[{"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-242":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},1828679,2432,"Chapter 242: I’ll Be In Your Care, Master","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-242",242,"\u003Cp>I’ll Be In Your Care, Master\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This stubborn girl...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl rubbed her forehead and let out a long sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really aren’t going to change your mind, are you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria immediately shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not even a little?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl narrowed her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not even a tiny bit?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria tried to look serious, but the corners of her lips twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl crossed her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What if I make it an official order?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, she genuinely seemed to consider it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a soft smile appeared on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I still won’t obey that one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl stared at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria stared right back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two girls remained locked in silence for several seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A laugh escaped Videl’s mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria quickly covered her lips, but she couldn’t stop herself from giggling either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The serious atmosphere completely shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl shook her head helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re impossible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smile on Aria’s face immediately widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl reached out and gently patted her shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Listen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you really don’t want to call me by my name...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes brightened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then call me Sister.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smile on her face disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sounds much better than Master, doesn’t it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria became quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments, she simply looked at Videl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The expression in her eyes softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl could almost see the emotions passing through her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps even something deeper than that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Aria slowly shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl almost choked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time there wasn’t even the slightest hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are my savior.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was gentle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The person who pulled me out of despair when I couldn’t see a future anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small smile appeared on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kind that came from the heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So I’ll keep calling you Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Videl didn’t know what to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at those sincere green eyes, she realized arguing was pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This girl had already made up her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A long sigh escaped her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine. Have it your way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she surrendered, Aria’s entire face lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a child who had just won a difficult battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl laughed despite herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really are impossible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria tilted her head innocently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I learned from Sir Victor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl’s eye twitched immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You know what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That actually sounds believable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warm sound echoed through the quiet courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without realizing it, Videl found herself smiling too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time since returning to the academy, the pressure weighing on her chest felt a little lighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A little less suffocating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conversation drifted naturally into a comfortable silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Aria suddenly looked past Videl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her green eyes wandered around as if searching for something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl noticed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you looking for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria blinked before asking carefully,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where is Sir Victor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she slowly closed her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course that would be the next question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange mixture of amusement and helplessness washed over her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even this girl...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first person she wanted to see was Victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria leaned forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is he inside the academy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl let out another sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, Victor’s ability to attract people was absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter where he went.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter who he met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People always ended up gravitating toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes it was admirable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes it was incredibly annoying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...He’s not here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disappointment on Aria’s face appeared instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brightness in her eyes visibly dimmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl noticed it immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And suddenly, for some reason, she felt a strange sense of déjà vu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had seen it before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Skyla.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now Aria too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor truly possessed a ridiculous talent for collecting people’s affection without even trying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought made her shake her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He went out to train.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria’s eyes immediately lit up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a flower blooming after rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Training?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The excitement in her voice was impossible to miss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Knowing him, he’s probably doing something ridiculous right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small smile appeared on her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Either training.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sleeping.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eating.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or somehow doing all three at the same time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria giggled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That sounded absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet somehow believable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He must be very strong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl’s expression softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very strong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That wasn’t enough to describe Victor anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had personally witnessed things she still couldn’t explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things that made no sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things that should have been impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet they happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of Victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange warmth appeared inside her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice became softer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria noticed the change immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small knowing smile appeared on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl instantly noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re smiling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I always smile.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This smile is different.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl immediately looked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re imagining things.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smile on Aria’s face widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master likes Sir Victor very much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl nearly choked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"W-What nonsense are you saying?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria looked innocent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn’t say anything strange.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You absolutely did.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I only said you like him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s not the point.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria giggled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, teasing Videl felt surprisingly fun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl quickly changed the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria straightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How have you been?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conversation gradually shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria began telling her about the past weeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where she stayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people who helped her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The work she found.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The struggles she faced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fears she overcame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl listened quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally asking questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally offering advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two girls talked beneath the moonlight for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Comfortably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like sisters catching up after a long separation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At one point Aria spoke about her future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to become stronger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl looked surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stronger?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes became determined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t want to be helpless anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gentle girl suddenly showed unexpected resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t want people like that to hurt others again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The memory of the traffickers still remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not as fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as motivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl smiled proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s a good goal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then suddenly smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe one day I’ll be strong enough to help Sir Victor too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl immediately laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good luck with that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ll need it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria tilted her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl merely smiled mysteriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Aria knew what Victor was truly capable of...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She probably wouldn’t even know where to begin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night continued quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The academy gates remained open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Students occasionally entered and exited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moon slowly moved across the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually Aria looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s getting late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment neither of them moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Aria smiled warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m glad I came.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl returned the smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Me too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The loneliness she felt earlier had almost disappeared completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes all people needed was someone to talk to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone who genuinely cared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aria then took a step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression became serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She lowered her head respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gesture filled with gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gesture she had practiced countless times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gesture she would probably never stop making.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she looked up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes shone brightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll be in your care master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1183,"2026-06-09T06:06:36.928Z",1,"novelbin.me","b113100dcb07d5bfaec94ef78c3855f8c6b2a49048244cd39450c7bda3f2a3b4","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-243","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-241",253,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fjourney-to-become-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]