If anyone else had asked me that question, I would instantly be wary of them.
In fact, Neron had already pried into so many of my secrets that it was downright suspicious. However, I had no problem revealing any of those to him for a simple reason.
I trusted him!
"How do I plan on winning?"
"Yeah."
A smile formed on my face.
"Do you doubt me? You don't think I can win?"
"Maybe. You could say that..."
I didn't blame him.
Even though I spoke all big about killing the culprit, it was still no secret that I lost to Kahn, barely clinging onto life.
It was safe to assume that the mastermind would be a bigger threat than the Shadow Demon.
"After you nearly died back then and I patched you up, I noticed something that had changed about you. You've noticed it too, right? How much stronger you've become." Neron spoke calmly.
He was correct.
All my Mana Cores, except the White One, had all reached the Red stage. Jumping past blue, green, and orange, I had made considerable progress. However...
"That still won't be enough to beat him, you know?"
... I was still not on the level required to safely and conveniently use Peak-Level Magic.
The only reason I achieved it back then was due to the surrounding circumstances, and the inferior intelligence of Kahn.
If it hadn't been for that fact... I would have died many times over.
"You've gotten strong enough to give a lot of Lecturers a run for their money, but... he's different."
I smiled and nodded.
"I know that already..."
Which was why I was even more certain of my victory.
Mages relied on their Mana Cores and the Spells in their arsenal to grow stronger. However, only the foolish ones solely utilized those.
In the world of Magic, there were several things one could use to augment their abilities. Familiars were an example. However, another crucial element--one that could be obtained as long as a Magic User had the means and expertise--was Magic Tools.
My body was too weak and immature to handle the strain of a great deal of power weighing down on me, so I had to resort to developing Magic Tools.
Mana Stones.
Enhanced Attires.
Magic Items
... And 'that' particular one...
"When I faced Kahn circumstances didn't allow me to utilize all I had in my arsenal."
Neron's eyes bulged in shock.
"You mean... you have more tricks up your sleeve? More impressive than that Peak-Level Magic Spell you used?"
I nodded.
"A--amazing. But, wouldn't that mean that even if you win... you would be in an even worse state than before? Plus, you won't make it very far with a beat-up body."
Usually, I would have no choice but to agree, After all, everything he said thus far had been correct. But, if he could think about that now... wouldn't I have already considered it?
"My ace... the 'trick up my sleeve' poses no risk to me at all. I don't need to buy any time. Neither do I need to overexert myself."
It sounded too good to be true. Even Neron seemed doubtful... and more curious. But, I had entertained enough questions.
'Even an old man's patience has limits...'
"Why don't you see for yourself? I'm certain you intend to observe my actions--at least until I leave this Academy. So... just sit back and enjoy the show."
My confident smile seemed to win him over, because Neron--despite his doubts--sighed and let the matter go.
"Fine. I trust you. Even though this brings up a lot of questions... I will concede for now."
Bowing slightly, I thanked him for his consideration.
While it was nice to have people who worried about you ceaselessly, it was better to have an Individual who trusted you wholeheartedly.
'At least one person doesn't doubt my capabilities...'
Unlike before, I was completely caught off-guard and had to compensate. Plus, there were so many burdens and disadvantageous conditions. But, right now, I would play this second round by my rules.
"This should be fun..."
***********
After discussing for a little while longer, Neron left Kahn in my care and went about his other businesses.
Apparently, other than Ainzlark and the Royal Family, no other person had access to the information concerning the Academy's breach by Demons.
I understood the rationale behind that decision.
Not only would the prestige of Ainzlark Academy plummet once people knew what had happened, but the invasion of Demons would drive the public into a state of confusion and unrest. So, until the matter was stabilized, most denizens in the Kingdom would be left ignorant.
My mother, my grandfather, my household... none of them would know a thing. That was probably for the best.
My father was another matter entirely.
As a Duke who worked closely with the king in administrative matters--last I heard--he was bound to find out soon.
While I didn't know what his reaction would be, it would be good if I didn't stick around to find out.
The day was Sunday--the day I was supposed to receive my sanction.
It was afternoon already, and considering all that had occurred, the idea of something like that was most likely obsolete.
'I wonder how everyone is doing...'
It pained me to do this, but I had no other choice. To become strong enough to protect myself and those I cared about... it was best to leave everything behind--at least for a few years.
I needed freedom!
'To think I would be resorting to this so early...'
The Lost Lands would be my first goal... and then, the hidden Garden... and then the Towering Mountains...
'Ah, so much to do...'
I considered taking this journey earlier, but there was no sense of urgency. I thought I could take things slow in this life.
My motive was to enjoy my brand-new life as I explored Magic. However, enjoyment was a privilege only given to the strong or the ignorant.
Since I belonged to neither of those categories, I didn't have a right to enjoy such bliss--at least not yet.
"Now, then... I should start getting ready for tonight..."
