Chapter 40
That night—
Paul sat alone.
Sword resting beside him.
"…He doesn't need Touki…"
That truth settled heavily.
Because Touki—
Was supposed to be the foundation of strength.
And yet—
Rudeus had bypassed it entirely.
"…He's building something else."
Something new.
Something unknown.
Something—
Potentially far more dangerous.
Meanwhile—
In his room—
Rudeus continued.
Unaware of fear.
Unaware of limits.
Unaware of consequences.
Only focused on one thing:
Progress.