It had only been a single day since I arrived at Lock. And yet, almost the entire Academy already knew my name. Good.
Perhaps… it was finally time to meet Ren.
Later in the day, Donna handed me my ticket for the Holberg excursion.
"So, the time has come," I murmured. In truth, I could intervene and end the Holberg incident before it even begins. But for Ren—and for the others—this would be a moment of awakening. Which is why… I would interfere as little as possible.
Midnight – Ren's Dormitory
I moved silently, making sure no one saw me. From the shadows, I watched Ren's room. He was speaking with Amanda. So, the moment had arrived.
When Amanda finally left, Ren closed the door behind her. That was when I appeared—directly behind him.
Ren's Perspective
After Amanda left, the mana flow in my room suddenly shifted. It was as if a breeze had slipped through an invisible doorway. Reflexively, I turned—but saw nothing. And yet, that suffocating pressure was still there, pressing down on my chest.
Then, a deep, resonant voice shattered the silence:
Arthur:
"You should be more careful, Ren. If I were a true enemy… you'd already be dead."
My eyes widened. When I turned, his silhouette emerged from the shadows: a mask concealing his face, Shinkai no Yari across his back. His blue eyes glowed in the moonlight—cold as ice.
Ren:
"You… how did you get in here? I didn't even hear the door."
Arthur:
"Doors, chains… none of that can stop me. The silence of this room was screaming your thoughts."
I swallowed hard. Meeting his gaze, I felt as if my very soul was being read.
Ren:
"What do you want from me?"
Arthur's Perspective
At his words, a sudden laugh burst from deep within me.
Arthur:
"What do I want from you? Hahahaha!"
I stepped closer. Ren backed away, but there was no escaping me. I grabbed him by the ear.
Arthur:
"I've been sending you messages, and you didn't even bother replying to your brother. Now tell me, my dear little brother—what do you think I want from you?"
Ren's Perspective
The word brother froze me. My brother…? A few days ago, Arthur had messaged me. But with me having taken over the body of the "original" Ren, I had ignored him out of guilt. In my memories, my brother had only ever been E+ rank—an ordinary man.
Yet here he was, the man whispered about throughout the Academy: the Masked Spearman. And he was my brother.
Ren:
"Brother… I was only training. I really was going to reply to you."
Arthur's Perspective
"Training, in your room? Especially with that little girl… Amanda?"
Ren's face twisted instantly.
Ren:
"It's not like that, I swear!"
I tilted my head.
"If you say so."
Relief flickered across his features, but he quickly looked back at me.
Ren:
"Brother… when did you become this strong? And why are you at the Academy?"
As expected, he asked.
Arthur:
"I've always been strong, Ren. I simply hid it—from Mother, Father, and you. But now, circumstances have forced me into the open. As for why I'm here… I heard of the Academy attacks. I came to watch over my little brother. Yet… it seems my little brother has already grown stronger."
Sweat formed on his brow. I had struck home.
Arthur:
"I know you've been using a five-star guide. I won't question it further. But remember this: you are never alone. Your family will always be with you."
Ren's Perspective
At those words, I lowered my head. Sadness weighed on me, but also… warmth.
Arthur:
"And Ren—be careful during the Holberg excursion."
He handed me a bracelet. A black-market item—linked so that if one wearer faced danger, the other would be instantly warned within a few kilometers.
Without questioning, I slipped it on.
"Also—don't tell anyone I'm your brother. Now… show me your bank account."
Confused, I obeyed. Moments later, 10 billion U appeared in my balance. I nearly fainted.
Arthur:
"Everyone has secrets. I won't let you be humiliated by those spoiled brats. And one more thing… if anyone tries to hurt you, kill them. No one will touch you. I promise."
I stared at him, speechless.
Arthur's Exit
Stepping into the silver wash of moonlight at the window, I let him feel the weight of my gaze one last time. The room was silent, save for the thunder of Ren's heartbeat.
Then, without opening the door, I simply dissolved into the shadows. The faint scent of ozone and the heaviness of responsibility lingered in my wake.
Ren's Inner Monologue
Ren sank onto the edge of his bed, pressing his palms to his knees, trying to steady his breath.
"This… is impossible. Arthur… my brother. But how? His power… even yesterday, I couldn't have imagined it. And now… he feels like a force capable of bending the Academy itself."
His gaze fell to the bracelet on his wrist. The cold metal was like a vow etched into his heart.
"He gave me this to protect me… but also to share his burden with me."
He buried his face in his hands.
"I'm proud of him. But I'm also afraid. The Masked Spearman—my brother. If the Academy discovers who he is… everything will spiral out of control."
Silence filled the room. Only the pounding of his heart remained.
"Holberg… Arthur's warning. What will I face there? Am I ready?"
Ren lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Moonlight washed over his face as he whispered to himself:
"I'm not alone anymore. But that doesn't mean the path ahead will be easier."
Author Note:
Please state your questions and any errors in meaning in the comments section. I will answer and correct them. And please support me with power stones.