Premier Student

[ Theodore Winter has invited you to join Kiran Arya's Telepathic Communication Network.

Will you accept this invitation? ]

Seeing this notification pop up in front of her out of nowhere, Cristyn remained silent for a second longer, clearly hesitating whether or not to take the plunge. Still, eventually, she chose to risk it. The Heavenly Dao would have warned her if there were any other direct consequences resulting from a simple agreement like this.

She was well aware of her currently precarious situation, therefore reaching out to absolutely anybody was in her best interest, even if it didn't end up work out. Of course, she didn't make the mistake of outwardly mentioning this secret exchange of theirs.

"Likewise, Mr. Winter. Do you have any plans already? If not, then is there anywhere you'd like to go?"

Glancing in the direction of the boy whose idea had significantly reduced the number of deaths which he would have had to endure, a minute smile played across Theodore's lips.

"For now, I'll try to recruit my first Student."

'Lady Reese, it's plain to see what kind of filth those three are. Once I've finished dealing with the grey light, I'll be getting rid of them, and any others like them. You don't appear to be the same, therefore I'm giving you a warning, and making you an offer: Do not stand in my way. If you'd like to work together, you will always be able to reach me here.'

Sending her this message as he casually descended back to the ground, Theodore didn't force her to immediately respond to him. No matter what she did, he was prepared–he had informed his Subordinates of his actions and plan during the conversation with the four Sybillans. Taking care of this world alone shouldn't pose an issue–only what lay beyond could potentially be troublesome.

"Oh?"

Showing a hint of surprise, Cristyn recalled what had happened earlier, only now realizing the importance of that one child that she had merely paid attention to in passing. Both the boy and Theodore had been vital–without either of them, her world and her people would be no more.

"Awesome, big brother! You did it! If I'm not wrong, you changed my design a bit, right?"

The moment he arrived next to the excited child, Rhain couldn't hold back his curiosity, rushing towards the unknown man and the Oracle without any fear apparent on his face. He was the complete opposite of the rest of the civilian observers, who were too afraid or dumbfounded by the events that had just occurred to move. But even they would soon be overcome with joy, once realization finally settled in.

"I did indeed! Here, let me show you. If you adjust this part by five degrees, and this other one by seven degrees, then..."

Not bothered by the kid's tone, he conjured up a replica of the PLID fashioned from Eternal Ice and carefully took it apart, explaining every change that he had made and the resulting improvements. Because of the child's excellent mind, he didn't even have to repeat himself too often, or answer all too many questions–although he was still practically being drowned in them.

'... it could all just be an act, but he doesn't seem like a bad guy.'

Observing them from the side, Cristyn showed a slight smile, her expression turning into a doting one whenever her gaze swept across Rhain. She had always adored kids, and this one had practically just saved everyone–it was no wonder that she was especially fond of him.

"Huh, I never would have guessed that I still overlooked so many details... thanks for explaining all of that, big brother!"

Beaming happily, Rhain carefully committed everything that he had been told to memory. Never before had he met someone who would bother with him for this long. Usually, as soon as he arrived at his fifth or sixth question, he would annoyedly be brushed off.

"No worries! It's the least I can do. After all, your original idea helped me overcome this crisis. I can see that you're a very smart boy. Would you like to become my Student? You'd have to start addressing me as 'teacher' afterwards, though."

With such an exceptional figure in front of him, Theodore felt that spending some more time on guiding him wouldn't be a loss. He would at least give the kid a chance to surprise him.

"I... I'd love to! But... I'll have to ask my parents for permission first..."

Initially eager to accept the offer, Rhain's happiness soon vanished, replaced by worry. Not only did he have no idea whether or not his father and mother would agree to this arrangement, but he didn't even know if they were still alive! Realizing this, he began to tear up.

"What's wrong?"

His expression softening, Theodore knelt next to the child, handing him a handkerchief from his Storage Ring.

"It's... my dad and mum... I haven't seen them... i-in so many days!"

Sniffling as he was wiping away his tears, the panic slowly settled in. He had been so absorbed in his little project that his emotions had taken a backseat. Only now that the excitement and focus died down did every apprehension and concern that he had suppressed overcome him at once.

"They're alive and well. Here, have a look."

Having stayed silent until now, Cristyn handed Rhain a tablet displaying surveillance footage. On the screen, he quickly made out a couple of familiar faces. The man and woman had clearly endured some sort of hardships since he had last seen them, as they looked a couple of years older–but they were perfectly alright.

"T-That's great! Thank you, sister Oracle!"

Handing the device back to Cristyn, Rhain's eyes grew wet with tears once more, but this time due to happiness and relief. Fortunately, his greatest fears had not come to pass.

"You're welcome, Rhain."

To someone of her status, finding out the personal details of any Sybillan and tracking their relatives was not worth mentioning. She was simply glad that this boy didn't have to endure that sort of tragedy at such a young and delicate age.

"Huh? Sister, how do you know my–Wait, you're an Oracle. Of course, you'd know!"

Nodding in realization, Rhain stared at Cristyn in amazement, his innocent gaze making her feel a bit embarrassed.

"Shall we have a chat with your parents?"

Bringing the conversation back on track, Theodore spoke up, having easily located the couple himself too in the meantime. Nye had already begun to spread the message of the Sybillans' salvation, therefore it would be a good time to have a chat now that the two of them had already got the news.

"Yeah, sure! Let me just buy some tickets, big brother. Please wait a little..."

Searching through his pockets, Rhain wanted to ascertain whether he still had enough money for three people to take a trip, but he was quickly stopped in his tracks.

"That won't be necessary. I'll bring them here, give me a second."

The moment after these words had resounded, a middle-aged man and woman suddenly appeared right next to the group of three, utterly flabbergasted by what had just occurred.

'What was that? How did we get here? Where are we? Isn't that the saviour? And an Oracle?'

As these thoughts were overwhelming their minds, they suddenly took note of their son standing next to those powerful individuals, their eyes widening to the extreme.

"Rhain? Thank the Oracle, you're alright!"

Rushing forward with little to no care, his mother wrapped him into a hug. She knew that her son could look after himself under normal circumstances, but doomsday had just been around the corner, with too many tragedies taking place. The two of them had also been stranded in a distant city during that time, as they had the misfortune of getting involved into some of those terrifying incidents, despite–or maybe due to–being innocent bystanders.

"Lady Oracle, my wife means no disrespect. We're simply so glad to see our boy alive and well!"

Following behind his beloved at a measured pace, Rhain's father showed a deferential expression, yet still ruffled through his boy's hair in passing. But clearly, he managed to keep more of a cool head in this unforeseen, possibly very dangerous situation.

"There's no need to worry, I won't hold it against her. That aside, your Rhain is a hero–his idea enabled Mr. Winter here to come up with a solution to the Doomsday Prophecy."

Cristyn's words caused the man to stagger back in disbelief, whereas his wife froze up, overwhelmed by far too many emotions at once. There were incredulity, pride and happiness, but also fear for Rhain's safety. To stick out more than others was not always a good thing–and everyone was painfully aware of this.

"It's true. You've raised a great son."

When Theodore confirmed it all, no matter how unbelievable it had originally sounded to Rhain's father, he just had to accept the situation for what it was.

"Well done, my boy!"

Patting his kid's shoulder, the man exchanged a glance with his wife, the joy unable to mask their despair. And that was exactly the moment which Theodore had been waiting for.

"Considering how bright of a child he is, I'd like for Rhain to become my Student. Still, although he seems agreeable to the idea, he insisted on making sure that you're okay with it first. What do you think, Sir and Madam?"

Having handed them a lifeline when they most desperately needed it, they would be fools to not grasp it. They didn't instantly jump on the opportunity, though. First, they wordlessly communicated with each other via eye contact, then they carefully shot a glance at Cristyn, who nodded at them reassuringly.

"... ahem! We'd like to take you up on that kind offer, Mr. Winter! I don't think that we could find a better person to educate our Rhain, no matter how hard we try. Go on, Rhain–greet your teacher!"

Although it was merely a formality, the boy followed his father's instructions and bowed respectfully to the big brother who he could hopefully pepper with questions a whole lot from now on.

"I'll be in your care from now, teacher!"

"It's my honour. I look forward to helping you reach your full potential."

Playing along with the pleasantries, Theodore showed a kind smile. While he couldn't yet say anything about the kid's cultivation aptitude, with a brain like his, the points that he could provide him with should be nothing to scoff at. Naturally, he was happy to pick up such a treasure.

Engaging in a bit of small talk with the boy and his parents, the spectators eventually began to increase in number, with some of them eager to come forward and converse with or thank him. This was inevitable, now that everyone was learning that their end had been averted due to his help. Noticing this trend, his attention returned to Cristyn once more.

"Lady Reese, what location would you recommend for me and my people to stay at in the meantime, until the residence is ready?"

Having long expected this question, the Oracle had prepared the optimal answer–it was also one that would reinforce her own position temporarily.

"As the last Oracle remaining, the Grand Tholos is currently rather empty. It won't be an issue for you all to dwell there for a time."

Simultaneously, she also finally responded via Kiran's network.

'How would you like to cooperate?'

Exchanging a meaningful look with her, Theodore's smile widened.

"Then I'll take you up on that offer. Please let me know where to go, and I'll bring everyone along."

'I want to get rid of the rot in the Sybillans' society, and have as many Students as possible. In other words, I want you all to prosper under my guidance. All I need you to do is to figure out exactly who I will be eliminating. You know your people better than I do, and have more data at hand. I also don't want to do all of the work myself–therefore I'll leave that part to you. Do we have a deal?'

His words being exactly along the lines of what she had expected, she saw no reason to hesitate further. Whether or not her decision today would bring the Sybillans to greater heights or not... she actually couldn't tell. Her prognostication abilities were evidently not powerful enough to see through this strange young man. But with her back to the wall–and knowing full well how despicably Nye and his cronies would treat the populace once entirely in charge–she took the saintly devil's hand.

"Alright, I'll show you the way."

'Absolutely.'