310. Observation (2)
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It’s an unknown world.
That’s the first thought that Elinor, who is drifting inside Dowd’s consciousness, came up with.
She glanced around while holding onto the consciousness she was floating in.
No, more precisely, she made an effort to perceive the world seen through Dowd’s eyes more accurately.
All the information she is receiving is being perceived from Dowd’s point of view.
“-“
She understands that it’s big and magnificent. However, the contents and forms filling it are things she has never seen since she was born.
“-I see.”
Instead of questioning those things, she decided to label the doubts arising in her mind as “things never to think about again” and pushed them all into the label-decorated shelves inside her consciousness.
From the beginning, there has always been some level of doubt at the fundamental level.
The “origin” of this man is somehow off.
It’s not merely that he’s peculiar or an oddball.
The way of thinking itself is slightly different from the inhabitants of this world.
It’s not so much surprising that he comes from another world, but rather it feels somewhat convincing.
“Rather than that.”
Before having any doubts, it is essential to focus on the current situation.
It is the deepest aspiration held by the lifetime companion. How could one miss such things?
“Are you listening?”
With those words, Dawood’s focus, which had been absentmindedly looking around, became distinctly clear.
Although he looks at it with someone else’s eyes, only the movements of the mind are observed sensitively.
‘-!’
Eleanor flinched.
The past scene she is currently observing is all reconstructed based on the information within Dawood’s consciousness.
It also means that emotions intertwined with memories are strongly surfacing.
And, emerging from the depths of Dawood’s conscious foundation, looking at the girl who said those words, are the emotions.
Sorrow that feels like a severed bond.
Longing, memories, and.
Trauma.
‘…-‘
If Eleanor could display facial expressions right now, her eyebrows would have surely furrowed.
It was a fact that could be instantly sensed intuitively.
This little girl, who is now smiling brightly in front of Dawood, is an incredibly important person to him.
“Natural aptitude test?”
The response to the girl’s words came out in a partly exhaling voice.
Perhaps, until now, Dawood did not consider this girl to be particularly important.
The voice conveyed nothing but a desolate lack of emotion, not even a hint of the previous grief.
Just a simple rope to escape from the slums and impoverished areas. Neither more nor less.
So.
“Intelligence, agility, adaptability, combat aptitude… You don’t even score more than 3 points out of 10 for any of them.”
“…”
“To be honest, it’s all below average. You’re a human with no usefulness, aren’t you?”
“…”
Dawood’s expression stiffens noticeably.
The meaning behind the girl’s words was clear.
Resignation, bewilderment.
The agony of having no choice but to return to that hellish place.
Perhaps it was a mixed reaction of such things.
However, everything was instantly reversed at the words the girl uttered.
“So, there’s a lot to learn, right? The teachers will assign them to you, so make sure to learn well.”
“…”
Daud could feel his eyes widen.
Just a moment ago, he had called her a useless human, but why would he go out of his way to make her useful and show her such grace?
Even at a glance, it wouldn’t be difficult for her to find a replacement.
As he pondered over these questions, the girl continued speaking.
“But you know what’s interesting?”
“…What?”
“There’s one thing that’s perfect.”
The girl smirked and pointed at one item with her finger.
“Survival instinct, 10 points.”
“…”
“Even if you lock them up in the depths of hell, they crawl back up and survive.”
“…”
“It’s strange, isn’t it? They don’t have any abilities needed to protect others, but they’re amazing at risking their own lives.”
“…”
“And for now, that’s enough.”
“…What…?”
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“I need someone who will keep me alive for a long time.”
What flowed out of the girl’s mouth as she spoke was…
“…So that I won’t feel as lonely.”
For some reason, the sentence was filled with loneliness.
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“…Hmm.”
Professor Mobius stroked his chin with a very dissatisfied expression.
From his perspective of observing Daud Campbell closely, he couldn’t understand a single thing about the actions he was currently taking.
“…What on earth is he doing?”
I understand the intent behind having a human like Sulliban Jaesang rising from the Empire. However, sticking with him like this is merely passing the time.
“…Whenever he tries to do something strange, I was ready to put a stop to it immediately.”
Receiving a bold challenge like that from someone on their side is unheard of, but it’s only natural that he has no reason to accept it as it is.
Of course, killing that man is out of the question. That is a means that must be preserved until the very end.
“Knowledge about demons is too valuable.”
The power of demons will be the biggest stepping stone on the path to his ultimate goal of ‘perfecting humanity.’
More precisely, the existence of a human named Dawood Campbell, who has transformed into another being through such demonic power, is Mobius Professor’s research project in itself.
“So, your role becomes crucial in that regard.”
Professor Mobius opened his mouth, spinning the wand in his hand.
“For once, a human who finally loses in a ‘game’ willingly agreed to collaborate in our research. We can’t afford to miss such an opportunity.”
“Heh.”
In response to those words, Vogt Haupt snickered, rattling the shackles in his hand.
It seems he’s prepared himself here as a ‘safety insurance’ for this. Not just ending as Professor Astrid but also as any nearby human, he seems ready to use them as hostages.
“I don’t think I should be the one to say this. Your character is truly despicable.”
Professor Mobius coughed at Vogt Haupt’s words.
Hasn’t he already been interrogated twice by that man?
Of course, Professor Mobius always had a very high opinion of himself, but at this point, there’s one thing he can’t help but admit.
This man named Dawood Campbell is a bundle of variables.
“In the final experiment tomorrow, if I move as I said, I won’t harm Professor Astrid.”
At that statement, Vogt Haupt’s sly expression slightly stiffened.
Professor Mobius’s words were touching the origin of his purpose, which had made him a prisoner in the tower in this state.
“Well, did you really think it would be so obvious?”
“…”
“You and that guy Dawood Campbell are both the driving forces behind their movements now. From the beginning, I find it amusing that they dare to challenge me.”
“…”
“Don’t forget. I hold the strings to your life.”
Such sentences were uttered in a calm voice.
Originally, he held the noose, and he was confident that he would ultimately win.
“… And maybe, in reality, it’s highly likely.”
It’s a fact that everyone acknowledges, the position of Matapju is not a title that can be obtained through a card game.
Although I have suffered greatly from Dowd so far, if this confrontation is one where he has truly prepared himself and made a resolution to not let his guard down, then he has the power to make anyone struggle by eliminating variables.
However.
Well.
“The very idea of thinking that one has everything under control is perfect for letting one’s guard down.”
Arrogance is like a swamp.
Once you realize you are too deeply immersed in it, it becomes difficult to escape.
“Give me a chance, Dowd Campbell.”
If it’s that man, he will definitely come up with something extraordinary.
–
“-“
I take a deep breath, barely suppressing the cold sweat.
Master Jaesang sitting across from me looks at me with a worried gaze, but I indirectly show him that I’m fine by forcing a smile.
Well.
To the outside world, it would just look like we’re having a normal conversation.
Considering Mobius’s gloomy personality, he’s probably observing everything from top to bottom. It would be awkward if it didn’t appear that way.
But just now.
I nearly died at least ten times.
Master Jaesang and I were continuously “exchanging” something in a place unseen. My heart was literally about to explode.
Physically.
“…Dowd.”
I hear Master Jaesang’s voice from across the table, a voice full of concern.
I want to resist in any way possible, but my willpower is so strong that I suppress it.
“I understand what you’re trying to do. I also understand the effects. However, it’s too dangerous. If we continue like this, you could die-“
“I can do it.”
I cut off Master Jaesang’s worrying voice and interject.
Well.
Honestly, I also know how insane this is. I agree that the evidence is weak.
However.
I have a clear memory of hearing it before.
“I’m really good at surviving, you know.”
Survival instinct, 10 out of 10.
It was one of the innate talents I had from the moment I didn’t receive any education.
So.
“…Should I keep practicing?”
The ‘yellow’ demon who lost strength from traveling from the future to the past.
Through the emblem of the Tacheon, he ascended from being human to a demon, but his power is still an incomplete ‘black’ demon.
Two unstable beings, not complete demons.
But, perhaps because of that.
It’s possible because of the two.
“…The process of ‘fusion’ of powers.”
To fuse with Lord Jaesang, it means exactly what the sentence implies.
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