Chapter 37: The Academic Madman

"Who is that?" Ethan asked, looking toward El.

El blocked his path with a look of awkwardness and said, "It’s nothing, just an academic madman. Ethan, let’s go this way."

"An academic madman? Why do you say that?" Ethan didn't insist on taking a closer look; he simply gave Anya a look and followed El.

"It’s not that I’m intentionally demeaning him, but he really has gone mad." Seeing that Ethan seemed quite interested in the disheveled man, El thought for a moment and began to explain.

"His name is Gustav Anos. He was originally the most promising historian at the Royal University in the capital. For some unknown reason, he was dismissed. Our headmaster thought it would be a waste to let such talent go, so he hired him to bolster the reputation of our history department. Who would have thought..." El shook his head, unable to finish the sentence.

"Once he actually arrived, we understood why the Royal University had let him go. He had completely lost his mind, abandoning historical research entirely to study a script that no one else can understand. He claims it is the oldest script he has ever discovered and that it is highly likely related to the gods. That is practically blasphemy—how could a mortal ever decipher the language of the gods? I’ve sat in on his lectures, and it’s complete gibberish. I think he’s a fraud, but the headmaster thinks his research might be useful, so he keeps him on. It’s just..."

El clearly wanted to use a curse word, but he immediately covered his mouth and began to pray in a low voice, seeking forgiveness. Ethan heard him asking for divine pardon for harboring ill will and speaking behind others' backs. He hadn't realized that El was such a traditional, conservative believer in the Sun God.

The two reached a restaurant reserved for distinguished guests and sat down. After a casual meal, Ethan made an excuse to take his leave. Of course, he didn't intend to leave; he was going to find Gustav Anos. While he had been following El earlier, he had already directed Anya to shadow the "academic madman," so he already knew where he was staying.

To be honest, the madman’s living conditions were truly pitiful. His dwelling was in the most remote corner of the university, a long walk away, and the house looked dilapidated, as if it hadn't been repaired in ages. When Ethan stepped inside, the roof was still leaking. Gustav had placed several jars and pots to catch the water, paying no mind to the fact that his ceiling was practically a sieve, and remained hunched over his desk, writing and sketching. He didn't even acknowledge Ethan’s arrival. El was right; in a sense, the man was truly a madman.

Ethan didn't disturb him, choosing instead to look at some of the papers tacked to the wall. They were densely covered in writing—a massive amount of argumentation and analysis. An uninitiated person would likely get a headache just looking at them, but Ethan found them fascinating.

After a long while, it was Gustav who finally noticed him.

"Can you read this?" Gustav asked, staring at Ethan.

"Not entirely, but I am very interested."

Hearing this, a sneer curled Gustav's lip. He buried his head back into his work and dismissed him: "Leave."

"I saw you asking for your stipend today. Your living conditions here aren't very comfortable. Life must be difficult, right?"

"What is that to you?" Gustav’s voice was muffled and sounded irritated.

"It’s not my concern, but I find it a pity. A talent like you, stuck in a place like this..."

"Get out!" Gustav threw a water-catching jar in a fit of rage, looking as if he were about to stand up and attack.

Ethan reached out to soothe him, making the violence triggered by his words fade from the man's body.

"Don't misunderstand, I mean no harm. I simply feel that working under these conditions is far too arduous. I am willing to provide a sum of money to sponsor you—research funding, so you can conduct your work better. At the same time, I hope to join this research. What do you think, Professor Gustav?"

Ethan remained polite and restrained throughout. Gustav seemed stunned, and it took a while before he turned to look at Ethan.

"Really?"

"Of course. I am very interested in your research. The money will arrive tomorrow."

Gustav stopped speaking. He covered his face, unable to tell if he was crying or laughing.

As they walked out of Winster University, Anya looked puzzled. "Young Master, why sponsor him?"

Ethan didn't answer directly. Instead, he pulled out a piece of paper he had taken from Gustav’s room and handed it to her. "Look at the most complex characters on there. What do they look like?"

Anya studied them for a moment and shook her head.

"Think again. What if these characters had more curves, twisting like living things?" Ethan traced the shapes on the paper.

A sudden realization dawned on Anya. "The Ancient Language?"

"The Ancient Language."

It was indeed the Ancient Language. In fact, the moment Ethan had seen those papers scattered on the floor, the 'Name of the True God' within him had stirred. Although the movement was subtle and the script Gustav was studying appeared quite different from the Ancient Language on the surface, the 'Name of the True God' would not lie.

This was the Ancient Language. It was a complete treasure. Even Ethan hadn't expected that a simple visit would lead to such a find. The Ancient Language, something so many dreamed of, had appeared right before his eyes.

Of course, Ethan was not without caution. He had inquired about Gustav through El, and then observed and tested him at close range. Gustav was truly just an ordinary man; he wasn't even a 'True Name Bearer.' It was no wonder he was considered a madman, and no wonder he had once been known as the most promising historian at the Royal University.

A mortal body, exploring the divine. Even if his current research results were not yet mature, Ethan possessed the 'Name of the True God.' With his help, deciphering the Ancient Language would be no problem at all.

As the car drove down the mountain, Ethan was in a good mood. He wasn't bothered by the cold rain, for he had discovered something unimaginable.

At the same time, in another corner of the city, Lewis was not feeling as fortunate, even though it was his day of rebirth. He had lost his right hand forever. Standing atop the tallest building in Winster, overlooking the city below, Lewis couldn't help but clutch his empty right arm.

He had bathed, eaten, and changed into clean clothes. He was now full of energy, his heart brimming with hatred. He swore that he would make those in this city who had caused him to lose everything pay the price.

Especially... Ethan Poleta.