Chapter 40 : Chapter 40

Chapter 40: The Start of Change (3)

The interior of the Vice-Dean’s office was filled with a stifling silence.

That silence felt like it was creeping up, wrapping its arms around my neck and choking me.

Right now, seated in a row before me were the Vice-Dean, Pirion, Baron, Chaser, and Allen, all staring at me intently.

The first to break the silence was the Vice-Dean, his expression complex.

“So, to summarize: Gerard, you suggested magic to Yuria, and the reason was her magical talent, which you happened to witness during the Entrance Festival. Is that correct?”

I nodded with a heavy expression.

“Yes. The sight of Yuria using magic while mana was frozen back then left a strong impression on me. It’s still vivid in my mind.”

“Then, were you the first to teach Yuria magic, Gerard?”

“No. I don’t know about that. I haven’t asked her that far yet.”

Another silence followed.

That silence was broken by a single scoff.

“Ha, seriously. I’m so dumbfounded I’m at a loss for words.”

I turned my head to see Allen, the department head, arms crossed, glaring at me with a twisted expression.

“Unbelievable. Magic isn’t some free sample at a market stall. What’s with this tasting nonsense? What kind of view do you have on magic to cause this kind of mess? Huh?”

“…….”

“Hey. Does magic look like a joke to you?”

What followed was a barrage of Allen’s accusatory criticism.

I just listened quietly.

There was no point in arguing; it wouldn’t lead to anything good.

The atmosphere around me wasn’t helping either.

Chaser, my supervising professor, was unsurprisingly silent, as were the Vice-Dean, Baron, the Student Affairs Officer, and Pirion.

None of them stepped in to mediate.

They all knew this wasn’t a normal situation.

And that it was a serious matter involving the future of a promising new cadet.

“You punk! When a professor asks you something, shouldn’t you at least try to make some excuse? Do you think you’re something special just because you got lucky and caught one villain?”

Of course, this guy wasn’t throwing a fit out of genuine concern for Yuria’s future.

But listening to him, I started to feel absurd.

What did I do wrong?

Why am I suddenly getting chewed out by this guy when I came here expecting praise?

It’s not like I was trying to steal anything.

As a senior and a mentor, I only made a suggestion with Yuria’s best interests at heart.

Did I hit someone? Did I steal something?

“……Did I do something wrong?”

“What? What did you just say?”

“I’m asking what I did wrong. I’m saying this because I feel unjustly accused. Why does the mentor system exist? Isn’t it to guide juniors so they don’t go down the wrong path?”

“Wow, this guy…”

Allen, looking utterly flabbergasted, shot up from his seat.

His imposing frame and the aura he exuded pressed down on me, but so what?

The screws in my head had already come loose, and I was spewing words without hesitation.

“As a mentor, I suggested a path for my mentee, Yuria, to grow. There was no coercion in the process. Is that wrong? I don’t understand why I have to endure such insulting remarks from a department head who has no connection to this—especially from a Psychology Department professor. Have you ever done anything for Yuria’s sake?”

Allen stared at me, momentarily stunned by my rapid-fire response.

But soon, his face flushed red.

A burning heat rose from his neck, spreading across his entire face.

I counted down in my head.

3.

2.

1.

Boom!

“……You little punk, barely out of diapers, daring to talk out of turn! Can’t you read the room?”

Suddenly, he thrust his arm toward me.

The distance meant his hand couldn’t reach me.

But I could feel an intangible force shooting from his hand, aiming for my neck.

I was already prepared.

The artifact, Star’s Blessing.

Its special ability [Starlight] explosively boosts the wearer’s stats.

It’s a one-time use, but dodging that attack wouldn’t be hard.

If luck was on my side, I might even get a chance to counterattack.

But.

Snap──

A finger snap echoed from somewhere, and Allen’s mana dissipated uselessly in the air.

“……!”

Before I knew it, Allen was bowing toward the door.

It wasn’t just Allen.

Pirion, Baron, and Chaser were doing the same.

So I turned my gaze to where they were bowing.

There stood a middle-aged man, holding up a finger.

The Dean, Bell Toro.

“This guy’s more interesting than I thought, huh?”

He was looking at the glowing ‘Star’s Blessing’ on my finger, smiling meaningfully.

* * *

The Dean stared at me intently.

His eyes were as clear as water.

But within them, it was like peering into the depths of the ocean—nothing was visible.

What thoughts were hidden in there?

He had just seen me about to attack Allen.

Of course, it was self-defense.

Even if I had counterattacked, I wouldn’t have left a scratch on Allen, and I knew it, as did everyone here.

Still, my intent to attack was a statement that I wouldn’t tolerate injustice, even from a professor… or, screw it, it was just because I was pissed off.

The question was how that looked in the Dean’s eyes.

Surely, he’d find it insolent.

That’s what I thought, but his reaction completely defied my expectations.

Tap, tap.

He patted my shoulder and walked past me.

That was it.

He strode past me, perched on the edge of the desk, and began chatting casually with the Vice-Dean.

He knew I was about to use [Starlight], yet he chose to ignore it and let it slide.

“You’re back quickly this time, Bell.”

“With Academy news flying in real-time from all over, how can I wander around leisurely?”

He stretched his shoulders, looking tired.

The thick muscles beneath his taut shirt flexed intimidatingly.

“You must’ve heard, then.”

“Hm? Oh, there was no need to hear anything. The Academy’s the talk of the Empire everywhere I go. By the way, what’s going on here? The atmosphere was pretty tense.”

As he asked, the Dean glanced at Allen.

Allen, who had been standing until then, flinched and bowed his head.

“Well…”

“Department Head Allen.”

“Yes, Dean.”

“I really like how hard Allen works, but sometimes I wonder if you get too immersed in your role.”

“……Pardon?”

“You’re so absorbed in your duties that it’s like you forget whether you’re at the Special Magic Corps or the Academy.”

Allen shut his mouth.

No one in the room was unaware that this was a veiled warning.

Though he acted oblivious, Bell Toro already knew what had transpired here.

He was reprimanding Allen for his recklessness in raising a hand against a mere cadet.

“Remember, Department Head. This isn’t the Special Magic Corps. It’s the Academy.”

“……Yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Why did it feel like he was protecting me?

“So, you said a mentor should guide their mentee down the right path?”

I looked up.

The Dean was staring at me again.

“Yes.”

“Are you sure that’s really the right path?”

My answer was immediate.

“I’m certain it’s the path for Yuria.”

“How? You’re a cadet. A swordsmanship-specialized cadet who doesn’t even know magic. Do you know anything about magic?”

“I know it theoretically. And I’ve witnessed it first hand several times.”

“Witnessed? What?”

I paused for a moment.

This was a conversation with the Dean, of all people.

A person of interest I needed to be cautious with.

I had to choose my words, actions, expressions, and gestures carefully.

“Would it sound ridiculous if I said Yuria’s talent…?”

A snicker came from Allen nearby.

But I didn’t even glance his way.

All my focus was on the Dean and the Dean’s expression remained impassive.

“So, you trust your own judgment?”

I nodded.

“Yes.”

It wasn’t a lie.

Knowing information about this world.

In a way, that was part of my judgment.

“Hmm.”

The Dean stared at me, then crossed his arms.

“Chaser, you’re the Martial Arts Department’s supervising professor, right?”

“Yes!”

“What do you think?”

“I’m against it!”

“Department Head Pirion?”

“I’m against it as well.”

As expected.

Those two were the Martial Arts Department Head and supervising professor.

Naturally, they couldn’t ignore Yuria’s future, and it was only logical they’d be skeptical of a mere cadet’s claims.

“Baron, what about you?”

“Do I get a say too?”

“Of course. You’re a knight, aren’t you? And you were a supervising professor before becoming the Student Affairs Officer. What’s your opinion?”

Baron glanced at me.

And then.

“I don’t know.”

He shook his head.

“Unexpected. Why?”

“Because of a precedent.”

A precedent.

The moment I heard it, I knew who he was referring to.

A person every knight and mage in the Empire knew and acknowledged, yet deliberately avoided mentioning.

Royal Knight, Sigaro Isaac.

At Baron’s response, Pirion and Chaser’s expressions hardened for a moment.

“Gerard’s judgment is likely wrong. But there’s a chance it’s right. I think it’s worth verifying before deciding.”

“Verifying, huh.”

The Dean tapped his forehead briefly, then spoke as if he’d made up his mind.

“Then the answer’s clear.”

I waited for his decision.

“Prove it.”

“Prove…?”

“Prove it. You say you’re doing your best as a mentor, but the professors here don’t agree. Prove that the path you’re guiding Yuria down is truly right and that your judgment was correct.”

The Dean scanned the room and continued.

“There’s today’s schedule to consider, so tomorrow afternoon, after classes, bring Yuria to the back of the main building. How’s that, Vice-Dean? Sound good?”

“I don’t mind, as long as you’re here, Bell.”

“Haha. Alright. The rest of you?”

“No problem.”

“Understood.”

With Allen’s response as the last, the Dean waved his hand at me.

I bowed and left the Vice-Dean’s office.

“Phew.”

Once outside, my head was flooded with thoughts.

I stood in the hallway for a moment, organizing my mind.

First, the issue with Yuria.

“Prove it” clearly meant a test of some kind.

The question was what kind of tests they’d prepare and at what level.

If they deliberately set up difficult challenges, the outcome could go either way.

But no amount of overthinking would change that.

I had no choice but to trust.

I trusted my judgment and Yuria.

The other issue was the Dean.

Bell Toro.

What kind of character was he in Heroes of Frey?

Since entering this world, I’d developed a habit of mentally categorizing people into allies and enemies.

Purely from my perspective.

The Beltus Cult, which plunges the continent into darkness.

And the knights, Special Magic Corps, and Zain Dukedom, who slaughter villains on sight—these were my “enemies.”

My “allies” were those I could absolutely trust: Luis, Yuria, Baron, and Professor Ilai.

Oh, and my summoned creatures. Plus Carl and his friends from the festival.

But Bell Toro? I had no idea where to place him.

I couldn’t even call him neutral.

I couldn’t grasp his thoughts or personality at all.

“……Should I put him in ‘enemies’ for now?”

That seemed safest. Better to be cautious.

“Sounds about right.”

Maybe I was overthinking it.

He’s rarely at the Academy due to constant outings, so I might not even run into him again.

But, as if I’d become a real thief, I’d developed a habit of always preparing for the worst-case scenario and I didn’t think that was a bad habit.

As I sorted through these thoughts and left the main building, I saw them.

Were they waiting for me?

Yuria and Ivan shot up from a bench.

“Senior.”

“Senior.”

I widened my eyes and asked.

“What are you guys doing here? What about classes?”

“Well… we were worried.”

Ivan’s answer made a question mark pop up in my head.

He said he was worried about me, so why was he looking at Yuria?

Then Yuria looked at me with the guiltiest eyes in the world.

“I’m sorry.”

She bowed her head deeply.

“With the Vice-Dean there, and the department head and supervising professor present, I thought it’d be better to bring it up there.”

She mumbled in a small voice.

“……I guess I misjudged.”

She looked like a drenched kitten crying in the rain.

I almost burst out laughing but held it in and put on a serious face.

“Hey. Even so, if you’re going to make a declaration like that, you should’ve at least discussed it with me first. What am I supposed to do when you just blurt it out? Am I just a sack of barley propped up there?”

“I’m really sorry…….”

“……is what I almost said.”

Yuria looked up.

“Huh?”

“I almost said that. I’m kidding. I’m fine. Nothing big happened inside.”

I chuckled and continued.

“It’s the path you chose, after all. So, how you walk that path—whether you take it step by step or run full speed—that’s all up to you. So don’t worry about others and just act. You did well.”

“……Really? Are you really okay? Earlier, the department head and supervising professor looked so upset.”

There was a slight tremble in her voice.

It must’ve been weighing on her.

She was so bold when she made the declaration, but now she’s getting all soft?

I ruffled Yuria’s hair.

“These were issues we’d have to face eventually, and as they say, it’s better to get the beating over with. In hindsight, it might’ve been for the best.”

“In hindsight… does that mean it ended well?”

“Well, that’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Tell me.”

“They told me to prove it. The Dean.”

Yuria frowned slightly.

“Prove…?”

“Yeah. I think they want to verify whether you really have a talent for magic or not.”

“Oh.”

Yuria let out a short exclamation and muttered “verify……” a few times.

Then she looked up at me.

With a pretty serious expression.

“What if… I don’t pass the verification? What happens then? Will it cause trouble for you, Senior?”

“Trouble? Nah, why would it?”

“Oh, that’s a relief…….”

“They’d probably just change your mentor. From me to someone else.”

Suddenly, Yuria’s already serious expression hardened at an alarming rate.

“Yuria? Why’s your face suddenly…….”

“I’ll make it happen. I’ll do it or die trying.”

Yuria clenched both fists tightly.

……Uh, no need to be that determined.

Well, I guess it’s a good thing.

After that, I talked with Yuria about tomorrow’s test before we parted ways.

All the while, Ivan didn’t say a single word, just watching us.

* * *

That night.

After dinner, while waiting for someone in front of the clock tower, something caught my eye.

A notice was prominently displayed in the center of the bulletin board.

Central Knights Headquarters Honorary Merit Award Special Ceremony

The first name listed as the recipient was my now-familiar name, proudly displayed.

“Gerard.”

A name that, just days ago, represented the Academy’s failure.

A name once called the shame of the 888th class.

Seeing it brought a flood of memories, from the moment I possessed this body to now, flashing through my mind like a montage.

I felt a surge of pride, and a smile crept onto my face.

It’s not even over yet.

If anything, the real journey is just beginning.

“What’s got you grinning to yourself like that?”

At some point, Baron, the Student Affairs Officer, had appeared beside me, looking at me with his usual expressionless face.

“Oh, you’re here?”

“Yeah. Why so excited?”

I pointed at the bulletin board and said.

“I’ve got reason to be. I’m getting an Honorary Merit Medal.”

“Anyone would think you’ve already received it.”

“Have you ever received an Honorary Merit Medal, Officer?”

Baron immediately changed the subject.

“Let’s walk. I’ll tell you why I called you out as we go.”

I grinned and followed him.

We strolled through the greenery of the rest area.

After a brief silence, listening to the chorus of crickets filling the air, Baron spoke.

“Now that I think about it, I never would’ve dreamed you’d become a mentor.”

“I skipped so many lectures, my credits were way too low. I figured I’d make up for it with the merit points from the mentor system. You remember that day I vowed to change, right?”

“Of course. Lately, your name’s been the one I hear most in the Student Affairs Office. As the officer, how could I not know you’ve been running around so hard?”

I glanced at Baron’s profile.

His face was impassive, but the slight upward curve of his lips betrayed an unmistakable sense of pride.

It made me feel good too.

“Honestly, that’s partly why I said I didn’t know when the Dean asked. I had a hunch.”

“A hunch?”

“Yeah. The thought hit me that someone working so hard to change like you wouldn’t take a gamble without some kind of certainty.”

“Oh.”

In simple terms:

He was skeptical about Yuria’s issue, but because he believed in me, he put the brakes on for now.

I bowed sincerely.

“Thank you. For believing in me.”

“I didn’t call you out here at night to hear pleasantries.”

“Then why?”

“To verify Yuria’s magical talent tomorrow, the professors have decided to prepare tests themselves.”

Seeing my expression, Baron continued.

“You knew.”

“Well, I had a rough guess.”

“Then do you also guess what those tests will be?”

I countered with a question.

“Do you know?”

At this point, I had a feeling what his answer would be.

My blood was practically buzzing with anticipation.

Suddenly, a memory of his voice from long ago echoed in my mind.

[The Student Affairs Officer has more authority than a supervising professor.]

At the same time, he answered.

“Of course I know. Did you forget? The Student Affairs Officer has more authority than a supervising professor.”

“……!”

“I’m going to tell you what those tests are. Use the time you have left to prepare with Yuria… whoa, whoa? What’s with this guy all of a sudden?”

“Thank you, Professor!”

I hugged Baron tightly and shouted.

“You’re the best, seriously!”

Baron pushed me off.

“Alright, get off, you punk!”

But the force of his push wasn’t all that strong.

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