Chapter 33 - Perseverance Theory, Sweet Cookies, and Horrible Crimes (1):
I fell asleep and dreamt of the future.
In that dream, I was still a professor at the Academy. I had tried so hard but ultimately couldn't overcome the endless obstacles.
Unable to escape, time passed, and before I knew it, I was at the story's final arc, standing alongside the main characters, facing the final boss and preparing for the ultimate showdown.
Of course, I had no chance of beating him. I desperately called out to the Firstborn Dragon for help, but there was no response.
Well, it was the story's world, after all. In fiction, super-powerful supporting characters usually can't help when it matters most. The Firstborn Dragon, too, was sealed for some reason and couldn't protect me.
Then who was left to fight the final boss?
No one, really, but I could feel eyes watching me from behind.
"We believe in you, Professor Lian! If it's you, handling that enemy will be nothing!"
The students shouted such ridiculous encouragement.
Mistaken as a genius professor who could rival even the Firstborn Dragon, I was pushed toward the final boss by the eager students.
Naturally, my skills were pitiful. With just one attack meant to test my strength, the enemy sliced me in half.
"Oh, this is insane."
And in that moment, I woke from the terrifying nightmare.
My head started throbbing. I'm not one to let a disturbing nightmare rattle me, but this dream was so vivid it felt like a warning.
I couldn't just dismiss it as a random nightmare.
It was a glimpse into an awful future about to unfold. A serious threat approaching my life.
'And that was the hopeful scenario.'
Reality was crueler than the dream.
Honestly, the idea that I'd even survive until the final arc of the story was already overly optimistic.
Just look at my situation now.
In just one month of teaching, I'd nearly died seven times. Facing life-threatening situations every four days – this was beyond extreme.
Living like this would surely drive me mad.
'I have to escape this hell, no matter what.'
I couldn't deny things had gotten out of control, but I quickly steeled my resolve.
The Iron Duke, the mighty Firstborn Dragon, even the Imperial family, and now the Academy's entire board were on my side. But so what?
I hadn't lost my will. I had no intention of accepting this fate.
In crisis lies opportunity.
'This situation isn't all that bad, actually.'
Like when a celebrity known for being squeaky clean is revealed to have done something bad, the backlash is greater because of the high expectations. With everyone idealizing me as a perfect professor, the disappointment would be immense if I messed up.
I'd make everyone lose all affection for me by showing my most disgraceful, despicable side.
And the best tool for that was right in front of me.
'Swordsmanship class. There's no more effective option than this.'
Simply bullying students like last time wouldn't be enough. They'd probably view it as part of their training and endure it without complaint.
So, swordsmanship class would do the trick.
My lack of talent in swordsmanship was shocking.
A natural klutz, my weak body struggled even to wield a wooden sword, let alone a real one. I'd tried practicing on my own before, and even I thought I looked ridiculous.
What if I showed that pathetic sight in front of everyone?
A professor who trips over his own sword and cries like a child, yet acts like he's a master in front of his students?
I'd become the laughingstock of the Academy. They'd mock my pitiful skills and my arrogance.
Then, if I petty-mindedly punished those who ridiculed me, my image would plummet.
This was, without a doubt, a flawless plan.
'This time, I'll achieve my goal.'
There was no reason to hesitate now. I strengthened my resolve and immediately set the groundwork.
A sweet dismissal awaited me.
The Academy looked completely restored in just a day. I marveled at the Firstborn Dragon's extraordinary abilities as I walked down the corridor to my destination.
The office of the Royal Academy's headmaster, Sion.
I steeled myself and opened the door.
Even though my resignation had turned into a ruse to catch a criminal, I had technically secluded myself in remorse for abusing my influence.
Now I was here to request a personal favor – setting up a class just for me. On the surface, it was selfish and shameless.
This was probably the hardest part of my plan. I braced myself, but…
"Welcome, Lian! I was expecting you!"
The Firstborn Dragon smiled, greeting me warmly.
She spoke as if she'd known I'd come.
I stared, bewildered, and Sion cheerfully explained that someone who couldn't anticipate this wouldn't be worthy of the title of Firstborn Dragon.
Right. The Firstborn Dragon was known for her foresight.
She must have read my intentions clearly.
With no need to hesitate, I stated my purpose directly.
"There are such beautiful flowers blooming; I thought we could–" "I wanted to set up a new class."
Our words overlapped awkwardly.
Sion tried to say something else, but I didn't get the chance to ask about it.
"Right, the class! That's exactly what I was going to suggest! You're always so dedicated to your students! As headmaster, I couldn't be prouder."
Sion suddenly blurted out her words like rapid-fire.
Her face had turned almost ghostly pale, and she looked as if she might cry.
She kept repeating that I should forget what she'd said. It seemed she'd already forgotten about approving the class.
I wondered if this emotional reaction was due to her instability. After a moment's thought, I made a decision.
I pulled out an item I'd prepared just in case.
"I almost forgot to mention – there's something even more important than setting up a class."
I took out a bag of cookies from my pocket.
Not store-bought, but homemade. Cooking was one of my strengths, so I was confident in the taste.
I'd made them as a bribe if Sion rejected my request, and also as a small gesture of thanks for the cookies she'd given me before.
"I hope you'll enjoy them."
I smiled, thinking it would lift Sion's spirits, helping to keep my plan on track.
But then, I heard a quiet sniffle.
Sion suddenly covered her face with her tail and shouted.
"Don't look at me! Close your eyes!"
I didn't follow her orders. If she was cursed, I needed to know how to lift it.
I moved quickly towards her. As the distance between us closed, just as her tail lowered to reveal her face…
—CRASH!
The Firstborn Dragon leaped out the window.
She seemed to be trying to transform and fly, but her small, mascot-like form was too heavy for her tiny wings to support.
There was a loud crash.
Everyone nearby gathered around the mascot-like dragon lying on the ground.
Students asked what had happened, but there was no response.
Blushing so intensely she looked like a red dragon, Sion squeezed her eyes shut, pretending she wasn't there.
Only after 30 minutes, when nearly the entire Academy had gathered, did she finally speak.
"It appears a vile demon has struck again."
The infamous first-ranked demon, Bael.
The sneaky demon had attacked Sion.
Claiming she'd been possessed, she said she couldn't remember anything from today. Hearing this, everyone clenched their teeth in anger.
"That wretch, Bael… to toy with and humiliate the Firstborn Dragon like this. We won't forgive him!"
With everyone's rage directed at the demon, the incident came to a close.
Back in my room, I found a letter waiting for me.
[I'll take care of setting up the class.]
How she'd written this if she didn't remember anything, or why she insisted on verbally confirming the schedule at a nearby restaurant, was beyond me.
A theory crossed my mind, but… sometimes, it's best to leave things alone.
After all, love can change easily.