[{"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-130":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},1828467,2432,"Chapter 130: A Will That Must Stand Alone","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-130",130,"\u003Cp>A Will That Must Stand Alone\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fresh sunlight cut across the floor when Videl tied her boots - then it hit her: the academy had started hunting her Long sword again. The air felt heavier suddenly, like before thunder rolls in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light from dawn crept in through a slim window, laying golden patches on the worn wood below. Quiet settled, just for a breath, like stillness could mean safety. Mornings such as this one pretend time stands still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment her thoughts settled—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So did the weight in her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fingers curled, just a little, perched on the mattress rim. Sunlit strands slipped past her collarbone, pooling by her arms. Those blue eyes - steady most days - held something quieter today, a thin wire of strain threading through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stopping wasn’t in their plans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last night changed everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still stuck on how their eyes lingered, cold and sharp. Never quite the same since that moment froze in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not how the words came out. More like when silence fell between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if she belonged to them, ready to be claimed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A weapon hung by her leg, yet it felt foreign. As if it had never known her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breath left Videl’s lips like smoke in winter, eyes sliding sideways to where the long sword lay. Still as stone - yet humming beneath the surface. Not a sound came from it, still, she sensed its weight. There was awareness there. Maybe even patience. Something waited just behind the metal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I need to figure something out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soft came her words, measured in pace. A quiet tone carried each phrase, shaped by reflection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things had gone too far to just look away now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would push.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Test.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Corner her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And eventually—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Push her toward a moment that demanded an answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hush followed each step she took across the planks, rising from stillness without hurry. The quiet tap of skin on wood broke the room’s calm like a slow breath let out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What do I even say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small crease appeared between her eyebrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A choice showed up early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I could say the sword has a will of its own...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused mid-step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...And that it chooses its owner.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded convincing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It even carried a certain weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the moment she thought about it deeper—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shook her head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That would only make things worse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because if they believed that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they wouldn’t back off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would become more desperate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some might even think—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the sword chooses... then killing the current owner might give me a chance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers curled slightly at her side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...They might actually try to kill me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought didn’t scare her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it irritated her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because it would turn everything into something messy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something unnecessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She resumed pacing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...And if they find out it’s actually sentient...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint tension crept into her shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...They’ll go insane.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Greed didn’t need logic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It only needed an excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...So telling the truth is out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She muttered it like a conclusion she didn’t like—but accepted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her thoughts shifted again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...The ring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hand instinctively brushed against it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cold metal felt heavier than it should.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...If I show it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...And say what the Queen told me...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would it work?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would they stop?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would they hesitate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her brows furrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Or would it just make things more complicated...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because power—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Always attracted attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And attention—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was exactly what she didn’t want right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stopped pacing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze lowered slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Damn it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quiet frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without warning—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thought slipped in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’If Victor were here...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes narrowed faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What am I thinking?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The realization came sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncomfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The moment things get rough...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let out a small breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I start looking for Victor for answers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips pressed together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s like...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I’m a kid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...And Victor’s my dad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought made her frown deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s not right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice hardened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m the older one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...And I still act like the younger one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence settled in the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But honest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze shifted toward the Long sword again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Amura was right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quiet admission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I rely on Victor too much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no denial in her voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No attempt to escape it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncomfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stood there for a moment longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not about solutions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not about strategies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But about herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...When did that even start...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question came quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because it wasn’t sudden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It hadn’t happened overnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had built up slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the way Victor moved through the world—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unaffected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unshaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncertain of nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...He always just... acts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...And I...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers loosened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I hesitate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That realization didn’t feel good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it didn’t break her either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It grounded her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then straightened her posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was calm now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll deal with this myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not out of pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not out of stubbornness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But because she had to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze sharpened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...If I keep relying on him...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Then I’ll never stand on my own.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was something she refused to accept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind her—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Long sword remained still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amura heard every word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she didn’t speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because she wasn’t asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And beings like her—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t break that line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a certain decorum of those weapons that have a contract needed to somehow follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Authors Notes: Dear Readers, Thanks so much for joining me on this adventure! Your enthusiasm, feedback, and encouragement really keep me motivated to keep bringing *Journey to Become the Zenith* into existence. If you’re loving the Chapters, I’d love it if you supported my book with a Powerstone, review, or even a Golden Ticket—it helps me develop as a writer and lets more readers enjoy the story. I look forward to hearing your ideas and thoughts, so please don’t hesitate to share!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With love,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scorpio_saturn777\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creator of Journey to Become the Zenith\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>--------------------\u003C\u002Fp>",1035,"2026-06-09T06:06:36.927Z",1,"novelbin.me","2ad686c0c21b4a81f3e4e9941ce09e423e82c69e8861fcc974c77fcdd65878dc","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-131","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-129",253,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fjourney-to-become-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]