I Will Not Let You Die Before Me!

Hector… will die.

The Trojan War might end sooner than ten years due to the departure of key figures on the battlefield.

As the strongest spear and shield of Troy, and the psychological pillar for all Trojans,

Hector's importance to Troy was immense.

Although for Night, this was just a simulated universe and he had just simulated the concept of a universe, not real history.

The history buried in mythology could not be changed.

The dead won't come back to life; the outcome is already determined.

No matter what he does in this world, it won't change the course of history.

Similarly, he just needs to use any means necessary to become stronger.

Using everything available, thinking about every outcome possible, although he was merely a passerby in this world.

But when he thought about using Hector to get close to Achilles,

Night hesitated...

Through these days of interaction, he could genuinely feel that everyone here was flesh and blood,

far more than mere memories of past history.

Maybe they were just specks of dust, data recorded in the universe's history.

But whether it was the soldiers' longing for the end of war and their families during their chats,

their laughter when joking about the beauty of some girl in the city, or Hector's passionate and sincere teaching, none of it felt fake.

Although he kept reminding himself that Hector's admiration and friendship towards him were largely influenced by his recitation of Hector's future 'speech.'

Perhaps the Prince saw him as a kindred spirit as his words struck right into the sweet spot, resonating deeply on a soul level.

From the start, he had deceived Hector and was not the noble person he imagined...

After all—Troy was not truly his homeland.

He could not possibly speak such passionate, responsible, and protective words for a city that was a stranger to him.

Since it was deception from the beginning, why not go all the way,

letting Hector help him easily achieve his goal?

However, as these thoughts swirled in Night's mind, he found himself torn.

The people he had come to know and care for were real in their emotions and relationships, even if they were part of a simulated history.

To exploit Hector's genuine care and loyalty felt increasingly wrong.

And

"It seems you always feel a sense of urgency, as if something is constantly chasing you, forcing you to push yourself to become stronger.

While the desire to grow stronger is good, overworking yourself is counterproductive," Hector said, frowning as he looked at Night.

He couldn't fully understand, or perhaps he was worried about his friend.

He continued, "To become significantly stronger in a short time, you would need to achieve something like the legendary feat of slaying a dragon and bathing in its blood to gain its strength; or receive a blessing from the gods, or acquire powerful weapons, such as divine artifacts or legendary swords.

But these are rare and almost impossible to come by.

However, with your talent, the gods might one day notice and be amazed, and perhaps you might receive the blessing of a major deity."

Hearing this, Night fell silent...

'...'

Slaying a dragon?

If he could slay a dragon, his own strength would already be on par with the greatest heroes.

Unless it was a dragon so weak that even regular human soldiers could kill it through attrition.

Maybe then he could try to take it on alone.

As for divine blessings and powerful artifacts...

The former would mean being noticed by the gods and a blessing from the gods is also a form of their favor, which isn't easy to obtain.

Along with this miracle, one must also bear the associated risks.

The gods, with their life forces far surpassing that of humans, can, whether with good or bad intentions, easily ruin a human if they are not careful.

After all, stepping over an ant without crushing it can be quite tricky.

What was the fate of Jason, the captain of the legendary Argo, who received blessings and was protected by the gods?

So—

Of the three ways to become stronger, Night felt the least confident about the blessings of the gods.

Ironically, according to Hector, this was the most likely source of power he could attain first, which was also the one he liked the least.

Of course—

Since this was a simulated universe, trying out a divine blessing didn't seem like a big deal. If he died, he could just restart.

'I don't know if a blessing from a god could be carried over to the real world.'

But setting aside this potentially useless trap, the last option—

A powerful weapon.

Night knew of many, but almost all of them had destined owners, or had already fallen into the hands of various heroes.

If it had no owner, it was either too far away or in a different time or world, and if it had an owner, he couldn't win it in a fight...

This truly felt like a vicious cycle.

Could he really only rely on Hector to guide him?

Even though this was just a simulated universe, Hector's sincere teachings over the past few days made it impossible for Night to harden his heart and use him...

He really wanted the template of the demigod Achilles, so that he could quickly become strong in the real world, but he didn't want to become someone enslaved by power;

He had his own set of principles for how to conduct himself, and his values didn't allow him to do such a thing.

For those who had helped him, instead of repaying them with sincerity, turning around to harm them would be too disgusting.

"I have a bad feeling, Hector, we'll reach Thebes tomorrow.

You can guess which enemy we might encounter.

If the Greek coalition really intends to attack the surrounding cities, who do you think would be responsible for conquering the city that worships the main god Apollo?" Night said.

Hector's face also turned serious after hearing this as he frowned slightly, deep in thought,

"Are you suggesting...that the demigod Achilles might appear on this battlefield?

No wonder you are so eager for power.

But don't worry too much.

If we do encounter him, I'll take it upon myself to hold him off.

I swear by the shield in my hand! As long as I stand,

I will never let my brother die before me!"

Hector's words were firm, and he was very confident in his own strength.

Before having a direct confrontation with the demigod, he didn't think he would necessarily lose, though he wasn't arrogant enough to believe he could definitely defeat the demigod hero.

But merely holding him off for a while, giving his father-in-law and others a chance to escape, he was confident he could do that.

After all, he was the foremost hero of the allied forces too.

Night was touched at this moment.

Not letting him die first?

This great hero of Troy considered him a brother...?

Night: "That's not necessary, running away isn't shameful if you can't win.

If I encounter danger, there's no need to save me.

That might just be my destiny."

"Don't talk nonsense,

I haven't seen you become a hero yet...

If I'm Troy's past, then you're Troy's future.

The future cannot fade before the past." Hector did not agree with Night's words and showed an angry expression instead.

...With his personality, once he decided someone was his brother,

he would never give up on them.

For this sentimental man,

just as he cherished his wife and protected his brother Paris,

When someone close to him is in danger, this fierce beast awakens, showing its enemies the most ferocious fangs.

For him to abandon his brothers and friends, avoiding battle, would be the greatest insult!