Died for a Million Times: I can Copy Infinite SSS Talents!
Chapter 52 -52-Mentor Ryze

Chapter 52 -52-Mentor Ryze

Headmaster Ryze gazed into the distance, toward the distant battlefield shrouded in ominous clouds.

He slowly raised a finger and pointed toward a shadowy, cloud-covered region.

"That place is called the Land of the Fallen Gods. It was there that I encountered him. Perhaps something binds him—some restriction—because every so often, he's forced to enter a deep slumber. And even when he awakens, it's only for a very short time."

Ryze's voice was heavy with memory and caution.

"The extermination battle led by the Seven Sages all those years ago? It only succeeded because he happened to be asleep. Otherwise, the ten great moonfolk leaders would never have died at their hands."

"Let me put it plainly—one of the biggest reasons humanity has held the upper hand these past few decades... is because that being has remained asleep."

"But I know very well—he won't sleep forever."

Link clenched his jaw instinctively. He understood exactly what Ryze meant.

In fact, Link knew even more than Ryze did.

Based on what was recorded in his notebook, humanity's downfall ten years from now was likely the result of that very being awakening once again.

It was no longer a mystery. Ryze's words confirmed it: the being he was referring to was undoubtedly the greatest threat currently facing the human race.

And even the Seven Sages—revered paragons of humanity—probably wouldn't be able to defeat him.

Just then, Ryze turned his gaze back to Link.

"Link, let me speak honestly," he said. "Among all of humanity... I believe only you might be capable of defeating him. Perhaps you think I'm exaggerating, but I assure you—I'm not joking."

"Because... just like him, you possess more than one talent."

So that's what it was!

Surprise flickered in Link's eyes—but it quickly gave way to realization.

If that was the case, then everything began to make sense.

The alternate version of himself had failed to defeat this opponent—an outcome that was now completely understandable.

Which also meant... Link might truly be the only one capable of defeating him.

But then...

Could that being's talent also be replication?

If so, how did he replicate other talents?

And if it wasn't replication or some form of plunder-based talent, how did he come to possess so many different talents in the first place?

Countless thoughts raced through Link's mind.

Ryze, still staring at the Land of the Fallen Gods, spoke again, his tone tinged with melancholy.

"If he hadn't awakened so briefly back then, and if he hadn't shown mercy... I probably wouldn't be standing here talking to you now. But even so, I still broke my oath that day."

Link could sense it clearly—Ryze had once been consumed by hopelessness.

Based on Ryze's character, he must have sworn an oath to protect humanity. And judging by his actions today—especially the way he immediately swore a Soul Oath after learning Link's secret—Link had no doubt.

This was a man who truly had humanity's fate at heart.

That was why Link chose to trust him.

Still, a curious thought lingered in Link's mind: what would happen if he were to die at Ryze's hands?

Would he be able to replicate Ryze's talent?

Ryze seemed to read his mind and spoke with a warning tone.

"I'd advise you not to think about dying at his hands—at least not for now. Even if your talent is UR-rank, I suspect his is as well. When two talents of the same rank clash, their effects are likely to cancel out or fail altogether."

"Besides, you truly have no idea how terrifying he is. You can't approach him with a normal person's logic. That's why I suggest... don't face him directly until you're absolutely ready."

Link nodded solemnly in agreement.

If even a Tier-9 powerhouse like Ryze felt powerless against this being, then Link knew he definitely wasn't ready yet.

Ryze noticed his response and felt a quiet relief in his heart.

Link was even more level-headed than he had imagined.

"Oh, right," Ryze said suddenly. "Link, have you chosen a mentor yet?"

The question caught Link off guard. He blinked, then scratched his head and gave a sheepish smile.

"Headmaster Ryze, I haven't even started university yet. I don't really know any professors or faculty, so... no, I haven't chosen a mentor."

Ryze paused to think for a moment. Then, he said,

"Then let's do this. If anyone asks you about it, just say you're my student."

Link froze in shock.

"Headmaster, are you saying... you want to become my mentor?"

"No, no," Ryze replied quickly, waving his hand with a slightly amused expression. "You misunderstood me, Link."

"With your talent, there's no one in the entire human race qualified to be your mentor. No one can truly guide you—not anymore. The reason I'm suggesting this is simple: to save you from unnecessary trouble. And it also gives me a chance to help you wholeheartedly."

"After all, with the identity of your 'mentor' publicly acknowledged, I can allocate resources to you more openly. That way, we can avoid attention from those bastards in the Moon Worship Sect and the Demonworship Sect."

"Of course, if you don't mind, you can try calling me Mentor in the future. But I won't bind you with that title. Your talent ensures that the path you walk will be one no one has walked before. And on that path... you'll walk alone."

Link fell silent. The stronger he became, the more he realized that friends and comrades would inevitably fall behind, unable to keep pace.

Ryze didn't say anything more. He simply gave Link a firm pat on the shoulder.

"Work hard, Link. Humanity's future rests in the hands of young people like you."

"When school starts and you enter Astral Nexus University, I'll introduce you to some upperclassmen—seniors and alumni worth knowing."

He paused for a moment, then added:

"Besides the younger generation, there are also a few old fellows with remarkable talents I can introduce you to as well."

"I'll make arrangements... to let you die at their hands."

Link's mouth twitched slightly—but then, he quickly caught the key point.

"Wait a second—Mentor Ryze, how do you know what talents those people have?"

Ryze gave a knowing smile.

"Back when you were younger, you were taught to never reveal your talent to others. But once you enter university, things change."

"As your strength grows, you'll gain the ability to protect yourself. And more importantly, you'll need to cooperate with others on missions. So, your talents will gradually be shared—at least partially—with trusted teammates."

"I see..."

Link nodded. He realized he had been stuck in a flawed mindset.

"By the way, Mentor, do you have any recommendations regarding Soul Oath?"

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