Chapter 29 - Viva! Apocalypse (1)
The interior of a luxurious office. Reflecting the owner's taste, the room was decorated with glittering jewels and gold, where a man sat with a frown.
[Report on the Demon Attack Incident]
He held a document in his hand. A familiar name appeared there once again.
"Lian… that's a name I'm hearing far too often these days."
Although the person in question was merely a professor at the Academy, he was the Golden Duke. Normally, he wouldn't bother himself with a mere newly appointed professor. But this time, things were different.
Hearing his name this frequently was unusual. Lately, every incident seemed to involve this man in some way. And, apparently, he played a significant role each time.
"From what the rumors say, he's no different from a monster."
They said he single-handedly thwarted every attack and act of terror.
While the details were classified, there were whispers of him having devised a lecture so groundbreaking that it could reshape the Empire's history.
It was said that the Iron Duke and the Primordial Dragon were both eager to win his favor. He had even garnered the Emperor's favor to the point where the Imperial Knights were mobilized to find anyone who spoke ill of him.
"But there's no way all of that could be true."
Thinking logically made it obvious.
Upon investigation, it turned out that his magic level was weaker than that of an average four-year-old. There was no way he could unleash meteors and save students from danger.
"It's well-known that the Iron Duke is a rigid old man, and though the Primordial Dragon seems lively, her heart has decayed and she feels little emotion."
It was impossible that a mere month had made both of them fall head over heels for him, much less the Emperor. So, these stories were surely nothing but groundless rumors.
"The visit by the Imperial Knights was likely related to the relics of the Demon King buried under the Academy."
It made much more sense that they came to inspect the relic's condition rather than the absurd idea that the Emperor was using the Knights to hunt down gossipers.
Therefore, the only rumor worth considering was the second one—the claim that Lian had made some groundbreaking discovery, one that could leave a permanent mark on history.
"But something about all this keeps nagging at me."
Creating one excellent lecture wouldn't cause this much talk. There's no explanation for why these rumors are spreading.
It felt as though something was being hidden. The influence he was gaining was rising at an alarming rate, and it would be dangerous if left unchecked.
"Well, there's a perfect opportunity. Everything's fallen into place."
When making decisions, one must always proceed with caution. While he was certain that Lian wasn't the genius the rumors made him out to be, he didn't want to ignore even the slimmest of possibilities.
So, he would employ his subordinate.
"Who knew that the Director's unfortunate involvement in the explosion targeting the student dorm would turn out to be this helpful."
The current director was in critical condition. In her place, someone from the Golden Duke's faction was serving as her deputy.
He had managed to persuade the elderly director's niece and, through various machinations and power plays, succeeded in installing her as the acting director.
"She's authoritarian and rather foolish, but things that are lacking have their own uses."
Challenging a popular professor was foolish, but she would accept it without hesitation.
A woman with such a deep-seated contempt for commoners would certainly not view Lian favorably. Besides, he hadn't given her any authority to disobey his orders.
"If this professor truly is the genius people claim, I can just cut ties immediately, so there's no risk."
Without hesitation, the Golden Duke penned the order.
For some reason, a vague sense of unease lingered, but he was a man who trusted reason and deduction over inexplicable instincts.
It was a simple maneuver, using a pawn to gauge his opponent. What could possibly go wrong?
Worry was an illness in itself. He must be on edge from recent work stress. A little tea and relaxation would resolve the issue, he thought, dismissing his unease as he calmly sipped his tea.
A golden opportunity for advancement—that was what the woman thought as she became the interim director of the Imperial Academy.
"What? That was… easier than I expected."
Apparently, she had worried over nothing.
Though she was essentially an outsider, she had been concerned about provoking a well-liked, popular professor. But in the end, there had been no issue.
The plan to keep him in check went without a hitch, thanks to an unexpected collaborator.
"Who would have thought he'd cooperate so willingly?"
She knew how foolish it sounded, but it was as if Professor Lian desired his own downfall.
The hiring scandal that had almost been swept under the rug. The unauthorized addition of a new lecture in the middle of the semester. She had crafted all the justifications necessary to impose disciplinary action.
Despite her best efforts, the backlash was fiercer than anticipated, leaving her grappling for a solution. Yet, then… Lian himself made a declaration to those who tried to defend him.
"Please stop. I did indeed break the rules, didn't I? I cannot allow myself to avoid punishment simply because of personal connections."
He had asked his defenders to stand down, stating that it was his wish to receive appropriate punishment, even if they didn't understand his stance.
Not everyone accepted his decision, of course.
"A hiring scandal? The one who appointed you was—"
"Enough. Speaking further would only bring shame to him. I would rather die than cause him trouble. Is that what you want, Iron Duke? For me to end my life?"
Lian silenced his defenders by himself. Using his life as collateral, he managed to persuade them all. Thus, she was able to discipline the professor without any further issue.
A record of misconduct due to hiring scandal and abuse of power. Not only had he openly admitted to these stains, but they would be documented for the future, inevitably hampering his career. She had successfully completed her mission.
She never quite understood why Lian had been so cooperative.
But, this wasn't something worth agonizing over.
"Perhaps he finally recognized his place. A mere street commoner who was lucky enough to secure a professor's post—how could he possibly defy the orders of an influential director?"
Someone born lowly finally knew to bow down. Why question the natural order of things?
If good fortune came her way, she would simply welcome it. If that professor foolishly choked himself with his own hands, then she could only raise a toast.
"Maybe I'll indulge a little tonight."
She'd been saving her fifty-year-aged whiskey, but when else would she get a chance to savor it like this? She couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.
Though this position was temporary, her uncle would soon pass away. Regardless of his recovery or decline, it was already a foregone conclusion.
This was, after all, a matter promised by the Golden Duke.
Soon enough, she would officially become the director of the Imperial Academy, a name etched into history.
She had handled her first task with such flawless execution that the Duke would surely shield her. Now, the path to success lay wide open.
"It's as if the world itself is on my side."
Everything had fallen into place with impeccable luck. At this rate, there was no one who could stand in her way. After all, the world always favored the lucky.
A smug smile spread across her face. She was certain this was going to be the best day of her life.
It was going to be the best day of her life… until—
"I have something to say to everyone."
A voice sounded, turning her head in its direction.
There stood the white-haired professor.
He had spent several days secluded in his room following his suspension. Yet now, he was out, gathering people to listen.
"With the end of my one-week suspension approaching, I still cannot forgive myself for the mistakes I've made. So, I wish to make an announcement in front of everyone here."
Naturally, all eyes turned toward him. In his gaze, there was no sign of hesitation.
"Even when the suspension ends, I will delay my return until I can forgive myself. And if, after a month, I still cannot accept myself…"
Lian swallowed, and then, standing before countless students, he declared with conviction:
"I will resign from my position as professor."
The moment those words left his mouth, the students turned their heads.
As if coordinated, they all turned in unison and—
"…What?"
They looked directly at her.
Hundreds, thousands of eyes focused on her, and as she saw the anger in those bloodshot eyes, she realized—
Something had gone terribly, terribly wrong.