Chapter 241

As Jinah’s corpse finished burning, the lab fell silent once more.

I could feel someone staring at me… that cold, probing gaze.

I didn’t even need to look. It was Jeber, his eyes filled with fear as they were fixed on me. He wasn’t seeking the truth – just rejection and denial of the unknown.

Honestly, it wasn’t THAT horrifying a scene. A wizard like Jeber shouldn’t feel guilty about an experiment involving a girl he called “Dad.” Though come to think of it, who would have thought mental resonance would end in fiery combustion?

Yet there he was, looking at me like I was some monster. Geez.

I shifted my gaze to the chimeras around the lab. Jinah’s screams still lingered on their faces.

“Chilly,” she had said.

Yeah, I felt it too – that bone-chilling cold that never fades. Through our connection, I could sense their thoughts and feelings. No wonder they looked so much like me now.

Actually, I kind of envy them. If they shared my emotions, maybe they understand what I’m going through. We’re all the same, yet they ran away.

“Assistant, compile all data from today’s experiment. And clean that up.”

“Yes sir.”

While I was lost in thought envying Jinah, Jeber snapped out of it, sounding years older as he left without a backward glance. The assistant set the chimeras to work organizing data and cleaning up Jinah’s remains. They handled her ashes with surprising care, thanks to the Harvesting System chimera bringing cleaning supplies.

Clearly, the assistant has feelings. Speaking of which, Jeber…

For all his evil wizard/mad scientist antics, isn’t he awfully fragile mentally? Projects fall apart and he bolts, only to crawl back days later. You’d think someone claiming to meet gods or demons would be beyond such reactions by now.

No, this is someone who stresses when things don’t go according to plan. You can see it in how he decorates his mansion with chimeras – no tolerance for other personalities. Probably needs that parent-child hierarchy to feel secure.

These types often appear at society’s bottom rung but lash out violently at home. Best dealt with through overwhelming force – anything less and they’ll claim parental rights or human rights to regain control. When cornered, they’ll fight desperately to preserve their fragile egos.

Basically, stray dogs. Establish dominance and they’ll submit. Of course, even when broken, they harbor resentment unless permanently disabled. Such people must be treated like slaves, not family. Interestingly, they never seek outside help to escape this cycle, knowing instinctively that the violence exceeds societal norms.

Judging by this, Jeber fits the profile perfectly. Unless thoroughly dominated, his pride will bring him crawling back to me, pretending nothing happened. Thus, our dynamic requires no adjustment – he’ll keep trying to interact.

Which leaves me free to focus on more challenging targets. Like Assistant, the special chimera.

The top model. The only one with human-sized light and warmth. That warmth might signify potential – perhaps even the ability to rebel.

Once harvested, they could prove quite useful.

While waiting – something I do exceptionally well – I observed these points.

***

Third World

It’s been quite some time since I started living alone in a small house. With only a few days left until my second year at the Royal Academy.

Suddenly, the royal family summoned me. A car arrived at my house, handing over an official-looking paper demanding my presence at the palace.

Why all the fuss? They’ve never done this before, probably handling such matters through accommodations previously.

Anyway, following the new procedure, I headed to the royal castle. Not far from where I used to live, so the travel time was similar. However, instead of my usual drop-off point, we went deeper into the castle, heading toward the international conference hall rather than the king’s office.

There, I was whisked away by maids who gave me a thorough cleaning and changed my clothes entirely. One maid muttered about whether this was even human skin – sharp observation. Technically, it’s not. This body was created for Daegon’s incarnation, so its lifespan and such are uncertain. Time will tell.

After being readied, I was led to a banquet. Unlike last time, the atmosphere was relaxed. Older guests seemed relieved, while younger ones appeared tense yet curious. At least 60% were foreigners, though given some countries’ indistinguishable appearances, the actual number might be higher.

Among them were familiar faces from the previous conference, including the man who introduced himself as king and his brother. I had wondered why the latter hadn’t been eliminated – foreign ambassador positions typically aren’t given to potential threats.

Spotting these thoughts, someone called out to me. Turning, I saw Highpion. Attempting a proper greeting in this country’s style, the king gave a slight approving smile. Higher-ups instinctively dislike breaches in etiquette, making them quite troublesome.

Wondering if I should stand like a doll again, the king led me to a young girl.

Purple hair, blue skin – Aurora, the youngest princess.

“It’s been a while!”

Aurora greeted me warmly, taking both my hands. Her behavior differed from our previous meeting; perhaps she’s being cautious due to the crowd.

“You’re in the same grade. You’ll see each other at the Royal Academy this year.”

“Yes, I know! Hopefully, we’ll be in the same class!”

Highpion’s introduction made Aurora nod eagerly, gripping my hand lightly with genuine joy. She truly believed we’d meet at the academy.

After waking up half a year ago, I studied intensely to achieve top grades at the academy. This was Sorindiges’ condition, and Aurora worked hard despite knowing she wouldn’t survive long due to Maleficent’s curse from birth.

Everyone knew – no matter how tightly lips were sealed, secrets spread.

So she worked tirelessly to fulfill her dream, succeeding. Hence her happiness now.

She had seemed sharp during our last encounter. Turns out she’s quite skilled at wearing different masks depending on the situation – all genuine facets of her personality.

The conversation stretched on… until Highpion cut it short.

“This person is busy. You’ll have plenty of time to talk at the academy.”

“Ah, yes! Sorry for holding you up.”

I politely excused myself, noticing Sorindiges approaching as I left with Highpion.

“This gathering invites students entering the Royal Academy this year and their families. Some come from dangerous lands seeking safer education.”

“And they may require your assistance someday.”

Heh, exactly what I hoped for. Though I hid my excitement, replying instead with feigned ignorance.

“As you wish.”

Highpion apologized for pressuring me, adding to contact him if I needed anything. Of course, what I really need involves turning influential figures into harvesting systems.

Thus, I was left alone sooner than expected. Apparently, I’m just a usable tool, not an important one. Note to self: adjust attitude when asking favors in the future.