Chapter 21 - Translation

<h1>Chapter 21 - 5.1 - Following Day</h1><p>Chapter 21: Chapter 5.1 - Following Day</p><p>The door slowly creaked open, and a man with an imposing aura entered the room, exuding an air of authority and wisdom. He stood tall and straight, his posture commanding respect. His strong, chiseled features were framed by a mane of silver hair, which flowed gracefully down to his shoulders. His eyes were sharp and penetrating, a deep shade of emerald green that seemed to hold a wealth of knowledge and experience.</p><p>'Headmaster Jonathan.' I immediately recognized the person before me. After all, he was a character that I knew very much inside the game.</p><p>He wore a sharp and formal business suit, emphasizing his high standing and authority. The suit was immaculately tailored, fitting him perfectly and exuding an aura of professionalism and dignity.</p><p>He donned a crisp white dress shirt neatly tucked into his dark navy-blue suit trousers. A bold, patterned tie adorned his collar, adding a touch of sophistication to his attire. A silver tie clip secured the tie in place, reflecting the light and catching the eye.</p><p>The small wrinkles on the sleeves of his suits showed it was frequently used, and the tiny drops of soil on his feet were the signs of inspection he had done before coming here. The smell of coffee that was coming from him and the little drops of white hairs showed he consulted the help of animals for investigation.</p><p>'Hounds of Association.' That was the name of those white dogs that were used for crime scene investigations in the game.</p><p>As he entered the room, his emerald green eyes swept across the surroundings, taking in every detail with a keen and discerning gaze.</p><p>"Good. It seems you have healed enough." After a moment, he entered, locked his eyes with mine, and said. "Astron Natusalune, correct?" His tone was strict, like a commander, he asked.</p><p>"Yes. You are correct, headmaster Jonathan." Bowing my head slightly, I answered. There was no reason to show any type of disrespect to that man knowing his standing.</p><p>'He must be here to question me about what happened there. There is no way for them to know about the existence of Mistwraith right now. I should not give any clue.' With that thought, I started thinking about my answers.</p><p>"I've been informed about the incident in the forest," he continued, his eyes studying me closely. "You and some of your fellow students encountered a dangerous creature; is that correct?" His eyes narrowed slightly as he slightly leaked his aura at the same time. Even though he was not trying to pressure me physically, it was enough to make me feel uncomfortable.</p><p>'Considering how Astron of the past behaved, answering like that should be a lot better.' With that, I made it look like I hesitated for a moment before answering.</p><p>"Yes, Headmaster. It was… an unknown monster. It attacked us suddenly, and I don't remember much after that."</p><p>I could see his brows getting narrower at the same time.</p><p>"Unknown monster, you say?" He asked, his green eyes looking deep into mine.</p><p>"Yes." I averted my gaze as I was acting scared. "It was a monster I had never seen before."</p><p>Headmaster Jonathan continued to scrutinize me, seemingly trying to read every nuance in my expression. "And yet, you were able to defeat this unknown monster all by yourself," he stated, his voice firm.</p><p>"No…It was not like that…" I answered as I lowered my gaze more. "I was just lucky that I made it….Thanks to the Holy Radiance Scroll I just bought yesterday." I readied the tears in my eyes beneath and then raised them. "I-If not, I would be just like the others…."</p><p>However, he was still not convinced. "Why did you buy Holy Radiance Scroll?" The pressure on me intensified as he looked into my eyes.</p><p>"B-Because I was planning to raid a dungeon I just found. Its name was 'The Crypt of Eternal Rest,' and it had undead inside. Thus, I was making my preparations." As I continued to my act with my voice getting shaky from time to time, I answered.</p><p>"I see…That matches with what student Sylvie recounted." Then, he stopped his question with his hands on his beard. "That must have been hard…" He nodded his head as he slowly walked towards the window.</p><p>But I could see his body getting ready from little mimics.</p><p>'Now, it will come.' I thought, immediately preparing myself for what was about to come.</p><p>"Do you think I will believe this?" With that question, an immense amount of pressure descended upon me, making my heart clench. "Why did you not help the other students then?"</p><p>It was such a precise pressure that Sylvie, who was just sleeping beside me comfortably, didn't feel anything at all as she continued her sleep.</p><p>"Cough…" Coughing slightly, I raised my head. This time my eyes filled with anger.</p><p>"I-It…. w-was them tormented me… Why should I?"</p><p>The room felt suffocating as the headmaster's imposing presence bore down on me. His eyes continued to study me, unyielding and unwavering. It was as if he could see through my act, penetrating my facade to the core of my being.</p><p>"Why should you?" he repeated, his voice cold and unyielding. "You are a student of this academy, Astron Natusalune. It is your duty to protect your fellow students and uphold the values and principles we stand for. Turning a blind eye to their suffering is not the behavior of a responsible and honorable student."</p><p>"Cough…Then, where were these duties when they were the ones that inflicted-"</p><p>"…cough… me such pain all this time? Where was the honor you have been talking about while everyone watched me suffering?" I asked, bearing the pressure that dawned upon me. Even though the wounds on me hurt, I put the front up. After all, I need to put up with my act.</p><p>"W-we both know it is meaningless to act like you are one of the honorable people…. This academy is not a place where honor matters… A hunter doesn't act with honor; he does whatever is necessary to hunt…" I poured the emotions in my heart into my words as I emptied my insides. "I also didn't know the scroll would work either. It was just a stroke of pure luck that I was able to finish this monster."</p><p>And as I finished my words, a soft chuckle escaped the headmaster's lips. It was a laugh filled with understanding as if he saw something in me that others might have missed.</p><p>The pressure was redirected from my body as he looked into my eyes with a smile.</p><p>"You're right, Astron," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement. "This academy may not be a place where traditional notions of honor apply, but that doesn't mean honor is absent. In fact, I see a different kind of honor in your words."</p><p>He leaned back in his chair, his eyes still fixed on me with a mix of seriousness and admiration. "You have endured pain and suffering, yet you still stand here, refusing to let it break you. That takes strength, not just in magic, but in character. You may not have chosen this path, but you have chosen to rise above the cruelty and darkness that surrounds you."</p><p>I furrowed my brows in confusion, unsure of what he meant by a different kind of honor. He spoke, his gaze looking at me with a smile.</p><p>'You are such an easy man…' I thought inside, seeing his smile. After all, he was a man who believed no person could be as white as paper and everyone had darkness inside his heart. And he liked those who revealed that darkness honestly, just like how I did by pouring the dark feeling of fake hatred into my words.</p><p>'I have never risen from the darkness. And, until I exterminate every ounce of demon, every bit of their traces from this world, nor will I.' But that didn't mean I was the person he pictured.</p><p>Headmaster Jonathan's smile remained, and I could sense that he saw through my 'act,' understanding the 'anger' and 'pain' that I carried within. He didn't judge me for it; instead, his gaze held a hint of respect.</p><p>"Your honesty is commendable, Astron," he said, his voice gentle yet firm as he stood up from where he was sitting. "We all have our demons, our darkness. It's what we choose to do with it that defines us."</p><p>I nodded. "I understand, Headmaster," I replied, my voice steady. "I will do my best to face my darkness and use it to become stronger."</p><p>With those words, the headmaster turned towards the door, his imposing aura receding. "You have the potential to become a great hunter, Astron. Don't let the darkness consume you; instead, use it to light your path forward."</p><p>'Liar….' I thought, looking at the man walking… "Saying those words to last-place student… You just want to look thoughtful outside."</p><p>I mumbled, seeing his hypocritic act. Even though he acted very rightfully and thoughtfully before the students, I knew what he said to Astron when he ranked last in the mid-terms.</p><p>'Now, with that, I can avoid the eyes that will be on me now. After all, he should be labeled me as worthless by now.' With that thought, I relaxed my body as I closed my eyes.</p><p>In the end, even though he was someone that liked others to be truthful, he also judged them by their talents….</p><p>Though before I could sleep, I heard a sound.</p><p>"Astron…"</p><p>Sylvie was awake now…</p><p>-----------------------A/N----------------------</p><p>Hope you liked the chapter.</p><p>Give me power stones if you like my novel; I am participating in WPC, so it helps a lot.</p><p>You can check my discord if you want. You will be able to see the illustrations here and engage in a conversation with me if I am available.</p><p>https://discord.gg/XJEgBRM3C</p>

<h1>Chapitre 21 - 5.1 - Le Lendemain</h1> <p>La porte émit un grincement sourd en s'ouvrant lentement, laissant entrer une silhouette à l'aura magistrale. L'homme qui franchit le seuil dégageait une autorité naturelle mêlée à une sagesse ancestrale. Grand et droit, sa seule posture imposait le respect. Son visage aux traits ciselés était encadré par une chevelure argentée tombant avec élégance sur ses épaules. Ses yeux vert émeraude, aussi perçants qu'une lame, semblaient contenir des siècles de connaissance.</p> <p>« Directeur Jonathan. » Je reconnus instantanément cet homme. Après tout, c'était un personnage que j'avais maintes fois rencontré dans le jeu.</p> <p>Son costume parfaitement coupé épousait sa silhouette avec une précision militaire, soulignant son statut élevé. La chemise d'un blanc immaculé disparaissait sous un pantalon bleu nuit, tandis qu'une cravate aux motifs complexes ajoutait une touche de sophistication. L'éclat métallique de son épingle à cravate attrapait la lumière à chacun de ses mouvements.</p> <p>Les plis usés aux manches et les traces de terre sur ses chaussures révélaient ses activités récentes. Une légère odeur de café flottait autour de lui, et quelques poils blancs accrochés à son vestiaire trahissaient l'usage d'aides animales.</p> <p>« Les Chiens de l'Association. » Ces fameux limiers blancs utilisés pour les investigations criminelles dans le jeu.</p> <p>Ses yeux scrutateurs balayèrent la pièce avec une efficacité redoutable, ne laissant échapper aucun détail.</p> <p>« Bien. Vous semblez rétabli. » Après un silence calculé, il s'approcha et croisa mon regard. « Astron Natusalune, n'est-ce pas ? » Sa voix avait cette tonalité caractéristique des officiers aguerris.</p> <p>« En effet, directeur Jonathan. » J'inclinai légèrement la tête en réponse. Inutile de manquer de respect à un tel homme, connaissant sa position.</p> <p>« Il doit être là pour l'enquête sur l'incident. Impossible de leur révéler l'existence du Spectre des Brumes. » Mentalement, je préparais mes contre-arguments.</p> <p>« On m'a rapporté l'événement dans la forêt », reprit-il, son regard pesant sur moi. « Vous et plusieurs camarades avez affronté une créature dangereuse, c'est bien cela ? » Ses yeux se plissèrent légèrement tandis qu'une infime partie de son aura s'échappait. Assez pour me mettre mal à l'aise sans pour autant m'écraser.</p> <p>« En tenant compte du passé d'Astron, cette réponse serait la plus crédible. » Feignant l'hésitation, je répondis :</p> <p>« Oui, directeur. C'était... un monstre inconnu. Il nous a attaqués soudainement, et mes souvenirs deviennent flous après cela. »</p> <p>Un imperceptible froncement de sourcils.</p> <p>« Inconnu, vraiment ? » Son regard plongea dans le mien comme une lame.</p> <p>« Oui. » Détournant les yeux, je jouais la peur. « Une créature que je n'avais jamais vue auparavant. »</p> <p>Le directeur continua son examen minutieux, cherchant la moindre faille dans mon expression. « Pourtant, vous avez vaincu seul cette créature inconnue », affirma-t-il d'un ton qui n'admettait pas de réplique.</p> <p>« Non... Ce n'est pas exact... » Ma voix se fit plus faible. « J'ai juste eu de la chance... Grâce au Parchemin de Radiance Sacrée acheté hier. » Je fis monter des larmes à mes yeux avant de le regarder. « S-sans cela, j'aurais subi le même sort que les autres... »</p> <p>Sceptique, il intensifia la pression. « Pourquoi possédiez-vous un tel parchemin ? »</p> <p>« P-parce que... je comptais explorer un donjon nommé " La Crypte du Repos Éternel". Il abritait des morts-vivants, alors je me préparais. » Ma voix tremblait par intermittence.</p> <p>« Je vois... Cela concorde avec le témoignage de Sylvie. » Il passa une main dans sa barbe. « Difficile épreuve... » murmura-t-il en se dirigeant vers la fenêtre.</p> <p>Mais je perçus les micro-mouvements préparatoires.</p> <p>« Ça vient. » Je me raidissais intérieurement.</p> <p>« Croyez-vous vraiment que je vais avaler ça ? » La pression devint écrasante, serrant ma poitrine. « Pourquoi n'avez-vous pas aidé les autres étudiants ? »</p> <p>La force était si précise que Sylvie endormie à côté de moi n'en ressentit rien.</p> <p>« Touss... » Toussant légèrement, je relevai la tête, les yeux maintenant emplis de colère. « C-c'est... eux qui m'ont tourmenté... Pourquoi devrais-je ? »</p> <p>L'atmosphère devint étouffante sous le regard inquisiteur du directeur. Ses yeux semblaient vouloir traverser mon masque, atteindre mes véritables pensées.</p> <p>« Pourquoi devriez-vous ? » répéta-t-il glacial. « Vous êtes un élève de cette académie. Votre devoir est de protéger vos pairs et d'incarner nos valeurs. Ignorer leur souffrance n'est pas digne d'un étudiant responsable. »</p> <p>« Touss... Et où étaient ces devoirs quand c'est eux qui m'ont infligé— »</p> <p>« ...touss... tant de douleur ? Où était cet honneur pendant toutes ces humiliations ? » La pression augmentait, mais je tenais bon malgré mes blessures. Le rôle devait être maintenu.</p> <p>« N-nous savons tous deux que l'honneur est une illusion ici... Un chasseur fait ce qui est nécessaire, point. » Je laissais ma fausse amertume transparaître. « Je ne savais même pas si le parchemin fonctionnerait. Juste un coup de chance. »</p> <p>À ma surprise, un léger rire s'échappa de ses lèvres. Un rire presque approbateur.</p> <p>La pression se dissipa soudain alors qu'il m'observait avec un sourire énigmatique.</p> <p>« Vous avez raison, Astron », admit-il, une pointe d'amusement dans la voix. « Notre académie ne fonctionne pas sur des notions conventionnelles d'honneur. Pourtant, j'en discerne une forme différente dans vos propos. »</p> <p>Il se pencha légèrement, son regard mêlant gravité et admiration. « Endurer tant de souffrances sans rompre demande une force de caractère exceptionnelle. Vous refusez de vous laisser corrompre par les ténèbres environnantes. »</p> <p>Je fronçai les sourcils, incrédule face à cette interprétation. Intérieurement, je pensai : « Si facile à manipuler... » Cet homme croyait voir de la franchise là où il n'y avait que calcul.</p> <p>« Je ne me relèverai des ténèbres qu'une fois chaque démon exterminé », telle était ma véritable pensée. Loin de l'image qu'il se faisait de moi.</p> <p>Son sourire persista, convaincu d'avoir percé ma « vérité ». Son regard exprimait même un certain respect.</p> <p>« Votre franchise est louable », déclara-t-il en se levant. « Nous avons tous nos démons. Ce sont nos choix face à eux qui nous définissent. »</p> <p>Je hochai la tête machinalement. « Je comprends, directeur. J'utiliserai ces ténèbres pour grandir. »</p> <p>Se tournant vers la porte, son aura s'atténua. « Vous avez le potentiel d'un grand chasseur. Que les ténèbres éclairent plutôt qu'elles ne consument. »</p> <p>« Menteur... », pensai-je en regardant son départ. « Ce discours au dernier de la classe... Pure hypocrisie. » Je connaissais ses véritables opinions sur les faibles.</p> <p>« Maintenant, les regards se détourneront. Il m'a catalogué comme médiocre. » Je me détendais enfin.</p> <p>Même appréciant la franchise, cet homme ne jugeait qu'au mérite...</p> <p>Un bruit soudain interrompit mes pensées.</p> <p>« Astron... »</p> <p>Sylvie s'était réveillée.</p> <p>-----------------------Note de l'Auteur----------------------</p> <p>J'espère que ce chapitre vous a plu.</p> <p>Les Pierres de Pouvoir m'aideraient beaucoup pour le WPC.</p> <p>Rejoignez mon Discord pour voir les illustrations et échanger :</p> <p>https://discord.gg/XJEgBRM3C</p>