Will
Korn's whereabouts were currently unknown.
To be precise, she hadn't shown her face at the academy even once since that tragedy three months ago.
You'd think the Headmistress's presence would be crucial, especially after such an incident.
But no one had seen her, not the students, not even the faculty.
She had vanished without a trace.
Naturally, the academy was in an uproar.
Filling the void left by the Headmistress's absence were rumors of unknown origin.
-I heard... Headmistress Korn was seriously injured during the last attack.
-They say her injuries are severe.
-That's probably why her whereabouts are unknown...
Even Golden Boy, who had relayed this information to me, seemed to believe it wholeheartedly.
As someone who knew the whole truth, I couldn't help but feel a bitter taste in my mouth.
Well, it wasn't entirely wrong.
Korn was indeed suffering.
However, her pain wasn't physical but emotional.
It had only been four months since she lost the one she loved.
And now, the academy had been attacked, students she cherished were dead...
It was only natural for her to have a breakdown.
It would be stranger if she wasn't affected at all.
-What? You don't know where the Headmistress is?
-Well... If the other professors don't know, how would I?
Golden Boy was right.
Currently, fewer than five people know Korn's whereabouts.
Probably just a few professors like Sharon, Kate, and Aron, who were close to Master when he was alive.
For someone in her position, Korn didn't have a wide social circle.
-In short, the Headmistress is missing. And there's no way to find her.
My plan to bring Korn to my side seemed to be faltering right from the start.
However, I thought I knew.
Where she was staying.
It was a simple deduction.
But I held a clear conviction.
Korn, who loved Master so much, would definitely be there.
'The faculty dorms... Master's room.'
Those consumed by grief often lingered in places that held the most memories of the departed.
Just like I always found myself drawn to my mother's study.
A painful smile touched my lips as the thought crossed my mind.
Those who harbor sorrow are like ghosts wandering the past.
They reminisce about the moments that shone brightly in their lives.
In that sense, the dorm where the two of them had spent their time together would be an incredibly poignant space.
Master's favorite furniture, his cherished belongings, even his unique, refreshing scent... All those traces would remain.
What's lost leaves a bitter aftertaste.
Korn was probably there, lost in a sweet despair, her spirit broken.
'I can't let that happen.'
I bit my lip.
I couldn't leave Korn to be consumed by her grief.
The world still needed her.
In a few years, great chaos would descend upon the continent.
The Cult, which had been manipulating the Seekers, would make their move to seize control of the Empire.
The Demons would also stir, working towards the revival of their Demon King.
To overcome the approaching darkness, Korn had to be in her rightful place.
Of course, this generation had a new hero, 'Allen.'
But if she stood with him, the light of hope would undoubtedly shine brighter.
'......And, even aside from all that...'
I didn't want to see Korn crumble.
Master would be saddened.
He had lived his life in the fiery crucible of hell. I didn't want him to suffer in heaven too.
Even though I was a poor excuse for a disciple who couldn't even bring himself to call him 'Master' when he was alive...
At least this way, I could show him my belated respect.
I couldn't protect him, but I could protect the things he loved.
That was why I couldn't accept it.
Their story ending in such a miserable way.
'I will inherit your will.'
With a firm resolve, I slowly raised my hand.
Before me was a tightly shut door.
The nameplate engraved with 'Lucas' caught my eye, but I didn't stop my hand.
-Knock, knock...
The sound of my knock echoed softly.
An icy silence followed.
I stood there, waiting patiently. Soon, I could sense a faint presence approaching the door.
-Click, creek...
The door creaked open.
A woman with vibrant red hair appeared.
"I told you not to come here, Sharon..."
Her voice was laced with irritation, but it quickly faded.
Our eyes met.
Her golden eyes widened slightly as if surprised to see me.
I took a deep breath and spoke calmly.
"Headmistress."
"Raiden...? Is that you?"
"It's been a while."
A simple greeting.
As I raised my head, I saw the woman staring at me with a dazed expression.
She was in a terrible state.
Her usually lush hair was a tangled mess as if it hadn't been brushed in days.
Her once-bright eyes were dull and lifeless.
Even her elegant beauty was hidden beneath a pallor of despair.
"What brings you... here?"
Her reaction betrayed a flicker of alarm, but I pressed on, my tone resolute.
"I need to speak with you, Headmistress."
"You...?"
Korn seemed to hesitate, as if unsure how to respond.
Then, she let out a sigh and frowned.
"I don't know how you found me... but just go."
It was a blatant refusal.
She tried to close the door, but I moved my foot, blocking it.
I couldn't leave her to drown in her sorrow.
"......What do you think you're doing?"
"I apologize."
"But I need to speak with you."
"Leave. Now. Or I'll close this door, even if it means cutting off your foot."
"There's something I need to tell you."
"I don't want to hear it... Please, just leave me alone."
She tried to push me away, but I had one last card to play, one she couldn't ignore.
"The day of Master's funeral... I took your place."
"......"
"You said... that since you owed me a favor, you would help me if I ever needed it."
Korn was a gruff woman, but she always kept her word.
Especially when it involved Master.
She hesitated, then finally relented, stepping aside to let me in.
"Come in."
"Thank you."
Stepping inside, I breathed a sigh of relief.
I had been worried that she might be too far gone, her mind too clouded by grief to even remember her promise.
Thankfully, that wasn't the case.
But I couldn't let my guard down just yet.
The most crucial part was still ahead.
I had to convince her, to pull her back from the brink.
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