Chapter 970: The Lesson To Be Learned [Pt 1]

"Emotions blind us more than we can imagine."

As Kuzon said these words, his gaze gree softer and his tone much lighter. It seemed like he regretted raising his voice, but couldn't mouthe an apology.

He was just... so upset.

The result of this was a stalemate of silence. Neither Kuzon not Aloe knew what next to say. As a result, the room became dead with decorum.

"Why are you considering the worst?" Aloe's voice finally rescued the two from the abyss of silent awkwardness.

"I will admit that it's possible that Neron can't be trusted, but it's just... it's hard to believe that. How are you so comfortable imagining the worst about him?"

"Because it's never the best to see the best in people." Kuzon responded, his tone firm and his gaze stern.

"Not everyone has a justifiable reason for their actions. Not everyone needs a noble cause to do bad things. Some people are just fucked up."

Memories of his biological father coursed through his head, but more importantly, the destruction of his people.

"The only thing that blind trust breeds... is ultimate destruction." Clenching his fist and gritting his teeth, his heart heavy from the frustration that Aloe's disposition gave him, he turned towards the suite's exit.

"Crazy Neron told me it was a foolish thing to trust a Neron. So far, that statement rings true." He opened the door, stealing one final glance at Aloe's saddened face.

"And one day, Aloe, you'll see it too..."

Kuzon left the suite, most likely to submit the spoils he obtained from the S.Rank Dungeon. He would also need to have a meeting with the Chairman, along with Jared and Aloe later on due to encounter he had with a Star of the Shadows of Light, as well as the Blood Stone he obtained in the process.

As he walked down the hallway, leaving Aloe alone in the room, his emotions were a mess.

'I'm sorry, Aloe. But it seems I can't trust you as well.'

In the end, even though he was surrounded by two of his comrades, he was all alone.

'I miss you already, Maya...' With a sad chuckle, he recollected his adventures and walked toward his destination.

******

"I... I did it! Hyung, I did it!"

Sung Han Soo's eyes were wide with a mix of excitement, relief, and extreme satisfaction.

Why?

"I finally connected to it! My Mana Core!" His loud voice echoed within the large training hall, and while he was seated in a meditative position, his bright smile and widened eyes rang of child-like passion.

Currently, his body was emitting a nearly transparent mist, and something white-like glowed in his stomach region.

It was his Mana Core—pure and white.

"Good work, Han Soo." I smiled, watching everything with a nod.

'By rearranging and strengthening his nerves and synapses, I finally achieved the synchronization effect.'

It was a delicate process, but since Han Soo had never been in contact with his Mana Core before, I had to handle the creation and development of most of the pathways.

'Still, he did a good job enduring and concentrating until now.'

Now that he had seen the fruit of his labor, I was certain he would be even more excited to do more for me.

The fact that he now called me Hyung, despite my body technically being younger than he was, was proof of the respect I had gained.

'That's the spirit.' My wide grin didn't cease.

"Now that you have connected to your Mana Core, the next thing you need to do is learn how to properly harness the power you have." I already told him this, but since he was the only one in this world that I knew of who had a Man Core, his capabilities—Mana Output and Mana Pool—would exceed most Hunters.

Plus, he would be able to grow as time went on. A Hunter that could grow indefinitely... that would be phenomenal in this world.

'Now, what would be the best method for growth? Learning Skills is one way to go about it, but...' Since he was now my disciple, I was going to do away with those stiff concepts and allow him to taste the wonders of true freedom.

Real power!

"Han Soo... I'm going to teach you Magic!" Beaming with delight, I focused my attention on the young man who, to my surprise, was now breaking into tears.

"Y-you..." He sniffed, the tears flowing heavily from his eyes. "Y-you're helping me so much..."

'A-ah...' My thoughts echoed awkwardly.

It's true that I was assisting him, but I was also doing this because I was interested in certain experiments and results. So far, I had achieved some of my goals.

However, if he learned Magic, I would be able to learn more.

"M-miss Vida too... she saved me so easily, and she also helps me all the time. Y-you both... you're so kind."

What a kid. Just how did he grow up for him to think that strangers bring nice to him was suddenly an extraordinary thing?

"B-both of you..." Suddenly, Sung bowed to me, his head flat on the tiled ground. "... You're both gods to me!"

As Han Soo's voice pierced the air, and I felt the sincerity of his gratitude, something about what he said just didn't resonate well with me.

'I'll have to correct it.'

"Han Soo, I'm only doing what is natural. Don't think more of it." With U gentle smile, I knelt and lifted him from his pathetic state.

"If you have the power to do something, and it aligns with your principles, it's only natural for you to do it."

I could see his innocent gleaming eyes reflect my face. It was the perfect blank canvas to paint, but I couldn't do that.

Sung Han Soo had to walk his own path, and that meant his freedom.

"Vida and I aren't gods. We're just people who are more powerful than you are. And while that makes us special, it doesn't make us perfect or infallible."

Han Soo was silent, holding his breath as he watched me.

"Listen to me. Unless there is a higher stake, so long as it doesn't cost me anything or cause bad effects, it's only natural for me to help others. Aloe has her own standards, and you should have yours too."

I placed both of my hands on the young man's shoulders and gave him a warm smile.

"Be a hero in your own way."

*******

'A-ahhh...' Sing Han Soo watched Jared with sparkling eyes.

Inspired by the young boy's words, he couldn't help his fast besting heart and completely immobilized body.

'He's right...' Han Soo's thoughts echoed within himself.

"Can I ask you something?" He managed to croak out.

"What's it?"

"Can you tell me about your connection with Miss Vida?"

For a moment, no one said anything.

'D-did I ask for too much?' Han Soo thought in a panic, sweat enveloping his skin.

"My first encounter with Aloe wasn't a pretty one." Jared's smile didn't waver, even as he spoke, making Han Soo lost for words.

"She was a corpse drowned in her own blood... and I saved her from death."