The site was a total mess.
No, this went beyond a mere mess.
Shattered glass windows, walls and ceilings so damaged you wouldn't know where to start repairs, and crumpled doors that all looked like they needed replacing...
Even as a noble, compensating for every high-end item plastered everywhere would be a real burden.
After some deliberation, I reached one conclusion.
For now, let's pin it on those demons. There's no evidence I did this, so if I play it smart, I can fool them.
So first...
"Rain Ortiz?"
Damn it.
"Professor Rachel."
"You're safe. I was relieved."
"Yes... that's how it turned out."
After the greeting, I shifted my gaze to Rachel's right hand.
What the hell is that?
"Oh, this?"
Rachel tugged on the 'hair' she was gripping.
"..."
It was Lien Flint.
No, Professor.
How do you reduce a person to that state...
Even if she's a demon, that's too much.
A bloodied mess. My brow furrowed instinctively. She was clearly the enemy, yet I felt a pang of pity.
"She's in bad shape."
"She probably didn't expect this either."
"You think so?"
"I know so."
Rachel gave an awkward smile and glanced around.
"It's trashed. Looks like quite the rampage."
Ah.
I belatedly realized the severity of the situation.
"They did it."
I blurted out my excuse before Rachel could say anything.
Rachel just stared at me for a moment.
"I'm not holding you accountable for this much. Don't worry."
She said.
For a split second, Professor Rachel looked cool. Like she had a halo around her.
Thank you, Professor.
I'll pledge my lifelong loyalty...
Huh? Something feels off.
I hurriedly erased 'loyalty' from my mind.
Almost got brainwashed there.
"This doesn't even qualify as damage in the first place."
Rachel snapped her fingers.
And just like that, the broken items began restoring themselves in an instant.
It was the restoration magic I'd only heard about.
"Impressive."
"Right? Great spell."
"I thought you hated magic."
"I don't hate magic. I hate mages."
"I see."
The site looked pristine, as if nothing had happened. I felt ashamed of myself for panicking just moments ago.
"Great match, by the way."
"Ah, thank you."
"You made something amazing. Way better than mine."
"Haha... luck."
"Luck my ass."
Rachel crossed her arms and narrowed her brow. She clearly wasn't satisfied with that answer.
"I'm not that impressive."
"Excessive humility is rude."
"No, really."
I wanted to say more, but I couldn't.
How could I? Explain there's an AI in my head?
Impossible to prove.
I just gave an awkward smile.
"Fine, whatever."
"Thank you."
"But we still need your talents."
"..."
Honestly, proof doesn't matter in front of Rachel. Either way, I'd have to stay by her side.
"No injuries?"
"No, none."
"Good. Go rest. I'll handle the rest."
Rachel headed off somewhere, dragging Lien Flint behind her.
"..."
What would happen to that woman now?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Lien Flint didn't die.
There was too much information to extract, so they kept her alive.
Lien Flint was now locked in the Empire's underground prison. Arms and legs bound.
She hadn't received any treatment for her wounds.
People would say she was finally paying for betraying the Empire.
Not at all.
Even if she died like this, she wouldn't have paid. Her goal was to give nothing to the Empire.
"There."
She spoke to the empty air with a suppressed smile.
"No one's there? I'm lonely."
She couldn't help but laugh. Look at these fools! They don't even realize keeping her alive is a loss, blindly hoping to get something out of her.
"I know you're there."
Ah, it hurts. The clotted blood throbs. Her body was growing heavier. Physical limits approaching.
But that's fine. This pain would be glory later.
"Aah..."
What is life?
"Hey."
Life is living.
"You know nothing."
What do we live for?
"That's all I'll say."
Lien Flint lived for the 'fall of the Empire'.
"Hahaha..."
This mission failed, but the plan was on track.
Soon, the sun would set, and a new one would rise.
The 'seed' was already planted.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The incident wrapped up nicely.
All the demons were captured and handed to the Empire, and the academy earned honor for repelling the attack.
Most people taking the exam didn't even realize demons had infiltrated. Just startled by the loud noises midway.
Anyway.
The academy welcomed another peaceful morning.
"Feels refreshing."
Today had exactly one lecture: Professor Rachel's, scheduled early in the morning.
Ah, but that's not the point. Only one class meant blessed free time after.
I left the dorm in high spirits. One lecture done, then freedom. Professor Rachel said she wouldn't call me today, so no worries about getting busy.
"Hm...?"
But somehow...
I felt eyes on me.
"It's him, right? Rain Ortiz."
Not my imagination.
Arriving at the lecture hall, I heard whispers as people looked my way.
Straining my ears, they were talking about the midterm.
"He made that himself, right?"
"Probably. That's the rule."
"He seemed close with the professor too..."
Not malicious gossip, so I ignored it.
"I had no idea Magic Engineering was like that."
"Yeah. Even Professor Rachel didn't expect it."
"Isn't he the genius we've only heard about?"
But it bothered me anyway.
I thought I was used to praise. Spending time with professors meant constant admiration.
But from a crowd? Even I felt a bit embarrassed.
"Hey, you're Rain Ortiz, right?"
Oh god.
They were approaching me now.
This was getting burdensome.
The girl had yellow hair and blue eyes.
Her name was... Charlotte, right?
"What's up?"
"Nothing much. That machine you made."
Charlotte's eyes sparkled as she spoke.
"Can you teach me too?"
"Uh?"
Teach her?
...The technique?
"Well..."
Trouble.
I didn't mind sharing. I'd shown it off partly to attract talent like her.
But I hesitated because it was impossible to teach.
Concepts barely comprehensible even to Professor Rachel—could a first-year grasp them?
No offense.
Even I, with modern knowledge, barely understood. A valid concern.
"Ah... too hard?"
"No, I can teach. But it's tough."
"Really?! After class then?"
"Not today."
I needed a break today.
"Tomorrow?"
I pondered briefly before answering.
"Tomorrow's fine."
It was a strategy to scout hidden geniuses anyway.
...Thinking back, it was ridiculous. Something about exam periods?
Whatever.
Plan's in motion. Gotta use it.
Of course, not giving it away free, but hoping she's a genius.
"Everyone, attention."
Rachel entered as our talk wrapped up.
"Students."
Professor Rachel was sweating profusely. Looked unwell. She spoke hurriedly in that state.
"Today's lecture is canceled."
What?
I barely suppressed a cheer.
Class canceled!
A shame after coming this far, but free time all day!
I covered my emerging grin with a hand.
"Personal reasons I can't disclose, but it's urgent. Forgive me, and sorry for no prior notice. Also."
Wait.
Something feels cold.
This chill... no way.
"Rain Ortiz."
Ah.
"Come with me."
Ah...
"Yes, ma'am."
What can I say.
Something inside me shattered.
No, you said you wouldn't call!
Damn it.
Fine, powerless college kid here. If the prof calls, I go.
I hurried after Professor Rachel.
"What's this about?"
What research now?
"Don't freak out."
But Rachel's expression was different from usual.
Come to think of it, odd. Even research-obsessed, she wouldn't cancel class like this.
What could make her cancel and summon me?
Instinctive unease hit.
"His Majesty the Emperor wants to see you."
Fuck.
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