Since Pallez needed time to address the lifespan issue for Mobet Zoroast and the others, Alaric wasn't in a rush to lead the group into the book's adventure. Instead, he opted for a night's rest.
During this time, Leonard caught up with Gehrman, handing over Dunn's letter and sharing stories about the captain and Lady Daly's happy married life, as well as his own recent experiences.
"…Sounds like you've had quite an eventful time," Klein said, a smile spreading across his face after quietly listening to Leonard's ramblings. In that moment, he wasn't Gehrman but more like the Klein from their days in Tingen's Nighthawk squad.
"Eventful, sure, but…" Leonard's expression crumpled as he recalled something, lowering his voice. "Klein, you have no idea. Lately, the old man's been acting crazy, forcing me to study all sorts of knowledge. Am I cut out for that? He's got me buried in studies. Goddess, I'd rather fight ten more monsters than deal with endless assignments."
It was clear Leonard had been suffering in his own personal knowledge hell for a while.
Klein paused for a second, a flicker of sympathy rising within him. While he himself never shied away from learning... constantly studying occult knowledge under various mentors... he knew Leonard wasn't built for it.
But what could Klein do? He wasn't close with Pallez, and honestly, he thought a bit more knowledge wouldn't hurt Leonard. After all, in this world, knowledge was power, and ignorance brought danger.
So, after a moment's thought, Klein said diplomatically, "Learning more isn't a bad thing. Mr. Pallez means well."
Leonard stared at him in shock, his eyes practically screaming, "You've betrayed our friendship."
This made Klein swallow the words he'd been about to say: "But balance is important too. I'll try to convince Mr. Pallez not to push you so hard."
Instead, Klein flashed a Gehrman-style smirk. "As it happens, Mr. Bethel has been tutoring the younger Abraham generation recently. I bet he'd love to share some teaching tips with Mr. Pallez."
"No, you wouldn't!" Leonard gaped at Klein in disbelief.
"Oh, I would," Klein replied, casting him a cool glance, fully embodying Gehrman's icy demeanor.
"Tch, you, I…" Leonard stammered, thrown into disarray.
Seeing his reaction, Klein sighed and dropped the act. "Just kidding. I'll talk to Mr. Pallez and ask him to ease up on your study load."
Leonard's eyes lit up instantly. "I knew I was right about you, Klein. You're my best friend!"
"Ahem…" Pallez's voice cut in, laced with amusement. "In case you forgot, I'm still here."
Though his avatar was out hunting, his main body was still with Leonard.
…
Whether Leonard could escape his study hell remained uncertain, but Anderson certainly didn't sleep that night. Every time he closed his eyes, he pictured tons of exam papers raining down, burying him in a sea of questions.
Normally, he'd have chosen to run, just as he'd left the Church of Knowledge to become a bounty hunter. But those tons of papers came with a carrot he couldn't refuse, forcing him to face his dreaded knowledge hell head-on.
Maybe I should stop provoking people… Anderson gazed at the crimson moon, a rare introspective thought crossing his mind.
But then he sighed, muttering under his breath, "What's the point of life without a little provocation?"
Just then, he heard a noise. Turning toward it, he spotted Danitz, who had accidentally bumped into something.
"Well, if it isn't Danitz! Up so late?" Anderson raised an eyebrow, grinning at the clearly sleepless Danitz. "Don't tell me you're too nervous about tomorrow's book-world adventure to sleep?"
Danitz, caught off guard by the truth, froze. Then, thinking of something, he shot Anderson a look. "Why aren't you sleeping?"
"I'm admiring the moon. Can't I? Look how beautiful it is!" Anderson said with a laugh, not looking at all like someone too worried to sleep.
"But the captain said not to stare at the moon…" Danitz gave Anderson a strange look, then, as if realizing something, exclaimed, "No wonder you've got tons of exams to do... you're a terrible student too!"
Anderson's smile froze.
…
How many people stayed up that night was anyone's guess, but Alaric slept soundly.
The next morning, when he woke, got ready, and headed to The Future's dining area, he found several people sporting dark circles under their eyes.
"What were you all up to last night?" Alaric asked, sipping his coffee.
"Admiring the moon," Anderson said, still stubborn.
"I was too nervous to sleep," Danitz admitted, honest in his anxiety.
"The old man had me studying all night. I was even studying in my dreams," Leonard said, his eyes dull and lifeless.
"I joined Leonard's study session. Mr. Pallez has fascinating insights into the history of the Solomon Empire. It was very enlightening," Klein said, calmly sipping his coffee.
"I spent the night fishing!" Lil' Amon declared cheerfully. "Caught a bunch of merfolk. How about we eat them for lunch?"
Merfolk were a type of monster, akin to incomplete sailors, with some parts of their flesh considered a delicacy.
"Merfolk, huh? I've heard they're a specialty in the Five Seas. We should definitely try them," Alaric said, approving Lil' Amon's suggestion before turning to Klein. "Really? Then I've got to pick Pallez's brain too. I'm quite interested in the Solomon Empire's history, like…"
"Mr. Pallez mentioned that yesterday…" Klein replied.
The two launched into a spirited discussion, leaving the three self-proclaimed "bad students" in the room feeling a pang of solidarity.
"..."
"..."
"..."
What's wrong with you people? What's so addictive about studying?!
Just then, Edwina and Cattleya entered the dining area. Hearing Klein and Alaric discussing the Solomon Empire, they eagerly joined in, drawn by their shared curiosity.
It was only natural... Edwina and Cattleya were both genuine scholars with an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
In no time, the dining area's "study vibe" grew so intense it was almost suffocating, making the "bad students" feel they could barely stay in the room.
***
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