Chapter 93. Memories are the Source of Strength But Also a Shackle
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Because we are close friends, I will unhesitatingly agree to even your most reckless requests.
Because we are close friends, I will unhesitatingly give all my savings, even knowing it might be a debt I can never collect.
Because we are close friends…
I must be the first person to see you cry your heart out.
Lord El-Melloi II sighed. The man before him, still coughing up blood, was both his greatest support and the most unreliable person he knew.
Asking for his help is like selling your soul to the devil. The devil may betray the world for you, but the price you pay will be of equal value.
Unfortunately, he always ends up asking Melvin for help.
Whether it was borrowing travel expenses to participate in the Holy Grail War or the funds to purchase the El-Melloi Classroom, Melvin always seemed like a god when it came to matters involving money, fulfilling any request.
And the price he asks for? Just an interesting story.
"How did you even get the invitation?" Lord El-Melloi II rubbed his temples.
"Ah, invitations like that can be acquired with a bit of effort," Melvin shrugged. "I even arranged a helicopter to catch up to you, though this strange forest did interfere."
"That's just like you," Lord El-Melloi II couldn't help but sigh. He had intended to chase after the Mystic Eyes train on a leyline with a helicopter, and actually managed to catch up.
"Shouldn't we first figure out what to do about this 'Child of Einnashe'?" Cyd knocked on the window.
"This isn't the real Forest of Einneshe," Lord El-Melloi II rolled his eyes and stood up. "There's someone on this train who should be able to resolve this situation."
Cyd chuckled softly.
So, you're finally asking for my help…
"Please help us resolve this situation," Lord El-Melloi II asked the priest named Karabo with utmost sincerity.
"Uh, well, I was planning to ask for your help, but…" Karabo pointed at Cyd, who was slumped over a table, looking as if he had lost all hope. "What's wrong with him?"
"Nothing, he just banged his knee during the emergency stop," Lord El-Melloi II shrugged.
He really didn't want to rely on Cyd's power unless absolutely necessary. Using the Hero of Pure White's power in front of other magi would cause a bigger stir than the Mystic Eyes train itself.
If he just asked, Cyd could easily get them out of this crisis. But Lord El-Melloi II was the kind of foolish person who, despite having countless easy choices, always picked the hardest one.
"If possible, we should find more people to help," Karabo rubbed the scar on his face.
"Me, me, I—cough—" Melvin waved his hand while still coughing up blood.
Gray hesitated as she held a handkerchief, the amount of blood he was losing was anything but trivial.
How is this man even alive after losing so much blood?
Then she saw Melvin skillfully pull out a vial of medicine.
"Yes, we should gather more help!" Lord El-Melloi II nodded in agreement.
But then, an awkward situation arose.
No one was willing to help them.
Nearly all the magi had locked their doors, and some even set up barriers to prevent anyone from breaking in. Even Hishiri Adashino from the Department of Policies flatly refused Lord El-Melloi II's request.
After all, someone else will eventually solve the problem, so why risk my life for it?
Typical magus behavior.
"No worries! I, the teacher's top romantic candidate, am here to help!" Yvette posed dramatically, as usual, saying things that made everyone wince.
"Please bury your head in the snow immediately," Lord El-Melloi II exhaled white breath, "and never lift it up again."
"I'm not doing this to help you," Olga Marie crossed her arms, her expression serious.
"Thank you," Cyd said as he reached out and patted Olga Marie's head.
"What? I said I'm not helping you!"
"Ahem, so, what should we do?" Lord El-Melloi II tried his best to ignore Olga Marie's loss of composure.
"We need to set up markers and activate the leyline," Karabo pulled out a menacing-looking Black Key.
"Surprisingly simple," Melvin stroked his chin. "Waver, your adventure this time seems a bit dull."
"Indeed, it's just about locating the leyline in a bunch of man-eating plants amidst a snowstorm," Lord El-Melloi II replied sourly.
"Oh! That sounds super exciting!" Melvin gave a thumbs up. "This trip was totally worth it."
"Ugh, you're such a persistent nuisance," Cyd scratched his head. "You all go on ahead."
"Huh?" Lord El-Melloi II was momentarily stunned before nodding firmly. "I'll leave it to you!"
"You can't win," Cyd said after Lord El-Melloi II and his group had disappeared into the snowstorm, spreading his hands. "You know that better than anyone."
"Yes, I used to think that way many times before, but…" Hephaestion emerged slowly from the storm. "He's shown us that no matter how impossible it seems, if you wish for it, it can be done."
"Yes, I agree," Cyd nodded. "But that's because he has a reason. What reason do you have to stand before me? What reason do you have to defeat me?"
"Then what reason do you have to protect him?" Hephaestion gripped her sword tightly.
"He's a man who pursues an unattainable dream," Cyd raised his right hand, and black scales seeped out from his scarf, covering his arm. "But he's too fragile, fragile enough to make people worry he might fall halfway."
"That's why… I hate him!" Hephaestion shouted.
"Boom—"
Snow surged like waves, and scorching steam erupted from the stalled train, instantly evaporating the snow that had accumulated on it.
"Not bad at all," Cyd smiled.
The leyline had been activated, meaning even the Child of Einnashe could no longer trap the Mystic Eyes train. But for Lord El-Melloi II, the real crisis wasn't over.
At least, the Rider who called herself Hephaestion was an obstacle Lord El-Melloi II could not avoid.
"What is your—no, what are your goals?"
"It's already done. You can't stop it." Hephaestion laughed and disappeared into the snowstorm.
"Was that the truth?" Cyd glanced at his left wrist. "The key to solving a case is understanding the enemy's purpose. Lord El-Melloi II, you're too passive. Memories will give you strength, but they will also become your shackles."