Memoirs of the Returnee - Chapter 185



Only Krnovel

The Regressor’s Notepad 185

Preparation (4)

The day of the final entrance exam at Edsila National University.

In the audience, Guilon Bellito searched for someone’s name on an unfamiliar tablet.

[Zion Ascal]

[Endex │ College Board Comprehensive #67]

[Department of Engineering │ Department of Journalism]

“… … .”

Gilon took a moment to recall the events of last week.

‘I did it the right way because I was told to do it the right way.’

Zion Ascal answered his own question thus:

‘… … No. That’s not what I mean. I mean, do you remember all the eight swords?’

‘Are they eight swords?’

‘Yes. I mean the combinations of the swords.’

‘To some extent. I don’t forget things I’ve learned once.’

“Once you learn it, you won’t forget it… … .”

Sion Ascal used the eight-sword technique during his college board course. However, because he modified it in his own way, Igiris disparaged it as a mere technique.

Gilon himself thought the same thing at first. He thought it was just empty boasting that neglected the basics and focused only on appearances.

No it wasn’t.

Rather, it was because the fundamentals were perfect that such a drastic transformation was possible.

“Photographic memory. Something like that.”

Palgeom is a swordsmanship that clearly requires memorization. Perhaps, memory itself is also considered a fundamental skill.

“Mr. Gilon.”

Just then someone approached him.

“Ah. Teia. Is that you?”

Teia Isil. He was a distinguished professor at a national university with a great reputation.

“It’s been a while.”

“That’s true.”

Teia looked at Gilon and smirked.

She is a magician and a knight at the same time. She is a genius among geniuses who majored in magic at a national university and double majored in knighthood.

Gilon was her old swordsmanship master.

“Are you saying they test the unconscious with something like that capsule?”

When Gilon asked, Teia sat down next to him.

“Yes. I’m checking the unconscious.”

“Is it magic?”

“Um, no.”

Teia was very lively when dealing with Gilon. In fact, during her college days, she was a talkative girl who overestimated her own talents, but now only a few people, including Gilon, remember her old self.

“It’s closer to science.”

“science?”

“Yes. To be exact, it replaces electricity and storage space with horsepower. It reads the target’s brain waves to create a deep structure, and from there, it recreates the unconscious into consciousness and then obtains information.”

“… … Is that so? I see.”

It was a face I didn’t understand at all.

Teia gave a small smile.

“Have you come to see Soliette?”

“Yeah. Fortunately, he attended.”

The original reason why Igiris sent Gilon was to help Soliet advance to college.

Just in case the guy changes his mind and disappears.

“But, Professor. Do you know Sion Ascal?”

For a moment, Teia’s expression hardened slightly.

“… …Why that test taker?”

“I said it because I thought you had talent.”

“Everyone has talent. It’s enough to make it this far.”

“Well, I guess so. No.”

Gilon coughed, and Teia stood up.

“The test will take about as long as it takes. It could be as short as two hours or as long as six hours?”

“Okay, I understand. Just wait.”

“Yes. Well, it was nice to meet you.”

Teia returned to the monitoring room, leaving Gilon behind.

There, hundreds of monitors were already undergoing testing.

Ta-da-da-dak─

The inspectors are busy typing on their keyboards, and letters appear on the screen in real time.

[Q: What is your name?]

[A: This is Elise Petra.]

[Q: Why did you choose a national university?]

[A: Because I thought that a national university was the only university suitable for developing my talents.]

“Elise is as narcissistic as I’ve heard.”

“There are a lot of things like cotton candy and chocolate in Gerken’s subconscious.”

“Escher… … is a person of interest. There is a possibility that he will leak confidential information on social media.”

When the inspectors ask questions using a keyboard in the monitoring room, the subject’s subconscious answers.

This is the first test.

The second test is to let the test taker experience the ‘situation’ and ‘environment’ subconsciously.

“Professor, I am ready.”

A researcher spoke to Teia. She turned to look. The capsule door was open.

“You don’t have to go in yourself, professor.”

“It’s okay. I have free time today.”

This is a capsule for directly entering the subconscious of a suspicious person.

Teia went inside and sat down.

“First, let’s have one person try it out.”

“Yes. What kind of senior are you?”

Which senior should I choose?

Teia thought about it for a moment.

“I… … should I try Zion Ascal?”

“Are you test taker number 0001?”

Teia is curious about him. He is the one who calls himself Libra’s confidant, and not only caught the eye of her swordsmanship teacher, but also solved his own riddle.

“The ranking has risen so suspiciously. Let’s check it out.”

“Yes, I understand.”

* * *

Ding— Ding— Ding— Ding—

Inside the capsule, a bell rings, as if something is hitting your brain.

Ding— Ding— Ding— Ding—

I opened my eyes blankly.

It was dark all around.

Chijichijijichi──!

The capsule door opened immediately. A researcher in a gown was standing right in front of me.

“The EEG test is finished.”

“… … Yes? End?”

He said, pushing up his glasses.

“Please follow me. I will ask you some questions in the interview room.”

“Ah… … yes.”

I followed him.

The interview room was a completely white space, with only two chairs placed in a single space.

“Please sit down.”

“yes.”

I sat in the chair opposite the inspector.

“First. Test taker 0001. What is your name?”

“This is Zion Ascal.”

“Why did you choose a national university?”

“Because it is the best university on the continent.”

“… … Is that all?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t even consider the job I want if it wasn’t for a graduate from a national university.”

Libra is like that.

Of course, even if you are not a graduate of a national university, you can still become a tool for Libra. However, the tool will only be ‘consumed’.

I shouldn’t be like that. I have to be an irreplaceable ‘person’.

“Where is that workplace?”

“… … It’s Libra.”

“Is your future hope Libra?”

“I am the guardian knight of Libra.”

All of these are prepared answers. But they are not lies. I sincerely hope so.

Surely, he will become Libra’s guardian knight.

“Your College Board scores have risen dramatically compared to your Endex scores. Why do you think that is… … .”

“It’s dedication and effort.”

Since then, I have had several Q&As.

* * *

“3 months later”

──Welcome to Edsilla National Magic University.

Today, the entrance ceremony is in full swing in the main auditorium of the National Magic University.

On the podium, school officials including the chairman and professors are holding the stage, students are lined up in the center with excited faces, and their parents are sitting in the audience.

──Today, as the green spring approaches, you will be greeted with a new beginning… … .

Knock knock-

Then someone touched my arm.

“hi?”

He was a cute man with black hair.

“Uh. Hello.”

I replied curtly.

The guy asked back.

“Are you Zion Ascal?”

“……know?”

“Of course I know. You’re famous.”

He covered his mouth with his hand and chuckled. I just raised my eyebrows.

“Oh, really?”

“I’m also a knight. Are you also a knight?”

“……uh.”

“That’s amazing. I saw you win at Gerkin too. Do you want to exchange numbers after our entrance ceremony?”

There was no answer.

I don’t really have any intention of working hard in college or becoming close with anyone.

──Thank you all for your hard work. Starting next week, please come as an undergraduate student.

The boring entrance ceremony was finally over. Applause echoed through the ceiling. Parents in the audience came down.

They embrace each other with proud faces, but of course I am alone in it all.

Because I don’t have a family.

“Hmm… … ?”

As I was about to leave the auditorium, suddenly.

That guy caught my eye.

The guy who suddenly spoke to me. A man with black hair. He was standing alone, blankly.

“… … Tsk.”

Doesn’t he have a family either?

I clicked my tongue and approached the guy. It was because I felt a strange sense of kinship.

“hey.”

“……huh?”

The guy looked up at me. His eyes were like obsidian and dazzling. He was only about as tall as my chest, so I felt sorry for him.

“What is your name?”

“Uh… … Tae.”

The guy said my name with a worried look on his face.

“Don’t you have a family?”

It’s a pretty sensitive question. Not many people are allowed to ask this kind of question. If someone with a family asks it, it’s obvious to anyone that they’re being picky or have no sense.

This is a question only people like me who don’t have families are allowed to ask.

“……huh.”

“What a coincidence. I don’t have any either.”

Then the guy held out his cell phone.

“Want to exchange numbers…?”

“… … .”

I wrote my number down on the guy’s phone.

* * *

“9 months later”

We are here on the scene. We are doing our ‘practical training’ as college students.

This practical lesson is about gathering materials in the Crystal Cave.

“Be careful, Zion.”

Tae said with sweaty palms.

“Don’t worry. I’m good at it.”

Chijijijik──

A crystal flower blooming in a corner of the crystal cave. Slowly grind it with the magic grinder, and put the fully collected flower bud into the magic container.

“Okay.”

──At that moment.

Swish!

A quiet thud. Something surged through the crystal cavern.

“Zion! Get out!”

Tae pushed me.

“Ugh!”

Instead of me, a large spike was stuck in the guy’s stomach. I quickly looked back at the place. There was a crystal scorpion.

“Tei! Are you okay?!”

“… … Yeah. Are you… … okay… … ? Huh?”

“You were right, so of course it’s okay, sir.”

I drew my sword.

“Try it.”

Krrrrrr-!

I swung my sword at the man who was chattering his teeth threateningly. I showed no mercy in my hand. I used “Sword Absolutely” from the very beginning.

The bastard was cut into halves in an instant.

“……Zion.”

Tay called me. I looked back at him. He had surprised rabbit eyes.

“Swordsmanship… was hiding it?”

It must be because of the sword.

I said, taking a bandage out of my pocket.

“It’s noisy and the bleeding is stopping. If you go to the hospital right away, you’ll be fine… … ”

… … .

Edsila National Hospital.

I looked through the glass window at the guy who had just had surgery and asked the doctor.

“… …Is this okay?”

“Yes. It’s not life-threatening. He’ll have to stay in the hospital for a few weeks though.”

“Ugh… … .”

A sigh of relief flowed out of me without me knowing.

Why is this guy being so pushy? Even if I get hit, it’s more comfortable for me to get hit and I’ll recover faster.

“Are you my colleague?”

The doctor asked with a slightly pleased expression on his face.

“… … .”

colleague.

I thought about it for a moment.

“… … I guess that’s how I see it.”

Actually, there was nothing to worry about.

I was stuck with him throughout college. We were both loners, but by some incredible coincidence, we were partners in almost every class.

Then the guy opened his eyes slightly. He looked back at me. He smiled like a fool and put his finger on the glass window.

Knock-knock-

I drew some letters.

[Let’s do the next exercise together]

“… … Or something like that.”

I shrugged and chuckled.

* * *

“2 years later”

College life flew by like an arrow. Like an arrow, it hit its target the moment it was released.

I wasn’t lonely. I had almost all my classes with Tay. He was there for almost all my college life.

Anyway, now all that’s left is the civil service exam.

Snow climbing.

Climbing Mount Evert, rumored to be dangerous, is the final stage of the knight’s exam.

“… … Is it you again this time?”

“I know.”

Obviously the tides will be mixed randomly.

My test partner is also this guy─Tae.

“Ah, Zion, I’m getting bored now.”

The guy stretched and gave me a sidelong glance, but there was a smile on his face.

“What should I say?”

Anyway, Everest is not a mountain that can be climbed in one or two days. It is 10,353m above sea level, so you need to be prepared to climb it for at least two to three months.

“let’s go.”

“huh.”

We started climbing together.

I climbed the steep cliff, braving the swirling snowstorm.

One day, two days, three days, four days… … Then, at one moment, while I was climbing the mountain without stopping.

Pazuzujek──!

“Eww!”

Tay slipped off the cliff.

“Tay!”

I ran quickly and grabbed his hand, but his entire body hit the edge of the cliff.

“Ugh!”

“Are you okay?!”

“… … For now.”

Wheeeeeeee──!

A blizzard was swirling. I barely managed to pull up the guy who was dangling from the edge of the cliff.

“Hey. Look at your body.”

“… … .”

The guy looked at me and shook his head.

“I… I’ll give up here. I hurt my leg.”

The legs, especially the ankles, were bent almost in the opposite direction.

“Would you do that if you were me?”

However, there is no way I can leave it behind.

“still-”

“You’ll feel better after a little rest. Try carrying me.”

I forced the guy onto my back.

Wheeeeeeee──!

While digging through the blizzard where you couldn’t see even an inch ahead, luckily, we discovered a cave.

“… … Let’s go and rest.”

I laid the guy down in there. I made a door like a curtain to block out the snowstorm. I made a fire with camping gear.

Hwaruk─!

The cave became warmly lit.

“… … Thank you, Zion.”

Tae said shyly.

“You wouldn’t have done it, right?”

Taylor probably did the same.

Our college life was always like this.

He was the kind of guy who would do it for me, so I did it for him too.

“… … But there is something.”

Tae glanced at me, warming his hands by the campfire.

“Why do you want to go to Libra?”

The guy seemed curious about that.

Well, even though we went to college together, we didn’t know much about each other.

Because I don’t answer personal questions.

“… … My father was a knight of Libra.”

“Just because of that?”

“… … .”

At that time I was worried

Would this guy be okay?

Is it okay if I tell you the truth?

……no.

My secret must not be shared with anyone.

If not for me, then for this guy.

Libra, and especially the current leader, the monster called ‘Shelock’, is a guy who even censors thoughts.

“That’s not all. I owe you a lot. My family.”

“Your family is indebted to you.”

“I owe you something too. I grew up in an orphanage.”

“So, that’s it?”

“… … Well. It’s the end.”

Boom────!

Then suddenly a huge earthquake occurred. The earth shook on its axis.

───Thud!

The second vibration came immediately. A cascade of rocks rained down from the ceiling. I pulled the guy to me. We rolled together, entangled.

“Ah. Hey, are you okay… …?”

For a moment, my words stopped.

It was because of the posture that was formed suddenly.

“… … .”

Tae looked up at me without saying a word.

I was on top of Tay, and Tay was below me.

“… … .”

“… … .”

This position itself is embarrassing enough, but the problem goes beyond that.

My hand was on the guy’s chest.

I looked down there blankly.

The feeling in my hand right now is a little, no, too much… … .

“what.”

It’s so noisy.

“You were a woman?”

Although she was originally cute and pretty.

“… … Let go, let go! Let go!”

The guy pushed me. I fell flat on my face against his fern-like hand, blankly scratching the back of my neck.

“no…….”

It was a shock.

It felt like lightning struck me one after another.

“What! No, what! Are you crazy? If you knew, you should have just let it go!”

Tae wrapped both arms around my body and shot at me.

“……no.”

The only thing that comes out is no.

No, have you been hiding your gender until now?

No, but why on earth did you hide it?

“… … .”

The guy bit his lip.

“… … I’ll go get something to eat. I’m just gathering my thoughts.”

I ended up going out of the cave.

* * *

A cave left alone.

Teia suppressed her anger with an annoyed expression on her face.

“……under.”

I saw a rough scene. It was a world-crushing experience. Did I enter this guy’s subconscious for no reason?

Of course, this is enough to pass. Mental strength, physical strength, will, loyalty… … Sion Ascal satisfactorily satisfies all the conditions.

Although it is an error to say that all of them are loyal to Libra.

Anyway, it’s time to end the test now.

Teia swept my chest and spoke to my wrist.

“end.”

There was no response.

“… … ?”

She spoke to her wrist again.

“End. Can’t you hear me?”

No matter how long I wait, there is no response.

She tapped her wrist. Then, a liquid crystal display resembling a clock appeared on the screen.

It was a dead end.

The WiFi symbol was cut off, meaning that external reception was cut off.

“Fuck… … .”

She chewed her lip.

Could it be a problem with the device itself?

Or, could it be the work of Libra Sejak who infiltrated the university?

Either way, it’s a hassle.

If the test goes wrong, it will tarnish her reputation, and Libra wants that.

“Should I have weeded it out earlier?”

It was a well-known fact that Libra’s spies had infiltrated national universities. They were just waiting for the right time to destroy them all…

“… … Sigh.”

Anyway, the first priority right now is to escape from this unconsciousness.

Wheeeeeeee─

Just then, the cave door opened and a blizzard poured in. Zion had returned.

“… … .”

He cleared his throat with the beast on his back.

Teia pointed to the bonfire.

“Sit down. Eat quickly and let’s go climb the mountain.”