The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 36.1
In the prophecy’s heavenly scroll, there are a total of 16 celestial bodies.
Perhaps they are the adversaries who will obstruct the Ouroboros.
‘I’d like to eliminate them all beforehand if possible.’
Unfortunately, Ouroboros still didn’t know exactly who the 16 celestial bodies referred to.
‘At least I know the identities of the Sun, the Moon, and the Demon Blade.’
Among them, the “Demon Blade” is someone even Ouroboros wouldn’t dare to touch.
So, even trying to eliminate the Sun and the Moon, they failed.
Because of the sudden appearance of a new ascendant.
However, Maestro kept questioning this new ascendant.
“Isn’t this too coincidental? Just when we were about to take action, a new ascendant appears out of nowhere, as if we had fallen right into their trap?”
“But if it’s not an ascendant, isn’t it impossible to cause such trouble? There is no possibility that the unknown star is the ascendant. Judging by the brightness of the star, it’s still a fledgling.”
It is said that the celestial bodies marked in the prophecy’s celestial scroll shine brighter as they grow.
As of now, all 16 celestial bodies were still dimly lit.
All 16 were still novices.
That meant the unknown star that Maestro was concerned about was no different.
However, Maestro couldn’t shake off his suspicions.
“It continues to bother me. Especially since the Ruby Academy is the most crucial to our cause.”
The four prestigious academies each play a different role in the cause.
Among them, the Ruby Academy was the most central.
‘This is troublesome. Even the Demon Blade is headed to the Ruby Academy. From the Sun and the Moon to the unknown star and the Demon Blade. We need to take action.’
Maestro mentioned an unexpected name.
“Who has been showing the most prominence recently at the Ruby Academy?”
“As far as we can tell, it’s him.”
“Hmm. Interesting. When I last saw him, he was nothing of the sort. Just mere trash.”
A surprising development.
It means that Maestro and Van have crossed paths in the past.
“Do you suppose the unknown star is Van?”
“I have no clue. But it is indeed concerning.”
Maestro recalled Van’s past achievements.
He revealed the true identity of Professor Valic, who had turned into a mine, and destroyed the evil sorcerers.
Even this time, it seemed like he had predicted the incident in advance and bolstered security personnel, the Guards, to prevent any harm.
Although overshadowed by the brilliance of the newly emerged ascendant, Van had possibly made the biggest contribution.
“We can’t afford to leave Van as a variable, regardless of whether he’s the unknown star or not,”
one of Maestro’s subordinates cautiously remarked.
“But Van is of the Ecclesia Ducal lineage. Isn’t it risky to directly intervene?”
They, the Ouroboros, were not yet ready.
Especially after the recent incident at Ruby, it was a time to be even more cautious.
“No need to rush. There are plenty of legal ways to deal with him.”
“Maestro, is even it possible?”
“Yes. Please summon Marquis Maxim, the Minister of Education.”
It was a surprising order.
In the Empire, the Minister of Education was a prominent figure. Why would Maestro call for him so readily?
Even more puzzling was the reaction of the subordinate.
“Understood. I’ll arrange it immediately.”
Before long, a middle-aged figure revealed himself.
It was indeed Marquis Maxim, the Minister of Education!
Then, a startling event occurred.
“You called for me, Your Highness?”
Your Highness.
It was a title exclusively permitted to a certain class in the Empire.
Maestro, the Apostle of Ouroboros.
And.
The one born of the noblest lineage of the Empire, Prince Renius II, smiled and spoke.
“Welcome, Marquis. I’ve come to discuss matters regarding the education at the Ruby Academy.”
* * *
‘The Apostle of Ouroboros, Maestro, is actually the Second Prince. He’s practically treated as the Crown Prince.’
I made a dizzy expression.
‘It’s clear they’re wary of me because of recent events.’
Prince Renius II was the reason I hesitated to take up an official position.
Entering an official position would mean facing the corrupted agents of Ouroboros led by the Second Prince and engaging in terrible conflicts.
But would the military be okay with that?
It’s hard to believe.
As evident from the title “Apostle,” there were other Apostles besides the Second Prince.
With time, the other Apostles would likely follow suit.
Entering the military meant engaging in literal bloodshed and war.
‘There’s nowhere safe in this world. The academy is the safest place, relatively speaking.’
Ironically, despite experiencing such events and accidents, the academy remained the safest haven.
‘Dirty and dangerous as it may be, I have to stick to the academy. Venturing outside means a life of indulgence and worries about survival.’
The problem was the feasibility.
I had to win the competition for the temporary professor position.
The issue was that this wasn’t a fight favorable to me.
‘The criteria are the evaluation scores for temporary professors.’
In terms of academic achievements and magical talents alone, I had nothing to worry about.
But there were many other requirements.
Evaluation of student guidance.
Evaluation of reputation among peers and superiors.
Evaluation of contributions to society.
Evaluation of contributions to academic tasks at the academy.
These were some of the included items.
‘Being a professor involves more than just research; it requires mentoring students and making societal contributions. It’s understandable, but still highly disadvantageous for someone like me, still referred to as trash.’
‘Especially since this selection is conducted by the Ministry of Education. Maestro and the Second Prince’s influence will inevitably play a role in the final selection.’
It was clear that they would find some excuse to deduct points and eliminate me.
‘There’s only one way. I have to get a perfect score, without giving them any excuse to deduct points. And that means in every single category.’
With that thought in mind, I frowned deeply.
‘Ugh. Why does becoming a professor have to be so difficult?’
I sighed involuntarily, but there was no choice.
I’ll just have to do it one more time.
‘Just endure the first semester. After that, I can live the good life.’
The Second Prince had overlooked one thing.
My abilities were not limited to being a “Grand Mage.”
‘I’m not just garbage; in my past life, I was even a successful entrepreneur. I can easily secure the top spot in the evaluation for temporary professors.’
With my thoughts organized, I turned to another letter.
This time, it was not from the Ministry of Education but from the Ruby Academy.
Announcement for training new temporary professors.
There was still some time left until the start of the new semester.
There was a training session for new temporary professors, similar to a new employee orientation.
However, the atmosphere was somewhat different from what I experienced on Earth.
‘It’s more like a battlefield among new temporary professors.’
In fact, one could say that the competition began from the training session itself.
‘The start is crucial. Graduate from the training session with top honors. With my abilities as a Grand Mage, it’s definitely achievable.’
As I read the next page of the letter, my expression hardened.
There was a troublesome issue.
“Why does the training location have to be at…”
The Rantzel Plateau.
It was a famous location.
The lair where the terrifying dragon, which once instilled fear in the world, slumbered.
The problem is…
‘It’s where hidden scenarios occur.’
Recent events flashed through my mind, sending a shiver down my spine.
‘No, it’ll be fine this time. The conditions for triggering that scenario aren’t even met.’
It wasn’t the right time, and crucially, there was no “key.”
The key in the magical realm wouldn’t suddenly appear at the Rantzel Plateau.
‘Yet… just in case, should I prepare some basic safety measures?’
With a feeling of unease, I resolved to fight on.
‘No matter what obstacles come my way, I’ll definitely live the good life!’
