"You can't give up on yourself, Rene!!!"
Jacob grabbed Rene's small, round hands, his expression utterly serious.
"We can't compare ourselves to others! We need to focus on ourselves!"
At that moment, Jacob's earlier desire for the Academy to be stunned by Rene's genius had completely vanished.
Stunned? he thought wryly. We're the ones who should be stunned.
"Think about it, Rene! You're the genius who discovered the World Formula!"
"We don't envy them for their ordinary technology—not one bit!"
"That's right—the World Formula!"
The thought struck Rene suddenly. He'd been so busy lately that he hadn't had a chance to recalculate the World Formula.
With so many unexpected changes occurring in the world, the formula's results might have shifted as well.
The idea filled him with an urgent need to know. He immediately began recalculating the formula.
Seeing Rene engrossed in his work, Jacob decided not to disturb him. He tiptoed out of the room, carefully closing the door behind him.
Knowing that Rene would be exhausted after the calculations, Jacob tied on an apron and prepared to cook something delicious to reward him.
In the past, he'd never had to do such things. The Narzissenkreuz Ordo had always had someone to cook, and he was usually away on field missions.
But things were different now. The Narzissenkreuz Ordo existed in name only.
He used to have a team, but after they were caught, they had completely cut ties with him. Only now did Jacob truly feel the fickleness of human relationships.
And Virlick, who had always followed him, had betrayed him. The bastard had died too easily. If he were still alive, Jacob would have made that traitor suffer a fate worse than death.
Forget it. No point thinking about that scumbag.
Now, he no longer had to go on field missions. As for being an assistant... even Rene was just a subordinate now, and Jacob didn't even qualify for that.
Even Rene could only faintly grasp their target's thought process; Jacob didn't stand a chance. From now on, he'd just have to be content as Rene's bodyguard.
Jacob shook his head. He needed to find something to do.
Not long after, the aroma of cooking wafted from the kitchen...
Some time later, the door to Rene's room was violently thrown open.
"Jacob!"
Jacob was just placing three dishes and a soup on the table. Seeing Rene, he smiled faintly and spoke softly.
"Finished your calculations already?"
"Is it the same result as before?"
"Don't worry. We've seen this result countless times, haven't we?"
"Come eat first. The food's ready."
Rene was about to say something when he suddenly noticed Jacob wearing an apron. The words caught in his throat, and he stared at Jacob, hesitating.
The sight gave him the unsettling feeling of a newlywed wife waiting for her husband to return from work.
A shiver ran down Rene's spine. He quickly shook his head, strode forward, and grabbed Jacob's clothes, his voice trembling with excitement.
"Jacob, the World Formula's result has changed!"
"A new change? Really?"
Hearing this, Jacob hastily set the dishes on the table, took off his apron, wiped his hands on it, and turned to face Rene.
"That's right. My recalculations show the world now has a significant chance of survival."
When Rene first calculated this result, even he was utterly shocked.
Earlier, while observing the vast expanse of stars, he had been stunned to discover that the fates of countless people had been altered.
To ensure there were no errors, Rene had meticulously reviewed recent news. The more he investigated, the more signs of life and hope he found in the world.
Yet, hundreds of years ago, his calculations had shown the world had no chance of survival.
Ultimately, the world and everyone in it were destined to be consumed by endless darkness, sinking into eternal despair.
Though Rene didn't know who had caused these changes, it didn't diminish his excitement.
Jacob was equally thrilled. Saving the world was his deepest wish as well.
"Rene, we haven't lost yet!"
"No, we haven't lost yet."
Rene nodded with a smile. Their own plans might have failed, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that the world had hope again. Saving everyone—that was their true desire.
"Alright! To celebrate the change in the World Formula's result, I'm adding two more dishes!"
With that, Jacob put his apron back on and returned to the kitchen to cook.
Rene: "..."
Soon, all the dishes were served. Rene and Jacob sat on opposite sides of the table. From his vantage point, Jacob could only see the top of Rene's round head.
Clearly, the table was too high—or rather, Rene was too short.
After a long silence, Jacob spoke softly.
"Rene, maybe you should focus on finding a way to return to your original form first?"
Rene considered this and slowly nodded. It was indeed inconvenient.
For now, though, he'd have to make do. Restoring his human form would take time, after all.
Soon, the two began to eat. For them, eating wasn't a necessity but merely a habit they'd maintained for many years.
Midway through the meal, after much thought, Rene spoke again.
"Jacob, let's go find the Holy Sword."
Rene had come to a realization. The Academy didn't need another assistant like him; he couldn't compare to the prodigies who completed research projects in a day or two.
Though he loved research, time was short, and he couldn't afford to waste it like this.
If he considered what else he could do, the only answer was to seek the Holy Sword.
The Holy Sword could strip away the Authority over Water, ensuring Dark Furina's plans would fail completely.
If they could only suppress her, Dark Furina would inevitably return sooner or later.
Hearing Rene's words, Jacob didn't object. Instead, he put down his rice bowl and hesitated before speaking.
"But Neuvillette probably won't trust us to handle something like this."
"He'll agree. This is about the Prophecy."
"Even if this decision carries risks, I trust he can distinguish between what's important and what's not."
Jacob nodded.
"Alright, Rene. I'll follow your lead."
"I am your shadow. You only need to give me orders, not ask for my opinion."
"But you're not my shadow, Jacob. You're my friend," Rene said earnestly.
Jacob simply smiled. "None of that matters, Rene. As long as I can stay by your side, that's enough for me."
Rene looked at Jacob, his expression complex. He truly wished Jacob could have a life of his own, but... Never mind. We need to deal with the Prophecy crisis first. Otherwise, everything is just empty talk.
"Jacob," Rene began, "to remember where the Holy Sword is, I need to become whole again... You understand what I mean, don't you?"
"When you saved me back then, you must have also severed parts of my memories and personality."
"I'm sorry, Rene. I just didn't want to see you tormented by that incident."
Jacob had thought Rene hadn't noticed, but it turned out he had simply never mentioned it.
Then again, how could he possibly not have noticed? This is Rene, after all!
"I understand. I'll return the parts I separated from you back then."
Jacob didn't know if recalling that failed experience would plunge Rene into the same self-blame and agony as before, but he couldn't refuse Rene's request.
He could only hope that after all this time, Rene's heart had found some peace.
-
The next day, Neuvillette tilted his head back and stretched his neck.
Another all-nighter. Though his body could endure it, his mind felt a faint exhaustion.
The recent events had all been matters requiring his full mental and physical effort. The pressure was so immense he dared not sleep, merely closing his eyes at his desk to rest or stepping out onto the platform near the Palais Mermonia to gaze at the distant scenery.
Neuvillette picked up the now-cold black tea and took a sip. Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
Neuvillette paused, momentarily stunned. He'd intended to rest briefly, but new work had already found him.
Setting down his teacup, he called out, "Come in."
Neuvillette had expected to see a Melusine entering with a towering stack of documents. To his immense surprise, the figures standing outside the door were Rene and Jacob.
Of course, they were flanked by two Gardemeks—ostensibly to protect them, but in reality, to monitor them since they had requested to leave the Academy.
Rene and Jacob were both keenly aware of this, and they even felt Neuvillette was being far too lenient.
Just two Gardemeks? Even with most of his power gone, Jacob could handle them effortlessly. He felt he could win even with his hands tied behind his back.
These machines might intimidate ordinary people, but their threat was severely limited against those who could wield Elemental Power.
In fact, just two days ago, while exploring the Academy's layout, Jacob had been astonished to find no powerful individuals guarding such a crucial location. What would happen if enemies attacked? he had wondered.
While there were plenty of Gardemeks, to someone of a certain caliber, they were utterly harmless—nothing more than oversized lumps of scrap metal.
Could it be, Jacob wondered, that Neuvillette trusts me so completely he's effectively handed me the security of the Fontaine Research Institute?
The thought seemed too incredible to believe, yet the facts before him made it undeniable.
Jacob's gaze toward Neuvillette now filled with profound admiration. He was deeply impressed by the man's magnanimity.
Look at this! he thought. He's only assigned two pieces of junk to watch us. We could escape anytime we wanted. How could we not be moved by such a display of trust?!
"Is there something you need?" Neuvillette asked, looking at Rene and Jacob with mild surprise. "Are you finding the environment at the Academy... unsuitable?"
Neuvillette's words seemed to carry a hidden meaning. Unsure if Neuvillette was aware of the rampant slacking at the Academy, Rene hesitated for a moment before deciding against tattling.
"Not at all, Monsieur Neuvillette," Rene replied. "We're living quite comfortably at the Academy."
"We came to see you today primarily to request permission to leave the city."
"I want to retrieve the Holy Sword," Rene explained. "That blade has the power to grant and strip Authority. The Authority I once possessed was bestowed upon me by that very sword."
Neuvillette hesitated after hearing Rene's request.
He had already faced significant public outcry for placing Rene and Jacob in the Academy, far from the heart of Fontaine. Granting them even more freedom could lead to uncontrollable consequences.
Sensing Neuvillette's concerns, Rene quickly added, "Monsieur Neuvillette, I know we are considered sinners. We are already deeply grateful for the relative freedom you've granted us."
"But the Day of Prophecy is imminent. Before it arrives, Fontaine needs every safeguard it can get."
"If you're worried we might flee, we will accept any form of surveillance or control you deem necessary. We only ask that you consider our request carefully."
After listening, Neuvillette nodded.
"Very well. I have heard your request. I will grant you permission to search for the Holy Sword in secret. I hope to hear good news from you soon."
"I will have Clorinde and the Special Task Force accompany you to provide protection and manpower."
"The departure is set for tomorrow."
Rene was inwardly puzzled. He couldn't understand why Neuvillette would delay until tomorrow when time was so pressing.
But he didn't question it further. Neuvillette had already granted his request, and that was more than enough.
"Thank you, Monsieur Neuvillette. We won't disturb your work any longer."
With a nod from Neuvillette, Rene and Jacob left the room.
Neuvillette stared at the newly closed door, lost in thought. He wondered if he was being too lenient with Rene and Jacob, two men awaiting Judgment. But as Rene had said, with the Prophecy looming, it was necessary to secure every possible safeguard for Fontaine.
Just then, another knock sounded at the door. This time, just as Neuvillette had expected, a Melusine entered, her arms laden with a massive stack of documents.
"Monsieur Neuvillette, this is this morning's work."
The Melusine placed the documents on the desk with a dull thud.
"I've separated the more urgent matters here. I hope you can prioritize them, Monsieur Neuvillette."
"Very well, I understand."
Hearing Neuvillette's reply, the Melusine nodded. After gathering the completed documents from the desk, she tiptoed out of the room.
Neuvillette stared at the mountain of paperwork on his desk, let out a heavy sigh, and then resumed his work...