Chapter 35

After what felt like a long time, yet also too brief, Edu’s sobs gradually subsided.

“Hic… Thank you.”

With delicate fingers, Edu wiped their teary eyes as Ryuje observed them with a gentle smile.

“Have you calmed down a bit?”

“Yes, I’m sorry.”

“There’s no need to apologize. Anyone would have reacted the same way after going through what you did.”

Ryuje patted Edu’s back again, and the warmth that traveled through their touch melted away the last remnants of unease like snow under the sun.

“Anyway, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you about the future…”

Perhaps mindful of the events from the previous day, Ryuje chose their words carefully.

“Yes, please go ahead.”

“Hmm… Well, I saw the video that you were part of, in that same location.”

“Oh, yes.”

“Of course, I’m not suspecting you, but surely you understand that the footage in that video is far from easily comprehensible.”

“…Yes, I feel the same.”

“Hmm… Hence, my question… Is there anything you can tell me about it?”

With an even gentler tone than before, Ryuze spoke, yet quickly added:

“Of course, I’m not interrogating you. Everyone has a secret or two that they can’t share with others.”

“…”

“If you find it difficult to speak, you don’t have to. However, if there’s anything I can do to help, I need to know at least something to assist you.”

“…Yes.”

After all the help they’d already received—and considering that Edu had entrusted me with a Nightmare upon hearing what seemed like hollow promises—I wondered if there was some unnoticed loneliness behind that feeling.

Moreover, despite carrying memories of persecution and disdain, Edu stood tall as a hero to confront the crisis this world faced.

With the rapidly changing circumstances, confessing everything and seeking honest help might be the way forward.

“Actually…”

With that, Edu began recounting everything. From their original world, through the story of AOE, to their experiences since arriving in this world.

Throughout this long narrative, Ryuje nodded continuously, giving their full attention.

“…That concludes my story.”

“Hmm, I’ve heard your story well. It must have been difficult for you to speak, so I appreciate your courage.”

“…Do you really believe me?”

My story to Ryuze contained no lies, but honestly, even I found it hard to believe after having lived it.

However, Ryuze’s response was firm.

“I most certainly believe you.”

Her crimson eyes turned to me, unwavering—reflecting the brilliance of a hero who had steadfastly protected humanity.

“To be honest, it’s not an easy tale to grasp, but if you trusted me enough to bare such an unbelievable story, does that not also mean that even you find it hard to believe?”

“…Yes.”

“That’s why I believe you.”

A concise yet sincere answer.

But her words resonated deeply within me, creating waves of emotion.

Was there perhaps some unnoticed loneliness I hadn’t realized? The fact that someone trusted me this much brought tears to my eyes again.

“Hmm? Is something the matter?”

“Tha, Thank… you…”

“It’s alright, it’s fine.”

And then, Ryuze enveloped me in a tender embrace. The warmth that spread through my body brought comfort.

“Have you calmed down a bit?”

“Yes, thank you.”

I sniffled, nodding my head.

Perhaps due to the recent difficult experiences, I was finding it hard to control my emotions—but it might just be the aftermath of the ordeal.

“By the way, something occurred to me after hearing your story. Would it be alright if I ask a question?”

“Yes, please ask anything.”

“Thank you. Regarding the old story… Didn’t you say that the Ark was burning and the world was ending?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… Well, is it necessarily so in this AOE you mentioned?”

There was a weight in her voice that felt somewhat deeper and graver due to the nature of this question.

So, to allay Ryuze’s concerns, I shook my head firmly in reply.

“No, that’s not the case.”

“…Is that true?”

“Yes, it’s only the worst possible scenario among various endings.”

“That’s a relief. While I don’t believe in fate, I was admittedly somewhat worried….”

“It’s alright; under similar circumstances, I would have reacted the same way.”

And that was sincere.

To be honest, if someone like that were around, anyone not a saint would try to extract information from them for personal gain. In the real world, even simple information can make a significant difference. How much more so if the information concerns the future? Naturally, its value would be immeasurable.

In fact, it’s quite remarkable that Ryuze responded so calmly.

“If that’s the worst scenario… Could you perhaps tell me what the best outcome would be?”

“We win.”

“Win?”

“Yes, we defeat the Invaders, Ustansha, and Cryptids, and humanity takes back Earth.”

“Hoo…”

A brief answer.

But on Ryuze’s face after hearing those words, a myriad of emotions crossed.

“That’s… truly… a dreamlike tale.”

“It’s not a dream, Chairman.”

“Hmm?”

“By working together, we can make that outcome our reality.”

“…Could it really happen?”

“Yes, you can count on me.”

And at my bold declaration, Ryuze laughed suddenly.

“Aha-haha…”

“Uh, Chairman?”

“No, I apologize. Just moments ago, you seemed like a small, fragile crybaby, but now you look more reliable than anyone else.”

“….”

My cheeks grew a little warm.

“You said it was alright to cry as much as I wanted…”

And puffing my cheeks, Ryuze smiled wryly as if slightly embarrassed, then gently stroked my head.

“I apologize; I didn’t mean to tease you. It’s just that you look so dependable now.”

Her warmth, transmitted through her fingertips, began to relax my heart. As I quietly surrendered to her gesture, Ryuze slowly opened her mouth again.

“Edu, what are your plans from now on?”

“My plans?”

“Yes. If there’s a way to return, how about going back to your world? To be honest, this world isn’t your original home, so there’s no need for you to risk your life, is there?”

“That’s true.”

After hearing that, I paused to think for a moment.

Going home.

It wasn’t something I hadn’t considered. But after pondering, I quickly shook my head and looked at her.

“Don’t you know a way to return?”

“Yes.”

To begin with, my arrival here wasn’t ordinary, so I had no clue how to go back. Even less likely would this world contain anything similar to AOE.

“I see. I’m sorry.”

“No, Chairman, there’s nothing for you to apologize about.”

After saying that, I took another moment to organize my thoughts.

The realization after experiencing various events was, of course, that more growth was necessary.

There were plenty of ministers or legislative-level figures out to get me, so I clearly need to cultivate sufficient power to stand up against them.

Sufficient martial strength. Even greater might!

Overwhelming force is what elicits courtesy and respect, a fact proven even in the civilized 21st century on Earth.

Also, if I were to exact revenge, I lacked the social status or power to do so immediately.

Of course, there’s the method of using Nightmares for retaliation, but violence without just cause doesn’t gain public support.

Which means it is time to hold back.

“For now, my plan is to attend the academy while building my skills. Then, I plan to roam the surface and try to improve quickly.”

Growth.

There are three main growth factors in AOE: leveling up, achieving milestones, and items.

Leveling up refers to gaining experience (EXP) and raising levels to increase stats.

Achievements are additional growth by meeting various conditions to earn bonus stats.

Lastly, items contribute to growth by complementing shortcomings or enhancing character traits according to preference.

And this is where the academy shines.

Once academy life begins, various events unfold, making it an optimal environment for comprehensive growth encompassing all three elements.

So, I had initially planned to level up appropriately and immediately enter the academy. But after the Invader attack and my first combat experience, I realized that this level wasn’t something to be taken lightly.

Hence, the surface.

There’s nothing more efficient for rapid leveling than defeating mobs—enemies—on the surface.

“The surface implies clearing nests or dungeons like you just explained, right?”

“Yes.”

“In that case, is there anything I can assist you with?”

“I think those people will continue to interfere.”

“That’s likely.”

Ryuje’s head nodded slightly.

“So, could you help me evade their eyes? Perhaps find a reason that won’t raise suspicion for traveling to the surface?”

“Hmm…”

Ryuje pondered for a moment.

“Here’s an idea. The academy sends regular supply convoys to the surface every weekend. We could secure a spot for you on each trip down and pick you up on the return.”

In short, blending in with the established routine.

Anyone associated with the surface reclamation efforts wouldn’t be linked to my side, making it a solid idea.

“That sounds good.”

“Just one thing: traveling to the surface is fine, but the supply convoys return by Sunday evening. That leaves you without a place for Saturday night.”

“That’s true.”

“In that case, you’ll need a sturdy vehicle as a mobile base.”

She muttered this, then nodded as if recalling something.

“Alright, I’ll pass this to Banetta. With her skills, she should be able to prepare something satisfactory before the weekend.”

From start to finish, Ryuze was determined to help me in every way possible.

“Thank you so much.”

“It’s only natural to assist a promising young individual. Plus…”

Ryuez’s face slightly shadowed.

“Even earlier, I mentioned that you have no real ties to this world, right? Yet, you’re still exerting yourself for us. Helping someone like you to this degree should be no issue, so please don’t feel obligated.”

In her decisive tone, a sense of apology appeared as she looked at me.

“To be honest, I wonder if I’m placing an unnecessarily heavy burden on you.”

“It’s alright. I’m choosing to do this because I want to.”

Honestly speaking, I don’t understand why I was chosen over others, who perhaps linger endlessly in AOE.

But whatever the case, I am here.

Which means there must be a reason I was called to this place and something I can accomplish here.

“Yes, even so, thank you.”

With that, Ryuze bowed deeply to me.

“Ch-Chairman? I didn’t do anything particularly great, so there’s no need to-”

“No, it is great.”

A firm reply.

“Not everyone responds the same way to similar experiences. You could have used that knowledge for evil. But you didn’t.”

Speaking earnestly, Ryuze looked directly at me.

“I’m truly grateful that you’ve decided to use your abilities for everyone, for the world.”

The warmth traveling through me from her head-pat was filled with her genuine sincerity.

At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

“Chairman, I’ve brought Edu’s drone.”

A calm, collected voice—it was Diana.

“Very well, come in! Edu, we should wrap up now as it’s time for classes. We can continue our talk later.”

“Yes, truly, I’m very grateful.”

“Hmm, if you need anything, feel free to come see me. My office is always open.”

“Yes!”

…

After Edu left the room, Ryuze closed her eyes and let out a barely audible sigh in the dark.

Once again, the chill of hindsight. If she hadn’t trusted her instincts and returned to the Ark, she might not have been able to prevent what happened to Edu.

“Hmph, time truly is merciless…”

It wasn’t like this right after the Ark was established.

Even though there was a distinction between the Ark and the outside, it was an era where people helped each other while maintaining mutual respect and lived together.

But now, the world outside the Ark symbolizes discrimination, the academy and surface reclamation team face accusations of incompetence, and the powerful and privileged classes chase their selfish interests, corrupting and degenerating in the process.

Amid all this, she tried to protect the academy and lead the people, but there was no sign of improvement.

“All this is meaningless…”

With a sigh, Ryuze thought about the mere, thin power gained by pushing a little girl to her limits.

Even without fully interrogating or fully understanding their motives, she had long observed countless maneuvers and tricks over an eternal span of time.

Their methods were obvious.

“Hmph…”

Despite wanting to cut them down on the spot, their status complicated matters. If things escalated improperly, causing videos to spread, it might put Edu in a precarious situation.

The thoughts of panicked and fearful people easily swayed by even the weakest propaganda weighed heavily on her.

So, she had to endure. She was the academy’s principal.

Because her role required her to protect and lead all academy students, she couldn’t swing her weapons freely as she had in the old days.

“…”

Taking a moment to collect herself,

The situation was already unfolding, so she had to steel her resolve.

Their actions had clearly crossed a line.

‘The time to make decisions has come.’

Ryuez’s crimson eyes opened slowly, resolute determination etched within.

“ID, establish a personal line to the other Ark academies. We need to convene an emergency principal’s meeting.”

[Code confirmed. I’ll connect with other Ark academies.]

Until now, she had tolerated, hoping they would self-correct. But confirming this worsening situation through the worst possible means indicated the necessity for preparations.

An action she had hesitated to take so far due to its creation of inter-human conflicts—revolution.

But Ryuze vowed to protect the students even if it meant drastic measures like wielding the sword.

“And… Send this message to Diana. Discreetly spread vague rumors throughout the Ark regarding this incident.”

[Code confirmed. Sending message to target Diana.]

Small, unobtrusive rumors. But even such tiny whispers are significant in this closed society.

Moreover, Ryuze knew:

Such small rumors, accumulating together, can cause a major shift in people’s hearts when the doubts suddenly resolve.