Sylvia's breathing was steady as she slept soundly. I placed her in a safe spot and turned to face the Baron of Ashes. She glared at me with twisted eyes, but she wasn't much of a threat. In fact, I was thankful that the Baron had taken over McQueen's body.
"Foolish creature," I muttered. "Why did you try to possess a body that doesn't even suit you?"
It was incomplete. Though it had managed to dominate about seventy percent of McQueen, the remaining thirty percent resisted. The Baron had bitten off more than he could chew with a named character.
"You know as well as I do that you can't challenge me with that body," I continued, aware that the oath within her prevented it from causing me harm. "You're at a dead end, parasite."
My mocking words provoked a furious reaction. Its black pupils glared fiercely, and then, unexpectedly, he made a desperate move.
Fwoooosh—!
The Baron abandoned Louina's body, unleashing a vast cloud of ash that enveloped me like a storm. Within the swirling mass, a grotesque face emerged.
"Yes, I was foolish," the Baron of Ashes admitted with a twisted grin, lingering in the air. "But you, you're different."
Soon, the Baron of Ashes lunged at me, its entire being merging with mine. A violent voice erupted from deep within my chest.
"How dare you, a worthless being, call me a parasite?!" the Baron of Ashes raged. Its presence clawed at my subconscious, dredging up memories like grains of sand.
I quietly warned, "Reconsider. This is for your own benefit."
"You're nothing! I can devour someone like you easily!"
"Foolish creature," I muttered. Memories of past misdeeds, vile acts, and malignant emotions raced through my veins, yet I remained unbothered. Enduring it all, I asked, "Do you truly believe you can handle this?"
The Baron didn't respond, but his panic was clear.
I merely smiled and said, "Jealousy, envy, anger, rage, hatred... Such petty emotions can't even touch me."
Deculein's identity remained steadfast against any enchantment or impulse, never one to collapse on his own. The Baron thrashed within me, desperate to escape, but I wouldn't let it.
"Baron, tell me," I demanded. "Who was underneath it?"
I was merely curious about whom the Baron of Ashes had encountered in the depths of my consciousness.
"Was it Kim Woo-Jin, or was it Deculein?"
Graaaaar—!
The Baron's scream became a savage howl as Deculein's will overwhelmed it, causing it to crumble chaotically.
"Whoever is in there, take note, Baron," I said calmly, my mind as serene as a lake despite the Baron's frantic thrashing. "The depths will be your grave."
There was no response, and it was likely it would never return.
"Tsk, you pathetic creature," I spat.
The Baron of Ashes was extinguished. It was neither absorbed into me nor assimilated. Since nothing foreign can exist within me, it was simply crushed by the overwhelming force of my ego.
"... Hmm," I muttered, looking down at Louina's unconscious form, her body left drained and dormant by the Baron.
***
Louina had a nightmare, one where she was consumed by envy and hatred, turning into a monster fueled by inferiority and defeat.
"Ah..."
There was a time when Louina brimmed with confidence in her own talents, believing she could restore McQueen's glory. She was passionate about leaving her mark on the Magical Realm, desired to become a respected professor in the Empire, and aspired to create her own school of thought that would illuminate the continent.
Those dreams had once filled her with purpose. But all of that had been thwarted by one man.
"... Ugh!" Louina groaned as she woke up, clutching her throbbing temples. She looked around, breathing heavily.
The entire floor was covered in ash, the walls blackened as if a great fire had swept through, leaving soot and debris scattered everywhere. Amidst the ruins lay a nameplate.
23rd Floor: External Visiting Professor Louina
"This... this can't be real..."
Only then did she fully grasp the reality of her situation. Faint memories of her actions under the Baron's control began to resurface.
"How... how could—"
"Louina von Schlott McQueen," a voice called out to her.
Startled, Louina turned to see her nemesis standing before her.
"... Deculein?"
His piercing blue eyes bore into her.
"This isn't a dream. It's the outcome of your actions with that thing," he said.
"... I know." Louina lowered her head at Deculein's reprimand and sighed softly. "I know everything..."
She felt utterly drained, both physically and mentally. She didn't want to move a finger, let alone think about the complicated situation she was in. Regret gnawed at her. Perhaps she should have bowed her head from the beginning. Perhaps she shouldn't have resisted. If she had submitted to him like the other mages, things might not have been so difficult.
"I don't plan to run away. I'll surrender. This is my fault."
This was the best choice she could make under the circumstances. Louina, wiping away her tears, spoke weakly.
"No," Deculein said, shaking his head and looking down at her with disdain. "That's not part of the agreement. Is breaking promises a hobby of yours? If so, it's a rather despicable trait."
Louina felt a surge of anger and snapped, "Then what should I—"
"Remember what I told you," Deculein interrupted. Louina's breathing grew heavy as he continued, speaking slowly and clearly.
"You will become the Head Professor... No," Deculein paused, closing his eyes briefly before correcting himself. "You will be the Head Professor. No matter what."
"... In this state, how can I possibly—"
"Let me ask you a question. Is all of this entirely your fault?" Deculein asked with a smirk, his tone almost mocking, though not directed at Louina.
"Of course, you can't deny your fault. But what changes by blaming you? Even if you cry and apologize, the world won't care. You'll only become a scapegoat," Deculein continued. "But if you say it's not your fault, then it truly won't be your fault. I will make it so."
Louina listened quietly. Deculein's footsteps echoed in the silence as he walked over to her, stopping just short of her knees.
"Louina," he said, his voice firm. She looked up. "Yukline never abandons those we take in."
Deculein reached out his hand to help her up from where she had fallen.
"If you take my hand,"
In his blue eyes, her soot-covered face was reflected back at her. She felt pitiful and ashamed, but Deculein seemed unfazed.
"I will not let you fall," he said. His clean glove reached out for her ash-stained hand. "That is the protection of Yukline."
As the ash cleared from the Mage Tower's window, sunlight poured in, burning away the darkness. Louina stood in silence, instinctively taking his hand. Deculein nodded without a word. Once on her feet, Louina watched him walk through the ashen debris, each step crushing and dispersing the particles like mist.
Despite the swirling dust, he remained untainted, walking without a trace of dirt on him. Louina noticed his shoulders seemed broader now. She wondered if he had been working out all this time.
"How ridiculous..." Louina murmured, feeling a sudden, embarrassed laugh escape her.
***
The day after the Ash Terror incident, when the Mage Tower was engulfed in ash.
"Haha, indeed. Absolutely." The Jefferson family, known for producing directors of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Internal Affairs for generations, and even boasting a ministerial grandfather, was bustling with sudden hospitality today. "As always, you exceed expectations, Professor."
The commotion was because a prominent new figure on the continent was visiting.
"Naturally, I am certain that this report is incorrect. Professor Louina is a person of good character. By the way, may I introduce Baron Derin."
"It is an honor to meet you! I am Lopez Derin, currently serving as the Deputy Director at the Ministry of Justice."
"He's an exceptionally talented friend. He is such an admirer of yours, Professor, that I felt compelled to introduce him, even though it might be a bit presumptuous... Oh, professor! You shouldn't have!" Jefferson exclaimed as he and Lopez accepted the professor's small gift with gratitude.
It was merely a token of appreciation, well within the bounds of propriety. Smiling contentedly, they soon turned their attention to the professor's main point.
After meeting with the professor, the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Justice, Lopez, made a call from his home.
"Hello, how have you been? I have someone I'd like you to meet. Could you come discreetly? Yes, perfect. See you soon."
Lopez used his crystal orb to call a few individuals for assistance and smiled with satisfaction.
"Hahaha, who would have thought I'd connect with the professor this way? It's a sign from above that the director's seat is within reach. Luck has truly been on my side lately.
"It's an honor to meet you, Professor. I am Geron, Chief of Human Resources at the Ministry of Justice."
"My name is Alburg, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs."
"Haha, please have a seat. Let's not make the professor uncomfortable," Lopez said with a smile.
At Lopez's arranged meeting, Geron and Alburg bowed deeply before sitting down. The professor, who remained unnamed, handed them a report.
"Ah, this is it. Yes, of course. The rumors are widespread. The trial will conclude without any issues."
However, the professor seemed displeased that the trial was happening at all. Geron and Alburg quickly adjusted their posture.
"... Normally, we do, Professor, but we want to honor your wishes! There are a few issues, which we will address with the Ministry of Public Safety."
The four officials—Geron, Alburg, Lopez, and Jefferson—visited the office of Lillia Primien, the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Public Safety.
"Deputy Director Primien, we have a matter to discuss with you today."
"I have nothing to discuss with you. Leave now."
"Hear the offer before you respond, Deputy Director Primien!"
Despite her look of disdain, Primien's demeanor shifted slightly upon hearing their words.
"Should you refuse, the professor may visit you personally."
The professor was someone even Primien found challenging to deal with and to whom she owed a debt. After a moment of hesitation, she reluctantly nodded.
Finally, today had arrived. Despite having prepared everything, an unexpected obstacle arose. Jefferson cautiously continued his call through the crystal orb.
"Yes, I apologize. There is an issue. An overly righteous official appears to have rejected it on his own accord..."
[...]
"Yes, he is from the Ministry of Justice. He is talented but rather arrogant and insists on a thorough investigation..."
[...]
"There is no need for you to intervene personally. We will resolve it shortly... Ah, yes. My apologies. His name is Joseph."
[...]
Joseph was a senior official in the court. Though nearly a commoner by birth, he rose through the ranks with his sharp intellect, passing the legal examination at a young age and becoming a court official.
"To what do I owe the honor of your distinguished presence...?"
Despite his abilities, Joseph lacked influential connections and had few friends to stay in touch with. However, today a university professor visited his modest home—not just any professor, but one with a truly imposing presence.
"Take a seat," the professor offered, acting as if he owned the place.
Joseph naturally accepted this demeanor. As soon as he sat down, the professor handed him a report.
"This is the report on the ash incident at the Mage Tower."
"Yes," Joseph said, quickly skimming through its contents. "I have already reviewed it. My stance remains unchanged. It is inaccurate to claim that Professor Louina bears no responsibility. A more thorough investigation—"
"Ren," the professor called, gesturing to the attendant behind him.
Ren approached in a single step, placing a long box on the wooden desk, its luxurious surface covering the scratches.
Joseph frowned and asked, "Are you attempting to bribe me?"
The professor's expression hardened as he inhaled silently and crossed his legs, the movement exerting a palpable pressure on Joseph. Sternly, he said, "Your words are exceedingly rude."
"I've been told I am quite direct—"
"There is a distinction between being direct and being disrespectful, is there not?"
Joseph lowered his head in silence, his shoulders tensing unconsciously from instinctual fear. Despite his reputation for integrity in the court, he found it strangely difficult to meet the professor's gaze.
"I apologize, but if it is not a bribe, then what is it?" Joseph asked.
"An opportunity."
"... An opportunity?"
"Yes, an opportunity to seize a lifeline," the professor said, tapping the report. "I believe the issue lies not in your diligence but in your intent to scrutinize this report."
"That is not true. A thorough investigation is necessary. The initial inquiry was biased, and the most crucial interrogation of Professor Louina has yet to be—"
"If you insist on being that fair," the professor interrupted, "you should not have started a family."
Joseph's eyes widened as the professor leaned back in his chair, his crystalline gaze fixed on Joseph.
"Your son is six years old, correct? Tell me, what is it like to love?"
Joseph couldn't respond, his breathing becoming ragged.
"Can someone who claims to be so fair truly love others as much as his wife and child?"
Joseph involuntarily glanced at the bedroom door, where his wife waited.
Following his gaze, the professor said, "I understand. You are different from the usual corrupt officials—intelligent and righteous. So, let me repeat, this is an opportunity, not a bribe."
The professor's eyes glanced over Joseph's clenched fists.
"You must understand that justice from the bottom up is pointless."
Joseph remained silent, but the lines on his face betrayed his thoughts.
"Then, I shall see you next time," the professor declared, rising to his feet.
Joseph's wife chose the right moment to approach and greeted him warmly. The professor, however, responded indifferently before leaving the house.
Later, Deculein exited the building and entered the waiting car.
"Did they accept the gift?" Deculein asked Ren after a brief pause.
Ren nodded, his eyes closed and senses fully attuned to the household's activities.
"Yes, sir. They opened the box, and his wife saw the contents," Ren replied.
"They will accept it."
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A man of such integrity wouldn't accept money, nor would he use it if he did. Therefore, the gift was intended for the child.
Academy Enrollment Ticket
Lifetime Academy Scholarship
"Yes, sir. It appears they are currently debating it..."
"Do you not understand what the Imperial Academy is? It is a place where not even money can guarantee admission!" Joseph's wife exclaimed.
"Leave it here and give me some time to think."
"What is there to consider? Our child—"
"It seems it's only a matter of time," Ren said.
"Good," Deculein said with a nod.
If it wasn't money or jewels, even the most upright person accepted it if it was a privilege for their child. Persuading and cajoling were tedious and unreliable. This was how I resolved issues and built connections.
"Add Joseph to the list. He is a valuable asset."
Joseph was a treasure discovered by chance. His brilliance, recognized through my Wealthy Magnate attribute, was truly unique.
"Let us depart."
"Yes, sir."
Soon, the car glided away smoothly.
***
The anticipated trials and court cases never occurred. The Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Ministry of Public Safety each stamped their Reviewed and Approved seals on the report prepared by Deculein and his subordinate professors, including Debutant.
All the relevant witnesses supported Louina, leading to the conclusion that this incident was solely the work of the parasitic spirit known as the Baron of Ashes.
Dismissal of Imperial Instructor Mage
While the incident at the Mage Tower is understood, the qualifications for an Imperial Instructor Mage include impeccable mental fortitude...
... Therefore, Louina von Schlott McQueen is hereby relieved of her duties as Imperial Instructor Mage.
As a result, Louina paid the price by losing her position and having to offer heartfelt apologies and cover medical expenses for the Debutants who suffered because of her. Fortunately, no one died, although many were injured.
"... Sigh," Louina murmured, smiling bitterly as she looked up at her office.
47th Floor: Louina's Office
For some reason, she had become a professor who fulfilled her duty to the end, fighting the Baron of Ashes until she was ultimately consumed by it. Her office had also moved up twenty-four floors.
This is politics, this is power, she thought, likely attributing this change to Deculein's influence.
Louina sighed, feeling a sense of guilt as she surveyed the view from the 47th floor. Her new office was much larger and cleaner than her previous one on the 23rd floor.
"Oh, right."
Remembering her responsibilities, she quickly sat at her desk and picked up her fountain pen. Responding to the letter from the imperial palace was essential. As she struggled with her reply, a thought emerged.
Five years.
She recalled the peculiar clause in the contract that had puzzled her from the beginning. The term was exactly five years—not one year, not ten years, not a lifetime, but precisely five years.
"... One week of seclusion," Louina muttered to herself as she scribbled on the paper. Deculein's seclusion had been quite an unusual event, and she remembered it well. There were rumors that he had subtly changed afterward.
That week of seclusion marked a turning point for Deculein. Something significant must have occurred during that time, which piqued Louina's curiosity. The obsessive Deculein had ignored all his commitments and retreated for an entire week. Suddenly, a word flashed through Louina's mind like a lightning bolt.
"Could it be...?"
Terminal?
She scribbled the word on the paper and tapped it with her fountain pen. A terminal illness could explain the five-year period and the sudden change in Deculein's behavior. Facing imminent death, anyone would likely undergo a significant transformation.
"... No, that's impossible," Louina muttered. "It can't be true."
Dismissing the thought as absurd, she reminded herself of her exhaustion, believing her fatigue was bringing about wild ideas. Louina laughed softly as she tucked the paper into her drawer.