Chapter 137: Questions

Chapter 137

Questions

"It’s not surprising that you’re shocked because you want me to be expelled from this academic year, right? But too bad for you, there are other professors who recognize my abilities!"

Nara smiled as if she had won this round of competition. In reality, Ellie had no intention of arguing with her at all. The thought of wanting Nara to be expelled from the first year never crossed Ellie’s mind. There was never any real competition between her and Nara. Just following her own path kept her busy enough. If possible, Ellie wished the heroine would pretend not to know her instead of constantly harassing her with words.

The smaller girl looked at Nara with confusion. She wanted to ask outright why Nara kept bothering her. Was it because they came from the same village and Ellie started from a lower position, and she shouldn’t be happy? Then, when would Nara be satisfied?... Of course, Ellie knew deep down that asking Nara such questions would yield useless answers and wouldn’t solve anything.

So, after seeing Nara’s smile, Ellie didn’t respond at all. She simply nodded absentmindedly. Ellie’s reaction wasn’t what Nara wanted at all. Seeing Ellie’s indifferent response made Nara feel like she had punched a soft cushion, with no sense of having hurt the other party. Instead, the force of the blow rebounded, causing Nara herself to feel frustrated.

Nara lifted her chin higher, as if this action would make her feel superior.

"You might not think much of the opportunity I’ve been given now, right? But I want to warn you, be careful. If I graduate from this institute, it means I’ll become a real priest."

"If you continue to oppose me, beware that bad things could happen to you in the future. Even though you’re part of the Setter family, a priest’s power is not insignificant. I hope you realize how you should behave from now on. From now on, you still have 3 years to change your behavior. If you do well, perhaps in the future, I might spare you once."

Nara dreamed of her future life, even picturing Ellie kneeling and begging for mercy. If she ever became a priestess, did Ellie really think she’d let her off the hook? Even if Ellie spent the next 3 years trying to win her favor, Nara, who held grudges deeply, would still ensure Ellie paid dearly for the hardships she caused!!!

"Mmm, when that time comes, please spare me," Ellie nodded in response. She didn’t bother arguing with Nara, as it would be a waste of time. Nara was difficult to talk to. Previously, she had confidently told people to use high-class vocabulary with her, spreading lies that she had already become a priestess, acting as if the institute was full of fools, believing secrets could be kept in this world.

And now...given another chance, she was acting superior once again?

Even if Nara became a priestess, did she think that in 3 years, the Setter family’s status would remain the same? And did she think that Ellie...a girl from a rural background, would still be her follower?

In Luke’s guise, Ellie would ensure that he would one day become someone who didn’t have to fear anyone. If the Ares Kingdom proved too troublesome, with the power of the Church and the pressure from common people who made up more than half the kingdom, then he could simply reside in the Tower of Eternity where the Church couldn’t reach.

The Church could only deceive those who were weak and lacked magic powers, relying on the faith and beliefs of the common people to balance power with the ruling royal families. However...in the Tower of Eternity, no one was foolish enough to believe their words. They just happened to be able to use light elemental powers, which was more beneficial for healing than other elements.

It was true that light power was valuable, but not all users of light elemental power needed to be part of the Church. Therefore, it wasn’t just the priests who could achieve things on their own!

In the future...hunters might even encounter magical equipment with healing properties similar to those of the priests. In that case, there would be no need to rely solely on priests, right?

The Setter family had even come across high-level magic scroll books for other elements. It wouldn’t be surprising if one day they discovered a high-level light element book...Ellie believed that day would surely come.

Therefore, she wasn’t afraid of the priests’ power. She had 3 years, as Nara mentioned. During those 3 years, she would hone her skills even further, until she could live in the Tower of Eternity as comfortably as at home!

However, Ellie’s thoughts were different from Nara’s. Especially after spending time at the Church to learn various things, Nara had been molded to believe that priests were truly God’s representatives. The power they supposedly received was equivalent to that of the deity who created this world. Even Ellie’s existence was something that the divine power revered by the Church had brought into being. Therefore, as priests, they could do anything to anyone. This was a belief they always held, particularly among lower-level priests like Nara who didn’t have access to the Church’s true knowledge.

One day, when lower-level priests became higher-ranking priests, they would learn more about the inner workings of the Church. While they portrayed themselves as greatly benevolent, behind the scenes, they were ordinary people competing to maintain their status. How could they remain purely righteous in such a struggle?

It’s no surprise that Nara, who had a poor background, received an opportunity from the Church...It’s because they were recruiting people into the Church! It didn’t matter if someone had a terrible background, as long as they could find a way to survive, they had the right to become a priest and a member of the Church!

Ultimately, these priests would become the future strength of the Church. Whether they were good or bad didn’t matter, as long as they knew how to advance the Church’s interests.

"Ellie, do you think your insincere words will make me spare you? What I want...is your genuine sincerity." Nara stroked the head of the little light-element squirrel that was baring its teeth at her in hatred. If not for the chain around its neck, it might have already bitten Nara’s fingers off.

"................." Ellie shifted her gaze from the little squirrel to look at Nara with curiosity.

It seemed that Nara’s true purpose for talking to her after avoiding her previously was now becoming clear.

"How about this...if you help me with something, I might consider your case." Nara observed Ellie’s reaction. Ellie’s calm demeanor made Nara unsure of what she was thinking, but she needed Ellie’s help regardless.

"You’re close to the Setter family, so this should be easy for you. I want you to verify if the Setter family is really trying to seize another city on the 6th floor, or if it’s just a rumor."

Nara asked directly. Ellie was recognized by the Setter family, so it was impossible for her not to know about this.

This was a question everyone was interested in, including "that person." If it turned out to be true, they would need to act faster than others. Waiting until the Setter family seizes the city would be too late. Hence, Nara was tasked with investigating this matter. Of course, she didn’t expect Ellie to tell her the truth easily; what she wanted was to observe Ellie’s reaction.

If the Setter family really intended to seize a city, Ellie would show some sign of it, right? However, what Nara saw was a calm demeanor, with Ellie’s expression remaining as composed as ever, similar to when her threats had no effect. This arrogance made Nara want to slap her!!

"So, what do you think? Do you want to accept my offer? It’s the only chance you have to lessen my anger," Nara reiterated, watching Ellie’s reaction. But Ellie merely smiled back at her.

"Do you know how many times I’ve heard that question?" Ellie shook her head slightly.

"Hmm? Other people have asked you the same thing?"

"Yes, many times. But honestly, I’ve been too busy with the competition, and so have Lord Aman and Koross. Do you think we would know anything about that? The Setter family hasn’t contacted us in a while. Why does everyone think I should know about it...?"

"Um, and...who else has asked you about this? Isn’t the plan to seize a city on the 6th floor supposed to be a secret? Why do so many people seem to know about it?"

"Exactly, I don’t understand why everyone talks like they know something, while I don’t know anything at all. The last person who asked me was a young lady who promised to give me a beast-detection stratagem. It’s a shame because if I had gotten it, I could have used it to protect our village. But even though it was something I really wanted, I had no information to give."

Ellie shrugged, mentioning a lady who had also inquired about the Setter family and had offered something more enticing. Yet, Ellie still couldn’t provide any information, which made Nara feel contemptuous.

However... Ellie’s words piqued Nara’s interest.

"The person who asked you promised a beast-detection stratagem?" The cute girl’s eyebrows furrowed tightly, creating wrinkles.

"Yes, why? Are you also disappointed? With that stratagem...our village would be much safer." Naturally, after this, no matter what Ellie said, Nara’s ears had effectively shut down.

Anger immediately overwhelmed the girl as she thought about the arrangement. Wasn’t it her job to inquire with Ellie? Why were there others meddling in her task!?

Seeing Nara’s reaction, Ellie felt a bit amused. In fact, she was already aware of their actions and agreements.

Even though she had never heard about who exactly this group reported to, she knew "Professor Lily," "Nara," and 3 other students, including the female student in the stratagem branch, had agreed to investigate the Setter family. They had been ordered to do so, with Professor Lily being the one who had contact with their superior.

Previously, the signal from the spores following Professor Lily had been cut off. She could only track them to the entrance. It seemed they had some device to conceal themselves, similar to what the Setter family had. The device was likely of a level higher than 3, preventing her level 3 plants from penetrating.

Therefore, she needed to continue following up on this matter. Nonetheless...the reason Professor Lily invested so much in Nara wasn’t because she particularly liked her, but more likely because it was an order from "that person" behind the scenes. The decision was made to support Nara, whether to push her to become a priestess or to use her for their purposes in the meantime...

The group had divided their tasks and assignments for gathering information. However, who would have thought they would end up quarreling among themselves to prove their worth to "that person" for further support? Those who had previously cooperated knew what needed to be done, except for Nara, who likely didn’t realize that there were others more cunning than herself!

"So, why do you want to know about this? I asked that young lady the same thing, and she didn’t answer."

Ellie pretended to be ignorant, but her mention of the young lady only reinforced Nara’s suspicion that someone was trying to steal her credit.

"You don’t need to know! And from now on...if you find out anything, make sure you tell me and only me. Otherwise...I won’t let you off!"

Nara threatened before leaving. Since Ellie was of no use now, there was no more information to be gleaned from her. Nara couldn’t sit still after realizing someone was planning to take her credit, so she would investigate through other means, even if it meant encroaching on others’ duties!