Treatise Of A Failed Knight

Alistair Wormwood shifts uncomfortably in his seat and shakes his head.

His disapproval is apparent, but just in case it wasn’t, he parts his lips to further express his position regarding my earlier question.

"As I mentioned before... It is confidential."

I sigh deeply, lowering my head in order to hide my frustration.

’I understand that there are things about their organization that they cannot tell me, but if I knew Lucien’s plans, then maybe I’ll be able to figure out more things...’

I suspect the only reason they are hiding something so valuable from me is that it directly ties to the Ouroboros Sect. Perhaps it would diminish the prestige of the organization if it were to come out, or maybe it features something pivotal to their body.

’If they told me, then...’ I feel a slight chill run up my spine once Alistair gives me a warning glare not to broach the topic again.

I understand.

Right now, my safety isn’t even guaranteed among these people.

It’s possible that they’ll discard me once my use is over, so it would be best if I don’t give them any other reason to antagonize me.

That’s the best way I can make it out of this situation alive.

"You don’t have to be so concerned about your safety, Javier Aditi. We of the Ouroboros Sect might not belong to the Order Faction of Leviathans, but we are not Malignant like those of the Nine-Headed Dragon Demonic Cult. We simply wish to cooperate with you, Javier. We will do everything in our power to ensure your safety, and in exchange, you’ll be helping us capture this dangerous man. It may not mean much to you, but you have my word."

I remain calm as I assess his sincerity.

He seems genuine.

But this isn’t particularly anything reassuring for me, since I have been tricked in the past.

Ciel, Count Vaelen Thornvale, and many others have deceived me with their acts of goodwill, and I did not suspect otherwise until it was too late.

It’s rather difficult for me to tell apart someone’s pretense, so why bother?

I can’t overly rely on his words.

However—

’Right now, I have no choice but to work with these people...’

This assessment wasn’t made solely for my sake, but also that of my allies—the ones who are currently vulnerable to the reach of Lucien Zevalis.

’He murdered Aunt Leila, his own wife, in cold blood. He sacrificed so many people in this elaborate scheme of his. There’s no way he won’t kill anyone who stands against him, and that includes all the mortals I involved in this case.’

I shudder slightly.

If I don’t ensure their safety, their blood will be on my hands.

"I would like to seek protection for my allies. They aren’t Leviathans, and without that protection, they could be targeted by our adversary." I boldly speak up, though my approach is more humble than demanding.

I watch as the faces of the Leviathans before me change slightly.

They appear a little confused.

It’s almost like they weren’t expecting me to be so concerned about humans—especially with me calling them allies, rather than subordinates.

To quickly correct their flickering assessment of me, I continue speaking.

"They’re very useful. Losing them would severely weaken the work I have going on here, and it would cause a lot of complications. I also require them for another task, so their preservation is very optimal."

Once I say this, their quizzical looks soften, and I even watch some nod in understanding.

Alistair smiles warmly at me and nods.

"Sure. We’ll help you protect them."

"Thank you."

’Whew!’ I nearly sigh out loud, feeling some pressure in my heart. ’I knew Leviathans could be rather heartless, but this feels unreal.’

None of them took my words seriously until I spoke in terms of profit and loss.

It’s clear.

These people are far more concerned with benefits—results.

Human life is secondary.

It’s why, even though they could track the temporal activity in the kingdom, they didn’t help the kidnapped victims and only stepped in at a critical moment.

Saving me wasn’t done entirely out of consideration either.

They discovered my connection with Lucien Zevalis ran deep and likely wanted to exploit it.

That appears to still be the case.

’That’s why I mentioned the possible link he has with Zarius. This way, I’ll be treated a lot more valuably, and I can solidify my position in the group.’ I smile wryly, trying my best to hide my discomfort amongst these powerful strangers.

I am simply too weak.

However, there really is no need to underestimate myself even when acknowledging that fact.

Right now, I have a few qualities that make me a valuable asset.

One, I am the Leviathan representing the Randalorion Kingdom.

Two, I am a Harbinger.

Three, I have a unique connection to Lucien Zevalis.

There are certainly other reasons they are interested in me, but these three are the most relevant.

At least... for now.

"Can we see the journal?" Alistair stretches out his hand towards me. "The one belonging to Zarius, whom you mentioned earlier."

Although I’m a little surprised, I bring out the journal from my coat and hand it over.

"I’m surprised you people did not have it conjured as well."

At this point, Jamie responds with a loud, childish voice:

"How could I? You always hold onto that thing, so I can’t exactly yank it from your hands, you know? I don’t have nearly enough Interference Power for that, and it’s not like we could reveal ourselves to you either."

"Ah... I see."

I suppose it makes sense.

If I’m interacting with an object, then it only makes sense that my Aego Mark would interfere with whatever Conception was being used to alter my situation.

I also suppose since the difference in Rank between the two of us isn’t so vast, he can’t simply bypass my temporal defenses and take my personal possessions. If that were possible, it would even be very easy to kill me.

’I wonder what they refer to such a concept as. I really don’t know a lot about Leviathans...’

I sigh at my ignorance.

Perhaps if I had met Lady Anastasia during Apotheosis, none of this would have happened.

But what can I say?

I still have no idea why she didn’t show up.

’That said, I should count myself fortunate that I had that regression ability inside my Trial Scenario, else I would have surely failed. Maybe that was due to her help...’

"Hmm..." Alistair mutters as he completes his read through the journal.

His speed is unreal.

It felt like he was skimming through the pages, but his focus and the strength of his gaze told me he was actively reading every word.

Within a minute, he has already completed everything.

"I’ve cross-referenced the timeline, and I think your idea is spot-on. The timing coincides with our records of Lucien, and during the period Zarius referenced, Lucien was still a Rank 2 Leviathan. In fact, he only became an Adept a few years ago."

"I-I see..."

To think he operates this quickly.

’Will I be able to keep up with these people?’ I can’t help but ask myself, gulping slightly.

"You appear curious about something. What is it?" He stares at me with precision, his owl-like eyes burrowing into my existence.

I did my best to frame my amazement as simple curiosity.

Looks like it worked!

"I was just admiring the speed of your cognition. Consuming all that information in such a short span of time is very impressive. Is it a perk of being an Adept?"

The moment I ask this, the room explodes in laughter.

I witnessed as more than half of the people in the room burst into giggles, likely at my expense. The loudest chuckle is—of course—Elma’s. They stare at me incredulously, almost as though they can’t believe what I just said.

But what exactly is the problem with my statement?

I feel rather embarrassed.

It may just be my imagination, but I seem to appear like a country bumpkin to these people.

A completely ignorant man who just asked a rather foolish question.

’Damnit...’ I sigh, trying my best to hide my mortification. ’I tried my best to elevate my position, and to think I would be exposed like this.’

How truly embarrassing!

"You guys should stop...." Alistair groans, glaring at the rest of his teammates, though I can see his lips twitch a little, as a small smile tries to form on his lips.

It appears he is also controlling himself.

Was my statement that amusing? Is it so enjoyable to have so much fun at my expense?

I hide my confusion and fury with a blank look, making it appear as though their amused clamors and cries of the deprecating kind do not bother me at all.

Eventually, the room quiets down.

"I apologize for the actions of my teammates. That was insensitive of them."

"It’s fine," I respond blankly.

Although this is a very humiliating situation, I keep my chin up.

Breaking down now would be too terrible.

I can’t allow it!

"First, I’d like to thank you for the compliment. My swift reading and quickened assimilation speed have become second nature to me now that I didn’t think anyone would notice." He sighs, shooting me a somewhat grateful look.

I somehow suspect that this is merely to make up for the mockery earlier, but I take it anyway.

He then continues. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"To answer your question... The reason behind my heightened cognitive ability is, simply put... well, a Potion."

"A Potion, huh?" I mull on the rather straightforward answer and knit my brow. "I see."

It was such an obvious thing.

Why didn’t I even think about it as an option?

I was so amazed by the prospect of higher-ranked Leviathans that I thought an increase in physical abilities stemmed from a higher Rank.

How pathetic!

’But can you blame me? I never saw him take any Potion. Plus, it’s not like he knew beforehand that he would be reading Zarius’ journal, so why would he take a Potion that would allow him to do such a thing?’ I close my eyes and try to analyze my own actions.

It’s not my fault that I was misled!

"I am not sure you’re aware of this, due to the nature of your question earlier, but do you know about the unique physiology of Leviathans and how it interacts with Potions?"

Wow!

To think their impression of me has fallen so low.

This man doesn’t even think I would know something as basic as this?!

"Yes... I do." Responding to his words, I groan slightly. "When a Leviathan consumes a Potion, he wholly digests the entirety of the Potion’s special qualities. In essence, the Leviathan’s body fully absorbs its Mystical Characteristics."

Alistair nods, impressed.

"Then you should know that, for Potions of Rank 6 and above, the special effects that are gained become permanent for the Leviathan."

"E-eh?"

I... did not know that.

Permanent?

The effects of a Potion can be permanent?

This is the first time I have heard of such an absurd concept!

I hear muffled laughter and silent giggles from around me, most likely making fun of my ignorance, but I do my best to ignore them and focus my gaze on Alistair.

’I’ll take this as an opportunity to learn!’

"Please tell me more."

Alistair notices my genuine display of interest and nods. I can see a hint of respect in his eyes, although a flicker of doubt, or maybe surprise, remains etched in his gaze.

Perhaps he is taken aback that I do not know something as ’elemental’ as this.

Sigh... It is well.

"As you must already have surmised from experience, normal Potions have too many impurities and their effects usually do not last long when consumed by Leviathans. This is because their recipes feature many ingredients that adulterate the solution. And, as Leviathans who digest the Potions in their entirety, this reduces the duration and also causes a great risk of accumulating impurities. To solve these problems, Leviathans usually have to tweak the recipes or make new recipes for the same kinds of Potions."

I nod.

All of these are very synonymous with my own experiences in Alchemy.

Thankfully, with Aunt Leila’s help, I was able to reduce the problems, though I couldn’t eliminate them. However, the recipes I received from the Leviathan who founded the Randalorion Kingdom could be said to be perfect.

They didn’t have such flaws.

Even Ciel attested to their purity and the sheer ingenuity of the recipes.

’Maybe it’s because I am not such a great Alchemist, but I don’t know how to complete this process on my own...’ I sigh deeply, ready to pay attention to Alistair’s next words.

"Grade 6 Potions, also referred to as Masterworks, can only be created using this specialized method. It does not allow for adulteration, although certain Impurities still exist due to the alchemical reactions within the solution. As such, not all Masterworks are created equal. This also goes for higher Potions."

"Okay..."

"The greatest difference between Masterworks and Potions under that grade is the permanence that comes with the effects. Their Mystical Characteristics, when digested, do not simply break down, but fuse with the body of the Leviathan. It grants them a qualitative change, one that does not ever disappear unless they consume another Potion that overwrites the effects of the previous Potion or increase in Rank."

"I-I see..."

All of this is news to me.

To think that there is such a qualitative change when one consumes a Grade 6 and above Potion.

Simply magnificent!