Lord of the Truth

Chapter 1924 Receiving custody

”...Godfather Robin?”

”...” Robin froze mid-step, his movement cut short as if time itself hesitated. He opened his mouth slightly in confusion, then lifted a finger to point at himself. ”Me... a godfather?”

”It is you, without any doubt,” the young man said with impeccable politeness. ”Father showed us your image more than once.” He stepped forward with a respectful smile, bowed deeply, and added with sincere gratitude, ”Thank you.” ”There must be some kind of misunderstanding here, young man,” Robin said quickly, waving both hands as if trying to physically push the misunderstanding away. ”I am not your godfather. This is the first time I have ever laid eyes on you.”

”But you are the godfather,” the young man replied calmly, his tone unwavering. ”If not for you, we would never have been born. Isnʼt that reason enough to grant you the title?” He spread his hands slightly, as if stating an obvious truth. ”All the brothers and sisters know the story!”

Robin raised his eyebrows a little, disbelief creeping into his expression. ”...All of them?”

Buzz Buzz Buzz

Behind the young man, the gate pulsed again and again as more boys and girls began stepping out one after another.

Every single one of them was human.

Every single one stood in the range of adolescence or early adulthood. Each had a distinct hairstyle and flashy, colorful clothing, clearly chosen with individuality in mind. Yet despite the variety, their gentle smiles and composed manners revealed excellent upbringing.

It was obvious that being raised on a narrow island, surrounded by their father and numerous mothers, had shaped them remarkably well.

”This...” Robin muttered under his breath as the final girl stepped out-number 120.

At the same time, the young man who had emerged first raised his arm and pointed toward Robin. ”My brothers and sisters, this is Godfather Robin.”

”Hello Godfather Robin!”

”Thank you for bringing us into this life, Godfather!”

”Iʼve heard Father praise you hundreds of times!”

”This...?!” Altheraʼs eyes widened to their absolute limit before she slowly turned her head toward Robin, unmistakable envy blazing openly across her face!!

”... Why are you all here?” Overwhelmed by the sheer number of bright, cheerful faces, Robin struggled to process the situation. In his shock, he had completely forgotten the sarcastic offer he had once made to the Cosmic Elder.

”Father told us that the godfather offered to teach us,” the first young man replied. His light-brown hair shimmered faintly, and his eyes sparkled with excitement. ”He said you would introduce us to the outside world and help us meet new friends.” He smiled broadly, then gestured to himself. ”I am Miles- Miles Zolan. My siblings and I are truly honored to be under the godfatherʼs guidance!”

”...?!?!?” Althera nearly devoured Robin with her gaze. ”Robin, leave them with me. Iʼll teach them myself!”

”Shhh!” Robin waved his hand dismissively, signaling her to back off. ”Does the Sacred Covenant Academy sell potatoes?” He clapped his hands together and burst into laughter. ”Haha! Donʼt worry, kids. Godfather here will make sure youʼre taught properly!”

”Thank you, Godfather!”

”We place ourselves under your care!”

The group slowly moved away from the gate, their heads turning in every direction. They carefully tried to sense the surrounding energies and the uneven ratios of laws permeating the area. It was painfully obvious-this was their very first time leaving the island.

”Haha, just take it easy and enjoy yourselves. Just donʼt wander too far,” Robin said as he walked among them, gradually drifting closer to the gate. He glanced back over his shoulder. ”Harper, stay with these young masters -the sons of the Cosmic Elder- and make sure they lack for nothing!”

”Huh?!?” Harper completely lost the ability to speak, and most likely the rest of his senses as well, the moment those words reached his ears.

Robin, meanwhile, continued forward with a gentle, almost innocent smile. When he reached the gate, he gripped its edges and leaned his head through. ”Hey, old man, where are you?!” He turned his face left and right, searching, until his gaze caught several soft feminine silhouettes-different sizes, different colors, all from different races.

Hmm? Is the Cosmic Elder sampling

fruit? But shouldnʼt a human

with another race always result in that other race? Human genes are weak when it comes to interbreeding... so why are all of the Cosmic Elderʼs children

pure humans, plus-

”Ugh!!”

Two fingers suddenly jabbed straight into Robinʼs eyes, forcing him to yank his head back out of the gate.

The Cosmic Elder then stepped forward, standing squarely before the gate, his presence heavy and imposing. ”What do you want, you insolent intruder?”

”Tsk tsk~ That wasnʼt very nice,” Robin said, rubbing his eye gently as if trying to erase the sting of the sudden fingers. He cast a weak, slightly wary glance toward the gate. ”Sending those kids... does that mean you accepted my offer?” ”What offer? Ah, the hundred sixth-level planetary gears?” The Cosmic Elder let out a low, amused laugh, rolling like distant thunder. ”Wake up from your daydreams, boy. Do you honestly think Iʼm a collector of rare items? True, I have a handful of them-but not a hundred. And I certainly wonʼt hand them all to you. I have my children now, and soon, my grandchildren will be ready!” ”How do you intend to pay, then?!” Robin sprang up, his eyes flashing bright red with intensity. ”Do you expect me to work without any reward, old man?!” ”Donʼt be greedy,” the Cosmic Elder said, raising a single eyebrow in mock reproach. ”Itʼs not as if you wonʼt benefit from their mere presence there.” He paused for a moment, letting the words sink in, then continued with a hint of amusement in his tone: ”But in any case, I donʼt take favors. Teach them well, guide them properly, and I will personally evaluate your efforts and hold you accountable for the results.”

”...Oh? And how exactly will you judge that?” Robin asked, a wide, almost mischievous grin spreading across his face.

”Iʼll see whatʼs available at the time,” the Cosmic Elder replied ambiguously, deliberately leaving his answer open-ended. ”Those boys and girls you have are the first batch. Each time a batch grows old enough, reaches the age limit for leaving, Iʼll send them to join where the first batch is already located. Do you understand?”

”... Youʼre free not to tell me the details of my reward, but I will raise my own expectations. I will give your children the absolute highest level of training and resources possible. Donʼt disappoint me, alright?” Robin winked slyly toward the gate, his tone playful yet determined.

”Heh~ And did my previous three gifts ever disappoint you?” With those words, the Cosmic Elder waved lazily and closed the gate behind him, the sudden motion final and absolute.

”.....” Robin took a slow, deep breath, letting the tension drain from his body. His

smile stretched wide, almost ear to ear. All the problems and obstacles that had plagued his day since morning seemed to evaporate instantly. The weight on his shoulders lightened, replaced with the exhilaration of possibility.

Then he turned to face the children, opening his arms wide in a gesture of warmth and encouragement. ”Alright, kids! Are you ready to embark on a vast, exciting adventure? A journey full of challenges, learning, and discovery?” ”Yes!!” The 120 boys and girls raised their hands with joyful enthusiasm, their voices echoing through the academy courtyard in a chorus of excitement. Finally, they were about to explore the outside world they had only ever heard stories about the wide, expansive world beyond their island. ”Haha, excellent!” Robin clapped his hands together energetically, then shouted with his signature wide, infectious grin, ”Harper, come here!”

””

The young man dressed in the Dawn light Stellar Academy student robe was

still frozen in place, his mouth slightly agape in shock, as if Robinʼs command had momentarily stunned him.

”Harper!” Robin shouted again, this time with even more authority, his voice carrying unmistakable command.

”Ah!!” Shadow Sword Harper reacted instantly, moving to Robinʼs side in a fluid,

precise motion.

”Take My Godchildren to the Sacred Covenant Academy. Deliver them to Morgana yourself. Make it clear that they are the Cosmic Elderʼs children. Tell her to treat them with care, protect them, and provide them with everything they could possibly need, as if they were my own. And you, personally, ensure their conditions and safety before returning here. Understood?” ”Understood! Understood!!!” Harperʼs eyes widened, and he seemed to suddenly regain all his energy and composure. He swallowed hard, his throat dry from sudden tension. Then, with sharp precision, he turned toward the

children. ”Follow me through here. Stay close, donʼt wander too far, alright?” ”Alright!” The children chorused obediently, their voices bright and eager, mingling with the excitement in the air.

Harper began to sweat lightly as he observed the group moving toward the door. Their movement was cautious but curious, hopping along like small rabbits venturing out of their burrows. The responsibility of this task pressed heavily on him-this was no simple errand. Even if the academy mistress did not yet know who the Cosmic Elder was, she would discover the truth soon enough-and then the stakes would be even higher. Suddenly, another voice called out sharply: ”Harper!” ”Yes, Your Majesty?!” Harper spun around quickly, alert and tense.

”... Tell those close to Theo to bring him into the Soul Society immediately,” Robin muttered, his face serious, his tone calm but carrying undeniable authority. ”And tell him... that the Sorcerer Behemoth has discovered my identity as Lord Human. He must act without delay.”

”...Understood.” Harper furrowed his brows, bowed in acknowledgment, and then immediately went to gather the scattered children. They followed him carefully, moving with the curiosity and wariness of a flock of inquisitive sheep, each step measured, each glance full of wonder.