Chapter 358 Sorry... Lathel... I'm really sorry.
"That's right." Hearing Lathel's question, Akna nodded and explained: "Class, talent, and youth..."
"For example, a person who has reached the required level but is very old and has normal talent cannot be called a genius."
"Or... a young person, because of luck and encountering some opportunity, can reach a high level in a short time, but if he or she possesses poor talent, they are not a genius."
"Or... a person who really possesses good talent at a young age but doesn't work hard at cultivating it is not a genius."
"That's why only a person who satisfies all three of those conditions can be called a genius."
"Of course, besides that, there are still many other conditions needed, but those other conditions are not worth worrying about."
Hearing that, Lathel nodded. He felt that the conditions for selecting Geniuses for the 'Genius Congress' were really harsh and ruled out all lucky scenarios.
Akna continued: "Every 10 years, the 'Genius Congress' will be held once in major empires; this year it is the Karol Empire's turn to host it."
"The 'Genius Congress' was supposed to take place in one month; however, the Demon Lord's appearance made everyone worry that the seal imprisoning the Demon Lord had become weaker."
"That is why this 'Genius Congress' also has a special meaning, which is to reinforce the seal."
"Heh?! Why?" Lathel asked in confusion: "If it's such an important matter, it should be done by high-ranking people, right?"
Akna sighed: "To protect the seal, the heroes at that time created a special space."
"That space only allows people with a level below 50 to enter."
"But people of such a low level will not be able to open the seal and will not be able to overcome the seal's protective barrier."
"Why make things so complicated?" Lathel continued to ask: "In that case, why didn't they just prevent people from entering that place."
"Indeed, that method has been thought of." Akna nodded and said: "However... The seal also requires energy to maintain. If we do that, no one will be able to enter the place where the seal is placed to replenish the energy."
"In the end, everyone had to choose this method. Even though it's a bit risky, at least it's better than waiting for the seal inside to slowly dissipate without being able to do anything."
Hearing that, Lathel nodded. He felt that the 'Genius Congress' was a competition to select the strongest geniuses to form a suicide army.
Suddenly, he felt a bit uneasy. For some reason, he felt... like during this 'Genius Congress' something very special or terrible would definitely happen.
However, Lathel shook his head and sighed. Even if there is danger, he must participate in this conference.
Catheryne threatened him and the people around him. What he needs to do now is become stronger.
Lathel suddenly hugged Akna tightly, startling her: "Young master... you... um..."
He immediately kissed her lips, then...
lightsΝοvεl ƈοm Outside, the maid driving the carriage heard the sounds coming from inside the carriage and immediately raised her hand. A protective dome appeared, blocking the sounds inside from echoing outside.
She sighed: "Ah! Do we have to walk around the city again?"
...
At noon, the carriage went to a quite remote place. This place has a house that resembles a church that was simply built.
It looked like a normal, fairly large wooden house in the middle of an empty lot.
Around this area, there were many homeless people; they built small huts and lived in a temporary way.
She was so poor that she could not be any poorer.
Lathel looked around, sighed, and said: "Does that girl have blonde hair and two bat-like wings on her back?"
"Ah! You..." Claire was startled; she wanted to speak but quickly covered her mouth: "Sorry, I... I can't say."
Lathel saw Claire's expression and held her forehead: "You don't need to say it; I know who she is."
"Heh?! That... I... sorry, Lathel. I..."
"Stop apologising to me; do you know how risky what you did was?"
Hearing Lathel's question, Claire just nodded slightly, her hands acting as if they wanted to crumple the dress she was wearing.
Lathel frowned and continued: "I find it very difficult to understand; how am I better than others? Why are you determined to worship me?"
"You must know that... Thanks to your talent, the Royal Family and the Church will certainly open their doors to welcome you."
"They will even give you the best resources and the best title, so you can serve them."
"Why did you choose such a strange and difficult path?"
Claire bowed so much that she wanted to bury her head in the middle of her chest.
"Answer me; I will not allow you to be silent." Lathel said a little angrily.
Claire was startled, trembling and stammering: "I... I... Lathel... do you trust me?"
"What do you mean?"
"Up until now, I have never lived a life according to my wishes." Claire said softly: "When I was ten years old, my master, Malina, picked me up, and from then on, her will was my will."
"Now it's different; I'm free; I can live according to my will. Lathel... you are not like the others; you are so kind. You are so kind..."
"Ah! Is that why you want to kill me?" Lathel spoke up, interrupting Claire's words.
"No! Lathel... I don't want to choose the Royal Family or the Church because they are not like you; they just want to use me."
"As for my wishes... I only want to serve you. Lathel, sorry... I was afraid that doing so would make you angry, however... I wanted to help you."
"I want to turn you into a god; you deserve to become a god."
Claire wanted to say something more, but her body trembled violently, and tears flowed out again, falling onto her dress and hands.
Lathel sighed, seeing that he really felt very tired. He accepted to come to this world as just a supporting character to have a peaceful life.
In the end, he did not see peace; instead, he faced countless troubles.
He really wanted to scream: 'The male lead is on the other side; you guys should go to him. Why are you looking for a supporting character like me to cause trouble?'
"Claire... your apology is too late." Lathel said wearily: "You have worshipped me. If I force you to give up now, not only you, but I will also die."
Hearing that, Claire clutched her dress even tighter; she didn't understand why she was doing this.
It was as if there was some kind of desire inside her that was always urging her to do this. And then, in the end... she pushed herself and Lathel to the brink of death.
"Sorry... Lathel... really sorry..." Claire cried as she spoke, she didn't know what to say other than 'sorry'.
Lathel closed his eyes, and after a moment, he suddenly spoke: "Do you have a plan?"
