Even so, that was not a reason for him to be lazy with his efforts to cross over that wall. As long as he was talentless, the only thing he could do was believe that his efforts will allow him to take at least one step forward.
“It seems you can’t accept it.”
As if she read Climb’s emotions beneath his expressionless iron mask, Evileye continued to speak.
“Those who possess talent have it from the very beginning... Some claim that talent is simply a bud that has yet to bloom and that everyone has it… Hmph. I see it as nothing more than envy. Words like that are so the inferior can console themselves. The leader of those famous thirteen heroes was the same.”
The leader of the thirteen heroes; there was a legend that in the beginning, the hero was just an ordinary person. Although that person was weaker than anyone, the hero became the strongest by endlessly swinging a sword despite being covered in wounds. The hero possessed a power that could rise without end.
“But that person’s talent had simply not bloomed at that time. You’re different, even with effort you’re still only at that level. Talent undoubtedly exists. There are those who have it and those who do not. So… I won’t tell you to give up but at least know where you stand.”
Evileye’s cold words brought a curtain of silence. And it was she herself who broke that silence.
“Gazef Stronoff… now that one is a good example of a human with talent. Climb… do you believe that you can fill the difference between the two of you with hard work?”
His words wouldn’t come out. It was only this morning that he experienced the distance between them which couldn’t be overcome with training.
“Actually, he might not be a fair comparison. The only ones I know of who can rival his talent with the sword are the thirteen heroes. Gagaran here is fairly skilled but still can’t beat him.”
“…Don’t ask for the impossible. Gazef-ojisan is someone with one foot in the realm of heroes.”
Gagaran replied to Evileye’s words with a laugh.
“Hey, hey, Evileye. Weren’t the heroes considered to be monsters with talent that was in a different league— the type transcending the realm of humans?”
“… I won’t deny it.”
“And I’m only human. It’s impossible for me to reach the level of those heroes.”
“… But you still possess talent. You’re different from a human like Climb. Climb, don’t try to reach for the stars.”
Climb knew that very well. But it was true that being told that he had no talent so repeatedly would make him feel disappointed. Even so, he had no intention of changing his ways.
—It was because his body was for the princess—
Sensing something akin to martyrdom from Climb, Evileye clicked her tongue behind her mask.
“…I guess you won’t stop even if I say it like this.”
“No.”
“You are foolish, truly foolish.”
She shook her head, unable to understand him.
“Moving forward with an unreachable wish will definitely ruin your body. I’m repeating myself, but know where you stand.”
“I understand what you are trying to say.”
“But I see you have no intention of listening. You are beyond foolish. It will lead to an early grave. … Won’t there be someone who will cry if you were to die?”
“Huh? What’s this, Evileye? Were you bullying Climb because you were worried about him?”
Evileye’s shoulders slumped at these words. She grabbed Gagaran by the collar with her gloved hand and shouted as she stared at her.
“The meathead needs to shut her mouth!”
“But I’m right though, aren’t I?”
Evileye could not say a word to Gagaran who remained calm even when she had her by the collar. She leaned deeply into her chair and, trying to change the topic, turned her arrow to Climb.
“First, master your knowledge of magic. If your knowledge improves then you may be able to predict the moves of your enemies who use magic. Then you will be able to respond appropriately.”
“Hey, you know how many different spells there are and you’re telling him to study all of that? Aren’t you being too cruel?”
“That’s not true. There is a common pool of spells that a magic caster typically focuses on. He can start by studying those.”
Evileye implied that if he couldn’t even manage that, he should give up.
“No matter how many there are, he’ll probably be able to manage if he can study the spells up to the 3rd tier.”
“…Hey Evileye, you said magic goes up to the 10th tier and that no one’s managed to master them. But there’s information on those? Why is that?”
“Hmm…”
With the air of a teacher instructing a student, Evileye moved around in her robe. As she did so, suddenly, the noise from their surroundings fell distant. It was like a thin curtain had been draped over them and the table.
“Don’t be alarmed. I merely activated a trivial item.”
Just how cautious was she of others listening in? Realising that Evileye’s answer to Gagaran’s question was important enough to warrant using an item, Climb fixed his posture in anticipation.
“In an old legend— one of the stories passed down, there exist a group called the Eight Greed Kings. Some call them beings who stole the power of God and ruled this world using their absolute strength.”
Climb knew the story. As a fairytale, it was quite unpopular, but anyone who was somewhat educated knew about it.
To sum it up, the Eight Greed Kings appeared 500 years ago. Taller than the sky, the likeness of a dragon, the Eight Greed Kings destroyed numerous countries and ruled the world with their overwhelming strength. But in the end, their greed pitted them against one another and resulted in their demise.
Although the story was obviously unpopular, there were differing opinions on whether it was fact or fiction. Climb himself felt that the story was overly exaggerated. However, there were many among the adventurers who felt that they did, in fact, once exist; with power greater than any that currently exist in present time.
The basis for their belief was the existence of the desert city far to the south. It is said that the city was built to be the capital back when the Eight Greed Kings ruled the continent.