Chapter 97 — The Growth of Those Who Push Themselves

1

Manus, Anais, and Pearson sat at a café on campus.

They had intended to go to the club room, but Pearson had insisted on coming to the café instead.

Kael was likely still in the club room, and if the three of them had entered, it could have sparked a major incident.

Though Pearson wasn’t particularly perceptive, he wasn’t completely oblivious either. He successfully led Manus to the café without issue.

Manus found himself curious about the taste of the coffee here.

How would it compare to the Americano he used to drink on Earth?

“I’ll have an Americano.” (TL Note: Don’t ask me why it is called an Americano in this world…)

“Got it. I’ll go place the order. Anais, what do you want?”

“…Just water.”

“Jeez, you like strawberries, don’t you? I’ll get you something strawberry-flavored.”

Pearson dashed off to order.

Anais, with her disheveled appearance, glanced at Manus.

Sitting there with that impassive expression, his eyes cold and detached, he exuded an aura that suddenly filled her with fear.

Even her strict and fiery father didn’t have such an intimidating gaze.

Just looking at him made her feel submissive, as if she was about to be devoured by those eyes.

“You said you had something to talk about.”

“Yes… I got into a fight with Kael.”

“Hmm.”

Manus nodded.

Why did they fight?

He thought he had taken good care of them, but had Anais still not overcome her inner weakness?

Or was there another reason?

Come to think of it, wasn’t it nearly time for the Student Council President election?

The system was designed so that each grade’s leader would be determined, and that leader would continue for the next four years.

There was a chance to reclaim the presidency once a year, at the end of the year.

Players had the option to participate.

‘That was a pretty fun event.’

It was a sort of competition where various students participated for different reasons.

At Mythos Academy, competition was the motto.

Thus, the Student Council President had to be the strongest, the smartest, and the best at leading.

The benefits of becoming president were significant as well.

Scholarships, the authority to form the student council, and the power to organize events and build a wide network.

‘Becoming the Student Council President would lead to more events and a smoother flow of funds. It would make things more convenient, but…’

“Is it because of the Student Council President election?”

“Yes. I said some harsh things… including things about you, Senior.”

“I can imagine.”

“I’m sorry. I…”

Manus waited for her to continue.

It seemed she still hadn’t fully regained her confidence, as she let out a deep sigh.

Her current state didn’t suit the name Flois, and Manus found himself wondering how to help this girl.

No matter how talented and exceptional Kael was, they would need Anais and Alano in the later stages.

Some players even used the protagonist in a buffer role because those two had such powerful damage-dealing abilities.

But beyond that, Manus simply couldn’t bear to see Anais struggling like this.

‘It’s different from the past…’

Back in the day, he hadn’t cared about relationships.

He was too focused on his own survival, and the people around him had been nothing but toxic.

Their school days, their growth process—it hadn’t mattered to him.

All that had mattered was that they had shown hostility toward him.

In contrast, these students respected and followed him with genuine feelings.

Who knew what would happen in the future, but for now, helping them stay on the right path during their growth?

It was something he could do, even if it wasn’t easy.

Listening to them and suggesting solutions—it was something within his capabilities.

“Talking about me is fine. The fact that you came to apologize shows you didn’t mean it.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m more curious about your motives. Why did you fight with Kael?”

“Sigh.”

She placed her hand on her chest and took a deep breath.

Now that Manus had said it was okay, she felt a little less guilty.

But the guilt she felt toward her friend still weighed heavily on her heart.

“I wanted to see how much of a gap there was between Kael and me. I thought I’d figure out the direction I needed to go by confronting her.”

“Kael is kind.”

“Yes… And to draw out her true feelings… I know. I’m a bad person for using my friend like that.”

“What did Kael say?”

If Kael was serious, Anais wouldn’t stand a chance.

Kael had Cadentia, an incredibly overpowered skill.

It seemed Anais had a complex and insecurity about being “weak.”

She was willing to throw herself into danger to protect Alano and others.

The solution was simple.

Forcefully instill strength in Anais.

Just as Alano had done before.

“She just… looked really angry. I’ve never seen her that mad before.”

“If you mentioned me, she’ll likely come at you with everything she has.”

“…”

Anais lowered her head.

Manus’s words hit her like a dagger.

There was nothing more to say.

She had struck a nerve with her friend.

Even though she had been prepared, actually discussing and carrying out her plan made it hard to breathe.

“So, you’re trying to prove yourself through Kael. That’s not a bad approach.”

“…Huh?”

Manus decided to view Anais’s actions positively.

Criticizing her now wouldn’t help anyone.

There were clear signs that she had been up all night worrying about this.

The dark circles under her eyes, her pale complexion.

Her usual vibrant appearance was gone, her hair was a mess, and even her normally pristine clothes were disheveled.

“After all, this is the solution you came up with. I can respect that, given you even came to apologize to me.”

“Oh…”

“Are you having a good conversation? Here’s your Americano.”

“Thank you.”

Manus used mana to cool down the steaming cup a bit before taking a sip.

Hmm—.

It didn’t taste much different from the Americano he used to drink every morning.

Less acidic, with a lighter espresso base.

He wasn’t good with regular Americanos (2 shots) as they made his heart race and made it hard to focus.

So he usually ordered them weaker, and this tasted similar.

Were they being considerate since he was a student?

“Hmm, so you want to get stronger, and that’s why you’ve come to me?”

“Yes… I know it’s selfish, but please. I want to get stronger. I want to be helpful…”

“I always say this: you’re already very helpful. But if you’re not satisfied with yourself…”

There’s a way.

He had been planning to climb the tower alone for a while, but maybe this was for the best.

Alano had climbed several floors alone and was exhausted.

She had dealt with a sentinel alongside Manus.

What about Anais?

How far could she go, and how much could she endure?

There was desperation in her red eyes.

If she was in this state, she could achieve remarkable growth.

Manus looked at Anais and asked,

“Are you desperate?”

“…Yes. Very.”

“Apologizing to Kael is up to you. She might hate you forever.”

“…”

She knew that.

But with her lack of experience, this was the only approach she could think of.

Was it foolishness, or simply a lack of wisdom?

She was anxious.

The thought that she might never reconcile with her friend.

Her eyes welled up, and her nose tingled, but she decided to move forward.

She would grow stronger, overcome her guilt, and then return.

She would apologize with confidence and restore their friendship.

But to do that, she needed to become stronger.

“Senior.”

“Have you made up your mind?”

“Yes. I said harsh things… and I boasted a lot, so I want to back it up with skill.”

“What do you lack the most right now?”

Anais answered immediately.

“Magic… and mana.”

“Then the answer is clear.”

Manus looked at Pearson and Anais.

“The answer always lies in the tower. Whatever answer you’re looking for, you’ll find it there.”

“…I understand.”

“Pearson, keep doing what you’ve been doing. Don’t mention this to anyone.”

“Leave it to me.”

Pearson nodded with a serious expression, mimicking the knights.

It was almost comical.

Anais stood up and bowed deeply.

“Thank you. Thank you for accepting my selfish request.”

“Just be aware of it.”

Why did that curt response feel so warm?

Anais felt like kneeling and bowing in gratitude.

If they were in the club room, she wouldn’t have hesitated to do just that.

There was only one way to repay him.

She would fulfill her reckless words and apologize to her friend.

She could have gone to apologize right now, but Anais chose not to.

‘Next time we climb the tower together, I’ll be the one helping.’

She walked briskly toward the dormitory.

A familiar message appeared before Manus.

[Interference has begun.]

[A careful choice is needed.]

“Hm—.”

A message pressuring Manus to make a decision.

It was probably a significant turning point.

Every time he saw these messages, he felt the weight pressing on his mind.

There were already so many deviations from the original story, so much to worry about, and the storyline had strayed so far from the original that it couldn’t even be compared anymore.

All he could do was use the knowledge from the original to guide the kids down the right path.

And gain enough power to control the variables strongly.

To prevent misfortunes and overcome unforeseen disasters.

‘It’s complicated.’

“Senior, I should get going too.”

Manus silently nodded.

As everyone left, he stayed behind to think.

Would the second and third years know about this situation?

And if they did, what would be the best course of action?

His voice carried considerable weight, so if he spoke up, they would likely listen.

Manus thought about Anais’s position for a moment.

She would probably want to quietly build her strength.

‘This might be a presumptuous decision, but…’

He would console Kael and encourage Anais.

So that when they faced each other again, there would be no lingering emotions.

That was all Manus could do.

“It’s about time for her to experience defeat.”

A protagonist with no trials isn’t very interesting, is it?

Manus stood up and started walking.

His destination was the club room.

To set the stage for the dramatic confrontation between the two, he would have to give Kael some motivation as well.

Manus was determined to support Anais until she shone as bright and warm as the sun.

‘In the meantime, what light will you shine?’

Kael.

Will you challenge her with an even brighter light?

Or will you become a shadow, even if just for a moment?

Manus was curious.

What was her default character like?

To find out, he walked toward the place where the conflict had begun.

–TL Notes–
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you want to support me or give me feedback, you can do it at patreon.com/MattReading

Join my Discord! https://discord.gg/BWaP3AHHpt