Theia had a ntor. Even she couldnt have succeeded alone. She was exceptionally talented, but she needed soone to guide her direction.
Theias ntor had only three disciples, and two of them were Theia and Akane. They were disciples of the sa master.
Now, they have beco sworn enemies.
It was because of their masters death.
The suspicious death of their old master, a respected scholar and mage, was the crux of Theias downfall before my regression.
Im pondering, rolling my pen between my fingers.
The Theia Esil before my regression died. She was executed, the highest form of legal punishnt. It was made possible through countless fabrications by Libra and the cooperation of the council.
Theia had many enemies.
As many enemies as she had, she also had allies, but she was too harsh with the important higher-ups.
Unfortunately, there are too many things on this continent that one cannot endure alone with personal strength.
I know this all too well because Ive painfully experienced it.
Thats why
Even if it wasnt , soone would have to do it.
I dont know exactly when Libras evil began. However, if Sherlock moves, he will surely execute Theia.
Before that, I must prevent the future.
I can prevent her execution.
I must.
Even if a montary imprisonnt is difficult, even if it makes utterly detestable.
Theia, as long as you are alive, you will surely triumph soday.
Akanes [Selfless Coffin].
I visited her. As usual, she was sitting at the counter.
With her legs propped up on the desk, she glanced at while flipping through a magazine.
What now?
I browsed the items on the shelves. There were quite a few new products.
Are prosthetics selling well these days?
Did you co here to worry about my business?
Well, two birds with one stone.
I fiddled with a prosthetic hand that felt almost like a real one. Akane yawned and turned the page of her magazine.
They sell, but the profit isnt great.
That figures. You put too much effort into each one.
Akane is a chronic debtor, plagued by financial losses. Prosthetic creation is costly, and most people who lose limbs are financially strained.
The wealthy rarely find themselves in situations where they might lose a limb.
Tell what youre here for. Did you co to buy a prosthetic?
No.
I stood in front of the counter. Looking her straight in the eye, I said,
This ti, Ive co as a Chaser for Libra.
Libra?
Yes.
I placed my business card on the table.
I need your help, Akane.
Akane eyed strangely, and I handed her an envelope.
Take a look.
She sighed as she pulled out the docunts. Her expression, initially casual as she skimd the content, quickly turned stern.
It was the first ti we faced each other in this life.
These are docunts about Theia Esil.
Where did you get this information, and how?
Akane set the docunts upright. Her voice was edged with sharpness, as if she might detonate the papers and split my head open at any mont.
I investigated.
This isn't sothing you just 'find out through investigation.
lt wasnt a simple investigation, obviously.
Dont play word gas with .
Akane glared at . I t her gaze without flinching.
I felt no psychological pressure. It's a skill that has grown day by day, dealing with people like Johanna, Jade.
Shion Ascal.
She called my na.
Yes.
Do you want to die?
No.
Youre crossing a line.
I have to cross it, to deliver Theia Esil.
Akane gritted her teeth. She flung the docunts aside.
The papers fluttered to the ground.
Take them.
Does this an you'll cooperate?
I asked, a sly tone in my voice.
In an instant, Akanes complexion stiffened. She summoned her magic power. A chilling sensation surged throughout [Selfless Coffin].
You know, with just a flick of my finger, I could kill you.
I think Ive heard that before. Could you switch it to a punch instead?
I seed to have grown sowhat since then.
Akane remained silent.
Her face was genuinely angry. Her pupils began to lose color, and a dry magic brushed against my skin.
After all, her ntor was her Achilles' heel.
Are you going to lose your anchor?
The atmosphere shifted dramatically at my words. Akane stood up abruptly, emitting a vividly eerie aura.
ls that what you call a threat?
No, just curious.
I shrugged nonchalantly.
Using your ntor, or dealing with Theia Esil. Which do you dislike more, Akane?
Akane didnt open her mouth. I began to gather the docunts she had thrown on the floor.
Akane, if you dont cooperate
Theia Esil and Akane were archenemies. Their mutual hatred was deep enough to turn into lethal curses.
Yet, ironically, in the last monts, Akane had tried to save Theia Esil.
Theia Esil will die.
I held out the docunts back to her.
Akanes magic wavered. She frowned.
Good riddance if she dies. But if you dare use my ntor in such filthy sches, you'll die too.
Akanes expression was cold and impassive. An uncommon emotion flickered in her when discussing her ntor.
It was respect and reverence.
Really? Thats strange.
I continued with a bitter smile.
For soone who claims that, you've been quite cooperative with Libra.
Akanes body tensed for a mont. I watched her closely.
I had always harbored so suspicions.
There was sothing peculiar about her.
Right?
Before and after the regressionshe knew too much about . About my illness, about my existence.
I had never disclosed my disease to her, yet she acted as if she already knew.
And she did know.
Initially, I thought it was simply her information network the capability to spread dolls across the continent at any ti.
But I found another clue in Vitos lab.
Akane, you participated in Libras experi nts.
She was involved in the experints that my father had participated in.
At the very least, she knew of an entity nad 'Dale Ascal.
Akane did not respond. However, the sharp air around us gradually dulled.
You say your ntor should not be used.
I continued slowly, but remained silent about my father.
It was a story I couldnt bring up just yet.
And yet, its alright to completely exploit soone elses life?
Silence settled in Selfless Coffin.
Akane stiffened like a wax doll, and I maintained my poker face.
Soon, she let out a small sigh.
What difference does it make if I help?
Yes. Theia Esil wont die but will be imprisoned.
What?
Akane frowned, seemingly puzzled.
Which do you prefer? Do you want to kill Theia or save her?
Um
I looked into Akanes eyes, pondering.
I hope.
The real her. Could Akane beco my ally?
Could she join in all my intentions?
I hope Theia Esil doesnt die.
Before the regression, she had been of proper help to , but ultimately, she beca just a 'phenonon.'
A phenonon called Akane, where countless dolls share a single consciousness, not even knowing if they are real.
Thats what you want too, isnt it, Akane?
I extended my hand to her. Akane scoffed.
I want to kill her with my own hands. I dont want soone else to beat to it.
It was an unusual reason, but considering their relationship, it made sense.
And
Akane took my hand and said,
My ntor would also hope she doesnt die.
A handshake sealing the agreent.
Yes.
Of course, there are still things about Akane I dont know and aspects that are suspicious.
Lets do this.
Thats why I need to delve deeper into her world.
The second stage of the knight qualification exam was a swamp.
The format was a competition to hunt monsters in the 'Banpara Swamp, teeming with creatures.
This ti it was an individual competition, so I couldnt team up with soliette, and the 300 candidates who passed the first exam had to navigate the swamp alone.
Others struggled quite a bit.
'Banpara Swamp is a magic space. The more you take a step within, the deeper you sink into the swamp.
They had to maintain a Magic Body constantly to take even a single step, but it was comfortable for .
I borrowed the power of Grawl.
Mud is a type of soil. Solidifying it with every step I took made it easier.
Anyway.
The exam took 48 hours.
We will now announce the rankings!
Outside the swamp, on the dirt ground, the instructor gathered us. Most of the participants looked exhausted, their breaths heavy with fatigue.
The top 200 will advance to the final exam!
The instructor projected the list of passers into the air.
At the top, in first place, was soone I had expected.
[1st Place: Gerkhen]
Gerkhen, a freshman, had ranked the highest.
He was sitting on the ground, leaning his forehead against his sword.
He seed to be recovering his stamina, but he looked like sothing out of a movie.
[3rd Place: Soliette]
Soliette was in third place, and I was in fifteenth.
Not in the top 5%, but considering Im a freshman, its sufficient. I qualify as a Libra Balancer.
Congratulations to the top 200. Unfortunately, the rest have failed. The final exam will be an interview. See you next week!
As the instructor left, groans and so cries erupted here and there. So were crying, whether from joy or sorrow, I couldnt tell.
lm dead.
Soliette approached . Her face was covered in mud as she sighed.
Shion. Good job.
Yeah. You too.
It felt like the old soliette could pop out at any mont, but I had to keep my composure.
Suddenly, Soliette glanced at and asked.
Shion. I heard a rumor that you drove here.
Huh? Oh, yeah. I'll give you a ride. I parked nearby.
Phew. Thank you. Im totally spent.
Then soone turned to look at . I was slightly startled by the sudden gaze.
It was Gerkhen.
After dropping off soliette and Gerkhen, I was on my way ho.
lt feels awkward.
By the way, I received a house as a gift. I was certain to pass the knight exam, and I needed a suitable base, so Zia had gifted an apartnt near the capital, close to the Aerial Garden.
It was even in Veromonon, a place where mostly the upper class lived.
[Welco]
An unfamiliar chanical voice greeted as I parked in the parking lot, used the unfamiliar card key to access the elevator, and opened the door to what had now beco my ho.
Pop!
So sort of confetti-like pollen burst out. I flinched and looked in that direction.
Zia was standing in the living room.
Congratulations
Pop!
She set off another large firecracker in each hand. I chuckled and approached her.
Theres still the interview left.
I picked confetti out of her hair.
Eh you wont fail the final interview
How can you be so sure?
The pass rate for the final interview is surprisingly only 75%. Its not just a formality; they really filter people out.
lt's just a feeling.
Zia smiled faintly. I stared at her for a mont and then smiled back.
In this situation, it seems best to just be comfortable and show a relaxed deanor.
Did you co here to congratulate ?
Yes and also, I'm kind of hungry.
Zia sat down on the sofa.
Shion you make delicious food.
Her voice dripped with anticipation, as if she was hinting at sothing.
It seed like a request.
I walked to the kitchen and asked.
ls there anything in particular youd like to eat? I have plenty of ingredients.
Anything is fine
I started cooking. I presented a steak with truffles, casually showing off my most confident dish.
Please eat.
WOW.
She first admired it with her eyes, and upon taking a bite, her whole body shivered.
Is it alright?
Mmm its so delicious.
Her face was visibly moved.
I smiled slightly and took a bite myself.
Clatter, clatter.
Amid the sounds of utensils, Zias voice mixed in, discussing work.
Theia Esil will it be okay?
Yes. It will take a while, but its possible.
I relay all the sensitive matters of the Intelligence Agency to Zia. Even hiding a small part could be sensitively perceived by her.
Right be careful
Zia seed to have more to say.
ls there sothing else you need to ntion?
Theres been a problem with the distribution of Lithium. Its Blocker.
Blocker. Notoriously infamous in the underworld, essentially the backbone behind the old 'Jesco.'
What exactly is the problem?
Theyre performing gorilla warfare on the distribution networks It seems sonya isnt handling it well
Yes. Leave it to .
Though this guy is two to three tis bigger than Jesco, the thod to handle it might be surprisingly simple.
The situation itself is different from the Jesco days.
Back then, due to the sheer size of the Lithium, we opted to internally dismantle the Jesco organization, but now, that isnt necessary.
If we just cut off the head of Blocker, well have the power to easily swallow the rest.
Can you do it?
Of course.
The clue is, Lithiums distribution network that Zia uses appears to handle 'coffee beans on the surface.
They hide weapons and raw materials under the guise of coffee beans in their distribution, a business gifted by Jade.
Moreover, under Jade, theres hardly any combat force. It's even being reduced day by day, for reasons unknown to anyone, because hes considered the strongest in the world.
Helping you is my priority.
So, what if we provoke Blocker to touch Jade?
If we annoy him not just for a day or two, but almost every day for a long ti?
Even Jade, who dislikes violence, would have to step in, and a thorough cleanup would be enough for one day.
lts delicious
Zia smiled as she ate the steak. Her expression relieved by my words.
You trust my words.
Yeah. Shion, youve always succeeded I trust you.
lm glad.
Like Zia, I smiled, happy at her words.
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