Chapter 79: S2. Resentment To The Stars – 2
The journey to find the mathematician Lot was quite exhausting. It was only after asking survivors from the university about his whereabouts, discovering the address of his apartment, and fending off the crazies who charged at them that Bennett and Niolle could finally track him down.
They arrived at the very end of the 4th floor of an apartment building.
From this point, it became evident that he was no ordinary individual, as the door had been welded shut, rendering it impossible to open from either the inside or the outside. The reinforced windows suggested that he wasn’t planning on leaving anytime soon; it seemed he was committed to dying inside if it came to that.
[Should we just cut out the door?]
“Let’s⋯⋯ knock first.”
Knock knock knock.
After knocking three times in a steady rhythm, a voice suddenly rang out from within. It had a sharp, clear tone. Just from hearing his manner of speech, they could tell he was quite the eccentric.
“Multiply 42 by 3, what do you get?”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯?” [⋯⋯⋯⋯.]
Taken aback by the sudden math attack, Bennett and Niolle exchanged bewildered glances. What does he mean by that? Did I hear that right?
After about three seconds of silence, the mathematician Lot spoke up.
“Seeing that you didn’t blurt out the answer immediately, I can gauge the performance of your brains. I’ll treat you like monkeys and speak kindly as a result. So, why. Are. You. Here?”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
His condescending tone, as if soothing an infant with every word, caused veins to pop on Bennett’s forehead. Niolle gently patted Bennett’s shoulder.
[Stay calm, Bennett.]
“Looking at you monkeys grooming each other, I see you possess some social skills. I figure if your intelligence isn’t quite up to par, at least your sociability should be passable. And yet, have you still not learned to speak? You seem like you’ve been alive for at least a month.”
[Should we hold back this time, Bennett?]
“⋯⋯We need to. After all, we’re the ones asking for a favor here.”
But if he brushes us the wrong way one more time, I’ll break that welded door in half and teach him a lesson. Bennett steeled his resolve.
“In case you forgot, I’ll ask you again. Why. Are. You. Here?”
“Do you know Professor Abraham, the astronomer?”
[⋯⋯⋯⋯.]
Niolle began preparing a spell on the side, ready to unleash the spell “Door Breaching” if Lot spoke ill of Abraham.
“He was one of the few people I could actually have a decent conversation with. Though his only flaw was being a bit too soft-hearted.”
“We’re here to ask for your help with calculating the research left behind by Abraham.”
“In this time where time is screaming at us, and where monsters are flying around that make biologists want to throw themselves off a cliff? You must either be insane or a physicist. Just for your information, those two words mean the same thing.”
“Just let us know if you’ll do it or not.”
I barely held back the addition of “Unless you want a bad time.”
“Hmm⋯⋯ just give it to me. I’m about to run out of crossword puzzles anyway. I even contemplated jumping off if I ran out of things to do, but fortunately, it seems my lifespan just got extended a bit.”
Click.
A small gap for mail opened below the welded door. Bennett slid Abraham’s research materials through the slot without worrying about what might happen if Lot just went silent after receiving it.
If that was the case, he had every intention of bursting through the ceiling or floor, delivering a good whack to his head, and leaving with the research in hand.
Fortunately, Bennett wouldn’t need to waste any mana.
“This is⋯⋯ quite interesting. So, you want the alpha value?”
“Can you calculate it?”
“It won’t even take a day. It’ll be fun to engage those beloved brain cells of mine again. Now go home.”
“How should we receive the results?”
No answer. Frustrated, Bennett banged on the door. Lot shouted back irritably.
“Like a barbaric monkey! Disturbing someone trying to concentrate!”
“I asked how we’re going to receive the results⋯⋯.”
“355!”
Swish. A walkie-talkie came flying through the opening. Bennett picked it up and tucked it into his bag. The number Lot shouted was probably the frequency at which they’d receive communications.
He was indeed a strange and eccentric individual, but considering that all great wizards have a few screws loose, Lot’s behavior wasn’t completely incomprehensible. There had to be a good reason Abraham mentioned his name; his capabilities were likely substantial.
However, despite this understanding, a nagging unease settled in Bennett’s heart, and he firmly warned Lot through the door.
“If you don’t contact us by the end of today, I swear I’ll blow this house sky-high. Along with adding a lesson on humility and modesty right on your noggin.”
No response.
[⋯⋯Will that be fine?]
“We can only hope for the best⋯⋯. In the event this goes down the gutter, we’re bound to find another way. So don’t worry.”
[⋯⋯⋯⋯.]
Bennett and Niolle decided to rush back. While they believed that the chance of anything happening during their brief absence was low, leaving Tara without protection was a risk they couldn’t afford.
===============================================================
“⋯⋯That’s how it went.”
“So that’s why you said we just need to wait⋯⋯.”
Tara stared intently at the walkie-talkie resting on the table. When it finally beeped, it would signal the commencement of the final challenge—a challenge in which she wouldn’t be involved.
For a moment, she was tempted to force her way in, but remembering the predicament she had just faced, nearly overpowered by one merely man, she realized that staying behind was probably more beneficial.
Even if I went, I’d likely just be a nuisance anyway.
Crouching down, Tara took a discreet glance at Bennett. Leaning against the wall, he looked surprisingly handsome, more so than she had noticed at their first meeting.
His sharp eyes and the structure of his nose made him resemble a wolf to some extent.
Having sensed her gaze, Bennett turned his head towards her.
“Do you have something to say?”
Tara’s heart skipped a beat. What should I even say? Was I staring too openly? In the midst of her panic, Tara slowly spoke up.
“⋯⋯Hey, did I ever get to say thanks… to you?”
“I don’t recall you mentioning it.”
Caught in her fluster, it seems I didn’t even manage to thank him yet. Tara frantically started to sift through her mind for words. How can I express my gratitude? Would it convey more meaning if I used formal language?
If I just speak as usual⋯⋯ but how did I usually treat Bennett before?
Honestly, she had given it hardly any thought. Even during their first meeting, her impression was merely that his “scar was disgusting.” But as she learned more about him, her feelings began to shift gradually.
The way he rushed into battles bravely. His ability to guide the group when everyone else was lost. The fact that if someone accidentally spilled food during mealtime, he was the one who would clean it up first⋯⋯.
Yes, that’s right. The person named Bennett, contrary to his exterior, was actually quite caring. There were times when she thought he was cold-blooded before⋯⋯ but now she understood it was simply his way of trying hard.
Recalling the comforting gesture he made when she was grieving Abraham suddenly brought warmth to her cheeks.
And just a little while ago, he got angry for her sake.
Now, merely looking at Bennett made her heart race and her head spin. It felt as if she were sick; she could hardly control herself, and if she let her guard down for even a moment, she would end up staring at his profile.
Tara knew what these symptoms were called.
The mountains of romantic novels she had buried herself in during her rebellion all uniformly pointed towards one conclusion. This fever was called love.
“⋯⋯⋯⋯!!”
Tara’s face turned beet red, as if it was going to explode. She buried her face between her knees to hide her expression. Then she stammered out,
“⋯⋯Thank you for saving me, Bennett.”
“You don’t have to worry about it.”
“⋯⋯I really mean it. I’m genuinely thankful that you saved me.”
“I’ve never doubted that.”
Bennett’s casual response only served to confuse Tara further. Was I too brusque all this time? Should I have been softer or gentler? What do I do now?
There was going to be a clear difference in social status between them now.
Once her divine power ran out, causing her to lose her position as a saintess, she would very likely be expelled from the academy. As long as the church didn’t seize her meager funds, she’d have enough to live a leisurely life in the capital for a while… but…
It would be incredibly challenging to meet Bennett again. Academy students were treated like second-tier nobility. For Tara, who would return to the life of a commoner, casually running into him wouldn’t be possible.
Which meant that this time.
This could really be their last moments together. The last time she would be able to be with Bennett.
I have to tell him! I need to confess my feelings before time runs out. Even if he doesn’t accept them.
Tara steeled her resolve.
===============================================================
First attempt: Operation ‘Roof Recon With Just the Two of Us.’
“Uh, hey Bennett. Can we head to the rooftop to scout for a bit⋯⋯?”
[There are flying monsters around. It would probably be best if Tara stayed put.]
“⋯⋯⋯⋯!”
“Niolle is correct. I’ll go with Niolle, so you stay here.”
Failed due to safety concerns.
Second attempt: Operation ‘Meal With Just the Two of Us.’
“Um, I found some canned tomatoes⋯⋯.”
[I picked up some packed lunches while coming back with Bennett. I think we can eat those today.]
“Yay! I finally get to eat something resembling meat⋯⋯! Can I have some too?!”
[Of course, Sally.]
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Failed due to packed lunches.
After another string of failures, she even began to suspect whether Niolle was intentionally sabotaging her. There’s no way that could be true, but⋯⋯.
Third attempt: Operation ‘Faking Illness.’
“Bennett, uh, my stomach really hurts from earlier… could you check it for me?”
Bennett promptly called for Niolle.
“⋯⋯Niolle!”
“No, wait! Y-you can look at it too! Don’t make innocent Niolle do all the work for this⋯⋯!”
“Is it really appropriate for a girl to show her belly to a guy⋯⋯?”
Bennett seemed appalled, but Tara seized his wrist, urging him to sit beside her. She successfully dragged him into her little scheme.
However, Tara had overlooked one crucial detail about her saintess outfit: it was a one-piece. If the top and bottom were separate, she could just lift the top. However, to show her abdomen while wearing her saintess garment, she’d have to hike her skirt all the way up.
Meaning her lower half would be completely exposed.
Tara’s hands trembled as she gripped the hem of her skirt. Is this even appropriate? I might just die from embarrassment! Should I just close my eyes and go through with it? Aside from the humilation, what if Bennett finds it too overwhelming?
As a fierce inner battle played out within Tara’s mind, the hand holding the hem of her skirt went up and down her thigh hesitantly. Observing her nearly scandalously fluttering attire, Bennett quietly gazed at the ceiling before asking,
“⋯⋯What are you up to?”
“⋯⋯Huh?! Wh-what do you mean what am I up to?!”
“What are you trying to achieve by seducing me? Social suicide⋯⋯?”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯!”
Tara quickly recognized how transparent her inner turmoil must have appeared and yanked down her skirt, curling back up in embarrassment. Shame flooded over her, feeling as if steam could rise from the top of her head.
“I-It doesn’t hurt anymore! Go away! Shoo! Get out of here, Bennett!”
“Stop kicking! I can’t make heads or tails of what’s wrong with you⋯⋯.”
Operation failed due to overwhelming embarrassment.
Still, Bennett acknowledged that it was a temptation, so she figured that made it half a success. Tara, feeling somewhat satisfied, knocked her own head with her fist.
===============================================================
How should I approach him? Should I suggest we go into the bathroom together?
As Tara’s mind spun trying to come up with yet more strange plans due to her miserable failures, Bennett quietly sat down next to her, who was clearly lost in thought.
Having nearly endured something terrible for a woman, Tara was, despite being brave, likely carrying deep emotional scars from the ordeal. It was clear that her odd behavior resulted from stress. This was Bennett’s conclusion.
He quietly called Tara’s name.
“Tara.”
“Uh?!”
“You don’t need to push yourself like that. You’ve already done your part splendidly. Without you⋯⋯ we wouldn’t have made it this far. It’s entirely possible the world would’ve ended by now.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
He’s trying to comfort me. Tara felt both relieved and somewhat defeated. Although she understood that it was unlikely for Bennett to suddenly confess his feelings, it’s human nature to fantasize about improbabilities when wishing hard enough.
Still, isn’t this an opportunity?
Tara quickly glanced around. Sally was curled up like a shrimp, sleeping, while Niolle was nowhere in sight—likely off at the restroom. This was it. Now or never!
“⋯⋯Be-Bennett!”
“I’m listening.”
“Um, you know⋯⋯ I mean, uh, that⋯⋯.”
“Take your time; speak slowly. I’m right here, and I’ll listen to whatever it is you want to say.”
Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Tara’s heart raced uncontrollably. She was almost worried Bennett could hear how loudly her heart was beating. Gathering her breath, she pushed away hesitation and anxiety, ready to reveal her feelings…
⋯⋯Her feelings!
“Bennett, I lo──.”
BEEP-!!
The walkie-talkie on the table flashed with a red light and beeped loudly. Bennett jumped up, heading towards it in a hurry.
Tara collapsed on the floor, close to tears from feeling cheated. Why now? Why at this moment⋯⋯?!
It’s fine. Once Bennett returns, I can still confess…
Tara consoled herself as she promised for better luck next time.
===============================================================
The group gathered quickly around the walkie-talkie. They adjusted the frequency and connected, greeted by intermittent static before Lot’s voice broke through.
-⋯⋯’ve⋯⋯⋯⋯longer.-
[I can’t hear you.]
“Let’s try changing the antenna direction⋯⋯.”
Crackle. Hiss.
-I’ve lost the will to live any longer. –
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
-I’ve realized the end of humanity is approaching. There isn’t even enough time to construct and launch a rocket. Even if scientists around the world pooled their intellects together, we won’t escape predetermined doom.-
-The current pace of scientific advancement is simply inadequate. Humanity will be erased. Even I cannot conceive a means to thwart cosmic destruction. Everything ends. Maybe if I had been blissfully ignorant, I could have found peace in death.-
-I cannot bear this truth. This message is pre-recorded and acts as my final will. The alpha value is as follows… –
The mathematician recited a lengthy string of intricate numbers, repeating five times to ensure no listener might forget.
-At the very least, I desire to choose the manner of my demise. Rather than dissolve into dust scattered through the fabric of space-time, I will die here first.-
Sounds of footsteps follow. Click. The sound of a bullet being chambered. Bang. The sound of a gunshot.
Silence.
Then, the recording began to play again…
-I’ve realized the end of humanity is approaching… –
Bennett solemnly turned off the walkie-talkie.
“⋯⋯We’ve secured the alpha value. Let’s move.”
[Yes, Bennett.]
In the midst of the chilling silence, Bennett and Niolle finished their last preparations.
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