The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 10.2
If an applicant had an exceptional career, they would undergo a separate, special exam.
It was a form of favoritism, but Van’s case was different.
‘Let’s thoroughly embarrass Van.’
It seemed like an exam filled with content aimed at trampling over Van.
The professors exchanged glances.
No matter how much Van was considered trash, he still belonged to the noble lineage.
It was a burdensome matter, but if Valic, who had the support of the Rapalt Duchy, stepped forward, the conversation would take a different turn.
“Ahem, understood. We will leave Van’s matter entirely to Professor Valic.”
Later, alone in the room, Valic let out a sardonic laugh.
He had seen Van’s application for the appointment exam.
“Van, is this guy crazy? Has he forgotten all memories from his school days?”
Unexpectedly, a story surfaced.
Valic and Van were, in fact, academy classmates.
They spent quite a bit of time together.
On the wrong side of things.
“The most pathetic and wretched guy in the world.”
Trash comes in different types.
There’s a kind of trash that no one dares to touch.
The truly wicked ones belonged to this category.
Van was not one of them.
Van was trash, but he wasn’t part of the terrifying class.
Ironically, the Academy’s ‘influential figures,’ including Valic, looked down on Van behind-the-scenes and used him precisely because he was incapable and pathetic.
“The scapegoat who couldn’t properly refute a single word, even when falsely accused.”
This was an unknown fact to everyone.
During his time at the academy, many of Van’s alleged crimes were, in fact, committed by others.
It was others, including Valic, who pinned the blame on Van.
Since no one trusted Van, it was straightforward.
“Still, I felt a bit sorry when he faced expulsion.”
Valic, who had committed a grave offense against the daughter of the Raphat Duke, who was Van’s fiancée, feared being held accountable for his actions. To avoid the consequences, he framed Van for the wrongdoing.
‘It’s all Van’s fault for being stupid.’
Valic flicked the papers of Van’s job application, just as he used to dismiss Van during their school days.
A vulgar voice followed.
“This time, I should crush him thoroughly. Completely bury him, so he can’t even whimper in front of anyone ever again.”
* * *
I promptly assumed the role of a duke.
Was my unwavering determination evident outwardly?
In the charisma of the Dark Flame Dragon, Hans, who was following along, exclaimed in admiration.
“Oh! Indeed, Lord Van. It’s as if you’re a hero marching onto the battlefield. Just thinking about your greatness spreading throughout the magical community makes my heart flutter.”
“It’s too noisy. Stop with the flattery. I’m more worried, to be honest. I’m concerned that the brilliance of my great light might spread too dazzlingly across the world.”
…This middle-aged man seemed to become more and more noisy.
What was even more chilling was the incessant prattling of my accursed Dark Flame Dragon.
Weird translation, begone.
For the record, what I originally wanted to say was, ‘Please don’t do that. Let’s just keep quiet.’
“Lord, but where are you headed? Isn’t the portal leading to the Ruby Academy in this direction?”
“I’m going to visit the Cave of Lamentations.”
“…What did you say?”
Hans blinked, then belatedly exclaimed,
“The Cave of Lamentations is a dungeon with an ‘inaccessible’ rating, isn’t it?!”
That’s right.
The place I was heading to was a dungeon.
To be precise, a Hidden Piece.
‘I need to acquire the ultimate skill to pass the employment exam.’
The problem was the difficulty.
It was a dungeon with an ‘inaccessible’ rating.
A dungeon explicitly designed not to be easily cleared.
“It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not! Even I can’t surpass the Cave of Lamentations!”
“Maybe you can’t, but I can.”
“!!”
“Have you already forgotten my greatness? I am Van Ecclesia.”
…Even as I said it, my confidence wavered, but it seemed effective in convincing Hans.
“Oh, how could I dare doubt Lord Van, who is destined to become a star in the magical world! I apologize. Instead, please promise me. If it seems impossible, promise to give up immediately.”
I nodded.
It shouldn’t be too dangerous.
However,
‘…I can’t be sure I’ll succeed this time.’
Probability of Clearing the Cave of Lamentations: 30%
It meant there was a greater chance of failure.
‘What if I challenge it with Hans?’
An additional message popped up.
Probability of Clearing with the Middle-aged Mage: 30%
It was the same.
It seemed like having them with me wouldn’t be much help.
It wasn’t for nothing that it was rated as ‘inaccessible.’
‘I have to somehow manage it alone.’
Still, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of regret.
If there were someone I could use as bait, the probability of clearing would have significantly increased.
‘Without someone with a strong will, it’s impossible to make a mark in the Cave of Lamentations.’
With these thoughts, I arrived at the Cave of Lamentations.
“Heuk, hicc.”
A girl in a mage’s robe, covering her mouth at the dungeon’s entrance, was shedding tears.
She tried to endure and hold back, but tears streamed down her face nonetheless, a poignant cry that couldn’t be contained.
The problem was recognizing the face.
‘…Why is she here?’
At that moment, the girl, as if sensing a presence, swiftly turned towards me.
“Who’s there?!”
Her tearful demeanor was instantly replaced by a sharp, hostile tone.
The piercing gaze seemed to intensify, as if trying to hide the vulnerability beneath a more thorny exterior.
It was familiar.
A face and expression seen countless times.
I thought with a bewildered expression.
‘Why is the protagonist here?’
One of the 16 playable protagonists.
A girl who would later become the ‘Heroine of Light,’ the hope of all humanity.
I unexpectedly came across ‘Catherine Del El paso,’ known as the ‘True Protagonist.’
