“Therefore, before you graduate from Siyoram, there’s no need for the Savior to venture outside and face danger.”
Did the Knowledge Tower Master know how sweet those words sounded to me?
Once, I had been a weak-willed person, someone who never bothered to put in any effort. The kind of person who buried himself in a room playing games and browsing video platforms. To me, those words were irresistibly sweet.
I bit my lip and shook my head.
[...There will be many more incidents, and if I don’t step in, many people will die.]
“I won’t call it an unavoidable sacrifice... But if the inexperienced Savior, diving into danger, were to face misfortune, this world would have no future. The Association and the Observation Tower were prepared for this purpose.”
[But it’s not like I’ve gained nothing in the process. I realized my unique abilities in Sipnahar, and in China, I obtained the Proof of Protection.]
“I don’t deny the achievements, but the things you’ve done were always bound to happen within Siyoram. Especially the artifacts—there are a few that are useful here in the Knowledge Tower, as well as in Siyoram’s Archive.”
[And you may not know this, but I also have a lifespan issue. If I just sit idle, I might die soon...]
“You must have already guessed, but that curse binds your future the more your life is at risk, drawing on your life to hold you in the present. Additionally, using your life brings misfortune. That’s why it is beneficial for you to stay in Siyoram, where the curse can be suppressed.”
I stiffened at the mention of the curse. The Tower Master knew about it.
The curse of a short life.
I had gotten accustomed to precise internal observation through my power, and I was starting to understand the effects of the curse. But hearing that every time I left the tower, it consumed my life and brought misfortune was new to me.
A sense of unease hit me suddenly.
They brought me to this world. It wasn’t by mere chance or kindness; they had a clear purpose in bringing me here. They even sent a terminal to summon me.
And that terminal was probably...
[Didn’t the Tower Master want me to fight? Didn’t you bring me here for that purpose?]
The necklace clicked as it released a voice. The emotion leaking through the voice made my hands on my lap tighten into a fist. The Tower Master's face, once like a mask, faltered.
“...If you hear this as a disgusting excuse, I won’t argue. Yes, we accepted the duty of the Tower. We ask that you block the incoming Tower Masters from invading.”
The Knowledge Tower Master bowed her head.
“However, we never intended for you to sacrifice yourself in the end. The potential you possess exceeds that of the three Tower Masters, so once you have achieved your full growth, you will be able to defeat the invasion.”
The Tower Master spoke with a soft tone, as though she were comforting a child. It was all the more enticing.
She was telling me, in no uncertain terms, that I didn’t have to stubbornly step outside and face risks. I could stay safe in my cradle, grow in peace, and fight only when I was fully prepared.
If I swallowed those words, they would undoubtedly be sweet.
[Yes... you're right.] [If the curse brings misfortune, it might be a nuisance if I go outside.]
“I don’t think that’s the case.”
[In China... if I hadn’t gone, the Twin-Headed Dragon might not have appeared.]
“That’s a hindsight argument. The Twin-Headed Dragon incident was something that would have occurred regardless. You simply preemptively resolved a disaster that was bound to happen.”
[Thank you for the consolation.]
A faint smile formed on my face as I saw the Tower Master’s quick rebuttal to my self-blame. She nodded and checked the corner of her sight.
Though she was a difficult person to read emotionally, somehow, her words of consolation felt sincere.
[Actually, I regret going to Sipnahar. I shouldn’t have gone outside. All I did was suffer, got caught in a dungeon rampage, almost died just for being stubborn...]
I regretted it in China as well. I thought maybe if I hadn’t stepped in, the Twin-Headed Dragon wouldn’t have rampaged and killed people, and I wouldn't have been hurt. I felt like I couldn’t do anything right.
In Sipnahar, in the hospital bed, I regretted it over and over again. Even as I held the letters from those I saved, I couldn’t ignore the coldness where my arm used to be.
I didn’t want to regret it.
Even though I knew it was a bad thought, I regretted being so stubborn at times.
But...
[At that time, Elia’s younger sibling was there. They were the one who comforted me, and if I hadn’t gone there, if I had just run away... Elia’s sibling would have died too.]
“...Yes.”
[Of course, Elia is really strong, unlike me. She would have gotten up and moved on. But... the wound in her heart would have stayed there. So, I didn’t regret it at that time.]
I was glad I went there.
I was relieved I didn’t run away.
I was glad I didn’t stubbornly avoid it.
[When I saw Elia grieving over the loss of her sibling, I realized that if I hadn’t gone, I might have been able to save them, and I would have hated myself so much that I’d have wanted to hang myself.]
I didn’t regret it.
I was happy Elia didn’t lose her family.
At that time, the empty feeling in my left arm didn’t hurt.
I hope it stays that way.
[These thoughts might sound like childish stubbornness to you, but... I don’t want to run away from something that’s not impossible. I want to do as much as I can so I don’t regret it later.]
There was a silence after I spoke. A stillness filled the air, with not even the faintest breeze.
Though I had spoken fluently, I wondered if I had said something thoughtless.
‘...Was that a foolish thing to say?’
In summary, I had just said that I didn’t want to stay in the cradle they carefully prepared for me. I might be making them angry with my defiance.
I cautiously glanced at the Tower Master to gauge her reaction.
“...”
The Knowledge Tower Master was staring at me intently.
Her previously emotional eyes had once again returned to their calm white gaze, and she blinked.
I swallowed nervously as her eyes met mine. She slowly closed her eyes.
And then...
“...Yes, I will follow you.”
[Huh?]
She bowed her head to me.
I hadn’t expected her to agree so quickly. I fidgeted with my necklace, feeling uncertain.
[...I didn’t think it was the most efficient thought...]
Honestly, I had no concrete plan yet. The situation in the near future was still unclear.
“We, in the end, seek the Savior’s help, placing the burden on you. We have never intended to force you. We will not impose demands on you, but...”
Snap
The Knowledge Tower Master suddenly snapped her fingers.
At the same time, several books from the countless shelves above us floated down and landed in front of us.
“You might not be forced, but it is our duty to support you. I will help you grow so that you can safely return from wherever you go.”
She tapped several books on the shelf with her slender fingers.
“My specialty is magic. Despite being a half-trained sorcerer with a silence curse, I can still teach you magic that will be helpful.”
The word "magic" brought out a distinct sense of confidence in the Knowledge Tower Master's expression.
“Even after I retired to the Tower, I’ve continually made progress in magic, and I will teach you everything I’ve learned in my lifetime.”
She puffed out her chest, displaying her confidence.
‘...Ah, she really takes pride in magic.’
I could tell she had a deep pride in magic, and rightfully so. She was the one who founded the Magic Council. If the achievements of the Magic Council were her own, I could understand her pride.
[Thank you for being so insistent.]
“You can’t call the Savior’s will a forceful demand. I will do my best as one who has been saved by that will. There is so much I haven’t shared yet... so I’ll tell you while teaching you magic.”
[Thank you again, truly.]
I really felt grateful.
Though there were still some lingering frustrations and discomforts, I understood that they had done their best for me.
Above all, they were my support.
With the upcoming massive events and the pressure to stop them, I felt like I was being crushed. But now, knowing that the Tower Masters were helping me, the burden didn’t feel as heavy.
[Thank you.]
A smile appeared on my face naturally.
Since I had arrived on this floating island, my face had been stiff, but now, it felt like it was finally loosening up.
“...Hmm, I haven’t done enough to deserve the Savior’s thanks.”
The Knowledge Tower Master cleared her throat and extended her hand, casting a purification spell.
I gently took her hand.
[Tower Master... how should I address you?]
“...Ah.”
The Knowledge Tower Master let out a small gasp, as though she hadn’t expected that question.
“Any form of address is fine, but... if you don’t mind, please call me Ariel.”
The Knowledge Tower Master, who had been blinking blankly, slowly spoke, and her demeanor seemed slightly unfamiliar.
[Yes, I will call you Ariel from now on.]
[And you can call me Ihayul.]
[The word "Savior" feels a bit awkward and embarrassing.]
“Yes, Ihayul.”
The Knowledge Tower Master... Ariel nodded.
I too nodded firmly, feeling like this was truly the beginning.
...
[Oh, right.]
[Did you intend for me to get cursed when I came to this world?]
Flinch
At my sudden question, Ariel flinched. The brief, uncharacteristic reaction made my expression turn curious.
“That... I anticipated that.”
[......]
“Please, allow me to explain.”
[Yes, I will listen.]
For some reason, her voice had become stiff, and her previously confident posture had also become rigid.
The source of this c𝓸ntent is frёeweɓηovel.coɱ.
For a while, the Knowledge Tower Master's explanation... no, her defense continued.
Player Adjustment System: Favorability
Ihayul → Ariel Segnis Ternovicia
●●●●●○○○○○(33▷51/100)
"Knowledge Tower Master," "Head of the Magic Council," "Complex," "Confusion," "Questions," "Doubt," "Gratitude," "Normal?"
...
Ihayul → Growth Tower Master (?)
●●●○○○○○○○(30/100)
"Complex," "Confusion," "Questions," "Miscommunication," "Gratitude," "Annoyance"
▽Change▽
"Subtle Betrayal?" "Miscommunication," "Complex," "Confusion," "Questions," "Doubt," "Gratitude," "Annoyance," "Distrust," "Half-trained Sorcerer?"
...
Ihayul → Coordination Tower Master (?)
●●●○○○○○○○(30/100)
"Mid-high level," "Complex," "Confusion," "Questions," "Miscommunication," "Gratitude," "Annoyance"
▽Change▽
"Mid-high level," "Support," "Complex," "Confusion," "Questions," "Miscommunication," "Gratitude," "Annoyance"
...
[The Growth Tower Master opens their mouth]
[The Coordination Tower Master grits their teeth]