Surviving The Fourth Calamity

”Ah... no wonder you trust Gilbert so much.” Nicholson chuckled.

If Gilbert were only too skilled with standard runes, with Ruth’s usual personality, even if there was no issue with the Soul Mark, he would repeatedly verify... and constantly suspect Gilbert.

But the child clearly mastered something deeper, the original runes of their world!

After all, if Gilbert really were replaced by someone, it would only have happened in recent years... Especially having suddenly completed the hardest task with the lowest probability: repairing the Mental Sea.

Although Gilbert has always been reclusive and rarely interacts with outsiders, Ruth actually periodically has him, along with some people knowledgeable about spirit-related magic, check on Gilbert.

They didn’t really help with nothing; otherwise Gilbert wouldn’t have advanced to the 5th ring... But that method of treating wherever it hurts with pain relief became increasingly useless over time.

In the end, Ruth could only give up helplessly.

If it were in... huh... a normal world, then someone unlucky like Gilbert actually still had one path to take: becoming a Necromancer.

Though Necromancers also rely heavily on the Mental Sea, it involves a transformation from the living to a state between life and un-life.

When this transformation occurs, the energy of the Mental Sea can almost be considered a thorough reconstitution... needing connection to the Styx, and the power of the Styx naturally isn’t something that small disturbances could influence.

However, during Gilbert’s era, the unluckiest were the Necromancers.

Ruth would rather have him take a risk with the Ghost Potion than hope for his student to have no choice but soul detonation in the end.

Of course, if at that time, he knew there might really be a Black Dragon appearing, maybe he would let Gilbert choose a safer path.

Although they don’t truly care about their students as much as they seem, before these children make mistakes, they are still willing to show their share of care.

Especially someone like Gilbert, who, despite having a bad temper, has a very innocent heart.

If not for Gilbert suiting someone like Ruth, Nicholson actually considered taking him under his wing... After all, regarding family concepts, Gilbert should have some common ground with him.

Though the thought that if Ruth heard he would inevitably ridicule loudly, Nicholson couldn’t say it out loud, but couldn’t hide his admiration either: ”Gilbert, what a gifted child.

Truly, such a pity... if...”

Of course Ruth understood the implication: Gilbert, despite being exceptionally gifted, had no choice but to take risks at a young age because his true talent lies in the Defense System.

Just like Felis, if he originally engaged in the soul-related meditation method at the Tower of Dark Enigma, how could he possibly not advance to High-level Apprentice before the age of 16?

Gilbert was far more outstanding than Felis... He was a confirmed High-level Apprentice at that time, just that the requirements of the Tower of Despair were too high.

But the reason why the Hainarson Clan headed straight for the Tower of Despair was understood... The places they could arrive safely were only the Tower of Despair and the Tower of Dark Enigma.

However, the decline of the Tower of Dark Enigma was already obvious at that time, and anyone with a bit of sense wouldn’t drag their family to run towards them.

Not to mention, the future of the Tower of Dark Enigma is clearly Sia Tower.

How could the Hainarson Clan be willing to be subservient at Sia Tower?

They were once a powerful noble force!

Yet in the end, they could only fall to such a state.

Honestly, Nicholson never thought that this family would ever stand up again.

Sia Tower indeed let them go on the surface, but just looking at how many family members with mage talents they had, yet only Gilbert as hope... or perhaps the only fish not caught in the net... shows how cleanly they were purged.

So, whether many survived or not isn’t important. It’s who survived that matters.

This Hainarson Clan, even if they’ve updated to a new generation, their hearts are certainly full of hatred.

Nobles inherently hold grudges against the past.

So, it’s not surprising that Gilbert chose to let the family remain at the Tower of Dark Enigma this time.

Those who left the family, relinquishing the Hainarson surname just to go to Sia Tower, are truly heartless... But thinking about his own Nicholson Family, even an Archmage can’t help but understand.

Sometimes, surname and bloodline can be parallel lines.

It’s just that people without bloodlines find it easier to abandon their surnames.

It’s likely the Hainarson Clan allowed this simply because Gilbert didn’t want to be burdened with so many useless responsibilities anymore.

”Gilbert’s dedication to the family is really heavier than mine!” He couldn’t help but sigh.

Ruth suddenly turned his head.

”What kind of expression is that?”

”Though Gilbert is not that mature yet, you shouldn’t... underestimate him so, okay?” Ruth painstakingly summarized.

”What’s that supposed to mean?” Nicholson was a bit angry... It was already annoying enough that Kamente Tower found fault with him, now even Ruth?

”Hmm?” Ruth observed his expression, ”Did someone else say something to you?

Kamente Tower?

Ah... although that guy’s demeanor isn’t great, their insight is actually quite good!

Luckily, when they saw your true nature, you had already returned to normal, otherwise, you would’ve wasted your upbringing on so many people.”

Nicholson angrily said, ”I am good to obedient children!”

Ruth didn’t bother arguing with him: there’s no one who becomes depraved in an instant, it’s all about taking wrong steps one by one.

Before taking the first wrong step, if someone is willing to speak up and carefully guide them on the right path, Ruth believes most people would find their way back.

As for those who sincerely don’t want to return, abandoning them is quite normal.

But Nicholson doesn’t care about anything and just lets them go... Of course, this approach does indeed align with his style as a Prophecy Mage.

After losing the main inheritance, Nicholson could only select students this way: those with Prophecy talents are naturally adept at avoiding the worst outcomes.

But, to let these children choose according to their own hearts before they are mature... even ruthless Ruth thinks Nicholson is completely heartless.

This guy actually compares self-sacrificing Gilbert for his family’s future to himself... Though their capability levels differ, it’s an utter insult to Gilbert.

”So, you and Kamente Tower, have temporarily reconciled this time?” Ruth asked the question he cared about more.

”What can I do?” Nicholson sneered, ”Students can be found later. If I’m dead... then nothing is left.”

”Sia Tower, before the dragon is put down, will certainly treat us well.” Ruth said slowly, ”You’ve noticed a bit by now, haven’t you?”

”So, what’s going on with Aislin?”

”You actually saw it?”

”Ruth, I’m not stupid!

And my intuition tells me the closest answer.”

”Intuition of the Prophecy Mage... How many things have you predicted accurately so far?”

”The existence of the Hainarson Clan gives us hope, am I wrong? Look, your Array... huh~ even the Tower of Despair envies you!”

”Don’t forget, you also said that the Hainarson Clan indeed brings a bit of hope, but even more despair!

The Tower of Despair’s decision to abandon Gilbert in the end is also related to your ridiculous prophecy, isn’t it?”

”Was I wrong? Hope and despair... naturally come together.

Or else, why do you look so sullen?

Don’t change the topic, what’s up with Aislin?”