Chapter 57

"Nay," Master Richard resolutely proclaimed, shaking his head in denial. "In truth, there exists not a whit of difference. It is merely a change of guise, a mere shift in patterns. The only distinction perchance lies in the latter being somewhat more temperate, adorned with embellishments, whereas the former is naught but more primitive and coarse."

With a twinkle of mirth in his eye, Richard turned to the young maid, Lucy, and added, "The most illogical aspect is that many protagonists heralded in tomes lack the courage and ability to breach the established norms in their placid realms. Yet, when thrust into a raw and unrefined world, they flourish, akin to fish in water, perpetually evolving, daring to surmount challenges far beyond their station, until they hold dominion over the entire world."

"Are you suggesting that these tomes are flawed?" Lucy ventured tentatively, her curiosity piqued by Richard's keen insights.

"Nay," he replied with a gentle shake of his head. "Such works are mere pastimes, devoid of any notions of right or wrong. I find them amusing, particularly when I encounter circumstances that echo those chronicled within their pages. Yet... amusement is but one facet; a total lack of feasibility presents another."

"Ah?!"

"Lucy, dost thou know which individuals are most apt to meet their demise in this world?" His sudden inquiry cast a pall of surprise over her.

"Wha—what kind of individuals, Master?" she stammered, her trepidation apparent.

Richard answered, "Those who are restless, who strive against the tides of their designated roles! This world and the society therein possess their own intrinsic inertia, resistant to any fervent upheaval or transformation. For such disturbances signify a threat to the vested interests of the powerful, who will counter fiercely."

Thus, a king shall never sanction a lord full of ambition; a lord shall not endure a knight bold enough to covet his rank; and a knight shall not suffer a squire who neglects his duties whilst dreaming of exceeding him. Should it be necessary, they shall not hesitate to extinguish those they despise and find troubling."

Most characters presented in those tomes, were they to act according to the dictates of reality, would meet death—oftentimes in a most ignoble fashion. Yet still, a few may ascend through sheer aptitude, luck, or the so-called 'the Midas touch

' or 'system,' but such instances are exceedingly rare."

"In the realm of reality, one might strive diligently; however, extraordinary growth and remarkable prowess oft provoke the ire and scrutiny of others."

"Master, do you suggest that those vile beings pursuing you are..." The young maid Lucy's eyes widened as she began to grasp the connection between Richard's discourse and his earlier remarks.

To this revelation, Richard neither confirmed nor denied, but spoke with a certain detachment, "How shall I articulate this? I am well aware that the methods depicted in those tales are not to be emulated; hence, from the outset, I have chosen a different path. Indeed, is it not preferable to live modestly? Why must one aspire to be the mightiest in the world, and pit oneself against the entrenched power structures of society?"

"Dost many not comprehend that every station is fixed? To ascend, one must pull down those who already occupy the heights. Should one wish to reach the pinnacle, every person above becomes an adversary. I care not for the understanding of others; I perceive it clearly."

"Thus, I strive to remain within reasonable bounds, exercising my 'might' and privilege judiciously, attempting to engage in endeavors that please me. Yet... even so, to others, my demeanor appears excessively strange, inciting them to probe, to target, and to seek my removal."

"Um..."

"Life is indeed fraught with hardships..."

"What is it then, Master, that you truly seek to achieve?" Lucy queried, her initial clarity dissolving into confusion as she reflected upon Richard's earlier proclamations, unable to restrain her impending questions. "What is this endeavor you've been engaged in?"

Upon hearing her inquiry, Richard turned from his contemplative gaze toward the tent's entrance and regarded Lucy with unwavering attention. After a thoughtful pause, his eyes glimmered with intent, as he chose to express himself in a manner more accessible. "Allow me to elucidate thus, Lucy: throughout history, humanity has grappled with three ultimate questions."

"Three ultimate questions?"

"Aye, three pivotal inquiries: Who art thou? Whence dost thou hail? Whither dost thou go? These questions delve into the essence, origin, and significance of one's being. These inquiries remain formidable and elusive to all, yielding no standard answers even unto this day." As Richard rose and began to traverse the tent, the weight of his thoughts echoed in the air.

"Moreover," he continued as he walked, "should any soul pose these three questions to me, I would venture to answer: 'I am I; I cometh from a place steeped in years of existence, and I have found myself inexplicably thrust into a realm both strange and familiar.' Yet now, what I yearn most to comprehend is the fourth inquiry—the ultimate question that encapsulates all my pursuits, the singular riddle at the heart of all my labors through the years!"

"Ah?" The young maid blinked, her mind awakening to the insight that despite Richard's earlier seemingly disconnected statements, they now coalesced into a coherent whole. She ventured a timid gaze upward, whispering, "Master, what is this fourth question?"

"The fourth question is..." Richard again paused, closing his eyes momentarily before reopening them, their intensity igniting with fervor. A moment later, he pronounced emphatically, "My fourth question is... Why have I come? Or, more specifically, how have I arrived here?"

"Ah?" Lucy stared in bewilderment, feeling uncomprehending.

Richard, however, did not linger on clarifications and instead rambled on, his pace quickening with fervor. " Transmigration, conquering worlds—such discourse may elicit mirth if taken lightly, yet if considered earnestly, it hinteth at cognitive disarray. Yet lo, this very reality hath transpired! To persuade oneself to accept such a fate with grace and to be assimilated, one might find it an easy endeavor, yet it is not my desire."

"What I seek is to unveil the reasons that transform the impossible into possibility, and to resolve these conundrums! Why dost transmigration occur? What is its nature? What scientific principles govern it? Is it not within the realm of possibility to influence or even control such phenomena?"

"Indeed, while some quandaries in this world may seem devoid of cause, they merely reflect a lack of inquiry. Much like water, when cooled, shall freeze, and ice, when heated, shall melt—no matter how peculiar the world may appear, it must adhere to the laws of physics."

"And should sorcery or unknown sciences truly exist that defy established physical laws, igniting the ire of Sir Isaac Newton from beyond the grave, they too must acquiesce to logic and mathematics; otherwise, the very founders of these disciplines—'the pillar of heavens' Aristotle and 'the circle-drawer' Archimedes—would be sorely displeased!"

"...Everything I have done, all that I am presently engaged in, revolves around the quest to study and collect all knowledge, to forge a preliminary model of our current world. Only by grasping this bewildering reality can we begin to unravel the subsequent queries."

"Yet, in this diminutive region, in this territory, the ambition to construct a comprehensive model of the entire world remains somewhat fanciful. After all, we exist not in an age of the internet; it is not feasible to acquire all knowledge whilst ensconced in this isolated realm."

"Thus, should the time be auspicious, I shall depart from this locale, and... well, at the very least, I shall strive to explore the world in its entirety. I shall endeavor to unravel the true nature of this realm and thereafter tackle the previously posed fourth ultimate question, piece by piece."

As he concluded, Richard extended his hand, slowly clenching it as though to grasp all that exists within his palm, speaking with the serene yet determined cadence of purpose, "In summation, the essence of mine endeavor is to understand, elucidate, analyze, and master this entire world! This constitutes mine paramount mission, the singular pursuit that doth ignite mine spirit! Beyond this, all else doth pale into insignificance!"

Lucy, who half-understood the weight of his declarations, gazed at Richard, a myriad of undisclosed emotions swirling within her. In that moment, she perceived him as a man amongst men; yet, from his being emanated a titanic shadow, surveying the world with a gaze both frigid and penetrating, causing reality itself to tremble and shatter.

Volcanoes erupted, tsunamis surged, earthquakes rumbled, and floods cascaded forth as the heavens darkened with storm-laden clouds, bolts of lightning as thick as barrels unleashed their fury. The ground fissured wide, exposing chasms many hundreds of meters across, as magma roared and billowed forth in a deadly embrace. Countless dragons of every hue erupted from their lairs, circling the skies, their guttural roars echoing the chaos. Suddenly, a red dragon set its sights upon its unwitting prey, plummeting and drawing nearer, its amber eyes widening with a predatory focus…

"Bang!"

With a sudden sound ringing in her ears, the maid was jolted back to clarity, her gaze meeting Richard's intent scrutiny.

"What dost thou linger upon? Dost thou take flight of fancy as though caught in the tales of some knightly epic?" Richard jested, not waiting for her reply. "Enough of this idle chatter and whimsy! I find myself famished; go forth and prepare our evening repast. If your preoccupation interrupts the meal, do not blame me for your punishment."

"Ah!" Lucy heard, instinctively patting her butt, her tongue sticking out as she replied, "Understood!" and hurriedly dashed away. In that instant, she felt the familiar presence of the master she had long served returning.

Perhaps he bore grand aspirations, yet he remained the heir to the Black Castle who required her loyal services. Though he was rational and reasonable, missteps would still earn her a reprimand. Thus, preparations for dinner mandated her utmost diligence.

Upon exiting the tent, Lucy furrowed her brow, musing: What shall I prepare for dinner? Surely, I shan't serve honey biscuits once more?

Alas!

After considerable reflection, she found herself at a loss for ideas, pouting softly and pondering: In truth, she had her own four ultimate questions to resolve—What to prepare for breakfast? What shall I serve for lunch? What dishes shall grace the dinner table? Beyond honey biscuits, what else might I concoct?

So confusing...

With a frown etched upon her brow, Lucy delved into the depths of her thoughts...