PART 22 :-[1]
MINIDRA'S FEELINGS
Minidra perspective :-
[In the hallroom of the palace, Minidra is being interrogated by her family.]
"When Iras told me about this, I was very surprised. You're so shy around boys—you never even talk to them. I thought you would be in an all-girls group at the academy. But you're the only female in your group. I didn't expect this from you."
Father began questioning me.
"Sir, I think we should first understand what happened today."
"Iras, don't always take her side. But if you insist, I want to know why you went against an enemy to save your friends."
[Minidra told them everything that happened.]
"You went up against an enemy for your friends—why? Don't you know your life is more important than those three?!"
Same as always…
"Do I need a reason to save my friends? Those two joined because we were already fighting. Bright went alone against our opponent just to save me. They never thought the way you do."
"And that is the only reason I agreed to his treatment. Considering your recklessness, it's fortunate you weren't hurt—that's why I'm forgiving all of you. And I will make sure those guards face proper consequences for their actions."
Father let the matter go that easily!!
"Thank you, sir. I knew you would understand her. My lady, you look tired—you should rest."
"The questioning isn't over yet."
"Who are they?"
"Sir, they came from Joyful. They are orphans. And Bright… he's known as the 'curse' of Joyful."
"What?! You're friends with that cursed boy? That bastard—did he use curse magic on you?!"
"Sir, please calm down. They're not ordinary children. Chiron and Sagurd are their masters."
"Why would those legends choose them when there are so many capable students? Never mind that. I also heard how arrogantly you behaved toward the First Prince of Nekhbet. Don't you know we have a good relationship with them? Your behavior could drag our clan into trouble."
"I don't like him. He's always trying to insult Bright."
"Who cares?! If you build a good relationship with him, there might be a chance he'll choose you as his fiancée."
"I would rather live my life alone than marry that arrogant boy as my life partner."
"What did you say? Do you know what punishment you could receive for insulting a prince of a higher clan?" he said angrily.
"Sir, I think she isn't in good health right now. She needs rest. She doesn't know what she's saying."
"I know exactly what I'm saying, Iras. I don't love him… I love someone else."
...….
Iras perspective :-
I had never seen my lady like this before. She no longer feared her father. Normally, she was shy—but when it came to Bright, she became fiercely protective.
"I would rather live my life alone than marry that arrogant boy as my life partner."
My lady, what are you doing? This could cost you dearly… I have to do something.
"I know what I'm saying, Iras. I don't love him. I love someone else."
My lady, for your own sake, you must stop…
"Don't tell me you love that cursed boy."
"So what if I do? His heart is purer and filled with more kindness than anyone in this family."
She left the room. I didn't sense any curse magic around her… which meant her feelings were genuine. And my lord seemed to realize that as well.
"Iras, go after her."
"As you wish, my lord."
I left the room. I suppose they would discuss the matter further.
[At Minidra's room]
"Oh… my lady, you don't have to cry. Loving someone is never a crime."
"I'm not crying because I love him. I'm crying because I couldn't do anything to save him. I've trained with you for so long, and still I couldn't stop an enemy—even with my whole group. I felt useless there. If I were strong enough, Bright might be alright now."
"And I think he's happy that nothing happened to his friends. I think he's happy because you're safe. He's alive, and he'll be okay in a few days. That's what matters."
"Make me strong, Iras. I don't want to lose him… I love him so much."
"Yes, my lady, I understand how you feel. But you need to rest. If your health declines, it will only make him worry."
She finally fell asleep. That's good… but for someone her age, what she's going through is unimaginable. I suppose she's growing up far too quickly.
...….
PART 23 :-
WAKING UP FROM THE DREAM
MC perspective :-
"Where am I…? It's so dark."
I started shouting, "Bond! Where are you?!"
No answer came. It felt like I was trapped in a pitch-black room.
[In that room]
"Say, ma… ma…"
I heard a soft, gentle voice. Why can't I see her face? Is this from Erebus's memories? But the voice doesn't sound like his mother's.
"No, he's going to say 'pa pa.' Say 'pa pa'…"
I still couldn't see them, but I could feel their presence. Who are they? I want to see them…
"No, he's going to say 'ma ma' first, right, Brig—"
"Whaa… ha… ha…" I let out a sound as I yawned.
[Bright woke up from his dream.]
"Where am I? Such a big room…"
"Bright, you finally woke up." Mini said that while hugging me tightly. I felt so relaxed. I saw Bond and Dex there as well.
"Where am I? And what's the big deal about me waking up?"
"We're at Minidra's home. And it is a big deal—you've been asleep for over two days, you moron."
"What?! I wasted two days of training! Wait—what happened to Erebus? Is he alright?"
"You wake up and the first thing you think about is your enemy? Your friends have been worried sick for two days. We couldn't eat or sleep properly because of you." Bond grabbed my hair.
"Sorry, sorry—I'm sorry!"
"Bond, stop, you're hurting him. He needs to eat something."
"But tell me—what happened to him?"
"They didn't take him to jail because of your master, but I think the academy will expel him," Dex answered.
"No… he has to stay in the academy."
"Why are you so concerned about him?!"
"Because he promised his mother that he would become a warrior. That's the only reason he endures all the hatred."
"How do you know that?"
"When the flames appeared, I saw his memories. He suffers just like us, Bond. He deserves a second chance."
Before I could say anything more, a punch landed on my head.
"When a beautiful princess sits beside you, praying for your health, you should think about her—you idiot."
"Juha! That hurts!"
"If it knocks some sense into you, then it's worth it. Oh… my lady, thank you for taking care of him. Could you please bring some food for me—uh, I mean, for him?"
"Yeah, I'll be right back."
"Juha, I need your help."
"What do you want now?"
"Stop Erebus from getting expelled from the academy."
"Why do you want that?"
"Because he promi—"
"No. Not his reason. I want to know your reason."
"Because I told him that if he ever needed help, I would be there for him. That promise is the only light in his life. I need to protect that—otherwise, his hatred will never fade. If I can't erase my classmate's hatred, how can I achieve my dream?"
"Ha… ha… you're so naive—and foolish. But you'd make a great person to bet on. Leave it to me—he'll be alright."
"I brought food for you, Bright."
"Woo… it looks so tasty. Mind if I take a bite?"
I punched Juha back.
"Like hell I'd give you my food this time—especially when Mini personally brought it just for me."
"How dare you hit your shisho? I think I need to teach you some manners as well."
"Stop, both of you. You're not at home. Do you realize how this affects Minidra?"
Bond yelled at us again.
"Okay, okay—I'll take my leave."
He left the room.
"Sometimes I really doubt that he slayed a god," Dex said.
"No, he's incredibly strong. He might not take things seriously and joke around, but I know his power is beyond my imagination." I answered while eating.
...….
PART 24 :-
MEETING AFTER A LONG TIME
Paradox's perspective :-
[In the academy's office]
"Sasaki, what's the report on that boy?"
"He lost control of his dark aura and transformed into a monster. But the surprising part is that the Machimoi group managed to stop him."
"That is surprising. We may have to expel Erebus—otherwise, the upper clans will give us trouble."
"There's something even more shocking. That cursed boy—Chiron's disciple—has one of the Mythos Cores, Azuron, inside him. And his curse isn't ordinary… it's a divine curse."
"What?! How is that even possible?! That explains why the crystal shattered. He possesses both a gift and a curse… making him one of the rarest beings."
"Oii… sorry for the interruption. Sasaki, please leave. I need to speak with Jack in private."
"Why is he here?"
"Yes, sir."
[Sasaki leaves the room.]
"Well, Jack… it's been a while."
"Why are you here?"
"You're not going to expel anyone."
"Who the hell are you to decide that?"
"What do they call you now—Paradox, right? Is it because of your power over loops, or because you can jump between possibilities? You know that neither your loops nor your powers can stop me from killing you. So it's better if you kindly follow my request."
"Are you trying to threaten me?"
"Jack, why do you think I'm trying? I don't try—I blackmail."
"Your student… why are you teaching him? Don't tell me you've placed another bet."
"That's right."
"The last time you bet, you created a monster. Do you think I'll agree to it again?"
"And that monster is under my control. And I don't see any future where he destroys anything."
"But—"
"Look, I didn't come here to debate. We'll do that later. Everything will proceed as it is. They'll be joining the class very soon."
He interrupted me and suddenly acted.
Wait—what are you doing?!
He pulled Sasaki back into the room using a Magna Pulse, dragging him across the floor and gripping his neck.
"I think I told you I wanted a private conversation. Did you really think erasing your presence would hide you from me? I thought you were more mature than that, Sasaki."
"It's hurting him—let him go!"
"Jack, lower your voice. I'm in a good mood… don't ruin it. I should be leaving now, but listen carefully—if any teacher or staff member bullies them… you both know the price you'll have to pay."
...….
PART 25 :-
AFTER A LONG BREAK
MC Perspective :-
"It feels so refreshing to finally move freely again. I can't wait to get back to training."
"Yeah, yeah—but don't be reckless this time."
"Oy, Mini, thank you for taking care of me while I was unconscious."
"No, I should be thanking you. You saved our lives that night. And they helped me too."
"He's not going to remember our help."
"Why do you think that, Dex?" Bond asked.
"Did you forget how he was screaming that night—'Don't you dare touch my girllll!'"
"Now that you mention it, I almost forgot that."
"Did I really say something like that?" I asked, my voice cracking. "I thought I said—'Don't you dare touch my friends.'"
"Minidra is blushing pretty hard now…"
"I have something to do. I'll catch up with you guys later."
[Minidra leaves early.]
"Look what you guys did—you made her uncomfortable."
"Oho… ho… our little Bright is embarrassed too."
"Hey—don't make fun of me. Just wait—if any girl tries to talk to you, I'll make sure you both get super embarrassed."
"Now, now, don't be angry." They started laughing.
[They entered the classroom.]
Why are they looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong? Or is it because I was absent for a week?
We sat in our usual seats.
"Hey—did you hear what everyone's saying?"
"Did he really stop a monster?"
Everyone started gossiping about me.
"The thing between our group and Erebus is an open secret."
Bond told me that. I hoped Juha had done his job—he said there was nothing to worry about.
At that moment, I looked at the door.
"Oy, Ere—good morning."
I greeted him. He saw us and walked toward us.
"Since when did he become your friend, Bright? You're even calling him by a nickname!"
"You know I don't need a reason to make friends. Besides, 'Ere' is much easier than saying 'Erebus.'"
Erebus knelt down and lowered his head to the ground.
"I'm sorry for everything I did to all of you. Because of my stupidity, you got hurt."
I tapped his head, just like Juha did to me.
"Don't embarrass me in front of the whole class."
...….
Erebus perspective :-
"Oy, Ere—good morning."
He finally came today. He called me Ere… I never thought anyone besides my family would call me that. I'm glad he's alright. I should apologize to them for my actions.
"Don't embarrass me in front of the whole class."
I think I went too far. I should wait for the right moment.
"By the way, is everything alright with your family?"
"My brother and I aren't living with our father anymore. We're staying in a rented house. My brother said he'll work hard so I can become a warrior."
"Woo… that's good for you."
"I want to repay your kindness. Can I do something for you?"
"Umm… what should you do? You can buy me lunch. I missed dinner that day." Bond hit him.
"You idiot! He's living in a rented house—if he buys you food, he might end up going hungry."
"It's alright. Please let me buy you lunch."
"Look, he's okay with it."
"I'm warning you—you're going to regret it."
"Hey, what do you mean by that?"
Is this what Mother meant? Are friends really like this? I'm glad I get to experience it… I'm glad I'm alive.
...…...
[END OF THIRD ARC]
......
[1] this chapter is longer than others chapter from this novel