All he ever wanted was to grow up as a strong adventurer someday—to help his clan and fulfill the promise he made to Elder Morem.
But fate seemed unwilling to let him. It was as if he were swimming against the current—constantly pushed away, yet still struggling to overcome every obstacle.
He couldn't remember doing anything bad to deserve such treatment. His only "fault" was being born without talent. A boy with an enormous dream, yet destiny and the world kept dragging that dream farther from his reach.
He could not fully understand these people. Why did power matter more to them than the heart of a person? For him, standing in this institution was not wrong; countless adventurers had refined their powers here through study.
But it seemed they had forgotten the most important thing of all—the morality to correct not only the mistakes of others, but one's own.
The ability to become a hero to someone. The principle of always standing for what is right, and always placing the safety and well-being of others before oneself.
Because of money and wealth… positions in society and the laws of the monarchy… fame and leadership over a land, town, or kingdom—
They had set aside their hearts and allowed the god of gold to consume their minds. They awakened the greed hiding within themselves and became slaves to a curse that should never exist in this world.
In a hall of the institution, where all the teachers sat around a large table, Hanzuo cleared his throat and began to speak.
"Listen, all of you. Two days ago, a young man came directly to my office. He introduced himself as Emrys Valestron, one of the new students in our institution. And if you remember, he comes from the Death Lotus Clan."
Everyone murmured.
"Emrys Valestron?"
"Isn't he the boy who didn't get a Guild on selection night?"
"Who would've thought he'd last this long in the institution without a group beside him?"
"If you don't mind me asking, what does this have to do with our meeting, Headmaster Hanzuo?" Clover stared at the old man, prompting everyone else to do the same.
The headmaster raised an eyebrow, a corner of his lips lifting slightly.
"Believe me. He has a lot to do with this. He told me that for the upcoming Guilds Event, he wanted my official permission to join the celebration."
The moment the headmaster finished, the room received a flood of reactions.
"I can't believe it."
"Did he really say that?"
"The headmaster said it himself, so it must be true."
"But this is impossible!"
Clover turned to Desmond, seated on the opposite side of the table.
"What do you think?"
Desmond slowly lifted his gaze from the book he was reading.
"What do you mean?"
"Do you agree with that boy?" Clover repeated.
"If you want my opinion, then here it is. Ever since he wasn't chosen by the four Guilds, he should've been expelled back then. He is not deserving of staying any longer."
Clover crossed his arms and leaned back, still staring at Desmond.
"But you felt it yourself, didn't you? When you threw him into a battle of power. You sensed the boy had strong potential—if only he were taught properly."
He wasn't saying this out of pity or favoritism. He knew Emrys was strong, but that very strength was what kept him from helping him develop further—because he could become a serious problem one day.
He was asking Desmond because he needed to confirm something important.
Desmond exhaled and looked straight at him.
"I know what I saw and what I felt. And I'm not weak enough to think you didn't sense it too. So now, are you sure you still want to hear my explanation?"
Clover smirked.
"I knew it. This man is still on my side," he said in his mind.
The headmaster clasped his hands together before speaking again.
"Nevertheless, he is but a mouse trying to challenge a dragon to a fistfight. But as the honorable headmaster of this institution, I have decided to let him do as he wishes. And if he earns one of the top five positions, I will grant him a title to form his own Guild. But! If he fails to meet the condition, he will be expelled immediately from the institution."
Everyone was stunned by Hanzuo's decision.
One of the teachers stood to protest at once.
"Forgive me, Headmaster Hanzuo, but this violates the institution's laws. Moreover, letting a student with no affiliation to the four Guilds participate in the event will surely get us in trouble with the High Elders."
Others nodded, agreeing.
"I am well aware of that. You don't need to remind me," Hanzuo replied. "But my decision is final. Yes, I am violating the High Elders' rules, and I accept that. But don't worry—I will speak with them myself. While I'm doing that, continue preparing for the event. It will begin in just a few days. I'll leave you all here."
The headmaster stood and exited the hall, leaving the teachers confused. Desmond and Clover exchanged glances as the rest of their colleagues erupted in noise over the headmaster's decision.