Book 3: Chapter 12


    Yo, you brats. How have you been doing?


    Arriving at the waiting room, Le greeted Kyles group whom she hadnt seen since their departure from Rimarze. The waiting rooms were split into various ranks, this being the greatest of them all. It was like a personal room, with servants, resembling a stay at a high-ss inn. This normally should have been Darius room, but he wouldnt be using it anymore, so Le quite literally snatched it from him.


    There are many things Id like to ask, butWhy are you here? Serans expression was still more than sour, as he greeted his foster mother.


    However, Le didnt bother much with him, and instead turned towards the girls.


    Lieze-chan, great work keeping those idiots under control. Also, two new faces in your group, huh.


    Haha, Im used to it, so its fine. Those two are Urza and Shildonia, and were traveling together. Lieze showed a wry smile, and introduced the other two.


    Le looked at the two, especially Urza, which clearly made her feel a bit ufortable.


    Make sure not to lose, alright.


    Le nced at Kyle, whispering towards Lieze like some neighborhood olddy. Lieze understood those words and their intentions and started blushing.


    Listen to me, alright. Seran was a bit annoyed at being ignored, forcing Le to look at her son.


    Yeah, normally the arenas side prepared an aspiring diator to participate, but he suffered an injury this morning at a practice match. Since the recovery will take at least half a month, I was forced to participate.


    I bet you were the one who tortured that poor guy


    It seemed like Le not only aggressively stole this room, but also her spot in the festival itself. The Empire loved using aggressive means and strength as their absolute creed, and Les name itself most likely sold her more than anything.


    Also, I wasnt asking how you got a spot, but rather why you even bothered to.


    I decided yesterday. I found out that my stupid disciple and my useless disciple were participating, so it sounded fun to mix in. Le said, basically stating that she had no particr reason.


    Well, dont worry about me, and just continue as you would have.


    Dont make it sound so simple Seran sighed.


    Um, I actually wanted to talk about that.


    Kyle went ahead and exined why he himself and Seran had to participate, and why he needed to win no matter what.


    I see, I get whats going onSo, you expect me to retire, or hold back against you?


    No, not in the slightest.


    Kyle never would expect that from Le of all people, but he still informed her despite that. He knew that she wouldnt be this considerate. And, that she was having too much fun to explicitly state it.


    Its not like you are forced to take responsibility, yeah? No problem then.


    Well, it would be a lot more convenient for me


    Kyle immediately gave up on discussing anything with Le. Just as she said, even if he didnt manage to win the festival, he would have no responsibility. However, that would most likely cost him faith and trust from Zilgus, in particr from Milena. That would drive a nail in his ns and actions so far.


    Ahh, about you wanting to be a hero? But, if youre gonna falter because Im getting in your way, then you wont be able to be a hero either way. This is another of your trails, so do your best.


    I feel like an impregnable wall suddenly appeared in front of my eyes Hearing Le speak like this was not even her own problem, Kyle now also let out a sigh.


    Ah, Seran. Youre thinking of quitting, right? I wont ept that, you better fight with all your might. Same goes for Kyle.


    The two tried to speak out against that ridiculous order, but Lieze got ahead of them.


    Le-san, thats! Lieze screamed, her face pale.


    That almost desperate reaction left Urza and Shildonia both bewildered. However, before Le could say anything, another visitor arrived.


    Oh, there she is.


    The person to enter was the most important individual in the entire Empire after the Emperor and the imperial familyBead.


    What, Old Bead? You still alive? Le nonchntly greeted her.


    You know her? Her son asked, to which Le nodded.


    Shes Seraias teacher, so both I and Roel know her.


    Only the imperial family, you, and maybe Seraia call me that way, you know. Bead nced at Kyle.


    I know about Mum and Teacher, but whos Roel? Kyle whispered towards Seran. You know him?


    Arent you a bit too cruel?


    Seran saw Kylepletely without any memories of his own father, and sighed in disbelief. Kyle kept tilting his head, but he realized that both Lieze and Le were giving him a cold stare, so he asked Bead.


    AnywayMy mother was your pupil?


    Indeed. To think you were young Seraia and brat Roels child. Has your mother not told you about me? Bead spoke with a nostalgic tone.


    My mother rarely talks about her own past, seeHowever, she sometimes told me about the person who was her teacher


    Oh, and what did she say?


    UuuumSomething along the lines of As expected, being single all my life is impossible for me, I think.


    Shes the only pupil who would speak of me that wayFor crying out loud, even though she was the best fit to be my sessor Bead sighed, and shook her head.


    Was my mother that amazing?


    The image Kyle had of his own mother did not equal the potential sessor of humanfolks greatest magic user.


    Indeed, she held genius greatly surpassing my ownHowever, her fatal w was that she could never muster up any motivation. Her talent was utterly wasted on her.


    Personally speaking, I think my mother was only interested in magic and nothing else. When it came to aiming higher or obtaining status, she just couldnt be bothered. Itd force her to get involved with the government and other obligations.


    When ites to users of Ancient Language magic, especially reaching [Magic King] ss or higher, the more you work the more attention youll get. No country would ever let her rest easily. In order to avoid that, she moved to a small isted vige called Rimarze.


    Thats what I expected from her son, you really know your motherAnd, it pains me even more now that Aluzard, someone who truly strived to aim higher, has left us. Without Seraia, he was the only one to carry my legacy Bead showed a somewhat defeated expression, and then remembered her original goal ofing here. Oh, the conversation has gone off the rails. Le, regarding the fact that you defeated Darius and spoiled the ambitions of the Empire, I can hardly me you. Darius will receive the me for being defeated. Howeverwhy did youe back at such a time? What is your goal? You havent even approached the Empire for the past ten years since that happened. Bead questioned Le with a harsh gaze.


    Um, did something happen ten years ago?


    Its not that big of a deal. I just got into a fight with the Emperor. Le nonchntly answered Liezes question.


    Isnt that a pretty big deal


    The Emperor is the absolute ruler of the Empire, and most likely the most important person in the entire humanfolk. It seems like Les been hiding one hell of a reason as to why she suddenly went into hiding.


    For crying out loud, only a small number of people may know, but to think you would embarrass His Majesty to such levelsEven with someone of your fame and honor, you might have been convicted on the charges of treason.


    I knew I was at fault, which is why I pulled back. Its been ten years, I figured things would have cooled down by now. Le scratched her head. Well, I came here to check out the growth of my own son and pupil, so once the festival is over, Ill be gone again.


    To think you would do such a thingWell, Ill leave it at that. When youre here, standing out for good as well as bad, something will happen. Once the festival is over, you leave. This is also for your sake, Bead pushed.


    I know that.


    Thats fine thenNow, Kyle, Id like to talk with you under four eyes.


    Eh? I mean, I dont mind


    Kyle was surprised to suddenly be the center of attention, giving a half-baked response. Bead then took him to the corner of an isted passage.


    Who are you?


    Prince Maizar asked me the exact same before.


    Thats not what I meant. What I want to know is your entire beingthe constetion of your existence.


    There, Bead narrowed her eyes even further.


    Before, my attention was stolen by that Shildonia girl with you, butyoure one person, while also being twoSo vagueand yet so strongbut unstable Bead kept muttering, sounding like she herself wasnt quite sure of what she was saying.


    I dont think I can follow? Kyle simply tilted his head, acting dumb in this context, but he had a faint idea as to what Bead was talking about.


    She must have felt the circumstance of his soul. Using time-traveling magic, Kyle has jumped back in time in order to stop the Great Invasion from happening. ording to Shildonias exnation, Kyles memories and experience, contained in his soul, as well as the [Heart of the Divine Dragon], came to this time, and his soul fused with the already existing one in this timeline. In order words, Kyle became the holder of two souls, which naturally strengthened his innate mana.


    In my long life, Ive seen many people, but an irregr person like you is a first for me.


    Huh Although Kyle started to sweat furiously, he tried his best to not show it on his face.


    That being the case, it is true that you hold unbelievable amounts of mana inside of you. Wont you start studying magic with me? In ten yearsno five years, you might be a worthy sessor of mine.


    Im really happy about that, but being a swordsman fits me better.


    Not to mention that five years wont be nearly fast enough. Kyles goal is to be a hero that could put his own influence on the whole world. Bing Beads sessor might be one way to do it, but he wont make it in time for the Great Invasion then.


    Just like your mother, youre rejecting meWell, I simply wanted to tell you. Now that Aluzard is gone, I need to look for a new sessor Bead sighed, wondering what she should do.


    I understand how you must feel. If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know.


    As she was his mothers teacher, he was simply attempting to show some human kindnessthis however he would regret greatlyter, but thats a story for another time.


    Still, thats quite troublesomeI didnt think such a factor would disrupt my calctions.


    After they split up with Le, Kyle looked up at the sky on their way back from the arena, muttering in exhaustion. Naturally, this factor he was talking about referred to Le, and Kyle knew all too well how strong she truly was. He would have to fight her in the finale without a doubt, and he was also ordered to fight Seran in the semi-finals, so naturally, he was a bit of a peril.


    Anything behind the scenes or some drugs shell surely sniff outBuying her off wont work, and I wouldnt know how to threaten her There was Seran, thinking about ways to make his foster mother retire from the festival.


    HmMaybe you could take Seran hostage, threatening to kill him?


    Then shell cut us both down, right? Seran immediately denied Shildonias idea.


    Youre mother and child, right? Dont you know any of her weaknesses?


    WeaknessShes weak in the morning, and is bad with spicy stuffThe greatest damage I ever saw her suffer was the two-day hangover after getting drunk with Seraia-san.


    Mom might not look like it, but shes a heavy drinker Kylemented.


    What are your chances of victory in a one-on-one battle anyway?


    Kyle showed aplicated expression towards Urzas genuine question.


    I dont think itll be unwinnable, butthe negativity is probably the toughest part of the whole encounter.


    Because of his memories as a child, as soon as he stood in front of Le, his mental strength and defense just started copsing. Attempting to fight her in such a state was the same as losing from the very start.


    Same for you, Seran?


    I think its even worse for meHow do I say this, I got mmed with her iron fists countless times when I was young, so my body justCant help it. Kyle, Im going to practice! Seran answered Urzas question, and made up his mind.


    You say that, but its pointless thiste. If we both proceed, the finale will be in four days, no? You wont be able to make that big of a change in such a short time, Urza said.


    I wont be practicing to win. Its to practice so that my old hag doesnt see through our fixed match.


    Arent you a bit too negative about this?


    Well, thats probably the best idea. Fighting against Seran would only leave both of you injured. Shildonia exined with an exhausted tone, but Kyle agreed that they should focus on the semi-finals.


    But, what about the finale and Lelya-san then?


    Hearing about them doing a rigged match, Lieze seemed oddly happy, as she asked them.


    Thatsa problem Ill think about once I reach the final.


    Kyle let out yet another sigh, having lost count on how many times that makes today.