The Tamer Monarch
Chapter 50: Truth

Chapter 50: Truth

The entire day following his conversation with Vale was a complete waste for Athar.

He could not concentrate, neither on practicing mana sense nor on his cultivation technique. Every effort proved to be a waste.

Frustration gnawed at him, coiling tight in his chest. He had clearly underestimated the scale and reach of the blackmailing network. If it had only involved a few students, he might have found a way out. But a teacher? That changed everything.

Worse still, he had no idea how many instructors or officials might be part of the web. The more he thought about it, the more helpless it made him feel.

For now, Athar had decided not to involve Angelica, not immediately.

At least not in the two days he had before the next holiday. He would try to find a solution on his own. If things went further south, only then would he consider asking for her help.

But with his mind in such disarray, everything else suffered. He sat through his mana sense exercises without focus, his cultivation stagnated, and when combat class came around in the evening, he was practically sleepwalking.

He drifted through the lesson, lost in his thoughts, unaware of how clumsy and distracted he appeared. He did not even register the instructor’s commands half the time.

Ryler, who had been watching from the sidelines, noticed the change.

He walked over to him and tried to strike up a conversation, concern in his eyes. "You okay, Athar? You seem... off today."

But Athar barely responded. His replies short, unfocused, distant. Seeing that Athar was in no mood to talk, Ryler let it go for the moment. He did not press the issue, but the worry on his face lingered as he returned to his spot.

Athar had just finished his dinner and was making his way back to the dormitory still lost in his own thoughts when someone intercepted his path.

It was Angelica.

A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes at the sight of her.

"Care for a walk, Athar?" she asked, a small smile tugging at her lips, before turning and walking away without waiting for a response.

Still in a bit of a daze, Athar nodded and followed behind her.

She led him towards the training ground. Despite it being night, a few students were still practicing under the pale glow of the mana lamps that dotted the area, their light flickering softly in the misty air.

"I heard from Mr. Sankul that you were lost in your own world during his class today," Angelica said gently. "Is there something bothering you, Athar?"

Athar’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. While he would not deny that his focus had been off, he had not expected Sankul to notice, let alone care enough to tell someone else. Or perhaps he pays that much attention to all his students, Athar mused. But even so, to go out of his way and inform Angelica. The relation between seemed friendly.

He was about to offer some explanation, perhaps even a lie, when Angelica continued, her voice calm and perceptive.

"I also heard that Mr. Vale stopped you after class for a private chat," she added further surprising Athar.

"I am guessing that whatever is troubling you is connected to that conversation."

Athar’s thoughts scattered. Should I tell her the truth? Should I hide it? But deep down, he knew she would find out eventually. And maybe... she already had.

Angelica stopped walking and turned to face him directly.

"Is it about the quota you missed, Athar?" she asked her eyes fixed on him.

His eyes widened in shock, and his mouth opened slightly, speechless.

"Do not give me that look," she chuckled softly. "I know a thing or two about what Vale is involved in."

The truth laid bare in front of him, Athar gave a hesitant nod.

"So," Angelica added. "Care to tell me about your story."

Athar seemed hesitant, but seeing her eyes fixed on him, calm and unwavering, he let out a deep sigh and began his narration.

He spoke of his life in Zone 26, of how he had fallen into Dervin’s net of extortion and fear. He told her about Trux’s warning after missing the first week’s quota, and how he had gathered the courage to go only to flee upon hearing Dervin’s scream echo through the building. And now, how he had become a suspect in Dervin’s death.

Angelica listened in silence, her expression unreadable.

"I see," she finally murmured, her voice low but composed.

"You do not need to worry," she added, this time with unmistakable confidence. "You will not be going anywhere with Vale this holiday. You will stay with me and continue practicing your mana sense."

Her tone softened. "I do not want distractions like these to slow your progress."

A wave of relief washed over Athar, but not completely. A small, gnawing part of his heart still ached with guilt. He had not told her everything. He had lied about Trux. He had omitted the truth about Dervin. Maybe now... he could.

"But Master," he interjected, hesitating. "I... I already brought up your name in front of Teacher Vale, but he did not seem to care. He brushed it off."

His voice was laced with concern. The last thing he wanted was to drag her into danger for his sake.

Angelica smiled. She could sense the worry behind his words. She stepped closer and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You do not need to worry, Athar," she said. "Your master is more than capable of dealing with someone like Vale."

Her words were not arrogant—they were calm, resolute. As if she was not boasting but merely stating a fact.

Athar looked into her eyes. She was standing up for him without hesitation. Without asking for explanations. Without demanding more.

And that made the guilt inside him swell.

He had always been cautious. Always calculating. Never trusting fully. But now... now, maybe he could.

Maybe he could speak the whole truth. Maybe he could finally be free of this weight.

Something in his heart whispered that his master would not abandon him—not even after learning everything.

"Master," he said hesitantly.

"Yes?" Angelica replied, her voice calm but her eyes narrowed slightly. She could sense something was coming.

"Master..." he repeated, then paused. The silence between them stretched for a heartbeat longer than it should have.

And then, in one breath he added.

"I was the one who beat up Trux. And I killed Dervin... and his lackeys. Just now, I lied to you."

His eyes remained fixed on hers, refusing to look away.

Angelica’s face remained unreadable—except for a slight widening of her eyes. Small, but enough. Enough to tell Athar she had not expected this. She was shocked.

And that silence, her silence struck Athar harder than any words could. A cold fear gripped his chest. Had he misjudged her? Had he made a fatal mistake in trusting her with the truth?

Was this where it all collapsed?

But strangely... even as the fear swirled inside him, Athar did not feel regret. He had told the truth.

Because he could not build this bond on a lie. Not when he despised deception himself. If he had continued the facade, then all of this Angelica’s teachings, her gifts, her trust would have meant nothing. It would have been mere convenience. A transaction to extract benefits from her.

And if that was all it had ever been, then he would never have truly accepted her as his master. Not in his heart.

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