(Ken POV)
"Excuse me, Mr. Bruce, did I hear you correctly?"
The Headmaster turned flabbergasted by my answer that was rather unorthodox, even for him.
Even the Dragonheart siblings stared at me like I'm a lunatic or something along the lines. Well, their reactions are not that surprising any longer since it was exactly the same expression that they assumed when they saw me seemingly talking myself back in my room just a few moments ago when I recently woke up.
I grinned in response and patted my chest to emphasize my 100% certainty.
"You got that right. I don't give a damn about reason or whatever you like to call it."
"Care to elaborate us, Mr. Bruce?"
The Headmaster asked and I nodded without hesitation.
"Sure. While I'm not denying that there must be some sort of reason for everything that's happening in this world, what I'm merely saying is that is it really that something to be thought about deeply that much? The reason of one may be a whole lot different from the reason of another, and it's not entirely set in stone. For example, the war with Asmodeus, the reason or to be more precise, the outcome may be perhaps as what you have said; the achievement of a greater peace thru war and the strengthening of humankind. But what about the others that were not involved in the war then? Like those Monks isolated from the world high at Mt. Jolnar. For what reason do you wish to entail upon them?"
I paused to rest my throat for a very brief moment before continuing my argument.
"In short, the world is full of mysteries that can't be deciphered by mere reason alone. Thus, it's not really worth worrying about it extremely since there are so many things to be considered. But hey, that's just my opinion, so don't take it too much at heart, hahaha."
Wow, I never thought that I would get to recite that kind of intelligent speech in my entire life.
Well, to be honest, not all of that was me. Vivian assisted in imparting the words so I may convey them properly. After all, I never had been blessed with the silver tongue for as long as I can remember.
One of the perks of having a smart old lady in my head I suppose.
Luckily, I'm a bit knowledgeable when it came to history since grandpa would force me to read some books ever since I was a kid. That's the reason why I even knew the Monks of Jolnar in the first place.
"Out... outstanding, Mr. Bruce!! I never would have imagined for you to possess quite an academic mind!!!"
I'm not sure if I should be delighted or offended by his remark.
"Haha, yes. You indeed have unraveled some light in this conversation of ours, Mr. Bruce. Perhaps you are interested in joining the debate club here?"
"Hehe, I'll think about it."
Ana and Alex were also surprised by my rather long statement and expressed their awe at me.
"Mongrel, you're actually smart!? Hehe, you are definitely someone worthy to be my rival."
"As expected from the Magus of Infinity. You never cease to amaze us all."
I chuckled at their compliments while sheepishly scratching my head.
This blissful moment of mine was cut short when the Headmaster interrupted the three of us.
"And that my dear students, is one of the essences of academics, a good old-fashioned debate!! It's only natural that if you are here in my academy, the clashing of opinions and beliefs are of the norm as we promote the value of freedom of expression around here."
He then faced the Dragonheart siblings and bow his head apologetically.
"I apologize once more for instigating some sensitive issues at you two. While our opinions differ, let this not get in our way to fulfilling a prosperous relationship with one another. This simply is a civil battle of wits and minds, with no hard feelings, a sport if I may call it. There's never a rule stating that people with conflicting beliefs can never be friends. I constantly tend to emphasize that particular notion whenever two or more persons were rather caught up in the heat of an academic or even political argument."
Ana and Alex turned to look towards one another as if they had some sort of secret communication exclusive only to them. After a short while, they faced the Headmaster and it was Alex who said on their behalf.
"Very well, sir. We also apologize for being quite irrational as well."
As things finally took an amicable turn, Gray then opened the window to reveal us the view of the academy from above.
It was a breathtaking sight, that I can only say.
"Destruction brings Creation anew, shedding the dark amidst its everlasting light. As per my argument, I never meant that I supported such atrocity, but you can't refute that there's still a reason, whether good, bad or somewhere in between, as preordain in their mysterious ways. The academies are consequently created, to also nurture the youth and impart them the lessons of the past so we may apply it in the present and bring salvation in the future."
Well, the kid was not the Headmaster for nothing, I guess. He resonated with the gentle aura of an educator, willing to educate his students for the sake of their growth and awareness.
"And I believe you three are wondering why I even came up with the topic of reason, correct?"
The three of us nodded and the Headmaster illustrated our doubts and turn his attention to me specifically.
"As everything happens for a reason, I believe that your rebirth as the Magus of Infinity was not by mere coincidence alone. There must be some sort of purpose behind it, no doubt."
Huh, the kid was definitely insightful for having made such a valid conclusion.
If that's the case, then there's no point in delaying to inform him about my true intentions here.
With an awkward laugh, I said to him-
"Ahaha, well, about that..."
I commenced explaining to them from the very beginning, starting from my first meeting with Vivian at the Rivershire lake all the way to the present.
(Ken POV)
Excluding Vivian and myself, every occupant of the room widened their eyes with extreme shock at what I have just told them.
The return of the Demon Emperor, Asmodeus.
I was reluctant to tell the Headmaster at first since the Dragon siblings were with me, but Master told me that it's fine, since the Dragonhearts also had the right to know with them being stalwart allies of the Magus of Infinity as well.
The Headmaster now assumed a business-like, grave expression, one that was befitting for someone of his prestigious status, unlike the one that he displayed earlier.
"I see. Then this changes things. For 500 years, after the war, we have managed to secure a lasting peace with the Demon Empire of Gahenna right after Mistress Algrande's demise or imprisonment rather as what you have explained to me just recently. The current Demon Emperor, Gorzha, is a reasonable and honorable man who values peace, and Gahenna has essentially become our friend and ally gradually over the years. While the Goddess's words are absolute and I believe them with all my heart, it would be detrimental if we instigate a war with them without any sufficient evidence to prove your claim."
I nodded in understanding and crossed my arms in response.
"I supposed that makes sense. We can't just barge in through the Empire and announce that Asmodeus has reincarnated and is currently among them. That would spell a whole load of disaster and many would certainly take advantage of that."
Alex agreed with me and shared his opinion as well.
"Yes. While most of the Demon race have softened and were not the destructive fools that we knew from the history books, we can't deny that there are still many who harbor their lust for war and battle. This particular group of extremists might be housing Asmodeus, and may simply deny your claim, biding for the right moment to strike us at our most vulnerable state. If we push the issue further, then it may be a valid reason for Gahenna to declare war on us, plunging this land into chaos once more. Even if Emperor Gorzha is honorable as the Headmaster says, if the demons were to be provoked, then he would be forced to act as per the will of his people."
Ana shook her head and found this all too troublesome. Nevertheless, she also gave her point of view.
"And for all we know, we're not even certain if Asmodeus is even in the Demon Empire in the first place. There's also the possibility that he's hiding in other nations as well."
All of them made valid points and I rubbed my head in frustration at how problematic this truly was.
Regarding Ana's well-pointed-out statement, while Master has sensed Asmodeus during his rebirth, this does not mean that she could pinpoint his exact location.
"In short, there are a lot of factors that we need to consider and we are essentially in the unknown. Fuck, this is going to be a lot harder than I thought."
I heard Vivian clicking her tongue in annoyance at the fact that this was going to be a tough venture on our part.
I sighed at how this was going to be a fucking pain in the ass.