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CHAPTER 253 – A DISCIPLE’S GROWTH 2

「Alright, that should do it.」

「Ah, thank you so much! I never imagined there’d be this big a difference in strength between you and me, Master. I almost got killed five times in just thirty seconds…」

「Well, can’t be helped. This whole exercise was meant to show you your most overwhelming weakness.」

「My overwhelming weakness…」

「Yeah. But you’ve figured it out yourself by now, haven’t you?」

「…Yes. That against someone with hopelessly higher stats, there’s no way a straightforward approach will ever work.」

「Exactly. Guys like me who can stack body enhancements are rare, sure—but not nonexistent. And if you’re unlucky enough to face off against someone like that, every move you make ends up being a step behind. Still, this isn’t something you can fix overnight. You’ll have to spend time training and gradually build it up.」

「Including weapons handling and such… I guess from here on, I have to shift my focus to improving my technique and skill. But it also means I won’t be ready in time for the Liberation Battle…」

「That’s right. Still, as long as you stay aware of what you need to work on and keep putting in the effort, you will get stronger. But when the big battle comes, you’ll want to play it safe.」

「Understood! Got it loud and clear!」

「Good. Then let’s head back to the inn for today. If you’re going back to the orphanage, Curu, make sure you’ve got a decent excuse for being gone these past few days. Don’t want anyone getting suspicious.」

「Yes, sir!」

「—Wait. Hold up. I’m getting a telepathic message from Kinu.」

Just as I was about to head back after meeting with Curu, Kinu sent me a telepathic message.

「Aun, there was a letter from Heil waiting at the inn. It says: 「Tonight at midnight, when the moon is directly above the clock tower as seen from the inn, bring Curu and come to Tekirana’s base.」」

「So it’s finally happening…」

「Yeah. Should we come too?」

「No. If Tekirana’s members are on the move, Calvados probably knows about it already. I want to keep Curu from attracting attention, and five of us showing up together would be way too obvious. I’ll play the distraction and handle it smart.」

「…You’re too kind, Aun.」

「Come on. After everything we’ve done to prepare, we’ve gotta let Curu have his moment to shine, right?」

「…Okay, got it. But at least take Shinku with you. I’ll feel better knowing she’s there if something goes wrong.」

「Alright, I’ll do that. I’ll make it work.」

Tonight’s summons is probably for a briefing about the Liberation Battle, or maybe to announce when it’s happening. They might also be hoping to recruit Seiha to the Tekirana faction.

But we’ve made it clear—we don’t intend to join any faction.

Sure, we’ve dropped by the Tekirana clan house a few times, but we have zero intention of joining the Liberation Battle. We’ve told both Ciel and Heil as much. Curu, our disciple, happens to be from the same orphanage as them, and if he wants to cooperate with Tekirana out of his own feelings, that’s entirely his own decision.

Still, like I told Kinu—I do want to give Curu his moment. So I’ll make sure everything’s in place for him to give his best performance.

「Curu, looks like there’s going to be a meeting tonight at Tekirana’s base.」

「So… the Liberation Battle is finally starting.」

「That’s what it looks like. Calvados probably caught wind of this already, so make sure you show up in full stealth—don’t let anyone in the Tekirana faction realize you’re there.」

「Understood! But… is it okay if Ciel and the others don’t know I’m participating?」

「Based on the letter Heil left me, he and Ciel should already know you’ll be there. So don’t worry about that. Knowing Heil, he’s smart enough to have predicted how we’d move.」

「Got it! That makes sense!」

「Also—if your stealth gets compromised, you’ll need a backup plan. When you infiltrate the Tekirana clan house, don’t just rely on your usual mask. You should probably detach your tail too—it’s too distinctive. I’ll set things up so you can sneak in without being noticed. After that, you’re on your own. That’s as far as I can help.」

「Understood! Master… thank you so much!」

「Save the thanks for after the battle’s over and you’ve made it through in one piece. Show the world the results of all the work you’ve put in up till now!」

「Yes, sir!!」