[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-journey-to-become-the-zenith":3,"chapter-journey-to-become-the-zenith-journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-129":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Journey to Become the Zenith",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1828466,2432,"Chapter 129: The Weight That Doesn’t Fade","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-129",129,"\u003Cp>The Weight That Doesn’t Fade\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hilda who had returned the remaining women back to their homes, saw the scene she had expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment they stepped into the village—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not with shouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not with violence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with something far worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The narrow dirt paths of Ridge Village were lined with people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes didn’t hold relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t hold gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They held something colder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something sharper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The women who had walked beside Clara trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some lowered their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some clutched the torn fabric around their bodies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just stared ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if they had already accepted what was coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...We’re home...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even that word—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sounded fragile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like it might break if spoken too loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mother ran forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hands shaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes already filled with tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My daughter...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pulled one of the girls into her arms, holding her tightly, as if trying to make up for everything that had been taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You’re alive... you’re alive...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl broke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crying into her shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clinging to her like she would disappear otherwise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara watched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another scene unfolded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A father stood at the edge of the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His daughter stepped toward him slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Father...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Desperate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fragile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t open his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Please...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She dropped to her knees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I’m still your daughter...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Don’t come closer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words fell like a blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Final.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hands trembling against the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Father...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whispers began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cruel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unforgiving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...They’ve been tainted...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...They’re not the same...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...How can they return like nothing happened...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara’s jaw tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers curled slightly at her sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some parents accepted their daughters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the ones who didn’t—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t soften.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much the women groveled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much they cried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much they begged—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were ignored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Please... I have nowhere else...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I didn’t choose this...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Please...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Voices cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Broke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fell apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the answers remained the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rejection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold eyes that refused to look at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara gritted her teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp breath escaped her nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her shoulders stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hand twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like she wanted to step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like she wanted to do something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because she knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She understood it too well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t have the power to fix this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not with a blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not with strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not with anything she had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t something you could cut down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t something you could fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was what made it unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Damn it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words slipped under her breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barely audible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bitter taste filled her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lingering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had saved them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brought them back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Done everything she was supposed to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It still wasn’t enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some of the women slowly stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not looking at anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not speaking anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara watched them go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes didn’t follow them for long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because she already knew where that road led.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...There’s nothing more I can do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quiet truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One she didn’t want to accept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But had to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without another word—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She left the village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky above had darkened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clouds gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind brushing faintly against her skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The path to Fantom City stretched ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her steps were steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her mind—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What can I even do...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought came quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unanswered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t stop walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t look back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because staying there—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wouldn’t change anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time she reached Fantom City, the sun had already begun to dip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city buzzed with life as always—vendors shouting, people moving, laughter echoing from taverns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara walked through it all without slowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without reacting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until she reached the adventurers guild.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The familiar wooden doors creaked open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noise hit her immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Conversations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clinking mugs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt... distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walked straight to the counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And placed the pouch down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Proof of subjugation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The receptionist opened it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Counted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Confirmed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No deeper look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just another completed quest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walked toward the bar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chair creaked softly under her weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her shoulders relaxed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not really.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Why does this feel worse than fighting...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She muttered quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned back slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’This wasn’t what I was expecting when I became an active adventurer again. It’s all that guy’s fault, why would he leave his party to do a solo adventure. We’ve just done one quest and that was it. Well to be fair that one quest was more than what we expected...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sigh escaped her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Annoying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She raised her hand slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Beer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mug was placed in front of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Condensation forming along the sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She picked it up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But didn’t drink immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Wasn’t the whole purpose of me joining his party, was for me to see if he really is a trustworthy person. What am I actually doing right now?...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze lowered slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfocused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Memories surfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way he fought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way he moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way he looked at battle—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not as something to survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But something to embrace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’He’s not what I expected...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She thought he was just another arrogant fighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone who relied too much on strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that wasn’t it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t careless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’He just does what he wants...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers tapped lightly against the mug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remembered the King Drake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment it fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way Victor—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not mockingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not arrogantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gratefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’He even thanked it...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The necromancer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The look in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the fight had ended before it reached its peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’It’s not like he’s a bad person per se...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’...Well, it’s also not like he’s a good person either.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips pressed together slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’It feels more like... he only cares about those somehow related to him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers tightened slightly around the mug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’And everything else that isn’t worth fighting... doesn’t exist to him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint scoff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Well... I guess that’s not really special.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her shoulders relaxed just slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Everyone’s like that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quiet truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’People only care about what’s close to them.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Actually... it’s more abnormal for someone to care about strangers.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze softened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Still...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers stilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’I wonder what Victor told Lane to do...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint frown appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’As long as it’s not something excessive...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’And as long as it doesn’t affect my family...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’...Then maybe I can let it be.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned back slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’That guy...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small, almost invisible smile flickered for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’...He probably has his reasons.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quiet breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Heh...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her grip loosened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’I guess I’m no different.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint, self-aware thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Just another selfish person.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She finally raised the mug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And drank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bitterness spread across her tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grounding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as she sat there—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lost in her thoughts—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t notice it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That the space he left behind—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The absence—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was starting to fill with something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something subtle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given enough time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would no longer be easy to ignore.\u003C\u002Fp>",1248,"2026-06-09T06:06:36.927Z",1,"novelbin.me","ab1cbc0b2fe357e99a9a2320e47be3b60d2dbd73becfbb5b6dee6d9c17190ce7","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-130","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-128",253,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fjourney-to-become-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]