Leveling Up by Executing Monsters

While Goldrinn wasn’t acting particularly "cautious," on second thought, Lloyd felt this degree of change wasn’t bad. The effect on him was probably minimal.

Instead, his sudden resistance to Forbidden Knowledge was a much more obvious change.

’I have a faint suspicion,’ Lloyd thought, ’that this resistance didn’t come from that one sentence, but rather from the "consciousness seed" I left behind—one that was converted from my reading progress in the Book of Truth. Maybe that’s why he can resist Forbidden Knowledge?’

’I wonder if I’ll also have this resistance when I encounter Forbidden Knowledge in the future? Wouldn’t that mean I’d miss out on a lot of Madness Value?’

’I hope the Book of Truth knows how to mind its own business...’

Then there was Elolo. The changes in her were far more obvious than in Goldrinn. To think she’d actually start craving courage?

’It’s probably because she’s weaker than Goldrinn, so the effect of the Twist was stronger, making her suddenly more resolute.’

But Lloyd couldn’t guess her specific plans. In any case, he’d provided all the help he could. ’I just hope she’ll be okay.’

As for the fact that Tentacle Grass had managed to fleece the Advisor, that was a pleasant surprise.

Although that stuffed octopus probably wasn’t very powerful, it at least demonstrated the methods of a "Supreme One."

"I’m finally starting to have the air of a powerful figure. The whole seminar is becoming more official, no longer just a ragtag operation... Even though we’ve inexplicably gained a great villain, things are generally moving in a positive direction!"

Lost in these reflections, Lloyd was full of hope for the seminar’s future.

With that, he left the Thought Realm and went straight to sleep.

............

At that moment, Elolo was on her little bed, sitting with her legs tucked under her in a W-shape. She cradled her fluffy octopus plushie, turning it over and over in her hands.

"Lord Uther, you’ve really gotten stronger. There’s a power in you now that can protect me... That means I can..."

With that, she slipped off the bed. Her small feet bare, she tiptoed to the edge of the balcony and gazed out at the town’s nightscape.

The deserted Ferris wheel and carousel continued to turn, their gaudy neon lights flickering. Melodious music drifted from the town’s only bar, yet there wasn’t a hint of clamor or noise.

Even without a single soul in sight, the town remained a vibrant spectacle of dazzling lights.

It felt as if this place was always like this.

Or perhaps, the entire City of Joy was always like this.

’I’ve never left this town my whole life, and I never thought there was anything wrong with that... But now, I suddenly have this urge to go out and see. I want to see what the next town is like...’

"Lord Uther, you’ll protect me, won’t you?"

’But if I sneak out, Father will be furious. I don’t want to make him angry...’

’What should I do?’

As Elolo spoke to her doll, she didn’t notice a faint line reappearing on her fair, slender neck.

It looked as if a thin thread were tied around her neck, just beneath the skin.

She stood there on the balcony, hugging her doll for a long, long time, only slipping back into her bedcovers when she began to feel cold and tired.

In the end, she still lacked the courage to run away...

’Maybe I should try having a serious talk with Father again?’

With this thought in mind, Elolo sank into a deep sleep.

The next morning, she was woken up right on schedule by her stern personal maid, a Miss Shebeileida.

"Miss, today you have Mrs. Haima’s lessons in etiquette and deportment, followed by Painting and piano practice until lunch. Then you will nap for two hours. This afternoon is for dance practice and poetry reading."

"Ugh... I know."

Elolo replied listlessly as she climbed out of bed, reluctantly setting down the octopus doll she’d been hugging.

Seeing this, the maid asked coolly,

"Miss, did you not sleep well last night? You typically only hold it when you’ve had a poor night’s sleep."

"No, not at all... I just... I was missing Father a little."

"The master will return tomorrow. He is scheduled to have breakfast with you."

"Yes, I know."

Elolo nodded and sat down at her vanity, letting the maid tend to her short, blue-white hair. The maid paid special attention to combing the lock of Dazed Hair on top of her head so it stood up tall and perky.

Her father was supposedly a very important figure in the city. He was busy every day and could only come home to visit his daughter one day a week.

He was always busy attending all sorts of meetings, performances, and research symposiums, as well as other things Elolo knew nothing about.

Whenever he had a moment of leisure, he would go fishing at the small lake near their home.

He would fish for days on end. If he caught a large fish, he would parade his prize through the entire town for several days, sharing the joy of his catch with everyone.

But he never stayed at home for more than a single day...

At least, that’s how it had been for the past ten-odd years of Elolo’s life.

But Elolo still cherished her father dearly and never felt that he had mistreated her.

He did his best to give her whatever she wanted, whether it was fun toys, delicious little cakes, seemingly complex engineering equipment, or even invitations to the Dream Theater.

He also placed great importance on her education and daily life. He had hired Mrs. Haima to teach her various subjects and Miss Shebeileida to manage her day-to-day affairs, allowing her to live a happy and affluent life, like a young noblewoman from a fairy tale.

He even gave her plenty of freedom, never minding who she befriended, what organizations she joined, or what knowledge she pursued.

As long as she never left the town...

So Elolo didn’t resent her father, nor did she want to disappoint or anger him.

But her desire to go out and see the world was now stronger than it had been in all the past ten-odd years combined.

’Maybe this is what Mrs. Haima called the "rebellious phase"?’

Lost in this ’rebellion,’ Elolo listlessly finished her breakfast, not even remembering what she had eaten.

............

In stark contrast to Elolo’s listless breakfast, Jenkins was brimming with a vigor that belied his age.

He had risen earlier than usual and had taken the time to tidy his usually slovenly appearance—shaving his beard, combing his hair, and changing into a new scholar’s robe.

The change was enough to startle his students.

"Don’t be so surprised. I was young once, you know... Now then, I recall you mentioning someone had an appointment with me?"

Jenkins asked on the way to his study.

"It’s a Mr. Hoyland from Radiant City. He said he wishes to discuss the subjects of Prophecy and Destiny with you."