Chapter 779: Jack’s Real Origin The statue Nox was talking about was the first statue of Terra he had come across. It was the same one he had found inside the cave and used for his awakening. Gabriel had temporarily forgotten about this statue because the divinity present was fickle. In Eos, all statues of the patron classes contained divinity. This was the reason they were scarce and kept inside secured temples. In the past, security wasn’t needed as the common person viewed the statues as divine items. But after conflict broke out among the classes and they started targeting and destroying the statues of their patron gods, heavy security measures were put in place. To activate his awakening, Nox could vividly remember that he had to pray vigorously while his pet Fluffington stalled the monster that was hell-bent on devouring him. He honestly didn’t want anyone to go through that hassle again. The Beast Tamer class should be something easy to come by, thus selling itself as the best alternative class. However, he currently didn’t have any more statues at hand, so this one would have to suffice for the meantime. “Besides, if it truly comes from their heart, it should be quite easy for them to activate it,” he mumbled to himself. He had once tried using the gem he took from the Sea People to activate the statue; however, for some reason, it failed to do so. It seemed whatever the gem’s purpose was… it only worked for the statue found in the depths of the water. Still, another part of him thought that now that there were more Beast Tamers, it meant Terra had more divinity to work with. If the pantheon of beast taming was overflowing with celestial energy, then it was only natural for Terra to distribute it among the statues. One thing Nox was certain of was that Terra was watching him from above. He trusted she was smart enough to know what to do. While he was considering all this, Gabriel had already boarded the carriage. For some reason, someone had insisted on tagging along—it was Jack. When Nox asked why, he simply said he was bored and wanted to unwind. Naturally, Gabriel didn’t object. Jack had been working tirelessly for the kingdom and even helped instruct the new Beast Tamers, despite not being Awakened himself. Nox had been quite curious about where he came from. He had known Jack for a while now, yet anytime the topic came up, Jack always waved it off or tried to distract him. The only thing Gabriel knew was that Jack came from a place very close to the sea. But anywhere could be close to the sea. In fact, if one walked straight through the Luminary Forest, eventually they’d reach the coastline. So it could be anywhere. Currently, they were watching the world blur past the windows. Nox felt it was the perfect time to ask what had been on his mind. “Come to think of it… we’ve known each other for a long time now. I even compare you to my own as a friend,” Nox said. “Right… that’s true.” Jack didn’t take his eyes off the window, watching the trees and mountain ridges below. Seeing the slight disinterest in his tone, Nox continued. “To think you even went as far as disguising yourself to infiltrate the academy.” “That… that was a coincidence,” Jack pointed out. “I never thought I’d see you again after the incident in Snowhelm.” Nox didn’t believe him. He felt as if Jack had deliberately followed him. At the same time, he could be wrong. It could all be a big coincidence. “After the fight with the Snow Yeti, I was attacked by that red-skinned girl.” Jack wore a contemplative expression as if recalling something. Suddenly he snapped his fingers. “Yes—Kira. Can’t believe I actually forgot her name.” Nox listened attentively. In all honesty, he wanted to tell Jack that all this side story wasn’t really important… what he wanted to know was where he truly came from. Of course he knew who Kira was. She was currently in his taming space—the once powerful and promising agent reduced to one of his pets. Jack continued, “Somehow I was miraculously able to survive.” Then he shivered and added, “But who would have thought I’d encounter her again in the academy… it’s as if the universe wanted us to meet.” Nox clicked his tongue. Unlike Jack, he knew the Flaming Rose organization well—they were among the first he came across unknowingly. All their moves were calculated beforehand. Still, this wasn’t the information he wanted. He wanted to know where Jack came from, who his parents were, his family… and why he chose not to return home. Nox didn’t interrupt him, but his patience was thinning. Jack kept rambling about Kira, their “fateful encounter,” some nonsense about destiny—none of which answered the actual question. Finally, Nox leaned back against the cushioned seat of the carriage and spoke calmly. “…Jack.” The tone made him pause. “Yes?” “Where are you really from?” he asked bluntly. Jack blinked, slightly taken aback. It was subtle—very subtle—but Nox saw the small twitch at the corner of his left eye. “I told you before, didn’t I? Don’t tell me you forgot so soon already,” Jack said with a half-smile. “That could mean anywhere,” Nox countered. “There are seas everywhere. Jack, I’m your friend. But you dodge this question every time I bring it up.” Silence. The carriage continued moving steadily, the floating array glowing faintly. Ria looked between them but didn’t say a word—she knew when to stay out of something personal. Jack’s expression finally shifted. His gaze lowered. His fingers brushed the window frame as if grounding himself. “…Nox. I don’t dodge it because I don’t trust you.” “Then why?” “Because telling you… might make things complicated.” “…Complicated how?” Nox’s eyes narrowed slightly. Jack looked out the window again. His tone softened. “You ever wonder why I’m not Awakened? Why I only depend on magic items? Or why I can sense mana but can’t manipulate it?” Nox didn’t answer. But he had wondered—several times. Jack exhaled softly as a serious expression settled on his face. “I’ll tell you everything you need to know… and why I decided to abandon home.”