Chapter 387 - 334: Is the Future Terrible? (Part 3)

Chapter 387: Chapter 334: Is the Future Terrible? (Part 3)

"Huh? The Dean even worries about things like this?"

Lloyd found it a little hard to believe.

"Hmph. He sticks his nose in everything. You just haven’t run into it yet. Back when he had more free time, he even used to fuss over the style of buttons on students’ uniforms."

Hildina whispered some gossip about the Dean, then took a deep breath as if reminiscing about the old campus atmosphere.

"Whew... It’s been so long since I’ve been back to Knowledge Square. Has that ridiculously ugly statue really been torn down?"

"Actually, it wasn’t. I secretly smashed it with the Space Elevator,"

Lloyd whispered back.

"Wonderful! That’s definitely more praiseworthy than saving the academy from the Spatial Storm!"

Hildina’s face lit up instantly. She took the opportunity to link her arm with Lloyd’s, leaning against him. They were as intimate as a couple who had already made things official.

The feeling was quite familiar to Lloyd. He froze for just a moment before relaxing, and then began strolling leisurely through Knowledge Square with Hildina.

A date between Childhood Sweethearts didn’t need any grand fanfare or spectacular events. Simply strolling together, nestled close, was more than enough.

Lloyd had so many things he wanted to ask her, but for a moment, he couldn’t decide where to start.

What he really wanted to ask, though, was why the Saint was being so kind and intimate with him. And why did he get that feeling of a "Childhood Sweetheart" from her?

But it was clearly a loaded question, one he absolutely couldn’t ask directly. He would just have to find a way to feel and understand the answer on his own.

But before Lloyd could decide, Hildina was the one to speak first.

"Lloyd, why are you always staring at my feet?"

"N-no... I just have so much I want to say, I don’t know where to start."

"Lloyd, has Weiya ever told you that you’re a terrible liar? Hehe, just kidding. Go on, ask whatever you want. As long as it’s something I can answer, I’ll tell you."

"Well... Lady Saint, are you..."

Lloyd was about to ask when he noticed the Saint beside him suddenly furrow her brow. ’Is she suddenly unhappy?’

"If you call me that again, I’ll ignore you! Don’t you know my name?"

"Okay... Hildina, did you know from the very beginning that I was involved with [Twist]?"

"Oh... You’re starting with that question? I was just worried about what I would say if you asked for my age."

Hildina smiled sweetly before addressing Lloyd’s question.

"As for your question... how should I put this... [Twist] is a system far more magical and mysterious than you imagine. So, I probably noticed you a little earlier than you think."

"Is that so?"

Lloyd had originally thought his first contact with the Saint was right after he’d completed his [Veto] system Enlightenment. But now, it seemed much more likely that the Saint had discovered him during that initial library attack.

’Ugh... And I spent all that time worrying, thinking I’d gone down the wrong path and become some kind of criminal. Turns out I was just scaring myself?’

’Still, [Twist] is a Taboo System in the eyes of the world, and its practice is basically suicidal. The Saint couldn’t possibly have intervened publicly. So, keeping a low profile back then definitely saved me from a lot of unnecessary misunderstandings and trouble. All in all, it wasn’t a bad thing.’

’And that would make it perfectly logical for the Saint to guide me to deal with the Advisor, that "traitor to the school."’

Lloyd quickly organized his thoughts and asked his next question.

"Then, about that flower... and your body now... what exactly is...?"

He could sense that Hildina’s stunningly beautiful form had been created from his own [Projection].

But once the [Projection] transformed, he lost all control over it, and Hildina became like a truly independent, beautiful young woman.

And yet, here in Knowledge Square, plenty of people were walking by, but not a single one seemed to notice the gorgeous girl. It was as if there was no one beside Lloyd at all.

’So the [Projection] seemed like it was his, but... not entirely? Had it become some kind of "joint property"?’

"Well... you do remember, don’t you? This [Projection] wasn’t formed entirely by you. I secretly interfered a little, all so that I could stand by your side like this today, in my old form..."

"It’s just that you’re not yet proficient enough with [Manifestation], and your control over the [Projection] is still quite naive. Once you make some real progress with [Manifestation], well, maybe then I’ll have no choice but to let you do as you please with me, hm?"

Hildina gave a rather vague answer, then changed the subject.

"Still, your progress right now is excellent. You deserve a little reward."

With that, her delicate form floated into the air. She flew over and planted a quick, light kiss on Lloyd’s cheek—that was his reward.

Lloyd couldn’t help but break into a goofy grin as he heard Hildina continue.

"Lloyd, you truly are outstanding. I’ve been watching you grow this whole time, and you’ve never once disappointed me. In fact, you constantly bring me unexpected and wonderful surprises. That’s why I have such incredibly high hopes for you. I believe the future of humanity rests on your shoulders."