seraphim blinked, taking another sip of her drink and muttered a simple "Oops." How could anyone be that calm and composed in such a situation?

Klaus didn’t wait for an explanation. "I am not getting caught up in this!" he screamed internally, spinning on his heel and sprinting away as fast as his legs could carry him. There was no telling when misfortune would strike, but everything about this random encounter utterly screamed misfortune from start to finish.

"Oi," Seraphim called after him. "You’re just gonna leave without your drinks? Even if you can’t get your money back, wouldn’t it make sense to take your money worth along with you?!"

"NO! THANK YOU VERY MUCH, YOU’RE TOO KIND!" Klaus answered without looking back. "TO SHOW MY APPRECIATION, PLEASE MAKE SURE TO ENJOY MY €50.41 WORTH OF DRINKS!!"

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