I Became the Martial God's Youngest Disciple-Chapter 143

Naturally, I was acquainted with a Young Dark Pope—the very one who had triggered the great disaster at the training camp orchestrated by Priest Juan. He was none other than Evan Helvin.

Yet I wasn't overly concerned about Evan's identity. How much of a threat could he really pose? Of course, the Young Dark Pope was dangerous, but Evan would not simply awaken without cause.

I remembered that Juan had said excitedly, "Evan Helvin isn't an ordinary church member. While others must break their medium to reclaim sealed memories, the Young Dark Pope awakens through death."

"And so, you subjected him to the most excruciating death." Juan had snickered. "Evan Helvin will be reborn as the ultimate Young Dark Pope!"

In other words, Evan had to die to awaken fully as a Young Dark Pope. The nature of his death would determine the strength of his potential.

I had no intention of revealing Evan's identity. Until just now, I had kept my thoughts to myself while watching Alderson. Despite the Archmage's straightforward demeanor and seemingly sincere words, I did not fully trust him. I could not simply tell him about Evan.

Besides, how could I explain what I knew about Evan's true nature? And how could I talk to Evan himself when he didn't even realize he was a Young Dark Pope? And above all, I had no idea why Leone was searching for a Young Dark Pope.

Ugh. My head throbbed under the weight of so many thoughts. I felt a flicker of annoyance as I lacked the kind of personality that cared about these worries and considerations.

I changed the subject, hoping to clear my mind. "How did Leone die?"

Alderson sighed. "She joined the Hero Society right after graduating from the academy. One day, she and Delac were assigned an S-class mission. It was tough, but no one doubted them because of their stellar track records. Still... only Delac returned."

Awakening through death. If Leone had died on the mission, she would have immediately awakened as a Young Dark Pope and attacked the Iron-Blooded Lord.

Could it be that the Iron-Blooded Lord killed Leone again with his own hands? Of course, that was only my speculation. Leone knew exactly who she was, unlike Evan.

There are only two possibilities. Either Leone was truly special, as Alderson said, or she had already died once, I thought.

Alderson lowered his voice. "Delac probably knows Leone best. They were in the same class and got along well at the academy. This is just my guess, but Leone seems to have shared more with Delac than she did with me."

I nodded. "The family head has an unusually deep understanding of the church."

To be the best demon hunter, one needed more than strength. They had to know their prey intimately. What if the Iron-Blooded Lord had won Leone's favor and she shared key information about the church? That would explain his extraordinary success in defeating it.

"If I secure a Young Dark Pope and bring them back, what can you do for me, Dean Alderson?" I asked.

Alderson let out a hollow laugh. He seemed to think I was joking. "Is this a response to what I just muttered to myself? I don't mean to underestimate your skills, but finding a church member is difficult even for a skilled inquisitor. The Young Dark Popes are far more elusive than priests, much less ordinary members. I don't want to dismiss your youthful spirit, but I hope you won't waste your time."

His words felt more like a scolding for childish ambition than outright dismissal. It was a normal reaction, so I didn't take offense. Still, I felt the need to prove myself.

"Dean Alderson, I've faced the church a lot at my age. I've already dealt with a few church members personally." I paused before adding, "I even killed a priest recently."

The smile vanished from Alderson's face.

"Hah." His eyes turned cold as he stared at me. "Do you realize what you just said?"

I knew he would not believe it easily. If someone told me a child had killed a priest, I would be suspicious too.

"I am a Badniker," I stated flatly.

"What?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

"I have great respect for the achievements of the family head," I explained. "I'm not foolish enough to lie about anything related to the church. If you doubt me, you can ask the family head yourself later."

Alderson fell silent. Of course, he didn't believe me. His skepticism came not only from the claim but also from my confident tone. I had even mentioned the Iron-Blooded Lord. Regardless of the truth, it was a story hard to accept. The achievement alone was enough to provoke this reaction.

After a pause, Alderson said, "You certainly seem knowledgeable about the church. It's hard to deny that. Now, about the compensation. I want to ask you what exactly you want from me."

Good, he caught on quickly, I thought and got straight to the point. "I'm looking for someone here at the academy."

"Who?" he asked.

"I don't know the name. I only know they are familiar with the forsaken place," I answered.

Alderson frowned. "There are many places on this vast continent called forsaken places. Which one are you referring to?"

"Spirit Mountain," I said.

The name felt heavy on my tongue. In my world, even speaking those words felt like a sin.

Alderson's expression slightly stiffened.

He knows about Spirit Mountain. I had expected that a Seven-Colored Archmage would know.

"I think I know who you mean," he said cautiously. "But meeting him will be very difficult."

"Why?" I asked.

"You are probably looking for Alec, the professor of Historical Geography. He basically doesn't show his face," Alderson explained.

As expected, it was a professor.

"If I go to see him in person—"

Alderson interrupted, "I don't recommend it. He'll kick you out the door."

"He seems to have an eccentric personality," I observed.

"Not exactly. To be precise... he's out of his mind right now," Alderson added.

I blinked, puzzled. Something was definitely wrong.

"So there's no way to meet him at all?" I pressed.

"There is one way. Attend his classes. He teaches twice a month," Alderson said.

"Hmm... There aren't many classes. Sounds like an unpopular subject," I noted.

Alderson smiled bitterly. "You're not wrong. But that's not the only reason. Alec is undergoing rehabilitation."

"Rehabilitation?"

"For details, you'll have to meet him. In any case, it won't be easy to take the Historical Geography class," Alderson remarked..

"Do I need to take a test?" I inquired. If so, it didn't matter. I had the Martial God.

Alderson shook his head. "The standards are very high. You must earn separate credits from the Historical Geography Department before applying."

"How long does it take to gain credits?" I pressed.

"On average, about half a year," he said.

"I have to leave in three months," I stated openly.

"That's right," he confirmed.

I asked directly, "What can you do with the dean's authority?"

"I do have a way." Alderson pulled something out and handed it to me. I looked down at a badge carved with a book and a tree.

"This is our academy's student card. It is not an ordinary one. The book and tree engraving marks you as a special student," he explained.

"A special student?"

Alderson nodded. "I am going to recommend you for that status."

"Oh..."

"Do you know what it means to be a special student?"

"No."

"Being a special student at Cartel Academy goes beyond having your tuition waived." Alderson elaborated, "You gain access to the Purple Hall, the academy's most prestigious dormitory. You can purchase items for free at the shopping area inside the academy. Most importantly, you may attend any class you want without restrictions."

I understood now.

"That is all I can do for you. The professors here hold significant authority. Once admitted to a class, a student can be expelled at the professor's discretion," he warned. "Alec is meticulous. You must be careful not to irritate him."

I nodded. "Thank you for your guidance."

"No need to thank me. I will verify the facts with the Iron-Blooded Lord. If anything you said is false..." He didn't finish.

"That won't happen. But if it does, I will accept the punishment without complaint." I looked at Alderson and bowed. "Dean Alderson, it has been a pleasure. I should be going now."

"There is still the fifth floor left. You aren't going to try it?"

"What do I get if I clear it?"

"You will again receive the right to choose a treasure."

I shook my head. "Then it's fine. Oh, I haven't claimed any reward for clearing the fourth floor yet."

"Good. Take your time and be careful. Also..." Alderson's smile suddenly seemed forced as he stressed, "Please take care of the scissors."

"Yes..."

"If you don't know how to use them or don't feel comfortable carrying them, feel free to tell me," he urged.

"Will do." I did not intend to, but I said it anyway.

Alderson left, and I looked around again. What should I choose? I did not need anything, yet I could not summon the Martial God again. I recalled the bright ruby I had seen earlier and wondered if I should take that gem.

—That one looks good.

Unexpectedly, the Martial God spoke first.

I happily asked, "Which one?"

—That mask.

The mask caught my eye. It was simple, mostly white with a single horn.

"That one? It looks like a ghost."

—It's a mask of the Linchal race.

"The Linchal race?"

—A minority in the Eastern Grasslands. They are few in number, but they have a long history and a deep knowledge of creative magic. The red markings on the mask are unique to them.

"I see." I studied the mask more closely. "What power does this mask have?"

—It grants the power of transformation.

"Transformation? Can it change how I look?"

—That's right.

It was more useful than I expected. At the very least, it seemed more valuable than armor or a weapon.

"Alright." I made my choice and picked up the Linchal Mask.

***

I stepped out of the tower and was greeted by the cool night air. It has been a long day.

The harsh winter was finally over, and I felt as though those cold months had left their mark. As the days grew warmer, I hoped for better things to come. Yet, judging by how things were unfolding, I wasn't optimistic.

"You're here," a voice said.

"Kayan?" He stood beneath the lamppost in front of the tower. "Have you been waiting for me?"

"Yes," he replied.

"I'm sorry... You must have been bored."

Kayan chuckled softly. "Not at all. It's been a while since I visited the academy. It was good to take a look around."

"Okay then."

"Let's head to your accommodations first," Kayan suggested. "I moved all your belongings there and even got you a change of clothes."

I frowned. "A change of clothes... Is this about the welcome party?"

"You already know?" Kayan looked a little surprised. "Yes, that's right."

"Do I have to go? I'm tired." That was a lie. I felt fine, but I disliked noisy gatherings and hoped to avoid it with an excuse.

Kayan shook his head firmly. "The welcome party is like an admission ceremony for transfer students. If you don't attend, you won't be admitted to the academy."

"Just my luck," I grumbled.

"There won't be many people," he reassured me. "Only the student council and a few professors."

That made it easier to accept.

"By the way, Master Luan, have you decided which classes you want to take?"

"For now, Historical Geography," I answered.

"That's surprising. I expected you to aim for martial studies," Kayan remarked.

"I don't think the professors here can teach better than the Great Masters in the family. The academy excels at theory, so that is what I need to learn," I explained.

"That makes sense."

I had missed more than half of the training camp, but the teachings of the Great Masters still left a strong impression. The classes with the Hunting and Survival Masters stood out in particular. Their lessons would likely prove invaluable in the looming confrontation with the church.

"This tower is interesting," I said as I walked beside Kayan.

"How so?"

"There's a ranking of all-time climbers inside. I saw the family head's name, and Kaela's as well."

Kayan smiled faintly. "She attended the academy too."

"But did she graduate?"

"No. She never finished," he replied. "With her free-spirited nature, it was a miracle she stayed for two years."

"I see." I glanced at Kayan and asked, trying to catch him off guard, "Do you know Leone?"

Kayan didn't answer right away. The silence felt awkward. In a conversation like this, if you didn't know someone, the natural response would be a quick denial.

Maybe he realized I picked up on that. A moment later, he let out a quiet, self-conscious laugh. "You really are someone the family head can't afford to drop his guard around."

"Don't flatter me."

Looking out across the open sky, Kayan spoke more quietly. "I don't know the details, but I can tell you one thing. Without her, the family head wouldn't be the same person he is today."

The words carried weight. I couldn't tell whether he meant it in a good way or a bad one. Still, I couldn't resist asking, "Were they lovers by any chance?"

Kayan let out a low chuckle. "He was twelve at the time."

"A twelve-year-old could still be in a relationship," I pointed out.

"You're not wrong. In fact, the family head was quite popular when he was young."

It was a blatant change of topic, but I decided to play along. "Fair point. What do you think of me, then?"

"You don't strike me as someone with dating experience," he answered flatly.

"Wow. Harsh," I said, feigning offense.

"My apologies."

I nodded and muttered, "Even if it's true, you don't have to say it like that."

"Have you no interest in romance?" Kayan asked. "The academy is full of gifted people—skilled in both the pen and martial arts. As far as I know, there's no rule against men and women associating."

I sighed. "I'm a little too busy."

"That much is obvious," he said with a faint smile.

"Still, isn't there something appealing about someone who works hard?" I asked.

"You don't strike me as someone with dating experience," he repeated.

There were things that only hurt when you heard them twice. This was one of them.

"So I take it you were pretty popular yourself, huh?" I said.

Instead of answering, Kayan just smiled—that calm, polished smile that could probably win anyone over.

Even from one guy to another... Wow. That's annoying.