Crusch invites us to return to our rooms while they prepare dinner and mentions that they must be guiding the soldiers at the moment.
Tomorrow a banquet will be held to inform about the strategies to follow during the battle, as well as to assign roles and establish the rules of the event. Emilia accompanies Beatrice to her room as they want to spend time reading the recently acquired book.
As for me, I decide to go out and explore the mansion on my own.
Emilia has handled herself admirably well, even in the face of Félix's hostile behavior; she is gradually improving and learning, although I notice certain difficulties in expressing herself clearly at times.
However, I neither expect nor pretend that she be someone different.
Emilia's name will conquer all fields as she achieves more feats, starting with the confrontation against the white whale. It's thanks to the same principle that I have managed to stay close to Crusch without arousing excessive suspicions and guarding my secrets closely.
When one exceeds the expectations imposed by others, they lose control over us.
In that fleeting moment when I caught Crusch off guard during our previous conversation, I understood how she had internally surrendered to me, allowing me to guide the course of our dialogue.
It is through the same principle that I have managed to remain in close proximity to Crusch without arousing undue suspicion, diligently safeguarding my secrets. When one surpasses the expectations imposed by others, they lose control over us.
In that fleeting moment when I caught Crusch off guard in our previous conversation, I understood how she had internally yielded to me, allowing me to guide the course of our dialogue.
It is akin to what the protagonist did in his encounter with Anastasia; the moment she appeared, he relinquished control over the conversation, overwhelmed by the situation.
Crusch is an exceedingly intelligent woman, yet precisely because of that, she is also remarkably loyal to her own expectations. From my vantage point on the third floor, I can witness Crusch, Félix, and Wilhelm strolling from the courtyard toward a quaint gazebo that opens into an expansive field.
Upon reaching the location, I am enthralled by the beauty of the flower field unfolding before my eyes: roses and various floral varieties standing majestically. In contrast, the gardens of the Roswaal mansion are more generic, a simple courtyard with a scant number of flowers and a prevalence of bushes.
I venture into the field and marvel at the dazzling beauty that unfolds before me.
Vibrantly colored butterflies flutter among the flowers, eagerly seeking the sweet nectar they offer. As I progress and take a turn, I spot an elegant gazebo standing gracefully amidst the landscape.
I approach cautiously, noting the presence of people in this wonderful place. With each step closer, I can clearly distinguish Félix, Wilhelm, and Crusch; all three seem absorbed in contemplating the ornamental rifle.
Félix holds a teacup while Crusch and Wilhelm meticulously examine the firearm, palpating its details and exploring its magazine.
"According to the instructions," Wilhelm explains with a calm voice, "we should insert the magazine into the free slot located at the bottom of the rifle."
I linger there, observing them from a distance, hoping to go unnoticed for a few more moments before revealing my presence.
Unfortunately, I lack the necessary knowledge to move stealthily as they do, so I continue to walk slowly until I become visible. Crusch is about to insert the magazine when I feel her piercing eyes fix directly on me.
In response to her inquisitive gaze, I offer a friendly smile and wave slightly as I approach them.
Wilhelm glances briefly at me while Félix exclaims excitedly, "It's Marco! Nya!" He appears radiant, greeting me with enthusiasm.
Wilhelm, on the other hand, tilts his head slightly as a sign of respect. He is likely grateful for the information provided about the white whale, though I know this is not over yet; there is still much work to be done to ensure our success.
I wonder what would happen if I revealed to Wilhelm that Pandora was the one who murdered his beloved wife. Is it possible to earn his trust and align his interests with mine?
Her death during the whale attack is a vulnerability I could exploit in the future.
But now is not the time for mental wanderings. We must act in the present and focus on the tasks at hand.
"I decided to take a stroll through the majestic halls of the mansion," I explain my reason while Félix curiously surveys his surroundings. Suddenly, without warning, his hands touch my arms and squeeze them with enthusiasm.
"To not be a knight, you have surprisingly well-defined muscles," Félix asserts playfully as he positions himself on my back. I feel the warm touch of his hands on my skin, sensing how he begins to employ his magic.
A shiver runs down my spine at the proximity of his power. Acting angrily now would be imprudent; after all, if he wished, Félix could wreak havoc on my vital organs in the blink of an eye.
I have no way to counteract it being so close.
Moreover, I know he is incapable of sensing the miasma that surrounds me. Crusch, upon noticing, tries to say something, approaching Félix.
However, I am quicker.
"Calm yourself, Miss Crusch," I intervene with a soothing gesture towards her to prevent further disturbances. Félix mutters under his breath as his tail thrashes frenetically.
"It's strange... You possess two elements, yet you've been able to use spiritual arts without being near the corresponding spirit."
The use of spiritual arts requires very close proximity to the related spirit; that's why Julius can't use Fire magic if the spirit is bound to someone else. I'm not claiming to be an exception; rather, my gate and Beatrice's are bound by a contract.
In other words, Beatrice no longer uses her own gate; I'm the one providing her with mana so she can perform the spells.
The protagonist was able to wield the Minya element because he was holding Beatrice's hand at that moment. This principle seemed unbreakable until now, but if Beatrice can use magic, that means the opposite could also be possible.
The key lies in understanding the magical element: you build your own gate and refine it as you use different types of magic.
Beatrice taught me Yin magic and attempted to explain it based on concepts from my own world. I could find logical connections between both systems, allowing me to wield gravitational magic with some proficiency. However, the Minya spell is incomprehensible to me.
I don't grasp the notion of stopping matter in time.
My magic is limited to what I can comprehend, but that is not necessarily negative; it opens doors for me to use things different from what current mages are accustomed to. Of course, this doesn't mean using an element for which my gate was not created is without consequences.
But gradually, it has been adapting and adjusting.
"I only have a few months of experience, so I can't explain a specific reason," I respond evasively, trying to avoid his direct question.
The test of whether knowledge is truly the key lies in the hands of a little girl who is being trained to become a prodigious mage in the future.
I need to test whether it's possible or not, so all that's left for me is to patiently wait until her mentor teaches her the basics while she attends her regular classes.
Her progress will be crucial as having a Yang mage would fill that much-needed power vacuum. The only problem lies in her young age, but well... I'll have to devise some solution for that.
Félix looks at me with curiosity for a moment before casually turning his back. "Well, I guess, in the end, I don't really care much," Félix mutters, downplaying the matter.
Crusch disapproves of Félix's attitude towards me, though the latter remains silent. He seems to have some personal conflict with me, although I genuinely can't recall doing anything to provoke his animosity.
Perhaps, instead of telling me directly, he has conveyed his displeasure through Emilia and is now trying to trap me with his words. Is it possible that Félix is being influenced by the sages? I highly doubt that possibility, but if there's a remote chance it's true, I wonder how Crusch would react to it.
In any case, I need to uncover the truth for myself.
There's only one way to alter Félix's attitude; only one person has that power over him. Therefore, I'll have to get to work without delay.
Approaching with confidence, I formally greet Crusch and Wilhelm. However, before I can advance too far, she stops me abruptly.
"You can simply call me Crusch, Marco," Crusch says confidently, her gaze assured.
Yes... I believe this is the best way.
"Of course, Crusch." I approach her gently, carefully taking the rifle from her hands. Meanwhile, Wilhelm remains attentive to each of my movements, so it's better to wait until he calms down a bit.
"Allow me to instruct you," I say as we move towards the open field. The three follow me, expectant and curious to see what I will do.
Once in the midst of the vast field, I turn to face the three individuals who have placed their trust in me. They watch attentively, observing each of my movements and words.
"I understand each of you perfectly because we share the same vision: we are all capable of progress; however, to achieve it, we must look beyond the horizon." This world is deeply rooted in magic, hindering us from fully harnessing all available possibilities.
I hand the rifle back to Crusch and assume a firm position to aim. She begins to mimic me slowly, and I carefully analyze her posture.
"Do you mind if I make some corrections?" I ask as I identify the errors present in her stance.
Crusch looks at me with bewilderment, likely thinking that the posture doesn't matter much since the weapon functions similarly to a crossbow where you only need to press the trigger. Nevertheless, she nods at my request, and I approach her confidently.
Observing her more closely, I can clearly appreciate Crusch's perfect features; her flawless skin is what captivates my attention the most. Her hair, silky and shiny, would be the envy of many women.
Even I would wish to possess such exquisite locks, although fortunately, mine is much thicker.
"The posture is of utmost importance to prevent injuries, so I ask you to place your feet shoulder-width apart," I instruct her seriously. Crusch obeys without hesitation, and I crouch slightly to make some adjustments.
I touch her ankles and move them subtly, guiding her in each movement.
"The recoil can make you fall; it's like colliding with a sword. Most of the force is directed towards the torso and legs," I explain in detail while she listens attentively. She doesn't utter a word, but I can sense some tension in the air due to our current circumstances.
"Nya! You just said that to take advantage of Miss Crusch!" Félix intervenes, approaching threateningly, but Wilhelm stops him quickly before he can cause any additional trouble.
Félix starts protesting loudly while I continue undisturbed with my teaching.
"The reason we fall primarily lies in a misalignment of the spine during the different postures we adopt. You, as expert swordsmen, are well acquainted with this premise. I am also familiar with the reactions of the weapon you hold in your hands," I comment calmly, silencing any unnecessary remarks before continuing. "I do not wish to cause any harm to Miss Crusch."
Félix seems to complain about the contact, but I don't sense animosity toward me—perhaps I am overthinking. I openly show my intentions; Crusch might discern my lies between the lines, but I don't believe it's severe.
My main goal is to maintain composure and prevent this situation from spiraling out of control.
"I must admit you are extremely cautious, even with your performance during the royal selection," Crusch observes closely as I carefully adjust her legs.
I cannot deny the surprising sensation of her well-defined muscles; I did not expect to find such a contrast upon touching them. I position myself behind her, pondering what to say as I approach slowly.
At this moment, Crusch is beginning to intuit my thought process and will likely set some traps to uncover my true identity.
"Excuse me for a second," I whisper as I place my hands on her hips, surprising even her. "Please, follow the movement of your hips with your back."
With delicacy and precision, I start guiding her through a series of fluid movements.
From the words she has directed towards me, I can sense great fondness and esteem. However, we have never conversed in terms of personality, so Crusch is now on a quest to discover who I really am.
She expects something from me, just as I anticipate something from her. The protagonist has managed to earn her appreciation and trust by remaining optimistic in the face of adversity and becoming a bright light amid so much darkness.
The darkness that envelops Crusch, the reason behind her desire to break the pact with the dragon; even Félix's peculiar attire; everything holds significant relevance that I must uncover.
For someone as imposing as her, the best way to win her admiration is by demonstrating superiority. Though I may not possess the same physical strength, I have my own ways of fighting.
"The revelation of the attack on the cult was saved for Miss Emilia's speech," I comment as I climb onto her shoulders and position the rifle. "I have been working diligently alongside her during this time. At that moment, it was necessary to create a contrast: an unknown person, but with an impressive background; I insulted the pride of the sages to achieve it."
Crusch responds calmly as she watches me start flexing her arms.
"So... did you already know that was going to happen?" she asks intrigued.
I nod affirmatively as I carefully analyze her posture and see that it is already perfect.
"We are all aware of the difficulties Miss Emilia has faced. To reach those who doubt her, she needs to surpass everyone's expectations," I add, recalling the moment she asserted her name and earned respect by releasing her mana and demonstrating her strength.
"Now, the most important thing is to redirect that hatred," I continue, pondering the reasons behind the resentment towards her: being a demi-human without a clear background and, at the same time, having a similar appearance to Satella or at least matching the descriptions.
"Redirect that hatred?" Crusch asks with curiosity in her eyes. I smile, showing her something I have started to forge.
"Yes, the goal is to incite hatred towards Emilia, not for her appearance but for the surprise her actions provoke. However, we must consider that this plan is not foolproof; in the end, her appearance will always have some influence."
Crusch becomes thoughtful, while Félix and Wilhelm fall silent, both seeming to listen attentively to my words, so I continue:
"Emilia must carve out a name for herself, and to achieve that, her achievements will overshadow the actions of the sages and those envious knights who would like to take all the credit," I assert firmly.
I include myself among those who want to create a force against them. The knights' envy and the sages' resentment for not being able to claim the glory will make them seek any opportunity to discredit Emilia at all costs.
"When hatred takes root and becomes visible to everyone, their actions become predictable. That's why I knew that mentioning my achievement of killing the archbishop would inevitably lead us into a battle. I wanted to show them that they were wrong in their assumptions and reveal the existence of a threatening force," I reflect confidently.
Paying attention to Emilia is crucial; it will help us identify who our true allies are and reduce the chances of betrayal. But there is something more I want to achieve.
"I already knew I could defeat that knight, so I decided to face him," I position myself again behind Crusch, being careful not to touch too much. I slide my hand and adjust to assist her in firing.
Interrupting the conversation will divert her attention and prevent them from thinking about the motive until I reveal it or, at least, prevent them from mentioning it aloud.
I guide her hand to the trigger, directing one of her fingers straight to it. Crusch's beauty is undeniable; even in this tense situation, she remains calm. She has understood my intentions, and that reassures me.
Establishing this kind of deep communication is gratifying; perhaps if she survives, I'll try to get along better with her.
Crusch seems surprised by the sudden change in my attitude, but I maintain apparent calmness and serenity as if I don't care about physical contact.
"You're very bold to do this with a candidate for the throne," Crusch comments without looking at me, as I have instructed her to keep her gaze fixed on the rifle.
"If I weren't bold, who knows where I would be today," I respond emphatically. If I had given up, who knows what would have become of me.
"Exhale slowly and hold your breath, prepare for the impact on your shoulder," I whisper with determination.
Crusch inhales deeply again, and as she exhales, I listen attentively to her breath until it momentarily stops. In that very moment, I firmly press her finger.
Bang!
The sound of the shot resonates strongly in the air, causing Félix to cover his ears. The bullet cuts through the space before colliding with a nearby tree, leaving a deep mark on its bark.
Crusch opens her beautiful amber eyes with both surprise and understanding. Now, she grasps what she witnessed during my arduous battle.
"So, that's what happened," Crusch murmurs as she walks toward the damaged tree to examine the consequences of the shot.
"Do your soldiers also possess similar weapons?" Wilhelm asks, intrigued by everything that has unfolded.
I nod affirmatively as I explain that I can produce such weapons on a large scale as long as I have the necessary materials. I begin to describe how simple training is: only precision is required, and they will have that lethally accurate weapon at their disposal.
"In just a few months, you trained your soldiers and managed to defeat the cult," Wilhelm comments, amazed at such an accomplishment.
Obviously, the reason behind this was the lack of intelligence in the cult's attack. They were unprepared and didn't know what they were up against. If it had been against knights, the situation would have been somewhat more complex due to the steel armor they wear, which our current bullets cannot penetrate.
"The true strength lies in knowledge but keeping that knowledge without putting it into practice is, to me, a sin," I assert with conviction.
Wilhelm seems to grasp my words, and I hand him my rifle. In an instant, he assumes the correct posture without much need for my guidance. Given his height, it's a bit more complex, but I position myself behind him in the same way.
I slightly adjust his shoulders and instruct him to repeat the process of deep breathing, just as I taught Crusch.
Wilhelm, having more experience, only needs minimal support after observing Crusch. He fires, and the bullet impacts another nearby tree, a faint mist emanating from the rifle's barrel.
I need nitroglycerin...
"This is just a first version. I will create even better weapons—faster, more powerful, with greater capacity," I smile confidently.
A new era is about to begin, and I will be the one to forge it. Expressing my ambitions might make them view me as a potential problem, but I know they won't play dirty.
At least I can see enough nobility in Crusch to trust her.
It would be different to tell all of this to Anastasia...
My words are not mere empty promises; I back them with tangible evidence, and I consider it important to share them in front of Crusch.
I want to mildly intimidate her, take her out of her comfort zone, but that's not the only relevant aspect.
"If these weapons were available everywhere, I doubt knights would still be necessary," Wilhelm asserts.
Of course, when it comes to sword skills enhanced by magic, only the strongest could stand their ground. But if we talk about the number of fighters... even Julius would struggle to survive.
"Similarly, the strongest knights might be able to deflect a bullet," I continue. "You're well aware of it since you managed to track the bullet's movement, aren't you?"
Thanks to magic, such feats are possible, giving me confidence that one day I can overcome that barrier through improvements or even by adding magical elements.
"You're very observant, Mr. Marco," acknowledges Wilhelm, handing me back my rifle. "Although I know I can deflect it, I recognize that few knights would be able to achieve it." He offers to demonstrate. "If you'd like, I can show you."
"It would be a pleasure to witness it," responds Crusch, approving Wilhelm's proposal.
I quickly prepare, aim skillfully, and use a bit of vita to stay firm on the ground and reduce the rifle's recoil. "Fire when ready," Wilhelm positions himself, holding his sword.
I squeeze the trigger, and the bullet shoots out at great speed. In the blink of an eye, Wilhelm unsheathes his sword and executes a precise cross-cut, splitting the bullet into two fragments.
A wave of wind expands from him as he sheathes his sword again.
Undoubtedly, killing Wilhelm would be possible... Perhaps I alone couldn't, but if all forty of us fire bullets in all directions, even if he reacts to one shot, the continuous barrage should prevent him from dodging them all.
An arrow or a crossbow has a delay of seconds between shots, while a rifle has a delay of milliseconds.
"That was an impressive demonstration," I applaud, genuinely surprised. "You undoubtedly possess great skill."
Wilhelm looks at me with a strange expression, perhaps seeing through my genuine admiration.
"I've never been trained, and until recently, I had never seen someone as skilled with a sword, other than Julius. That's why it truly astonishes me," I admit, slightly disappointed. Perhaps if I had intensely practiced fencing, I could have faced Julius better.
Though, if I had practiced diligently in my world, that would be a different story.
It's evident that fencing in my world is superior due to centuries of development, but it isn't adapted to the extraordinary bodies people have here, thanks to mana.
If someone proficient with the sword came to this world, acquired mana, and fought, I believe they would quickly become one of the strongest individuals.
"When you mentioned it, I was surprised because your body looks robust and well-trained," Crusch remarks, examining me closely.
"I only exercise to stay in shape; my Gate was created recently, so all my life, I relied solely on my strength to grow, without the use of magic."
I walk slowly towards the garden entrance to take my leave. "I'm going to check on Miss Emilia," I announce, turning around to depart. "It has been a pleasure spending this time with all of you."
Crusch holds me from behind. I'm not sure when she approached, but it doesn't surprise me. I turn to face her and notice her intense gaze.
"You..." Crusch looks directly into my eyes, seemingly carried away, which strikes me as odd. "Who are you?"
She realizes what she has said and tries to turn away, pretending it didn't happen.
However, I smile and stop her, taking her shoulder to make her turn back.
"I am Marco Luz. If you want to know more about me, then don't take your eyes off me."
SS-Crusch
A dangerous man.
I carefully insert the magazine into the firearm, mindful of the delicate nature of this recent acquisition. It is exquisitely crafted; at first glance, it resembles a crossbow, yet its design is entirely unique.
I scrutinize the small metal pieces in the magazine, which, according to the accompanying note, are projectiles.
While examining the case for more details, my attention is swiftly seized by his eyes, locking with mine. His gaze catches me off guard, but he smiles and greets me warmly.
Returning the gesture, I observe Felix approaching him with joy, though lately, I've detected a certain peculiarity in him.
After the battle, Felix details the injuries inflicted on the knight he fought. He was on the brink of death, but in my view, it was a fair contest and a remarkable surprise.
The thrill of the unknown envelops me as I gear up to unveil more about this weapon.
"It's Marco! Nya!" Felix beams with joy as he enthusiastically greets. Meanwhile, Wilhelm offers a subtle bow. It seems he wishes to converse with Marco but restrains himself for some reason.
His information about the whale is precise and detailed, as if he witnessed it firsthand. If my assumptions are accurate, he must possess some form of foresight.
"I wanted to take a stroll around the mansion," Marco explains, joining our company. He then begins guiding me on the posture to adopt, which surprises me, considering it's just a trigger-activated firearm.
Boldly and without any fear, Marco touches my body, a gesture I've encountered rarely, including the contact with Felix.
Initially, I feel uncomfortable, but I try to conceal it and pose a question to learn more about him.
However, I'm taken aback when I sense his firm grip on my waist.
The proximity of his hand creates a strange mix of nervousness and curiosity. I attempt to stay composed and continue the conversation, but my mind is preoccupied trying to comprehend his abilities and composure in the midst of this situation.
He continues speaking as if nothing unusual is happening, and I can perceive the honesty in his intentions thanks to the blessing of the wind, which allows me to see the deepest feelings of people.
At that moment, all I can sense in him is great calmness, neither joy nor annoyance, just tranquility.
He goes on to explain his thought process, the plans he executed during the selection, and how he used the revelation of the cult's attack to create a contrast and test the pride of the wise.
My astonishment doesn't wane upon discovering that everything was part of an elaborate scheme. However, I also feel a certain embarrassment for acting impulsively and prejudicially.
As a ruler, I understand the importance of making myself known and comprehending the intentions of others.
"We are all aware of the difficulties Miss Emilia has faced. To reach those who doubt her, she needs to exceed everyone's expectations," he adds, recalling the moment when she asserted her name and earned respect by unleashing her mana and showcasing her strength.
In that moment, I feel somewhat humbled by his mindset. As a ruler, learning to deflect hatred and adversity is an invaluable skill. Although I am overwhelmed by all that I have discovered, I also feel a renewed determination to face the challenges that arise and achieve my goal.
His words and actions make me realize that Marco, more than a mere ally, harbors a mystery even deeper and more fascinating than I had imagined. On my path to the mastery I crave, I know that having allies like him will be essential to confront any adversity that may come our way.
His response startles me, prompting an inevitable inquiry:
"Are you deflecting your animosity?"
He then proceeded to elucidate everything, from his arrival to the confrontation with the knight, delineating his plan meticulously from inception to conclusion and imparting his perspective on the unfolding events.
Marco transcends my initial perception; undoubtedly, he embodies the cogitation befitting a sovereign.
The plan had been fastidiously devised from its profound origins to its resplendent culmination. It constituted an intricate strategic puzzle, where each component served a precise and vital purpose.
Every nuance had been contemplated with obsessive meticulousness, foreseeing the adversary's maneuvers, and preparing us for any eventuality.
With assurance, he clasps my hands, and sensing his sincerity and benevolent intent, I opt to embrace his gesture unreservedly.
Projecting negativity at this juncture would be imprudent and juvenile, considering his consistently amiable and courteous demeanor towards me.
His hands exude a firm and secure grasp yet lack any perceptible calluses.
His musculature is well-defined, and his countenance diverges from the conventional standards of aristocratic elegance I typically observe in other noble gentlemen.
Inexplicably but undeniably true, I derive aesthetic pleasure from scrutinizing him intently. His presence emanates imposing and magnetic force, coupled with an optimism and a meticulous vision of things.
"You display remarkable audacity in doing this with a throne candidate," I remark without glancing at him, my gaze fixed on the rifle.
I endeavor to catch him off guard, or at the very least, evoke a sense of intimidation.
"If he weren't audacious, who knows where he would be today," he responds emphatically. In some way, it's somewhat unsettling.
Marco's intellectual prowess has been a trait I've been able to appreciate throughout our previous interactions.
His sharp mind, honed like a well-tempered sword, has not only excelled in the business realm but now I can glimpse his brilliance effortlessly spanning various fields.
I exhale slowly, holding my breath as I prepare for the impact on my shoulder. Focused and following each of his meticulous steps, I sense his hand pressing mine and guiding my finger to the trigger of the weapon.
Bang!
The thunderous sound resonates in my ears as I feel a solid impact on my shoulder.
However, thanks to Marco's strategically adopted position, my body manages to absorb much of the recoil caused by the explosive discharge.
From that moment on, my eyes remain fixed on the direction of the projectile with renewed astonishment and an incredulity that permeates my entire being.
His innate skill is something I cannot ignore.
I recognize that having someone like him by my side would be an invaluable addition to my future purposes. However, I deeply regret not being able to offer him help before his path crossed with Emilia's.
Now, as I reflect on the possibilities of forging a solid alliance between us, Marco's exceptional perspicacity becomes evident.
Having abstained from delving into certain delicate subjects during our prior conversations, this leads me to infer that precisely those topics are what endow them with their importance and uniqueness.
"I shall ascertain the activities of Miss Emilia," Marco announces while executing a half-turn to depart. "It has been a pleasure sharing this time with all of you."
His figure recedes gradually, yet his presence seems to grow increasingly robust and enigmatic.
Inexplicably, he has appeared in our lives to revolutionize everything entirely. The compelling demonstrations of his capabilities bolster my confidence in his words; however, my sense of peril remains on constant alert.
At that moment, Wilhelm whispers cautiously into my ear: "If you permit me to express my opinion... I genuinely believe that allowing a man to like him complete freedom of action is more perilous than keeping him as an ally. Marco is a troublesome individual; he has deliberately identified his adversaries and taken measures for future confrontations."
Even Wilhelm Van Astrea seems to harbor high expectations for him. Unconsciously, I find myself clutching Marco's attire, preventing him from fully withdrawing.
I gaze at him with seriousness, and he turns towards me, meeting my gaze without any fear.
The words escape my lips before I can restrain them:
"You..." My voice falters for a moment as I scrutinize him intently. "Who are you?"
Upon realizing the error in posing such a direct question, I half-turn and attempt to distance myself; however, Marco firmly grasps my shoulder, successfully recapturing my attention.
"I am Marco Luz," he responds tranquilly. "If you wish to know more, then do not avert your gaze from me."
His words envelop me surprisingly, evoking a fleeting memory in the depths of my mind: a vague yet familiar reminiscence where I heard exactly those same words before.
I clench my fists tightly to suppress that ephemeral memory and make it fade into the mist of forgetfulness.
His contagious optimism and his ability to elucidate situations create an overwhelming sense of self-assurance. The meticulously devised plan to defeat the white whale displays an impressive coherence and solidity.
Nevertheless, there is something more about him that transcends his masterful strategies.
There is something that stands out even more about him: he is willing to take the greatest risks without hesitation or shelter behind commanding armies from afar as others do.
It's peculiar, as if he could see through us. It feels like he already knows in advance how we might act, who we are.
As if he already knows us.
Is it possible to fully trust someone like him? How far will his influence extend over us? These questions persist in my mind as I continue to observe Marco with a mixture of fear and fascination, aware that, if an alliance is not formed, I will have to face him.
After witnessing all that he has accomplished and connecting all the dots, I can only assert with overwhelming certainty:
Marco Luz... is a dangerous man.