Magic Academy Bans Harem

Chapter 346 The World of Nurturing Systems

The remaining two will follow their own faction.
One of them, Ritas, believed that there was no need for even a derivation or proof.

It's definitely those people connected to "John".

Even if John today probably wouldn't personally step into Earls College again, his interest in the college is unlikely to fade easily.

It's not about obsession or emotions. Rather, many ancient and mysterious things are indeed hidden beneath the surface of Erles Academy.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, the hidden secrets of Erles Academy have not yet been revealed, and the biggest reason for this is undoubtedly the presence of the "Tree Witch".

In short, Earls College was where John made his fortune. Besides the many things he didn't have time to take, he probably also deliberately left some things behind.

Therefore, during the previous academy exchange meeting, many lowly figures swarmed around like flies drawn to a stench. The absence of any forces associated with John was something that Ritas had always found puzzling.

Now, based on the available information, Ritas has basically deduced that John was not uninvolved in the various actions at the time, but rather found a "proxy" to achieve certain goals on his behalf.

Then this "agent" is, unsurprisingly, the leader of the "Darkborn," the Wanderer.

"."

Ritas frowned slightly, feeling he should find a time to reassess the faction John belonged to.

Although the purpose of that force remains unknown, there is no doubt that they have amassed considerable power.

When he first went to the World Tree Labyrinth, the situation where the high-ranking Darkin sinner "Dual" was used as a disposable pawn now seems to be nothing unusual.

After all, even the leader of the Darkin seems to be treated like a subordinate.

But... when exactly was John?
Ritas thought that since he enrolled at Earls and up until last semester, he had already done enough in some shady, unnoticed corners. He never imagined that someone else could be secretly doing even more on a larger scale.

"It seems you have some answers in mind?"

"I guess so. Although, the last faction that is interested in me can only be narrowed down to a few options at the moment."

Ritas spoke somewhat vaguely, without directly sharing with Sophia,

"So... why did I leave the absolutely safe academy?"

Ritas couldn't help but sigh softly.

Inside Erles Academy, he might only have to deal with Livis or, perhaps, Susora's mischievous ideas. But once he leaves the academy, he's followed by five tails.

"Hehehe, darling, really. At your age, you still have to trouble the children. So, in your opinion, what will happen next in the Western Regions or the Elson family?"

When Roland was mentioned, Sophia, though speaking in a tone of "I really can't do anything with him," asked Ritas with affection in her eyes.

"There will probably be a rebellion."

Rather than answering, Ritas was stating a fact that had long been known to all.

"By the way, Ritas, can I ask you a question too?"

The conversation resumed after the Livis flowers outside the library became noisy again, so I had to stop watering them.

"please."

Although Ritas thought to himself, "Didn't you ask enough questions before?", he didn't show it.

"For you, dealing with this world must be a fairly easy and effortless thing, right?"

"."

Ritas's expression seemed tense for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure.

"How could this be? Being suddenly dragged into this incomprehensible situation without any way to resist, all I can feel is bewilderment and helplessness. Especially now that all my reliance has completely failed."

"Hmm. 'One can utter words that, while not exactly lies, are undoubtedly far removed from the truth, without batting an eye.'"

Sofia quickly took notes, then smiled.

"Oh, I see. Indeed, having the ability is one thing, but being able to use it, or rather, having the opportunity to use it, is another matter entirely."

After listening to Sophia's words, Ritas remained silent for a while.

I don't know if Sophia's message was a way of saying, "I actually know what you're thinking," or if she has a split personality or something, with the person recording the conversation and the person speaking being different. That's why, even with that gap in the conversation, she could continue as if nothing had happened.

After thinking for a while, Ritas decided to be honest.

After some contact with Sofia, although he couldn't say he fully understood her, Ritas was convinced that Sofia was his natural ally in every way—in terms of identity, position, and others.

"As you said, my role in this world is that of the 'protagonist.' So, even if I do nothing and just follow the script, I'll still be guaranteed a good ending. Even if there are external forces that cause me to encounter more difficulties along the way, I don't think those difficulties will be any more difficult than making you 'reproduce' this world."

"Yeah, indeed."

Sofia nodded.

She is ultimately just a "record," with very limited abilities, even in a fairytale world—a world perfectly suited for "recording." Therefore, the power she currently possesses largely originates from the power gathered by Ritas from the golden apple.

"But the question is, what will happen if I, as the 'protagonist,' complete this story? Will I remain in this world as part of a fairy tale? Or will I still need to play a role in a fairy tale even after returning to the real world?"

I think it's the latter.

Sofia said with considerable certainty,
"The world created by the 'Primordial' will not last long. The reason why a normal world can last for a long time is that all the factors in the world have reached a delicate balance, including the rules that govern the world. But in the world created by the 'Primordial', all the factors are basically chaotic, especially the rules. Therefore, after the 'purpose' is achieved, even if it is not actively dispelled, such a world will collapse on its own."

Faced with Sofia's explanation, Ritas couldn't help but ask,

"So, you've also encountered this kind of attack from the 'primordial' before?"

"Yes, I've encountered it a few times. I can only say that it's not surprising to encounter any situation while accompanying the teacher. However, if I had to say, it wouldn't really be considered an 'attack.' I think one of your observations is quite accurate. The things created by the Primals are, strictly speaking, a 'world' based on their inner selves. So, if the purpose of the world's existence is only to 'attack' someone, that would be too petty. Therefore, most of the time, encountering the Primals will only mean being 'drawn in' by their power."

"I see. Although, I think the existence of this fairy tale world is more petty than an 'attack'."

Ritas paused briefly, pondering for a moment. With the information provided by Sophia, he was almost certain of the purpose behind the existence of "Vein's" world.

"So, under normal circumstances, if I complete the script of this world according to the process, I will truly become the 'brother' who appears in the fairy tale and saves his sister?"

"No no no."

Sofia shook her finger.

"He is not an ordinary older brother, but an omnipotent older brother who is always by his sister's side, defending her against all attacks. In short, 'Dorothy's Bedtime Stories' is a primal ability that combines 'nurturing' and 'control'."

"Based on my experience and observations, such primordial abilities are likely not meant to be used multiple times. Unless the 'brother' nurtured by the ability is destroyed, the sister cannot find another one. And during the period when the brother exists, the sister's primordial power—not the ability itself, but the energy itself—will not disappear; it will most likely just be transferred to the brother."

Sofia made a small shrugging gesture.

"So think about it carefully, if you could put aside your pride and the almost brainwashing process, you, who have received this ability, could gain a sister who desperately desires you, and at the same time, acquire enormous power out of thin air. After offsetting each other, it might actually be a good thing."

"Isn't the part that needs to be discarded the biggest problem?"

Ritas rubbed his temples.
"Moreover, the bonus parts are mostly speculation. If encountering this ability does indeed result in gaining more things, then this power probably wouldn't be available for me to 'enjoy'."

"Hehehe, indeed. After all, this power itself is subject to external intervention. It is even very likely that it is a primordial ability that was forcibly activated. Therefore, the ability itself has many incomplete aspects, giving you a lot of room to act freely."

Sofia nodded.
"Thinking about it this way, the person you chose to disrupt the script in your place seems just right? She can't complete the script smoothly and quickly like you do, but she can also thwart the other side's attempt to seize the world in a special way. This prevents the fairy tale from being completed or completely usurped, thus entering a wonderful stalemate."

"It was just a coincidence; I couldn't have predicted the actions of the Bathing Goddess."

Ritas shook his head.
"Moreover, the reason I refused to act according to the fairy tale script is because I suspect that there may be a more important purpose hidden behind this incident that needs to be investigated."

Originally, Ritas's idea was only in the "premonition" stage.

However, now that it is basically clear that John was involved, his premonition has essentially become certainty.

If the nature of Wayne's original power wasn't "attack," then what was the purpose of John and the Wanderer going to such lengths to elicit her power?
We can't just deliberately try to annoy him.

Certainly, judging from Wayne's inexplicable obsession with him, this primal power is more likely to be effective against him.

But if we follow this line of thought, triggering the primal power itself seems to be John and the others' biggest intention.

"What's the real intention hidden behind this incident? It seems that finding the answer to this question is the ultimate reason you recreated me. And the reason you chose to remain detached from the story, even seeming careless in guiding your companions?"

Sofia concluded.

Ritas paused for a moment before nodding.

Just as Sofia had foreseen.

For Ritas, the protagonist of the fairy tale, completing this story would be incredibly easy. However, doing so would only make the events seem to unfold perfectly smoothly. Ultimately, he would step into the trap that awaited him at the "finish line."

The first trap is that he will become "Ritas," the brother of "Vein" in the fairy tale.

The second trap is that after the fairy tale ends, a real "killing intent" will emerge.

"With the information and intelligence I have accumulated so far, I can't possibly see the other side of this fog. I have confidence in my memory. So, I think the reason I can't come up with the answer is that I'm missing some key 'fragments'."

"And it is at this moment that you discover that in this world, you can actually obtain knowledge and information that exists outside of your understanding and could never have been recorded. As for what provides that, it is these books and..."

Sofia pointed to herself.

"I?"

"."

Ritas nodded silently.

"Does your teacher always say you're an arrogant little guy?"

After a slight pause, Sofia looked at Ritas with a subtle expression.

Although it had nothing to do with Ritas's attitude—she herself wanted to help her children as much as possible—the feeling of being treated like a mere "tool" was certainly not pleasant.

If this is true for normal people, then it is even more true for Sophia, who is "the witch's disciple".

What made Sophia even more uneasy was that Ritas had been so honest about it, clearly convinced that she couldn't do anything about it once he told the truth.

"It's pretty much certain that my junior brother, adopted son, and junior doesn't take me seriously at all—"

After opening the book again and writing down this passage, Sofia breathed a sigh of relief.

"The teacher does say that often."

Ritas then answered Sofia's previous question at the opportune moment.

"So it seems that even teachers sometimes say the right thing. Well, although I don't know if what I know can help you clear your confusion, don't worry, I won't be stingy with my 'wisdom'."

As she gathered her arms together, Sophia anticipated a change from the usual subtlety. Having stated his purpose, Ritas would now ask her the questions she wanted to know more directly.

"Thank you for your understanding."

Ritas spoke, as if gathering the questions he wanted to ask, and then slowly began to speak.
"So, in the very beginning, what I want to know is... well, how did you die, Sophia?"

"."

After Ritas uttered the "first" question, Sofia was speechless for a long time.

how to say?

Is this question related to their current situation?

(End of this chapter)