Others Summon Dragons, I Summon Legendary Knights Chapter 384 This Was The Night

"I don't believe you're caught in a loop; rather, your objective coincidentally matches the Alchemist's description of the unknown king. Your sole chance of escaping this world happens to be aligned with a fantasy, which isn't entirely unusual. However, you might end up becoming part of that fantasy, shaping it into your own narrative."

Ronald spoke gently, then inquired, "Are you absolutely certain you wish to proceed down this path?"

Godfrey gazed at his father. "Is there any other recourse? Even if I were capable of defeating all four of Cain's primary manifestations—which I am not—I wouldn't even know the identity of the fourth. Furthermore, even if I could achieve that, my status as a Chosen One dictates that I will perpetually be pressured until I perish."

He reclined. "It feels as though I am a seed. I am incapable of doing anything other than growing when nurtured. I can only grow upwards, not out of personal desire, but because that is nature's decree for me. Perhaps I will achieve my zenith and endure for decades, or I might be felled by a catastrophe or by an individual who perceives me as an inconvenience. The existence of that tree mirrors my own."

Ronald narrowed his eyes, holding his breath for a moment before exhaling deeply. "Life isn't quite so bleak as that."

"Mine certainly feels that way. There is someone who is willing to harm anyone I hold dear to drive me to madness, and he is favored by mana. I am prepared to assume he will face no obstacles in augmenting his strength. I am growing, I am aware, but with each advancement, I simply… I simply… reassure myself that I will reach my goal. That…"

"That, my son, is the essence of adulthood," Ronald interjected gently. "It is when one confronts the world's inherent unfairness, the pain that feels undeserved. When you gaze at the heavens and ponder… has it always been this way? When you mature yet feel an emptiness within, when you experience joy and wish for its continuation, yet understand its inevitable end. A child experiences transient moments; an adult perceives the complete panorama, thus we anchor ourselves to certainties for solace."

Ronald offered a smile. "I anchored myself to you and your mother. Your mother, in turn, anchored herself to you. All the hardships she endured at her workplace became more manageable because she focused on you. I spent eighteen years wandering, often without shelter, plagued by the gnawing terror that something might have befallen you or your mother, or worse, that you both had moved on without me."

Ronald closed his eyes briefly.

"You contend with anxieties that your current might cannot overcome. I, on the other hand, forge my own narrative; destiny no longer holds sway over me, as I was meant to perish on the very day you were born. Fate had no further designs for me. However, time itself was manipulated, and I became a consequence of that alteration. During my travels, I encountered the Golden Fate Weaver, whom I have mentioned to you, and I discovered that Brown was fashioned in the likeness of her cherished pet."

Ronald resumed speaking after a pause.

"She has long since departed, but given that I possessed a summon resembling her pet, imbued with traits of her innate abilities, she appointed me her successor. There was a time when I was compelled to have Brown absorb gold to enhance his power, but she then revealed that gold possesses a value beyond its terrestrial extraction. It was a treasure, held in high regard, much like my family. The more I cherished individuals and possessions, the more potent Brown became."

"The Golden Fate Weaver was unique among high elves, as far as I know, in her view of all races as equals. The depth of her affection for anyone or anything directly correlated to the strength she could draw from it. That is my chosen path, yet it also signifies that, much like her, I risk losing everything should those cherished individuals or things cease to exist. We all harbor our own fears, son. You might endure my loss and find the resolve to strengthen yourself for vengeance, but I could lose you and forfeit the very will to act. Who, then, bears the heavier burden?"

Godfrey's eyes widened. He found himself speechless.

"I am aware of the tribulations you faced, the criticism and ridicule you endured following my supposed demise. In truth, had the opportunity arisen, I would have advised you never to anticipate anything from the public, lest you be shattered by what they offer. However, you possess great strength, and you ultimately formed friendships and even entered into a partnership with a woman like Isolde. Moreover, you have your father back. There are positive aspects to consider. Do you not agree?"

"But what if I lose it all? I now understand that attaining supreme power in the world does not grant invulnerability. You remain susceptible to harm," Godfrey retorted.

"Not everyone can achieve true invincibility. Yet, you cannot continue to live under the shadow of that fear. You are allowing it to propel your growth, but it appears to be gradually consuming you. I have observed something… you do not seem to fear for your own safety; your concern for the well-being of others outweighs your anxiety about your own demise. Have you ever considered that their anxieties might mirror yours regarding their safety?"

Ronald stood up.

He slid the curtain aside and gazed out the window. "It has grown quite dark. We have kept your companions waiting for an extended period. Go and join them."