The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 12.2
Originally, I planned to utilize magic to escape as soon as I shattered the core. I had prepared for it in advance.
However, if things continued like this, even if I managed to escape, Catherine would be engulfed and killed by the mist.
‘No! If Catherine dies, who will save the world?!’
I gritted my teeth.
I needed to find a solution.
Then, a sudden thought crossed my mind.
‘Perhaps?’
I didn’t know if it would work.
If it failed, we would both be engulfed by that dreadful mist.
But
‘Catherine should be the one fighting in my place! I can’t let her die!’
“Foolish. Didn’t I tell you to trust me?”
Tap. Tap.
As I reached out my hand, a sound echoed as if dust were scattering.
It was mana dust.
More precisely, remnants flowed from the Holy Sword, the magic sword Catherine had wielded.
“W-What are you trying to do?”
Catherine opened her eyes wide.
Catherine noticed that I was attempting something inexplicable.
What I was trying to do was to use the remnants of mana to cast a spell on the spot.
I wasn’t sure if it would succeed.
Using the floating mana in the air to cast magic instantly was generally considered impossible.
However,
‘Somehow, it feels like I can do it.’
“Watch closely.”
Remnants of mana of light arranged around me in a pattern, like a single star.
The faint dust of mana, weaving between the vertices, connected to form lines.
It was an improvised magic circle.
“This is true magic.”
The spell cast was a 1st-tier Shield magic.
Its power was unexpectedly formidable for a 1st-tier spell.
It could temporarily withstand the death mist unleashed by the Lich.
Simultaneously.
Crack!
Life Vessel has been destroyed.
[Ghooooooo!]
The core of the Lich has been destroyed!
Conquered the Cavern of Lamentations!
Acquired the arcane magic, ‘Shadow Blade’!
Alright!
It was a close call, but I succeeded.
‘Shadow Blade is perfect for the Grand Practitioner. With this, things like employment exams…’
However, an unexpected message popped up.
You have become the patron of Catherine (Hero Candidate)!
‘Affinity’ toward you from Catherine increases!
‘…What is this?’
Cold sweat started trickling down.
* * *
Affinity.
It was one of the systems in the Hero Academy.
Characters could increase their ‘affinity’ with each other through interaction, and this affinity would have a significant impact on the development of future scenarios.
‘…What is this affinity for, especially when I’m just an extra and not a protagonist!’
It didn’t seem like a false message.
As I emerged from the cave, taking a breather, Catherine was staring at me intensely from the other side as if she could kill me.
‘What should I do?’
I felt awkward.
I must emphasize that I should avoid the main characters.
But of all things, why did I have to attract the aggro of the most dangerous bomb?
‘Ugh. But I couldn’t just leave her alone to die. If Catherine dies, who will save the world?!’
I had no choice but to handle the aftermath.
“Don’t get any wrong ideas. It’s not like I was trying to save you or anything.”
Oh.
This doesn’t seem right.
Catherine’s expression became peculiar.
I was about to make more excuses, but Catherine interrupted with a sigh.
“…When did you become proficient in magic?”
“I’m not proficient. I’ve always been a genius.”
“…Young Van, are you serious?”
“Yes, the world has just wandered because it hasn’t recognized my genius until now.”
Catherine made a face, telling me not to talk nonsense, but I maintained a confident expression.
If she says so herself, what can you do?
In the end, Catherine didn’t press the matter any further.
Instead, after sighing unexpectedly, she asked a surprising question.
“…Could I become like you too?”
Her voice carried a heavy burden, full of her own concerns.
‘Hmm.’
I hesitated.
‘That’s impossible.’
Catherine had a fundamental ‘issue.’
I couldn’t provide a solution; she had to realize it herself.
‘Wait. What if I try this?’
Catherine could recognize her own shortcomings, and a method to make her realize them came to mind.
Above all, ‘this method can keep her away from me!!’
“It’s difficult for you to become like me. I’m a genius sent from the heavens, and you’re a dullard from the heavens.”
“……”
“However, it doesn’t mean there’s no way. In the future, you should gain more practical experience rather than just studying.”
“…Practical experience?”
“Yes, as a future distinguished professor, I guarantee that practical experience will be more effective for you than simple study. Go to Peridot Academy.”
Peridot Academy was located near the Magic Border.
It was famous for its practical-oriented education.
If Catherine rolled around dealing with monsters and such in a whirlwind, she would eventually realize her own shortcomings.
‘Above all, Peridot Academy is the furthest away from Ruby Academy, so I might never have to see her again!’
I don’t hate Catherine.
But isn’t it true that the further, the better for a relationship?
Having only positive emotions and staying apart forever would be the best.
However,
“Professor, are you trying to become a professor? At which academy?”
“…Ruby Academy. Why do you ask?”
“I was just curious.”
Catherine sealed her lips at my response.
“I’m saying this for your sake. You must go to Peridot Academy. Trust my words.”
I emphasized once again with sincerity.
“…Okay. Ruby Academy.”
“No, I said go to Peridot Academy.”
“Yes, Ruby Academy.”
“…”
