I see
We both looked at each other in silence.
I wondered why he gave such a bland reaction, but didnt say anything.
Was he going to
Dont worry.
I wont 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 cant tell him everything, but
Ainzlark Academy is no longer safe.
I thought those after my life wouldnt be able to act as rashly as they did with the invasion, but that was a mistake on my part.
Plus, with what youve said, the entire Kingdom doesnt seem to be on my side.
It was unwise to rely on them any longer.
I understand your point.
But, with me around you dont have to worry about those guys.
Neron further retorted.
What is he talking about? I cant rely on him for everything.
Thats not the only reason too.
After my exchange with that Shadow Demon, Ive 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 wasnt 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 wasnt 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 wasnt safe.
It didnt 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 wasnt supposed to be held back by circumstances like this.
Rather
What about your friends? Youll 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 dont have friends.
No.
Thats not it
My response was immediatealmost cutting Nerons 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 thats 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
Im leaving this place to protect them.
Its the same reason I left my parents Manor.
The enemys goal seems to be me alone, so I plan on using that to my benefit.
As long as Im not around those I care about they wont 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 wouldnt 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 dont 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 cant 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 Ainzlarks educational system will only stunt your growth, but itll be different if I remain your Master.
True.
To be honest, this was one of the reasons I didnt 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 dont care.
The system is rotten anyway.
Besides, itll 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 wasnt 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 smiledno, laughedat Nerons question.
He sounded almost like a doting father.
Hm I think Ill 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 werent aware of.
Its time to start using my past knowledge properly!
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