Acid was better at begging than anyone else.

But what other abilities did he have?

When he was taken to a place called death zone by Matthias, Acid couldn’t do anything.

In fact, Acid didn’t even know what the death zone that Leonhart mentioned was.

A street beggar who knew nothing, just a fool.

He was in a position where he could only watch without knowing anything.

But…

‘I want to protect Master Matthias too.’

He still had nothing for himself.

Neither an adult, nor had he holy power like his Paladin brother.

Should he develop physical strength?

However, no matter how he thought about it, he felt that he couldn’t possibly attain the level of strength of the muscular maids who were serving Matthias. Just thinking about their bulging muscles made him feel dejected.

If he had a strength…

Only one, his Paladin brother Ted.

‘…I heard that holy power is hereditary.’

Since his brother is a Paladin, he may have latent holy power as well.

Of course, holy power is a force that manifests early.

If it hasn’t manifested by now, it’s right to assume he doesn’t have it.

Acid’s fingernails dug deeply into his palm.

Still, should he meet the brother who abandoned him, Ted?

That’s when it happened.

A refreshing touch came on Acid’s shoulder, who was sitting with his head bowed to the ground.

“Baby, what’s wrong?”

It was Matthias.

Acid abruptly lifted his head to look at Matthias. Innocent yet affectionate eyes were directed at him.

“I… I mean.”

He didn’t want to be a baby that Matthias took care of. Although he was small and came from the slums…

He wanted to protect.

So that Matthias could live.

In that case, he had to become strong to protect the Matthias who saved him, just like his brother Ted, who became a Paladin and abandoned him.

If necessary, even borrowing his help.

“I, I want to become strong!”

…For the first time, he thought he should confront his brother.

Along with Matthias’ puzzled look, a meditative voice reached his ears.

“All things in the world depend on your determination.”

“Think about the three realms.”

“There’s no need to be strong. Weakness has its own beauty.”

Acid shook his head internally.

No.

He will definitely become strong.

Stronger than even Master Matthias, to protect Matthias from threats.

And when Acid said that, Matthias’s eyes widened.

“Baby!”

The timid boy was momentarily scared.

The warm Matthias may be afraid of the words that he wants to be strong.

However…

“That’s a truly ingenious idea to become strong!”

Matthias, who usually smiles, was almost smiling happily now.

He saw Matthias’ stern face looking at him from behind her. His face was inscrutable.

So Acid just stared at Matthias.

Matthias’ plump cheeks, large and sparkling eyes like go stones, and small front teeth.

And even the warm smile that seemed to show her benevolent nature, he took them all in.

It was his first decision to become strong.

But because Matthias liked it…

‘The best choice.’

Acid’s heart filled with happiness.

(This is a time separator.)

I shouted cheerfully in my heart.

It seemed that Acid’s shadow had lightened considerably.

Again, I felt sure that feeding him well, cleaning him, and treating him nicely was the right thing.

‘If I heal his emotional wounds, I think it will be okay for him to meet Ted. Then Acid and Ted will be happy, and Ted will become my knight!’

I grinned as wide as a river.

But as they say, life is mountain after mountain.

It was good that the dozing Acid suddenly awakened like a lightning bolt!

But this damn Sunlight Academy course just never ends.
Father’s desperate attempts to resist purification were futile. By lunchtime, his soul had been cleansed.

Today, the meal was to be in a place filled with divine power….

“Father.”

“Yes, Cien. Do you like vegetarian food?”

Saliva pooled in my mouth. But admitting I liked it felt as though my tainted spirit would be completely purified. I cleared my throat and continued.

“Wait before you eat, Father! We need a moment just for the kids!”

“……What?”

Father’s eyes wavered for a moment.

He was hurt.

“Father?”

It pained me, but… I couldn’t back down now.

I firmly insisted on having a kidsonly moment, avoiding close surveillance.

“Father, you can’t be with us.”

With a shocked expression, Father said, “So soon, you have secrets from your father…” but there was nothing to be done.

It wasn’t important that Father’s tender heart might be hurt now.

“Wait here! We’ll be back in ten minutes!”

I tightly gripped Leonhardt and Acid’s hands and left.

Sighs naturally came out, contemplating how to show Father how harsh the world was.

“How is this academy course?”

“Slept through it.”

Following Leonhardt’s honest words, Acid avoided my gaze and scratched the back of his head. His ears reddened; it appeared he felt the same as Leonhardt.

I clenched my fists and spoke as if delivering a speech.

“Friends.”

“Hm?”

“As you know, we need to reform our Father.”