[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-grand-return-system":3,"chapter-grand-return-system-grand-return-system-chapter-136":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Grand Return System",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1080306,1397,"Chapter 136: A Gift Too Heavy","grand-return-system-chapter-136",136,"\u003Cp>A Gift Too Heavy\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although my junior sister entered the academy later, Teacher was worried she wouldn’t be able to catch up to her peers... and gave her a precious bone of a King Realm beast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hiss...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reaction came instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncontrolled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Selena’s words settled in the air, the entire inner circle seemed to freeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whispers exploded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A... precious bone of a King Realm beast?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That kind of treasure... he just gave it away?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that even real...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even those who had tried to remain calm could no longer hold their composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they all understood one thing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That wasn’t just a treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was something even powerful elders would fight for with their lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Leon...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...gave it to his student.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya stood there quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But inside—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her thoughts had already gone far away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That bone...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew exactly what Selena was talking about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Inferno Long from the wasteland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A King Realm beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A treasure born from blood, death, and luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had seen it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Felt it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, just remembering it made her mana stir faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had believed Leon would absorb it himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would have been the most natural choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smartest choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But instead...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave it away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his student.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya’s fingers tightened slightly at her side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...This man...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her brows furrowed faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He treats them too well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange thought slipped in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uninvited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncontrolled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why... isn’t he like that with me...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her own thought startled her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint trace of confusion crossed her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...What am I thinking?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned her gaze slightly, hiding that brief flicker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the feeling didn’t disappear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lingering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been just one step away from breaking through to the sage Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she had that precious bone...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things might have been different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wouldn’t have spent those months grinding, struggling, forcing herself forward step by step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t hers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And she had no right to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she endured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, hearing it again—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stirred something deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something more... personal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wow...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sana’s voice broke the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at Rias with wide, shining eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Teacher... is really too good to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no jealousy in her tone this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only pure, honest envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias smiled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression carried pride—but also something warmer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was gentle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher’s kindness to us... is as heavy as a mountain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers lightly brushed the edge of her robe, almost unconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He never hides anything from us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sana’s expression dimmed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remembered—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those rumors from before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All those words people used to describe Leon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unworthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And she...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had believed them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had even—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tried to persuade Selena to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking she was helping her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint bitterness rose in her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How ridiculous...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips pressed together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I were her... I would never leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not in this lifetime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not for anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let out a soft breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then smiled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sincere this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Selena... I really envy you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice carried warmth—but also something fragile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have a Teacher who cares about you this much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at her, eyes clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When you become strong in the future...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her smile trembled just slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...don’t forget me, okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena froze for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gently reached out—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And patted Sana’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What nonsense are you saying?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We grew up together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes were steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That won’t change.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not in the past.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sana lowered her gaze slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I hope so.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because deep down—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She understood something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The path of cultivation...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was not kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not fair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stronger Selena became—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The further she would go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And her...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she stayed like this—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would she even be able to stand beside her in the future?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or would she—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fade into the background?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A face in the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone forgotten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers tightened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I... don’t want that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But wanting...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t change reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya watched everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze rested on Sana for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then shifted away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t say anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because she understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Holy Water Division had many students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resources were limited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t give everything to one person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t be like Leon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selfless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unreasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time she compared herself to him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something inside her felt... unsettled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, when she took over the Holy Water Division—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She believed she was doing well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That confidence felt... shaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...That man...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She muttered softly under her breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint, helpless smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He really knows how to hit where it hurts...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She exhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then looked back at Selena and Rias.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression returned to calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her eyes were gentler now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With the help of that precious bone...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s natural for you to progress this fast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze sharpened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But remember—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Power is not everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Teacher has given you more than others could ever hope for.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t waste it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes lingered on them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t let him down.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias straightened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena’s expression turned serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both of them nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn’t need reminders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They already knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better than anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena stepped forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sincere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Respected Maya, don’t worry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes were steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We will not disappoint Teacher.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t seek anything else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers curled slightly at her side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just want... to stand beside him one day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To help him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As a way of repaying everything he has given us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias didn’t speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she nodded lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her usual playful expression was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only seriousness remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya watched them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And slowly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint sense of relief passed through her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were not ungrateful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon had chosen well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m relieved that you think this way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze returning to the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where battles continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where students fought, struggled, chased something far ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for a brief moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her thoughts drifted again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back to that man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That calm figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That quiet, dangerous smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Leon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips moved slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So soft—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one heard it.\u003C\u002Fp>",1088,"2026-06-03T10:40:08.787Z","2026-06-03T10:40:17.095Z",1,"novelbin.me","2f7adee608b1ce9d34f3938605b45a0d734a99352c25dafedba1661db824d7bf","grand-return-system-chapter-137","grand-return-system-chapter-135",234,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fgrand-return-system-cover.jpg"]