Increase Talent: Become More Stronger!

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If my brother hadn't inherited the power of Archangel Michael, I wouldn't have decided to distance myself.

But after Liliana died, I knew I could no longer stay close to him.

Even when he greeted me, I didn't show much emotion.

Of course, I knew this was one of the consequences of him abandoning us in the past.

If he hadn't left, I don't think our relationship would've been severed like this.

But now, I know what happened cannot be changed.

Instead, the path I'm on is filled with nothing but solitude.

Even if I have friends, I don't think they can help me.

Just look at Liliana—she died saving me.

If it weren't for me, I know she wouldn't have been killed.

Thankfully, with Celine, I have no intention of leaving her behind.

For now, my only goal is to protect her from death.

If she dies, I don't know if I'll be able to hold myself together.

Time keeps passing, and now I'm saying goodbye to Eve.

If I recall correctly, today is the day Senior Fieldrin leaves the dormitory.

Maybe that's why I couldn't ignore his departure.

For a moment, I couldn't help but hear someone's footsteps behind me.

Sure enough. That man—he was none other than Senior Fieldrin.

Dark purple hair… matched with his sapphire-colored eyes.

Honestly, I have to admit, Senior Fieldrin's looks were no different from those of a prince.

Unfortunately, I could never show my admiration for him.

After all, the fact that I'm not attracted to the same sex is something undeniable.

"Senior? I thought you'd already left. I was just about to visit you."

"Huh… You're not even surprised? Did you already know it was me?"

"Of course. Your presence gave everything away.

In fact, I've known since the beginning that someone was following me.

I just chose to ignore it.

Even though I knew who it was behind me.

That's why I pretended not to react.

And now? I know that pretending paid off."

"I see, I see… Junior, I think your aura has changed again. You've become stronger… No, I think you might even be able to rival me now."

"What... What are you saying? Do you really think I'm that strong? I'm still weak. You even defeated me."

"I'm sorry. But it seems like I'm the only graduate still left in the academy. Anyway, Noah, have you heard the news from this morning?"

For a moment, I couldn't help but show a curious expression.

I didn't know why, but deep inside, I wanted to know what Senior Fieldrin meant.

Especially since I could tell from his expression that the news upset him deeply.

"I haven't heard anything. If I may… why don't you tell me?"

"It's hard to say. But I know I can't hide it from you. The Great Wizard… he… he died by taking his own life."

Unexpectedly, I couldn't help but glare sharply.

"What? The Great Wizard? Someone like him committed suicide? Is this a joke?!"

"It's true. The entire empire is mourning his death. Even the professors—they looked completely defeated when they heard the news."

"No way… The Great Wizard was the most important figure on the Actrid Continent. What will happen now that he's dead?"

Suddenly, Senior Fieldrin's expression began to show concern.

And then, he took a deep breath.

"I know it's difficult. Extremely difficult. His death might reignite the war from the past. The Eastern Continent… I believe they won't be able to hold back any longer."

"Could war really happen again? If so, what's the point of humanity continuing to fight the demon race?"

"Junior, you really don't know anything about the past conflicts. Since long ago, humans have been the most problematic race. They've destroyed half the world. Because of their actions, many from the demon race decided to annihilate humanity."

Wait… Is that the reason the past war happened?

If what I'm thinking is right, what's the point of siding with the human race?

No! That's a foolish thought.

I am human—this is my fate, to side with humanity.

Even if I die, I know my destiny is to be buried with the corpses of my fellow humans.

"But why did the gods and goddesses choose to help humanity? I'm sure they know why humans are despised."

"Of course. It's because they see humans as pawns. To the gods, humans are no different from pieces on a chessboard. They are entertainment."

"Entertainment? Isn't that cruel? I used to think gods and goddesses were kind. But after hearing this from you, Senior, I know they're nothing but cruel beings."

If that's true, does Lucifer also see me as entertainment?

He is the Demon God.

He is the one and only being worshiped by the demon race—a supreme deity.

"That's why, Junior, I want you to avoid falling into the traps of the goddesses. They're cunning."

"I understand. I'll definitely remember your warning. Thank you for your wisdom."

"All right. I must go. I've been assigned to defend the front lines. Until we meet again."

Good luck, Senior…

I hope we'll see each other again someday.

"Farewell."

...

"Ash, why aren't you drinking it? Is something wrong?" asked Eric, not understanding why Ash refused to drink the beverage he offered.

If he recalled correctly, he had prepared a sleeping drug for Ash.

Unfortunately for him, Ash wouldn't fall for Eric's trap.

After all, the fact that Ash didn't feel thirsty at all was something undeniable.

Judging by Ash's expression, he seemed unable to say a word.

If it weren't for the death of the Great Wizard, would he have remained so distant?

"I'm leaving… I have something to do. Don't follow me. You'd better stay with Daphne for now."

"I understand…"

This guy… Am I really supposed to trap Ash?

Is this truly my choice?

Why did the boss order me to take him down? What's his plan?

For a moment, Eric's gaze shifted toward a white-haired girl.

At first, Daphne had left to buy food near the cafeteria.

But who would've thought? She didn't expect Ash to truly leave them behind.

"Where's Mr. Ash? Why did he leave without saying anything?"

"What's it to you? He left, and that's his business. You're just a newbie. You don't understand Ash at all."

"Oh really? Do you think I care what a disgusting guy like you says? You make me sick."

Unexpectedly, a few veins popped on Eric's forehead.

He didn't know why, but he didn't expect Daphne to insult him so boldly.

"You bitch…! Don't forget—we're not from the same world! Do you think I care about a bug like you?!"

"Pfft! Sorry. I just couldn't help laughing. I didn't think a side character like you would stand beside the hero. If I recall correctly, the one who should've taken your place was Noah from your hometown, wasn't it?"

Shut up…

"You're a thief. You stole someone else's role. You've disappointed me. But now? I think someone like Noah is karma for you."

I said shut up…

"Ah… I remember now. I heard you were once stabbed by Ms. Eris. Don't you think she absolutely hates you? She despises you for ruining her childhood love. Fufufu~. You're the real insect here."

Thud!

In less than a few seconds, a loud crash echoed inside the cafeteria.

And then, Eric pointed his sword at Daphne.

Luckily, Daphne had no intention of standing still and letting him attack.

Instead, without hesitation, she raised an ice spear to Eric's throat.

Even Eric couldn't help but stop his attack.

If he dared move, would he even be able to escape death?

"Very good… That's the look I wanted to see. Show me more, Eric. Didn't you say you were destined to stand at the top? How does it feel to be humiliated by someone beneath you?"

"Hmph! You and the students of Lunar Academy mean nothing to me. If you weren't Alicia's friend, do you think I would've held back?"

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