Chapter 338: Brave, or foolhardy?
Leverle brought everyone back to the academys entrance.
Caleb raised his eyes from his lectern. Oh, if it isnt the Doc and teacher Sonia again! His brows furrowed after his jovial greeting, The entire group is here Did something go wrong with the event?
We had some outside interference Is Beryl available?
Caleb shook his head, Im afraid not, miss Sonia, likewise, the Headmaster is away. Sir Tartaros is present, though.
Should we report to him?
Your issue happened during the event so I dont see why not, going in this time, Doc?
I will, Leverle confirmed.
Calbed nodded and pressed a few buttons hidden under the book on his lectern, a teleportation gate appeared in front of the academy gate. Ay ay, step right in, everyone, students will be sent to their dorms while Doc and Sonia are inbound to Sir Tartaros lodgings.
So this is how new students usually get in?
Thank you, Caneb.
It is my pleasure.
Sofia turned to the students before leading them through the portal, I will come check in on you and explain things when I have it all sorted out, the academy is safe so you can rest easy.
Well be just fine, En answered, a carefree smile on her face.
T- Thank you, for getting us out of there, Lola added, and the others approved.
Sofia entered the portal after the students, she stood next to Leverle in what seemed to be an underground chamber with large pillars all around the circular room. Saint Tartaros was sitting cross-legged on the ground at the very center of the barren room, his eyes closed. The clothes he wore were different than usual, his current attire was one very familiar to Sofia, a simple white uniform with a red belt.
Does this guy?
Sofia thought about grabbing her black belt from her storage but she felt that now wasnt the time.
Tartaros spoke, his eyes still closed, Will you finally fight me, Death Guard?The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.
I am afraid not, Leverle answered monotonously.
A pity. Then will the girl fight me?
I would die before I could blink. Go fight Erredis or something. If you wait for me to catch up to you, I will.
I shall wait, then.
How polite of you
Sofia was about to talk back and explain the reason they came to see him, but Tartaros spoke again first.
Dont waste your saliva, I already know. We will arrange for such things not to happen again in the context of the competition, but you are expected to deal with your personal issues through your own strength.
Unhelpful as always, Leverle complained, he turned back to Sofia, I did all I could, Vakaria. I will head back to the cathedral. Shall I bring you to your lodgings within the academy?
You did plenty! I got so much more information from this than I expected.
To think the entire competition is just a front to bait someone with the sword
I can go back by myself, thank you very much for your help, Leverle. I still have a few things I would like to ask Sir Tartaros, if he will.
You are free to discuss with the lunatic yourself, in this case. Warn me in advance before you leave the city next time. Good luck, Daughter of Sorrow. Done with his farewells, Leverle opened the same black fissure he had used before to teleport and stepped in, leaving Sofia alone with the Saint of Strength.
May I? Sofia asked the Saint who silently observed her.
Sit.
Sure
Sofia walked to face the Saint directly and sat in the same position as him. Since Tartaros said nothing, she took the initiative to speak first.
Is the Empress investigating me because of my name?
That is so.
Alright. Then, if the sword is bait for some unknown person, are you not really going to be giving it to the winner of the competition?
We are. Strength does not deceive.
Good.
Would that not put the winner at risk?
It would. But we will have caught the fish by then. After that, should the wielder be worthy, the sword will defend itself.
Can I know more about the fish? It feels a lot like me and my students are part of the bait, and I really dislike that.
The entire Academy is part of the bait. One of your students in particular, but you may not learn more, lest your knowledge risk compromising the plan.
Fine. I get it. I am a weak little level 249 in the end, am I not? Thank you for your time. As thanks, let me make you privy to a little secret, since your allies wanted to know so badly, Sofia said with a large smile. In her hands appeared a tablet made of blue crystal, Its a gift from my adoptive father. You already know his name. What do you think? Very cute, isnt it? Be careful when you tell the Empress, it wouldnt be good for your plans if you were to suddenly disappear, I assume.
Tartaros expression did not change, but after spending a few seconds absent-mindedly fixating on the midenicite tablet, he closed his eyes.
I shall see to it that Delivia no longer bothers you, he started after a long silence, But no matter what, the plan and your place in it must stay unchanged. You might thank me for it later. I look forward to our eventual duel, Sofia Vakariazrehafin Aphenoreth.
After Tartaros teleported Sofia out of his room, he reflexively looked behind his back, he knew there was nothing there, he could feel the empty space and the undisturbed mana, but he was inexplicably compelled to look.
There was nothing but the usual rounded wall and columns.
With a deep sigh of relief, he uncrossed his legs and fell back, letting his heavy body slump to the floor.
The Saint of Strength silently stared at the ceiling.
