Inside Lisa's office, a day after I told her I would take over Professor Two-Face's—I mean, Professor Eddie's—class.
Placing one file after another on her desk, I explained what each contained.
Arthur: "These are the Advanced Magic Class documents containing every student's marks. These are the materials for your next class. And this is the document you need to sign, confirming that I'll be teaching the second-year classes on your behalf."
Lisa skimmed through the first few, flipping lightly, until her eyes landed on the final file I had placed before her. She read it carefully before speaking.
Lisa: "Are you sure you want to teach this class? We don't really have to bother with this. Any other professor could be assigned to teach Basics."
I know. And honestly, I'd pass it off to someone else, but—
Arthur: "Miss Lisa, I can do this. The Acting Headmaster asked you personally because there's no one better to teach magic than you. He even signed off on this. I promise I won't do anything to make it seem otherwise. I am your assistant, remember?"
Lisa: "I already know that."
Arthur: "Then… do you just not trust me?"
The words slipped out with less confidence than I intended. Despite my efforts, I wasn't entirely sure of myself.
Lisa: "I do."
She lifted her gaze to mine, almost offended that I'd even question her trust.
Well, even if she gives me that look, the little number in the heart icon above your head hasn't changed. I countered silently in my thoughts.
Arthur: "Then let me take this off your hands so you can focus on your research."
She finally signed the document. I took it gently from her and left her office.
Passing through the hallway lined with other professors' doors, I eventually reached the reception area.
Todd: "Good morning, Assistant Professor."
The receptionist, Todd, stood there in a neat suit, his white hair draping casually over his forehead, his expression as uninterested as always.
Todd: "Good morning, Headmaster."
Meow.
Ah,—he greeted us. -Me and Hekate, who had been perched in my arms since I'd left Lisa's office.
At first, I wondered if I should really take her with me. I even asked Lisa about it. I was already being rumored to have been chosen by this cat, and if I started parading her around, new stories would spread.
Usually, the Witch Goddess in her cat form stays with Lisa in her office. Everyone is used to seeing them together, and since Lisa is known for her single-minded dedication to research, no one questioned it.
But me? I am just her assistant. That alone wouldn't be enough of a reason for people to think I am being favored.
Meow.
Hekate nuzzled under my chin, pulling me from my thoughts.
Persephone: "Does she want to bury herself under your skin?"
Her annoyed remark came with an unimpressed glance at the cat. She walked beside me as always.
—It's because I'm your soul partner, she senses your slight essence. So technically, it's you she wants to snuggle like this.
She only shrugged in response. Still, the truth was probably that the contract's energy was becoming denser. Hekate could likely sense Persephone's soul more clearly through me now. That also meant my own ability to comprehend dark matter should improve.
Pulling myself out of thought, I turned back to Todd with a refreshed smile.
Arthur: "A very good morning, Todd. I'm glad I decided to come through the reception area—got the chance to meet you."
He looked straight at me, confused.
Arthur: "Days have finally become peaceful. I'll even be teaching a class of my own now. You must've heard—Basics of Magic? It used to be Professor Eddie's class."
At my words, Todd's expression went blank. The curiosity he showed a moment ago drained away, leaving only disinterest. The shift was so sudden, I almost laughed.
Todd: "You have a good day, Sir Arthur."
Arthur: "You too."
Hearing "Sir Arthur" instead of "Assistant Professor" made his intention clear—this conversation was over.
Still feeling a little giddy inside, I left the reception area and stepped into the small garden outside.
Tall trees swayed gently, framing the mansion. Its brown wood walls gleamed, classrooms tucked behind stately windows. To me, the whole academy, designed like a mansion with rooms converted into classrooms, always struck me as beautiful.
I walked the tiled path winding through the garden. To my left stretched a border brick wall, its alternating fence gaps allowing trees to peek through. Together, they gave the scene a forest-like charm against the grey-white sky.
Persephone: "What are you doing now?"
Her graceful voice brushed my ear as I adjusted Hekate in my arms.
—Going to class?
I mean, I was walking with her. She could see that, right?
Persephone: "And after that? What else are you planning for the future?"
The question caught me off guard. What am I planning? What are you, my mother?
Still, as I thought about it, maybe I was planning, even without realizing.
As I walked through the little garden, which had one or two benches in the middle, tucked in the corner of the academy. I ran my fingers through Hekate's fur, and she purred contentedly. I let my mind wander.
Let's see…
Ducas and Valerie seemed to be getting along. My relationship with Lisa is going steady; she's even stopped insisting I call her "Professor,"—I like to think of it as an honor, unique to me. Lisa's affection number should increase if I keep being useful to her.
Todd must be keeping a close eye on me, trying to uncover my history. He won't try to kill me now, and I can't let him die either—his strength would be valuable when it came to the inevitable hidden scripts.
And the one who turned out to be a big nuisance, that troublesome professor, was out of the picture for now.
Hmm… It seems inside the school, everything is alright for me.
If only Felicity could keep Griff under control.
Just then, voices drifted through the open window of a building across the garden.
?: "Hey, Cara? Did you hear? The Marquis family of Atlas announced its heir today."
Cara: "I did. Apparently, the heir of the Royal Hanson Family was from our school. She was in your class, right, Darla?"
Darla: "It was Felicity."
Cara: "Ah, that blonde girl. She had such a cold aura around her. No wonder she was a Royal."
Darla: "It's Miss Royal Highness now, Cara. She left for her household last evening and announced her succession this morning."
Cara: "Yes, madam. Let's go—our class is about to start. I heard we're getting a new professor today."
Their voices faded into the distance.
So Felicity had left for her household and officially taken her title as a Royal. Griff must be with her too—he would leave his at this time.
Wait. Doesn't that mean… I don't have any actual problems left around me. Ducas is with Valerie, Felicity and Griff are gone, and Eddie is sick.
+
[ The Nubecula Who Likes Cigars And Candy comments "What are you thinking while smiling so happily?" ]
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[ The Nubecula Who Likes Cigars And Candy comments "Something indecent?" ]
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[ The Nubecula Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken comments "Shut it!" ]
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[ The Nubecula Who Likes Cigars And Candy is laughing at your expression. ]
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[ The Nubecula Dionysius is taking a sip of his wine. ]
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[ The Nubecula Gumiho feels good seeing you being affectionate with a cat. ]
+
Ah, yes. They'll always be here.
BUT.
I can now just live comfortably until the Hidden Script on the highest floor of the academy unfolds, all while working to raise Lisa's affection number.
Feeling happy and content with the situation, I rubbed Hekate's fur, and she purred against my chest.
—I'm going to try to live leisurely.
Persephone: "It's strange because I can feel your satisfaction—which means you meant what you are saying."
—I do mean it. Why wouldn't I?
Persephone: "...Let's just let you enjoy this feeling for however long it lasts."
She mumbled something under her breath, too soft for me to catch.
—What was that?
Persephone: "Nothing."
Yeah, as if I believe that. But whatever—I let the thought slide.
Walking through the garden and then entering back to the mansion, I soon found myself standing in front of the second-year classroom door. The plaque beside it read: Basics of Magic.
Now is the time, I thought—when Persephone made her remark.
Persephone: "Have you ever taken a class before?"
–Never.
She gave me an ambiguous expression, but ignoring her, I reached for the door with my free hand while supporting Hekate with the other.
Persephone: "Perfect."
Meow
The heavy door opened with a loud creak, the sound echoing as I stepped inside.
The classroom was spacious—nearly the size of two grand living rooms combined—with a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. At the front stood a raised oak podium, solid and polished, with a blackboard stretching across the entire wall behind it.
My eyes swept over the carved windows and then to the students seated in orderly rows, one tier above the other like ascending steps. They all looked composed, dressed neatly, their handsome and beautiful faces lending the classroom an air of nobility.
As I walked to the podium, a few cheerful students who were still standing below came up to me.
?: "A very good morning, Assistant Professor."
A student with short honey-colored hair and innocent honey-colored eyes, her cheeks slightly raised, greeted me. She had a mature look about her. Her innocent golden eyes softened her expression, giving her a glow of warmth.
Although I was only an assistant, everyone addressed me as Assistant Professor. Perhaps it was to remind me of my position—or perhaps it was a sign of respect for Lisa.
Arthur: "Good morning, Miss Cara."
Her eyes widened in surprise that I knew her name. Of course, I had already used Prescient Information when she approached.
+
[ The Active Skill Prescient Information has been activated. ]
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[ Profile has been found. ]
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[ Name: Cara Larson
Age: 34 years
Blessing: None
Active Attribute: The one who loves to paint (General)
Active Skills: Sensors Lvl.2, Water Touch Lvl.1, Boost Lvl.1
Passive Skills: Piercing Shot Lvl.1, Friendliness Lvl.2, Calm Lvl.1
Overall Stats: Strength 37, Stamina 39, Agility 37, Magic Power 45
Description: With her charmingly cute face, short hair, and feminine body, Cara is often mistaken as tomboyish. In truth, she is as shy as a girl can be, though her passive calmness and friendliness give her the courage to approach others. ]
+
An impressive profile. Maybe nothing extraordinary by other standards, but I found it interesting.
So she's shy. I guess her passive skills, Calm and Friendliness, give her the courage to approach people despite that.
Another student stepped closer, similar in height to Cara. She had long walnut-colored hair tied into a ponytail and eyes of the same warm shade.
?: "Good morning, Assistant Professor. Sir Arthur, if you're here, does that mean Professor Yates is teaching this class?"
+
[ The Active Skill 'Prescient Information' has been activated. ]
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[ Profile has been found. ]
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[ Name: Darla Russel
Age: 35 years
Blessing: None
Active Attribute: The one who loves to play (General)
Active Skills: Detect Lvl.2, Water Sense Lvl.1, Buff Lvl.1
Passive Skills: Courage Lvl.1, Sociable Lvl.2, Competitive Lvl.1
Overall Stats: Strength 40, Stamina 42, Agility 39, Magic Power 42
Description: With her angelic face and social personality, Darla is approachable and lively. Yet her fiercely competitive nature breeds jealousy, and her friends are often exceptions to her envy. ]
+
Arthur: "Good morning, Miss Darla."
Darla showed the same surprised reaction as Cara when I said her name.
?: "Seriously?"
This time it was a boy with sky-blue hair and delicate, feminine eyes. Lavish in appearance, his aura screamed of noble birth.
[ The Active Skill 'Prescient Information' has been activated. ]
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[ Profile has been found. ]
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[ Name: Haris Holt
Age: 35 years
Blessing: None
Active Attribute: Sharp Tongue (General)
Active Skills: Air Sensitivity Lvl.2, Air Circulation: Tornado Lvl.1, De-buff Lvl.1
Passive Skills: Tolerance Lvl.1, Careful Lvl.2, Reasonable Lvl.1
Overall Stats: Strength 40, Stamina 39, Agility 42, Magic Power 41
Description: A sharp-tongued young man who prefers blunt honesty, Haris often blurts out his thoughts without filter. ]
+
It seemed I was approached by a full package of first-benchers and academic enthusiasts.
Haris: "Professor Yates will be taking this class?"
Cara: "I heard she is very strict."
Darla: "And scary."
She trembled from head to toe.
Haris: "But also beautiful—and the best there is."
Cara: "Is beauty all that matters to boys when it comes to women?"
Haris: "Uh—"
Caught off guard by Cara's question, Haris flustered and glanced at me, as if asking for help. I could read it in his eyes. The other two also turned to me, waiting for my response.
I also felt two more gazes curiously watching me.
One belonged to Persephone, arms folded beneath her chest, her chin lifted as she peered at me with overbearing intensity.
The other… from the chair behind the podium. Hekate. She sat neatly on a cushion, her crystalline blue eyes locked on me.
Wait—wasn't she just in my arms? I looked down at my empty, folded arms.
Shrugging off the oddity, I spoke.
Arthur: "Mr. Haris is right."
Haris's pale face instantly brightened.
Arthur: "Professor Yates is the best this school has to offer."
Haris looked dumbstruck at my remark, while the other two giggled at his reaction.
Arthur: "Now, all of you, please return to your seats."
They quickly retreated to the first row, where they belonged. First benchers, just as I thought.
I continued observing the other students scattered across the room, chatting or shifting into place. I stepped fully behind the podium.
Hekate rested comfortably behind the raised surface, hidden from most eyes, her tail curling lazily.
Feeling the weight of my gaze, the students soon settled down. When the room fell as silent as I could hope for, I smacked the podium firmly to claim their attention.
Smack!
The whole room fell silent.
Arthur: "Good. Now that I have your attention."
It's true that I had never taught a class in my life, but that doesn't mean I am incapable of doing so.
Arthur: "First notice in order is that Professor…"
I almost slipped into calling him something strange—like nuisance or two-faced—but held myself back.
Arthur: "…Eddie has gone back to his household due to personal reasons."
Students immediately started exchanging glances with those beside, above, and below them.
Arthur: "Second, you are not getting a free period in his absence."
Some students slumped in disappointment, while others snickered at what they thought was my attempt at humor.
Arthur: "And rest assured, you are not left to rot without someone to keep you alive and lively."
I've never willingly taught anyone in my life—it always seemed like too much hassle.
Arthur: "Some of you might be wondering if, since I am Professor Yates's assistant, she will be taking this class."
Darla nervously nodded.
Arthur: "That is not the case."
Still, whenever I know exactly what needed to be said, a certain confidence rises in me, as if delighted to be unleashed.
Arthur: "Good morning, everyonel. My name is Arthur Xanders, a young assistant to the most diligent, intelligent, and undeniably beautiful professor. I'll be teaching this class, and I look forward to getting to know you all."
I gave them a minute or two to let the situation sink in. . Haris gave me a cheerful thumbs-up, clearly pleased that I praised Lisa's beauty.
Ignoring him, I silently counted backward in my head—and right on cue, it began.
?: "What?"
?: "An assistant will be teaching our class?"
?: "Do you know he's only twenty years old?"
?: "Seriously?"
The murmurs grew into ridicule, making dismissive remarks.
Then, one of the second-year students stood up from the back—a girl with an almond-shaped face and a condescening gaze, her head held high. What stood out most were her long golden earrings and the golden band across her forehead.
+
[ The Active Skill 'Prescient Information' has been activated. ]
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[ Profile has been found. ]
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[Name: Alison Brown
Age: 38 years
Blessing: None
Active Attribute: Conceited One (General)
Active Skills: Negate Lvl.2, Calculate Lvl.2, Flames Lvl.1
Passive Skills: NonTolerance Lvl.1, Reason Lvl.2, Quick-Witted Lvl.1
Overall Stats: Strength 42, Stamina 56, Agility 51, Magic Power 50
Description: Alison deliberately tries to frame everything through an analytical lens, priding herself on intelligence. She desires to be seen and acknowledged as someone sharp-minded. ]
+
NonTolerance? Not a great passive skill.
Alison rose from her seat and began walking down, her voice carrying across the room.
Alison: "We came to this school and worked hard every day. We have strived for greatness since childhood."
Arthur: "Mmm… would you believe me if I said I am assigned by the Acting Headmaster?"
Alison: "Stop joking."
The students' eyes followed her as she descended. The scene was almost comical—those above looking down, those at her level turning to watch, those below looking up. With each step she took, their heads moved —as if following the rhythm of a wave.
Alison: "You think just because you became Professor Yates's assistant, you are someone special? A twenty-year-old kid is going to teach this class? Laughable."
Murmurs rippled across the benches.
?: "Only Alison could say something like that with such confidence."
?: "That's the Marquis Household of Phiodora."
I calmly unhooked the file containing the signed form from Lisa, and placed it on the podium.
I may have had the document, but these students weren't going to listen just because of that.
I walked around the podium, sliding my finger along its edge, I spoke evenly.
Arthur: "Your accusation is completely valid, Miss Alison Brown."
As I reached the edge of the podium, my gaze shifted from Miss Brown to her seat. Something there caught my attention, and I held back a sigh.
A man with a handsome face and silver hair sat beside a woman with a beautiful face and fiery red hair.
Ducas and Valerie? What are they doing in a basics class? They're already in Lisa's advanced course lectures.
Both wore deeply displeased expressions, their brows furrowed so tightly they nearly touched.
Alison: "Well, at least you know your student's name."
Just then, I saw Ducas begin to tense in his seat, ready to stand. Valerie looked just as eager.
Fortunately, our eyes met. I shook my head slightly. Reluctantly, they sat held back, and both flustered, reining in their emotions.
But Alison mistook my look as a taunt.
Alison: "What? You're looking down on me?"
She stood on the lowest level, glaring up at me with that same condescending look. An aura of dark matter began to envelop her.
Persephone: "Quite a thin aura."
Hey, aren't you concerned about me?
+
[ Lower Existence 'Alison Brown' has activated Flames Lvl.1. ]
+
Following the message, Alison drew her slender hand from beneath her cloak and snapped her fingers lightly. She gazed at it, moving her fingers as if both playing with and admiring the fire. The flame swayed contentedly, as though pleased to be in its master's hand.
Alison: "One can increase knowledge by reading. But magic requires a teacher to comprehend it, because the existence of magic is, in itself, the most unimaginable. Professor Yates should be teaching this class."
She flicked her hand like a wand, then pointed at me. The flame obeyed, darting forward like a fiery arrow.
I noticed Ducas and Valerie tense up, along with Cara, Darla, and Haris.
As the ball of flame sped toward me, I took a step toward Alison.
The flame drew nearer and nearer.
Then, as I walked, a silver feather—larger than any ordinary feather—appeared in front of the orange-yellow flame.
The flame collided with the feather and vanished into the air.
Alison's expression grew vague and uncertain, twisting into something unreadable.
Confident, I walked to the edge of the podium.
I don't really need to talk about it, but…
Back before, I obviously didn't have any skills. Yet this memory lingered vividly.
Once, someone told me that people used to think I had this ability.
A girl's face surfaced in my mind—same age as me, slightly shorter, intelligent beyond compare. Fair skin, blonde hair with red highlights.
?: 'You know… sometimes it seems like you have this ability.'
At the time, I dismissed it as a joke.
Arthur: 'What ability?'
I thought, since I was somewhat cold and she was more friendly, she might have been reaching for something to say.
?: 'It's ridiculous, really.'
In my opinion, she worried too much about what others thought.
Arthur: "What is it?"
'Will they be hurt if I say that?' or 'Does this really need to be said?'—I imagined those were her thoughts.
?: ...Sometimes… it feels like you have this ability, like nobody else. Like you just shut it off and stop seeing the person in front of you as a person anymore."
The memory faded. I stood at the edge of the podium and looked down at Alison.
And then, I just shut it off.
Arthur: "Miss Alison Brown."
Hearing me say her name in that tone, her face went pale.
The room fell deathly quiet. I peered directly into Alison's dusk-yellow eyes.
Arthur: "Sit."
The flames on her hand disappeared.
+
[Lower existence 'Alison Brown' skill Flames Lvl.1 has been deactivated.]
+
She faltered, her body stiff as a stick, then stumbled and landed heavily on the floor.
I hopped down from the stage and lifted my head, shifting my gaze across the room.
Arthur: "If any of you have a problem, you can leave. I won't stop you—you can even treat this as a free period. However, if any of you are curious about what this twenty-year-old has that made him qualified to teach this class, then stay and try to learn."
Bold words, I know—but I spoke with sincerity.
I looked into the eyes of every student still focused on me, though many quickly looked away. I could sense fear—not of me, but fear of not knowing how to respond to me anymore.
Arthur: "Now..."
I walked with the same detached calm, stopping in front of Alison, and offered her my hand.
Arthur: "If you'll please return to your seat, I'll begin my lesson."
She hesitated, her face still pale with fear. Yet, mustering her courage, she took my hand and stood.
At her show of resolve, a small smile escaped me.
+
[Lower Existence 'Alison Brown' is feeling struck.]
+
The sudden message confused me. But before I could dwell on it, Alison released my hand, straightened her uniform, and gave a slight bow before walking back to her seat.
Shrugging inwardly and dismissing the message, I returned to the stage.
As I neared the podium, a white shadow lunged at me with surprising force.
Reacting on reflex, I caught it—Hekate, now in her cat form, rubbing her head vigorously against my neck.
Persephone: "What was that?"
Her voice broke the silence for me, carrying a note of uncertainty.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' comments: "Was that really?"]
+
[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' comments: "It was that. I think."]
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[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' is looking in your direction. ]
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[ The Nubecula 'Who Likes Cigars And Candy' is looking in your direction. ]
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[ The Nubecula 'Dynosius' comments: "What was that?"]
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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments: "Yes, yes. What was that?"]
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[Nubeculas looking in your direction has increased.]
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Their sudden comments and questions threw me off.
—What was what?
Dodging Hekate's head as she rubbed insistently against me, I asked Persephone.
—What are you talking about?
Persephone: "That aura. Was it a skill?"
What is she saying?
—I didn't use any skill. Is there a problem?
Through the soul contract, I felt her confusion bleeding into me, unsettling my own rhythm.
Persephone: "...The dark matter around your body became dense. I suppose you unleashed it just now."
Unleashed? How's that possible?
Her words tightened something in me, though Hekate's persistent snuggling made it hard to focus.
Gently holding her head, I rubbed it softly. Then I noticed the other students staring at me with strange expressions that ranged from awe to shock.
Then it hit me—what they were witnessing wasn't my power.
They're witnessing their headmaster acting in an uncharacteristically affectionate manner.
I returned to the podium, holding Hekate in my arms, and picked up the file I had placed earlier.
Arthur: "Ah. I forgot to mention—I have this official document, signed by Professor Yates and the Acting Headmaster, confirming that I will be teaching this class for the remainder of the semester."
The looks on their faces all but shouted, Why didn't you say that before?
As usual, I ignored them.
I placed a cushion from the chair onto the podium, then set Hekate gently on top. She curled up, acting every bit like an ordinary pet cat.
Arthur: "Now, if everyone has settled... let's begin this class."
+
[Several Nubeculas are enjoying the hilarious expressions of the people around you.]
+
[Some Nubeculas are listening to you teach.]
+
[2800 points have been donated.]
+