“You all haven’t suffered any misfortune due to him keeping his identity a secret, and I’m certain a good number of you also have things you are yet to tell your friends.”
Wavering gazes and guilty expressions could be seen on the faces of Neron’s listeners.
He had said he wouldn’t support Jared, but his words clearly indicated that everyone else was being faulty in their current judgement.
“I urge you all to keep your private sentiments as just that… private.
Let’s focus on the matter at hand and choose the most effective method.
Can we do that?”
Silence permeated the hall, and the audience was struck with paralyzing awe and conflicting thoughts.
Neron’s points were difficult to argue against, and it would be selfish to even think of opposing them.
Thus, the silence.
“I said… can we do that?”
“Y-yeah…” The audience had to say.
And so, whether or not it was ideal, the conflict became resolved.
**********
I was amazed—no, beyond amazed.
As I watched Neron defend me in front of everyone, a warm feeling coursed through me.
Like a small fragment of light, mending my broken heart, I felt true relief and security behind his words.
‘Despite him saying he won’t support me, he’s actually…’
Sure, Neron wasn’t actively speaking on my behalf.
Rather, he was addressing the audience and more or less talking about them.
Still, I could tell that he meant well.
He said everything out of goodwill.
‘Reminds me of his reaction when I first told him…’ An internal smile manifested within me.
Neron had actually shown me the most peculiar response when I made my revelation.
According to him, while it had been a bit of a phenomenal revelation, he hadn’t been offended by my decision to keep my identity a secret.
He also posited that my secrets didn’t make him trust me any less, and he couldn’t deny my results and observable behaviour.
In his words—
“You are a necessity to this world, Jared.
That much is enough for me to tolerate your existence… no, even support it.”
Neron’s position seemed to stem from an objective standpoint, but it also affected his subjective interaction with me.
To be honest, while I knew it was too far-fetched to expect the same reaction from everyone else, I had hoped for something similar.
‘I guess Neron is the only exception.’
Sometimes I had to consider who was actually the reincarnated one out of the two of us.
Neron’s genius and brilliance were almost unreal.
However, when I asked, he told me a very straight “Nope.”
Apparently, he didn’t know one could reincarnate until I told him about it, and he was now interested in the concept.
I didn’t think Neron would lie about such a thing, considering there would be no benefit in it.
In contrast, if he was a reincarnated soul like myself, it would be more advantageous if we pooled our memories together and gained new knowledge on both Magic and history.
‘His intelligence, maturity, and skills are just astounding.’ I found myself smiling as I observed him and the effect his words had on everyone.
Neron was right about one thing, though.
I had to defend my position myself.
I felt bad for not revealing things to them, but my reasons were genuine.
The emotional saturation of everyone almost made me forget about that fact.
I simply had to present my case and render my apologies where they were necessary.
‘If they still can’t bring themselves to forgive me or understand my reasons, then…’ With a sigh, I stepped forward and made to give my position on the matter.
“Everyone, I—”
My eyes instantly popped wide open, and so did Neron’s.
We both stared at each other, as an understanding was established between our senses when they picked up a particular signal.
“Jared…”
“Yeah.
I understand.” It was unfortunate, but we had to pause the apologies for now.
Something was occurring back in the base.
My barrier and that of Neron had picked it up and notified us.
Apparently, it was something serious… and powerful.
“We need to head back.” I swiftly tried connecting myself to the Automatons I had placed within the premises, but something kept interfering.
“Something is happening back in the base.
We need to go.”
Despite their shock and distrust, my allies gave positive responses—most simply nodded at my words.
Swiftly pulling out the appropriate Spell Card to use, I readied myself for our Mass Teleport.
“Head on without me.
I need to check out my samples and gather them.
They’re very important to my work… and our deal.” Beruel glanced in Ana’s direction and nodded.
“That’s true.
I’m coming with you to help.” The girl responded, almost as though relieved that Beruel had raised the topic.
“You sure?”
“Definitely.
They can leave without us.
Besides, I still haven’t completely explored this base of yours.”
“Well…”
I watched the exchange between the two, and Beruel glanced in my direction—most likely so I could give my input.
“It’s fine.
Just take care of yourselves.
Here.” I threw two Spell Cards at the two of them.
“They’re laced with Aether, so you can use them even with interference.”
Ana might not have completely understood the implications behind my statement, but I was certain Beruel did.
He was a member of the Cult, after all.
“Thank you, Lewis.” The Fairy King said with a smile and a light nod.
Something about his tone and expression felt slightly different from the haughty man I remembered.
I mean, Beruel hadn’t really been harsh towards me, but he hadn’t been completely nice either.
He had always believed himself to be superior, and I’d had to agree with him on that in order to get his help during the war—whether through pity or pride.
But now, he seemed to have changed.
‘Old age, maybe?’
“I still need an explanation concerning your relationship with the Cult, as well as your current motive.
For now, though, I’ll choose to trust you.” I nodded at him, and he nodded in agreement.
Thankfully, he knew where we both stood.
“Alright, then.
We’ll see each other soon.”
Space warbled, and within moments we were warped to our destination—the base.
*
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[A/N]
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