Chapter 12: Is This a Crisis or an Opportunity? (1)
The note contained a few brief sentences.
‘Collect the undetonated Beast Pouch.’
‘Quantity: one. Location: the forest on the eastern outskirts of the Academy.’
‘Deadline: two days.’
That was it.
I sank into thought quietly.
“Hm. A Beast Pouch, huh.”
The Beast Pouch was a critical terror weapon deployed for the first time during the attack a week ago, plunging the Academy into chaos—a decisive strike prepared by the Beltus Cult to target the Academy.
It caused primary damage by unleashing beasts outward, followed by secondary damage through a Mana Freeze triggered by the ensuing shockwave, completely neutralizing mages below a certain skill level and the results were staggering.
It dragged the prestige of the supposedly impregnable sanctuary, which allowed neither incidents nor enemy intrusions, into the dirt and shattered the pride of the empire, the continent’s strongest nation, in half.
To grasp how significant this was, even considering the Academy was open due to the special circumstances of the Entrance Festival, the Academy is universally recognized as the continent’s premier magitech facility.
Those who manage it are renowned mages respected everywhere, and the Academy’s security force is an elite group handpicked from the capital’s defense unit.
What about the staff?
From professors to assistants, even the cadets attending the Academy—excluding freshly enrolled newbies—are all formidable individuals, each one hard to underestimate.
Yet a single weapon shattered that collective.
Of course, the intervention of the Central Knights prevented the situation from escalating further and brought it to a close.
But no one is unaware of the invisible cracks that have formed.
Just step outside, and you’ll see public sentiment hitting rock bottom, with an unprecedented unease settling within the empire.
The empire’s failure to identify the enemy or determine what weapon was used only adds fuel to the fire.
In short, the situation is steeped in defeat.
If similar attacks were to occur multiple times in this state?
The empire could collapse from within, self-destructing.
And that’s precisely the Beltus Cult’s aim.
Naturally, a single undetonated Beast Pouch left behind is bound to be a source of concern for the cult, which seeks to exploit this.
The Beast Pouch still holds significant utility as a weapon.
If it falls into the Academy’s hands, countermeasures will be developed, and the cult wants to prevent that.
This is the background behind why, despite the sensitive timing, I was tasked with retrieving the Beast Pouch.
Beyond the brief mission details, the note also included a drawing.
It depicted a red, round object resembling a plant’s fruit—unmistakably the cult’s Beast Pouch.
The estimated location was the forest on the eastern outskirts.
Coincidentally, that’s where my first-period class is held.
“Huh? Wait a second.”
Now that I think about it, isn’t the eastern outskirts forest the setting for the ‘Remnants of Terror’ event?
The ‘Remnants of Terror’ is the first event in Chapter 1, following the tutorial.
During class, swamp orcs suddenly appear, attacking the cadets, and the event revolves around annihilating them.
I’m starting to piece together where those creatures came from.
“So, the undetonated Beast Pouch went off.”
I didn’t know.
But why did it go off?
Did it just detonate on its own?
Tapping the desk, I sink into thought.
“Hm.”
Honestly, retrieving the Beast Pouch isn’t that difficult.
Since my first-period lecture is there anyway, I could arrive early, scout the area, and find it without much trouble.
But after retrieving it, do I really have to hand it over to the cult?
That’s something worth thinking about.
After all, I’m in a situation where I desperately need the Academy’s trust.
I want to shed the label of a deadbeat cadet as soon as possible, and there’s no better tool for that than this Beast Pouch.
In a way, it’s a golden opportunity.
If I deliver it to the Academy instead of the cult, I could earn significant trust.
“But in exchange, I’d lose all the trust I’ve painstakingly built with the cult through missions.”
Each option has its pros and cons.
What takes priority?
And what’s more beneficial for me?
Weighing the options internally, I leave the dormitory.
I decide that, for now, retrieving the Beast Pouch comes first.
I can deliberate after securing it—there’s no rush.
But as the saying goes, things in this world never go as planned.
I had just arrived at the eastern outskirts forest and begun searching the area.
That’s when someone completely unexpected appeared from behind.
* * *
“Oh my. Who’s that over there?”
An unexpected intruder.
But the moment I saw her, I had to bow my head in greeting.
The intruder was none other than Ilai Dain, the professor teaching ‘Herbology.’
“Gerard, Class of 888.”
“Oh? Gerard, as in…”
Her eyes narrow slightly.
“I saw your name on the roster and wondered, but you actually showed up? Retaking the course?”
“Yes.”
“Wow.”
She scans me with curious eyes.
I hope the faint glimmer of interest and expectation in her gaze is just my imagination.
I quickly recall what I know about her.
Ilai Dain.
Thirty years old, the same age as me.
Her specialties are holy magic and healing arts.
Holy magic is a special power wielded only by clerics who serve the divine, and her mastery of it is so extraordinary that her status in the empire rivals that of any knight.
She earned her professor title last year, but today marks her first actual lecture.
In other words, like the cadets of the Class of 890, she’s a rookie professor giving her first class.
That’s why she’s brimming with enthusiasm.
In the early main story, her vibrant personality played a significant role in helping Ivan, who was struggling with the grief and depression of losing his family, regain his strength.
It’s probably the same here.
“But what are you doing here? There’s still an hour until the lecture starts.”
Honestly, that’s what I want to ask.
There’s an hour until the lecture—why are you here so early?
“I woke up early with nothing to do, so I came for a walk.”
“Really? That’s odd. From behind, it looked like you were searching for something intently.”
For a moment, I nearly froze, but thanks to my trait [Coolheadedness], I managed to maintain a poker face.
“You must’ve seen wrong.”
“Hm. Really?”
“Yes.”
What’s this?
It doesn’t seem like she knows something and is probing.
Is it a woman’s intuition?
Or just an innocent question?
Either way, sticking around with her doesn’t seem like it’ll do me any good.
But leaving abruptly would look even stranger.
For now, I’ll ask a casual question and slip away at the right moment.
“By the way, Professor, what brings you here? I thought the lecture was in the clearing over there. Why are you here so early?”
“I came early to prepare for the lecture.”
“Lecture preparation?”
“Yeah. But it wasn’t anything difficult, so I finished faster than expected. Just a moment ago, actually.”
Her mention of ‘just a moment ago’ makes me instinctively glance toward where she came from.
Now that I think about it, what was the content of the first Herbology lecture?
My thoughts are interrupted by Ilai’s voice.
“Actually, this is my very first lecture since becoming a professor. So, I prepared thoroughly, but I’m nervous, excited, and all that, you know?”
“…”
“I heard there’s a period later where cadets evaluate professors. I’m determined to get great feedback. That’s my goal for this year. Absolutely!”
Clenching her fist with determination, Ilai looks like a fresh hire bursting with enthusiasm. Her appearance and tone only amplify that impression.
Above all, she’s someone who radiates positive energy just by being near her.
“So, Gerard.”
That’s when it happens.
Out of nowhere, Ilai grabs both my hands tightly.
“I have a favor to ask.”
“What? What’s this about?”
Startled, I try to pull my hands away.
But they won’t budge.
Her grip is no joke. This woman.
What’s with her? Is she really a cleric?
“It’s just… could you help me with my class for just this semester?”
“What?”
“Just one semester. I mean, as an assistant. Be my assistant.”
What kind of nonsense is this?
I stare at her blankly as she continues.
“You’ve been here two years longer than me, right? Compared to you, I’m a newbie who’s never even taught. In a way, you’re the senior, and you probably know more than I do in some areas. Don’t you think?”
“Well, sure, but…”
“Of course, it won’t be anything hard. Just help with simple prep before class, make announcements to the cadets, scout locations, or handle rough tasks during class. Oh! And it’s not for free, of course. I have that much conscience. I’ll give you full marks for attitude. Plus, you’ll build responsibility and leadership skills. Wow! This is a deal you’d be a fool to pass up. A fool! So, what do you say?”
She looks up at me, practically saying, ‘You’re doing it, right?’ with her expression.
Her innocent face seems to assume there’s no way I’d refuse and it’s clear she’s not letting go of my hands until I answer.
I’m just… dumbfounded.
I didn’t bother asking, ‘Why me?’
Her intentions were crystal clear.
Knowing her personality, it’s easy to figure out.
A rookie professor overflowing with ambition.
She has a kind of romantic ideal.
She wants to lead her classes diligently, befriend her students, and sometimes act as a good parent or mentor.
And then! She hears that the Academy’s worst deadbeat cadet is in her class.
The urge to reform that delinquent and guide them onto the right path as an educator must be burning like wildfire, right?
There’s no better kindling for her romantic vision than me.
Now that I think about it, that expectant look earlier was exactly this.
It was definitely the eyes of a predator spotting prey.
This is starting to feel like I’m sinking into a swamp.
“Why aren’t you answering? It’s such a great offer. No? You’re not doing it? Really? Fine, then I won’t let go.”
Of course, if I don’t want to, I could just refuse outright.
She’s a bit clingy, but her personality means she’d never force me.
I could shake off her hands if I really tried.
But… do I need to?
If there were no benefits, I’d refuse without hesitation, but that’s not the case.
No, it’s actually a fantastic deal.
The class is only once a week, so it’s not like it’ll take much time.
Full marks for attitude is an irresistible temptation for me.
To improve my image, I need to boost my grades too.
Plus, there’s a chance I might be stuck here forever, unable to return home, so I need some insurance.
On top of that, while the title of rookie professor isn’t much, the weight of the name Ilai Dain is undeniable.
A cleric of the Great Cathedral.
A connection with someone like that is worth making, even if it costs money.
To sum it up, even if it looks like I’m dancing to her tune, the benefits are so substantial that I should be the one begging for this.
My deliberation didn’t take long.
“Alright.”
“Really? Yay! I knew you’d do it!”
But there was a problem.
“Um, can you just decide this on your own?”
“Of course?”
“Won’t the others object? I mean, the junior cadets from the Class of 890. If they find out I’ve been made your assistant like this, they won’t accept it. Some might even openly oppose it.”
“Even though you’re their senior?”
“Senior or not, that doesn’t matter. Especially not in my case.”
Professor Ilai thinks for a moment before nodding as if she understands.
“I see. But don’t worry about that. I have a ‘method.’”
Seeing her grin as she says this, a sudden unease creeps into a corner of my mind.
Tch. These bad premonitions usually turn out to be right.
“Anyway, shall we head over? It’s time to start the class.”
Led by her hand, I head toward the clearing where the class is held.
Throughout the walk, Professor Ilai chatters nonstop.
Most of the conversation consists of her one-sided questions.
About my past.
Why I skipped lectures and messed up my school life.
If I’ve been through tough times or carry painful scars.
She throws out questions like a psychiatrist, and I make up vague answers to respond.
I glance at my pocket watch to check the time.
It looks like retrieving the Beast Pouch is out of the question for now.
First period is almost here.
Damn it.
Well, it’s fine.
Like they say, the more urgent it is, the more you should take your time.
I’ll search for it after class, once it’s completely safe.
The Beast Pouch isn’t going to grow legs and run away.
Or so I console myself.
That’s when I stop dead in my tracks.
“Hm? What’s wrong, Gerard?”
Professor Ilai asks.
But I don’t answer. I can’t.
I’ve just realized what kind of ‘method’ she mentioned and how today’s class will unfold.
It’s a bet.
A competition among the cadets to claim the position of assistant and its privileges.
Scenes flash through my mind.
As expected, the cadets object to me becoming the assistant, and in response, Professor Ilai proposes a bet to find a certain elixir.
Yes. That’s her solution.
And during this process, the ‘Remnants of Terror’ event occurs.
“Is something wrong? Your expression suddenly looks bad.”
“Oh. Sorry, Professor. I need to use the bathroom.”
“…What? Bathroom?”
“Yeah. Nervous, I guess? Haha.”
“Ugh. You should’ve taken care of that in the morning. It’s a life lesson, a lesson!”
The elixir they need to find in the bet is the fruit of a spirit herb called the Dawnflower.
It has a luscious red, round appearance.
And today.
I saw a drawing of something with a similar appearance on a note.
“So, um. Is there any chance we could cancel class today, Professor?”
“Oh, Gerard. Do you think that’s possible?”
“Right? Just kidding.”
“You’re more fun than I thought, Gerard!”
I laugh along with her, meeting her eyes.
But damn. I’m laughing, but I’m not laughing.
Yes.
I finally understand why a dormant Beast Pouch goes off.
There was never any time to take it slow, no matter how urgent it was.