"Jared… what do you plan to do with the Demons?"
Once Neron asked the question, I remained silent for some time. My brain was probably searching for the best way to convey my answer and the reason supporting it.
But, no matter what I said… could that really justify anything? Neron wanted me to be real with him, so… I intended to do just that.
"I saw the blueprints. I'm no Scholar, but… I know the consequences of such mechanics. Plus, the core element required is too immense… what do you plan on using it for?"
When Maro asked a simpler version of this question, I refused. However, when it came to the man in front of me, I had to speak up.
He could be my greatest supporter… or my worst enemy—depending on the situation.
With this in mind, I stared at his dark eyes and opened my lips. As my mouth moved, words came out. They were barely audible, but I conveyed my message perfectly.
Neron's eyes slightly widened upon hearing my goal. The look of surprise on his face matched the weight of my decision, and I began wondering what his stance on the whole thing would be.
"That's the right choice, Jared. Don't let it weigh too heavily on you."
Had he sensed my hesitation and burdened emotions? Perhaps so. Neron was always so perceptive.
Still, the fact that he said that made me feel slightly relieved.
"I'll be getting very busy soon. You won't see me for a while… probably until the whole issue is settled." I smiled.
"Hmm, I doubt that." Neron shrugged.
He was probably up to something again.
"Since you're headed for the capital, I'd like to give you one word of warning." He furthered.
'What warning?'
"There are three Grand Mages of the Eastern Kingdom. One was the previous Headmaster of Ainzlark, who is now missing. The other two are located in the Capital…"
"Oh? You want me to be wary of them?" I asked.
"No. Just one of them. Her name is Serah Crimson. I may or may not have bragged to her about you… so… just be careful around her…"
Neron's speech contained quite a bit of dissonance when he was talking about her. His pale face was also slightly pink. It was the first time I had ever seen him act this way.
'Is she that big a deal?'
"These Grand Mages… are they stronger than you?"
To my knowledge, Neron had no official title. It was hard to compare him to the highest-ranking Mages around, even though I knew he was crazy strong.
"Hmmm... I'm not sure." He mumbled, as though still deep in thought.
'Are they that strong? If so, then...'
"I was stronger than them the last time, but... I can't say the same about now..."
My calculations froze once I heard this.
The previous Neron was nowhere as powerful as currently. There was no way anyone who was weaker than him then could measure up to his current estate.
In essence...
'... He's trying to be modest?'
I nearly burst out laughing, but controlled my emotions well.
"There is an exception, though." Neron's voice sounded a bit chilly and stern.
"You mean the woman you warned me about? Serah Crimson?"
Now that I thought about it, there was a name like that in Ainzlark's Hall Of Remembrance. She was third in ranking, directly beneath my name.
"She's as strong as you?" I asked, curious about the identity of a monster beyond Neron's limits.
Was he simply joking? That could certainly be possible. Besides, he probably just wanted me to be wary of her and—
"She is..."
'Eh?!' My eyes bulged the moment I heard that.
Such a thing was possible?
"... At least when it comes to combat. She's highly volatile and destructive in Magic, and her use of Mana is far more efficient than mine."
This was the first time I would hear Neron speak so highly of a person.
"We haven't met in a while, so I don't know how she's faring but... just be careful." Neron looked a little worried as he spoke.
This woman—Serah Crimson—was simply that dangerous!
'In that case...'
"Compare her to me. How much stronger is she?"
Neron paused and took a second to think. I watched him closely, a little nervous.
The major reason for my confidence was because of the fact that I had gotten much stronger compared to the past.
Alongside strength came weight. My words carried power, and I could prove myself to be capable enough to handle the important affairs of the looming war.
But, with what Neron was inferring, was I simply a small fish in an ocean full of much wilder creatures?
"Based on what I've seen so far, and from my estimate, I'd say she's at least ten times stronger than you."
'Keuk!' My heart hit a pause.
"That strong?"
"Yeah. That woman is also very deceptive. I just hope you never run into her... she's a monster!" He said with a wry smile.
Was Neron trying to scare me, or was he being dead serious?
"If by rotten luck, you do encounter her, do not believe any word she says. Trust in the words of your mentor!"
Since he had gone out of his way to warn me about the biggest threat to my plan, I had to take it with all seriousness.
"Understood."
"Whew! Alright then... I wish you good luck. Is there any other thing you need to take care of before leaving?" Neron asked with a knowing smile.
He must have had a faint idea.
"Yes. I should see Ana about a promise we made in the past..."
"That girl has feelings for you, you know that right?" Neron raised his brow playfully.
I loosened my lips and sighed at his statement. It was obvious, wasn't it?
"I know, but..."
Now wasn't the time to bother about such trivialities.
"... Not yet."
The man beside me simply gave a light smile as he shrugged.
"Then when?"
I didn't have an answer to his question. Before I could even articulate another excuse, he was already on his way forward, quickening his pace.
Figuring that was the end of our conversation, I hurried my steps as well.
'Feelings, uh...'
Was the problem really with Ana... or me?
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[A/N]
I need more reviews and interaction for this story. It's to encourage me and also get your suggestions.
So, please, I would like to appeal to the readers to give their reviews... and also comment more.
Thanks for reading!
