There were many things I wanted to ask.


    Since the moment I opened my eyes in this world… no, since I woke up, the number of questions I had only grew as time passed.


    Still, I never sought to meet the Vice President or the President to ask them.


    To be honest, I was scared. I didn’t understand my own situation, and I didn’t know theirs either.


    What if I went to meet them and ended up in a worse situation? So, I thought, I’d just ept whatever they give me… and that was my line of thinking.


    But now, my thoughts had changed.


    Inside the Tower of Growth, I met something simr to myself.


    A character who was nothing more than a game character ruthlessly tore me apart, taught me with a bitter expression, and offered an apology with a sorrowful face.


    I had a dream.


    A person who, despite feeling undeserving and suffering because they had power that didn’t fit their emotions, wanted to stop the tragedy and misfortune within arm’s reach.


    I came to ask about him.


    ‘…A key?’


    But I couldn’t immediately ask my question.


    At the Vice President’s words, my mind froze for a moment.


    I blinked stupidly, then nced at the two keys that were subtly handed to me.


    A dazzling golden key and an elegant silver key. Both of them carried an unusual aura. It wasn’t just the material or decoration; there was a distinct energy that anyone could sense, not just the average person.


    Siyoram holds many treasures.


    Artifacts with excellent performance. Potions of such quality that you could expect groundbreaking growth. Rare materials so scarce that even if you searched all corners of both the light and the dark, they would still be hard to find.


    Anything that couldn’t be easily bought with money, treasures that even factions, despite spending time and effort, often fail to obtain. Real treasures in every sense of the word.


    And Siyoram actively offers such treasures to its students.


    They are exchanged for umted credits or given away as prizes during various event schedules. There are many systems designed to ensure that students receive these treasures in one form or another.


    I, too, am a beneficiary of such benefits. In my first semester, I gathered credits in one go and obtained the Sky Wings.


    Of course, unless you’re in a unique situation like mine, it takes some time to gather enough credits. But one way or another, there are plenty of ways to receive treasures.


    The treasures are kept in a highly secured ce called the "Bigo."


    As the name "Bigo" suggests, its location is secret, but... I know where it is.


    I had entered before, and if I casually observed, I could pinpoint its location without effort.


    Of course, the security measures are tight. As someone without the use of powers, there were defenses in ce that made itpletely impossible for me to spy or enter.


    It was a ce filled with such borate rituals that it could easily be described as mad, and even observing it gave me a headache.


    The golden key, however, is the key that grants ess to Bigo.


    The fact that they gave me the key meant they had granted me ess.


    I know the location, and now I have the key.


    That means I can visit Bigo anytime and take what I want.


    I had expected some reward, but this was far more extravagant than I had imagined.


    And the silver key...


    ‘The Tower of Knowledge.’


    An isted tower on a floating ind, so well hidden that most of the world has no knowledge of its existence.


    That’s why the world is familiar with the term "Four Great Towers," excluding the Tower of Knowledge.


    Even highly skilled individuals in powerful positions only know of its existence but have no idea what the tower actually does.


    And now, the key to that tower was being handed to me.


    At that moment, I found myself struck dumb.


    ‘I expected Bigo, but…’


    I didn’t expect an immediate answer. Given how little had been revealed so far, I figured there must be some reason for the secrecy, but I didn’t think they’d hand me the keys to both Bigo and the Tower of Knowledge right away.


    ‘Wait, did the key even exist from the beginning?’


    I hadn’t even known that the key existed.


    In the original, ess to both Bigo and the Tower of Knowledge was only possible through the Vice President’s spatial magic.


    Without the Vice President, yers would have to create their own path. That’s why in the 11th run, I had to break into them myself, which is why I had to destroy Siyoram and the floating ind.


    In the end, the Tower of Growth wasn’t fully destroyed, and I couldn’t find the Tower Master in the broken Tower of Knowledge.


    But now, it turns out that a key existed...


    “I’m afraid I cannot resolve Lee Hayul’s doubts.”


    As I stood there, dumbfounded by the sudden appearance of the keys, the ever-expressionless Vice President spoke up.


    I shook off my confusion and stiffened my face.


    [Are you saying you know what I’m going to ask?]


    “The President and I have not exined the circumstances to you. I thought you would have many questions.”


    [That’s why I came to hear an answer.]


    “As I just said, it is difficult to provide a satisfactory answer.”


    [Why? Why can’t I get an answer? And why is the Tower Master of the Tower of Growth…]


    “Lee Hayul, your circumstances are simr to ours.”


    [Simr circumstances?]


    What does that mean? Just as I was about to ask, a memory suddenly popped into my mind.


    It wasn’t aplete memory.


    It was from when everyone gathered at my dorm room, and they all noticed the oddity in my eyes and throat. Not wanting to keep the secret any longer, I had tried to tell them the truth...


    But the memory was broken off.


    For some unknown reason, I nearly died. Blood had poured out in the Seventh Hall, and my body nearly shattered.


    “That’s probably what you’re thinking,” the Vice President continued as I stood frozen. She took a sip from her teacup, steam rising from it.


    “With the President, something simr was done to us as well. Therefore, there are difficulties in sharing these matters.”


    [What does that mean…]


    My head was spinning.


    A headache like a sharp tool being hammered inside my skull struck me. I furrowed my brow and pressed my temples with my fingers.


    [That doesn’t make sense.]


    [Didn’t you bring me here?]


    [Then why have these measures been taken for you…]


    “I cannot offer you an answer.”


    [But, what about the restrictions on me…]


    “But.”


    The voice from the ne suddenly stopped, and the Vice President interrupted.


    She ced one of the keys, the silver one, in front of me.


    “This one has rtively lighter circumstances. I suggest it may help you resolve some of the doubts you hold.”


    […The Tower of Knowledge.]


    I was now at the Tower of Knowledge.


    If I were allowed entry, I could look for the Tower Master, and if not, I could at least gather some knowledge about magic there.


    “And this is the key to Bigo, as per the President’s instructions.”


    This time, the Vice President handed me the golden key.


    “It grants not only ess to Bigo but also permission to use its contents. Please use Bigo as you see fit.”


    Both the key to Siyoram’s Bigo and the Tower of Knowledge were now in my hands.


    Aplicated emotion settled on my face.


    The key to Siyoram’s Bigo, with all its treasures. The key to the Tower of Knowledge, where I could find answers and improve my magic skills.


    This was beyond what I had expected.


    I hadn’t received an answer yet, but I had been given the keys to ces where I could eventually get answers.


    I swallowed myplicated feelings and bowed my head slightly.


    […Thank you.]


    “I’m not worthy of your thanks. I merely performed a task as asked. I regret not providing a more satisfactory answer.”


    The Vice President lowered her head in response, not expecting thanks.


    Her demeanor was as unreadable as ever. Even when I used my power to observe her, I couldn’t find any meaningful information.


    Even if I learned her body size, it wouldn’t be of any use to me. Of course, I had only met her three or four times…


    [Well, then, I’ll be going now.]


    With the matter finished, I stood up.


    I didn’t forget to take the keys, but I didn’t store them in my spatial pocket immediately. I ced them in my chest for now.


    “Oh, and this…”


    [Yes?]


    As I was about to turn around, the Vice President stopped me and pulled something else out of her spatial pocket.


    ‘What could this be?’


    I looked at what she had handed me.


    It was another key, but unlike the two previous ones, it didn’t carry any strange energy. It was simply elegant in appearance and hadplex engravings, but I couldn’t sense anything special about it.


    [What is this?]


    “It’s the key to a mansion. It’s located near your dormitory in the first-year dormitory building.”


    [A mansion?]


    [Why are you giving this to me?]


    I tilted my head, asking what this was about, and the Vice President responded casually.


    “Recently, haven’t you found your roomcking? The basic dormitory is spacious, but the number of rooms is insufficient for multiple people to live in.”


    [Eh? That’s true… No, wait…]


    Suddenly, my body froze.


    [How did you know that?]


    How did she know about my dorm situation?


    I stepped back, leaning against the wall, showing my wariness. I was ready to escape at any moment.


    Her face showed a trace of surprise before quickly returning to her usual unreadable expression.


    “…I rmend you check themunity forums asionally. It mostly consists of useless chatter, but you can also find rumors and useful information there.”


    ‘Ah.’


    My body, which had been tensed up, rxed a bit.


    The Vice President mentioned themunity because… I see… the rumors had spread…


    […Thank you.]


    “…Yes.”


    I mumbled, epting the key from her, feeling a strange sense of unease.


    I finished my business there.


    Although I didn’t receive an immediate answer, I gained a lot. And since I was told that I could receive an answerter, I ended up achieving more than I had expected.


    I left the Central Administration building, where the Vice President’s office was located, and checked the time.


    ‘It’s almost lunchtime.’


    It was nearing lunch, and as I observed the area with my powers, I saw that the administrative staff were finishing up their morning tasks. The restaurants in themercial district were preparing for the lunch rush.


    Today was also the day for my lesson with my mentor.


    ‘I can just head straight to my mentor.’


    I smiled and quickened my pace.


    I soon arrived at the old training grounds.


    The sun was directly overhead, and the ground was hot from the midday heat.


    My mentor was leaning against a tree on the outskirts of the training grounds, seemingly avoiding the sun.


    [Master!]


    Waving my hand, I approached. My mentor, who had been staring nkly at the sky, suddenly looked startled and quickly recognized me. Then, with an awkward demeanor, she greeted me.


    At that sight, I swallowed the unease rising within me.


    My mentor’s attitude had been strangely different since thest sparring match, specifically after I won with a surprise attack.


    I didn’t know the exact reason. Even when I asked, she brushed it off.


    But it was clear that something I had done—either a mistake or a social misstep—was the cause.


    ‘No matter what, I should apologize first.’


    I had been nning to apologize for a while now, but I had missed the timing because of the Guhwa Trial. So, now was the time to make things right.


    ‘I also brought a gift, so maybe it will help ease things a bit…’


    I had packed a pic basket in my spatial pocket earlier today. I had learned that my mentor liked sandwiches, so I had prepared a variety of them this morning and stored them in the pocket.


    It was part of my strategy—apologize, and hopefully, the gift would soften her mood.


    I figured she wouldn’t explode in anger orpletely ignore me, so I didn’t think there was too much to worry about.


    With those thoughts, I approached my mentor cautiously.


    And then—


    “Now… I’m beginning to question if you need this time…”


    ‘…Huh?’


    I had heard something I shouldn’t have.


    She said, “Do you need this now?”


    Not needed? What did she mean by that?


    <ul>


    <li>Whoooosh!</li>


    </ul>


    Suddenly, a wave of overwhelming despair hit me, and everything went dark in my mind.


    “Now… I’m beginning to question if you need this time…”


    The reason why Atra said those words was efficiency.


    During thest sparring match, Atra had been thoroughly defeated by me.


    In an instant, she had been caught by my wrist and thrown to the ground.@@novelbin@@


    The shock from that was beyond what she could measure.


    There were plenty of excuses.


    When facing me, Atra always restricted her physical abilities.


    She also restricted her techniques, and blocked all of her unique abilities.


    Even as she was being defeated, she had thought of many countermeasures.


    She could have raised her physical abilities, or unleashed her magical power or energy freely. She could have triggered the White Night technique or countered with an expanded technique.


    But she didn’t do any of that, fearing I might get hurt due to her rough control.


    Even with all those excuses, Atra had still lost.


    The reason it was possible wasn’t because she was careless, but because my abilities had risen to that level.


    ‘…It’ll be soon that I catch up.’


    ‘The student surpasses the master.’


    It’s something you hear often. Students surpassing their teachers is amon urrence.


    Atra never thought that she would always be stronger. She never held that foolish belief.


    But to be this close to being caught up—especially at the beginning of the second semester—she hadn’t expected it.


    ‘Now, there’s not much more I can teach.’


    If she looked for it, she could probably find something. There would surely be something to gain from repeating the sparring matches.


    But if she spent that time training other techniques…?


    Magic, spirit arts, necromancy… I had many talents.


    It seemed more efficient to invest time in those rather than in teaching her morebat skills, which had already been perfected.


    Of course, Atra had no intention of ending the lectures right then. She wasn’t going to cut off everythingpletely, but she had thought about finding another way.


    With that in mind, she opened her mouth to ask for my opinion.


    But just then, she was confronted by me rushing in.


    Atra’s eyes widened. Reflexively, she spread her arms to catch me.


    <ul>


    <li>Puuush!</li>


    </ul>


    “Ugh?”


    The shock was pretty big. My body staggered for a moment, and I copsed to the floor.


    Thud! I hit the ground hard,nding on my bottom.


    Atra blinked, confused by the sudden situation.


    She hadn’t expected me to rush at her like that, and certainly hadn’t expected me to knock her down.


    “Ugh…”


    In the midst of the confusion, Atra’s shoulders trembled with a slight ticklish sensation.


    Breaths filled her chest. The frantic, hasty breathing mixed with the scent of embarrassment, and every exhale filled her with more heat.


    Below, a sweet scent began to rise.


    Slightly lowering my head, I saw that my face was buried in her ample chest.


    “Student? What’s this about all of a sudden?”


    Atra, though bewildered, patted my shoulder gently and asked in a kind tone.


    But I didn’t answer.


    <ul>


    <li>Crrrreeeak!</li>


    </ul>


    [Sorry…]


    At that moment, a strange noise filled the air.


    It sounded like metal scraping together, and it drowned out all the surrounding sounds.


    Atra froze.


    ‘What just happened?’


    <ul>


    <li>Crrrreeeak!</li>


    </ul>


    [It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry.]


    The strange difort grew. That’s when Atra realized something was off. Her body shivered.


    It wasn’t Atra who was trembling. It was me, in her arms.


    My shoulders shook, and I let out a sound, as though holding back something, like a whimper of fear.


    Atra’s expression turned grim.


    “What are you saying? What have you done wrong—”


    <ul>


    <li>Crrrreeeak!</li>


    </ul>


    [No! It’s all my fault! Please don’t throw me away!]


    With a tight grip around her waist, I trembled, desperately clutching Atra’s waist with all my strength.


    <ul>


    <li>Crrrreeeak!</li>


    </ul>


    The ne let out a shrill scream.


    [It’s all my fault, I’ll fix everything!]


    [Please don’t throw me away!]


    [I don’t want to fall…]


    [I can’t be without you, Master.]


    [Please forgive me, I’ve done everything wrong.]


    [Please, I’ll do anything to fix it.]


    [Don’t throw me away, please…!]


    With the unpleasant sound, desperate pleas filled the air.


    Atra’s face froze, her expression hardening even further.