Chapter 22.1
The Chancellor presented two additional tests.
The first was to rescue a failing student.
The second was to be an examiner during the entrance exam.
“I’ll clarify once again to avoid misunderstandings—I truly believe in Professor Van. I want to welcome him to our Academy right now! However, to convince students and professors who oppose Professor Van, we need a valid reason.”
So,
Both were tests aimed at improving my reputation.
“The entrance exam is one of the biggest events at the academy. If you exhibit an excellent performance as an examiner at that time, the professors will take notice of you again.”
At first glance, they seemed quite reasonable, difficult to refuse.
It sounded like they wouldn’t be particularly challenging.
However, I sensed that these were not as simple tests as they appeared.
They seemed more like ‘traps.’
‘These tests are deliberately designed to make me fail.’
I looked at the Chancellor.
A humble smile in the eyes.
But within it, a sinister coldness lurked.
Having experienced all sorts of battles, I was well aware that individuals like the Chancellor were genuinely frightening.
‘Rescuing Lindon is by no means an easy task.’
If,
If Lindon was indeed a member of the ‘Ten Malevolents’ as I knew them, it would be impossible.
The Chancellor probably didn’t know Lindon’s ‘circumstances,’ and the tests he designed were undoubtedly intended to bring me down.
‘The role of an examiner is likely to have a similar intention.’
It would be filled with dangerous traps.
From the beginning, the entrance exam had all kinds of troubles and complaints, making it easy for them to blame me for any wrongdoing.
However,
“I understand. I will follow your instructions.”
“Ohoho? Are you sure about this?”
“Of course. I appreciate the Chancellor’s consideration.”
I accepted without expressing any particular dissatisfaction.
‘It won’t be easy, but I won’t view it negatively. These tests will bring significant benefits to me.’
Regardless of the Chancellor’s hidden motives, successfully completing these tests would undoubtedly improve my reputation.
‘Not only that.’
I paid particular attention to the role of the examiner in the entrance exam.
‘As an examiner, I can legitimately disqualify students I don’t want.’
In other words, I could drop those who must be avoided among the 16 protagonists legally!
‘I don’t know which of the 16 protagonists will apply to the Ruby Academy, but I’ll try to ensure that the quieter ones pass.’
Those who fail will still have the option to apply to other academies as their second or third choices, so it doesn’t matter.
‘Saving Lindon, a Malevolent, is a problem, but there’s a way to do it.’
However, it wasn’t wise to just nod along like this.
I had to get something out of it.
“However, there is a condition. If I successfully complete the above two tasks, please appoint me as a ‘Special Professor’ rather than just a temporary professor.”
“!!”
What I’m currently becoming is a ‘temporary professor.’
While I had complaints about not becoming a full-fledged professor, given the recent trends in academy appointments, it was said that unless you had an exceptional career, everyone had to go through the process of becoming a temporary professor to be appointed as a full-fledged professor.
‘Even that opportunist Valic went through the temporary professor process.’
The problem was that this temporary professor process took a whopping two years.
‘How can I wait for two years!’
There was only one way.
To be initially appointed as a ‘temporary special professor.’
In cases where you are recognized as outstanding among temporary professors, you could qualify to be appointed as a full-fledged professor just one year later.
“Considering recent unfortunate events, I believe I’ve already proven the greatness of my abilities. If I additionally prove perfection in leadership and diligence, being appointed as a temporary special professor by the authority of the Chancellor shouldn’t be an unreasonable request.”
I emphasized the ‘unfortunate events.’
Haven’t your academy wronged me enough?
So, give me this much!
“Ohoho. A special professor, is it?”
The Chancellor chuckled.
It was a dry, humorless laugh.
Although a sense of danger briefly passed by, I didn’t back down.
‘I can’t afford to compromise.’
And then.
If my guess is correct, the Chancellor wouldn’t reject this proposal.
Sure enough.
“All right. If you achieve both tasks, I will appoint you as a temporary special professor.”
The Chancellor smiled brightly.
It was a meaningful smile.
An inscrutable, knowing laugh.
“However, both tasks must be accomplished perfectly. If there are any shortcomings, the appointment of Professor Van will be canceled.”
* * *
I decided to immediately move forward with the first task, ‘rescuing the failing graduate student.’
‘It seems that Lindon is indeed one of the Ten Malevolents I know.’
I swallowed hard.
The Ten Malevolents refer to the ten strongest and worst villains in the scenario.
Linton would later become a top-tier dark mage known as the ‘Emperor of Gluttony.’
‘Originally, he is someone you should never get close to.’
Given the circumstances, however, there was no other option.
‘And in the long run, this incident might not be a bad thing. If handled well, it might prevent the birth of a Malevolent.’
Of course, facing the chaos of the world is the protagonist’s responsibility.
However, I never know when or where trouble might find me.
‘Especially since Lindon harbors resentment against Ruby Academy and may cause trouble later. If I don’t stop him now, I might get entangled in an unfortunate situation later.’
“Hans, have you investigated Lindon?”
“Yes, Master! He’s a famous guy, so it wasn’t difficult.”
“What did they say?”
“They called him a helpless piece of trash?”
“…Is that so?”
“Yes, he said he’s a pitiful boy following in Master Van’s footsteps… Oops, I misspoke! Anyway, he’s a pathetic boy, Master Van’s successor! Ah, but of course, now Master Van is more magnificent than anyone else! Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty!”
“….”
I glanced at Hans for a moment.
This bald guy seems to intentionally provoke me sometimes.
“I’ll have to go see him in person.”
“Yes, I even have the address!”
At that moment, an unexpected person came to find me.
“I am Cold, a knight of the Rapalt Duchy. I have come here to deliver a message to Master Van.”
From the Rapalt Duchy?
‘Could this be related to the recent incident with Vallic?’
However, the knight delivered unexpected news.
“Miss Emily wants to meet Master Van.”
I smirked.
The name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t recall exactly who it was.
“Who is she?”
Hans urgently whispered,
“Isn’t she Master’s former fiancée?”
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