Chapter 24
I’d known all along that wizards were a shady bunch.
But blocking entry from the station? That was unexpected.
“Is there really a need to block fellow students like this?”
“Only wizards are allowed through.”
The gatekeeper—or rather, the station keeper—repeated the same words as if he was a machine running on a macro.
“Even professors?”
“Only wizards are allowed through.”
“What about janitors?”
“Only wizards are allowed through.”
“And the cafeteria staff?”
“Only wizards are allowed through.”
I started to wonder if this guy wasn’t actually human but rather some creature named *Only Wizards Are Allowed Through*, and this phrase was just its natural call.
Whenever I tried to sidestep him, he blocked me with inhuman precision, showing no trace of empathy.
Was he even human?
“What about your parents? Can they pass through?”
“My parents are wizards, so they’re fine.”
Ah, I see. If the son is a wizard, then the parents must be wizards too.
At least I’d learned he could say something other than “Only wizards are allowed through.”
“If you let us through, I’ll let you pet this adorable cat!”
“Meow.”
Linia held out the mackerel-patterned cat she had in her arms toward the station keeper.
Yeah, like *that* would work.
“...N-no. Only wizards are allowed through!”
...He hesitated for about ten seconds, though.
“Raniel, Linia, there’s no need to cause trouble. Why not step back for now?”
“Well, I suppose that’s for the best.”
“Aww, I wanted to check out the wizardry department building, though...”
At El’s suggestion, we decided to retreat.
Honestly, my pride was stung. If I were alone, I’d have made a bigger fuss, but since I wasn’t, I had to let it go—for now.
But one day, I’ll push it to the limit.
Watch your back, *Only Wizards Are Allowed Through* Man!
I left with a silent vow for revenge.
“Well, we’ve seen everything now, haven’t we? Let’s head back.”
With the department buildings all explored, all that was left was to return.
“What are you talking about? The Academy isn’t just the department buildings!”
“Indeed. The Academy is like an entire city, so there’s plenty more to see beyond the main department buildings.”
So much for heading back.
“Then, where should we go? El, you know the Academy best, right?”
“Hmm, I haven’t explored every corner, but I know it better than you two.”
“Then where do you recommend? Lead the way!”
“Well, it’s getting close to dinner time, so why not head to the shopping district inside the Academy?”
“Great idea! Let’s grab something tasty!”
The two quickly made their plans without me.
Is this what it feels like to be left out?
“Hm? Raniel, do you have something to say?”
Linia must’ve noticed my budding sense of isolation. She’s surprisingly perceptive.
Since she gave me the chance, I decided to confidently express my opinion.
“How about we just call it a day?”
“Overruled!”
My suggestion was instantly shot down.
And, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, they dragged me along to the shopping district.
“Oh, this is more serious than I expected.”
Once we arrived, my interest was piqued.
Though there were buildings around, the area was dominated by street vendors, giving it more of a bustling market vibe than a proper shopping district.
From food to weapons to engineering supplies, the sheer variety of items was impressive.
“Raniel, looks like you’re enjoying this after all.”
El must’ve noticed my growing interest because he shrugged with a smug, self-satisfied air.
He looked so proud, like a little kid basking in his mom’s praise, that I almost wanted to pat him on the head—but decided against it.
I thought about patting Yang Saera’s head but decided against it.
“Food! Let’s eat! I’m hungry!”
“Since we’re in a shopping district, how about trying some street food?”
“Sounds good!”
“That works.”
Exploring was nice, but food came first! We decided to grab dinner from one of the street stalls in the shopping district.
The variety of food was matched by the variety of stalls. From open kitchens to setups resembling old-school food carts, and even full-fledged restaurants in proper buildings, there were plenty of choices.
Among them, a stall caught my eye, decorated in a soft, minty green with a charming, whimsical design.
“What about that one?”
“Oh! For once, you have good taste, Raniel!”
How insolent! Linia of all people was critiquing my sense of taste.
“My intelligence is higher than yours.”
“Intelligence and taste have nothing to do with each other.”
I was about to retort again but stopped. In a way, she had a point—for someone like Linia, at least.
“Fair enough. You rely on instinct rather than intelligence, so I guess your instinct-driven sense is decent.”
“What are you even talking about?”
“I’m just saying you’re dumb.”
“Hey!!”
Even when I acknowledged her taste, Linia lost her temper. What a hassle.
“Meow!”
“Oh, sorry, Mackerel.”
Linia, in her frustration, had grabbed Mackerel tightly, causing the cat to cry out pitifully. She quickly apologized and released it.
“Meow!”
As soon as Mackerel was free from her grip, it shot a wary look at her and immediately leaped onto my head.
“S-Sorry. That was my bad. Come here.”
“Hiss!!”
Judging by the way it hissed more ferociously than when we first met it at the fortress, it seemed Mackerel was truly holding a grudge.
“Sniff...”
Linia teared up, but Mackerel showed no mercy. It turned its head away sharply, completely ignoring her. That’s karma for you.
“Instead of bickering, why don’t we just head inside?”
“Let’s do that.”
Following El’s suggestion, we stepped into the mint-green stall. Linia, looking dejected, followed us in.
As it appeared from the outside, the inside was styled like a food cart, but the whimsical decorations gave it a unique charm. Whoever designed this stall certainly succeeded in grabbing attention. It was distinct enough to raise my expectations.
“Welcome!”
Just then, an employee greeted us, and I immediately recognized him.
“Karon?”
“You guys? What are you doing here?”
“What about you? What are *you* doing here?”
“Working part-time, obviously.”
“We’re here to grab dinner.”
So this is where the black-haired guy worked part-time. What an interesting coincidence.
The green uniform looked incredibly out of place on him.
“Hello! I’ll take the usual to-go!”
Another coincidence followed immediately after.
“Huh? Professor Nera?”
“Oh? My students?”
Our homeroom teacher had walked in, dressed in shabby tracksuits.
[There’s a rule that while coincidences are unlikely to happen, when they do, they come in clusters.]
‘I’ve never heard of such a rule.’
[That’s because you don’t pay attention! You’re not interested!]
‘Still not interested.’
Not caring about such nonsense, I ignored it.
“Raniel, I’m glad I ran into you. I have an update about what we discussed earlier.”
“What’s that about?”
“The lecture. The one you’ll be giving yourself.”
Oh? Is the result out already?
I thought it would take a few days, but that was quick.
"To cut to the chase, the conclusion was that you can't lecture as a student."
Hmm, I figured that might be the case. I expected it, but I was holding onto just a sliver of hope...
"So, we've decided to make you a professor."
...Just as I was processing that, an unexpected bombshell dropped!
"You're making me a professor?"
"Not a full professor, though. You'll be appointed as an associate professor, and many of the privileges and authority will be limited."
Hmm, this is starting to sound a bit complicated.
"For example, what kind of limitations are we talking about?"
"You won't be able to offer regular courses, and there will be limits on the number of courses you can teach.
On top of that, there will be restrictions on attending faculty meetings, academic conferences, and presenting research."
"Does that mean I won't be assigned a lab or allowed to have research assistants?"
"Nope. You'll definitely get a lab, and whether you have assistants depends on your capabilities."
Wait, doesn't that sound pretty good?
I can skip tedious meetings or conferences and focus solely on the research I want to do?
'Well, most of these folks are aristocrats, so they probably enjoy showing off in prominent positions.'
They must have thought blocking me from such roles was a penalty, but from my perspective, it was the exact opposite.
I wouldn't have to deal with complicated lectures or meetings, and I could devote myself entirely to powered suit research!
"For now, you'll be teaching as a temporary professor. After going through the necessary procedures, you'll officially be appointed as a professor.
We can discuss how your classes will run after that."
As I listened to my homeroom teacher, a question suddenly came to mind.
"Now that I think about it, wasn’t I supposed to temporarily fill in for Professor Dayron until a replacement arrived?"
"That's correct."
"Then why go through the trouble of appointing me as an associate professor instead of just having me teach temporarily and then letting me go?"
My homeroom teacher rubbed his nose.
"Ahem! I pulled some strings."
...Why?
"It’s just... it would’ve been such a waste!"
"A waste of what?"
"You're a genius."
"Well, obviously. But what does that have to do with this?"
"......"
The fact that I'm a genius is a universal truth, as obvious as the law of gravity.
"Anyway, your theory of mana control—although not yet validated or accepted by the academic community—shows real potential."
"Does it, now?"
"Modern magic engineering has developed based on the premise of mana being transformed into tools.
But if your theory gains recognition, it could shake the very foundations of magic engineering.
And you? You wouldn't just be a mere professor—you could become a pioneer of an entirely new field!"
I nodded in agreement.
"You're quite perceptive."
"......"
Why are you looking at me like that when you're the one who gave the compliment?
"Anyway, I couldn’t bear the thought of a genius like you being poached by another academy.
So I pulled some strings to secure you as a professor for our academy!"
Although I felt a bit wary, it was undeniably pleasant to know there was someone who recognized my abilities.
[Master, your lips are twitching like crazy.]
'What are you talking about? I am not!'
Just as I thought we were wrapping up on a positive note...
"By the way, would you be interested in becoming my research assistant...?"
"No, thank you."
* * *
As it turned out, the reason my homeroom teacher brought up the research assistant thing was related to the process of me becoming an associate professor.
"Of course, even if it’s for an associate professor without real authority, the process of appointing—"
It’s about appointing an academy student, but it’s hard to push through proper procedures.
However! If you become my research assistant, I’ll make sure you get the associate professor title!
The homeroom teacher said this confidently, and I narrowed my eyes (though that’s my usual expression) and asked,
“Who do you think you are?”
At that, the teacher gave a sly smile and nodded.
“Yeah, I’m someone.”
…What?
Is this one of those cases where someone pretends to be harmless but is secretly powerful?
“I mean, I’m just an ordinary professor, but my connections aren’t ordinary! So, don’t worry.
If I say it’ll happen, it’ll happen! Hah!”
“….”
[This is kind of off-putting.]
‘Well, connections are power and authority after all.’
“So, if you just pledge to be my research assistant…”
“I refuse.”
“Forget the pledge, at least try being my temporary assistant…”
“I refuse.”
“I’ll treat you well! Be my first research assistant!!”
“I’ll decline.”
Graduate school is hell.
I experienced it firsthand in my previous life, so I know for sure.
Of course, it was even more horrific because of the ongoing war with monsters, but still.
Unless it’s absolutely, unquestionably, without-a-doubt necessary for me to become a graduate student, I plan to avoid it at all costs.
[But isn’t graduate school essential to becoming a professor?]
‘There are other ways. Besides, from what the teacher is saying, it seems like there’s an alternative method anyway.’
“So, is there another way?”
“There is, but…”
“Let’s go with that.”
“You haven’t even heard it yet?!”
“It’s not going to involve me becoming a research assistant, is it?”
“Well, no, but…”
The teacher looked a bit hesitant before finally spilling it.
“It’s simple. You just need to gain the other professors’ approval.”
“Approval?”
“The professors of the Magic Engineering Department will give you tasks and evaluate you. Based on that, you might become an associate professor… or not.”
This feels… off somehow.
“So, in summary, if the professors don’t like me, they can just reject me?”
“If you produce results that no one can argue with, you’ll become an associate professor without any trouble.”
“That’s…”
It was at that moment.
“Your food is ready, Professor.”
“That was quick. Thanks.”
Right then, the black-haired guy brought in the packed food, and the teacher stood up.
“Anyway, you’re going to take the evaluation, right?”
“There won’t be any unfairness, will there?”
“It’ll be fair. I’ll keep a close eye on everything!”
“What about using the lab, hiring research assistants, and the associate professor’s salary?”
“That’s all guaranteed too!”
“Then, sounds good!”
There were minor penalties, but those were just trivial, annoying tasks I wanted to avoid anyway.
Honestly, if they end up truly needing me, things like academic achievements or results will take care of themselves.
‘As long as there’s one sensible person, they’ll lose their minds when they see my research results!’
In this field, skill is everything.
Politics and whatever else don’t matter when you bring world-shaking innovations to the table.
“Alright! Then your first evaluation will be leading the students during the outdoor class this weekend.”
“Outdoor class?”
“A dungeon exploration at the Cliché Territory. You just need to guide the students and successfully complete the class.
I’ll be observing from the sidelines. I’ll give you the related documents for the evaluation schedule tomorrow, so review them carefully.”
“Understood.”
“Great. Then, I’ll get going. See you all tomorrow!”
The teacher grabbed the packed food and left.
As soon as the teacher was gone, Linia, who had been hovering nearby, approached me and started talking.
“A weekend outdoor class? Raniel, is your department also going to observe the dungeon exploration hosted by the Cliché family?”
“Yeah, we are.”
“Oh! Then I’ll see you there, right? The Martial Arts Department is participating too.”
As expected, the Martial Arts Department is, of course, participating.
“It’s a relief you guys are coming. It would’ve been really boring if I had to go alone.”
Linia welcomed our participation.
But something seems a bit off.
“Hey, do you not have any friends in the Martial Arts Department?”
“Ah, no, it’s not like that…”
Her trailing off was suspicious. Could she be getting bullied or something?
No, with Linia’s personality, she wouldn’t just sit back and take it. If it were really that bad, she’d have already run to me, crying, “Raniel, help me!”
So, it’s not bullying. Does she just not have friends, then?
“You don’t have any friends, huh.”
“No! That’s not it! It’s just that our personalities don’t match!!”
When I looked at her with pity, Linia flailed her hands in protest.
“If there’s not a single person in your class whose personality matches yours, then maybe the problem is your—”
“No, that’s not it! It’s just that the Martial Arts Department is obsessed with testing their strength all the time. Every day, it’s, ‘Let’s spar!’ I can’t get used to that!”
Ah, so that’s how it is.
I mean, Linia did end up as a martial artist, but the word “aggressive” doesn’t exactly fit her.
“More importantly! Let’s order food! Karon’s been waiting for a while—”
“Karon went out for a delivery earlier.”
“Anyway! I’m hungry, so let’s just eat already!”
Clearly bothered by what I’d said, Linia was desperately trying to change the subject.
Moved by her effort, I gazed at her with a profoundly pitying expression.
“D-don’t look at me like that!”
In response, Linia flinched and shouted a line that sounded like it came straight out of a comic book villain’s mouth.
“I understand you.”
“Ugh!”
Then El, with zero malice and full sincerity, tried to console her. Linia, defeated, collapsed weakly into her seat.
The purity of that unintentional cruelty was overwhelming.
“I’m back from the delivery.”
Just then, Karon returned from his delivery run.
So, he wears that green outfit even when delivering food.
Now that I think about it, wasn’t his social life pretty lacking too?
“You came back at just the right time.”
“Hm? Do you have something to say?”
“Yes. Do you have any friends besides us?”
“Friends, huh…”
At my question, Karon’s eyes suddenly turned melancholic as he stared off into the distance.
“I used to.”
Then he hung his head and let out a sigh so deep it felt like it could split the earth.
It was as if a dark aura enveloped the space around him.
Why are all the people around me so socially inept?
[That’s probably because of you, Master...]
‘What? Why me?’
[Never mind.]
Seriously, these socially challenged people. I guess I’ll have to entertain them myself.
Man, I’m just too kind-hearted for my own good.
With that, I, the ever-generous soul, decided to order food.
I picked up the menu lying nearby.
“Let’s see here. Considering how this place is all green-themed, I thought they’d only have vegetarian dishes. But they’ve got eel? Grilled eel, fried eel, stir-fried eel…”
[The entire menu is nothing but eel dishes, huh?]
For a place with décor that screams “we only serve greens,” why is it exclusively eel?
