Vol 1 Chapter 13 Suspicion

Towering bookshelves spiraled endlessly, their tops vanishing into an unseen abyss, encircling the library like an infinite tower of knowledge. Intricate carvings adorned the walls and floor, enhancing the mystical aura that filled the room. The glow of crystal chandeliers hung from various corners, casting a grand radiance that turned shadows into a mesmerizing dance among the aisles of books.

Somehow, I found myself in the [Soul Codex] library. Before me, a parchment scroll floated in the air, displaying a list of my abilities. However, at the bottom, something new had appeared.

"God Rule's: O My Servants, wherever you may be, remember that you are creations of God. No matter how great or powerful you become, God is undoubtedly the Supreme Being. You can never surpass Him, nor can you challenge His decree. (Ex: Unable to create or revive living beings)."

"Heh... so that's why I couldn't save Victoria..."

If that's the case, then it can't be helped. Why don't I challenge it? Because I believe that all living beings have limits. If bringing the dead back to life were that simple, then what meaning would death have? A forced existence in a world where eternal happiness is unattainable would only be suffering.

I believe this world is a test. It was never designed for absolute happiness.

Enough of this philosophical pondering. I need to wake up.

'Wasn't I unconscious in the middle of the forest? What if a monster attacked me while I was out?'

With that thought, I closed my eyes, deactivating my [Soul Codex].

*******

Light seeped into my barely opened eyes. Slowly, I regained consciousness, though my body still felt heavy. Beside me, Zenith was carefully wrapping a bandage around the scratch left by the black lion's claws. Her face was a mess, tears continuously falling onto the blanket covering my legs. The lips that usually carried a smile were now bitten down, revealing the depth of her anxiety.

'Honestly, my wound is already healed. This is just a scar that intermediate-level magic can't remove.'

Zenith suddenly lifted her head, her tear-streaked eyes locking onto mine.

"W-Will..."

That was all she could mutter before she suddenly embraced me tightly.

A mother's hug should be warm and comforting. But to me... it felt cold, as if I were being held by something repulsive.

"Hiks... Will, are you okay?"

"Why did you... hiks... go into the forest alone?"

"I was so... hiks... so worried about you."

"You don't know how... hiks... terrified I was when your father carried you home, covered in blood."

Zenith spoke through her sobs, her grip tightening around me. I could do nothing but let her release her emotions.

Once she finally calmed down a little, I replied softly, "I'm fine, Mom. It's just a scar. I went into the forest to find Victoria."

Hearing Victoria's name, Zenith froze. She let go of me, her gaze turning guilty and nervous.

"A-Ah... Will, Vii-chan... she..."

I already knew what she wanted to say.

"I know. Victoria is dead." I stated flatly, as if it were of no consequence.

Zenith's eyes widened in shock before she immediately pulled me into another tight embrace.

"Ouff!"

She must think I'm just putting on a brave face.

Even though I had trained myself to endure this disgust, my body was too exhausted to suppress it any longer.

"Mom... sorry, I'm not comfortable."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

Zenith quickly let go, pulling the blanket up to cover me before cautiously embracing me again.

'I don't feel the revulsion this way... but can't I get some rest? I'm a patient who just woke up, after all.'

"It's okay, Will. You did your best to protect Vii-chan. I'm sure she wouldn't blame you." She whispered, gently patting my back as if soothing a crying baby.

Zenith must think I'm blaming myself for failing to save Victoria. That's probably what she concluded from my scars and Paul's account.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't blame myself. But the rice has become a porridge, what's done is done. There's no changing the past.

It's better to let her misunderstand. Explaining everything would only make her worry more.

As I lay still, accepting the warmth of the blanket, Paul entered the room. His expression was serious.

"Will, you're awake."

"Yeah, Dad."

Paul smiled briefly, but his face quickly hardened again.

"Will, did you defeat the black lion?"

Zenith whipped her head toward Paul in shock before slapping him.

Slap!

"Darling, what kind of question is that for a child who just woke up?!"

"B-But—"

"Yes, I killed it." I answered calmly.

Silence filled the room. Zenith and Paul's eyes widened in disbelief.

Paul stared into my eyes, trying to discern whether I was lying.

"Wow! Will is amazing! Our son took down a monster at just three years old!" Zenith cheered, leaping into Paul's arms in excitement.

Paul chuckled briefly, but I noticed something behind his eyes. Suspicion.

"Will, did you know that Victoria's house also burned down?"

I raised an eyebrow. "What? No, I didn't."

Paul's eyes bore into mine once more, gauging my honesty.

I sighed. "Dad, Mom, I still feel a little dizzy. I'd like to rest."

Zenith quickly adjusted my blanket. "Oh, sorry, sweetie. If you need anything, call for me or Lilia, okay?"

"Let's go, Darling." Zenith pulled Paul out of the room.

Paul still looked deep in thought.

He suspects something. Does he think I killed Victoria's father and burned down their house? I've heard that Paul was once a high-ranking adventurer. Maybe he sensed something from me.

If that's the case, I just need to act normal. He has no evidence, and why would he want to accuse his own son?

I should focus on my plans.

Michael may look like a joking about founding 'The Will of God' cult, but I know he's serious. He and Victoria truly saw me as a god.

If that's the case, I'm sure he'll support my plan.

But that can wait until tomorrow.

For now, I just want to sleep.

'Hehehe... all of this is for a better world...'

That was my last thought before drifting into slumber.

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(A/N: I tried using AI to edit this. What do you guys think? Is it okay?)

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