Chapter 329: Another Man's Research (2)

Owen Liddell suddenly found his mind extremely clear. The fatigue from lack of sleep was gone—or rather, it didn't matter when one was willing to work beyond one's current capacity. 

He wasn't sure if this was the same for Han whenever he used his Psion Skill.

Most likely not. Owen was the one reaping the most from Han's skills right now.

The reason for that statement was because Owen received the superior version of a Skill from the ones he 'borrowed' it from. As for how it actually happened and why it worked that way when he was only supposed to receive the "other man's fortune" was due to him always being higher level than them. 

In this world of theirs, the Classes helped distinguish people from another and so did one's levels. A lot of people identified with it and most introductions usually revolved around figuring out another person's Class or telling what was theirs.

However, most people failed to see that even their own 'Skills' were affected by their levels.

… Or rather, they failed to see the implications that well.

Generally, people were inclined to think that repeating a Skill allowed someone to level up their Class, but while that was true in some way and just a terrible waste of time usually—it also allowed one to master their Skills. 

Even if one didn't level up by repetitive use of their Skills, a certain mastery and familiarity with the Skill allowed someone to use it with ease. 

Someone who wasn't used to using [ Barrage of The Boar ] will stumble using that Skill over someone who tested it countless times and got used to the increased power the Skill provided.

However, Owen Liddell managed to by-pass that through his "capstone" Skill. If, for example, a certain Student like Donovan who was an [ Axe Wielder ] at Level 15 and had the [ Lesser Strength ] as a Skill… when Owen Liddell borrowed it—it usually became [ Enhanced Strength ] instead.

That was due to the large difference of levels.

Now Owen Liddell didn't know if the same happened with Han's Skill, or he just received a superior version of it—some Skills didn't have an upgraded version—regardless, he was now reaping the benefits to figure out the young man.

The Professor stretched his back to remove all the kinks in his muscles, and then eventually sat up. He rubbed his face and then gazed at all of his research.

Now the wooden board didn't hurt that much to see.

[ Mental Fortitude ] was a Skill that was incredibly helpful to Owen Liddell. Now only did it boost his general motivation to do things. He felt rather immune from any sort of mental effects.

… And that included whatever mental block that previously afflicted him.

Owen Liddell stood up and drew another line on the board, using a quill. He connected the three visitors from the distant lands, the so-called three fugitives, to the Student Han and hummed to himself.

"They're no other than the backers and patrons that helped Han and maybe vice versa… plus they also took care of the Colossal Wyverns. Who would have thought they'd be the ones doing it?"

He rubbed his chin.

"And yet, that's not the end of the story, is it?"

It wasn't fair to say that these Individuals were good simply because they were helping Han… and it was natural to draw upon the conclusion that Han might be doing something terrible. Colluding and conspiring with non-Humans.

Owen Liddell stood up and scratched his head.

"But when did these folks even meet up in the first place? There's no chance that Han met them when they were younger in Rockfall Village or else Old Man Joe or Joseph would have done something and reported it."

He sighed.

"Once again another missing link—messages and other long-distance forms of communication is available, but these people should have met with Han first at least. Well, screw it, it's not that important now. What the important thing is… is Han trustworthy or not? And I really should report this to the Headmaster now."

Owen Liddell frowned and paced about.

While he really could submit it to his grandfather—things would escalate and the chances of the three high-leveled individuals noticing that Han was restrained or under threat would lead to them cutting off said communications.

"We could use more magic—more everything in general?" 

Owen Liddel's gaze flitted past the small Yegarian Kingdom map and shifted to a larger map, focusing on the tip of the Veiled Continent. The Human and Beastfolks lands were cut off and isolated by the Endless Passes.

Relations with Beastfolks or Beastkins were always unsteady.

But if they were able to form trading agreements and find new sources of higher magic from those beyond the Endless Passes, numerous benefits were capable of being reaped. All it needed was hopefully one evening of drinking and partying to form those.

"Or a marriage of convenience to a certain Elven Prince."

Owen Liddell's gaze flitted towards a slightly torn invitation to the castle sent by one of the King's representatives. Both his grandparents would probably make an excuse on the spot if they'd seen it—but he'd be attending to see how things work out.

"What are the chances that this is all the motivation that His Majesty needs to instigate another war?" He asked himself before slapping his face. "This has nothing to do with Han—except for the Princess' own… Well, this is supposed to be another working theory paired with that Crowel brat. However, the two  doesn't exactly align—"

A knock interrupted Owen Liddell's ramblings. 

"Who is it?"

The rapping on the door suddenly changed, and Owen Liddell sighed. That was the hidden cue that meant to capture his attention. He glanced at the board and thought about tossing a blanket over it—he slept in this place as well—but eventually just walked towards the door and opened it.

"Professor!" A small young Mage with bright red hair looked up to him with a deep yet childish frown. 

"A-ah… Elliot Primrose, do you have any interesting news for me?" 

The two of them struck a small agreement sometime ago.