LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 99 - 98: Introducing the Best Supporting Actor
Chapter 99: Chapter 98: Introducing the Best Supporting Actor
“Indeed.”
When he heard the round-faced man’s inquiry, Fang Zheng pretended to be straightforward and nodded.
“In the course of this operation, due to a stroke of luck, I had a chance to fight against two mages. The magic they wielded left a deep impression on me, and I believe that to learn how to cope with magic, one must first understand the principles of magic… That’s why I indeed plan to study magic…”
“I see.”
Before Fang Zheng could finish, the round-faced man interrupted him, his smile growing brighter, while the thin bamboo stick beside him furrowed his brows, showing a dissatisfied expression as he looked at the round-faced man. As for Bishop Carl, who was in between the two, he continued to have his eyes slightly closed, looking as if he were asleep.
“I’ve heard from Great Knight Shi Dong that you have a very deep comprehension and understanding of Holy Light, and can skillfully wield its power. Now that you plan to study magic, does it mean you think Holy Light is inferior to magic?”
“That’s not what I mean, Your Excellency Bishop.”
Upon hearing the round-faced man’s retort, Fang Zheng’s “expression changed slightly,” and he began to defend himself.
“I think that Holy Light and magic each have their own strengths in different domains, and if I could learn this point…”
“I understand your point.”
Just as the thin bamboo stick wanted to say something, he had barely begun to speak when the round-faced man cheerfully cut him off once again.
“Your perspective is quite rare indeed. Truly, both magic and Holy Light belong to the powers of order. I think your idea is very good. In that case, I personally approve of your request, and I will even allow you to enter the Tower of Heaven to study magic. Would you wish to do so?”
“Thank you, Your Excellency Bishop!”
Now, Fang Zheng genuinely showed an expression of joy and hastily expressed his gratitude. The thin bamboo stick next to him looked at Fang Zheng with the expression of a policeman who has just witnessed a victim of fraud and sighed helplessly.
“What are your opinions?”
The round-faced man’s smile grew even broader as he turned his head to look at Bishop Carl and the thin bamboo stick. The thin man furrowed his brow, indicating he wanted to say something. Unfortunately, at this moment, Bishop Carl seemed to have woken up; he just quietly looked at Fang Zheng and, after a moment, nodded slightly.
“Since the individual herself agrees, then I have no objections.”
“I feel the same way.”
Perhaps because several times he tried to speak he was interrupted, the thin bamboo stick now appeared disinterested. He shook his head, glanced at Fang Zheng, and then simply nodded in agreement.
“Then it’s settled.”
After obtaining affirmative answers from the other two bishops, the round-faced man once again turned to Fang Zheng with a cheerful smile.
“The Bishopric has granted your request. Just so happens, the investigative mages from the Tower of Heaven are here; they will take you to the Tower of Heaven for your studies. Also, the Spirit Crystals you need will be prepared properly. You may leave now.”
“Thank you, Your Excellency Bishop.”
Hearing the round-faced man’s words, Fang Zheng left with an “excited” smile, respectfully bowing to the three men before turning to depart. Once Fang Zheng had left the hall, he finally couldn’t help but clench his fists tightly.
Success!
Although the round-faced man’s smile was friendly and approachable, Fang Zheng was no pushover. Having been in management for so many years, how could he not know what the other party was thinking?
For a company, an organization, or a force, what is the most important thing about a subordinate?
Ability and loyalty!
One can lack ability, after all, geniuses are always in the minority, but loyalty is the part all organizations and forces value most. Loyalty is not only about being faithful to a person, but also about whether there are shared values, interests, and goals. Because only these are the foundation that maintains loyalty and prevents betrayal. This principle applies equally to organizations as well as to nations.
On the surface, what the round-faced man said was correct, the Sanctuary is the guardian of order, and both Holy Light and magic are part of order. So whether one studies Holy Light or magic, seemingly both serve order, and there’s no difference.
But these words are really just for deceiving three-year-old children.
If there really were no difference, then why wouldn’t the Sanctuary of Reflection and the Tower of Heaven merge? Looking at the way Shi Dong acted, it’s amazing that the Sanctuary and the White Tower haven’t turned everyone’s brains into dog brains.
And the reason the fat round-faced person did this was crystal clear to Fang Zheng, the moment he agreed to his terms, it would mean that Fang Zheng would lose all possibility of being promoted within the Sanctuary!
Put plainly, it meant that Fang Zheng, as an employee, didn’t sufficiently buy into the corporate culture of the Sanctuary, nor did he have a strong enough sense of group belonging, and his views clashed with those of his superiors. For instance, if the company clearly intends to allocate all resources to develop a hit FPS game sequel, yet you insist that FPS games will incur losses and advocate for an RTS game… With such an employee, do you think any leader would favor them? It would be lucky if they weren’t given the boot at the first opportunity.
On the White Tower’s side, they might pay exceptional attention to Fang Zheng initially, but he was certain they wouldn’t trust him much either. After all, he was from the Sanctuary, and quite possibly the only Templar to come learn magic, which meant his identity predestined that he couldn’t climb to the upper echelons of the mages either.
If someone else were in his shoes, the fat round face’s scheme would seem incredibly cunning and sinister, essentially dooming a person to never get ahead. But for Fang Zheng, this was fantastic!
I just love you, brother!! Isn’t this like an Oscar-worthy performance for Best Supporting Actor?
Although on the surface, someone like Fang Zheng who sits on the fence could be despised by both sides, the fence-sitters are despised exactly because they sit on the fence. But when a fence-sitter turns into a towering tree, the question of being despised no longer exists.
Fang Zheng didn’t wish to get too close to the Sanctuary, nor did he want to cozy up too much to the White Tower, so the identity of a two-faced fence-sitter suited him best. If anything went wrong, he could decisively desert both the Sanctuary and the White Tower, or even become their enemy without any psychological burden. Otherwise, as the saying goes, “It’s hard to slap a smiling face”, it would be unreasonable not to reciprocate kindness.
Of course, Fang Zheng also knew that the so-called fief of his was definitely off the cards. The Sanctuary couldn’t possibly hand over its territory to a knight off to learn magic, for what if those mages decided to nest in his territory? But this was fine by him because he had no intention of taking that piece of land anyway. After all, he was waiting for the opportunity to time-travel through an instance. When the time came for him to disappear for tens of days or half a year, how could he be bothered with managing any fief matters? Prolonged absence can raise suspicions, and it would be easier to claim freedom and vanish without raising eyebrows, wouldn’t it?
Just then, a voice sounded.
“Is this the decision you’ve made?”
Upon hearing the voice, Fang Zheng stopped in his tracks, turned his head toward the source of the voice, and saw Bishop Carl stepping out of the shadows, watching him.
“Bishop Carl.”
Fang Zheng was not surprised by the appearance of Bishop Carl. During the battle with the Six-Armed Snake Demon, he had used several kinds of powers in succession. Bishop Carl must have been nearby, and since even the Six-Armed Snake Demon Bella could sense his aura, Carl was sure to have noticed it too.
“You choose to leave the Sanctuary, can you tell me why?”
Clearly, Fang Zheng was smart, and Carl was no fool either.
“I am just an ordinary person.”
Upon hearing Carl’s question, Fang Zheng sighed and then looked into the Old Archbishop’s deep eyes.
“To be honest, I don’t have the same dedication as my tutor or Grand Knight Mart. During that day’s battle, more than half of the mercenaries who went with me died. Although I know they received their payment and compensation, I… I’m just not very good at leading others to their deaths.”
“Every man should have the courage to face his responsibilities.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but the world is too big, and my hands are too small… Just protecting those I know around me is already taking all I have.”
“After all, you are still young.”
After hearing Fang Zheng’s answer, the Old Archbishop fell silent for a moment.
“Be that as it may, being willful and obstinate are privileges of the young, and sometimes evasion is not an act of cowardice. At least you clearly recognize the magnitude of responsibility. That’s much better than those dreamers immersed in illusions without understanding what responsibility means… I only have one request: I hope you will stand on the side of order and never bow to Chaos.”
“…I will do my best.”
“Good.”
In response to Fang Zheng’s answer, the Old Archbishop showed a satisfied expression. Then he nodded, turned around, and left, melting back into the shadows once more.
“Don’t worry about the White Tower; I’ll have an old friend look after you… Strive to grow, child.”