Chapter 350 Princess Jasmine 2
In this world, there are beings that no one can touch, no matter what. They are perceived as the strongest, and they each have their own strengths.
But there are also several techniques that one can easily use as they get stronger, but they can't without getting the strongest first.
What I mean is simply there are some exclusive skills that are only used by people who are strong or people with related attributes.
Voice transmission is one of those. When you pass the strength to some extent, you can simply bend the raw mana and transmit your own thoughts to another person. It works like killing intent or intent, but thoughts are a lot more complex than intents, so they require a lot more advancements in the path of magic.
This is the reason I was quite surprised by the voice I heard in my head.
[Come inside, I have been waiting for you.]
Of course, it was not only that, but also my strong senses were screaming at me.
"Here you go."
CREAK
As I stepped into the office, the atmosphere shifted noticeably. The room exuded an air of simplicity, with neatly arranged books lining the shelves and tasteful decorative items adorning the surfaces.
'Just as I remembered. This place looks the same as in the game.'
It was clear that this space had been designed to convey a sense of normalcy, as if the princess were not here as royalty but as a fellow student.
And there sat behind on the desk Princess Jasmine herself, her posture relaxed and welcoming.
Her dark hair, pure black like a raven's wing, cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face of striking beauty. Her bright purple eyes were focused on something outside the window, giving her an air of detachment.
"Student Callius, please, take a seat," she said, her gaze still fixed on the view beyond.
'What a presence, but this is weird.' I thought, both hearing her tone and seeing the way she was acting.
Even though it wasn't that much different than how she was in the game, there was a certain feeling I hadn't gotten when I first met her at the entrance exam.
'As if she is someone I can't touch no matter what.'
I complied, settling into the seat and studying her profile. The room's quiet seemed to amplify the tension in the air, and a sense of unease settled over me.
Only when I had taken my seat did she finally turn her attention to me, her eyes meeting mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.
Even though I confronted quite a lot of figures, this feeling was almost a first.
Her gaze held a dangerous edge, a sense of the unknown that I shouldn't have been feeling in this situation. I was really compelled to use my [All Seeing Eye], but I already got my lesson for that.
'The same thing with Librarian might happen once again. I shouldn't take the risk.'
"I appreciate you coming here today," Jasmine began, her voice composed. Her eyes bore into mine as if trying to unravel my thoughts.
I nodded, my response careful. "It's an honor to meet with you." This time, I wasn't talking like I talked with Seraphina. I was being extremely careful with my words.
Her lips curved into a subtle smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Your recent actions during the academy festival haven't gone unnoticed. Duels with both Diana and Emilia—the Scorch Demon's prowess is indeed intriguing."
"They were challenging opponents. Valuable experiences." I replied, shrugging me off.
"Indeed. Watching the duel between two siblings was quite fun, to be honest."
I arched an eyebrow slightly. "I am happy that I was able to entertain the Student Council President."
She chuckled softly. "But, I am disappointed that you lost two Student Diana. I even bet my stakes on you."
"It was unfortunate that you bet on me. She was better than me."
"Is that so? But, I really think you could beat her if you had shown what you were hiding."
I leaned back in my seat, maintaining my composed demeanor. "Hiding? I'm afraid you overestimate the mystery. I don't possess any hidden tricks."
Her gaze narrowed slightly, a flicker of curiosity crossing her features. "Perhaps. It's just that an adventurer of your reputation usually has a few surprises up their sleeve."
The moment she said the 'word' adventurer, I understood that she did the background check on me. Of course, I was already expecting this fact. In the end, I registered with my name as Callius at the beginning and left some clues for just this reason after all.
But, still, I didn't want to simply admit this fact.
"What do you mean by adventurer?" I inquired, masking any hint of recognition with a tone of feigned ignorance.
Jasmine's lips curved, a knowing glint in her bright purple eyes. "Oh, it is nothing. I just thought you were fit to the definition of someone who traverses through challenges and seeks treasures in the process."
I allowed a vague smile to touch my lips. "Ah, I see. Well, labels can often be misleading."
She leaned forward, her gaze piercing. "Can they? It's interesting, though, how those with a taste for adventure often find themselves involved in more... complex matters."
Her words held an underlying meaning, a test to see how much I would reveal.
'It feels like she is assuming something about me. Her choice of words is certainly aimed at something.'
I didn't know what it was, but there was a certain purpose behind her words.
I met her gaze with a calm expression, revealing nothing. "Complex matters can find their way to anyone, regardless of their background."
"Indeed, that is the case. But certainly, those with complex backgrounds tend to have more secrets, don't you think so?"
Her words held an intriguing undertone, hinting at her assumption that I might be harboring undisclosed facets. It was as though she was peering into my soul, seeking to unravel the enigma that I might represent.
"I definitely agree. Just like there are some people who can use voice transmission at a 6-star rank. Certainly, you live up to your reputation as this century's best genius."
"It is nothing much. I am sure you will be able to do it soon as well." She replied to my praise as if it was nothing much. But, in fact, it was. It was as if, from the start, she was aiming to bring the conversation to this point.
"You are flattering me."
"Do I? Certainly, a young man who reached the rank of 4-star in only two years and broke through to 5-star at the age of 15 can do it, no?"
Her words unveiled a keen awareness of my accomplishments, a depth of knowledge that wasn't unexpected considering her status.
"Your eyes are sharp, President."
"But, you know, Student Callius," she continued, her tone contemplative.
"This world has seen a lot of talents. Some have risen rapidly, harnessing the potential within themselves." She stopped as she looked at me. Her bright purple eyes gleamed for a second. "But, there is one certainty. Everything in this world comes with a price, be it power, wealth, beauty, doesn't it?"
"You are correct. Everything in this world has a price."
"Then, a question arises." As she stopped once again to make her point, a palpable pressure began to emanate from her, piercing through me. "How did you progress this fast? And, how were you able to awaken yourself?"
Her words carried an implied accusation, a suggestion that I had paid a price beyond the ordinary for my advancements. "What price did you pay, The Scapegoat of the Augustride Family?"
The weight of her words settled heavily, implying an association with the supernatural, the demons that whispered promises in exchange for power.
'You are implying that I associated myself with demons in exchange for power.'
It was a completely acceptable way of thinking.
Considering the way I improved myself, my reputation as Flash Swordsman, and my magical prowess, one thing was certain. I was someone who suddenly appeared out of nowhere and became the best randomly.
However, I could feel the fact that she was biased as if she was already sure that I was in league with demons.
'It is as if she knows something different.'
The pressure intensified. It was like I was in front of a predator, a gaze that could pierce through even the most enigmatic of facades.
"What are you hiding?"
Her words hung in the air, laden with unspoken implications. It was as if she was peeling back layers, delving into the depths of my secrets. I met her gaze head-on, unyielding.
"President Jasmine, your imagination seems to be quite vivid. I assure you, there are no dark pacts or infernal alliances behind my progress."
She leaned back slightly, her smile enigmatic, her eyes holding mine in a challenge. "The Scapegoat of the Augustride Family. A name bestowed upon you by others, yet it seems fitting, doesn't it? The one who carries the weight of sins that aren't truly his own."
Her purple eyes shone as she spoke her last words.
"The one who abhors the watcher of darkness in the shroud of shadows."
