My problem with Regulus Heathcliff aside, this trip has been a success.

I've been able to decipher the founding Leviathan's words and have obtained great benefits from it. Even now, as I escort Regulus to his residence this late evening, I can feel a great feeling of giddiness course through me.

How many months now…

How long have I been trying to find a complete solution to my problem?

Even after making those Grade 3 Potions, it became abundantly clear that they were merely delaying the inevitable and were too inefficient.

I could only manage them while seeking out a better solution.

And now—

Deficiency has been solved. I'll also be able to grow very quickly as a Rank 1 Leviathan. I have no idea how effective the Potions will be, but it has taken me over half a year of consistent practice to reach my current point.

My current record allows me to use Frontflow to interfere with my Day Layer only once per day. It also takes a long time on that same day for me to use Frontflow again, and I can only use smaller levels of it.

Clairvoyance is still limited by clues and distance, and I can't maintain it for very long. Although my limit for exploring a location is if it will take me a day or less to be able to normally observe such a location, actually reaching such a limit is extremely strenuous.

As for Tracing, it's still by far my most developed.

I've already crossed the half-day mark for my target location. However, it seems I have reached a bottleneck, and further improvement is coming rather slowly, even with training. The efficiency has drastically slowed down, and I imagine that at this rate, it might take one to two years of regular training before I'm able to reach an entire Day without drawbacks or risk of failure.

With these Potions, I imagine that time frame will drastically shrink.

The journey through Rank 1 might be coming to an end faster than I previously anticipated, and the dread of crossing the threshold before me has become even more corporeal.

But, through it all, I have to remain steadfast.

Relentlessly chasing after my goals, I must seek nothing but victory.

Persevere, Javier!

I must continue to persevere!

"By the way, what are you going to do about your University admission? I overheard your conversation with a few professors one time, and you mentioned wanting to attend this University, right?"

"Yes, that's correct…" My voice trails for a moment, and I quickly realize what he is getting at.

Grand Scholar James Lindester—Seraphina's father.

"You pissed the Professor off, you know? His pride won't let that slide. I imagine that he'll pull every string he can to make sure your admission is blocked.

"That's true…" My expression shows hints of panic, but this is all a pretense.

Honestly, I never considered that old man to be a threat for even a moment. Although he is well-connected, I have a lot of powerful people on my side. Even the Royal Family would step in to protect me if need be.

But—

'Admitting to that in front of this guy will only deepen his suspicion of me. Let's just pretend to be worried, so he doesn't have another excuse to pester me.'

I sigh and shake my head after some time.

"What should I do now? I have a few connections in the Academic field, but none of them compare to Professor James Lindester when it comes to influence and accolades."

This is only half true.

I'm close friends with Anna, who is the sister of the current King.

She is also a Grand Scholar, and while her accomplishments are not as high as Professor James Lindester, hence reducing her influence in academic circles, it's not like she is entirely useless.

If Anna is willing, she'd be able to put up a major fight for me.

But there's no need to bring that up.

I'll just pretend like I'm worried and eventually work my way through the admission process. I might be leaving the Academy soon, too, so there's no need to rush things too much.

"Why not just enroll in another Kingdom's University?"

The moment I hear Regulus' voice, my eyes widen, and I stare at him, dazed.

For the first time, I stop walking.

He also stops.

Then, he stares at me and smiles calmly. "Think about it. You can be an exchange student like me, and you won't have to face the hassle of this Professor and all the other political enemies you are bound to have in this Kingdom."

I… actually never thought of that before.

The possibility surely entered my mind at some point, but I have so much going on in the Randalorion Kingdom, so I've never seriously entertained the idea

"I've noticed that the Randalorion Kingdom mixes a lot of politics and prejudice in its academic system… far more than necessary. That may fly in Academies, but University education should be different, wouldn't you say?"

"Maybe it's because they only recently changed their policies to accept foreign students."

"Perhaps… but it doesn't mean you have to settle for it." Regulus's smile deepens as his crimson gaze reflects my calm face.

"You're a brilliant person, Javier Aditi. I believe that you will blossom in a place that truly does not give a damn about politics and solely emphasizes meritocracy above all else. In such an institution, it'll all be about your ability—nothing more."

"Do such places exist?"

I nearly scoff, reminiscing on the veil of meritocracy that far too many establishments put on as mere fronts to promote their agenda and hide their deep-seated corruption.

Everyone has biases.

The same can be said for institutions run by people.

It's impossible to avoid the sting of prejudice that exists in every facet of society.

Smart people look down on foolish people, while smarter people look down on smart people. The wealthy take advantage of the poor, while the poor mistreat those poorer than themselves. It is an endless, vicious cycle that will continue to exist as long as humans exist.

To say there is a place of learning devoid of any such biases is ludicrous.

I refuse to believe that such a utopia exists.

"You should come and see for yourself. Come to my Kingdom's University and see what true academia looks like."

I can see the bright glow of excitement in Regulus's eyes.

Such an eager young man.

Why is he so interested in me coming to his Kingdom? Does he want to keep a closer eye on me? I actually wouldn't mind a closer proximity with him as well, since I'd like to also observe him some more.

I should consider his offer.

But first—

"Hmm? Oh yeah, I forgot to ask… What Kingdom are you from?"

Regulus's grin broadens as he opens his lips to utter a most unexpected word.

"Dustinville."

'W-what?!' My eyes widen to their limits. 'Isn't Dustinville a Large Sized Kingdom? Its might far surpasses the Randalorion Kingdom?'

I'm not surprised that someone as brilliant as Regulus Heathcliff is from Dustinville. In fact, it makes even more sense now that I think about it. It's also why he has immunity against any kind of foul play that occurs in the University.

His Kingdom is simply too powerful for anyone in the Randalorion Kingdom to pull any fast moves on him.

But—

Why would someone like that come here?

Not only are the two Kingdoms far apart in distance, but also in status.

"Compared to Dustinville, the Randalorion Kingdom must look like a backwater place. If education over there is so great, why would you choose to study here?"

"Hehe! Well…" Regulus chuckles at the question, casually placing a hand on my shoulder and giving me a smug look.

"Who said I'm getting my first degree here? I only became a student here as a cover. The degree I'm currently under is interesting, but my primary motive is to research Leviathan activity, and it led me here."

It all makes sense now.

No wonder this Regulus fellow was with us at the conference.

It also makes sense that all the University Professors accorded him respect. He already has a degree from his own Kingdom's University.

"So you're an Erudite Scholar trying to become a Grand Scholar?" I ask with an awkward smile.

However, he shakes his head.

"I am already a Grand Scholar." His smug smile intensifies. "I actually have two Master's Degrees, and I'm nearly done with the third one in this Kingdom."

'E-eh?!'

This young man, who looks even younger than I am, is already a Grand Scholar?

Not just in one area, but almost three?

People truly aren't created equal! There are all kinds of talents out there, and even with my regression, it's hard to compete.

"If you have more notes you'd like to decode, or you're interested in ancient languages in general, Dustinville is the perfect place for you. It's through one of its programs that I was able to learn so much about them, even helping you with your problem."

"I-I see…"

Right now, I'm still recoiling from the shocking revelation of this man's academic status.

Three?

Three Master's Degrees?!

He is more distinguished than any Scholar I have ever met!

"So, yeah… consider coming to Dustinville, Javier Aditi." Regulus Heathcliff tells me playfully, and before I realize it, we continue walking again.

"I will think about it."

These aren't merely empty words.

Perhaps this is a nudge in another direction—the appearance of a new route in my life.

Throughout both of my lives, I never left the Randalorion Kingdom. Beyond this Kingdom's borders is unknown territory, a brand new world that I will have to navigate on my own.

But—

'It isn't completely hopeless.' A small smile forms on my face.

If Regulus Heathcliff is inviting me, I can hope that he'll help me settle into his Kingdom nicely and take some responsibility for my life there.

I also remember that my old Master has a niece who lives there.

She was Selicia's role model and an exemplary Knight who ran away from an arranged marriage in the Randalorion Kingdom and made a name for herself in Dustinville.

—Lady Beatrice of Dustinville!

'If I can strengthen my connections with these two, I won't be completely helpless in a strange new land…' My eyes flicker with a hint of excitement. 'I could also experience new things and explore more of the world.'

Most of my problems have been resolved, so I have no excuse.

Yes… This could actually work.

'Dustinville, huh? I wonder what it's like…'

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