The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 156. What’s That Thing?

Chapter 156: 156. What’s That Thing?

Leo sitting on a wooden chair in the quiet infirmary, his academy uniform rumpled and his collar stained with faint bloodstains. His body felt heavy and exhausted, as if he had just finished a fierce battle. The head healer stood before him, her robes swishing, her face focused, her hand glowing green with mana as she checked him.

Rin was standing close by, her hands squeezed so tightly that her knuckles turned white, her pink eyes full of concern. Her fear was almost palpable as she gazed at Leo’s pale face.

With a confused yet relieved expression on her face, the healer stood straight as the green light faded. Rin’s worried voice cut through the silence. "Is he all right? What’s this issue?"

With a steady but uncertain voice, the healer shook her head. "He is in good physical condition. No injury, no loss of mana."

Rin’s eyes widened and she protested. "But I saw his nose bleeding! He fainted right in front of me!"

The healer’s words were clear and calm. "It’s probably extreme fatigue. He has overexerted his body and energy."

She looked at him with stern but compassionate eyes. "You should get some rest, Leonhardt Caulem. Take a little rest and avoid stress for a few days." She gave him a small vial of capsules. "These will help you regain your strength." With a small nod, she walked out, her footsteps echoing down the hallway.

Rin’s eyes snapped to Leo, her voice quieter, full of worry. "Are you really okay, Leonhardt?"

He breathed out, leaning back in the chair, his crimson eyes half-shut but steady. "Yeah, I’m fine now," he said, his voice rough but kind, giving her a small, comforting smile.

Rin’s maid stepped forward, holding a damp cloth. "Let me clean that, my lord," she said softly, wiping the bloodstains on his shirt with gentle care.

Leo nodded, his mind turning inward as he thought, Elynn, What happened to me?

[Emergency Key 3011 activated by admin!] Elynn’s screen flashed in his vision, its text clear.

[Protocol overrides external influence by using your energy reserves to restore control.]

His brow wrinkled, things making sense. The blackout, the nosebleed—it was the cost of breaking free from the hooded figure’s grip. Why didn’t you warn me? he asked, annoyed.

[Protocol activation was instant to stop a deadly threat. Warning was not possible at that time,] Elynn answered.

He stood, holding the chair to steady himself, his legs shaky. "I’m good to go," he said aloud, his voice firmer. "I’ll head back to my room."

Rin’s eyes widened, and she stepped closer, her voice strong. "No way, you can barely stand! Let me help you."

Leo met her gaze, his crimson eyes studying her face. He wanted to ask her the question as before, but the memory of the entity’s anger stopped him.

That thing wanted Rin dead, and saying his old name had set it off. Why? The question ate at him, a dark mystery he couldn’t solve yet.

He softened, shaking his head with a small smirk. "I’m fine, Rin. Focus on getting better yourself."

He moved to the door, pausing with his hand on the knob, his voice low but playful. "Oh, and get ready. Tomorrow, you’re back in action as Bronze’s second fighter for the tournament. Don’t let me down, Valarune."

Rin’s pink eyes widened in surprise as she froze. After her careless duel, she wasn’t expecting being chosen for the tournament by Leonhardt. Her heart leaped, and she bounded to her feet, a broad smile bursting forth.

She squealed, "You mean it?!" but then winced as her bandaged arm ached. She made a face and grabbed it.

Her maid hurried over with a stern but gentle tone. "You’ll Leopen your wounds, Lady Rin! Sit down!"

Leo glanced back, his grin remaining, his eyes displaying a mixture of pride and laughter. He stepped outside and said, "Take it easy." Rin’s excitement filled the room as the door silently closed behind him.

___

Leo’s boots echoed in the dorm’s hallways, hunger clawing at his stomach. Erin said meet her after he was done, but he had no idea where she was now.

As he neared the door, his crimson eyes narrowed at a figure lounging against the wall—Erin Dranemount.

He stopped, his voice dry but laced with a teasing edge. "Sneaking into the male dorms after curfew? Bold move, Dranemount."

Erin’s lips curved into a sly grin, her tone playful but sharp. "Since when does Leonhardt Caulem care about rules?"

He shook his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he unlocked the door with a soft click. "Get inside before someone sees you."

The dorm room welcomed them with the cozy warmth of mana-lamps and the savory aroma of Liana’s cooking.

Liana stepped out from the kitchen nook, wiping flour-dusted hands on a cloth. "Young Master, you’re—" Her words froze as her hazel eyes widened, struck by two shocks: Leo had brought a girl other than Rin into his room after hours, and faint blood stains marred his uniform’s collar.

She rushed forward, voice tight with worry. "Young Master, what happened? You’re hurt!"

"Just exhaustion, Liana. Nothing serious."

"Exhaustion? I’ve told you a hundred times to rest properly, and now look at you!"

Leo’s low chuckle cut through her scolding, warm and reassuring. "I’m fine, really. Don’t Worry." He sank onto the worn leather couch, glancing at Erin, who settled across from him, her posture relaxed but her violet eyes sharp. "What do you want, Erin?"

"Coffee," she said, leaning back with a casual grin.

He nodded toward Liana. "Two coffees, please." Liana’s eyes darted between them, her unease clear at Erin’s presence, but she gave a reluctant nod and retreated to the kitchen, her steps soft but hesitant.

Erin’s grin faded, her voice dropping to a quieter, genuine tone. "Rin’s okay?"

"She’s tougher than she looks. She’ll be fine." He leaned forward, his voice hardening. "But that thing in the infirmary—what was it, Erin? It’s been haunting me for weeks."

Erin’s face tightened, and in a flash, she lunged across the table, grabbing his collar, her voice a fierce whisper to avoid Liana’s ears. "Why didn’t you tell me about that sooner? Weeks, Reo?"

He met her gaze, his tone flat, unshaken. "Thought it was just a nightmare. Nothing real."

Erin groaned, shoving him back into the couch as she sat down, frustration etched into her face. "Nightmares don’t try to kill people, idiot."

Liana returned, setting two steaming cups of coffee on the low table, Leo glanced at her, his voice calm but firm. "Liana, step outside for a bit. We need to talk privately."

Liana hesitated, her gaze flickering from Leo to Erin. With a slow nod, she walked to the door, her steps heavy, closing it with a quiet click.

He picked up hiscup, taking a slow sip, his crimson eyes locked on Erin. "So, who was she?"

Erin mirrored him, sipping her coffee, her voice low and heavy with truth. "That was Ashtera’s astral form."

His grip tightened on the mug, his eyes narrowing, a chill running through him. "Ashtera?"