The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 20.1
“Aaaaah!”
Johan opened his eyes.
The demonic energy that tormented him was dissipating.
It wasn’t a natural occurrence.
‘The owner of that voice must have…!’
Indeed, faintly, this declaration could be heard.
Danger…!!
To absorb this energy into your own?! Reckless!!
Johan felt his chest sink.
No one could absorb the demonic energy and survive.
‘Who would take such a risk?’
At that moment, the voice echoed again.
Didn’t I tell you? I will never let this kid die.
“Ah…”
Johan’s chest trembled once again.
Who could it be?
Who could selflessly devote themselves to another with such reverence?
He couldn’t even compare himself to this noble figure.
‘I want to know who it is.’
Johan earnestly wished.
‘If I survive, I will definitely find out.’
Johan’s consciousness faded away.
The man’s voice was engraved in his mind.
With a determination never to forget.
* * *
Successfully cured the Obsessive Priest!
“Ugh. I thought I was a goner.”
I sighed in relief as I read the message.
‘Fortunately, I succeeded in purifying the demonic energy.’
What I attempted was to absorb and then separate and eliminate the demonic energy within the body.
“In the end, I was tainted with demonic energy in the mana. I gambled, thinking I could separate it with the Grand Practitioner ability, and it worked.”
Of course, it wasn’t an easy task.
It placed a considerable strain on the mana load.
‘Ugh. I feel like I’m going to throw up. Did I sustain some injuries?’
“Urk!”
Something surged up from within me, and I spat it out onto the floor.
It was black blood!
Startled, a message popped up.
Blood vessels have been tempered during the demonic energy extraction process! Mana capacity is enhanced!
‘This is a really good effect, isn’t it?’
I blinked in amazement.
Mana capacity enhancement!
It was an exceedingly rare occurrence in the game.
As the mana capacity strengthened, the same amount of mana could exert even more powerful force.
‘This is a phenomenon that greatly helps someone like me with mana deficiency!’
But that wasn’t all.
Absorbing purified mana into the body! The amount of mana increases!
Almost an amount of mana equivalent to a decent potion was consumed!
Of course, due to mana deficiency, the actual increase in mana was at a ratio of 1 to 100.
‘Still, a considerable amount of mana has gathered now.’
So, it was at a level close to half of an average 1st-level apprentice mage.
…Still modest, but it was a significant quantity for me.
Moreover, the benefits I gained were not only related to mana.
As a result of successful treatment, you become the ‘Benefactor’ of ‘Legion’!
Legion was the name of the rebellion group.
Indeed, such an exclamation was heard.
“Are you okay, Young Van?! To go to such lengths to heal the Priest! Oh, thank you! Young Duke, you are the benefactor of our Legion!”
It was Lyran.
She seemed particularly impressed seeing me vomit blood.
‘This is an opportunity, isn’t it?’
In times like this, I had to pile on as much emotional debt as possible.
However, emphasizing too much strain here would be unwise.
I knew the most effective way, as a former salesman,
To go beyond mere emotional debt and create genuine admiration.
“Do not make a fuss. I just did what needed to be done. Such things are nothing to me.”
I said with a slight twist.
But at the same time, maintaining a cool exterior!
Of course, the effect was perfect.
“Oh, creating such a miracle and staying humble. How much more impressed do you intend to make us, Young Van?”
However, it seemed the effect was too good.
Lyran, beyond admiration, spoke with a tone of genuine emotion.
“The ability to perform miracles, a perfect character, perhaps Young Van is the hero sent by the heavens to confront the impending adversity in the world.”
‘…Wait, what? Can we not overdo it a bit?’
I broke into a cold sweat.
The heroes are the protagonists predestined by fate. I absolutely didn’t want to hear empty praise even in jest.
However, Lyran seemed to genuinely believe in that sentiment, her eyes dangerously shining.
“…Let’s get back to business.”
I wanted to gradually move away from the impoverished area.
“There’s something you need to do for my appointment as a professor at the Ruby Academy.”
* * *
Afterward, Van left the Dragon Stronghold.
“Amazing. I never thought Lord Van would be such an extraordinary person.”
Gallak, the healer, sighed in admiration as he watched Van departing.
Considering how Van was initially ignored when they first met, it was a complete change in attitude.
Lyran added another remark.
“He’s not just on that level. Young Van is a hidden hero, a Sleeping Dragon.”
It wasn’t merely about treating the young Priest.
She recalled the moments Van had shown his true self.
‘That dignity and nobility.’
Whoever called Van mediocre was clearly mistaken.
Van’s majesty was ‘real.’
Especially when Van occasionally displayed true intimidation, it was enough to send shivers.
‘Perhaps, his seemingly mediocre appearance until now was an act, a strategy to lull his enemies into complacency.’
It sent chills down her spine.
It was a frightening depth.
‘To the noble spirit that cares for others.’
I just did what needed to be done.
It wasn’t an empty phrase.
That dignified tone proved that Van genuinely considered his actions insignificant.
‘He even hides his efforts for the sake of Priest Johan.’
Van made it clear that Johan expelled the demonic energy himself, for the sake of Johan’s growth.
There was no shortage of admiration.
‘Preventing Priest Johan from coming to the Ruby Academy must be out of concern for Priest Johan.’
No one knew, but the Ruby Academy harbored significant darkness.
‘All the other Four Academies have bottoms of icebergs, but somehow, the deepest darkness has taken root in the Ruby Academy.’
