WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Surviving the Assassin Academy as a Professor

Translator: Touch

Editor: Grass

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

Chapter 38: Who’s Better at Illusion Arts? (3)

"How interesting."

After a brief conversation with the masked man, Kaiser offered a meaningful smile. He then asked a few more questions, including how large the masked man’s group was, who was in charge, whether they could sustain a long-term relationship, and if so, whether he could meet their leader.

"We do not have a specific leader who runs the group."

"Is that so?"

Sensing a lie, Kaiser’s gaze grew colder.

Fifteen or so assassins. One top-class assassin. And if that isn’t enough, they’ll provide traps, bombs, and major curses too…

The masked man’s organization was much larger than Kaiser had expected. Their preparations to assassinate Dante were far more advanced than he had imagined.

The day before yesterday, Kaiser had realized the article in The Assassin Times was the usual journalistic fabrication the moment he read it. But still, the mere thought of Dante losing part of his speech had sent a chill down his spine. His heart ached—and that feeling lingered even now.

…Perhaps that was why Kaiser had this overwhelming urge to kill the masked man standing before him.

Obviously, their assassination attempt on Professor Dante would fail. He was just far too powerful. But even if they failed, the professor could still be injured. Or worse, someone around him could get hurt. Just imagining a member of the Black Dragon Division suffering because of these fools made Kaiser’s blood boil.

"Um... did I say something wrong perchance?" the masked man asked, sensing the ominous shift in mood.

Kaiser responded with his usual mysterious smile.

"Not at all. Since you've given us such a generous offer, we'll have to prepare a suitable response."

He calmed himself.

In any case, he could prevent the assassination before it even occurred. For example, he could simply send Elize and have her kill them all.

…Or so he thought.

Until they returned to the dorm and spoke with each other.

"No."

To his surprise, she refused him outright.

"…May I ask why?" Kaiser asked, trying to remain composed.

"They’re inviting me to play a fun game. So why should I kill them?"

"…It’s bound to fail."

"Yeah, it will. But still, it’ll be fun~" Elize said with glee.

"…It doesn't sound like it’ll be very fun to me."

"Hm? You're wrong."

Elize brought both hands to her heart.

"Just thinking about it makes me tremble with excitement!"

She was thrilled by the rare opportunity to fight someone strong, even if the chances of success were nonexistent.

"…Is that so?"

Kaiser felt conflicted. He was at a loss for words. 

He had forgotten a crucial detail.

Even if Elize had grown fond of Professor Dante recently, she was still a lunatic who viewed assassination as a game.

Ahhh…! What the fuck do I do now?!

Kaiser screamed internally. He felt utterly worthless and incompetent!

Some "evil mastermind" he was. He couldn’t even control the members of the group he led…!

If Elize refused to follow his lead, there was nothing else he could do...

Assassinate them myself…? Fuck no!

He had never swung a sword before, couldn’t properly hide using Stealth Arts, and couldn’t even run due to his limp!

What the hell could he do with this worthless body?!

Aaaaargh!

He was once again reminded of how utterly useless he was. Worth less than a rat. Less than a bug. Less than plankton. Less than an amoeba. Less than a speck of dust.

He was a useless little atom!

Kaiser trembled under the weight of that helplessness.

Was he really supposed to stand by and watch these damned fools target Professor Dante?!

No!!!!! I must protect Professor Dante…!!

He then tried everything he could to persuade Elize to kill them, but nothing worked. Eventually, he simply decided to call off the deal.

"In that case, we’ll have to decline their offer."

"Why?" Elize asked, surprised by his decision.

"It can’t be helped. The offer carries too many drawbacks. It’ll only hinder us when it comes to assassinating the emperor."

"Really? What a shame." Elize muttered, sulking a little.

"I’ll prepare something even more fun for you. Just listen to me this time."

"Okay…"

A downcast Elize returned to her room. Kaiser let out a sigh and felt his heart relax a little.

This was all he could do… 

Haaaah… Why am I so useless…

Just as despair began to sink its claws deep into him, an unexpected person appeared and extended a helping hand.

"Hey, Kaiser."

It was Gray Habanero.

She was perched casually on a window ledge, calling out to him.

"What is it?"

"You’re the sharpest among us, right?" she asked.

That wasn’t true at all. But everyone believed it to be.

"...Yes," he replied reluctantly.

"Right. You’ve got the sharpest eyes out of anyone. I bet you’re weaker than I am, especially with that limp, but your judgment is accurate. That’s why we follow your decisions."

"I merely try not to betray the trust you put in me."

"Yeah, yeah~ So let’s have a little talk."

Gray hopped down from the window and approached him. Without warning, she grabbed Kaiser by the wrist and began dragging him along. The boy limped behind her, barely able to keep up.

After getting seated on the living room sofa, she fixed him with a serious expression.

"Between me and Professor Dante… who’s better at Illusion Arts?"

…That came out of nowhere.

Kaiser narrowed his eyes. He recalled how Gray had been acting a little off lately. 

Someone who usually wore a cheerful expression and a laid-back attitude had grown unusually solemn.

She was a complicated person, but simply put, she was intoxicated by the pride she had in her superior Illusion Arts.

And for someone like her to bring up Dante...

Is it an inferiority complex?

Kaiser could understand feeling outclassed by another cadet, but a professor?

Then again, most professors weren’t even on Gray’s level when it came to Illusion Arts. So maybe her worries weren’t that strange after all.

This wasn’t about someone being a cadet or a professor. The title didn’t matter.

It was the inferiority one Illusion Art assassin felt toward another.

Ah!

A lightbulb lit up in Kaiser’s mind. A bunch of scattered thoughts began to connect. 

If I play this right…

He took a moment to gather his thoughts, then gave her an answer. 

"Professor Dante."

Gray scowled.

"…Seriously? You think he's better than me?"

"Yes."

"No, think about it a bit more,” Gray insisted. “Sure, maybe I fall behind in some aspects. But consider our overall mastery of Illusion Arts."

“No, no! Don’t just throw out answers like that!” she snapped. “What’s with you today? You always sided with me before, based on facts and objective observations!”

Kaiser stayed silent, letting her continue.

“Kaiser. I’ll give you one last chance. Answer carefully. Think of the overall picture, alright? Now, who’s better at Illusion Arts? Me, right? Hm?”

She pointed at herself with both index fingers, her mischievous fang poking out playfully.

But to her dismay…

“Professor Dante.”

“Oiii!”

Gray finally exploded.

"Don’t be ridiculous! What do you know? I’ll never accept it. Elize was always an idiot, so I don’t mind her. But you? What’s wrong with you today? Do you need glasses or something?"

"…My opinion won’t change no matter how much you whine about it. I have my reasons." Kaiser replied calmly.

"What reasons?" she spat out angrily.

"A dying tiger is weaker than a young mouse. Superiority changes with time. I received Elize’s report regarding the illusion Professor Dante used on the intruder the other day—and I understood his capabilities clearly. He forged an entire, massive space of mirrors with Illusion Arts. Can you do the same?"

"I can do that! I can basically do the same thing! I even attended his lectures to see how good he is, and yeah, I admit, he’s good… His illusions are clean and precise. But even I can do that much!"

“That’s not the point. An assassin proves oneself through assassination. But lately, you haven’t assassinated anyone, have you? You haven’t proven yourself.”

“Is that really what this is about…?!”

Gray scowled, her frustration bubbling over.

“Then what, should I go kill someone right now? Kill Professor Dante in a duel with illusions? Would that make you admit I’m better?”

Kaiser was close—just one more step.

“There are some strong opponents I can think of,” he said slowly. “Want to take them on?”

* * *

As night fell, the masked man removed his disguise.

He was not a demon himself. He was human—a servant of a demon and part of the administrative staff at Hiaka Academy.

Humans who served demons were everywhere. These were people who, at the lowest points in their lives, accepted sweet offers from demons and found new paths. He was one of them.

“Haha…”

He trembled with joy. The deal he’d just closed was so monumental, he could barely believe it.

“I actually struck a deal with the Black Dragon Division…! The legendary class said to be the best in 501 years of Imperial history!”

All academy affiliates—professors, cadets, even his master—acknowledged that this year’s Black Dragon Division was the strongest group of cadets ever. That’s why he had been so nervous confronting them.

“…But in the end, they’re just a bunch of kids.”

When he met them, they’d been surprisingly easy to manipulate. He hadn’t even needed to bring out the bribe money he’d prepared.

They’re a disappointment. The Black Dragons Division and Professor Dante... None are as impressive as the rumors suggest.

At the end of the day, they really weren’t anything special.

With the cadets in his pocket, they could now move forward with killing Professor Dante. That would be the beginning. Hiaka would slowly fall into his master’s hands. And he would be rewarded.

His steps took him toward Zone 0’s restricted district, dreams of power painting the future bright.

“...Hm? Something smells nice.”

A sweet, fragrant scent wafted through the air. He couldn’t place it.

Fine liquor? Perfume? Whatever it was, his mind tingled with delight just inhaling it.

The smell was intoxicating. It was so alluring that he wanted nothing more than to breathe it in again.

“Wow…”

Feeling more relaxed than ever, he followed the fragrance with unsteady steps.

It felt as though he were being welcomed into a royal palace, with a harem waiting just for him.

Even the world around him seemed more beautiful with each step. 

The night was pitch black. Earth’s rings streaked across the sky. And somehow, it all looked… enchanting.

“Mmm… Feels so good…”

A radiant, iridescent butterfly fluttered past, glowing softly as it led the way.

“Where are you going?” he whispered.

Flap, flap.

Each gentle wingbeat beckoned him.

"Wait for me…"

He felt like a child again, running barefoot down a grassy hill on a sunny day, free and light-hearted.

With a floating heart, he followed the butterfly in a daze.

At the end of the path stood a chapel.

An abandoned building, once used to train Divine Assassins. His master had since converted the underground level into a sanctuary.

It felt like home.

“Teehee.”

“Hahaha.”

Hazy, pleasure-soaked laughter of women floated from within.

Had his master thrown a celebration party just for him?

Clack!

He pushed open the chapel doors with a grin. His comrades were there, suspended high from the ceiling, smiling down at him. They waved him over as if to say, "Come join us."

“Come now, Child.”

A hand reached down.

The master offered him a necklace. He couldn’t imagine refusing it. He simply had to put it on.

Today, he was the victor. He deserved the celebration.

I’m the champion!

"Take it."

Yes, Master.

He accepted the necklace and clasped it around his neck.

The moment he did, the world shattered.

The chapel’s interior was engulfed in flames. 

The fire consumed everything—dust-covered drapes, the wooden walls, pillars, benches, even the floor.

But the most horrifying sight was above.

Half a dozen bodies dangled from the ceiling, their necks bound by fine threads.

"Ugh… Khhk…"

"Ghh… Nghh…"

They looked as though they’d been executed—hanged and strung up like criminals. 

As realization dawned, the man collapsed, staring in horror. 

They were the Platinum-rated assassins he had prepared to use against Professor Dante.

Their bodies twisted in the rising heat, not yet dead, still twitching in agony. 

Through the swirling smoke, the corpse of his master came into view, completely dismembered. His black wings and body parts lay scattered across the chapel floor.

The sight was so surreal that it felt like a dream—no, a nightmare. 

Where was the butterfly? The beautiful lights? His comrades flying in the sky? The women? Where had everything gone…?

His senses had been utterly violated and deceived.

Then, a voice echoed from the pulpit. 

"How was it?"

He turned toward the source and saw her clearly now. She looked oddly familiar—the female cadet with ashen-gray hair.

Gray Habanero, another Black Dragon cadet.

Which meant…

"Khk!"

Before he could say anything, his body lifted off the ground as he kicked his legs. The floor fell out of reach, and his airways closed shut.

The "necklace" he had placed around his neck was, in truth, a thread, now tightening around his throat and pulling him into the air.

"Gkh… Kghh…"

His brain was starved for oxygen. He clawed desperately at his neck with sharpened nails, but the world around him dimmed.  Eventually, his eyes rolled back.

Then, Gray spoke again.

"Now do you understand, Kaiser?"

A cadet limped in through the door, leaning on a cane. He silently examined the corpses strewn throughout the chapel.

Kaiser felt a deep sense of satisfaction rise in his chest.

Once again, he had acted in accordance with Professor Dante’s will.

Furthermore… there was that grotesque creature lying on the floor.

That was no human. It was a monster from outside Zone 0, wearing human skin. Horrifically unnatural and completely alien.

More importantly, regardless of their faction, it was a clear threat to all assassins.

"We’ll head out first."

"Damn, what a freak."

Two male cadets standing in the corners spoke, then turned away. They were Kendrake and Balmung, who had come to assist.

Kaiser’s gut instinct told him that Gray might get into trouble if she went alone. So, he called for backup, and they responded without hesitation.

If the three of them had not fought together against this strange monster, someone might have died. That was how powerful the thing had been.

…So, what on earth is that thing?

Even now, they didn’t know.

Had Professor Dante also fought against something this utterly inhuman a few days ago?

"Kaiserrrrrrr," someone called out grumpily.

He didn’t respond.

"Why aren’t you answering? C’mon already."

Eventually, he turned to Gray.

Everything their newest victim had experienced on his way here—every scent, every vision—had been illusions cast by her. 

She had used Illusion Arts to confuse and overwhelm the assassins and intruders in the chapel, as well.

So she had every right to ask her question.

"Who’s better at Illusion Arts?"

Kaiser pondered for a moment. The mission was complete, and he owed her an answer.

But, regrettably, the truth in his heart would betray her expectations.

…In my eyes, Professor Dante is still far superior.

But Kaiser chose to be cautious with his words.

If he mentioned again that Dante was better, Gray might challenge the professor to prove her superiority once and for all.

And another assassination attempt on Dante… was something that must never happen.

"…I cannot deny it anymore, Gray."

"Hm?"

"Your Illusion Arts surpass Professor Dante’s."

Kaiser didn’t want to lose a cherished comrade.

"Really…? Heh… I knew it."

Gray turned her head with feigned indifference, but she couldn’t stop the smug grin forming on her face—her proud, cheeky fang on full display.

"…Told you so~"

< 『World Forgery』 Proficiency: 89.00% (▲0.01%) >

The pinnacle of Illusion Arts was almost within reach. Just a bit more, and I would hit 90% proficiency in a Level 9 Illusion Art…!

But from here on out, my growth would slow significantly.

Still, once I crossed the 90% threshold, my Illusion Arts would evolve drastically.

It would be like the difference between running on two legs and soaring through the air.

Once I reached that point, I’d be able to forge things beyond normal human comprehension.

I would rival the greatest Illusion Arts combatants in the world.

A new realm beyond form, phenomenon, and spatial forgery… I wonder how far I can go.

Only time would tell.

Who’s Better at Illusion Arts? – END

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