Memoirs of the Returnee - Chapter 205



Only Krnovel

The Regressor’s Notepad 205

Ambition (1)

Tick-tick-tick-tick

Time passes. Water droplets stick to my whole body, and the cold wind freezes them in an instant.

The cold is so severe that even a machete can’t withstand it. In reality, there aren’t many people left.

“There is no reward for passing the class today. Likewise, there is no loss. In the first place, cadets at national universities should not aim for grades. The ability and will to improve on one’s own are important.”

I mean, it’s really just a simple test of patience.

“… … I’m so cold I could die.”

It’s bearable enough.

Also, there will definitely be a reward. Someone will eventually look at the records of my class participation.

“20 minutes have passed.”

Professor Jed said. At that moment, the environment changed dramatically.

This time it was a heat wave.

The daily temperature difference is really dramatic.

“… … Huh.”

Suddenly, there was a sudden gasp from next to me. It was Soliet.

She melted like ice cream in a minute. I grabbed her shoulders and pulled her up.

“Just bear with it for a bit.”

“Zion… … . I… … was wrong… … .”

Iron-pudeok-

I just passed out.

“… … .”

Indeed, Arcne’s immediate family was suffering from heatstroke, and the medical team rushed to carry Soliet on a stretcher.

I was better off than in the bitter cold. At least it wasn’t painful.

I let time pass by while maintaining a steady breathing pattern.

Tick-tick──. Tick-tick──.

The minute hand of the clock in the middle of the magical space reached ‘6’.

Finally, 30 minutes had passed.

Professor Jed looked around with a pleased face.

“This season is going to be quite something to watch.”

I looked back at them. There were about fifteen of them, including Gerken, Mel, Brown, and others besides me.

“From now on, you can attend my lectures or not. I won’t take attendance. I will only allow those who have the will to develop as journalists to attend.”

It’s a bold statement that attendance is voluntary, but there aren’t many people left anyway.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Exactly─

The professor snapped his fingers, and the environment returned to normal.

“and……”

“Ugh… … ”

The fifteen or so people who had managed to hold out lay down and sighed in relief. I also took a deep breath to calm my heated body.

“Ah, let’s go quickly. I’m going to die.”

Mel and Brown ran out. So did Gerken.

I was about to take a step forward… …but then I stopped.

Tick-tick-tick-tick

The clock was still ticking.

Tick-tick-tick-tick

The minute hand was moving forward.

I looked at my palm. I clenched it, then opened it again.

It felt strange.

“… … .”

I stood there alone. I looked at Zed quietly. Zed raised his eyebrows.

And then, at some point.

Ding───!

A loud noise rang out from the clock.

“……haha.”

Zed smiled and clapped his hands. Then the magical space changed again.

Apparently everyone had left, but Gerken was standing right next to me.

“There are four of you left here?”

Clap clap clap – Zed clapped his hands.

“You have just deceived your very senses and perceptions.”

It was a method often used in interrogation.

For example, what if you put them in a magical space to weaken their mental power, and then rescue the interrogation subject by pretending to be your colleague?

The target is completely fooled and gives away all the information.

“These ‘illusions’ are the most difficult and dangerous enemies for a knight. Even though you know it, you still get fooled. There are many monsters, monsters, and plants that use illusions in rough terrain.”

I looked around inside. Not only Gerken, but also Cain had bravely held on, and there was also a worn-out man who looked like a repeat student.

“It’s really over now. Get out.”

Gerken went out. I followed him and said

“Are you holding up well?”

Gerken glanced at me with a calm face.

“……you also.”

* * *

After leaving Jia’s office, Jahanna returns to her room and watches TV.

[World Series of PokerWSOP: Golden Ticket]

A full screen poker table. The world’s best poker tournament hosted by Jahanna and other casino personalities.

Of course, all magical elements are excluded. It is a fierce battle that takes place in the double and triple ‘No-Mana Room’, purely a test of luck and skill.

[The winner of the 5th round of the Golden Ticket is ‘Gelli Del Tom’!]

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Another Atkins-sponsored kid?!”

bang!

Jahanna knocked on the table without realizing it.

The ‘Golden Ticket’ is the highest tier of the WSOP, a format that selects the world’s best poker players.

The format is ‘6 rounds’ and ‘finals’.

Thousands of poker players qualify through the qualifying rounds, and the winners of those rounds qualify for the finals, where the six winners of rounds 1-6 come together to compete in the ‘Golden Ticket Finals’.

The prize money for winning the round is 10 million renminbi.

The total prize money is 60 million renminbi.

Jahanna, a gambling enthusiast, wanted to play as a player, but unfortunately the casino officials were unable to attend.

So, like other nobles, she is raising players through ‘sponsorship’─

“… … Those damn bastards.”

The result itself is a little unsatisfactory.

There are a total of 15 players sponsored by Jahanna.

Of these, 11 were eliminated only in the preliminary round, while the remaining four were eliminated in last place in the round stage.

“I’ll take the money and eat it, but what the heck… … Should I cut off my hand and throw it away?”

Now, with only six rounds remaining, no matter how much I thought about it, there was no hope for my players to advance.

Ahh …

The Atkins kids have already sent two players to the finals.

“… … It’s been a long time since I’ve suffered a loss.”

This is not simply a question of sponsorship costs.

Jahanna made a bet with the casino big shots.

The content is that you can unconditionally send your player to the Golden Ticket finals.

The stakes are 300 million renminbi.

dripping-

Just then, a knock rang at the door. Jahanna opened the door with her mind.

Bellingham Canta. The door closed as he came in.

“… … How was it?”

Bellingham asked, “What is that?” Jahanna replied, looking quite dissatisfied.

“Are you talking about gambling?”

“No. I mean people.”

It seems to be a story about Zion Ascal.

Jahanna took a big sip of whiskey.

“… … Are those balancer candidates really loyal to the stutterer?”

“It’s not certain yet, but I have definitely rejected Lord Jedric’s offer.”

“Then that Jedrick will probably refuse to be appointed as a balancer anyway. If I refuse too, he can’t become a balancer. He’s not even a candidate.”

It is still questionable whether he has the potential to become a balancer, and a balancer requires the approval of a majority of the direct hierarchy.

Even if Jade and Zia allow it, if Jedric and Jahanna refuse, it means that the appointment of a balancer is impossible.

“Anyone who says they are Zion or something has the wrong line.”

Of course, if Shaylock gave permission, it would be a different story… … .

The head of the household and father now seems to have no interest in worldly affairs. It has been almost several years since I last saw him.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. But even putting that aside, he was a pretty good guy. He had the qualities of a balancer. He didn’t waver even when he was charmed. His expression… … .”

Then an idea occurred to Jahanna.

Zion Ascal remained calm and composed even in the face of extremes. There was not the slightest wavering.

“… … He had a poker face.”

Suddenly, Jahanna’s eyes sank.

“What are you thinking?”

Bellingham Kanta asked. Jahanna frowned, resting her hand on her chin.

“I’m thinking about it. If he serves only Jia from the beginning to the end, then it doesn’t matter if he becomes a balancer.”

Jia, who had been timid and had a stutter since birth, was just a disabled child to Jahanna.

In short─ a moron who isn’t worth killing.

As such, he has already been excluded from the succession plan.

Even if by some chance he were to combine with Jade, no, if he were to combine with Jade, it would actually be a minus. Jade’s business acumen is hopeless.

“It doesn’t matter whether he serves Jia or not. Anyway, Jia’s things are… …”

“Because it’s the same as Libra’s?”

Bellingham took over instead.

Jahanna twisted her lips.

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Wheein-

Just then an alarm went off in Bellingham’s pocket.

Jahanna frowned.

“It must be important.”

“… … Yes. It seems that one of the collateral branches had a serious accident.”

“That’s just how it is with the collateral branches. Go ahead and take a look.”

Jahanna waved her hand. Bellingham quickly turned and left the office, and Jahanna called Zia.

─Hello… … .

“Gia.”

─… … Yes?

Jahanna looked at her fingernails and smiled broadly.

“Have you ever thought about gambling?”

─Gambling… … right?

“Yeah. Gambling.”

Anyway, the players he raised were wrong. His perspective on people was wrong.

“It’s a huge game with 300 million renminbi at stake.”

They are thinking of cutting off his wrists and throwing him on the street, so for now they are just grabbing at straws… … .

* * *

Same time.

A magnificent mansion built in the wealthiest district of the capital, Edsilla.

“… …Thank you for your hard work.”

In Jedrick’s residence, where most people would not dare enter, Belmore met him in person and received his praise.

“thank you.”

“I knew this would happen. I knew it would happen someday.”

Jedrick put the letter down as if he had expected Sonya’s betrayal.

“By any chance… … is there a need for cross-validation?”

Belmore asked cautiously. Jedrick’s brow furrowed slightly.

“I have discovered a collaborator who is in communication with you, Aventaher. Would you mind telling him this?”

“No, I’m sorry.”

“It was done. More importantly, I went on a mission with a chaser named Sion Askar.”

“… … Yes. He is my subordinate. Rather than working together, he assisted me.”

Belmore bowed his head.

There’s been a lot of talk about Zion Ascal these days. No matter what happens, the only thing you hear is his name.

It’s a little inflamed.

“What kind of guy was he?”

Jedrick pretended not to know and asked, but in fact his pride was quite hurt. He was rejected by Zia, after all.

“… … He is a notable rookie. Not as good as me, though.”

“Not as much as you?”

“Yes. Zion Ascal has not found any evidence of that.”

“Hmm… … I like your confidence.”

Jedrick took out his checkbook and wrote down the numbers.

The number of zeros is six, one million.

The unit is Libra Point.

Handing it over to Belmore, Jedrick asked.

“If I were to give the order to dismiss your subordinates, would you do so?”

“… … .”

Belmore hesitated for a moment, but there was nothing to worry about.

“Of course. If you give me the order, I can do it right now.”

“Good.”

“Shall we exclude it?”

“No. It’s done.”

Jedrick waved his hand.

“I was just trying to hear your determination. Why would I care about a mere chaser? There’s a man more powerful than a chaser right in front of me.”

“……thank you.”

Belmore’s lips quivered.

Indeed, Jedrick knows how to recognize people.

“Bring Sonya. I’ve left someone waiting outside.”

“yes.”

“Be a little kinder to me for all the hard work you’ve done. It’s okay if you’re a little late. Give me time to get things in order.”

“……yes.”

Even the treatment of a traitor is so gentle. Jedrick may not be as bad a person as rumors say.

Belmore walked out of the office.

In front of him was Riley.

“Were you here too?”

A smile appeared on my face as soon as I saw her.

On the other hand, Riley asked stiffly without answering.

“Are you sure you found that evidence on your own?”

For a moment, Belmore’s nose wrinkled.

“… … What are you talking about? You found it on your own, right?”

“……okay.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“No problem. Shall we leave right away?”

“no.”

Belmore ran her hands through her hair.

“I told you to be gentle. Let’s give them some time. We should also do some research in advance. If we go without thinking, they might run away.”

Riley looked at Belmore silently, her face still suspicious.

Belmore laughed bitterly.

“Why. Call that Sion Ascal? Should we move in groups of three? Their faces are half and half. Tall and handsome. I guess he likes me a lot.”

“… … .”

Riley clicked her tongue and shook her head.

“Stop talking nonsense and explain the plan first. I’m here to help you with your work.”

* * *

The next morning.

I opened my eyes.

“Haaaaaam… … .”

I woke up yawning, the ceiling looking a little unfamiliar.

Of course, it’s not the residence of the Endex building.

This is a single room in a dormitory. The monthly rent is free, but it is a comfortable living space of a whopping 15 pyeong. It even has a luxury bed, a sofa, a TV, and a clean shower room…

I got up.

“… … ?”

As I was heading to the shower, my thoughts suddenly stopped.

I glanced around the inside of the dormitory.

There was a certain person.

At first, I tilted my head blankly, thinking I had seen something wrong.

“… … .”

No it wasn’t.

It was the real thing.

There was a person sitting quietly on the sofa in my dorm.

To me, that sight is more eerie than a ghost, and more sudden than a horror movie.

“… … .”

Blink, blink.

A person who stares at me intently, blinking his eyes like a light bulb.

She is, Zia Celcien Libra Lane.

“… … I’m embarrassed.”

It was such an unexpected situation, but I still kept my composure.

“……hi.”

She raised her hand.

“My name is… … Zia.”

I introduce myself so calmly, but I look so confused.

“I know.”

I have no idea how to react.

Is this a dream?

“What brings you here-”

“You… … said you would serve me… … ?”

“… … .”

I looked at her without saying anything. For a long time.

Then, Jia tilted her head with a slightly embarrassed expression.

“Isn’t it… … ? Jade Orabeoni… … to me… … .”

“That’s right. I want to become Miss Zia’s sword.”

Although I was still a little hazy, I tried my best to keep my composure. I straightened my back like a knight.

It’s a little embarrassing to be in pajamas, but I can’t change my clothes in front of others.

“but…….”

Jia asked back, seeming curious.

“What do you… … wish for?”

It doesn’t matter what I want from Zia.

Honestly, I still can’t believe this situation itself, but if this is how Jia casts people, then it makes sense.

If someone who has never shown himself to the outside world came to you in person, it would be like receiving some kind of baptism.

So I have to maintain ‘the image that Jia wants me to be’.

Always calm, cool, stable… … .

“I wish to serve.”

“Serving… … ?”

“Yes. Whatever Miss Jia does, I hope to be a knight who protects her.”

“… … ”

Jia was quiet for a moment. She seemed to be thinking about something in her head.

Then, he asked back subtly.

“Just because… … of the daycare… … ?”

There was a hint of doubt in his voice.

As such, Jia is very suspicious. Not just a little bit. She is constantly suspicious and doubtful of everyone around her.

So, some degree of certainty will be necessary.

“You may not remember, but I have seen you.”

It’s true.

I happened to see Zia when I entered elementary school.

“When I was young. When I entered Libra Elementary School as the son of my father, the Libra Knight… … Miss Zia was there.”

Jia had appeared there.

I don’t know why.

“At that time, my father, who was by my side, said this.”

The father looked at Jia, who was ‘more Libra-like than anyone else’ on the stage and said this.

‘Take a good look at it.’

“Take a good look at it.”

Zia looked into my eyes. I met her eyes too.

‘… … That person is Libra’s direct descendant.’

“That person… … is the one you will serve in the future.”

I changed my father’s words.

Suddenly, Jia’s eyes shook violently.

“My father was killed in action the following week.”

She seemed to be trying to discern the truth of my words, but my expression would remain utterly sincere.

“That’s why my father’s words that day remained like a will… … .”

Even Zia can’t see through me.

You can’t see through me.

“It feels like fate to me right now.”

Anyway, no one knows what day that is.

Because it’s a story that only remains in my memories.

To you, my father is just that kind of person… … .