Chapter 46: Beyond Good and Evil

Diego:

“There’s no trace of the Black Knight.”

Javier:

“That means we’ve won.”

In the background, Y sat on the ground, leaning slightly on one arm, while Lucia treated his wounds in silence with her magic.

Marina:

“Let’s go over what you said, Scarlet.

First, Y has no magic.

Second, he wields a weapon capable of absorbing others’ magic and using it.

Is that correct?”

Scarlet:

“Yes. And his domain functions the same way… without needing to touch the weapon.”

Lawrence:

“But his final attack went beyond simply ‘copying magic.’”

Scarlet lifted her gaze toward Y.

Scarlet:

“That was something new… even for me.”

Carlos:

“I think we’d all like to know how he did it.”

Y:

“You can think of it as a special property of my weapon.

After taking a powerful magical attack, it stores that magic…

then releases it in a final strike.”

Marina:

“So that’s why you deliberately took Scarlet’s and Carlos’s attacks.”

Scarlet:

“Then the domain was meant to increase the amount of magic.”

Y:

“That’s all there is to it.

Thank you for the treatment.”

Lucia paused, then stepped back.

Y rose to his feet, picked up the Black Knight’s sword, and walked to the center of the arena.

He drove the blade into the ground before him, then sat facing it in silence.

Lucia:

“What is he doing?”

Carlos:

“He’s showing respect to his opponent.”

Lucia:

“Respect… for a monster?”

Carlos:

“We see it as a monster.

Y sees it as an opponent worthy of respect.”

Carlos walked over and sat beside him.

Carlos:

“He was a strong opponent.”

Y:

“True.

We only fought for a short time… but it was enough for me to realize one thing.

I need to refine my combat style without relying on magic.”

A brief silence followed.

Carlos:

“What do you think of this world, Y?”

Carlos:

“For the past two years—ever since we arrived here—

many of us have wondered…

Is there a way back to our original world?

And even if there is… is going back really the right choice?”

Y remained silent longer than usual.

Y:

“I don’t think I’m the right person to answer for everyone.”

He stood calmly.

Y:

“As for me… I was fortunate.

Everyone I care about is here now,

so returning to my original world isn’t an option.”

Then he added quietly:

Y:

“But I understand those who were separated from their families and friends.

They have the right to seek a way back.”

Scarlet:

“It seems our mission ends here.”

Y:

“Yes.

Forgive me, Carlos… it’s time for us to part ways.”

Carlos:

“Good luck.”

Marina (surprised):

“That’s it?”

Carlos:

“What do you mean?”

Marina:

“Offer them a place on the team.”

Y:

“I’m sorry, but our goals are different.

That’s why… I refuse.”

Scarlet:

“So do I.”

Diego:

“At least we tried.”

Javier stepped forward and extended his hand.

Javier:

“On behalf of the team, thank you.

You were a great help.”

Y shook his hand.

Y:

“And you’re an exceptional team as well.

Each of you proved your worth.”

Javier:

“The offer will remain open if our paths cross again.”

A faint smile crossed Y’s face.

Y:

“What about you?

Will you join my team?”

The team exchanged glances.

Everyone:

“We refuse.”

Y let out a soft chuckle.

Y:

“I expected that.

Then… it’s time to go.”

Y, Scarlet, and Lawrence headed toward the exit.

Carlos:

“How can I find you?”

Y (without turning back):

“Go to Mond… and ask about me there.”

Carlos (muttering):

“Mond…

We’ll be visiting soon.”

They left the laboratory and stopped at the mouth of the cave.

Darkness stretched out behind them, while warm air wrapped around them once more.

Scarlet:

“What do we do now?”

Y:

“We return to Mond… and decide our next move.”

Scarlet hesitated for a moment, then spoke more softly.

Scarlet:

“I have a request, Y.”

Y:

“Does it concern Lawrence’s village?”

Scarlet froze, then looked at him in open surprise.

Scarlet:

“You already know what’s been on my mind?”

Y:

“You were the one who freed me from the seal.

I don’t mind helping you.”

Scarlet lowered her gaze slightly.

Scarlet:

“You’re already carrying so many burdens…

That’s why I hesitated to ask.”

Y:

“But I have one condition.”

Scarlet lifted her head at once.

Scarlet:

“You want to speak with the village chief, don’t you?”

Y:

“That would make things easier.”

Lawrence stepped forward, the tension clear on his face.

Lawrence:

“Wait a moment…

I’ve heard the village mentioned several times now,

but I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

Scarlet turned toward him.

Scarlet:

“We’re relocating all the villagers to Mond.”

Lawrence froze.

Lawrence:

“All of them?!

How—and why?”

Y answered calmly, his voice steady.

Y:

“We’ll discuss the details…

once we reach the village.”

———

High above the land, riding atop a falcon of ice, the Kingdom of Mond came into view.

Leona:

“We’ve arrived.”

The falcon descended before the kingdom’s walls, and the guards immediately stepped forward, weapons raised in alert.

Phoenix was the first to dismount, his voice calm.

Phoenix:

“Easy… it’s us.”

Guard:

“Identify yourselves.”

Leona stepped down and moved forward.

Leona:

“How are things in the kingdom?”

The guard straightened and offered a formal salute.

Guard:

“Welcome back, Captain Leona.

There’s nothing suspicious, to my knowledge.”

A faint, sarcastic smile crossed Phoenix’s face.

Phoenix:

“Seriously?

You recognize Leona but not me?

I’m an S-rank hunter.”

Guard:

“We were instructed to treat Leona as one of the kingdom’s commanders.”

Phoenix:

“Orders from whom?”

Guard:

“From the King of Mond himself.”

Zeral stepped in calmly.

Zeral:

“We’re just ordinary hunters…

Unlike Leona, who has always played a role in protecting the kingdom.”

Leona nodded quietly.

Leona:

“You’ve done well.”

The guard hesitated, then spoke.

Guard:

“There’s no need to register your names.

Please—enter.”

And so they entered Mond…

where the streets were alive with warmth and joy.

Leona:

“Let’s go to my house first.”

Frostia emerged from her sister Nevara’s body, looking around in awe.

Frostia:

“It’s beautiful…

Even if it’s a little smaller than our kingdom.”

Nevara (whispering):

“You’ll scare people like that.”

Phoenix laughed.

Phoenix:

“Don’t worry. They’re used to strange sights.

Look over there… that table.”

Everyone turned.

A diverse group sat together, eating peacefully.

Solar:

“Vampires, dwarves, and elves…

sitting together in a human kingdom.”

Nevara:

“That’s something we wouldn’t see even in our dreams.”

Leona:

“Let’s keep moving—”

Suddenly, a massive wolf appeared and leapt toward Leona.

Daniel and Solar reacted instantly.

Leona:

“Relax. He’s a friend.”

The wolf’s body grew larger, and Leona climbed onto its back as they continued onward.

Leona:

“Take your time exploring the kingdom.

But Zeral and Daniel… come with me.”

Zeral:

“And why me?”

Leona:

“You need treatment.”

Phoenix (laughing):

“Don’t worry—it’s free.”

Zeral:

“Are you calling me cheap?”

Leona:

“My mother treats people without charge.

Let’s go.”

Inside Lara’s house, Mond

The door opened quietly, and Leona stepped inside.

Leona:

“I’m back.”

Diona greeted her with a warm smile, raising her hand in her usual greeting, while Lauma stood beside her.

Diona:

“It’s been a long time.”

Leona:

“Almost a month.”

Diona:

“Welcome back, Leona.”

Lauma:

“I’m glad to see you safe.”

Leona turned slightly toward her.

Leona:

“Lauma, how have you been?”

Lauma:

“I’m well.

Mother—Lara—is in the backyard.”

Leona:

“Let’s go.”

In the backyard

Lara, Merath, Anna, and L sat around a wooden table, quietly enjoying tea in a calm, comforting atmosphere.

Leona stepped forward slowly.

Leona:

“Mom… I’m back.”

Lara rose at once and embraced her without hesitation.

Lara:

“Welcome home.”

Anna watched with a faint smile.

Anna:

“Looks like you brought guests with you.”

From behind, Daniel stepped forward and spoke respectfully.

Daniel:

“Dr. Lara…

It’s been a long time.

Thank you for everything you did for me and my daughter.”

Lara’s eyes widened with gentle surprise.

Lara:

“Daniel?

I’m glad to see you well.”

Daniel:

“And I’m glad to see you too.”

Anna smiled softly.

Anna:

“I have a feeling there’s quite a story behind all this.”

Leona:

“There is—but first…

Mom, could you treat Zeral?”

Lara:

“Of course.

I’ll treat all of you.”

Lara closed her eyes and clasped her hands together.

A green magic circle formed beneath them, and particles of light seeped quietly into their bodies.

Zeral (exhaling):

“I feel much better…”

L looked toward Leona.

L:

“Did Y return with you?”

Leona:

“No.

He left on a journey with Scarlet a few days ago.

By the way… I don’t see Asuna or Ash.”

Merath:

“They went off to train.”

Leona finally sat down.

Leona:

“The story began last month…”

Leona:

“And that’s how we finally arrived here today.”

L (thinking):

(The far east… Y must be searching for information about the Black Knight.)

Lara:

“I hope Y is safe.”

Leona:

“He was doing well before we parted. He’ll be back soon.

By the way… is Jean here?”

Anna:

“Sarah said she left on a mission related to the Hunters’ Organization.”

Daniel:

“Either way—”

Zeral cut in with a faint smile.

Zeral:

“How about staying with us—Phoenix and I—until Jean returns?”

Daniel:

“That’s not a bad idea.”

Zeral (turning to Lara):

“Thank you for the treatment, Lady Lara.

We’ll take our leave now.”

They stood and quietly left the house.

As soon as the door closed, Leona embraced her mother once more.

Leona:

“I want to stay like this… just for a little while.”

Lara smiled, gently stroking her head.

Lara:

“Did something happen?”

Leona hesitated, then whispered.

Leona:

“Just… a frightening dream.”

Anna:

“It must have been a difficult journey.

You did well, Leona.”

Leona:

“I feel better now.

I’ll finish my mission… then come back.”

Lara:

“Take care of yourself.”

L:

“And remember this—

we’re here if you ever need help.”

Leona:

“I know.

I can’t make up for Y’s absence on my own,

so I’ll rely on all of you.

And in the end… I have my own way of handling things.”

Anna:

“It’s good that you’re aware of that.

What’s your current mission?”

Leona:

“We brought back a few visitors with us—except Uncle Daniel.

My task now is to arrange suitable places for them to stay.

I won’t take any more of your time.”

Lara smiled reassuringly.

Lara:

“Lunch will be waiting for you.”

———

In Lawrence’s village, inside the village chief’s house…

Y sat calmly across from an elderly man, his white beard framing a cautious gaze shaped by years of experience.

Village Chief:

“So you’re saying you want to relocate the villagers to a better place?”

He then turned toward Lawrence.

Village Chief:

“What do you think?”

Lawrence took a deep breath before answering.

Lawrence:

“I hate to admit it, but our village is isolated,

and when something happens, asking for help is difficult.

To be honest, I would’ve rejected this idea at first…

but after what we saw in the laboratory,

and after facing the Black Knight…

I’m convinced.”

Y:

“We don’t know what else lies within that laboratory.

That’s why relocation is the wisest option.”

The village chief folded his hands and remained silent for a moment.

Village Chief:

“And how will we move?

And how will our rights be protected after the relocation?”

Y:

“That depends on you.

Tell me… how will you prove yourselves?”

A faint smile touched the village chief’s face.

Village Chief:

“Prove ourselves…

Young man, we’ve lived a long time without anyone’s help.

Surpassing our limits has always been the foundation of our survival.”

Y:

“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”

Lawrence:

“We’re all farmers and fighters at the same time.”

Y:

“Then how about taking charge of agriculture in Mond?”

The village chief raised his eyebrows.

Village Chief:

“Farming for an entire kingdom?

That’s a heavy responsibility.”

Y:

“As I said,

everyone there will be trying to prove themselves.

You’ll find people willing to farm by choice.”

Village Chief:

“That’s still only a possibility.”

Y:

“Then…

let’s remove the Kingdom of Mond from the equation.”

Lawrence and the village chief exchanged a quick glance.

Lawrence:

“What do you mean?”

Y:

“There’s land near Mond similar to your own.

I’ll grant it to you,

build the same number of houses,

and provide enough food to last an entire year.”

Silence filled the room.

The village chief stared at Y for a long moment.

Village Chief:

“Why are you doing this?

What do you want in return?”

Y:

“Nothing.”

The village chief’s eyes widened slightly.

Village Chief:

“Nothing…?”

Y:

“I want a few people you trust

to verify everything before the relocation.

You’ll also be able to see the land and the houses yourself

once they’re ready.”

Y rose to his feet.

Y:

“I’ll return soon.

You have plenty of time to think.”

Then he added in a steady tone:

Y:

“I’ll head to Mond and be back shortly.”

Scarlet:

“I’ll wait here.”

Y:

“In your opinion,

how long would it take to reach Mond from here?”

Scarlet:

“About a week.

That’s why I recommend going to the Sorcerers’ Academy.”

Y:

“Good idea.

I’ll be back soon.”

He then left the house.

The village chief exhaled slowly, as if a weight had lifted from his chest.

Village Chief:

“I can’t discern his true objective… no matter how I look at it.”

Lawrence:

“That’s because he doesn’t have one.”

Village Chief:

“That’s hard to believe.”

Scarlet:

“This was my idea.

I asked Y for help… and he agreed.”

The village chief looked surprised.

Village Chief:

“And why didn’t you tell me this earlier?”

Lawrence:

“He asked us not to.

He said he wanted to hear your opinion directly.”

Scarlet:

“That’s just how he handles things.”

The village chief slowly shook his head.

Village Chief:

“Usually, there are hidden motives in matters like this…”

Lawrence:

“I understand that.

Even I don’t fully know what he’s thinking,

but from what I’ve seen…

he’s someone you can rely on.”

Scarlet smiled faintly.

Scarlet:

“I trust him…

the same way I trust my father.”

———

A few days later,

in a completely different place…

Inside Dansleif’s office at the Sorcerers’ Academy—

Dansleif spoke calmly.

Dansleif:

“I’ve heard your plan from Rose.

But remember—those you intend to bring down rely on their minds more than brute force.”

Rose:

“You’re in the heart of the capital, Y.

One mistake could cost you dearly.”

Y:

“I’m fully aware of that.

But no matter how intelligent Lukerion and Saderon are,

there’s still a clear weakness.”

Rose:

“And what is it?”

Y:

“They trust no one.

The worst-case scenario would be them cooperating…

but their distrust of one another will give me the opening I need to defeat them.”

Rose studied him for a long moment.

Rose:

“I don’t know which is more astonishing—

your confidence, or your composure.”

Y:

“Confidence and composure come from knowledge and experience.

There’s nothing special about it.

All I do is try to become better than I was yesterday.”

Rose:

“You say that as if it’s normal,

when many fail to improve themselves at all,

and others need years just to make progress.”

Dansleif:

“You’re mistaken.

The real difference lies in flexibility of thought.

Most people view problems from only one angle,

and that severely limits their growth.”

Y:

“I agree.

The environment a person grows up in matters greatly as well.

Someone might be ordinary in their homeland,

yet invaluable elsewhere.

Even so…

such risks are rarely taken.”

Rose:

“What’s your next move?”

Y:

“Returning to Mond.

Can you send me there?”

Dansleif:

“What about attending the graduation ceremony first?”

Y:

“I don’t think I’m suited for such occasions.”

Dansleif (with a faint smile):

“I’ll consider it the price for transporting you to the Fairy Forest.”

Y:

“Deal.”

Graduation Ceremony

In the academy’s central plaza, a large stage had been set up.

Students and teachers gathered around it as excitement filled the air.

As Dansleif stepped onto the stage, the noise gradually faded into silence.

A student stepped forward, paused briefly to take in the scene, then spoke with confidence.

Lux:

“My name is Lux,

and I’m here on behalf of the other graduates.”

Lux:

“The past years were difficult for all of us,

but that hardship only strengthened our resolve to reach our goal—

to become sorcerers.

I’d like to take this opportunity to say:

well done, everyone,

and thank you to all who contributed to this achievement,

from our supporters…

to the very last person working in this academy.”

The plaza erupted in applause.

Dansleif struck his staff against the ground.

Dansleif:

“I hereby declare the graduation ceremony open.”

The celebrations began,

students dispersing into overlapping conversations and laughter.

Y and Lux

A few minutes later, Y sat near a tree, watching the scene from afar.

Someone approached him.

Y:

“Are you sure you want to stay here?

As you know, this celebration is for you.”

Lux:

“I’ve had my fill of celebrations.”

He sat beside him, then spoke hesitantly.

Lux:

“I have a question…

When does a person become evil?”

Y:

“Are you trying to avoid becoming evil?”

Lux:

“Yes.

I’ve heard of good people who turned evil,

and I don’t want to become like them.”

Y:

“That’s a serious mistake.”

Lux (surprised):

“A mistake? How so?”

Y:

“You’re building your concept of good and evil on what others say.

That’s unfair.

Because of public opinion,

many good people died labeled as villains,

and many villains died celebrated as heroes.”

A brief silence followed.

Lux:

“I don’t have an answer to that…”

Then, more quietly:

Lux:

“So…

how do you tell the difference?”

Y:

“That’s the hardest part.

Most of the time… you won’t know until it’s too late.

As for me,

I trust what I see.

I don’t look into anyone’s past.

Their eyes, their voice, even their movements…

they all reveal who they truly are.

You judge actions—

I judge the nature of the person.

That’s my way.”

Lux:

“Is that your definition of good and evil?”

Y:

“I don’t acknowledge that concept at all.

It’s far simpler than that.”

He paused, then asked:

Y:

“In your opinion…

what’s the best way to deal with someone who killed your friend?”

Lux (hesitant):

“I don’t know…”

—Death.

A voice cut in.

Lux turned sharply.

Lux:

“Professor Riven…?”

Riven:

“Death.

That’s my answer.

I can’t accept someone living peacefully after killing my friend.”

Lux fell silent.

Another voice joined in.

Paradox:

“Death is a valid answer, Riven.”

Riven:

“And do you have another one, Paradox?”

Paradox:

“No.

But what if your enemy is far stronger than you?

Like that Black Dragon?”

Riven:

“My goal wouldn’t change.

I’d die trying to kill it.”

Lux:

“What is this…?

Why are you talking about killing as if it’s normal?”

Paradox:

“In wars,

there’s always a killer and the killed—

not good and evil.”

Y:

“There’s no correct answer to that question.”

Lux:

“Don’t they deserve another chance to live?”

Paradox:

“Giving them another chance

might mean more people die.”

Y rose to his feet.

Y:

“It doesn’t matter what you choose.

The real question is—

are you ready to bear the consequences of your decision, Lux?”

He walked away.

Anxiety tightened in Lux’s chest.

Lux:

“Then…

what should I do?”

Y’s voice reached him without turning back.

Y:

“Trust your instincts.

That’s…

the best answer you’ll ever get.”

Aftermath

Y stopped in front of Dansleif.

Y:

“My business here is done.

Can you send me to the Fairy Forest?”

Dansleif:

“Very well.”

A glowing spell formed beneath Y’s feet,

and in the next instant… he vanished.

Dansleif walked over to Lux,

who remained seated, lost in thought.

Dansleif:

“It seems the answers were… overwhelming.”

Lux:

“Was my question wrong?

It felt as though I was speaking to people from another world.

Especially Y… he didn’t say much, yet I feel like he’s the one who could disappear at any moment.”

Dansleif:

“Those three are the best possible answer to your question.

Riven—a man who lives for revenge against the one who killed his wife.

Paradox—who came to understand the value of life and death

after fighting, alongside his team, against a Black Dragon.

And Y…”

He paused briefly.

Dansleif:

“Life has tried to break him countless times,

and yet…

he still clings to his humanity.”

Lux:

“He doesn’t seem tired to me.”

Dansleif replied calmly.

Dansleif:

“The body can endure fatigue…

but the soul does not recover so easily.

Only those who truly know him would notice.”