< 124. In Search of the Scream (1) >
#124
“···Why did so many people gather together?”
Even though it was early in the morning, the kitchen was full of familiar people. He never said anything, so I wondered how he got there. Iril, who found him, shouted with joy.
“oh! Ronan, you’re awake!”
“sister. “What happened?”
“Hehe, I don’t know either. “Except for your friends, everyone comes in their turn?”
Iril explained that everyone came separately at similar times. It didn’t mean that they came because they were invited by someone, but that each person really came because they thought of Ronan. Butterfly, who was leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, opened her mouth.
“It’s natural. “I heard that my disciple is going on a long training trip.”
“To be exact, it is not a practice, but a doing. This is why swordsmen with brains made of muscle…gag!”
In an instant, Nabirose’s elbow disappeared. Sigh! As soon as a dull sound rang out, Jarudin fell to the ground. Varen Panasir, who was watching the scene, smiled kindly.
“Haha, you two are still the same. “It’s nice to see.”
“Baren…”
“I heard it might be a long journey. As Instructor Nabirose said, it is natural to attend events like this.”
Varen was bending down to avoid breaking the ceiling light. At that time, the boy who was squirming behind Varen approached Ronan.
“Okay, thank you is late.”
“Ah, Balus. How are you?”
He was Balus, a former poacher and fellow member of Ronan’s punishment unit. He was almost unrecognizable because of his overall slovenly appearance. He, who was mumbling, suddenly began to shed tears.
“Yamma, why are you dragging my feet when I ask how you are doing? “You will have bad luck.”
“Tae, I feel like I have found the meaning of life for the first time in my life. “I really don’t know what to thank you for…”
“Oh my… Varen, cut this bastard down. “What can you use something so fragile for?”
“Hehe, Mr. Balus is the best assistant. “They are doing really well.”
Varen put his hand on Balus’ shoulder. He said Varen’s work speed has almost doubled since he started helping him with his work. In any case, it was a much better ending than becoming a poacher and being taken to a punishment unit. Ronan laughed and patted Balus on the back.
“Keep up the good work. awesome.”
“yes. certainly···!”
Balus bent his waist in half. Preparations for a meal were in full swing around the brazier. Iril said, handing out plates containing food to Schlieffen.
“Mr Schlieffen! Could you please leave this on the table? “It’s hot, so be careful.”
“egg. “I will.”
Schlieffen accepted the plate offered by Iril with a stiff movement. It was truly a sight to see him wearing an apron before he knew it.
‘It’s a masterpiece. ‘She is the morning star of the empire, carrying dishes under the instructions of a commoner woman.’
I thought that if a painting was produced using Didican’s machine, it would sell for a very high price. Marja rolled up her sleeves and lifted the pot containing her stew.
“Give me the pot, sister. “I will carry you.”
“Wow, Marya is really strong…!”
Iril exclaimed with sparkling eyes. The members of her special adventure club, including Asher and Marya, were helping her prepare her table as if it were a natural thing.
“Thank you Asher for coming too! “It’s so nice to be neighbors here too!”
“Yes, yes! “I like it too!”
Judging by his quick movements, he must have arrived long before the professors. Even though I didn’t ask for it, they were a bunch of idiots anyway. Ronan was just about to help.
“ok?”
A familiar girl caught my eye. Her black-purple hair was frizzy, as if she had just woken up. Even as she used her telekinesis to carry the dishes, her eyes were always fixed on Iril’s face.
“I never thought there would be someone prettier than Adeshan in the world…”
It was Erzsebet, the daughter of the great family Akalusia. The Dawn Tower medal given to her by Aun Pillar was sparkling on her lapel. Ronan shook her hand happily.
“Hey, it’s been a while.”
“Hot, Ronan…!”
Erzsebet finally came to her senses and shrugged her shoulders. After facing Ronan for a moment, she quickly turned her head. The memory of applying potion to his bare body came back to her.
“···I was just following Adeshan! “I didn’t know that Grancia’s eldest son would come.”
“Okay, thank you. “It must not have been easy to wake up at this hour.”
Ronan smiled bitterly. Erzébet, pursing her lips, mumbled in a voice the size of an ant.
“···I heard the news. “Please be careful.”
The ears sticking out through the hair were red. She turned around and started putting down her dishes again. At that time, her voice came from right behind Ronan.
“Women are very lucky.”
“senior?”
“Besides, they are all beautiful women.”
Ronan turned his head. Ade Shan, wearing her apron, was smiling brightly. She opened her mouth without erasing the smile in her eyes.
“I’m ready. “Let’s eat quickly.”
Ronan flinched. I’m smiling, but it doesn’t seem like I’m laughing. His voice was strangely subdued, as if he was somehow angry.
“···Are you by any chance angry?”
“no. “Why would I be angry?”
“Then I’m glad. “When I come back, let’s go up that hill together again.”
Adeshan’s eyes widened. She was silent for a moment before answering in her more subdued voice.
“···huh.”
Seeing his relaxed expression made me feel relieved for some reason. Nabirose, who was quietly watching the two people, laughed.
“You’ve made some progress.”
When the meal was ready, everyone sat down around the table. Ronan’s seat was between Iril and Adeshan.
As I saw the welcoming faces, I realized that it was a good decision to move to the system. If it had been like Nimburton’s house, no one would have been able to come in.
Potato stew was bubbling in a huge pot. Iril shouted, spreading her arms wide.
“Hehe, thank you for coming together like this for my younger brother. Everyone, eat a lot!”
“well. “I will eat it.”
The meal began with Schlieffen mechanically scooping up stew. Judging by the momentum, it seemed like there was no need to worry about leftovers. First, the educational staff took turns leaving a message.
“Have a nice trip, Ronan. “Don’t forget that you promised to train twice as much when you get back.”
“I can’t encourage you because I’m afraid you’re a barbarian, but I’m threatening you. “If there is a problem with your mana, I will take immediate action, so please rest assured.”
“I hope you come quickly. Because I have to do the next club activity. “By the way, this stew is really delicious, but is it really made with potatoes?”
Varen, Nabirose, and Jardin gave encouragement and advice. Next was Iril. She cleared her throat incongruously and opened her mouth to face Ronan.
“Hmm, Ronan. I was told that it was a dangerous job, and I thought about it a lot on my own, but I decided not to stop it. “Because as an older sister, I can’t hold my younger brother back.”
“sister.”
“Just promise me you’ll come back. “That’s enough.”
There was no trace of laughter on Iril’s face, whose mouth was tightly shut. It was a serious expression on her face that I had never seen before. Ronan silently nodded her head.
“I’ll promise.”
“Ehehe…thank you.”
Only then did Iril let out a bashful laugh. She wiped her eyes with her sleeve and kissed Ronan’s cheek. She was followed by her club members, Ergé Bet, Balus and Ade Shan in turn giving words of encouragement.
“I’ll wait here. “Achieve what you want.”
At the end of Adeshan’s words, silence came. My throat was so tight that I felt like I could only enjoy the meal if I uttered at least one word of determination. Ronan swallowed the stew he was chewing and opened his mouth.
“Well, you know…”
Ronan trailed off. She clearly had a lot to say, but she couldn’t remember. Suddenly, her eyes became stingy, as if dust had gotten into them. After looking up at the ceiling for a moment, he lowered his head again.
“Thank you everyone.”
Ronan grinned. No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t think of a better word. Before long, eating resumed. As he expected, there was not even a spoonful of Iril’s potato stew left.
****
After a simple farewell party, Ronan went straight to Haeju. Only the members of the Special Adventure Club and Sita saw him off to the entrance of Separaccio in Jaradin’s office. Asher opened his mouth, crying.
“Ro, Ronan… will you be here soon?”
“Would you be able to do that? “It will take at least a month.”
Ronan chuckled. It was half joking and half serious. She received such a grand sendoff, but if she returned in a day or two, it wouldn’t have been worth it. He messed up Asher’s hair and looked around at his team members.
“I couldn’t tell you earlier, but I’m really grateful to everyone. “I’m working hard.”
“don’t worry.”
“Haha! “You sound like a person going to die, so please refrain from saying things like that!”
“Be sure to come. “If you don’t come back, I’ll kill you.”
“Bye…!”
Sita rubbed her face against her cheek. The greeting ended with a breathtaking hug from Marja. Schlieffen was the only one who did not say a word. Ronan frowned.
“You unlucky bastard. “You followed me all the way here and caught the weight?”
“I know you will come back anyway. “I hope you can return quickly before your body becomes dull.”
“It’s ridiculous.”
Ronan laughed. His expression suddenly hardened and he took long strides toward Schlieffen. Ronan opened his mouth, pressing his face against his until their noses were touching.
“I don’t expect much from you.”
The sunset-colored eyes were sparkling as if they were burning. Schlieffen was unfazed by the ferocious force that threatened to tear him to death at any moment. After a brief pause, Ronan continued speaking.
“Protect your sister.”
“I swear.”
Schlieffen nodded heavily. Ronan tapped him on the shoulder and turned around. The encouragement of the members could be heard from behind. The dark hallway engulfed Ronan’s back.
“Are you here?”
“sorry. “It’s a little late.”
As soon as I left the hallway, Sepparachio appeared. The first thing I noticed was a much more complicated magic circle.
Geometric patterns not only covered the floor, but also the walls and ceiling. Secret, still in the form of a girl, greeted him.
“no. “It’s a wonderful thing to be loved.”
Secret laughed. He knew what kind of sendoff Ronan had received. Ronan shook his head without denying anything.
“Yes, of course.”
“It’s nice to be honest.”
“So… you’re going to put that in my head?”
Ronan pointed to the middle of the study with the tip of his chin. A black mass reminiscent of the devil’s heart was floating in the air and pulsing.
This time, the curse Ronan had to break was realized. Secret nodded with a confused expression.
“okay.”
“Is it okay if I kill the culprit behind my curse this time?”
“It’s accurate. “Just like last time, you’ll be able to recognize it at a glance.”
Secret explained the precautions to take when doing it. He emphasized that although the technique has been improved and stability has been improved, it is still a dangerous task.
“The magic stone you brought is so good that it won’t come loose along the way. Now it’s all up to you.”
“It’s always been like that. “I’m ready.”
“Then, let’s begin.”
Ronan sat cross-legged beneath the lump. Secret placed his hand on his forehead.
Paaaa…! A bright light emanated from the magic circle that covered the study. The huge mass was compressed into a smaller size and began to flow into Ronan’s head.
“Keuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!”
“Don’t wait for me to come back.”
Ronan gritted his teeth as he felt an eerie sensation as if his brain was being dipped into ice water. She was singing as if a chant was flowing from Sekhrit’s mouth.
I felt my consciousness slowly slipping away. She closed her eyes as Ronan was unable to overcome the surge that came like a tidal wave. This was the moment when the last rope that kept her rationality was cut.
.
.
.
“wake up! “You damn bastard!!”
An angry shout rang out from somewhere nearby. Ronan opened her eyes. Wooden buildings were blocking the view on both sides. Feather-like clouds were flowing clearly in the narrow blue sky.
“This place…?”
Ronan noticed that he was lying down. I felt like my back was stiff, as if I had been doing this for a long time. The vaguely shadowed area seemed to be a back alley of some city or village.
“There is no sword.”
Out of habit, I felt around my waist, but both swords were not strapped. A slightly larger hand caught my eye. Have you safely entered the world of imagination? While I was thinking that, cold liquid was splashed on my face.
“Phew!”
Sigh! Fishy, muddy water seeped into my eyes and nostrils. Ronan, who was suddenly attacked, jumped out of his seat and stood up.
There was dirt in my eyes and I couldn’t see clearly. At that moment, something hard hit me under my cheekbone. Wow! As soon as his head was thrown back roughly, a strong hand grabbed Ronan’s collar. The same angry voice from before rang in my ears.
“You damn bastard. Can’t you hear me telling you to wake up?! “This is our area, so go somewhere else!”
“Ah…f*ck….”
Ronan swept his bangs and turned his head. A fat and scraggly boy was shaking his head while holding his collar. Judging by her behavior, she was an undisputed beggar.
There was a lot of grime on his flabby chin. Next to him, a child so thin and short that one could almost believe he was a Wear water strider was giggling.
“Puhhehehe, look at how wet you are.”
Both of them looked vaguely familiar. Where did I see these bastards? Ronan turned his head to her again. He laughed as if he was shocked by the pig holding him by the collar.
“How dare you even glare at me? “You know who I am…keuuk!”
It was the moment when the pig was about to threaten. Ronan’s fist jammed into his mouth. Kwasik! The broken tooth bounced back with the sensation of smashing a scallop.
“Hi!”
The water strider’s face hardened. The pig, covering its mouth with both hands, stumbled and screamed.
“Now, wait a minute… hehe!!”
Sigh! Ronan immediately kicked the pig in the side. The pig flew all the way to the opposite wall and fell to the floor. There was no need to use his hands. Ronan started stomping on the pig with his hands in his pockets.
“You f*cking beggar. “Am I your friend?”
“Kkuiik! “Save me!”
“You sound like a pig too.”
“Please…! It’s my fault! stop···!”
Ronan did not reply. The pig, unable to withstand the beating, foamed at the mouth and fainted. Only then did Ronan stop kicking.
“Hehe… I’m going to have bad luck.”
As soon as I entered the world of images, I was covered in mud and beaten by beggars. It was the worst introduction. Ronan pulled down his pants and urinated on the fainted pig. For a moment, I was worried that I might be getting tired of this in real life, but I soon resigned myself to it.
‘Ah, Secret will clean it up on its own.’
My head was still fuzzy, so I had to figure out the situation first. The water strider was frozen as if he were a statue, watching the tragedy. Ronan, who had finished her business, turned to the water strider and opened her mouth.
“Do you have any cigarettes?”
“Huh, huh!”
The water strider screamed and ran away. Before long, his figure disappeared out of the alley.
Both ends of the alley were emitting bright light. The sound of horses’ hooves clattering and people murmuring could be heard.
“Where should I look…”
Ronan took the coins from the pig’s pocket and took a step forward. The moment she left the alley, bright sunlight poured down on her head.
“···This place.”
Ronan looked around. The scenery of the village felt somehow familiar. The wooden houses with pointed roofs, the wide roads in their own way, and the seemingly expensive carriages that seemed common all became familiar to me.
Ronan, who finally succeeded in recalling, muttered softly.
“This is the village where I surrendered myself.”
