The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 5.2
‘It’s extremely risky. this is a hidden quest that’s attempted around the third year!’
Facing off against ‘that presence’ would be worse than being kicked out from the duke’s estate.
Compared to ‘that presence,’ my current self was as insignificant as a fly.
Then, a message came to mind.
<Judgment of the Gambler has been Activated Before a Dangerous Challenge!>
Probability of Banishing the ‘Lord of Darkness’: 63.3%
I remained silent.
‘Why isn’t the chance zero?’
It was quite high, in fact.
As much as 63.3%.
The issue was its ambiguity.
It seemed worth attempting, but the risk of failure was substantial.
‘What should I do? The risk if I fail is too great.’
Then, a soothing voice moved my heart.
“Do not worry, Master. Even if you are expelled after the duel, I will take you in. This Hans!! Wherever Master goes, I will stay by your side until the end.”
Moved by the intense desire-filled gaze of the middle-aged balding mage, I made my decision.
‘No matter what, I must find a way to succeed.’
* * *
In the mansion of the Ecclesia Duke, there was one secret.
It was said that the Lord of Darkness was sealed within the family’s ancestral tomb.
This was due to one ancestor who had captured the Lord of Darkness.
Unable to eradicate it, they sealed it within the tomb filled with spiritual energy.
‘Sealing the Lord of Darkness has been one of the long-standing wishes of the noble family.’
This was the content of a hidden quest—to destroy the sealed Lord of Darkness.
Hans asked cautiously,
“Are you really planning to banish the Lord of Darkness? Are you sure about this?”
His voice filled with concern.
Naturally.
‘After the seal is broken, even if the power doesn’t fully return and it remains weakened, I won’t be able to handle it.’
I couldn’t even rely on Hans for help.
The tomb was a sanctified place protected by a special barrier, allowing only the bloodline of the duke to enter.
‘In the worst case, I might get thrown out, but I shouldn’t die.’
Even if the seal on the Lord of Darkness was broken, it wouldn’t be able to leave the tomb, so some sort of escape might be possible.
However, the aftermath of its attempts to break free would turn the tomb into chaos.
‘…I’ll be in hot water for causing that kind of incident.’
Sweat trickled down, but I nodded.
‘Still, there’s no other choice. I must succeed, no matter what.’
I recalled memories from a past life when I was in business.
Just as I had achieved numerous business successes in my past life, this time, too, I must succeed, no matter what.
‘For a sweet future ahead, fighting!’
My determination resonated with the charisma of the Dark Flame Dragon.
“Rest assured. No matter how powerful that creature is, in the face of my greatness, it’s nothing but a petty entity.”
It feels like the translation is getting more ridiculous as it goes on.
But Hans’s eyes sparkled.
“Ah!!! Truly the star of the magical realm, our revered Master! Loyalty, at your service!”
“…We’re heading to the tomb.”
“Yes! Allow me to escort you all the way!”
The tomb sat atop a hill behind the mansion.
As they approached, an unfamiliar voice echoed.
“What’s going on here, sir?”
“!!”
Was this someone in their late teens?
A face resembling Van’s.
A stubborn, young-looking boy.
‘Cal Ecclesia!’
He was the fourth among the five siblings of the Ecclesia family, as pivotal a figure as any in the lineage and currently a student at the academy.
‘He was in the second year, right? He even served as the vice-president of one of the prestigious academy’s branches.’
Being a second-year and a vice-president of a student council spoke volumes about Cal’s exceptional abilities.
‘He had quite a difficult personality.’
No surprises there.
“What trouble are you stirring now? Surely, you’re not planning a ruckus at the family tomb, are you? When will you ever grow up?”
Cal was known for his tremendous efforts, the complete opposite of his brother, and he looked down on his brother’s trashy ways.
“Quite an accusation. I’ve merely come to pay respects to our ancestors’ spirits.”
“You?! You’ve never set foot near the tomb in your entire life! All of a sudden?”
Cal furrowed his brows, looking determined.
‘Well, isn’t that cute.’
I chuckled inwardly.
‘There’s no need for unnecessary confrontation. Let’s deflect this with some tact.’
As I prepared to speak, I overlooked something crucial.
Cal’s animosity had triggered the ‘Charisma of the Dark Flame Dragon.’
“Cal, you really ought to learn some manners.”
“…What did you say?”
“Well, perhaps it’s partly my fault. As your older brother, I should take responsibility for your lacking upbringing.”
I was petrified, but my cursed mouth kept going.
“Cal, you must have been under a lot of stress. I understand. Working so hard and still just at the level of a third star rank. As your elder brother, I haven’t paid enough attention to you, and I’m sorry. If you ever need my help, reach out. I’m your brother, I’ll offer guidance.”
“!!”
Cal’s eyes blazed with anger.
“T-This…!!”
Unexpected help came at that moment.
“Stop right there, Cal.”
It was Hans, who had been following alongside!
“Teacher?”
“M-Master Van, what’s with the strange talk? Did I teach you that way?”
Cal looked bewildered.
He belongs to a Magic Academy.
So, it seems Hans, being from the family’s mage, acted as a teacher.
“W-Why are you saying this?”
“Master Van will be the future of magic. A figure of greatness beyond comparison with the likes of us. Cal, from now on, as you tread the path of magic, you must show respect to Master Van.”
Cal’s mouth hung agape.
It was a look that said, ‘Is the teacher insane?’
