System vs Rebirth

Rose was hanging her coat when she noticed Noel was still sitting on the desk, reading his note.

She couldn't help but approach him while asking, "Are you still thinking about it?"

Noel was startled at first before turning around while smiling. "Ah, yes. You've come back."

Rose recounted what happened during their discussion.

"Everything coming from the ruins is actually something that can be moved without Spiritual Energy. In that case, what if the demons actually invade this world, not only bringing destruction, but also Spiritual Energy?

"It's true that the demons are attacking us, but they're actually manipulating the animals, objects, or plants around us. There are some records about the demons possessing the humans, but what if the spirits are the ones repelling the demons?

"What if those few records are from the humans whose spirits have been corrupted? If they behave like a human, what if there are some rogue spirits who actually want to corrupt you?

"Even we, humans, don't have a way to differentiate the bad guy and the good guy unless they have acted in such a way."

When Sharkan represented that thought, Noel was completely bewildered. That was right.

He never thought about it.

After meeting Ardagan and the Moon Goddess, he couldn't help but think if he was a special person to meet both of them.

With that thought, he wondered whether Ardagan and the Moon Goddess were good or bad. If they had an evil intention, he might lose his life.

So, a question arose in Noel's head.

'What's the Spirit intended to do in this world? Why are they coming to this world? Is it to fight the demons? Is it to help humanity resist the invasion?'

He wanted to know the intention of these spirits. But asking it from Ardagan made him doubt himself.

After all, it was disrespectful. Ardagan had helped him this whole time, making sure that he got everything he needed.

And then, he began to doubt him as if Ardagan harbored a hidden intention.

So, Noel wondered whether the spirits were the good guy or the bad guy.

Noel closed his eyes to contemplate that thought. It was clear that they had a certain intention. After all, there was no way the spirits would help humans for more than a thousand years.

Noel shared this thought with Rose. Of course, it was a long discussion. Even Sharkan felt a bit overwhelmed by Noel's intelligence.

It was clear that Noel wasn't a normal commoner. Instead, he was a noble.

By taking that thought into account, Noel tried to invite Sharkan to join him. He wanted him to find the truth about the spirits while being his agent in investigating the Tower Association.

He didn't know how useful Sharkan was, but it was enough to know that he could get some information from him. Meanwhile, the rest of the job would be handled by his father's subordinate.

After recounting the scene, Rose asked, "Have you asked about it from the spirits?"

"The spirits might be telling the truth, but we won't know whether it's the whole truth or not. And the spirits can also remain silent." Noel shook his head.

"I see. If that's the case, you're going to have some trouble, you know."

"Yeah. The fact that I doubt the spirits mean the other way around can happen too. So, I don't know what to do…

"On the one hand, the spirits might already be aware of this thought. On the other hand, I'm still not strong enough to not rely on spirits…"

Noel sighed. He knew how much he had relied on the system. It was basically the only reason why he could get this strong.

So, Noel wondered what would happen if the spirits refused to help him anymore.

He scratched the back of his head.

"Well, you won't be able to get the answer right now." Rose shook her head helplessly. She understood his concern. If he couldn't use his Spiritual Energy and Spirits anymore, his life as a knight would be over. And there was no need to meet the second guide tomorrow to get some insight about Spiritual Energy and Spirit.

"You should get some sleep first to clear your head. I believe you can think of something tomorrow. In the worst case, we'll be canceling the meeting with the second guide."

"That's true…" Noel sighed. He glanced to the side and couldn't see the moon anymore. It showed how much time he had used to sort his thoughts. "I'll get some rest first."

"Then, I'll leave you alone." Rose nodded and left the room, returning to her own room.

Now that he was alone, he couldn't help but think about the spirit again. Still, he closed his eyes as if trying to get some sleep.

It was at this time he was actually invited to meet Ardagan.

"This is…" Noel looked around, recognizing this plain white world. In that instant, he turned around, finding Ardagan in front of him.

"Ardagan…" Noel furrowed his eyebrows. "I guess you have learned my thoughts…"

"Yes." Ardagan nodded his head. "There are some things we have to make clear."

"That'll be for the best. But I don't think you're going to tell me everything, right?"

"That's correct," Ardagan admitted without hesitation.

Noel sighed. Although he had expected it, he still wished he could know the truth. "Well, by residing in our body, you're able to access our senses and brain. You know what we see, what we feel, and what we think. In exchange, you grant us your power."

"That's correct." Ardagan stopped for a moment. "Though, I have to tell you a few things about it."

"I understand. Let's talk about it. Though, I believe I have to ask this question. Can I trust you, Ardagan?" Noel's expression became grim.

Ardagan remained silent for a few seconds before answering, "Of course. You can trust me. The spirits aren't humans' enemies. After all, you, humans, are the descendants of the people the Spirit God holds dear."