688 – 8. Last Words (62)
A gray snowstorm falls in the marble forest where the sun has disappeared.
Already several days have passed since the academy was isolated, but there has been no communication of any kind from the outside. Only the occasional snowstorm tells us that it is still winter.
The only consolation was that there were ample resources, including food. The Academy was traditionally a place where many children of nobles attended, and as such, it had a lot of supplies stored up just in case.
Some argued that since it was a strategic point located in the center of the continent, the empire had stored it to use as a logistics base in case of emergency.
At this point, it was just a guess with no meaning. Because in the isolated world, there were no empires, no castles, and no southern kingdoms.
However, even at the Academy, which was well prepared with most of the supplies, there was one thing that was lacking. That’s the only thing you absolutely need when enduring long-term isolation.
Hope.
There was not the slightest hint of hope that one day we would be able to escape. The sighs of thousands of people only created a suffocating atmosphere.
It was okay to feel some kind of helplessness. After experiencing major incidents several times, I realized to the point where I hated the fact that there was nothing ordinary students at the academy could do.
Humans who have no choice but to depend on others become weak.
Despite this natural despair, there were only a few people who worked hard to find strength. Only a few people have a highly disciplined mind.
One of those few humans, a woman once called a ‘saint’, was crossing her conference hall. She didn’t hide her anger at all.
Boom!
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“You!”
The door to the office inside the conference hall is opened roughly. Although she is nothing compared to a martial artist, isn’t she also a woman who has trained in the martial arts of the Holy Kingdom?
Of course, I had the power to open the door at once.
Of course, even that was insignificant compared to the man sitting beyond the door.
Golden pupils without any emotion stared at the woman. As a woman under the protection of the Heavenly God, she would not feel it, but if she were a normal human being, it would be normal for her to feel pressure at this point.
The eyes of a murderer who has gone through countless wars are close to those of a wild beast.
The woman simply shouted in a red-faced voice.
“Is it true that the news that an investigation team is being formed with academy students…… !”
“Yes.”
An answer given without hesitation.
It was indeed an extremely plain attitude. The saintess was speechless for a moment at the sight of that proud appearance, but then she raised her voice once again.
“Those kids are still students!”
“You too, this kid did the same.”
“I am the daughter of the Heavenly God! “I have been through many battles!”
One step, two steps.
Every time she took a step like that, the saintess pounded her chest and spewed out her bitter accusations. It was rare for her to not hide her emotions.
Finally, after reaching in front of her man, he even chewed her lips.
She meant that she was truly angry.
“Those kids, no. “We can’t send them to dangerous places.”
“Dangerous place?”
“Yes, there is enough food. There is no need to force people into contact with dangerous substances such as ‘contaminated tumors’…… !”
“I am misunderstanding something.”
The man’s voice as he interrupted the woman’s conversation was grave. So much so that the saintly woman who always raised her voice was embarrassed.
“Now that the ‘contamination tumor’ has spread, there is no such thing as a safe place here. It’s dangerous everywhere… In the end, they are destined to spread an infectious disease and die or become monsters.”
“But, not yet…” … !”
“Also, ‘contamination tumor’ is not a spell that only spreads infectious diseases. It is also a tool that puts the entire area under control and interprets all topographical information. Can you guess why the ‘contamination tumor’ was spread throughout this academy?”
The saint pressed her lips, but she was unable to utter her retort and bit her lip.
Actually, I knew. The man had already shared the information about the ‘contaminated tumor’ with the woman and other important people.
Why did the Dark Church spread the ‘contamination tumor’ in the Academy?
No matter how much I thought about it, the only goal that came to mind was to retrieve the ‘Relics of the Seven Sins.’ They hid it so no one could find it, but if they could interpret all the terrain information in the area, they might be able to catch its tail somehow.
What if that happens?
Just by taking the by-product, Celine Hastur became strong enough to overwhelm several High Experts. If the entire relic is taken over, there will be unimaginable consequences.
Nevertheless, the saint somehow suppressed her anger and tried to continue her rebuttal.
“Well, that thing…” But…… !”
“We don’t know how long the barrier will remain in place. It will probably remain until its purpose is fulfilled… Therefore, before the Dark Church finds the ‘relics of the Seven Sins,’ we find and destroy the ‘contamination tumor’ or the core of the barrier.”
She concluded her words as if the man would not allow any further objections. Of course, she was not a docile woman, so much so that she gave up right away.
“There is no need to add students already! “She could focus on knights or high-ranking wizards in her quest, and if that doesn’t work out, she could just bring them in!”
“I don’t have time.”
No amount of words could break her man’s will. Dry golden eyes read the numbers on the document.
“Do you know when the contamination tumor will find the relics of the Seven Sins? Time is finite. “We increase the probability of success by mobilizing as many people as possible.”
“The damage to current students must be significant, right?”
“If we don’t, more people will die. If the relics of the Seven Sins fall into their hands, do you think the repercussions will only end at the Academy?”
It was a reasonable argument.
Nevertheless, the reason why her saint was not convinced was because it was rational but not a correct theory.
“Still, we have a duty to minimize damage… They are victims who need to be protected! Moreover, you said that ‘contaminated tumors’ spread deadly infectious diseases, right? “In a situation where infection routes are desperately needed to be controlled, are you actually going to increase contact with infectious agents?”
“If this continues, the entire academy will be covered with infectious agents. By then it will be too late. It is better to remove the ‘contamination tumor’ even if it means making some sacrifices, or to destroy the barrier so that external support can be requested…… “
“Some sacrifice?”
As the sound of her words flowed out between her clenched teeth, her man finally turned his gaze back from his gaze on her documents.
“How can hundreds of lives be called a ‘some sacrifice’?! As a priest who serves the Heavenly God, I can never accept this decision…… !”
“What if I don’t accept it?”
A brief rebuttal.
The question lasted only a few syllables, but for the first time, the saint could not find the words to refute it. It wasn’t a problem with her speaking skills or rhetoric.
Rather, should we call it ‘instinct’?
There was still not even a trace of emotion to be found in her man’s voice. That made her even more threatening. Because he was a being who could not be judged by the standards of humanity.
What if I don’t accept it?
Then what will she do with the man? The saint’s doubts rose up to her uvula, but she did her best to pretend to remain calm and purse her lips.
“With like-minded people, it is possible to disobey instructions…” ….”
“Then what do you think I will do?”
A question that was as thorny as a thorn is realized through the mouth of a man.
The woman hesitated for a long time, then closed her eyes tightly.
This was the company’s way. Until now, she didn’t know that she was an ally, but when she started going against his will, there was no more forceful persuasion than this.
Nevertheless, the saintess could not simply turn her back like this.
“Why are you acting so nervous?”
Another question was raised. She said the man did not respond to her words for a while.
Just remain silent and say one word.
“…… “Because I don’t have time.”
With that, the woman left, and her man’s eyes fell on the documents once again.
Then, suddenly, I glance at my hand holding the document.
“Okay, we don’t have time… ….”
Hands shaking so slightly that you can’t even notice.
I shouldn’t be late. After the man added a small voice, her office fell into silence again.
Yes, there was no time.
As it is for everyone.
**
“What is imagery?”
It was a question the woman asked with a proud expression. The way she raised her finger seemed like she wanted to take on the role of a teacher, but unfortunately, not a single ounce of respect arose in my heart.
That’s right, at most, the girl who is as big as my fist is the opponent.
Wouldn’t anyone do that? The small person in front of me even resembled someone I knew.
‘Emma’,
She was an attractive woman with her reddish-brown hair and light green eyes. So much so that one wonders how a commoner who was not properly managed could be so pretty.
The small woman in front of her had an appearance so similar that it was almost like a miniature version of Emma. Of course, her personality was contrasting.
He is grumpy and arrogant.
That was the sentiment I had for the little woman, and right now she was admonishing me in a boastful tone.
“If you’ve only wielded a sword your whole life, you probably haven’t even thought about it, right?”
“I’ve done it before.”
“Another ridiculous lie… Kwaaa?!”
Instead of a rebuttal, I responded by hitting the woman on the head.
Then, a small body fell to the ground and trembled.
It took about a few seconds for resurrection.