Uninvited Party

Derek wanted to win the title of Dux because it guarantees a future in the Confederacy. And being in the Confederacy means being the best of the best, where there are so many resources, privileges, and opportunities to get stronger.

But that was the long-term plan. The short-term plan is that the academy will give him generous rewards.

Even the winner of the Trials would get good rewards that help their summons or even the student himself.

Derek needed these rewards because his summon wasn't like others.

The Abomination Slime is a species Derek did not evolve through normal methods… but that is a story for another day.

Now, Derek was focused on clearing this zone. Lucy had proven that she wasn't weak, so he was happy everything was going well for him. He saw her tending the Malefic Spider and giving it some treats.

Derek listened to hear what Lucy was saying.