Genius Warlock-Episode 366
“if… … . Could you please let me know if you have any information on the research on the Chosen People and the reasons why the Pater Church exterminated them? In as much detail as possible..”
Oliver asked, and surprisingly, Edith took out two files and threw them in front of Oliver as if she had been waiting..
The two files fell apart, each containing information about the selected people and the official and unofficial purposes of the Pater Church to subdue them..
Oliver read the file..
There was also a pretty interesting story..
“fairly… … . Interesting.”
“I would say it's disgusting. Well, tastes vary so I’ll understand..”
“thank you… … . If it's okay with you, can I take this material with you??”
“Do you think I'm an information slut? And my stuff is pretty expensive. They're ripoffs. Can you handle it??”
“hmm… … . It's not as much as Edith, but I also have some money. Could you please sell it??”
Edith deliberately laughed..
“Kkkkkkkk. Have some money. Well, for a troubleshooter, I guess he's pretty good. Well, at least he's at the level of a problem solver... … . Unfortunately, it's an unattractive proposition. Even if you add up all your assets, it's not even worth the pennies in my back pocket..”
It wasn't bravado, it was sincere..
“hmm… … . So, how can I get this information??”
“It's simple. You owe me something, and you can pay it back later when I tell you. It's easy?”
"Yes, I understand.”
Oliver accepted the vague, yet uncertain form of debt without any hesitation..
A truly careless choice. But strangely enough, Edith did not dislike the sight of Oliver like that. I actually hate fools.
“Transaction established. From now on it's yours.”
Edith said, then lifted her heavy hips and held out her hand to Oliver..
Oliver reflexively took the hand..
I never thought Edith would ask for a handshake.……
“Edith. If it's okay with you, can I step back??”
“Well, it doesn't matter since I've already eaten. What are we going to do now??”
Edith asked with anticipation and interest. Oliver answered.
“First of all, I want to start writing my thesis..”
***
That wasn't a lie.
After breaking up with Edith, Oliver immediately drove back to his residence. He immediately re-read the data he had obtained so far and the paper he had written, and then rewrote the paper from scratch..
And that too very quickly..
Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep Creep.
Although he had certainly been a bit stuttery before meeting Edith, Oliver suddenly began writing his thesis as quickly as if he had become a different person..
Not just filling the number of characters, but satisfying each word and sentence..
Probably, it was because the random thoughts that were confusing my head were neatly organized..
“end.”
After a few hours of sitting down, Oliver said as he finished writing his paper..
The paper he had completed was almost the same thickness as a book, and an ordinary person would have felt great satisfaction and fatigue, but Oliver actually moved faster than before..
First, I took a shower, cleaned myself up, put on fresh clothes, took my thesis, and took out a piece of paper from my pocket..
It was paper imbued with portal magic..
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee……!!
When Oliver imbued the paper with magic and activated the stored spell, a small but clear sound like the flapping of insect wings rang out and a purple portal opened in the air..
Oliver looked at the portal and thought it was truly amazing..
This is something I recently prepared in case I really need it, so I can't believe it will be put to use right away..
Oliver admired his luck, tidied up his clothes and entered the portal..
As I entered the portal, I could see the interior of Merlin's mansion and a group of wooden dolls-golems surrounding me..
Surprisingly, each of the wooden doll-golems contained master-level magical power..
“Can I meet the old man??”
Oliver asked in his usual voice..
***
Merlin was in the mansion..
I could say that I was truly fortunate. If I didn't have it, I would have wasted quite a bit of time..
Merlin opened his mouth as he looked at Oliver, who was captured and dragged away by the wooden doll-golems..
“When I was young, I used to scare adults, but I never trespassed... … . When on earth did you plant portal magic paper in my house??”
Oliver, who was dragged along with a rope by the wooden doll-golems, answered..
“I planted it last time when I was gathering materials for my thesis. Just in case you really need to see an elderly person urgently. I'm really sorry for planting it without asking permission... … And thank you again.”
“What are you thankful for??”
“You pretended not to notice when I secretly planted it..”
Merlin slightly raised an eyebrow..
“Can you see through my emotions now??”
“no. However, I don’t think there’s any way the old man wouldn’t have noticed. Then, you were pretending not to know..”
“her… … . Over the past few days, I've become more of a sneer. Release me.”
When Merlin gave a command with his hand, the wooden doll-golems used magic to untie the ropes that bound Oliver, took him away, and left the room..
Merlin and Oliver are left alone.
The two were silent as if they had made a promise, and in the meantime, Merlin quickly glanced at the paper Oliver had brought..
Oliver asked a question when he turned to the last page..
“How is it? Elderly.”
“That's great.”
Merlin answered briefly and concisely. However, the weight of words was heavier than any long praise..
Because that's what it means to be recognized by the archive..
"To be honest, it's more than I thought. I was worried when you first announced that you would be writing a thesis on this topic, because the topic you chose requires not only advanced medical knowledge but also decades of study in the field of life magic to be able to master it... … . But it was a blessing in disguise,”
“When Theodore tried to absorb my body, I happened to get a partial glimpse of his knowledge... … . You could say I was lucky.”
I was lucky... … . Merlin gave her a wry smile..
At first glance, it may sound like you're really lucky, but in reality, that wasn't the case at all..
Surviving Theodore's absorption and even partially absorbing the knowledge he saw as his own were skills in themselves..
A realm that humans cannot dare to enter.
However, Merlin did not dare to say that out loud..
Even if I told you, you wouldn't be able to understand the being in front of you, and there was something I needed to ask first..
“If you have a paper like this, the Magic Tower will accept you. Laying out the red carpet.”
“Is that so?”
“That's right. We've all become dull because of pride, but that doesn't mean we're blind..”
"If so, you're lucky..”
“But I have a question. I don't think you came here to hand me a paper in person... … . Do I have anything else to do??”
Oliver nodded in response to the sharp question..
“Yes, actually, I would like to ask you a favor… … . No, I have something to tell you..”
“I was going to tell you... … . You're not asking for my permission..”
“That's right. I don't mean to disrespect the elderly, but... … . Something came up and I think I'll have to leave Landa for a while..”
“Landa? how much?”
“I'm not sure about that either. If it is resolved well, it may come back in a few days, but if it is not resolved well, it may take a long time..”
“Can you ask what's going on? Looks pretty serious?”
Merlin asked a question, and instead of answering right away, Oliver slightly unbuttoned his clothes and took off the leather mask he was wearing..
With that, Oliver's true face was revealed..
This is the image of a young boy who is not yet twenty years old..
“You're not surprised..”
“I took it off when you passed out on the icy ground..”
“But you didn't say anything..”
“I think it's good manners to wait until you say something like that yourself..”
To those words, Oliver expressed his sincere gratitude..
“Thank you for your consideration.”
“One or two secrets are common in Landa... … . But, I didn't expect it to be revealed now. what is the reason?”
"Before answering, may I introduce myself formally? I think that's the order..”
Merlin gave permission with a wave of his hand..
“Thank you for your permission. Elderly… … . My name is Oliver, not Dave. He is an orphan from an orphanage, and until a few years ago he was a worker in a mine..”
"It doesn't look like that.?”
Merlin said, looking at Oliver's blank expression. I even felt classy..
“There are people who helped me.”
Oliver told him how he had been living..
This is the story of being taken in by Joseph, learning to read there with the help of Marie, meeting the paladin Joanna, coming out into the world, meeting a being called Cant, and being introduced to Forest..
As it is, without any coloring.
It felt like it was the first time. In Landa, he talked about himself as Oliver rather than Dave..
“……And I also met an old man..”
“It's an interesting story. In particular, it is most interesting that there is a pseudo-religious group where the devil greets you and who treats you as a god..”
“I think so too.”
“And according to my guess, my decision to leave Landa now may have something to do with it..”
"you're right.”
Oliver accepted it obediently and explained to Merlin exactly what he had heard from Edith..
Marie and the church she founded are in danger due to the Paterism..
It was a mind-boggling story, but Merlin accepted it more calmly than expected..
"So are you thinking of going to save them??”
"No, I'm looking for it... … . It's not that big of a deal. I'm just coming to help a little..”
"That's a play on words... … . Anyway, okay. Then why are you trying to help??”
"Can I be honest with you??”
"Be honest. I'm really curious.”
"There is no special reason for that. To put it bluntly, it's because I'm concerned and want to help..”
"I'm sorry, but I don't understand..”
"You don't have to be sorry. Actually, I don't know either. Why am I trying to help them... … . It feels similar to when I was at Rossburn..”
"rosburn?”
"yes… … . Oh, you know that letter from Rossburn and the kids the other day? I read it first because I had work to do. I forgot to tell you now. sorry."
"hmm… … . Did I read it because I couldn’t bear it??”
“Yeah, I had some work to do, if you haven't read it.……."
Oliver himself raised his hand in the air as if he didn't know..
Gestures like a child who can't explain his true feelings.
Merlin felt the child's immaturity and fear at the same time..
“Well then, that's it. Did you promise?.”
“thank you… … . Anyway, it's similar to Rossburn. Honestly, there was no specific reason for me to go help Rosburn.?”
Merlin didn't deny it..
Mattel is a huge organization under the School of Life. Its power and influence could never be compared to that of an individual..
Even if they knew that an innocent child was being unfairly taken away and died after a miserable experiment, most people had no choice but to turn a blind eye. Who in the world would dare criticize that??
Turning away was normal and common sense. Especially in Landa.
"And yet you went to save it?”
“I feel like if I just pretend not to know, it will keep coming back to me. Occasionally when eating, before going to sleep, or while studying. What can I say... … . I think it would be annoying.”
“So you're going to go help those who worship you even though you don't want to??”
“That's right.”
Merlin glanced at Oliver and opened his mouth..
“Honestly, I'd like to disagree. This is different from the Rossburn time. Strictly speaking, what the Pater Church is doing is the right thing to do. Legally and morally.”
“According to the data I received, there were no major criminal offenses committed by the selected people..”
“Even so, it's the same. The Church of Pater is a shield that protects the human world. Crushing suspicious pseudo-religions is both a duty and a right..”
"I thought about my own negotiation plan regarding that..”
“I don't know what the deal is, but it won't work. I guarantee that the moment you help, it will be difficult for you to be safe as well. Although its power has been somewhat diminished now, the Paterism is a shield that protects humanity. The moment you confront them head-on, you will be labeled as evil. I know what that means?”
“well?”
“This means you will lose everything you have built in Landa and all rights to enjoy it in the future. Your reputation, your credibility, your relationships, and the countless learning opportunities you can learn through the Magic Tower... … . Isn’t it a waste??”
“What would be a waste? These are things I have accumulated thanks to luck and natural talent..”
“oliver-”
“-No, old man. This is not humility or thoughtless speech. I'm an ordinary person who was lucky enough to be blessed with talent..”
There was seriousness in Oliver's voice. A seriousness that even Merlin can't ignore.
“On what basis are you saying that??”
“hmm… … . When I was working in a mine, a child starved to death. His eyes and cheeks are sunken, his face becomes pale, his ribs are exposed, and his cuffs and wrists become as thin as sticks. He was around the same age as me at the time..”
"what is the reason?”
“It's no big deal. I got injured at work and can't work..”
"......."
“Because I couldn't work, I couldn't get food, because I couldn't eat, I couldn't recover and couldn't work, so I ended up starving to death... … . He might have gotten better if the other kids had given him a little something to eat, but no one did. The potato soup that came with my meal was too watery to eat alone. And so did I. Because of my sleeping position, I always saw him starving next to me, but I ate it all by myself without even sharing a spoonful. I was hungry and I wanted to live..”
Merlin focused on the story and observed Oliver closely..
Obviously, Oliver maintained his characteristic expressionless expression, but it seemed like something had subtly changed. What can I say? very, very……
“Originally, I had forgotten about it. That kid who starved to death. At that time, I was weak, hungry, and wanted to live. However, I remembered it again recently because of what the director of Ark Orphanage said..”
“what did you hear?”
“I'm disappointed in myself and giving off unforgiving vibes... … . I don't really know. Is it a sin for me not to share the soup??”
“Wouldn’t it be too harsh to call such a thing a sin??”
"I think so too. But strangely, it still bothers me. I feel strange too.”
Oliver again gestured like a child who couldn't explain his true feelings..
He looked pitiful..
“That's why I'm trying to help. I feel like if I don't help now, I'll keep worrying about you again..”
“……Still, I hope you don't go..”
“Why??”
“As I said last time, there is a reason why I am collecting and protecting you from outside the world. To control the variables in preparation for the apocalypse.”
“I know.”
“But your actions now are an attempt to sway my choice. Trying to be a variable.”
“If that's the case, don't worry. I'm just me.”
“……? what do you mean?”
“I was a little worried too. I am a being outside the world, and I have started the first line of the apocalypse... … . To be honest, I was dumbfounded. The idea that I am such a special being is unrealistic and doesn't really resonate with me. It was confusing... … . Still, the thesis was a mess..”
“It was faster than I expected and it was well written.?”
“That's because I discarded something that had been messing around for several days and wrote a new one in a few hours. It’s thanks to my miscellaneous thoughts being neatly organized..”
“How was it organized??”
“I'm just being me. An orphan, a mine worker, a person who ate potato soup alone, learned black magic, and later became a fixer... … . Of course, it's hard to admit that I can't tell jokes, but that's just me. Not a being outside the world, not a being who started the first line of the apocalypse, just Oliver, Dave, and Zeno. That's me.”
Oliver's voice even gave off a cool atmosphere, as if he was very satisfied..
“And I also want to help Marie..”
“……Looks like you really want to go help..”
“yes."
“So, what if I tell you to stop it? The archive also exists to prevent the apocalypse. If you try to become a variable yourself, I have no choice..”
"First of all, you have to politely ask them to send it to you. We will make sure you never have any concerns..”
Merlin pulled a book out of thin air and held it in one hand. At the same time, a vast amount of magic took over the space where Merlin and Oliver were..
perfect battle stance.
“But if you say I don’t like it?”
Oliver, who read Merlin's thoughts through his magical state, answered. as usual.
“Then we have to fight.”
“You think you can beat me?”
“No, winning or losing is the secondary issue..”
“What is the first problem??”
“It's my choice.”
end
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