The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 41
‘After becoming the Dragon, they said he lost the qualifications for ascension.’
Once Ashtat shines, no one will survive.
‘One fortunate thing is that the seal hasn’t been completely undone yet.’
I recalled the development of the hidden scenario, “The Savior of the Great Dragon,”.
There was still plenty of time to escape.
The problem is,
‘…If I run away from here, it will eventually lead to a game over.’
Running away can save my life for now.
However, as the main storyline twists completely, it becomes absolutely impossible to clear.
‘Ugh. But challenging this is also insane.’
In fact, the majority of players in the Hero Academy skip this one.
Literally because it’s a ‘hidden’ episode, and it’s better to pretend not to notice than to scratch the surface for no reason.
‘But, once this scenario is triggered, there’s no way to skip it. I have to clear it no matter what.’
At that moment, Aktor gave me a peculiar look.
“Why is that? Are you perhaps concerned about our settlers in the Rebel Army?”
“??”
“If we run away among ourselves, are you afraid the remaining settlers will be left here?”
I blinked.
While I was pondering, the Dark Flame Dragon, in whatever bizarre form it had taken, shouted as the Guardians of the Rebel Army misunderstood.
“Ah, indeed! As I heard! It is the mark of a hero who cannot turn away from those in trouble!”
The reaction of Johan beside me made me even more startled.
“Professor, you’re truly amazing. Shamefully, I couldn’t muster the courage to face the Dragon.”
Johan then shouted with a determined voice.
“I, too, will follow in the footsteps of Professor Johan and step forward to stop the Dragon!”
‘No, I don’t want to? Do you know how difficult this scenario is….’
That was the moment I had that thought.
I fell silent for a moment.
‘…Wait, wouldn’t it be worth a try?’
Clearing this one with just my own strength is impossible.
But
‘…There are plenty of suckers to take advantage of.’
I quietly observed the Guardians.
Knight Aktor, level 6, was of course, and the rest were also skilled individuals.
‘Using the Guardians as shields would greatly increase our chances of winning.’
Indeed, such a message came to mind.
<Probability of Breaking Through the Great Dragon’s nest>
While exploiting the Rebel Army Suckers: 33.7%
A success rate of one in three attempts.
It was low, but it wasn’t impossible.
‘Moreover, there is the devil priest who could be a secret weapon at a critical moment.’
Although still a novice priest, he might prove useful.
In the end, I spoke up.
“Very well. I will stop that Dragon.”
“Ah, as expected!”
“However, there’s a condition. Your Guardians must assist me wholeheartedly.”
“Of course! We’ll follow any orders!”
The Guardians, including Aktor, bowed their heads.
“And one more thing. Johan, was it? Your Priest of the Rebel Army should never act without my command.”
“…Are you worried about him?”
…No, it’s not that, it’s just that I intend to use him at the most crucial moment.
“Johan’s power is still at a beginner level, so I need to use it sparingly.”
But for some reason, Johan spoke with a dead voice.
“I don’t really want to be treated so specially.”
I realized.
‘Johan is uncomfortable with being treated as a saint. He thinks he’s not qualified.’
The solution was simple.
I spoke in the coldest tone possible.
“Don’t get it twisted. It’s not because you’re a saint or anything. It’s simply because you’re lacking.”
“!!”
Johan’s eyes widened slightly.
“…I’m lacking?”
“Yeah, priest or whatever, in my eyes, you’re just a kid. You haven’t even enrolled in the academy yet.”
I silently looked down at Johan.
“Of course, you’re not my student, but I won’t stand by and watch a clueless rookie endanger themselves.”
“…”
“You decided to enroll in the Amethyst Academy, didn’t you? If you don’t want protection, then go and strive there. If you prove yourself worthy, I’ll entrust you with anything. But you have a long way to go.”
Fortunately, the persuasion seemed to work as Johan nodded.
‘Good. I spoke as coldly as possible, so my likability should have dropped.’
But then, an incomprehensible message popped up.
The demon saint admires your nobility for the sake of others! Affinity increased!
‘……??’
Suddenly, why bring up the topic of kimbap bursting at the seams?
Confused, I heard Johan muttering with his head bowed.
“…Even though it could be dangerous for you too, to step forward in my place like that. Remarkable. Much better than someone like me.”
…That’s not what I meant, okay?
Cold sweat trickled down, but I ignored it.
“…We do not have time, let’s go.”
Stopping the damn Great Dragon was the priority now.
* * *
‘We have to break through the nest before Ashtat fully awakens.’
The problem was the success rate.
33.7% was too low no matter how you looked at it.
‘There’s a 66.3% chance of dying. Haa, what am I supposed to do.’
I felt frustrated.
If Professor Burnstein had been here, we could have increased the success rate by a lot, but unfortunately, he had left after yesterday’s academic seminar.
‘It would be great if I had someone to exploit, even if it’s not Professor Burnstein. Especially someone with magical abilities.’
Then, a welcome voice was heard.
“What have you been doing all this time? Didn’t you hear the evacuation order?”
“Anyway, I thought you might be slacking off somewhere. Even at a time like this.”
It was Kansir and Balas!
It seemed like the other professors had already evacuated through the portal.
“Are you two evacuating too?”
“We’re not evacuating, we’re just withdrawing to come up with a plan. If the Dragon really does awaken, we alone won’t be enough.”
“Excuses of cowards.”
“!!”
Their faces stiffened.
“What did you just say? Haven’t you said you would show me your true powers? But now that there’s a problem, you’re not doing anything and just retreating. Truly impressive.”
“But… with our power…”
“Have you even tried?”
I smirked.
…Honestly, I’ll admit it.
I’m subtly good at provoking. It was a skill I honed during my days as a salesman on Earth.
“The Dragon has not actually awakened, and all we’ve seen is some weird noises, yet you’re acting like this. Truly impressive.”
“…”
“That’s enough. What am I even talking to cowards like you for? Get out right now. It’s not worth my time to have this conversation with you.”
Kansir and Balas gritted their teeth.
“…Shut up, you. Who do you think you’re calling a coward? We’re staying.”
“…Alright then. This time, Professors, I shall show you my greatness.”
As expected, they’re just simpletons.
Moving on!
<Probability of Breaking Through the Great Dragon’s Nest>
Exploiting the naive new professors: 50.5%
The success rate had slightly increased.
‘…Still not enough, but at least more than half.’
All that remained was to perform well on the scene.
I joined forces with the guardians of the rebellion, along with the two.
“What about these people?”
“They’re knights who happened to pass by. We decided to join forces.”
In the rebellion, where hiding one’s identity was commonplace, simple disguises were easily achievable.
“Master Van, fighting! Uhh, I wanted to protect you with my life, but of course, I happen to be a non-combat mage! Instead, I’ll send Lindon!”
“What? Why me, old man? I don’t want to go either!”
“Quiet. Lindon, you are coming with me. Hans, stop fooling around and guard the village from the increasingly sensitive monsters. I set up some magic runes earlier, so you should be able to handle it.”
Both Lindon and Hans’ faces turned pale simultaneously, but I ignored them.
‘This is the Great Dragon’s lair.’
As we ventured deeper into the plateau, a massive cave lay before us.
It looked like the mouth of hell itself.
‘Can we really succeed?’
I recalled the strategy guides I had seen in the community.
Challenging the “Great Savior of the Dragon” scenario is madness.
The rewards may be great, but it’s still best to avoid it.
But I shook my head.
‘I’ve succeeded in strategies before. It was luck, but still.’
According to those memories, there was a good chance of success.
“Knights, use your swords to block the attacks from the front. Kansir, Balas, Lindon, follow my instructions to bypass the magical traps.”
“Don’t order me around!”
“Who do you think you are?”
“Professor, I’m useless and won’t be of any help. Can’t I just go back?”
Despite their resistance, they ultimately had to follow my lead.
Various complex magical traps were triggered, beyond what the three could handle.
“Balas, activate the third-tier prism shield. No, adjust the vector to the upper-left.”
“Kansir, use your flame sword to cut through the left trap. But don’t cut through it with the sword; disrupt the trap’s mechanism with the heat of the flames.”
“Lunden, use your manipulation magic to disrupt the trap’s activation. Apply the manipulation technique I taught you during the last graduation exam.”
Thanks to my excellent command, the three managed to navigate through the magical traps.
“Why are you just standing there, Van?!”
“Haa, haa, this isn’t right… Ban, I’ll show you my worth…!”
“Ahh! I’ll pay you 100,000 Pena if you send me back home! With one successful stock trade, I can pay it off!”
That’s when we encountered a deadlock.
“What’s this?”
“A gate?”
A ominous, shadowy gate blocked the passage as if it were the entrance to hell itself. Sinister darkness swirled around the gate.
“I can’t break through it with my sword,”
If Akator, a Knight of the Sixth Rank, couldn’t do it, then no one here could.
“To break through with strength, one needs to be at least Level 8.”
It seemed impossible.
But not for me.
“Everyone, step back. I’ll handle this.”
But then, it happened.
A chilling voice whispered in my ear.
You are unworthy, go back.
Though it was the first time hearing it, I immediately recognized its origin.
It was the voice of Ashtat, the master of this nest!
A sense of dread washed over me at the overwhelming presence of the dragon’s soul.
But I didn’t step back.
Instead, I retorted.
Why am I unworthy?
…What?
I am Van of Ecclesia.
I lifted the corners of my mouth.
The one who will save you. Wait quietly, foolest dragon in this world.
I raised my hand and pointed at the obscured gate enveloped in dense darkness.
Simultaneously,
Crack!
The gate was torn apart like a sheet of paper.
