Chapter 49: The Past of "Shade" |
Shad’s secrets were actually not many—his identity as an outsider, the occasional unusual voice in his head, and his ability to understand any text he had encountered so far, which was not a big issue.
"Yes, it's not a big problem," he reassured himself.
"As long as you can understand, the academy has been considering the issues with Bill Schneider's group for many years, even considering splitting up the group. But fortunately, you’ve arrived. In fact, even though you are one of the recent correspondence Ring Warlocks admitted to St. Byrons, your background is the most trustworthy of all. Your past is very simple, with no connections to the mysterious or other factions."
Professor Sanchez said with a smile, and since the topic was brought up, Shad took the opportunity to ask:
"Professor, since you’ve investigated my past, does the academy know how I became a homeless person? Sorry, I almost have no memory of that period."
From the scars on his body and his physical condition, it was clear that the original person couldn't have been a homeless person from childhood. As he asked, his ears twitched, and Mimia seemed to have completely given up on scratching the door, as there was no sound for quite a while.
Professor Sanchez coughed and cleared his throat:
"Regarding your past, the issue with your head was there from childhood. As for the life of a homeless person, it probably began when you were 16. Mr. Hamilton, your hometown is Green Shade Town in Carlton County, Southern Drarian Kingdom. That year, the entire southern region suffered a great famine, your family died on the way to escape, and you were left alone to arrive in Tobesk... Sorry, if you're curious about this, I can give you the report later."
Professor Sanchez showed a regretful expression, and Shad shook his head silently, saying nothing.
The original person had left no interpersonal relationships, which, in fact, was a benefit to the outsider who inherited no memories.
"Then, Professor, may I ask one more question? Since you’ve investigated my affairs, does the academy know anything about the detective Sparrow Hamilton? Is there anything the academy knows about him?"
He looked expectantly at Professor Sanchez, who nodded:
"The academy has also investigated him. It wasn't easy. But rest assured, Sparrow Hamilton's secret has nothing to do with Ring Warlocks or the mysterious... As for his matters, I won't tell you directly, but I want you to investigate it yourself. This is also an important step for you to integrate here. I think you will understand."
"Really has nothing to do with the extraordinary?" Shad asked for confirmation.
"I swear on my honor, Sparrow Hamilton's secret is only related to ordinary people. Does that sound alright?"
The professor joked, and Shad immediately indicated that it wasn’t necessary.
"By the way, since we were talking about the report, to help you monitor the doctor—cough, I mean, to monitor the doctor—the academy will give you a Poet-grade relic, the 'Manuscript of Poet Cohen.' But this page can only be used when necessary, and normally, you will still use the one you have from Bill Schneider to contact the academy."
Professor Sanchez added.
"Then, how will you give me the page? If it’s through the doctor’s channel, won't that expose this secret?"
"It has already been mailed. It should reach you by tomorrow morning."
"Mailed? Through the post office? From the far north to here? What about security? What if it gets lost on the way..."
Shad hadn’t expected the academy to use such a simple and crude method.
"Of course, it wasn't mailed from the academy. That would waste a lot of time and isn’t safe. St. Byrons Comprehensive Academy has many properties on the Old Continent and acts as a transfer station for the academy's off-campus internships for official students, as well as a profit mechanism for the academy... Since we’re talking about profit, I think we can discuss your payment for monitoring the doctor."
The topic abruptly shifted to this, but Shad didn’t think a reward was necessary. He considered the doctor a friend and guide, and he was willing to contact the academy if the doctor lost control, which was beneficial for all parties. But since the academy wanted to offer it, he had no reason to refuse, so he didn’t make a false rejection.
"Since this job doesn’t require much labor, the payment isn’t very high. However, the History Academy values you, and after negotiations, the Dean of the Astronomical Academy performed a divination for you this afternoon regarding your general fate in the coming days. Once a Ring Warlock begins their employment, they often get lost in heavy academic work. Divination can effectively point out a path," Professor Sanchez said, then took out a semi-transparent slip of paper from his formal suit pocket.
He read it in standard Drarian, as though reading a council speech:
"I see the Silver Moon. I see a young detective holding a Rhodes Card. I also see blood. The young detective should stay away from blood-filled situations."
He finished reading and put the paper away:
"Divination and prophecies usually don't provide direct guidance but need interpretation. Mr. Hamilton, do you understand the meaning of this divination?"
"Yes, I understand... The warning at the end isn’t very clear, but it’s probably directing me to avoid danger and disputes. At least the first part, I completely understand."
Shad nodded, suppressing the unease in his heart. Hearing "Rhodes Card," he understood. A certain possibility, one he had considered nearly impossible, was now greatly amplified by this prophecy.
He suspected that this might be the effect of the Fate Dice thrown earlier in the day, but thinking carefully, it seemed like the professors had helped resolve the statue issue tonight as well—perhaps another stroke of good luck:
"I’ll feed the cat in the morning and then go to the Prophets' Association for verification."
"Since you understand, I’ll remind you once more, Mr. Hamilton, while the Rhodes Cards are interesting, don't get too obsessed... The night has deepened, and this meeting ends here. I’ll leave with Miss Jones, and Professor Garcia will take charge of your courses. Sweet dreams."
The meeting ended on this note.
Miss Jones put away her pen and stopped taking notes, smiling at Shad. He stood up to bid them farewell, watching their transparent figures rise from the chairs and slowly disappear into the air of St. Derain Square, Room 6.
Professor Garcia remained seated and gestured for Shad to sit down as well. Now, it was their time alone, but Professor Garcia still appeared stern:
"Now that the other matters are settled, let’s begin the course content. It’s been a long time since I’ve been south of the Far North on the Old Continent, so I’m not used to talking to students from an ordinary background like you. Please forgive me. But the night is deep, and I think we needn’t talk much. Mr. Hamilton, you’re about to embark on your time travel journey. Please..."
"Sorry, aren’t you coming with me?"
Shad sensed a different meaning in that sentence.
"Yes, a key can only allow for a one-time, one-person time travel."