Published at 6th of November 2023 8:10 pm

Chapter 327

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"Yes, it's been a while… You seem to have undergone some changes?" Oliver remarked, his gaze fixed upon Eve.

Undoubtedly, Eve bore a stark contrast to the image Oliver had of her from their initial meeting.

At the outset, Eve displayed a multitude of hues, nearly bedazzling in their array. Presently, however, she exuded a harmonious range of greens, and her once fluctuating form had transmuted into a more dependable state.

‘It's subtle, but I see something like a human shape… A woman, perhaps?'

Observing the elegantly contoured form emerging within the midst of the energy mass, Oliver contemplated.

With no means of deciphering her motives for adopting such a shape, Oliver could at least ascertain that she appeared more serene than during their initial encounter.

Eve's response followed:

[…Yes. Is my appearance acceptable?]

Her words resonated in an otherworldly yet oddly pleasing tone.

"Um… I personally like that you look calmer than when I saw you before."

[Thank you. It's thanks to you.]

At Eve's statement, Oliver's head tilted slightly. The phrase "thanks to you" seemingly indicated gratitude toward him, although he couldn't recall aiding her.

"Ah… You don't need to thank me if it's about freeing you. After all, I did receive something in return."

Eve remained silent, offering no response. She seemed to tread carefully, an air of shyness in her demeanor.

Comprehending human emotions was challenging enough, let alone deciphering Eve's sentiments.

Nonetheless, this wasn't the crux of the matter at hand, rendering it somewhat insignificant.

Oliver, bearing in mind the current circumstances, was on the verge of seeking Eve's assistance.

Given the demonstrated capabilities that Eve possessed, she likely held insights into the ongoing situation.

Just as he was about to speak, however, Eve preempted him.

[I observed people, like Oliver.]

Eve's words prompted Oliver to halt and widen his eyes slightly.

"People?"

[Yes.]

That was it. During their initial encounter, Oliver had uttered a remark along those lines.

Though spoken casually, it appeared to strike a chord.

In that first meeting, Eve had been consumed by seething anger, likely due to the constraints imposed by a druid. Oliver had then requested her patience, and remarkably, she had complied.

Subsequently, a deal transpired: Oliver traded his aid in her liberation in exchange for information regarding Shamus and ABC Investment Company.

Upon fulfilling the arrangement and perusing the data related to Shamus and the said company, Oliver had casually spoken to the still-furious Eve:

‘Please don't be too angry at people. While I understand why you're angry, there are also interesting and extraordinary people. I found out by looking too. So, Eve, please don't be too angry. Thank you… I've checked all the data. Thank you for keeping your promise, and you may leave now. Thank you.'

In response, Eve had departed, clandestinely leaving behind the message to summon her if necessary.

Despite the urgency of the present situation, Oliver found himself intrigued.

"You observed people?"

[Yes, I observed many people.]

Oliver experienced a mild sense of astonishment, though he quickly realized it wasn't entirely unexpected.

Eve, originating from the World Tree, possessed the capacity to observe a broader spectrum of people than Oliver could ever hope to.

In principle, she had the ability to survey any region encompassed by the World Tree's influence and delve into countless fragments of the past.

Oliver's inquisitiveness about Eve's perspective on humanity was piqued.

"How was your observation?"

[Neither interesting nor extraordinary.]

Eve's response was resolute, laced with a tinge of disillusionment. The fervor and animosity present during their initial encounter were notably absent, making her disappointment more pronounced.

"Is that so?"

[Yes.]

"May I ask why you think that way?"

Eve maintained a brief silence before materializing an array of images in the air—snapshots of diverse scenarios.

A woman indulging in tea and cake, while another, mired in poverty and hunger, plunged into a river alongside her children.

An affluent family navigating through impoverished slums.

Men reveling at a party, contrasted with a laborer dozing while leaning on a line.

A family savoring a picnic juxtaposed with a family silently watching a dying family member.

Politicians championing freedom and equality, set against the backdrop of colonial invasions.

Soldiers pledging bravery and allegiance, counterposed by scenes of civilians falling under swords and gunfire of soldiers.

The imagery was vivid and striking, a testament to Eve's proficiency. Yet, it wasn't her own creation but rather an embodiment assumed by the World Tree.

[Is this fun and amazing?]

Eve's query was tinged with a blend of frustration and bewilderment.

Her earnestness prompted an earnest reply from Oliver.

“No. I don’t think it's fun, nor do I think it's amazing… I just have questions. I wonder why it's like that.”

[Is that so?]

“Yes, I had similar thoughts when I first went to the city of Landa. While the city center was clean and thriving, the outskirts were not. People's emotions were also very cold.”

[Did you find out why?]

“I'm not sure? For now, I know it's because of money. You need money to live a stable life and invest in the environment and public order. That's why I asked. Why is there such a difference in the money people have?”

[Who did you ask?]

“Mr. Paul Carver.”

[He’s the Minister of Internal Affairs in Landa.]

Eve's immediate response took Oliver by surprise once more, though he quickly accepted it.

Considering Eve's origin as a construct born from the World Tree, recognizing Carver was a minor feat for her.

“Yes, that's right. You're amazing.”

Eve's expression seemed to lighten ever so slightly at Oliver's compliment.

[And what did he tell you?]

“Um… But, Eve, given your capabilities, couldn't you have found the answer without asking?”

[I want to hear it from you, Oliver.]

Eve's sincerity was palpable, an almost pleading quality to her tone.

Oliver responded, his openness to discussions like these apparent. After all, he found such conversations quite engaging and enjoyable.

“Efficient growth achieved through strategic resource allocation and distribution systems, variations in the inherent value of work, the absence of robust labor regulations, the lack of a minimum wage system, and institutional constraints, among other factors. I was presented with systematic and logically constructed explanations.”

[Did you understand?]

“Not entirely. While I might grasp each individual aspect, the overarching answer remained somewhat elusive. It was just confusing … But it was interesting.”

[What was interesting?]

"At first, Mr. Carver, who initially responded in a formal manner, gradually delved into the conversation and earnestly discussed potential solutions to the problem. He touched on labor protection laws, minimum wage laws, child labor laws, and the like. While he exhibited a more passive stance on welfare, he did display a degree of genuine concern. Do you know what struck me as interesting here?"

[No.]

"It's that Mr. Carver isn't driven by compassion for the city's workers. Rather, he holds the conviction that implementing such measures can foster prosperity across the entire city. A stable standard of living boosts consumption, acting as a growth catalyst for businesses. Additionally, the creation of higher-quality jobs would attract skilled individuals to the city, in turn drawing companies seeking a competent workforce… He champions the betterment of people while staying true to his beliefs. Don't you find that incredibly interesting?"

Oliver's inquiry was marked by genuine curiosity.

The concept of acting in alignment with one's convictions was genuinely captivating.

[Is that interesting?]

"From my perspective, yes. The exertion driven by beliefs, determination, or a specific goal… Isn't that fascinating? Of course, there are those who sometimes falter or make mistakes, but there are also those who try to fix it later. And that's profoundly impressive."

[Who is that?]

"Hmm?"

[The one who falters or makes mistakes but tries to fix it later.]

"Oh … That person … May I answer later? On second thought, I don’t think I have the right to evaluate that person. I sometimes make mistakes."

Oliver politely inquired, and as before, Eve agreed in her considerate manner. Her thoughtfulness was apparent.

[However… Your case is likely an exception.]

Eve's words struck suddenly.

"What do you mean?"

[In the instance you mentioned. Most people tend to disappoint.]

"Ah, possibly? Yet, doesn't that make instances like these more valuable? Nevertheless, this is purely a personal perspective,so you don’t need to focus on it too much. What is fun and amazing is entirely personal. You are greater than me, so you can find something more fun and amazing."

Eve fell silent, her emotions seemingly wavering in a state of confusion. She appeared to be deeply contemplating. This was perceived as a positive sign; thoughtful introspection was indeed commendable.

“Eve.”

[Yes, Oliver.]

"I apologize for this, but if it's not too much trouble, could you help me for a moment? I need some help."

[……Of course. Please tell me.]

***

Having sought and received Eve's assistance, Oliver disengaged and removed his hands from the World Tree.

It appeared that some time had elapsed.

"Did you manage to establish a connection?" Kevin inquired.

Oliver responded with a nod, rising from his seat.

Terence and Yareli glanced at him with a mix of surprise and confusion, seemingly questioning his actions.

Ignoring their expressions, Kevin pressed on with his query.

"So, did you uncover what's been going on?"

"I didn't have time to find out in detail, but it does align with the professor's suspicions. The incident appears to be orchestrated by the Life School faction and the Department of Life Alchemy. It seems they had been preparing for this for quite some time."

"I understand. How's the current situation?"

"I haven't obtained a comprehensive understanding, but it appears that most of the conference attendees are trapped within a fog and are being targeted one by one by enhanced humans and wizards. Some are resisting, but the more exceptional individuals are being absorbed by the fog and scattered across different spaces."

Kevin's foresight had proven accurate.

In an environment teeming with talented individuals, it made more sense to gradually incapacitate them rather than confronting all of them at once.

They were manipulating the fabric of space itself through the use of this enshrouding fog.

Terence interjected at this juncture.

"What about the elder, General Roar? Any news?"

"He's engaged in combat."

Terence inquired with urgency, and Oliver responded with composure.

"He's fighting?"

"Yes, he's facing off against another elder alongside the Grand Master of the Skadi school, Mrs. Tilda."

"It must be Theodore. He's the only one capable of contending with both of them, and the elder went to meet Theodore in secret."

Terence's emotions danced between anger and relief, glad that Philip was still safe.

Kevin chimed in as well.

"This is fortunate. If we can rescue General Philip and Grand Master Tilda, we'll gain insight. At the very least, it would prove that the Life School faction is responsible for this. Let's move immediately."

True to his character, Kevin was poised to act without pause.

It was a prudent strategy. Any delay might expose them to new adversaries or result in their entrapment within the fog's grasp.

Terence and Yareli swiftly followed suit, driven by their familial concerns and captivated by Kevin's leadership.

"May I say something?"

In the midst of this urgency, Oliver remained motionless, his raised hand attracting the attention of all present.

A collective silence enveloped the space, until Kevin broke it when it became evident that Oliver wouldn't proceed until he spoke.

"What is it?"

"It's nothing significant. A significant number of students have been kidnapped and tied up in a secret laboratory. Should we not save them? Among those held are Derick, Felix, and other students from the magic tower."

Oliver's words felt like a challenge, a choice to be made. While everyone pondered in silence, he continued.

"Oh, I was just asking for your opinion."

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