A series of memories resurfaced in Third, and perhaps feeling constrained by his body, he tugged at his tie while avoiding Luke’s gaze.
“Do you remember now?”
“… Yes.”
Soon, Third realized the true meaning behind Luke’s words, “I’m the one who should be embarrassed.”
It wasn’t about showing such a vulnerable side in a park; it was about feeling a slight jolt in his tail and, unable to control it, exposing himself by landing an unrefined kick that knocked his disciple beside a trash bag.
‘So that’s how it was.’
Suddenly, Third grimaced as a sharp pain surged in his chest.
“Ugh…”
If he had been in his usual condition, he wouldn’t have let such an attack land so easily. That kick was straightforward, its trajectory completely exposed. In fact, Third had tracked the final attack with his eyes.
However, just before that, he had released a full burst of magic, leaving him incapable of reacting. Moreover, he had drawn upon the magic protecting his body, so there was no shield in place to mitigate the damage from the kick, making it worse for Third.
Seeing this, Luke adjusted the wrinkles in his skirt with his hand and crossed his legs, saying, “I treated it with the potion and band-aids I bought from a nearby pharmacy, but still, try not to push yourself too hard.”
In this case, he could not use divine power.
Third had become an objectively high-level mage, and divine power could be poisonous if misused by a mage. Mana and divine power were known to easily repel each other.
Divine power could produce side effects even in someone like him.
Moreover, Luke was a novice at handling divine power. He could control large flows but could not manipulate it delicately.
Therefore, Third couldn’t confidently predict what would happen if he tried to heal with divine power, given that Luke was quite ignorant of its effects.
In this day and age, when gods had long been forgotten, using divine power could be extremely hazardous for a mage like Third.
Furthermore, just a few days ago, he had struggled due to the ‘Apostle’ caused by that very divine power, leaving him unable to use it now.
Also, healing through magic was impossible because the Dragonheart had awakened, heightening the human body’s resistance to magical coordinates, making circle magic ineffective for now, and it was improbable that Luke would have a medical cane capable of coordinate specification.
Fortunately, Third’s physical recovery was truly remarkable. From a potentially fatal wound, he could quickly rise again.
“Ah…”
Hearing Luke’s words, Third finally realized there were band-aids and gauze all over his body.
Third fidgeted with the band-aid on his face and looked down at Luke, asking, “So, you moved me here…?”
“Yeah, I found the nearest park to expose you to natural mana to enhance your natural healing ability. And looking at you now, I see that it was quite effective.”
“Indeed, I see… So, that knee support too…?”
Luke nodded as if it were obvious. “There wasn’t a fitting place in the park to lie you down comfortably, so I placed you on this bench. Plus, I can observe you up close, making it more efficient. After all, we need contact to check if there’s anything wrong with your circle.”
“Hm, that’s a sensible point.”
It seems that Luke didn’t transfer him to the park without reason. His master indeed had intentions behind his actions.
“Phew…”
Third sighed, filled with mixed emotions. He almost misinterpreted the situation this time. It was all about efficiency.
Third nodded in acceptance.
“But…”
Then, Third placed his hand on his chest, where he had been kicked, and his expression hardened.
“In the end, I still couldn’t surpass you, Master. I lost.”
Regardless of the reasons, the fact remained that he had been defeated.
Even if it wasn’t that he had succumbed to his own power, he had still suffered a defeat. Not even defeating a master who had imposed all those restrictions on him implied that he could never be a match for his master.
Third clenched his teeth, feeling extremely frustrated that he could only manage that.
However, Luke, propping his elbow on the bench’s armrest, rested his chin in his hand while smiling.
“When did I ever tell you to surpass me?”
“…Yes? What do you mean?”
At Third’s expression of confusion, Luke quietly replied.
“Right, you probably… were supposed to surprise me, right?”
“What do you mean by that…?”
Third began to focus on the response he would hear from Luke. But Luke didn’t answer immediately; he just gazed at Third.
In that moment, Third felt that the atmosphere surrounding Luke, who was staring at him, closely resembled that day in the past when he had demanded ‘blood’ from him.
“I think there are two types of people who fight against something.”
“Two types… of people?”
Instead of an answer, Luke’s suddenly initiated conversation took Third by surprise.
But undeterred, Luke continued.
“Those who are worn down and consumed by difficulties, and those who grow.”
Most people in the world, when faced with hardship, are worn down and consumed. Like firewood, they endure, hoping to survive through the passing of winter.
In the past, there were many such people. Maintaining sanity until the last moments of their lives in those chaotic times must have been challenging.
Yet, sometimes, there are those who gain lessons even amidst such relentless and horrific difficulties.
When faced with hardships, instead of merely enduring, they learn and grow as human beings.
“If you’re not one of those people, I wouldn’t be able to acknowledge you. After all, it’s clear you would only end up like a dry branch thrown into flames.”
If it was firewood, no matter how noble a cause it served, it would ultimately burn to ashes.
Luke simply could not bear to see his disciple suffer from the consequences of wearing themselves down to achieve their goals.
But if Third was someone who would ‘overcome hardships and grow,’ that’s a different story altogether.
Luke met Third’s gaze with a smile.
“If you possess that mindset, then I have no choice but to acknowledge you.”
If he had the mindset to grow through battles rather than being worn down, Luke had no authority to stop Third.
“…!”
Third, feeling a surge of emotion, turned to look at Luke.
Luke then asked, “Lastly, I ask you, Third. Is revenge still your primary goal?”
Third shook his head.
“No, revenge doesn’t matter to me anymore. I only want to help with my power—no, with the power that you taught me.”
“Very good.”
Luke stood up, looking pleased with Third’s answer.
“When I’m ready, we’ll go together. In the meantime, refine that strength you’ve newly discovered.”
“Yes! Master! I won’t disappoint you!”
Third also jumped to his feet, a look of joy on his face.
“…Ugh!”
In that moment, Third doubled over as pain surged in his chest.
Immediately, Luke hurried to his side and supported him.
“Oh no, I told you not to push yourself! For now, you should avoid sudden movements!”
“Ah, I’m sorry. In my excitement, I completely forgot that I was injured…”
With a resigned sigh, Luke spoke up.
“It can’t be helped; I’ll walk you home. I’m quite worried about sending you back alone. You might collapse on a street somewhere.”
“… I’m sorry.”
Just then, as they were strolling through the park together.
“Hey, look, the boyfriend is awake! Hey, don’t let your girlfriend roam the streets alone! Make sure to see her home safely!”
“Be careful on your way back; it’s late!”
Taken aback by the shouts of two patrolling police officers, Third looked down at Luke in shock.
“Did they just call me your boyfriend?”
“Haha, no way. That can’t be it.”
Luke sighed, continuing.
“I’ve said it a few times; she’s just my disciple, but you seemingly refuse to believe it.”
Having sat on that park bench for quite a long time looking after Third, Luke had encountered the patrolling officers often. Initially, they had been suspicious of Third’s scruffiness and Luke’s composed aura, interrogating them multiple times.
So, Third had no choice but to explain, ‘She’s truly a precious disciple of mine,’ and asked them not to press further, saying the child needed to recuperate.
But for some reason, they hadn’t believed him at all.
“…”
Third had come to understand what had transpired. Indeed, this was also his responsibility.
“I’m sorry for causing such a misunderstanding…”
Luke shook his head in response.
“No, it’s fine. There’s nothing truly unpleasant about this.”
After all, he had acted with full awareness of the ramifications that came with it. Now, there was no real reason to feel displeased.
“… I see.”
At Luke’s words, Third closed his eyes, meditating to calm his heart. Yes, he had a good reason. So there was no need to worry.
“Oh, by the way, Third. Speaking of which, I have something to ask you, is that alright?”
“Yes? Yes, please ask.”
“What’s your type? What kind of woman do you like?”
Taken by surprise by the unexpected question, Third wore a puzzled expression. What in the world could be the intent behind that question?
I mean, what reason could there possibly be to ask that right now?
“… Why do you suddenly ask that?”
At that, Luke immediately thought of Umi, but couldn’t bring himself to answer.
He feared that bringing up Umi might inadvertently reveal her feelings for Third.
If mentioning Umi’s name would end up upsetting Third’s relationship with her, it would undoubtedly cause her a great deal of hurt.
And that wasn’t what Luke wanted.
Thus, he awkwardly chuckled and mumbled.
“About that… It’s a secret.”
But at those words, Third felt extremely confused.
“…??”
A reason that can’t be told?
What on earth could it possibly be?
In that moment, Third groaned, clutching his chest as a sharp pain struck.
“Ugh-!”
Immediately, Luke grabbed Third’s arm, concerned, and asked, “Oh no, is it starting to hurt again? Dear lord, you’re sweating! Shouldn’t we go to the hospital? Now that you have an identity, I think it should be alright… If money is a concern, I can pay for it…”
“Cough, Master… I’m fine, so please let go of my arm…”
“You don’t look fine at all! Are you really okay? Lying is bad for your health!”
“No, so please….”
—Thump, thump, thump.
Third struggled to calm his pulsating heart, aggravated by the unnecessary stimulation rising up his arm.
Meanwhile, the police officers observing from a distance couldn’t help but think.
“They’re surprisingly sweet, those two.”
“Indeed!”
To an outsider, they merely appeared as a nervous young couple, fidgety and awkwardly leaning against each other.
