***
A short while later, Korn and I sat facing each other across a large table.
As she excused herself to prepare tea, I discreetly observed the room.
It was surprisingly tidy.
Perhaps she couldn't bear to see the space she shared with Master fall into disarray.
Everywhere I looked, I saw evidence of her obsessive cleanliness.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Korn return with a steaming cup of tea.
-Clink...
She placed a cup of lightly brewed black tea in front of me.
Another one of the Master's favorites.
"So... what is it that you wanted to tell me?"
Korn's voice was laced with impatience, but it didn't have the same sharp edge as before.
Perhaps she couldn't bring herself to be completely harsh to a student within her own domain.
Master's light might have overshadowed her at times, but in moments like this, I was reminded that Korn was an excellent educator in her own right.
My breath hitched slightly.
I composed myself and spoke.
"I have a favor to ask."
That's how I began.
"I want to gain strength... The strength to never lose anyone again."
I had lost too much.
I yearned too deeply.
I regretted too fiercely.
I didn't want to be trapped in this helpless reality any longer.
"Every day since Master's death, I've thought... If I had been stronger, faster, more alert... maybe I could have saved him."
I had berated myself countless times.
If I hadn't let my guard down.
If I had planned for every danger, using my knowledge of the original story to create a perfect future...
Maybe, just maybe, I could have saved him.
The thought, buried deep within me, resurfaced with a painful sting.
"This recent invasion... it made me realize how truly weak I am."
Once again, I had almost failed to protect what was precious to me.
If it hadn't been for the ‘Helper,’ the back gate would have fallen, and countless lives would have been lost.
"I'm tired of this helplessness... I don't want to be protected anymore. I want to be the protector."
I clenched my fists, my resolve burning bright.
Grief welled up inside me, threatening to choke me, but I bit my lip, refusing to break down.
This was too important.
I couldn't surrender to this pain.
My lip, torn from the force of my bite, throbbed, and a bead of blood trickled down my chin.
"I want to be like Master."
His unwavering dedication to protecting those he cared about, even at the cost of his own life.
The flame might have been extinguished, but the embers still glowed faintly.
I wanted to carry that ember, that spark ignited by Master, within my heart.
"He protected the Academy, ensured the safety of others, and became a pillar of support for everyone... I want to be strong like that."
Through the long and arduous journey of grief, a single wish had taken root within me.
I wished for a world where no one had to endure what I had.
Where children wouldn't be scarred by senseless tragedies.
Where they could live in peace, their faces lit by innocent smiles.
And if they were hurting, I wanted them to have a safe haven, a shelter from the storm.
I wanted to be their bulwark, just like master had been for me.
"I will inherit the will of the Guardian."
Korn's gaze, fixed on me, had sharpened.
Meeting her eyes head-on, I declared,
"I will honor his noble sacrifice... I will grow stronger, expand my influence, rise to a position where I can protect everything and everyone I hold dear."
So...
"Please, lend me your strength."
I rose from my chair.
Turning to the silent woman, I bowed deeply.
It was a perfect ninety-degree angle, a gesture rarely seen.
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