The Reverse-Life Person's Past

"Mr. Barton, are you saying that before you came of age, you had been wandering from place to place?"

Shade even took out a notebook, pretending to write things down. The "child" across the table nodded gently.

"You could put it that way. It was truly an unforgettable experience. After I turned eighteen, my body officially moved from old age into adulthood. My frail body became healthy, and I was able to support myself. During that time, I encountered many things—strange, bizarre, even unimaginable things. But never mind that. In short, I was fairly lucky and met some Scholars who were willing to help me."

Mr. Barton paused and leaned back slightly against the sofa. Shade focused his attention. These so-called Scholars were most likely members of The Truth Society.

"They taught me many things and gave me a completely new perspective on this vast world. Although I did not agree with the beliefs and ideas of most of them, and sometimes even thought they were madmen—"

He raised an eyebrow, seemingly recalling something.

"—those Scholars really were my benefactors. There is no doubt about that."

Shade nodded. With his left hand, he pushed aside the cat's outstretched paws while his pen moved across the notebook page.

"Since you were with the Scholars, why didn't you become one yourself? Oh, forgive me, I meant nothing by it. It's just that Scholars are highly respected."

Mr. Barton gave a bitter smile and shook his head. That expression made his enormous face look even more frightening.

"Becoming a scholar requires qualifications too. At most, I could be considered an unofficial member."

He sighed.

"In any case, with the Scholars' help, my condition improved greatly. I met them when I was twenty-five, and by the time I was thirty-two, the treatment had begun