Chapter 16: Do the Heroes Dream of Them? Part 1
Even if I said that the Hero Ryuguin would conquer the Labyrinth of Time, it would be nothing but empty words if his abilities did not match the task. Even if I were to accompany another capable individual, bringing along someone who would merely be a hindrance would serve no purpose other than to punish Ryuguin.
Of course, many wished to use the exploration of the Newly Constructed Ultimate Labyrinth as a pretext to drive him into a corner, hoping for his demise.
Yet, I could not dismiss the plea of another boy who asked, “Please let him live and atone for his sins.” Thus, I decided to impose a month of training on him, just as I had done for that boy, and after completing it, he would be sent to the originally planned Labyrinth of Time.
However, even with the rare skill of Growth Rate x5, it was necessary for Ryuguin to undergo training equivalent to what Ichiro Yamada had endured in order to be battle-ready in just one month. After much deliberation, it was decided that the Hero Ryuguin would undergo a training regimen almost identical to that which I had faced.
Since his capture, Ryuguin had become unusually quiet. It was as if he had transformed into a different person. Some even began to believe he was genuinely reflecting on his actions. However, it was merely his usual act of playing the fool, not born from any true remorse.
He only put in earnest effort during the first day of training. Even then, he barely managed to complete half of the assigned tasks before he lost consciousness. Despite receiving powerful Healing Magic throughout the day, he did not awaken.
Yes, by now, you all must understand. It was all part of his well-practiced act of feigning unconsciousness. He had a talent for performance.
In other words, while he lay there pretending to be unconscious, the Sisters worried for him and continued to cast Healing Magic over and over.
He was foolish. There was no way this charade would go unnoticed.
Once his ruse was discovered, he was deemed to show no signs of remorse within a week and was subjected to severe punishment.
“Stop it! Noooooo! Why is this happening?!”
On that day, the cries of the Hero Ryuguin echoed throughout the grand cathedral of the Klaatel Church in the Royal Capital. Exactly one week had passed since he began his training.
“Someone, help me! Don’t let me die here!”
He called for help, but no one came to his aid.
“Gluttonophobia!”
The light that ensnared Ryuguin in the Royal Castle struck him once more.
“Stop it! Noooooo!”
His desires had already been sealed away, and now, his only joy for the day was the meal provided to him. However, even that—
“Ryuguin, you really are foolish. When I say I will do something, I mean it. From today onward, you will only receive the bare minimum of food we provide. Seconds are out of the question. As I mentioned before, this cannot be undone.”
Ryuguin could only sob pitifully.
“Welcome to the world of temperance.”
Gilbert chuckled darkly.