CH 51.3

Jiang Yiyi tilts his head, because he is hearing a voice. A familiar voice, blabbering on with speed.

【“It is a fool’s errand, because the fools attempt to change the world, without adequate ability in hand. They are blameless, but their possession of their goals is not.

They cannot protect what they have; they try in vain to control it all regardless. The mismatch between capability and ambition, will only bring forth destruction.

A destruction wrought by their own foolishness.”】

“Doctor?” Mentor has waited for a few seconds, but Jiang Yiyi is not answering. In fact, it is obvious he is distracted, so he calls out to him.

Jiang Yiyi comes back to the room, while wondering… who is that familiar voice?

Not the erstwhile ‘childhood friend,’ for sure, but someone else.

Someone else he can find nowhere in his memories.

It seems, the things he has ‘forgotten’ must include some rather colourful episodes.

Jiang Yiyi claps his hands together. There is a change in the air; it is suffocating.

Magician straightens up by reflex, and focuses all his attention to the front.

Mentor, though, remains relaxed. In fact, he looks somewhat puzzled at Jiang Yiyi’s change.

“Because founding Stargaol was the wrong decision.”

There is a reflection glimmering among Jiang Yiyi’s fingers, pushing the tense mood further along.

Mentor, though, does not appear to have registered the mood at all, continuing the conversation unabated, “since you already know details about Extraordinaries, you should also know that Stargaol’s existence is indispensable.”

“Extraordinaries’ desire for blood and death will only cause them to shower the world in blood and in death.” Mentor, in a manner resembling his every lesson to his past pupils, explains, “they would have had to die, but Stargaol saved not only the innocent lives, but theirs as well.”

Jiang Yiyi looks up at Mentor, “a sanctimonious attitude.”

Magician is primed to act. He has already seen how Jiang Yiyi’s ability plays out, which makes him all the more wary for what is to come——If not for some extant circumstances, he would have stopped this conversation right here, right now, and lead Mentor away.

That is the choice any individual would make to save their own life.

“You should be aware, that what you have just said can only have been from an Extraordinary’s perspective?” Mentor calmly points out, “it is a description which places them in a position of pity, or even a position to be rescued.”

Jiang Yiyi narrows his eyes while staring.

Mentor smiles, picking up the slack in the conversation, “previously, I have received information from Lin Yi, which most people think is nonsense. I’m quite the opposite, as I now see the veracity in it.”

“Information that, Doctor has lost some of his memories, even including the reason why he came to Stargaol.”

Mentor leans forward, and swiftly removes the thin blade from Jiang Yiyi’s hands, putting it onto the coffee table, “Doctor, you might have been the player on the chessboard, but do you think that it is possible, that you are actually one of the pieces on the board?”

Jiang Yiyi is looking at the stolen blade——After the absurdly strong, average NPC Magician, and the practically invincible NPC Gatekeeper, this is the third NPC he’s met, that is a special, overpowering NPC.

He thinks he has a reason for why both Magician and Gatekeeper had unremarkable appearances.

Because, on the fifth and sixth floors, NPCs with their level of capabilities really can be found just about anywhere.

Mentor, meanwhile, being a special, distinct NPC, lives up to the unique appearance.

While all three of them are overpowering, but the truth is – Magician would rather avoid Jiang Yiyi’s wrath, Gatekeeper would freeze up when Jiang Yiyi acts, while Mentor——took Jiang Yiyi’s blade from his hand, right in front of his eyes.

Then Jiang Yiyi moves on to the ‘Menace’ written in small characters next to his nickname, and the empty dissection diagram and Emotions Chart with only ‘Benevolence’ there.

It makes him recall the only other person with the label of ‘Menace.’

Equally, and perhaps even more exceedingly good-looking, the other ‘Menace’——Jian Si, is… really quite different in level from Mentor.

Jiang Yiyi finds himself rather unexpectedly calm, not feeling much surprise at Mentor’s strength, or feeling the need to concede for now due to Mentor’s capability. Instead, he is excited——To try again.

Since Jiang Yiyi has more than one blade, of course.

Before that can happen, Mentor puts a stop to it——He can see Jiang Yiyi becoming intrigued, and does not believe it is a good idea to allow him to try again.

“Doctor, are you not interested in the person behind all this?” Mentor finally and casually lets his intention out, “naturally, I am not asking to work together with Doctor.” He says, quite frankly, “since the fate awaiting those who work with Doctor are generally undesirable.”

“But as a piece of friendly advice, perhaps, Doctor, some of your opinion on Stargaol’s affairs are too harsh?”

Mentor is still gentle and loving, just as he has been since entering, displaying an intellect that comes with age, and showcasing a remarkable charisma.

“From our previous discussion, I believe Doctor knows just as well as I do, that if this person operating behind the scenes exist, he or she definitely holds a strong animus towards Stargaol.” Mentor gently says, “I do not sense the same from Doctor. Instead, I feel like Doctor is more neutral in stance, that we may win you over.”

“Many people have told me about the dangers and risks associated with Doctor, but I believe only what I see personally, that I may judge the truth behind smokes and mirrors, don’t you agree?”

“In this case, Doctor, and in the case of Stargaol as well, for example.”

Mentor takes the place, and puts it back between Jiang Yiyi’s fingers, “let the weapon be always in your own hands, that is a must. When unsheathing it, though, I believe it is prudent to judge if the target deserves it.”

The cold touch awakens the feeling on his skin. Jiang Yiyi’s finger twitches, and the blade disappears from sight.

This is the first person, who has genuinely surprised Jiang Yiyi by pure character.

There may be wrong given names, but no wrong nicknames.

‘Mentor’ is the best nickname for him.

And Jiang Yiyi completely understands why Lin Yi will say that he will find it extremely difficult to refuse him.

While the student of his…

He look at Lin Yi.

After a bit more silence, Jiang Yiyi smiles, “quite reasonable advice indeed. Words from others are their subjective opinions. I ought to be the one to see for myself, what sort of existence Stargaol is.”

Listening to the melody reveals the meaning of the song.

Mentor nods, “not to mention, unlike others, Doctor. You have been a law-abiding, model citizen only serving the remainder of your sentence right now. Because of this, it is my personal belief that there is no need to treat Doctor the same way as the others.”

“In fact, Stargaol could really use more psychologists.” Mentor’s ability to talk bullshit with a straight face is just as impressive as well.

“For the two reasons I mentioned above, I believe Doctor should surely enjoy a certain degree of freedom, under the supervision of your Outstanding Supervisor.”

Mentor leans forward, staring into Jiang Yiyi, “and to put Doctor’s goodwill to good use, helping to diagnose and prescribe suitable intervention in other prisoners’ cases, that we may contribute what little we can to maintaining Stargaol.”

“It really would be difficult not to find oneself in a pleasant mood when conversing with you.” Jiang Yiyi decides to label him with a ‘Neutral.’

“I think so too.” Mentor speaks a little more quietly, “in fact, putting our current disagreement on Stargaol aside, I believe there is still a lot we may talk about.”

Jiang Yiyi makes a show of disappointment, “it is truly unfortunate that you appear to be quite busy…”

Mentor follows up without hesitation, “if Doctor is so inclined, I am always free to oblige.”

Jiang Yiyi then chuckles, “Stargaol should have a more urgent need of you though, shouldn’t they?”

Mentor pauses seeing Jiang Yiyi’s smiles for a few seconds. Just like Jiang Yiyi, he has judged Jiang Yiyi very highly thus far.

As dangerous as the comments on the reports suggest, he is a flame mixed with both danger and allure——Alluring, especially, for a specific type of people.

And Jiang Yiyi’s appearance is not simply unremarkable either. Only the rather dark fog surrounding him has largely kept the attention of others away from him; the weak fear him, the strong will avert their gazes.

He has seen many geniuses with strong convictions, plus intelligence and emotional integrity; and also countless lunatics who have gone off the deep end and into a frenzy——This bottom floor of Stargaol is home to several such individuals fitting both description.

Even with that vision, he can say that he has not yet seen someone like Jiang Yiyi. Both the most extraordinary black and white co-exist on him. Those who see the dark will call him the source of all bloodshed and conflict, the father of all conspiracies.

Those who are fortunate enough to see the white, will most likely be madmen who are deeply entangled in darkness themselves. They will find themselves irresistibly attracted, and try to guide their lost friend to the ‘proper path.’

A most peculiar person, not easily labelled by words, and burdened by a lost past.

Mentor thus smiles further, “compared to you, Stargaol is nothing but ordinary.”

A person who can easily gain the trust of anyone. Truths and lies are one and the same from their mouth. Tread with extreme caution. Let your guard down for a moment, and your breath will be taken away in an instant.

What a terrifying opponent——Is what both Jiang Yiyi and Mentor are thinking right now.

Author’s notes:

The overpowering, special NPC——Mentor.

He can tell lies as if it was the truth, and vice versa. Meaning, everything he said can easily have been half-truths or outright lies. (So don’t get misled, dear readers)

There is a reason this game is difficult enough that no players have ever reached the true ending yet, instead dying over and over again in new and exciting ways.

Especially because, on the fifth and sixth floors, NPCs with Gatekeeper’s and Magician’s level of capabilities really are everywhere.

Anyway, let’s congratulate our dear Jiang Yiyi for unlocking the ability to get in touch with his neighbours.

Neighbours coming online in 3… 2…