CONVINCING

Ivan looked from the sidelines as his classmates followed their rigorous training regime guided by Captain Meld and his trusted soldiers. Of course some scrutinizing gazes were directed at him but hey it's not like the Kingdom has any idea how to train an 'Alchemist' considering they've never even seen the job before.

So rather than swinging a stick randomly or chanting some mumbo jumbo Ivan much preferred to be left to his own devices, at first Captain Meld had rejected stating it'd be much more beneficial for him if they worked hard together. But once he saw Ivan display little to no drive he made a deal with him that he'd be allowed to be left to his own devices so long as he displayed an improvement in his stats and levels.

Captain Meld had multiple times inquired to Ivan how exactly he was improving his stats and levels despite never leaving his room, but Ivan never budged stating that he planned on revealing it soon and it'd be better if he had a larger audience so he wouldn't have to explain it more than once.

Of course another question Captain Meld had was what exactly those resources delivered to Ivan's room were being contributed to . Ivan only responded casually stating that every resource provided by the kingdom was being used to strengthen his stats as promised, he even went a step further and promised what he does with the resources will be beneficial to the Kingdom.

This only raised Captain Meld's concerns but as his instructor he chose to have at least a little faith in his students.

Ivan only took a moment to observe Hajime's actions before going back to gazing blankly.

Earlier he had seen Hajime being dragged to a corner by his bullies and yet he did nothing to stop them, instead he found himself interested in another figure. Daisuke Hiyama, from Ivan's observations these past two weeks he was a rather unremarkable fellow who feared the strong and bullied the weak.

In fact Ivan's interactions with him only involved bumping into him in the bathroom and seeing him stalk the 'most beautiful girl in the class.' Each interaction was followed by Hiyama apologizing and running away.

'He must've taken what Captain Meld said about my 'amazing' stats to heart.' Now why exactly did Ivan take interest in such a shameful fellow? Well, that's because he seemed like the perfect scapegoat for his plan to get the hell outta here.

'Easily agitated, prideful yet shameless, and extremely jealous; he's the perfect suspect. Now one would defend him…'

Now all Ivan needed to do was make a reason for Hiyama to hate him. So with that in mind Ivan approached him with a kind-smile.

Normally he wouldn't be so eager to antagonize someone but this time was different.

"Hey Hiyama, I've noticed you've been training so hard and yet the results have not been looking quite good. Why don't I give ya' a hand?" Slinking his hand over Hiyama's shoulder, Ivan brought up a proposition not minding the stares of his goons.

Meanwhile, Hiyama, who didn't expect Ivan to act so friendly, started sweating bullets. 'If I don't listen to him will he expose my actions to Kaori…?' But despite his wariness Hiyama didn't dare reject Ivan's offer in fear of upsetting him.

Though Hiayama has no idea where his stats lied, let alone what job he has, from the exclamation of Captain Meld as he read Ivan's status plate he was sure that his abilities were no joke.

"S-Sure, if you'd be so willing to lend me your guidance then I'd be grateful so long as you have the stuff." Being careful to not show off his nervousness, Hiyama spoke with a smile.

"No no no, I wouldn't dare dream of taking up time that'd be more beneficial being used for training. In fact, with just this quick fix of something I made for you, you'll see improvements in no time, hahahah, it's like magic!" Dangling a vial of pink liquid he had concocted in his bedroom, Ivan whispered softly into Hiyama's ears.

Hiyama found Ivan's actions suspicious and yet the opportunity for power sounded all too enticing in his ears. 'I-I'll take it, b-but don't mention this to any of our classmates alright…?"

"Heheheh, don't worry my lips are sealed!" Ivan patted Hiyama's shoulder once more and returned to the sidelines ignoring the stares of his fellow classmates.

In excitement, Hiyama unplugged the vial and caught a brief whiff of it. 'Oh, how divine!' He thought while brushing his nose against the tube desperate for another whiff.

Then without another moment of hesitation, he gulped it all down in one go!

GUUHH

In only seconds he felt the insides of his body warm up to a significant degree. Then what followed was an unbearable itch he couldn't help but scratch, first it started at his neck, then his arms, then his stomach, and before he knew it his whole body was full of itches he couldn't even reach.

'SOMEONE HELP ME! PLEASE!' He tried so desperately to scream for help, but his throat had become so swollen that his classmates could only hear him gargling.

In his desperation he had unclothed himself in front of his classmates just to reach a few itches outside of his reach.

But what followed that agonizing hell was something that could only be explained as pleasure. All of a sudden he felt all traces of pain disappear, instead it was erased and replaced by a warm feeling in his head.

The world around him changed hue and he could only lie helplessly on the ground as he was consumed by pleasure.

Meanwhile, Ivan only looked from afar as one thought came to his mind

'Maybe that was a bit too much for him…'

Well, either way Ivan considered it a success. He was sure Hiyama would hate him for making him display himself so grotesquely in front of his classmates and the girl he likes.

And well Ivan had no hope that he wouldn't be reprimanded for this. What he had Hiyama ingest was his very own 'Pleasure Potion' aside from the shit name it's effect was to bring the user dreadful pain only to provide them with immeasurable pleasure to contrast it and bring 'ultimate pleasure.'

While it was ineffective against beings with high vitality, it was just enough for a noob 'hero' like Hiyama.

So not minding the fearful looks on his classmates faces, Ivan went ahead and followed Captain Meld who seemed rather infuriated.

"Haaaaaah, now Ivan you better have a good reason for your actions as this is going to be a real pain in the ass to report to the king." Captain Meld, who had brought Ivan to his quarters, rested his face on one hand as he let out an exasperated sigh.

"Well as you saw, that was something I made myself to counter the demons, it's a powerful 'poison' that can incapacitate most foes so long as they don't have strong vitality." Ignoring the deadpan stare of Captain Meld, Ivan adopted a salesman approach and began listing off the viability of his product.

But not feeling like going along with Ivan's dance, Captain Meld interrupted him loudly.

"You know that's what I don't mean! I mean… using something like that on your classmate. What's gotten into you?"

"Meld-san, if I may, I would like to inquire with you about something." Dropping the act Ivan stared seriously into the eyes of Captain Meld, who perked up his ears in interest.

"Well go ahead kid, hit me with it." Captain Meld took a seat and rested his legs on the table in front of him.

"Are you aware of the other student's treatment of Hajime Nagumo?"

In the face of such a question Captain Meld only took a glance at Ivan before looking out the window.

"...Ah, so that's what this is about huh. As their instructor I'm of course aware of the deeds going on behind my back."

"And despite that you chose to remain uninvolved?" Not allowing Captain Meld a moment to think, Ivan followed up with another question.

"Hah, if he decides he won't bring it up to anyone then who am I to stick my nose into your guys' relationships. I shall respect his wishes and wait for him to come to a decision. If he ever needs my help I'll be there, he is my student afterall." Without missing a beat Captain Meld responded to his question coolly, "And that applies to the rest of you as well, if you ever have any concerns then don't be afraid of bringing it up, it's my job to help you all."

Ivan only looked at Captain Meld expressionlessly before coming to a sigh.

"Very well, I shall accept any punishment you deem fit, however let it be known I only sought to teach that kid a lesson."

"Don't worry about it, in fact I commend you for sticking up for your friend. I'll make sure to iron things out with the king, but of course I want you to promise you'll never do anything stupid like that again, if you ever have any other problems make sure to bring it up with me."

"Thank you so much Meld-san for listening to my explanation." Against captain Meld's consideration, Ivan only bowed his head to express his gratitude. "But, on the topic of bringing things up, may I ask a favor of you?"

Seeing a perfect opportunity to bring up his proposition, Ivan looked Captain Meld in the eyes once more.

"Hah, well this is what I get for offering my help. I'll listen to what you have to say as long as it's within my ability."

"I'd like you to set me an appointment with the King and Pope Ishtar."

The air froze for a moment while Ivan and Captain Meld looked each other in the eyes. But what was in Captain Meld's eyes were neither suspicion nor anger, just confusement.

"Um, sure."

And just like that Captain Meld conceded to Ivan's request.

"Huh, that easily?"

"Well I assume it has to do with the 'poison' you fed Hiyama, right? In which case it wouldn't seem strange to guess you made it with the stuff the kingdom gave you." Staring at the deflated Ivan, Captain Meld only continued to speak as a matter of fact.

"A-Ah, yes. I'd like to showcase many of my products. That 'poison' wasn't even the most impressive of my works. I'm sure what I can make will greatly benefit humanity!" Slapping away the momentary dissatisfaction Ivan felt at having been seen through like that, he made sure to get in his sales pitch.

'As expected of the Captain of the Kingdom's army.'

"I see, well if you do happen to have stuff like that then I'm sure the King and Pope Ishtar will be glad to speak with you."

Captain Meld wasn't worried Ivan had some ulterior motive, or at least he was sure Ivan held no malicious intent. If that were the case then he was quite confident he'd be able to restrain Ivan before any harm can befall the kingdom and its people,

In fact Captain Meld didn't believe that all of the students would simply comply with their requests. Seeing things from a different perspective was something he did often to read the emotions and feelings of his men and if he were in the same situation as the children then he was sure he'd hold some disgruntled feelings towards his would be kidnappers.

"Though Ivan, let me tell you that tomorrow I plan on holding a training expedition to the Great Orcus Labyrinth. So your meeting with the King and Pope Ishtar will have to be held the day after. And it is also mandatory that all you students attend the expedition, with the exception of Hiyama seeing as how his condition wouldn't allow him."

Ivan only listened silently, purposefully failing to bring up that his healing potions would heal Hiyama of his conditions.

Thinking of the many resources he could find in the dungeon, Ivan held no qualms. In fact he was excited to see how he could incorporate monster parts into his products, creating tools and weapons away from alchemical potions.

And that was it for that day, Ivan made his way to his bedroom to experiment with some stuff, unbothered by the wariness of his classmates.

Thinking of how he was going to convince Aiko-sensei to join his cause, Ivan laid on his bed and entered a peaceful slumber.

He was sure that out of anyone, Aiko-sensei would be the one who would support his plan the most.

'After all, she cares deeply for her precious students.'