Chapter 246: Talking with Bellina 6

Who could have guessed that this simple question would lead to a conversation that revealed so many secrets about this world?

With a serious expression, Haruto pondered everything. He didn’t feel overly confused or anxious after learning the truth. On the contrary, his curiosity was growing stronger.

There was a deep desire to uncover more facts, to understand more secrets, and to explore this vast world.

However, Haruto was also aware of his limitations. He had tried using Shadow Clones to travel and gather information, but the technique was too energy-draining.

Creating a Shadow Clone meant splitting half of his chakra with each clone, and with the remaining chakra only equivalent to that of a peak Genin, the clone couldn’t be relied upon for anything too strenuous.

Furthermore, this world was vast—far more expansive than Haruto could have imagined. It was said that there were other continents beyond the one where Haruto currently lived. The thought of those unexplored continents ignited a new excitement within him.

Haruto's original goal in creating the Clones had been to gather information, but now, that goal had shifted. Haruto wanted to explore this world, uncover its hidden secrets, and grow stronger.

"Huuh... Thank you, I’ve learned so much," Haruto sighed deeply. But his expression quickly became serious again. "But… if the ones attacking the City Academy are really the Soul Collectors, why have they been buying explosives recently in the Black Market?"

Bellina furrowed her brow upon hearing this. "What? Why would the Soul Collectors be buying explosives?" Bellina asked, surprised. "From the novel I read, they only use the Horror Army Waves to attack Fortress City and take a few students from the City Academy."

Haruto looked at Bellina, confusion deepening on his face. "So... does that mean the ones buying explosives recently aren't the Soul Collectors?"

Bellina fell silent for a moment, as if trying to process the information. "I don’t know… A lot has changed," she said, her tone becoming more serious. "And the biggest change is the fact that you're still alive."

Haruto stared at Bellina, a mix of confusion and curiosity clear on his face.

"In the original novel," Bellina continued, "Haruto Sato, the son of the Sato Family Leader, was supposed to have died. But because you took over Haruto's body, everything changed. Not only that—our team, which was supposed to be in a lower rank, is now in the top spot. In the novel, Asyla was supposed to hold that position. In other words, the future that was meant to happen has already changed."

Haruto paused, then muttered quietly, "Oh... damn." His face tensed as he realized the magnitude of the consequences of his and Bellina’s presence in this world.

Bellina gave a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, it’s not entirely your fault. I’m at fault too for not being able to stop it from happening. After all… I’m just like you, right? We both come from different worlds and took over someone else’s body in this one."

Haruto looked at Bellina attentively, then nodded. "Yeah… That’s true," he replied briefly.

However, a genuine smile returned to Bellina’s face, this time warmer. "By the way… I’m glad you’re here," Bellina whispered. "At first, I was scared, shocked, and so confused. I didn’t know what to do or how to live in this world. But… who would’ve thought I’d meet someone like me? Someone else from another world."

Bellina’s words made Haruto pause. His gaze was fixed on her sincere smile. For a moment, the world felt just a little bit calmer.

"Is that so? Hahaha..." Haruto laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head, trying to hide the nervousness that began to envelop him.