The Principle of a Philosopher by Eternal Fool “Asley”

Chapter 467.3, To Embrace the Past and Seize the Future Scene 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (Split Part 3/4)

[! Chappie! Its time to go! Instructors arcane energy signal has already left this location!]

[Yeah, hurry up and bail!]

It was the night when Asley, Pochi, Lylia, Blazer, Bruce, and Betty infiltrated Regalia Castle. Chappie halted Gaspard, who was by this point Lucifer, with a massive Zenith Breath attack.

Seeing this while staying hidden with Perfect Invisibility, Asley clenched his teeth, silently praying for Chappies safety.

Then, he realized that Bright had not come here unprepared.

It was the fact that Asley was calm and not engaging in the battle here that allowed him to notice this first.

[What in the world!? Why!? H-hey, wait a second! Is that what happened back then!? But this is bad they might get killed if this goes on!!]

Asley dispelled his Perfect Invisibility and began drawing a Circle.

[Ugh, took you long enough!]

[Nows our chance!]

What in the?

Countless pebbles rained down on Gaspards back.

Hmm!?

[Sorry for all the mess we were here just to scout ahead, you see.]

[Bye now!]

Farewell, villain!

Even after their charge ended, Gaspard continued to be pelted by stones of uniform force.

It was Asleys magic Stone Bullet.

Simple disorientation, aimed to momentarily deceive the perception of Gaspard, who had not yet transformed into a Devil. For this end, an intermediate-level earth magic spell was enough.

They got away. What just happened? I smell some residual arcane energy Could it be

Having cast magic from the shadows of Regalia Castle, Asley invoked Perfect Invisibility again and pursued Chappie.

When he caught up with the group on a remote mountain, Chappie showed surprise.

I didnt think wed get out of that unscathed I was prepared to get hurt at least a little bit, you know.

[I see! I understand now Though, I never thought it would be today Today!]

Brights voice was almost lost, yet filled with joy.

This puzzled Ferris and Chappie.

Bright, what are you talking about?

[Bright? You okay?]

Bright did not respond to their questions.

Instead, he addressed someone else.

[Instructor!]

!?

Bright had realized before anyone else that Asley was present in this place.

And it was Asley who first replied to his voice, finally speaking up.

Its been a while, Bright, Ferris Chappie.

Immediately, Chappie froze.

It was as if the entire being of Chappie had halted in time, frozen in place.

Gradually, Chappie trembled, and trembled, and trembled, and then he wept.

Ohh Ohh! OOOHHHHHH!!

Only pure, inexpressible emotion leaked from Chappies mouth.

Unstoppable tremors. Unstoppable tears. Unstoppable emotions. Asley felt the same.

But Asley was Chappies father. Trembling with emotion himself, but knowing that Chappie was unsure what to do or what he should even do, he had no choice but to act.

Step by step, Asley approached Chappie.

Chappies feet remained still. The magnitude of his emotions rendered him immobile.

Only his wings extended as if reaching out to grasp the sky, like a child reaching for something desired.

When Asley touched his wings, Chappie reached the limit of his emotions.

Ohhhhh! FFather! Father! Father! How many times have I dreamed of this day!! Ahh! Ahh! Fathers hands! Fathers hands Ive dreamt of seeing so much! Theyre right here! I missed you! I missed you! I missed you so much! Ahh! I-I Im doing well! Are you doing well, Father!?

Yeah.

I have so much to tell you! Father! Theres so much I want to tell you!!

Yeah.

But! But its strange! Nothings coming out!! Even though I thought so hard! I cant remember anything!! Just being here!! Just being in your arms!! Its so Its so!

Yeah!

Asley held Chappie tightly, responding strongly.

Showing both the dignity and the kindness of a father, he embraced Chappie in a way he had not been able to before, for seconds, for tens of seconds, for minutes, for tens of minutes.

Both wept, both rejoiced, and both supported each other.

Their silver key pendant was enveloped in their embrace.

As Asley held Chappie, as he held Bright and Ferris, he spoke to the crystallized silver key pendant.

Bright, Ferris You two really did great.

[!]

Asleys words to them ended there.

Their responses were merely silent voices.

Yet Asley understood. Bright and Ferris understood.

Everyone here had traveled through difficult times.

Everyone here was a beloved companion.

They were teachers, students, family, friends.

That alone was enough. That was all that mattered.

Lets go all of us! To save Pochi! Save everyone!

[Yes, sir!]

But you know, this quite surprising Asley remarked, sensing the surrounding arcane energy.

[Were grateful for your help, Instructor.] Bright said.

Hey, you guys helped me out a lot, too, Asley responded, showing gratitude for the assistance he had received in this era.

Well, how did we do, Father!? We were amazing, werent we!?

Y-yeah! Of course you were!

It it feels so unreal! Im finally reunited with Father!

[Okay, stop it already, Chicken! If you cry about every single thing, youre gonna die of dehydration!] Ferris pointed out, but Chappie was not about to stop now.

B-but, I mean its HIM, you know!? Hes right here!! Oh, wait, Bright!? What should I do now!?

[Haha]

Bright, the ancient Black Emperor, chuckled dryly in response.

Rise, Storeroom!

From within the void emerged Gaston, the Great Mage of Flame.

Well, well, what do we have here Now this is getting interesting, young man!

You! Youre calling my father young man!? Who do you think you are!? W-wait are you Grandfather!?

[Hahaha]

One more person needs help.

Oh? Even in this era, where it seems like everyone is already on your side, theres still someone?

[That would be Miss Minerva, yes?]

Thats right, Bright. You know her?

Brights observation was sharp and accurate.

Hearing the unfamiliar name, Gaston turned to Asley inquisitively.

Who is this person youre talking about?

Shes a talented mage who lives to the north. She taught magic to Barun, Ida, and Midors and she was going to start attending my makeshift magic classroom herself. However, after a certain point, her behavior became noticeably strange

A certain point when exactly?

~~ Twenty-First Day of the Seventh Month, Ninety-Sixth Year of the War Demon Calendar ~~

On this day, the capital city of Toued, Eddo, would be attacked by Billy and Cleath.

Asley and his companions found themselves in a small artificial cave in Kamiyama, the sacred mountain of Eddo.

What fearsome arcane energy!

[Its anything but ordinary, yes.]

Father! Im scared!

[Uh are we really going to fight someone whos even stronger than THIS?]

Gaston was startled by the arcane energy of the resurrected Devil King. Bright was afraid but calm, Chappie was afraid and NOT calm, and Ferris, doing her best to endure the pressure, talked to Asley.

Yeah Exciting, right?

!?

Asley replied, leaving Gaston, Chappie, and Ferris speechless.

However, Bright had a different response.

[Instructor, is it possible to simply defeat the Devil King Lucifer here, while hes not at full power?]

Asley shook his head.

That that wont work.

[Why not?]

Were not ready yet.

[So its not all about your strength And something else is needed?]

Yeah. I still dont know what that is. But when the time is right Im sure Ill find out.

[Well, that is just about as specific as you can get, I suppose. All right whatever you need, Ill help you out, Instructor.]

With that, Bright fell silent, and Asley turned his attention to Chappie.

Listen, Chappie

Anything you need, Father!

Youre the only one who can move freely in this era. So, please, help everyone.

Leave it to me!

Chappie responded, placing a wing over his chest.

[But remember, we must not add to the fighting force. Move strategically, and strike with the strongest blow in the briefest moment of opportunity.]

In other words the hero of justice mustnt stay the whole time!

[! Theyre starting!]

At that moment, everyone present sensed Billy and Cleaths arcane energy.

Chappie and Asley exchanged a glance, affirming their understanding.

As Chappie flew off, Asley watched him depart with a worried expression.

Gaston casually patted Asleys shoulder.

Weve got our own tasks to handle, dont we?

Yes, sir.

But never thought youd be getting involved in human trafficking at this age.

Its all right, sir I was already one foot in the door when I was in school.

Truly troublesome friends youve got.

I couldnt agree more, sir.

All right, lets get to work, young man Hehehe.