The Reality (2)

Not long ago, Liam had also regained his senses. He was about to stand but paused as he heard Brian's voice, expecting something. Who was he talking to?

Liam peeked toward the source of Brian's voice and saw Zeus leaning against a tree.

"Sir Zeus, could you please not leave me hanging?"

"Don't be surprised. Leonard isn't a warrior. In reality, he is far from being one, which is why he's doing that in the hopes of building his constitution."

Hearing that, Liam felt his body go numb. They were talking about Leonard, and he had just heard something heavy drop in their conversation. Leonard wasn't a warrior? But, thinking straight, he couldn't remember Leonard ever claiming to be one. So, despite hearing that, Liam wasn't entirely shocked.

'Then, Sir Leonard could be an assassin after all?'

Entertaining his thoughts, Liam couldn't help but feel excited. Having sharp senses and a weaker presence yet being strong when discovered were traits an assassin should have. That would also explain Leonard's surprising level of concentration.

"Leonard is a summoner. He has the weakest class of all. Which is why, do not depend on him."

But after hearing the next sentence, it was as if his expectations were dropped from the highest point to zero. After all, summoner classes were known as the weakest. Even if a summoner was strong, it would still be comparable to the average Player.

However, he didn't let his judgment fail him. He still entertained the thought that Leonard could be an assassin, but his expectations were low. Leonard's talent and skills should be subpar based on what he knew about the restrictions of summoners.

Even as a normal human, there were times they had to study information that only Players should learn. Most of it was about the system and the different classes of Players. There were also norms they followed to be aware of how Players live and how they differ from them.

Studying Players was also common for normal Hunters to adjust their strategies or tactics.

Thus, Liam and the rest of the party knew well how lacking Leonard was. There were restrictions that, even before having a strong normal body, if one awakened as a Player with the Summoner Class, their entire constitution would change according to their basic stats.

The basic stats of summoners were so subpar that their strength wouldn't easily rise. Even mages had a faster increase in strength stats.

"What?" Liam heard Brian's surprise. Of course, who wouldn't be?

During the entire exchange, they remained silent. Liam stopped listening to them and rose, sitting up as he looked around. He found Leonard in the distance, focusing on balancing on top of and between two huge logs.

"I understand how you feel. You don't have to hide it."

Liam saw how Brian struggled to accept the truth. His expression said it all as he remained frozen and stiff. However, there was a sense that Brian had hit rock bottom in his expectations of Leonard.

'If I were Brian, I would feel the same. He always considers the party's well-being and curries favor to benefit the group. That could be why he favored Leonard, hoping for the party's better position in life.'

'Even with how reckless the exploration was, he supported Yuna and the rest of the party's ideas because they aligned with what Leonard wanted. Blinded by hopes and interests, he must be finding it difficult to face reality now.'

A bitter aftertaste filled Liam as he stood and approached Leonard, who was so focused on his training that he seemed oblivious to his surroundings. Leonard concentrated solely on his body, shutting out other sensory information.

'It must be hard to be a summoner, yet Leonard has managed to survive. This just makes me wonder more. If Leonard is just a weak summoner but has been acting strong and confident, why would Zeus be working under him?'

Liam wasn't the only one with this question. Brian had the same thought and, unlike Liam, had already asked Zeus directly.

"Why would you work for Leonard if he's just a summoner?"

'Thinking about it more, I can't help but be irritated. That must be why he did nothing when the golems attacked, just standing around and watching. He can't do anything except rely on Zeus!'

Zeus smirked. "Are you really that curious?"

"Why are you telling me all of this?" Brian retorted, rephrasing his question. "Forget about why you work for him—I don't care about your background story. Why are you telling me this?"

Brian watched as Zeus shrugged, which only added to his annoyance. This was the first time he hadn't sensed the mature aura from Zeus, as if it were slowly dissipating.

With a growing grin, Zeus stood straight and walked playfully toward Brian, who remained still, observing him. Zeus seemed less concerned, almost cunning, as if he were concocting a devious plan. There had to be a reason why he revealed all of this.

Seeing the crafty look in Zeus's eyes, Brian couldn't help but have reservations about what he had just learned.

'There's a chance he's just fooling me. Damn.' Slowly, disappointment in himself began to rise. He had judged Leonard too quickly.

"Nothing serious. But before I answer your question, let me ask you this: What's your intention? Why did you let someone join your party?" Zeus questioned.

"It's because he's dependable, and he saved Yuna. What more reason do I need?" Brian pressed, but Zeus could easily read human emotions. That simple test was transparent to him. He had noticed Brian's belief in Leonard waver for a long time before finally stabilizing.

"Is it really just because of that?" Zeus teased, his eyes narrowing as they darkened, seeming to stare into Brian's very soul.

Brian slowly became uncomfortable under Zeus's gaze. The playful demeanor shifted back to the imposing presence of a seasoned Player. The mature aura and pressing weight returned, making it difficult for Brian to breathe smoothly.

"That's all. Now, answer my question. Were you serious? Was that the reality?" Brian demanded, his tone revealing how much this meant to him. The future of his party—and himself—was on the line. To Brian, there was something to gain by being with Leonard. Zeus had already picked up on this, successfully identifying the party's untrustworthy member.

Zeus shook his head and pointed toward Leonard, who had entered the second phase of his training.

Leonard balanced upside down on one hand, his body perfectly steady and controlled. Muscles tensed as he defied gravity, his toes pointing skyward while his hand remained firmly planted on one of the logs, showcasing his strength and balance.

"Would that be normal for a summoner? Think carefully." Zeus chuckled as he spoke.