The Growth of a Titan

50  Chapter 50- Climbing The Steps

"Master, you're not coming with me?"

"No, I'll be waiting inside the Academy. Here, take this."

Sol reached out and took the jade slip his Master was handing him.

On this jade slip, a name was carved elegantly onto its surface.

"Young-Hwa…"

Sol muttered the name slowly, noting it looked similar to the jade slip his Master had retrieved to show the guards.

"After you climb the steps show this to the person at the top. After entering the Academy you can either look around or come straight to the Alchemy Pavilion Mountain. I'll be waiting for you there."

"Wait, I can enter the Academy? What about the Martial Alliance Academy's test?"

"Huh? What test?"

Sol was taken aback.

"Master, the test to enter the Martial Alliance Academy."

The old man blinked.

"That test? Brat, that test ended a month ago."

"Ah!"

Sol stared at his Master dumbfounded.

"Brat, you're entering as a Special Disciple. These Disciples are people who were selected to be recruited into the Academy by a Pavilion Headmaster. I spent a lot of my fortune to get that jade slip from a real bastard, so don't lose it."

Sol nodded, but then he thought of something and he turned to look at all the people around him.

"But Master, if the test ended, why are there so many people here?"

"These brats? They're the ones who failed the test. The Martial Alliance Academy doesn't only have one test to admit disciples, if anyone manages to climb these stairs and enters the Academy then they will be admitted on the spot."

"Oh, that's how is... Ah! But wait, if I already have this jade slip, why do I require to climb these steps?"

"Ugh! Brat, what's with you're persistent questions? You just have to climb the steps! You shouldn't have any problems doing it. Now, it's about time I leave. Before I go, remember not to tell anyone I'm your Master or that you've come from the Ibbian Mountain Range."

"Yes, Master! But…"

Sol had on doubtful expression.

"If it's to not let someone know I'm your disciple, wouldn't it be obvious if I'm seen with you like this?"

The old man was first annoyed with Sol asking more questions, but then he looked taken aback.

Sol seeing his Master's reaction wanted to smack his forehead.

Over the years, Sol came to know that his Master was very knowledgeable, and would hardly make a lapse in judgment. But when he did, it would something as stupid as this.

"Ehem… Well, no matter, this is not my true appearance anyway. Though if someone did find out you're my disciple, that would be troublesome."

Sol couldn't help but widen his eyes after his Master reveal this piece of information.

Before Sol could ask any more questions, the old man roared.

"No more questions! Go and climb those steps!"

The old man then turned and was about to fly off, but as if remembering something he paused and glanced back at Sol.

"Brat, don't forget my words from before. When you enter this Academy find a lover, find friends, and make enemies. You're just a kid so don't just spend your entire childhood only seeking revenge and hating everyone around you…"

'…and living a life like I did.'

The old man finished his words in his heart, revealing the reason why he was trying to convince Sol not to blindingly take revenge.

For Sol, even though his Master's words sounded harsh, he could understand that he was just worried about him.

However…

"Master, I understand, I really do. But I won't give up on taking revenge on the person who kill my father and destroyed my village."

"And then what?"

Sol's lowered head raised and a confused look appeared on his face.

Seeing his confusion, the old man reiterated.

"I asked what are you going to do after killing that person? That would surely anger the Church so you would have to kill them as well. Are you willing to take the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in exchange for the few hundred in your village?"

Sol's expression changed.

"I…"

"And surely not everyone in the Church approves of their wanton slaughter, some of them are innocent. That wouldn't be simply taking revenge, that would be becoming a mass murderer. What would be the difference between the Church's actions and yours then?"

"…"

Sol could not answer his Master's questions.

He wanted to say that he would make sure only to take revenge on those who deserve it, but those words got stuck in his throat upon hearing his Master's next words.

"How about that person's children? They would lose a father because of you, and it might even send them on a path of revenge similar to yours. Are you going to kill them as well when they come looking for revenge? My Disciple, once you start a cycle of hatred it will never end."

"B-But I didn't start it! They were the ones who killed my father!!"

Sol couldn't help but yell in frustration and anger. He then clenched his teeth so hard it seemed as if his jaw was about to snap.

The old man had long formed a barrier around them so Sol's sudden yell went unnoticed by the crowd that was a distance away.

After his shout, the old man looked towards Sol and responded.

"You didn't start it, but don't you have the ability to end it?"

Sol lowered his head further and chose not to respond.

The old man sighed.

This was supposed to be a joyous occasion since his disciple was about to embark out into the world, but now he went and ruined the mood by opening his mouth.

'Perhaps it is my own selfishness, but this brat's worldview is too narrow. If he only seeks revenge then his worldview will stay that way. His desire for revenge is not inherently bad, and he has a just sense of morality. However, this world is truly ruthless. When he eventually comes face to face with a rock and a hard place, his sense of morality might just crumble. What should I do? I might just be creating a monster…'

The old man then looked around at the crowd of youths before something suddenly came to him.

'Perhaps I made the right decision for him to climb this mountain.'

"Sol…"

Sol hearing his Master call him by name was surprised, and he couldn't help but raise his head to see his Master smiling at him

"You finally raised your head. Are you angry with me?"

"Yes."

"Ah! You damn brat, you didn't even hesitate to answer!"

"It's because Master wants me to forget the death of my Father and everyone, but that's simply impossible."

Sol shook his head as he said that.

"Alright, then don't forget their deaths, and I won't convince you to not take revenge anymore."

Sol wore a confused expression at his Master's words.

Walking up to Sol, the old man patted his head and said again.

"I said I was going to support your decision, but now I'm trying to convince you otherwise. However, my disciple, know that for the same as there are nuances to conflict, there are also nuances to its resolution. Killing is not the only way to take revenge, at the very least it should be your last option."

"What other option is there?"

"If you don't understand now, you'll understand when you enter the Academy."

Sol tilted his head when he heard that.

The old man said nothing more and instead waved his hand and lowered the barrier.

"Disciples planning on climbing the Martial Alliance Academy's Mountain, step forward!!"

A loud bellow suddenly swept over the crowd of disciples before reaching Sol and the old man.

"It's time, now go climb those stairs so your Master can boast to that bastard."

Sol was then ushered by his Master towards the crowd of youths. After, he watched as he flew into the air towards the Academy.

When he could no longer see his Master, Sol lowered his head and release a sigh.

"Awoo?"

Little Zeel suddenly poked his head out of Sol's clothes and looked at him with what seemed to be a worried expression.

Sol smiled and patted Little Zeel's head.

"I'm fine Little Zeel, but stay hidden for a while. I don't know how people would react if they saw you."

Little Zeel nodded before his head disappear back into Sol's chest.

"Hey! Move if you aren't going to climb the steps!"

"Oh, I apologize."

Sol hurriedly stepped aside and turned to see a young boy in shabby clothes behind him.

The boy snorted and was ready to yell at Sol once more, but upon seeing Sol's face the boy paused and stared dumbfounded; mouth hung open.

However, the boy quickly recover and with a bit of jealousy in his eyes, he roared more fiercely.

"Damn fool, don't apologize, just don't block someone else's path!"

After yelling this, the boy push past Sol and hurriedly followed behind the other youths who were rushing towards the steps.

Sol was completely taken aback by the encounter, but he soon threw it at the back of his mind.

Turning, Sol then headed for the steps as well.

'I wonder what the Martial Alliance Academy is like. Hopefully, I'll meet people like elder brother Son there…'

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Tsetth