Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Hill, of course, knew that the reason Russell was puzzled by Ulrich’s actions was because the child knew he wasn’t the real Ulrich.

In Russell’s nature, there was a very sincere side, so he always felt that even though he only had brief contact, he could see through Gilbert’s authenticity. So, shouldn’t Ulrich, who was sheltered by Gilbert and utterly loyal to him, see it even more clearly?

That Ulrich, who grew up under Gilbert’s protection and was completely loyal to him, had some behaviors a bit at odds with reality that caused Russell to be cautious.

However, it was precisely these actions that truly were Ulrich’s.

That child, from beginning to end, his greatest wish was to let Gilbert live his own life... He always treated the family’s apprentices well, even so fairly that his own children received no special treatment, because he hoped for someone in the family who could help share Gilbert’s burdens.

Even if Gilbert would always be the strongest among them... when confronted with matters not involving life or death, human nature inclines to seek one closer to themselves.

In many of Gilbert’s memories, Ulrich’s mindset could be seen.

Russell hadn’t been able to see this before, simply because at that time Gilbert was gravely injured. Although Ulrich was dissatisfied with the family, he still held a sliver of hope... If Gilbert needed the Hainarson Clan’s support in the end, then his relationship with the family couldn’t be too distant.

Expressing gratitude towards those old folks was futile, yet those around the same age as Gilbert, or even older, also gradually reached the end of their lives.

Those who remained, people qualified to take over family power, were those who lived in the apprentice dormitory managed by Ulrich.

Like Russell, Carpenter, and even Felis... Their life in the apprentice dormitory engraved a mark in their hearts: Ulrich was a fair elder and their carefree lives relied entirely on Gilbert’s support.

Gilbert naturally realized what Ulrich was doing, yet he could not reject such a sincere heart... A final hint of warmth remained in a world of emotions that could instantly freeze.

However, because of that, he felt somewhat sorry towards Ulrich’s children, and he left many things meant specifically for those children in his little storeroom... in other words, a prepared inheritance.

Of course, he was the one who understood his injuries the best, otherwise, why would he endure until he was a skeleton without consuming that spiritual power soothing potion?

He constantly touted that potion’s effects both publicly and privately, not because the potion was truly effective, but because he wanted to deceive himself... to tell himself that if a day came when he really couldn’t continue on his own, that potion could at least keep him alive.

It’s just, the last thing he wanted was merely to stay alive.

Gilbert was a very conscious child, so even when trying to deceive himself, it was a bit difficult... This caused his torment to truly penetrate deep into his bones.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have given up so decisively upon discovering Hill.

The last thread he used to hold himself together, which had long been swaying and about to snap, lost the life-sustaining glue at that moment, and broke instantly.

However, whenever Hill glimpsed his memories, he sincerely believed that after enduring so many blows, Gilbert, who could still think about and sacrifice part of his own interests for Ulrich’s children... in the most mundane words, really had a heart of gold.

But this was also a reason why Hill held a bit of goodwill towards the Hainarson Clan from the start, otherwise, he wouldn’t have thought so comprehensively about their future... If they wanted to go to the Sia Tower, just let them go!

If they wanted to stay, only then would Hill lend a helping hand.

Everything depended on their own choices, rather than Hill actively providing them solutions.

Gilbert’s kindness and Ulrich’s sincerity ultimately helped their family a lot.

But, how to say this... A family that can nurture such children has its own value.

Just like Russell in front of him, Carpenter busy in the living room, and even Felis hesitating in the underground passage... This child always wanted to check on family matters but ultimately used reason to persuade himself to go back, each had their own flaws, but were all good children nonetheless.

They were very vibrant... even if it was the mild living environment in the apprentice dormitory that made them grow this way, the Hainarson Clan never truly pressured this group of children with the burden of survival.

Of course, they weren’t saints; schemes, plotting, and heart plays filled the ambiance, but no one thought those talented children should bear the family’s future responsibilities.

Expecting them to have capabilities... but not achieving it wasn’t seen as the children’s fault, Hill sometimes saw endearing attributes of this family.

He didn’t initially feel this way because he hadn’t seen other families in this world... Only after entering the Tower of Dark Enigma, did Hill witness the truth.

Now, he indeed harbored a curious thought towards the Defense Tower: The Hainarson Clan might have been inherently good-natured, but to develop such a style, the surrounding environment in the past must not have forced them into a corner.

The Tower of Dark Enigma was very unlikely to breed such families.

Not saying the people here were bad, but their most accustomed style was always brimming with self-preservation.

”Ulrich is already a Mage, and although he respects me as his uncle, he is more rational and thinks more deeply.

Moreover, he has been trying not to make the Hainarson Clan my burden,” Hill thought slowly and summarized, ”Anyway, as long as I am alive, Ulrich will not be in danger.

So, he can try as he pleases.

Let him be... don’t bother him, he’ll figure it out.

If he doesn’t, it doesn’t matter much; time will teach him.”

Russell blinked, pondering over his teacher’s words... Then he recalled a conversation in the Side Tower: excessive respect essentially indicated unfamiliarity.

Even Carpenter, over time, and with more interactions, displayed a respectful yet affectionate attitude towards ’Gilbert.’

She would never remain so reserved.

This was not merely because ’Gilbert’ was an amicable person, but also because a connection had formed between them... A connection that allowed for relaxation.

Yet Ulrich consistently showed excessive respect towards Gilbert.

This was not because he didn’t love Gilbert, but because, like his father, he always felt guilty about not being able to fully support a Gilbert who sacrificed so much for the family, and suppress the wayward family voices.

Just like Ulrich’s father, who was still troubled by the family’s conduct before his passing.

Even though Gilbert always treated him kindly and supported him from behind... yet the more the latter did so, the less the overly conscience-stricken Ulrich could face him.

Russell felt he could somewhat understand Ulrich’s thoughts: when he finally made the family stand steadfastly behind Gilbert, only then could he face his uncle openly.

At that time, he couldn’t have known his uncle would recover one day, but Ulrich simply couldn’t swallow his pride.

Unfortunately, by the time he could accomplish this, his dear uncle no longer needed such support.

However, it couldn’t be said that Ulrich was in the wrong... Just that, filled with guilt and unable to lift his eyes towards the uncle he cherished most, he indeed left others helpless and without words.

Still, the underlying meaning in ’Gilbert’s’ words was understood by Russell as well... The only person in the Hainarson Clan capable of teaching such an Ulrich was Gilbert.

The real Gilbert.

So, was that one still alive?

Impossible.

Although he didn’t know how this one could impersonate Gilbert, Russell was sure that no ability, no matter how powerful, could allow two identical Soul Marks to exist in this world... Unless it’s the same person.

Moreover, this one seemed to rarely lie, Gilbert must... Wait, he just referred to me as my uncle?

That also means he believes Gilbert is worthy of comparison to his true self, is this what it means?

Their Hainarson Clan, are they on the verge of producing someone significant?