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Episode 190.2

I was sat in the waiting room, trying to rest.

The throbbing pain in my head and the queasiness in my stomach, caused by Mana Exhaustion, made it difficult to regain my senses.

Next to me, an overly excited Elga was vividly describing the match that had just taken place.

When you used that strange bullet-like spell to keep your distance, your legs were faster than I expected! I told you, didnt I? Leg strength is crucial for mages too!?

Ugh-.

My theory has been proven! Mages need physical training too! The effects of the daily morning drills Ive been giving you clearly paid off, right?

Euugh-.

Elga boasted proudly, claiming the most credit for this victory.

Certainly, the training she insisted on proved helpful, but her voice ringing in my head made me feel like I was going to vomit. 

Seueuk.

Then I felt something cold and damp on my forehead.

Here is an ice towel. And Lady Lioness, arent you being too loud in front of someone suffering from mana exhaustion?

It was Mirna, who wiped my face with a towel. Elga angrily frowned.

Mana exhaustion? Cant you just endure that with mental strength?

What an ignorant way of thinking. 

But even before I could think of retorting, Mirna had already scolded her in my place.

You non-mages are so ignorant! Dont you know that Sir Theo needs to rest after exhausting all of his mana?

I dont know that. But the loser is already up and about, moving around just fine. Does it make sense for the victor to be suffering like this!?

From Elgas words, it seemed like the Hunter had already recovered and was back on his feet What a tough guy. His recovery speed was abnormal.

Still, the fact that I managed to knock down such a man once filled me with a subtle sense of confidence.

I guessed I was getting stronger now.

Well, the final spell was surprisingly quite impressive. Was it that Angel Halo Gale or something? Conjuring that huge vortex.

Elga also didnt hesitate to praise my magic skills genuinely. However, Mirna couldnt help but burst into laughter.

Angel Halo Gale, what kind of spell name is that? Lady Lioness, you really dont know much about magic, do you?

Thats the name he came up with himself. Isnt it funny?

In response to Elgas question, Mirna changed her tone.

Indeed, its a splendid name. Magic needs such emotional appellations to be as effective!

What are you saying right now? Anyway, that level of magic is as strong as a siege weapon. All top-tier archmages are like that. Speaking of, I heard youve reached Rank 5?

Who did I tell that I became an archmage? My mind wasnt working properly. They probably heard it from Hynax or Aira.

So, youve really achieved the 5th Rank. Huhu, truly a man chosen by I, Mirna Draco. This is yet another proof that my eyes dont deceive me~.

Now that youve displayed such great magic in front of so many people, there will be a lot of clamoring to get you. This punk, when did you improve so much!? You kept it a secret from me too!

Lady Liones, theres no reason for Sir Theo to show you his skills, is there?

What, you, dont argue when you know nothing!

Its hilarious for someone who knows nothing to be talking like that~.

Chirp chirp.

The two womens noisy banter was reverberating through my head, seeping into my bones. It felt like my body had become a giant pipeline, and the noise was echoing inside it.

Mana exhaustion, how awful.

I gathered my meager mental strength and managed to utter. 

Ah-. Please leave me alone for a moment.

This is because of you, Mirna Draco!

Lady Lioness, isnt it because your voice is as big as 30 cats in heat?

Whats that supposed to mean!?

Even as they left the room, they continued to growl at each other. With those women gone, the waiting room finally fell silent, except for the distant cheers.

That was a lethal attack-!

Oooh, that must have hurt-!

Were there other matches scheduled besides mine and the Hunters?

That was good. 

I rose from the makeshift cot and took a breath.

My body sensed the need for a meditation session, to put back my fragmented mental strength together. 

Then I remembered the Truth I had seen beyond that eerie door.

A random thought popped up in my mind. If I sit in a lotus position and do the hand signs like that entity, could I regain my depleted mana faster? 

It was an unfounded thought but my thirsty mind, that craved for mana and meditation like a man in a desert seeking water, chose to try it anyway.

I placed both my hands near the dantian and momentarily submerged my consciousness into my inner self. 

Goo-.

I could feel an astonishing surge of mana permeating my body. 

It was a sensation akin to water gushing out of a punctured plastic bag filled to the brim. Was this what it felt like to have your mind cleansed?

After meditating for a while, I sensed someone approaching.

Thud, thud.

Unlike the heavy footsteps of Elga or Mirna, it was a stealthy, silent approach, like a cat tiptoeing with raised paws.

Seureuk.

As I opened my eyes, I saw a man seated across from me, his body wrapped in dark bandages.

Did I disturb your meditation?

No, I actually just finished.

Well, thats fortunate.

His speech was sharp, like slicing through butter with a knife, devoid of unnecessary niceties. Perhaps because he saw no reason to add flowery words.

This created a brief pause in the conversation, which allowed me to observe him. 

While I emerged victorious in the duel, his physical condition appeared far better than mine. 

Maybe it was because he treated me moderately

He had no reason to defeat me even if he had the ability. He could just conserve his energy. That was how main characters in novels prioritize efficiency.

Are you certain that the answer lies in the barrier?

Yes, if you go there, you will find what youve been seeking.

.

The man fell silent. Seizing the opportunity, I recalled the original story. Act 2, when Ark became the final bastion.

After defeating the Saintess, the Hunters party headed towards the barrier the origin of all and the starting point.

Then, after the final battle there, the Hunter achieved his goal and finally met a happy ending.

The aftermath suddenly came to mind.

The end of the story.

As I remembered the journey of the main character from start to finish, it really felt surreal to sit and converse with such a man.

That doesnt look like the face of the victor. Anyway, Ive kept my promise with you.

Waaaaaa-.

At that moment, a loud shout was heard. The Hunter rose from his seat, then said with a somber voice.

Ill confess one thing.

A confession?

Did this gloomy mantis-like man have a hint of soft sentiment to be capable of uttering the word confession? I felt my head spinning at the sudden declaration.

As I was at a loss for words, he spoke with a cold, ruthless yet clear voice.

was.

With that, he retreated into the darkness. 

When he completely disappeared from my sight, I felt a mixture of relief and a tinge of regret at the same time.

If I had gone on an adventure with that man, how would it have been?

No, what ifs were pointless.

Anyway, the story had now changed.

The complete severance from the original story that had been weighing me down. There was no need for me to see the main character anymore or to be dragged along and worry about it.

It felt relieving. Like dropping a heavy armor after one long march, my shoulders felt so much lighter.

At the same time, a question lingered.

Rather, the arrow was actually fired at me?

I almost died. What a jerk!