The Insane Regressor: Throne of Pride

The thought was entertaining enough to make him want to burst out laughing, but another realization soon crossed his mind, robbing him of a considerable portion of his amusement.

His master, Karius Dmitri, was a follower of the very Taboo that had already attempted to kill him more than once, not to mention being responsible for one of the worst experiences he had endured since arriving in this world.

And Ravian wasn’t stupid enough to dismiss the connection as a mere coincidence, especially after witnessing that same white glow appear in Karius’s eyes on multiple occasions, each time when his master asked a question whose answer he wanted to verify.

’I wonder if Karius knows that the Taboo of Truth itself was responsible for what happened in the capital, or if he’s only been told what they want him to know?’

There was an enormous difference between those two possibilities, and Ravian needed to determine which was true before deciding how he would handle the situation.

If Karius knew what had actually happened between him and Robert, or was aware that the Taboo itself had previously attempted to eliminate him, things could become considerably more complicated than he imagined. On the other hand, if his master was merely a follower who had received a particular ability in exchange for serving the Taboo, there might not be any reason to worry in the first place.

Ravian stopped walking for a moment, then shook his head and resumed his journey.

’Tsk. Whatever the case, I won’t let this affect my relationship with him until I know the whole truth. And if that Taboo turns out to be a genuine threat...’

A cold smile appeared on his face.

’Then I’ll find some way to deal with it, whatever that takes. It doesn’t matter. Once that’s settled, I won’t have anything else to worry about.’

Eliminating one of the Fourteen Taboos wasn’t something Ravian could accomplish in his current state. The difference between their respective levels of power was so enormous that merely entertaining the idea of confronting one could be considered madness, if not outright ridiculous.

But Ravian had no intention of confronting it today, or tomorrow, for that matter.

He had time to ascend, acquire the strength he needed, and deepen his understanding of the Laws governing this world. When the appropriate moment finally arrived, all he would have to do was execute whatever decision he had made, following a plan so thoroughly prepared that everyone would be left dumbfounded by his actions.

As far as he was concerned, there was absolutely no reason to rush something of that magnitude while he was still barely at the beginning of the Ninth Rank.

’At least I don’t have to worry about that damned camp anymore, especially after I’ve already died there twice.’

With that comforting thought, Ravian continued toward his squad’s quarters while the soldiers passing him cast openly curious glances in his direction. Some even stopped to ask their companions whether the white-haired young man was truly the company commander’s missing disciple.

Thanks to the thoroughly unnecessary announcement Karius had made at the camp’s entrance, there was no longer any hope of his return going unnoticed.

’Damn you, old man. Couldn’t you have just hugged me or something instead?’

Ravian briefly imagined Karius embracing him in front of all those soldiers, only to immediately frown at the mental image.

’No, forget it. The shouting was better.’

...

Back in the company commander’s office, the silence following Ravian’s departure didn’t last long. A knock soon sounded at the door, and Antonius entered carrying another collection of military reports.

"Has the boy already left?" Antonius asked after noticing the empty chair opposite his commander’s desk.

"I sent him to get some rest before I summon him again. I’ve spent most of today trying to teach that idiot how to use his strength without destroying his own arm every time he attempts something."

Antonius smiled at the remark, though his amusement quickly faded when he noticed the serious expression that settled over Karius’s face after he finished speaking.

"Is something wrong, sir?"

Karius didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he looked down at his right hand, opening and closing his fingers several times as he recalled the peculiar sensation he had experienced when his fist collided with Ravian’s toward the end of their training session.

Even now, he couldn’t fully understand what had happened.

The gray aura that had appeared around his disciple’s fist was unlike any aura he had ever encountered, and what made the situation even more perplexing was that Ravian had somehow managed to use it without being able to explain how he had summoned it in the first place.

Add to that his claim of having previously used magic without a meditation technique, and Karius was faced with a problem unlike anything he had encountered throughout his entire life.

"Antonius, have you ever heard of someone capable of using both magic and aura?"

Antonius stopped arranging the documents in his hands, then raised his head and looked at his commander in surprise.

"At the same time?"

Karius nodded.

"Not necessarily at the exact same moment. I mean someone who possesses the ability to use both."

"No, sir. Isn’t that one of the fundamental rules every Awakened learns when they begin cultivating their soul?"

"Indeed."

"Then why are you asking me something like that?"

Rather than answering, Karius leaned back in his chair and considered the matter for a moment before gesturing toward the reports Antonius was carrying, making it perfectly clear that he had no intention of continuing the discussion.

Antonius understood the signal, although he couldn’t ignore the fact that his commander rarely asked questions of this nature unless he had a very good reason for doing so.

Nevertheless, he made no attempt to investigate further.

He placed the documents on the desk, opened one of the reports, and began explaining the latest developments concerning enemy movements along the eastern front.

But while Antonius spoke, part of Karius’s attention remained occupied with thoughts of his disciple.

What concerned him wasn’t so much the fact that Ravian possessed an unnatural power, but rather the identity of whoever might have granted it to him. After all, the existence of an Awakened capable of wielding both magic and aura could attract the attention of forces that even Karius himself lacked the strength to confront.

However, he was equally certain of one thing.

If the moment of confrontation ever arrived, he wouldn’t be the only one standing in defense of Ravian.