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You guide Otto in your own way and share the treasure trove of knowledge from pre-civilizations with him.

But on the other hand, you're unwilling to interfere with Otto's choices.

You don't want to project your expectations onto Otto, yet you are acutely aware of one fact — Otto's future will undoubtedly surpass everyone else in this world.

And you're only eighteen — not even a college student. Right now, you're ahead by age, but in time, he'll catch up, if not surpass you completely.

You know clearly: someone like you isn't even qualified to lead him.

But if you don't, you fear he'll become the "fool" you once knew.

The kind of fool who kills someone's father and then says, "You lost your father... but you still have me."

Saying something like, "You still have me." What an awful thing to say...

Don't do that sort of thing.

You've been torn over this more than once.

But isn't life like this? Moving forward while contradicting yourself, doubting yourself...

—Morning.

Little Otto, bored, didn't bother touching any of the precious knowledge. Instead, he put on the dust mask Lu Mian had modified for him and fiddled with the airplane model in his hands.

Lu Mian sat beside him, casually opening a book — and then set it aside, instead turning to stare at Little Otto.

After all, once you're past student life, not many people willingly read for leisure — Lu Mian included.

Opening this book was more like a gesture. The real beauty sat beside him.

Why read something beautiful when you can look at Otto instead?

The act of watching never tired the eyes. And being watched gradually warmed the heart.

The current scene was harmony in motion.

After a while, Little Otto stopped fiddling, removed his mask, and turned slightly.

"Um… do you think there's anyone like Brother Four in the Apocalis family?"

Lu Mian shook his head. "There's a probability — about as likely as you turning into a little girl."

Otto's eyes lit up slightly, and deep inside, he thought — but I *can* control probabilities.

"To be honest," Lu Mian continued, "That old bishop could never raise a child like your brother. I'm pretty sure Brother Four has another teacher."

Hearing this, Otto looked out the window indifferently. "So… in your eyes, am I considered a good child?"

Silence. A long pause.

In the end, Little Otto couldn't help but turn to look back at Lu Mian again.

But the young man only stared at him quietly, saying nothing.

"Hey… why're you looking at me like that..?"

"If I told you I hate 'good children' the most in this world — would you still want to be one in my eyes?"

"...Probably not anymore..."

Lu Mian smiled faintly, his expression impossibly gentle.

He reached out and gently stroked Otto's soft golden hair.

"The way I see you isn't really that important. I'll stay by your side just because you're Otto. That's all."

"As for whether you're good or bad — of course I hope our Otto will grow up into a decent person. That way, our values won't clash. But I don't want you to be *too* good either."

"Why?"

"Because once you become a sage — your ideals and beliefs will become your life. And that path will be hard. I don't want that hardship for you."

In the light of morning, the innocent child seemed lost in thought — until the young man's carefree hand ruffled his hair again.

"The world is vast. Life is long. Wherever you go — I'll walk beside you."

"...Okay."

The two of you were enjoying the moment — when suddenly, footsteps echoed steadily outside the door.

Lu Mian frowned slightly. Whether it was good or bad, he couldn't tell. He just advised Otto not to get into any confrontations, then disappeared from sight.

The door slammed open.

The newcomer was much older than Little Otto — and though he didn't resemble Otto in looks, his aura was dominating, aggressive, and entirely unpleasant.

"I was wondering why our perfect little Brother Four's been slacking lately. Turns out, he's been hanging out with this pathetic cripple."

That cruel tone — Otto was long used to it. But now, he responded differently.

He wore Lu Mian's usual smile.

How can someone so filthy talk like they're noble?

Otto didn't even glance at him. His gaze remained fixed where Lu Mian had stood.

"Oi, you little cripple!"

Seeing Otto ignore him, the man raised his hand — ready to strike.

Following Lu Mian's instructions, Little Otto remained still, eyes closed, accepting it as if it were fate.

*Snap—*

The slap never landed. Instead, the room echoed with a crisp snap.

Otto opened his eyes. His brother's hand was still raised… but unmoving, frozen midair. His eyes were lifeless. His face had turned pale.

"What… what the hell…?"

"No big deal. Just a trick."

Lu Mian appeared behind him, golden feathers dancing between his fingers. He clenched his hand — and the feathers vanished.

The power of **Void Archives** truly worked wonders.

But Lu Mian had no interest in showing off right now.

"I've got something to take care of. Won't be back tonight. Sleep early, alright?"

After that, he kicked Otto's brother out.

To be honest, unlike before, this was the first time you personally used the power of **Void Archives**.

A Divine Key isn't invincible — but it was more than enough to handle something like this.

Because when you saw Otto about to be hit — rage had already boiled in your chest.

Why should a child who can't even speak out be slapped by trash like this?

Besides, Otto didn't even share blood with the Apocalis family — aside from his brother.

So, you made some plans.

That night, Otto, who had gone to bed early following your instructions, was suddenly awakened.

There were sharp screams — panicked footsteps — chaos outside his window.

He lay there, heart thudding violently in his small chest.

He pressed a hand to it, breath catching — unable to name the feeling.

Later on, he would learn the name.

**Panic.**

[… …]

Many years later — as the radiant bishop who never faltered — he would recall only a handful of moments that brought him panic.

Half were because of you.

The other half… also because of you.

—Next morning.

Lu Mian, having resolved things, returned quietly to Otto's room.

But the moment he pushed the door open, he saw a small boy in pajamas sitting on the bed — blanket wrapped tightly around him, with deep shadows under his eyes, staring silently at the door.

Ding… ding… thud—

Lu Mian walked over, a strange feeling tugging in his chest.

He sat beside Otto, reached out, and gently wiped at the dark circles under his eyes.

"…Didn't I tell you to sleep early?"

"Went to bed early," Otto said softly, voice muffled.

"Then woke up missing you in the middle of the night. Couldn't fall back asleep."

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