The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 91
‘Something bigger might be cooking.’
Thinking too pessimistically?
Just look at what has happened so far.
How could one not become pessimistic after enduring this much?
Above all, after experiencing various incidents recently, I’ve been worrying about one particular fact.
‘Is this Hard Mode?’
An unexpected consideration.
In fact, this Hero Academy had another level of difficulty.
It was Hell difficulty.
‘Truthfully, I don’t even know what Hell difficulty entails.’
It wasn’t a standard route but a hidden difficulty level.
There was no one in the community who claimed to have played it, so there was divided opinion on whether Hell difficulty actually existed.
‘If this was Hell difficulty, that would explain all the absurd anomalies that have happened so far.’
But soon, I shook my head.
‘It can’t be. Please.’
It was a fervent hope.
Because if it were Hell difficulty, we’d be so doomed.
The storyline notification described Hell difficulty in just one line.
Absolutely impossible to clear.
For now, I put that thought aside and considered the upcoming Erased Night episode.
‘In principle, it’s something the protagonists should resolve, but I need to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.’
Then, I heard this question directed at me.
“Professor Van, how will you participate in the security efforts?”
For context, we were in the middle of a faculty meeting.
Professors from all departments had gathered to discuss countermeasures for the Phantom Break.
Swish.
Many eyes turned directed at me.
“There’s a rumor calling you our Ruby’ divine protector, Professor Van. We’re all looking forward to seeing what you’ll do this time.”
It was sarcasm.
Having resolved various issues and standing out recently, it seemed I had attracted the jealousy of the other professors.
‘They probably think I won’t be much help in real action because of my mana insensitivity.’
However, not everyone was sending hostile glances; quite a few were looking at me with the opposite sentiment.
We’re expecting great things from you again, Van.
This was mainly from those affiliated with the former Chancellor Rudolph.
Regardless of their stance, there was one commonality.
Everyone at the academy was focused on what role I would play in this situation.
“Professor Van, please share your plan for the security.”
I hesitated for a moment.
‘What to do? It’s more important to prevent what happens after this than just standing guard.’
Above all, it wouldn’t be efficient.
‘Even if I try to catch ghosts, I’d hardly catch any and would only end up being ridiculed.’
Though I had gained an opportunity on Whirlwind Island, my absolute mana was still at a baby’s level.
I could perform miracles beyond my limits depending on the situation, but when faced with numerous weak enemies, that was where my abilities fell short.
‘There’s also a practical issue. The contributions made during this Phantom Break will have a decisive impact on the decision for professorship appointments.’
In other words, I had to make the greatest contribution.
Me, dealing with ghosts? Absolutely impossible.
‘I need to make a contribution in a different way.’
Having decided, I spoke up.
“I plan not to participate in the security.”
“!!”
Everyone looked astonished.
“What do you mean? You’re saying you won’t fight the ghosts?”
A natural reaction.
I didn’t have a good excuse to offer.
Above all,
‘What I intend to do must not become known to others.’
A calamity was certain to occur.
My instincts are sounding off tremendous alarms.
‘I have an idea of what kind of disaster it might be.’
I swallowed hard.
‘The upcoming disaster will be far worse than anything that has happened so far.’
A shocking revelation to anyone who would hear it.
The calamities that had occurred up until now were horrific in their own right, but to say what’s coming would be incomparable?
But it was the truth.
‘If my guess about the impending disaster is correct, I need to trick our side first.’
Striking the enemy’s weak point.
That was the only strategy for victory.
I adopted a brazen expression for my ‘strategy.’
“Yes, dealing with such low-level ghosts doesn’t suit someone of my noble stature.”
“Ha! Responding to a disaster is a duty of an academy professor.”
“Then, I’ll take my leave.”
“Professor Van!”
Regardless of the professors’ anger, I stood up from my seat.
Acting just like the ‘Van the Trash’ of old.
“Please, don’t bother me with such trivial matters.”
With that, the operation to prevent the downfall of Ruby Academy began.
* * *
Naturally, the reaction from others was not favorable.
“That Trash ran away because he was scared of ghosts.”
“Just as I thought, Van hasn’t changed. He’s still the same.”
“A professor who can’t even deal with low-level ghosts. A disgrace to the magic department.”
My reputation, which had slightly improved recently, plummeted once again.
I had no choice but to leave them behind and move on.
There was much to do.
“What do you want? I’m busy.”
A gruff voice.
A youthful appearance.
It was Mariam, Van’s sister and the mayor.
“I came to discuss something with you.”
“What for? Didn’t you take a vacation? Shouldn’t you be out enjoying yourself?”
A slight smile crept onto my face.
“Thank you.”
“For what all of a sudden?”
“Aren’t you upset because people are bad-mouthing me?”
“Not at all! What do I care if people talk badly about you!”
“There’s no need to worry. You know by now, don’t you? I wouldn’t act this way without a reason.”
Mariam scowled fiercely.
“Alright, let’s hear it then. What are you thinking? Even calling Emily and Captain Gordon here.”
The room wasn’t just occupied by the two of us.
I nodded at Emily and Captain Gordon, then got straight to the point.
“The city’s security readiness?”
“You don’t need to worry. Phase 2 might be underway, but we’ve completed all preparations.”
“That’s right. Our Guard, in collaboration with Ruby Academy, will ensure no harm comes to the city.”
Captain Gordon responded with confidence.
‘Considering my sister Mariam’s personality, she would have prepared flawlessly, leaving no stone unturned.’
“It’s insufficient. Assume it will progress to at least Phase 4 and prepare accordingly.”
“!!”
Everyone’s eyes widened.
Phase refers to the intensity of the Break.
During Phase 1, average Lv. 1 monsters appear; Phase 2 brings out average Lv. 2 monsters, and so on.
Thus, Phase 4 means average Lv. 4 ghosts would appear.
‘If the average is Lv. 4, then higher-level ghosts will also emerge.’
It would be a colossal disaster.
The real problem was that this wasn’t the end.
‘If the Break reaches Phase 4, with all professors and upperclassmen away, an incident will occur at the academy.’
“What? There hasn’t been a Phase 4 in any Phantom Break in the last 50 years.”
“This time will be different.”
“On what basis?”
“Do you need a basis? I am Van Ecclesia, destined to become a great star in the magical world.”
My words implied they should just trust me without question.
Silence fell over everyone.
Mariam ran a hand through her hair, visibly annoyed.
“Haaa. Captain Gordon, what’s the estimated damage if Phase 4 occurs with our current forces?”
“We can hold them off, but over 30% of the guard would be casualties. Civilian casualties would be incalculable.”
Mariam stood up abruptly.
“I’ll request reinforcements from the military.”
“Wait. The military alone won’t be enough.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you think this situation will end just by eradicating ghosts?”
Mariam caught on to my words and went silent.
“Are you saying someone will take advantage of the chaos to cause trouble in the City?”
I nodded.
‘The basic scenario originally involved villains exploiting the chaos to launch an attack on the academy.’
That was my instinct.
That it wouldn’t just end on that level.
An even more horrific disaster was imminent.
‘Especially now, Ouroboros would be in a frenzy. They wouldn’t miss such an opportunity.’
Mariam’s expression turned grave.
“There is a way. We set a trap.”
“A trap?”
“Yes, hear me out.”
I laid out the ‘strategy,’ and everyone’s eyes widened again.
“How could that possibly work?!”
“Why not? With you, it’s entirely possible, isn’t it?”
“And if it doesn’t work? Then I’ll face tremendous political backlash.”
“But if it succeeds, you’ll be the hero who saved the City. Just as you wish.”
“……”
“Didn’t I say last time? I’d help you enter the central political scene. This operation will give you wings.”
Mariam bit her lip.
Unable to decide, her anxious tapping on the desk was visible,
“Trust this brother of yours.”
“!!”
Mariam scowled.
“Disgusting. You used to be much cuter. Not cute anymore.”
“…I suppose I’m too old now to be considered ‘cute.'”
“Ah, forget it! I liked the old Van better. You’re so arrogant now!”
“But you still like this little brother of yours, don’t you?”
“Not at all!”
Bang!
She stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
It seemed she was off to attempt the strategy I proposed, despite the teasing.
‘Did I tease her too much? I always wished for a sibling like this.’
I turned my gaze.
Emily stood there with a stern face.
“Have you been well?”
“…Fairly. Can I ask you something first?”
“Okay.”
“Our Rapalt Ducal Family is going to fall? What’s that about?”
Ah.
That was about the tip-off I gave last time.
“It’s true.”
“That’s absurd. Do you know how much wealth our Rapalt Ducal Family has amassed?”
“Normally, it wouldn’t fall. Normally, that is.”
I thought about what was going to happen next.
‘The Rapalt Ducal Family tries to seize control of the academy too greedily, leading to disaster after this Erased Night episode.’
“Excessive greed invites disaster. Your father, Duke Volman, is far too greedy.”
“……”
Emily clenched her fists, realizing the truth in my words.
“Don’t worry too much. The reason I called you here is related to that matter.”
“What do you mean?”
“The downfall of your family doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing for you, right? After all, you were never going to inherit the Rapalt Ducal Family.”
Emily sent me a startled look.
“Are you saying…?”
“Yes, when the Rapalt Ducal Family falls, I’ll help you drain off the family’s wealth. Enough to establish a new House, a Family.”
“!!”
“In return, you’ll need to cooperate fully with me this time.”
“Cooperate?”
“There are some items I need. They’re a bit pricey, so you’ll be footing the bill.”
“How expensive are we talking?”
“Just a bit.”
“…A bit?”
“…Yes, a bit.”
I listed the items, and Emily’s eyes widened to the point of almost splitting.
“Are you insane?”
The price was enough to bankrupt the wallet of Emily, the heiress to one of the empire’s largest fortunes.
* * *
After leaving the city hall, I headed elsewhere.
Creak.
As I opened the door, the smell of blood wafted out.
“Ohoho, Master. It’s been a while. I’ve missed you. Sylphin was just indulging in her hobbies♥”
Sylphin, who had been torturing the villains of the Free City, greeted me with a grin.
