Chapter 57: Qualification (3)
The man in front of her claimed to be eleven years old.
A lie?
How can you tell?
Latera quickly sized up the man before her. The man stood taller than her by the height of two heads. Deep and mature, his voice was nothing like that of a young boy. To her, he looked at least in his twenties, far from a child. Any suspicion was justified; he appeared as a robust adult male to anyone.
With a skeptical expression, Latera addressed the man.
How can you claim to be eleven years old looking like that? Do you need a mirror?
You mentioned that this is a place where souls exist,
The man retorted with a hint of sarcasm.
I guess this is how my soul appears.
Souls cant take on a form theyve never experienced. You havent reincarnated with full memory
Latera trailed off, looking at the man with suspicious eyes. Then, realization dawned on her.
Reincarnation
She latched onto the word she had just mentioned.
Could it be are you a reincarnate?
She asked excitedly.
Maybe.
Maybe?
His answer was vague.
The man looked away, appearing contemplative, hiding something. Latera couldnt glean any information even when trying to read into his emotions.
It seemed she hadnt fully gained his trust yet.
Latera glanced at a translucent message window floating in front of her. A senior guardian angel had told her that only guardian angels could see this panel.
Being able to glimpse the thoughts of those in this realm gave Latera a significant advantage.
[Reincarnate Is that a common concept here?]
Thus, the mans thoughts appeared on the message window.
[ ]
However, it soon went blank. The man had halted his thoughts. Just as an ordinary person would scream when stabbed, they naturally responded to stimuli that reached their senses.
Lateras eyebrows furrowed.
New lines appeared in the message window.
[The kid seems irritated. As if shes judging me]
[I havent fully trusted her yet. I try to play it off as best I can.]
[Uncertainty requires a new approach. Adapting to this unfamiliar behavior might take some time.]
[She suddenly fell silent. Is she reading my thoughts again?]
I am.
Latera internally confirmed but refrained from vocalizing it this time.
Every time she acted as if she was reading his thoughts, the messages showed his growing distrust. She had waited so long for her master, and instead of building a good relationship, she seemed to be pushing him away.
Does he dislike me? I cant let this happen
In what felt like mere minutes, Latera learned. And she concluded that, in this situation, the message window wasnt helpful. She decided to temporarily dismiss the distraction. Given the mans earlier judgment of her being brazen, she felt that shed constantly make him feel on guard if she didnt do this.
Latera made up her mind.
Ill just fully trust what you say, Master. That the age reflected by your soul and the age of your physical body in the real world is different.
Latera took a step back from the man and smiled.
Whats with the sudden change in attitude?
He asked, puzzled.
The man looked suspiciously at Latera, but she smiled slyly and shook her head.
I had a feeling that if we continued this way, we wouldnt make any progress. Moreover, I dont know anything, so I need to take in new information. Even if the hero tries to deceive me, lies will eventually be revealed, and I live for a long time.
And, to put it bluntly, isnt it something that Im not an old person with few days left to live? I know how to think positively.
Latera decided to change her approach towards the man. It was a much-anticipated meeting with the hero. She suspected he might completely turn against her if it continued like this.
Having a positive mindset isnt bad.
As Latera stepped back, the man momentarily stroked his chin.
!
Then, a message window beside her trembled. Latera squeezed her eyes shut, ignoring it.
Lets continue the conversation.
Alright!
Latera responded, clenching her fists tightly. She seemed determined to do whatever it took to get close to the man before her.
I tried to make Latera understand the situation I was currently facing.
If I go outside with you, the risks will increase.
Is it just because Im too young, or is there a bigger problem?
Its a significant one.
I nodded with a seemingly serious expression. I wasnt sure if I should mention it, but I had no better idea.
After taking a deep breath, I forced my heavy mouth open.
I cant handle mana.
Thats indeed a huge problem.
It would have been better if it was only mana. I neither have talent in swordsmanship nor magic, and I dont have any divine power either. My contract with the demon isnt completely unrelated, either. Im not in a position to be picky about these things.
Upon learning of my circumstances, the girl began to shut her eyes tight. Her clenched fist held onto her clothes, trembling. Perhaps she anticipated my next words?
But I, without the luxury of considering her feelings, continued speaking.
How would it be if I take you out while I cant do anything properly? People will surely regard me as the next hero, and those under the demon king who oppose me will try to kill me.
Latera remained silent. She seemed unable to respond, torn between the life of the hero that had appeared after 500 years and her own freedom.
Judging by her reactions so far I felt she wouldnt take my life lightly.
I underestimated my own value. From Lateras reaction, I could gauge how valuable being the only suitable person to come here was.
I might not think that way, but Lets say I have a selfless dedication and extreme altruism.
Yes.
But with that seemingly good qualification, I cant do anything.
Im not unaware of that.
Latera said, biting her lips. She seemed to be going through a significant internal conflict.
So, you understand my situation?
Of course.
Latera nodded firmly. Then, as if making up her mind, she furrowed her brows.
Its not just that. I understand what the hero expects from me.
Latera came closer to me.
And then she placed her hand on my chest.
A chill ran down my spine at her gentle touch.
I flinched at the sudden physical contact.
What are you doing?
I tried to push her away, but I felt as if pushing her would tear out my heart, so I refrained.
Latera squinted her eyes at me.
Just stay still.
At least tell me what youre trying to do before you molest me.
You said demons follow the hero under certain conditions, right? Im better than demons. Ill prove it to you now.
Latera was doing something to me. That much was clear.
The ring that was hovering above her head began to move.
Because of the height difference between Latera and me, I could closely observe the ring twisting, turning, and warping.
My heart started to heat up. But it wasnt a pain like burning.
For a moment, the ring emitting a beautiful and radiant light began to subside.
Latera stepped back a step, removing her hand from my chest. I touched the spot where her hand had been. I had a feeling she did something to me, but it wasnt an alarm of impending danger.
I have bestowed a blessing upon your soul.
Blessing?
Its a blessing a guardian angel can bestow upon a hero. There are three this time. Blessing of Vitality, Blessing of Rage, and Blessing of Focus. And I also gave you some divine power as a bonus.
I looked at Latera with a surprised expression.
Latera, undeterred by my reaction, continued.
The Blessing of Vitality gives you an inexhaustible heart. The Blessing of Rage means the angrier you get, the stronger you become. The Blessing of Focus if you decide to do something, your will wont be easily shaken by most distractions.
Latera, with one eye closed, smugly smiled, crossing her arms. She was back to her confident self.
You already know about the divine power.
Yeah, I do.
Ive given all the blessings I can in this situation.
You couldve given more?
Of course. But it wouldve been too much for now. Your soul might have burst with too many blessings.
Even so, arent I much more useful?
Saying useful makes it sound like Im treating you as a tool. Phrase it differently.
I didnt hide the smile forming on my face in response.
Youre someone helpful to me.
Am I?
Latera suddenly approached and held my hand.
Were a perfect match, arent we?
Yeah
When I chuckled, Latera grinned back.
And me? Im very patient. I can wait until youre ready to meet me. Ive waited for five hundred years At the least until you become a grandfather, which is just sixty more years. Thats not too hard.
Youre certain Ill come for you.
Of course. And Ive learned something while talking to you.
What?
Before I could ask, Latera pushed hard against my chest.
Do you know? That was just a teaser.
I began to step back. Latera pushed my chest again.
I believe youll come to receive the rest of the blessings.
With those words, Latera didnt push me anymore. I staggered back, feeling the ground suddenly give way beneath my feet.
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