Northern’s assumption was reasonable, but it had a significant flaw.
It made perfect sense that the Luinngard Empire was benefiting from the disaster, which was why they were allowing it to continue.
However, what troubled Raven was…
‘What could they possibly gain from monsters ravaging their continent?’
Luinngard was a prosperous nation with abundant resources, a minimal population, formidable knights, and an unparalleled level of sea trade.
Although the current state of affairs was unknown, Raven had initially thought that Luinngard had locked their gates because they were too afraid to confront the destruction, likely a decision made by a cowardly Emperor.
But after hearing Northern’s perspective, she began to reconsider her stance.
‘Perhaps they do have something to gain from the disaster after all… but what could it be?’
Raven remained pensive for a few moments before her silvery voice cut through the silence.
“We do not have time for political games. Our arrival here was forced upon us. Ironically, we don’t even know why we’re here. Our parents likely believe we’re at the Academy, unaware of Rughsbourgh’s deception. Every student here shares the same grudge and anger towards him… upheaving the agendas of some Empire is not what we should be doing.”
She paused, adding, “That is, even if there is any agenda at all.”
Northern nodded.
“I’m glad you see it that way. Then you should also understand that, for now, all our resources and manpower should be focused on finding a way back home. However, Gilbert wants you all to challenge and close the rifts…”
“That is the only way for these people to survive,” Raven asserted, her expression resolute.
Northern stared at her frantically, his expression almost trembling.
“What do you mean ‘the only way for these people to survive’? Do you think you’re in a position to determine what’s best for them? It’s a luxury to care for these people while we’re in such a dire situation ourselves!”
Raven met his gaze, raising her chin slightly.
“What’s happened has happened. We can endure it and not only survive but change every aspect that affects us. It doesn’t always have to be about us. We can restore the lives of these people if we fight together with them. We are stronger together.”
“That’s just a stupid ideology. It’s stupid, it’s stupid, it’s stupid!”
Northern glared into her eyes, azure flames burning ferociously within them.
Then a frown creased his forehead as realization dawned.
“You’re buying into Gilbert’s stupid idea? Do you all want to be heroes so badly?”
“It was my idea,” she replied to Northern, her expression unwavering, not even in the slightest.
Northern’s brows rose, then furrowed a second later.
“I see… I see…”
For some reason, he didn’t find it hard to believe.
This lady standing before him seemed like a walking disaster, and he only realized it the moment she claimed the idiotic plan of heroism was her idea from the start.
His head lowered for a few seconds, then he raised it to meet hers once more.
“Lunatics, you are all lunatics.”
The frown on his face became tense and heavy with stress.
“You could just, for fuck’s sake, return home. Even if you manage to close all five rifts, won’t you ultimately need to request Luinngard’s ships to leave?”
“We will…”
“Then why?! Why are you guys so hell bent on helping these people? It’s not even helping, it’s pushing them to their death. Because if you wanted to help them you’d be looking for a way to transport them to the Central Plain, instead you are caring for things like ‘can they feel at home?’ Fuck feeling at home! Fuck it!!”
He pointed at them with a deep scowl etched on his face.
“These people… are suffering. They live every day, unsure of when their end might come. You could remove them from this predicament… this is just land; they could adapt to whatever they find in the Central Plain. But you insist on pushing them toward their deaths. Your plan will claim so many lives.”
“It would be worth it,” Raven stated, her tone firm.
A terrified expression froze on Northern’s face, his mouth slightly agape.
‘This girl is a monster!’
He let out a heavy sigh and smiled bitterly.
“There’s no convincing you, either. It’s fine. As I’ve told Gilbert, you can do whatever you want… I have no care for it. I’ll do my own thing.”
He waved at her and turned to leave. Before he could move, her voice echoed into his ears.
“I’ll hire you.”
Northern turned around, his brows furrowed.
“What?”
Her gaze was more resolute than ever.
“I’ll hire you as a mercenary. I need you to accompany me and Terence to a place.”
Silence ensued between them for a few beats. Then Northern’s voice severed the taut tension.
“I don’t find this pleasing… are you playing with me?”
Raven shook her head.
“No.”
He took two steps closer, glaring at her, his face barely two breaths away from hers.
“Then what are you doing? You think I’ll accept if you involve money? Oh, I see…”
He retracted his head and nodded sadly at her.
“You must be one of those damned kids who come from rich clans and think they can solve everything with money and by calling out the name of their clan.”
Raven frowned.
“When did I ever call out the name of my clan?”
“You didn’t need to…”
He cast a distasteful look on her.
“I’m not interested in whatever price you have to offer me. I’m not interested in associating myself with any of you.”
He turned away, but her voice stopped him once more.
“Even if it’s an airship?”
His legs froze as he was about to take his next step. Slowly, he turned back to face her.
“An airship?”
“Yes… it’s an item, to be exact. You won’t need to go to the Luinngard Empire, and I can give it to you so you can go home… of course, after you help me.”
Northern’s countenance crumpled horribly.
‘Insane! This girl is insane!’
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[A/N]
Thank you guys for the support. Haha.
A big shout out to Shdel, Ryan and Raul for the golden tickets. I’m so grateful guys.
Thank you so much for your support.
And to every other person that supports with golden tickets and power stones, thank you so much, don’t stop supporting me and I won’t stop working my ass off to give you the best story.
Trust me, we haven’t even started…like I said “Trust me”.