The Academy's Barbarian

Chapter 103.2 - Secrets (2)

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"But what do stars have to do with warriors?"

Even though she expected to understand the meaning of gathering the scattered stars, Ulan's explanation was focused on warriors. Therefore, when she was about to ask this question, just then.

“If it's a matter of concern, then it exists," came Ulan's reply. He calmly spoke, keeping his gaze fixed on Laurea. "Because I heard it from you," he continued.

"You mean.......from my future self?"

"That’s right.”

After a thoughtful nod, he began to recall memories from his past life. It was to recollect Laurea's words and the prophecy heard through the voice of the stars.

"The moment the seven scattered stars come together, they will be a beacon of hope, lifting the abyss that shrouds the continent."

This was the message of the god that Laurea of the past life heard through the voice of the stars.

This became the catalyst for gathering scattered warriors from all corners of the continent.

Meanwhile, after listening to Ulan's explanation, Laurea had a serious expression on her face.

‘The Seven scattered stars.’

Seven warriors who faced the Abyss.

Even the phrase that they would become a beacon to dispel the abyss.

There were many parts that matched the prophecy the Holy King had received, which meant that, as Ulan had said, there was a strong possibility that the scattered stars meant warriors.

"That certainly makes sense," she nodded slowly and blurted out a new question, "You said it before, right? That you and I were warriors.”

"We were."

"Then you know where the five remaining warriors are?"

"Of course."

With a calm answer, Ulan gave an immediate answer, "Except for two, they’re all nearby.”

"Nearby where?"

"Arsene Academy."

“……What did you say?” Laurea asked, confused.

After a moment, her hazel eyes lit up with surprise. Ulan, who faced her, mentioned the three heroes currently in the academy.

【Sword Maiden, Ibella Elearde】

【Witch of the Stars, Dilia Arpen】

【Paladin, Ian Marcus】

Every time he mentioned a name, Laurea’s eyes widened. Ulan finished his answer while watching the interesting reaction.

“If you add yourself and me, and Perticia and Sven, that makes seven.”

"Who are Perticia and Sven......?"

"A bard and a sniper."

After mentioning their roles, Ulan recalled what happened a while ago.

"I saw Perticia in the capital recently, but I haven't met Sven yet."

Sven was a demi human.

Before the Gates of the Abyss opened, he heard that he worked as a mercenary in the forest of the eastern continent. So it would be difficult to meet him unless he went looking for him himself.

As he finished describing each warrior, Laurea suddenly asked with curiosity in her eyes, "What? But she's not there?"

Who are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about Noah Darshen.”

A curious look in her eyes.

However, Ulan's answer was sharp, "Noah is not a warrior."

"What? Really?"

Laurea's eyes widened.

It was a bit of a surprise.

Every time she saw her, she was with Ulan, so she thought she might be a warrior too.

"Then who is she?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know, why?" Laurea tilted her head.

Ulan came from 30 years into the future.

In other words, he said he knew most of what would happen in the future, but he didn’t know Noah’s identity? Did that make sense? Just as Laurea was thinking that, Ulan soon told her the reason, "In the future I was in, Noah didn’t exist.”

"......what?"

A voice filled with confusion.

A look of bewilderment crossed Laurea's face, and Ulan explained the whole story.

A moment later, when he was done, she bit her lip and muttered, "I see. You never met her in your last life......."

It wasn’t just that he had never met her.

Despite Noah’s talent and abilities, he had never heard of her name or deeds.

New information.

Laurea sighed.

"Phew, then I’ll tell you this first.”

"What?"

"What we talked about today."

She closed her mouth and stepped closer to Ulan's side.

Close enough that he could feel her breath. Then she spoke in a whisper, "I think this is best kept between you and me."

"Why?"

"For two reasons."

Laurea took a step back and held out two fingers.

And she opened her mouth as she folded one of them, "First, I accepted your words as truth with the Eyes of Penetration, but others probably won’t be able to.”

So if he revealed the truth without any preparation or explanation, it would only cause confusion and distrust. That was what Laurea was trying to say.

Upon hearing these reasons, Ulan nodded in silence. It meant he understood. Laurea, with a bright smile, folded the remaining finger, "The second reason is Noah Darshen."

The girl with jet-black hair and blue eyes; the one who wasn't in Ulan's future.

Thinking of her, Laurea recalled the day she first met Ulan, "When we first met, Ian mentioned there was a monster among the onlookers. Perhaps he subtly saw through your power."

It made sense; Ian was sharp and possessed a keen survival instinct, able to discern the strength of others. So, it was reasonable that Ian recognized Ulan's strength.

"But Ian didn't specify who the monster was at the time. So the monster I understood was not you, but Noah Darshen.”

Ulan's expression hardened slightly.

Seeing this, Laurea explained why she thought Noah was a monster. It was because two souls coexisted in one body.

And there was one more reason.

“As you know, I can see the essence of things with my Eyes of Penetration.”

Of course. Ulan nodded.

He also recalled that Laurea said that she saw the essence of things as distinct shapes, like flames or lakes.

“But Noah Darshen was a bit special.”

"What was it like?"

"......Endless darkness."

As soon as the question was over, Laurea's expression hardened.

As if she was remembering the first time she'd seen Noah. Shivering, she wrapped her arms around her shoulders and continued, "It felt like looking into the bottomless abyss with no ground. It was so dark that I couldn't see anything inside.”

Unusual, to be sure.

As Ulan narrowed his eyes,

"Anyway, what I'm trying to say is this.”

Laurea summarized her story, and she revealed her true feelings, "I don't trust her."

"......."

Eyes filled with distrust.

Ulan remained silent.

In truth, he partially agreed. Noah had too much to hide.

'And.......'

Not long ago, when the Abyssal Rift opened.

At that time, Ulan had accidentally heard a voice from beyond the Abyss. The voice, unpleasant to listen to, spoke to Noah, and said —

‘Stranger.’

Furthermore, it spoke an unknown language.

Noah was greatly flustered by this, but when all was said and done, she was unable to give a proper explanation for what had happened.

In this situation, hearing Laurea's words made her even more distrustful.

“There is no greater foolishness than sharing a secret with someone you cannot trust. That's why I wanted to keep today's story a secret.”

She added her final words and Ulan nodded in silence.

For the first time, he understood why Noah's presence would be a reason to keep what they had talked about a secret.

"Of course, if she is determined to be an ally, then it's okay to tell her. However, the criteria for judging an ally is…….”

"Your Eyes of Penetration, I suppose.”

"That's right. You are smart after all,” Laurea smiled brightly.

With the power of the Eyes of Penetration, she would be able to see what Noah was hiding.

"I see. Then we'll keep what we talked about today between us."

"Yeah. Let's do that for now.”

As they finished their conversation,

RUSTLE!

The bushes in front of us suddenly shook.

Then, a presence was felt.

A vibration that shook the ground and a threatening growl.

It was the appearance of a monster.

"Get behind me, Laurea."

Judging by its appearance, there were more than a dozen of them.

Ulan drew his axe and stood in front of Laurea, protecting her.

On the other hand, Laurea didn't seem scared.

Rather, she widened her eyes as if she had found a curious creature.

"Oh, that's a monster, isn't it? It looks unusual."

"Yes, it is. It's dangerous, get behind me......."

"Ah, it's okay. After all, only 2-star monsters or lower appear in this forest, right?”

After a snicker, Laurea stood next to Ulan, "And you should know, right?”

"......?"

“I'm not the type to just be protected. I'm not that weak.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she reached into her skirt without hesitation.

Clang! Swish!

Two swords were drawn from a scabbard strapped to her thigh.

However, they didn't look like swords at first glance.

They were too thin for swords. One might as well say they were candlesticks. But it was definitely a sword.

'Holy Relic, Bestia.'

Saintess Laurea's personal weapon.

It was forged in the same manner as Ian's holy sword. It was incredibly light and sharp, capable of withstanding even the most powerful blows without a scratch.

Faced with the familiar landscape, Ulan smiled with satisfaction.

"It's been a while since I've seen you in action."

"Ahahaha, I suppose it is for you. But for me, today is the first time."

She had never seen a monster before, nor had she ever fought one. Perhaps that was why a hint of tension lingered in her gaze.

Of course, there was no need to worry.

"Don't worry. I'm here."

"Yeah. If it gets dangerous, help me."

"Of course."

"Good. Then I'll leave the back to you."

As soon as their conversation ended,

Monsters swarmed them from all sides. In response, the enraged axe and twin blades flashed through the air.

End of Chapter. . . . . . . .Thanks for Reading. . . . . . . . .

Translator's Notes:-

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