[I think it was the original who took over your body, because his presence felt exactly as it should.]
'If it's him, then I understand that new habit — especially if he cleared the true dungeon.'
Even if it was the original who had taken control of his body, Enrico wouldn't trust that. There was no way to ignore the fact that his body had been possessed twice, and one of those times had been before the original soul was placed back into its rightful vessel.
'Why is this crap so confusing, and why is my mind always blocked from any memory?'
[...I wish I could tell you there's one more problem.]
'What kind of problem?'
[I sensed the presence of a Nartheis within your body.]
Enrico, who had just started drinking water, choked for a moment. The guard escorting him tried to help. Enrico was already on his way to meet Queen Sofia and his professors from Astrong Academy — and now something bad was showing up again.
'That Nartheis presence is still inside me?'
[No, I scanned your entire body and found nothing. You can rest easy; no one else will discover it.]
He didn't know what that was, so it seemed he'd have to talk to that person — maybe at least they could explain how to use that magic he saw in the recording he analyzed overnight.
'Strangely enough, I feel like I can control that magic, but for some reason, I can't use it — as if it's sealed.'
The guard stopped in front of him, opening a door, while another, more serious guard stood beside it. Once Enrico entered, the guard closed the door, staying outside with the other. Inside, Enrico saw Queen Sofia, Director Hao, and his master Virelle, all silent and staring seriously at him.
'Let's see what excuse I come up with this time.'
"Welcome, young Enrico. I hope you've rested well."
"Yes, Queen Sofia, I had an excellent rest and feel like I could keep fighting for hours."
Enrico glanced at Virelle, silently pleading with his eyes that she not cancel his training because of his injuries. She sighed and nodded lightly, which relieved him.
'I won't stop training him, but I'll reduce the physical exercises for now.'
'Why do I suddenly feel uneasy? I hope she wasn't lying.'
[I hope so too.]
'Always fighting against my progress, aren't you, System…'
Pointing to the recording projected above the table, Sofia's eyes showed curiosity, eager to know more.
"Could you tell me what that magic was?"
"…Let's just say I don't fully know either, since it comes from a true dungeon I went through."
Sofia was taken aback, while Hao and Virelle understood where Enrico was going with this. When they saw her expression, both stood up to intervene — but Sofia quickly rose too, staring him in the face.
"Wait, what do you mean you've been to a true dungeon? You're still a second circle, aren't you? Don't tell me your teachers are irresponsible enough to let that happen?"
"Queen Sofia, it seems we'll have to wait to learn about that magic. It's a high-level secret of our territory."
"You—"
"Don't worry, we'll reveal it at the meeting of the Five Kings in a few months."
Her face showed suspicion, but she had to accept it to avoid political trouble. That boy wasn't even from her territory, so she couldn't do anything.
"Very well, Director Hao. I hope that meeting truly provides a good reason why a boy who hasn't even reached the Third Circle entered such a dungeon."
"I'm sure the meeting will answer your questions — and we'll reveal something to you as well."
"If you're trying to increase my curiosity, congratulations — you've succeeded."
Sitting back in her chair, she gave permission for Enrico to leave, though her eyes stayed on his back. The secrets of Sanos seemed quite intriguing, and that boy appeared to be right at the center of them all.
"With your permission, Queen Sofia."
Enrico bowed and left the room, still feeling her gaze on him. Meanwhile, Director Hao and Virelle stayed behind to discuss certain matters about an alliance.
'She's so curious — I'm one hundred percent sure she'll agree to the alliance, especially once she sees what she stands to gain.'
[So, with her, that makes two territories plus the vampire dimension as part of the alliance… that's good. Now we just need the elf dimension, the other two territories, and to strengthen ties with the other continents.]
'Yes, with that, part of my plan is complete.'
"Young master, how did it go? I hope you're all right — you need to rest."
Angela appeared behind him, startling him slightly — she'd caught him completely off guard, her power level much higher than his. That only made him feel more frustrated at the gap between them.
'I have to get stronger soon — at least then these big shots won't be able to sneak up on me like that.'
[Don't rush, Enrico. You need to take it slow — your body's in terrible shape.]
'You sound like a teacher worrying about her student.'
"Of course, Angela. I'm fine, and I feel ready for action."
Seeing his enthusiasm, she smiled oddly and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder so as not to hurt him. With a dark tone in her voice, she leaned close to his ear.
"You're going to rest, and I'll make sure of it. So please, young master, don't do anything reckless."
"Y-yes, Lady Angela."
Leading him to his room, she kept her hands on his shoulders, beginning to massage them. Enrico's face relaxed, satisfied by how good the massage felt — not quite on Yumeha's level, but still excellent.
'I think I'll want a massage from Yumeha too.'
"I'm here, master!"
He'd barely thought about it when Yumeha came running at incredible speed, immediately taking position at his right shoulder with a smile.
[What the hell was that? How?]
'I don't know, but this feels way too good.'
He felt even better as the two seemed to develop a small rivalry over who could give the best massage — which, surprisingly, made it feel even better.