Professor Robert Elahim received an urgent report from the Administrative Instructors.
– Emergency situations are erupting all over the Northern Empire.
– It has been discovered that the Northern Resistance Army, comprised of former Northern Kingdom members allied with the Revolutionary Army, has devised a scheme to topple Northern Grand Duke Yuda and break the front lines.
– Security at all major facilities has risen sharply, and due to the declaration of a state of emergency, they are unable to carry out their existing missions and request permission for an early return.
Bang.
Robert slammed his podium and muttered harshly.
“Just as I start digging into the Foundation, everything blows up in my face! This feels like an attempt to strike first before our tails are caught!”
But as he observed the situation further, it became evident that things were quite strange. It wasn’t that the Foundation rushed into action; rather, the Foundation’s plans had been leaked simultaneously from all around, catching them off guard before they could execute their plans.
“What the heck? Who on earth could inflict this much damage on the Foundation?”
It was simply unbelievable that this was a self-play by the Foundation. The people involved were all significant players in the North.
Erdritch, the head of the Blue Magic Tower’s Shared Vice Tower.
Etchi, the fairy knight of the Snow Elf Clan.
Yerpo, the commander of the Northern Resistance Army.
Just as he was caught up in his turmoil and misery, Instructors using his personal device found him. They weren’t particularly outstanding individuals. Their magical aptitude was mediocre at best, and they didn’t come from wealthy or notable families. They were, without a doubt, nothing more than glorified errand runners for the Professors, acting as Security Instructors.
“What brings so many Professors to send a person?”
“We’re sorry. We were merely ordered to bring you to the Professor urgently.”
Had these been lowly errand runners picked up from the Border Region, Robert might have ignored them. However, since he recognized them all as students from the Empire, it was undeniable that there was a gathering of Empire Faction members.
Thinking that the recent incidents in the Northern Empire might be the cause, he went to check, only to confirm his suspicion.
“Professor Robert Elahim’s foresight is admirable.”
“How did you know that disaster would befall the North due to traitors harboring malicious intentions and dispatched the Instructors so quickly?”
“With the Underworld below and the young Empress stirring chaos above, your steadfastness in walking your path without being caught up in this confusing political situation resembles the solemn steps of a husband bearing the responsibilities of a household.”
Everyone praised Robert Elahim’s sending of Instructors in unison, and he quickly realized.
‘These guys must have spread their watchful eyes far and wide enough to observe the movements of the Empire Faction Professors.’
The discomfort of being monitored quickly dissipated as he began counting the Empire Faction Professors who exceeded a 90% attendance rate with heavy bums driving home the point. He wasn’t sending his gaze out of concern for straying from the Empire Faction.
This was a gathering of cowards, all of whom were anxious about their mutual safety, struggling to overcome this chaotic political climate together.
Robert Elahim’s keen observation that even the signs of disaster were visible made him realize this was a reflection of the Professors’ instability within the faction, and, ultimately, that unrest could not be avoided.
‘The Empire Faction Professors were originally sent to the Academy, loyal to seize and control it for the Emperor’s benefit. With the Emperor changed, the power of the Empire Professors would no longer be the same as before.’
Earlier, the Professor Raeb, who taught Imperial Magic Studies, was a figure of similar stature. If an Empire Professor caused trouble and got dismissed, unless it was a significant blunder, the Empire would strive to maintain the number of Empire Professors in the Academy by sending another capable person.
The recall and return policy for Empire Professors could no longer be maintained. There wasn’t a powerhouse who could dare claim rights and voice opinions boldly like the Seonhwang.
“My inadequate Instructors have caught the attention of the busy Professors; I am truly ashamed.”
“What do you mean? While blocking one of the calamities that struck the Northern Empire and gaining fame, your exemplary actions are more than sufficient to set a standard for others. Those who have opened new paths for Imperial Magic Studies should not only be rewarded, but those with exceptional manners should also deserve their due.”
“Very well. There’s no need to adorn the small actions of my Instructors; if there is anything you’d like to say, please say it openly.”
One Professor bowed low and discreetly lowered his voice to speak softly.
“We thought it would be nice if our lab’s Instructors could participate in that meaningful event, so we sent an Instructor.”
“Wait, an Instructor?”
What are you sending an Instructor for?
It’s not like they were trying to tail the Jigoku Pirate Group either.
But then absurdity continued.
“Even Professor Sky said so? Ha ha, I did the same.”
“Even Professor Vortex?! Ha ha, so many Professors wish to follow Robert.”
“The loyalty of the Empire Faction remains steadfast; how could we not emulate what’s right?”
These crazy people had no idea what kind of scheme Robert Elahim was concocting, so they just blindly started sending out Instructors from their labs.
The Professor realized that there was a hidden meaning to this gathering.
If there’s anything fishy going on, spill it; we’re watching anyway.
This was essentially an internal audit. Or maybe a hearing.
“Feel free to send them. The Northern Region is warming up; a stroll wouldn’t be too bad. The young ones must feel stifled from being trapped in the Academy all the time.”
You guys really stepped in it.
The Professors put on smiles that didn’t reach their eyes, hinting at disbelief at Robert’s words.
Regardless, they had no intention of turning against the Empire Faction at all. The only reason they sent Instructors was to thwart the wicked plans centered in the Northern Oknodie, for the sake of the continent’s future and safety, and Robert was quite proud of that.
If they find anything to dig up, good for them.
An innocent person stands firm.
‘For all I know, one of you may be a Foundation Scholarship Student hiding among you. How can I trust you? No matter what sweet-talk you offer, I won’t expose my feelings. Waste all the time you want, fools.’
There are two factions within the Empire Faction if you dig deeper.
The Noble Faction, comprised mainly of Nobles.
The Competent Faction, comprised mainly of Competent Persons.
Robert Elahim belonged to the Competent Faction.
Having been displeased with the Noble Faction Professors who love to flaunt their perceived superiority from their noble lineage, despite lacking real ability, he felt in this opportunity that he might get a chance to toy with those who were eyeing his moves.
“Why don’t you send more Instructors?”
“Oh?”
“Do you have a special reason?”
“Though we may differ in status and area of expertise, aren’t we all people of the Empire who grew up in the same mold? This is just a small suggestion given to you out of Empire spirit.”
“Hmm… I had been concerned about the upheaval in the North.”
“Oh my. Is disaster about to truly strike the Northern Empire?”
“I don’t know, but it’s hard to ignore Robert Elahim’s words.”
And luck was on their side. Coincidentally, the class Robert Elahim taught was “[Emergency Response Strategies to Five Alarm Crises].”
A class so dangerous that students died every year.
Despite that, the Academy did not impose sanctions to cease teaching, recognizing its necessity.
It was a perilous yet essential class, where a Professor, having just sent people to the North where chaotic events were unfolding, seemed like a terrible omen of a colossal catastrophe to the other Professors.
“Our lab’s children haven’t taken a break in 20 months; it’s about time they were sent out.”
“Oh my. You can’t keep them cooped up like that. Occasionally, they also need the rewarding experience of writing field guides for unidentified flora and fauna not yet presented at conferences.”
You crazy bastards.
Professor Robert’s expression soured.
Though he didn’t usually handle the Instructors gently, the mere idea of sending them on an exploration mission into a dangerous dimension—missions professors should be tense about—was simply shocking coming from a Professor.
Especially since dealing with dimensional studies only really began in the Fourth Year.
Unless we’re talking about those who choose to stay on and become Instructors after graduating from the Fourth Year, but the one who just spoke had only Third Year Instructors in his lab.
No wonder the kids change every year; they keep dying or disappearing in the other dimension.
Or maybe it was so tough that they ran away, putting aside their aspirations for advancement and points.
‘While I didn’t intend to, I’ve inadvertently improved the lives of many Instructors; I could call myself a true Professor.’
As he thought of adorning himself in glory, Robert felt a swell of pride within.
The news of the mass emergence of passing travelers, which would be a shocking blow to the Second Invasion Force planning to invade the territory governed by the Jigoku Pirate Group and under the Wahyhiemhai Foundation, had occurred.
