"I see…"
We both looked at each other in silence. I wondered why he gave such a bland reaction, but didn't say anything. Was he going to—
"Don't worry. I won't try to stop you… I just… want to know why."
Neron Kaelid was one of the smartest and strongest people I knew. If he was telling me to explain my rationale, it must have meant my decision was flawed. Still, this was the only route I had to take…
… To minimize losses.
'I can't tell him everything, but…'
"Ainzlark Academy is no longer safe. I thought those after my life wouldn't be able to act as rashly as they did with the invasion, but that was a mistake on my part. Plus, with what you've said, the entire Kingdom doesn't seem to be on my side."
It was unwise to rely on them any longer.
"I understand your point. But, with me around… you don't have to worry about those guys." Neron further retorted.
'What is he talking about? I can't rely on him for everything.'
"That's not the only reason too. After my exchange with that Shadow Demon, I've come to realize just how weak I am."
Within this learning environment, I was quite strong, but… in the outside world, would I really pass in the parameters used to identify the powerful?
"I came to Ainzlark to learn more about modern Magic and its applications. It was also my intention to make comrades that would be essential for me… and also to have fun…"
However, I had misplaced my priorities.
Ultimately, even though the Academy had tons of knowledge on Modern Magic, it wasn't entirely geared toward making one more powerful.
Unlike the past, this was a peaceful era.
Technologies for war had dwindled, and many other Magic Fields were developed with the purpose of making the daily life of people much easier. With that in mind, even though I learned Modern Magic, it wasn't guaranteed to make me more powerful than those I knew in the past.
'I better build on what I know, strengthen my foundation, and then…'
Once I became powerful enough, I would have time to learn Modern Magic. For now, though, Ainzlark Academy had little to no value.
It wasn't safe.
It didn't guarantee me more knowledge and power.
It was corrupt.
The time it would take me to solve these issues would be better spent bettering myself. I wasn't supposed to be held back by circumstances like this. Rather…
"What about your friends? You'll just abandon them?" Neron interrupted my train of thought.
Once he said that, I gave the man a wry smile. Seeing my expression, he chuckled to himself and shrugged.
"Oh, I forgot… you don't have friends."
"No. That's not it…"
My response was immediate—almost cutting Neron's words short.
"The last time we conversed, I really did feel that way. But, now, things are different."
'They say times of adversity make the bond of people stronger. I suppose that's true…'
After fighting the Demons and protecting everyone, I realized just what kind of preference and attachments I had to certain individuals. Perhaps I was just being unnecessarily stubborn when I refused to acknowledge them as friends.
But, now…
'Edward. Ana. Stefan. Kuzon. Jerry. Ivan. Maria… maybe even Ciara.'
"… I truly consider them as friends."
Neron smiled the moment he heard that, and I saw a satisfied expression permeate his face.
"I see…"
"I'm leaving this place to protect them. It's the same reason I left my parents' Manor. The enemy's goal seems to be me alone, so I plan on using that to my benefit. As long as I'm not around those I care about… they won't be harmed."
"Are you sure about that? A hostage situation could be tricky."
Once Neron mentioned that, my smile grew broader… and then a dangerous expression covered my face. My eyes narrowed and a sinister look took over.
"Let them try it!"
A hostage situation would be useless against someone who had witnessed the horrors wrought by it. Unless one was determined to lose a few in order to save many, they would be swayed by the circumstances.
I prioritized efficiency.
As much as I loved a person, the greater good would always come first.
And, as for the culprit… if they did take a hostage to threaten me, I would ensure I did everything in my power to destroy them and anyone related to their existence. I was currently powerless, but that wouldn't be the case for long.
My enemies probably understood this, and so, they never resorted to such a meaningless tactic. If they wanted my life, they would come to get it directly. Still…
'… I don't plan on dying just yet!'
The fact that I messed up not long ago made me shiver slightly.
Never again! Never again would I be so miserable!
"I see. It seems I can't change your mind. Very well…"
This was what I liked about Neron. He understood things well.
I was sure he was weighing the pros and cons in his mind, trying to understand my rationale properly. It was a relief that he saw my side of things.
"Indeed, staying in Ainzlark's educational system will only stunt your growth, but… it'll be different if I remain your Master."
True.
To be honest, this was one of the reasons I didn't want to leave. I truly needed a tutor like Neron to help me in the ways of Magic. However, compared to what I needed to do personally… this one could wait.
"Leaving now may raise some suspicion on you… especially after this entire incident."
"I don't care. The system is rotten anyway. Besides, it'll be troublesome dealing with diplomatic activities."
The Capital would probably want to offer some Royal Reward to those who contributed the most. Most people saw that as an honor, but it would only be a leash to me.
Besides, there was the tendency of being dragged into matters I wasn't interested in.
My best bet was to leave everything behind and start from scratch. I already had the perfect area to begin in mind.
"Where will you be going, though?"
Once again, I smiled—no, laughed—at Neron's question.
He sounded almost like a doting father.
"Hm… I think I'll begin with the Lost Lands… to the Northwest area."
The location had become a deserted area on the modern map, but… I knew something most people weren't aware of.
'It's time to start using my past knowledge properly!'
