Chapter 136 — The Answers We All Seek
1
While Anais and Manus were deep in conversation, Castro was also consulting with someone else.
Unlike before, when he was drowning in feelings of defeat, his state had improved significantly.
Today, once again, he poured out his concerns.
In front of Castro sat Professor Trevor, wearing his usual kind expression as he listened attentively.
“There are naturally many people in the world with overwhelming talent.”
“But… does that mean everything the adults told me was a lie?”
“No, that’s not it. It all depends on how you choose to act, Castro.”
Professor Trevor instilled a sense of positivity in Castro.
Castro had started to lose faith in the adults around him.
However, Trevor aimed to convey the true meaning behind their words.
After all, it would be a waste to let such talent go.
A natural ability to wield divine power and handle a greatsword with ease.
Someone born with the potential of a hero should not succumb to despair.
A professor’s role is to pull those trapped in the pit of hopelessness back up.
Professor Trevor resolved to fulfill his duties.
“Adults often speak with the future in mind. And, of course, their words come with a few implicit conditions.”
“Conditions?”
“Yes. Always put in effort. Don’t be lazy. Things like that.”
“Hmm…”
Castro appeared deep in thought, resting his chin on his hand.
Professor Trevor wanted to nurture the student named Castro.
He knew Castro would grow into a capable and remarkable individual.
It was now lunchtime.
One of the few moments of respite in a professor’s busy day.
At Mythos Academy, one constantly had to interact with others, leaving little time to oneself.
And on top of preparing lessons, offering consultations, and grading, professors had mountains of work.
But for the sake of his students, Trevor was always willing to sacrifice his time.
“If you ever encounter any difficulties, feel free to come back. I can also recommend some good books.”
“Thank you.”
Castro bowed his head and left the office.
His conversation with Professor Trevor left him with much to ponder.
Had he really been trying his best all this time?
Reflecting on his past, he realized how embarrassing it was that he had been complacent and failed to push his limits.
Since joining the group Leveli-Malito, he had witnessed and experienced quite a bit.
The common thread among its members? They were all far too weak.
Yes, if he were to become a true hero—
‘I need more strong allies, not just me.’
A hero needs companions.
Anyone else is merely an obstacle in the way.
To remove every obstruction in his path, he would need to build a force, a faction.
His mind felt clearer than ever.
Not right away, but one day, he would elevate Leveli-Malito to the most powerful faction.
He would accept not only commoners but also nobility.
He would break the boundaries between them, making everyone look up to him.
“I can become even stronger.”
He had never found training to be difficult.
That only made his heart race even more.
He eagerly anticipated the days when he would push past his limits.
If the adults’ words were true, then surely, he would become a great person.
2
Manus walked towards the joint class for third-years.
Next to him, Nia, who was in the same A-class, chattered away.
As the Student Council President, she often found herself without much company.
Why was that?
Manus directly asked Nia.
If he was curious, it was better to just ask.
“Where is the rest of the Student Council?”
“Those guys? They’re handling things on their own. I’m just a figurehead. They do all the work.”
“Is that really alright?”
“Why not? I still get all the perks anyway. I’m not some goody two-shoes like Anais or Alano.”
Manus nodded.
In fact, someone like her might be more useful from a working standpoint.
Nia knew how to get people to do what she wanted.
She fostered symbiotic relationships by ensuring that everyone got something out of it.
“It’s not a bad approach.”
“What the—. Well, I guess you’re in that camp too. Oh, by the way, what was today’s assignment? I keep forgetting things these days.”
“Where did you leave your notes?”
She shrugged.
Would a mage with a perfect memory even need to take notes?
The answer was ‘no.’
Manus didn’t take notes either.
He could remember everything after seeing it once, and he had the ability to filter out what was necessary and discard the rest, so notes were just extra baggage.
Nia was likely the same way.
‘Something feels a bit off, though.’
“Other than the assignment, is anything else strange?”
“Hmm, not really? I checked in for attendance, and my friends greeted me. Nothing unusual. Maybe I’m just tired from climbing the tower recently.”
That would be a relief if true.
But Manus still had a few lingering concerns.
The words of the Apostle.
Nia’s gradually faltering memory.
Most of all, the fact that she was an entity forcibly inserted into this world, breaking the original game’s rules.
At this point, telling her to stop climbing the tower would seem strange.
Still, if something truly seemed wrong, he would have to stop her.
“What if I told you not to climb the tower?”
“I’d probably sneak up there anyway, even if I had to go alone. I know I can’t beat you, so I’d go in secret. But why do you ask?”
“There are things I’m concerned about.”
Nia’s golden eyes sparkled with curiosity.
What could possibly make someone as straightforward and resolute as Manus hesitate?
If she could probe deeper into that, maybe they could grow closer.
The instincts of the Abrel family stirred within her.
Long ago, it was said that dragons stood at the pinnacle of intellect.
They infiltrated human society, sowed discord, mediated disputes, and spread intrigue.
Because of this, humans fell into cycles of conflict, mistrust, and war.
‘No, stop with the wicked thoughts.’
Nia forced herself to shake off those instincts.
Still, there was no harm in satisfying her curiosity, right?
“What’s bothering you so much? Can’t you tell this big sister?”
“—Are you sure you can handle the answer?”
“What are you saying? I’m Abrel Nia. I carry the blood of dragons. My mental fortitude is far superior to most people’s.”
Manus chuckled. She reminded him of Pearson in some ways.
Her confidence was admirable, but this was a superhuman issue.
It was about the laws of the world.
Things that had to happen as they should.
If those very laws forcibly changed Nia, would Manus be able to protect her?
At this point, she was undeniably a companion.
It seemed Caesar’s mindset valued his comrades more than Manus realized.
“The world itself might reject you, Senior.”
“—What does that mean? You shouldn’t look down on people just because you’re smart, you know.”
“You should hope it doesn’t happen. Fading from existence is an unbearable agony.”
“Stop with the scary talk. I have a mission to complete. There are things I must do.”
Manus met her gaze.
Her slit pupils shone with a murky light.
It was as if she was trembling with fear.
Or perhaps, trembling with betrayal.
Manus was not perfect either.
Would his brief moment of selfishness push her into an inescapable abyss?
Holding back a sigh, he looked deep into Nia’s beautiful eyes.
“But don’t worry. My comrades and I will never forget you.”
“…What good is that?”
Yes, Nia already knew.
Something was gradually disappearing.
Her sharp mind was still intact, and she remembered all the lessons clearly.
But something felt slightly out of place, piece by piece.
[An entity that should not exist has entered.]
The words of the First Apostle echoed in her nightmares.
The concerns she had merely entertained as doubts were now creeping closer to reality, filling her with fear.
So what?
Did they really think they could stop Abrel Nia?
She clenched her teeth and stared directly at Manus.
And then, as if issuing a warning to the world, she spoke.
“I’m going to make my family great. I’ll get rid of this stupid curse with my own hands, no matter what.”
[Powerful interference has begun.]
“…”
Manus silently observed Nia as the murky light in her eyes faded away.
If they could find a way, they could build the world she wanted.
The fundamental solution had always been clear.
Destroy the tower, eliminate the encroaching zones, and return this world to its original state.
If they did that, Nia’s fears would disappear.
Manus met her gaze and said resolutely,
“The answer is clear.”
“—You mean we have to destroy it?”
Manus nodded.
Nia, too, gave a nod in return.
“I can’t give up just yet. And you—. I still don’t completely trust you.”
“As you wish.”
The conversation ended.
Without hesitation, Manus turned and moved forward.
Huh?
At this point, shouldn’t he have said, ‘Please trust me’?
Nia tilted her head in confusion.
Had she been reading too many novels lately?
She quickly followed after him.
“Hey, wait up!”
Her footsteps felt a bit lighter.
Could they find the answer?
One thing was certain: they had taken a step closer to the unknown answer.
3
The joint class.
To foster teamwork, there was a monthly duel assessment starting in April.
Teams were composed of three members.
The classes were divided into ‘leagues’ based on skill levels, much like the tiers that were wildly popular back in Korea.
In a school teeming with thousands of students, this was one way to prove one’s abilities.
Manus should have been dueling against the second years, but today, he stood in the third-year class.
The gazes directed at him had become familiar.
“Wait, isn’t he a second-year?”
“Yeah, that’s Manus. Looks like he’s doing the duel assessments with the third-years.”
“Whoa… do you think we’ll get beaten by a second-year?”
He overheard murmurs here and there.
Most were hoping they wouldn’t have to face him.
To be honest, even Manus thought it might be a bit too much.
His level was already beyond the academy; he was more suited to the Mage Tower.
Among the crowd, Manus focused on one person.
The Black Eagle Class.
A scion of a prestigious swordsmanship family.
‘It seems we’ll meet sooner than expected.’
The Aleon family.
Known as the Golden Lions of the North.
A family renowned for producing warriors, even among the greatest warrior families.
Magician families had the Harrisons and Caesars, while warrior families were dominated by the Aleons.
He was the chosen one.
The future Sword Saint.
The one destined to shine with the blade.
All of those titles belonged to this one individual.
“Is that him? Manus?”
“Yeah, what do you think?”
Santo Leo, the scion of the Aleon family, met Manus’s eyes.
He felt a mysterious aura, as if staring into the depths of an abyss.
Though younger by a year, Manus didn’t feel that way at all.
In fact, his gaze was more like that of one of his strict elders.
Santo Leo barely managed to resist reaching for the handle of his longsword, which hung across his back.
Word was that Manus had even mastered martial arts.
He was rumored to be growing into a flawless magician.
‘I want to test him.’
A small smile crept across his face.
Manus, too, looked back at him.
Just as the character had been described in the original story.
“Senior.”
“Ah, should I call you Junior Manus?”
“Just Manus is fine.”
Santo Leo extended his hand.
Manus shook it and said,
“Would the future Sword Master mind teaching me a lesson?”
“—Gladly.”
–TL Notes–
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