Chapter 275: Declaration of Being a Professor
Declaration of Being a Professor
I-its Frey!
A-arrest him!
When Frey revealed himself, the hall erupted with shouts of rage.
Huh, you werent dead?
I expected him to be alive but why has he come here
Amidst the burst of rage, the once-frozen atmosphere in the outdoor hall had mostly shifted toward condemning and mocking Frey.
What exactly are you trying to do now, Frey?
Amid such chaos, Ruby gazed quietly at Frey and asked.
It may be just an orientation, but its a significant event to conclude the year nonetheless. You knew that, right?
Yes, I am aware.
So, explain yourself? Why have you barged into this sacred and significant event?
With a resolute expression, Ruby held the sound amplification magical device to her mouth and asked that question. A moment of silence spread around.
Dont move, Frey! You are under arrest for treason
Meanwhile, the soldiers and the knights rushed toward Frey with fierce gazes, weapons aimed at him.
Zing!
Urgh!!
Damn, what the hell is it? Why is it so strong?
Suddenly, they were pushed back by the barrier unfolding around Frey, helplessly falling due to the strong defense. They stared blankly as their weapons flew away.
Hero! Please stay behind!
Its dangerous! Someone may be targeting y
After the short-lived absurdity ended, the soldiers climbed onto the platform and started surrounding Ruby.
Please protect the students first! Ill be fine!
However, Ruby urgently called out to the soldiers.
Prioritize the safety of the students!
After sending away the soldiers to the freshmen sitting on both sides of Frey, Ruby glared at him coldly.
..
Thus began a silent exchange between the two amid the panic.
Over here, Sir!
I wonder what will happen in the next event.
Even though its an Imperial command, your life is more important. Ill find a way to escape next time.
While envoys from different countries were nonplussed, nobles accustomed to such incidents after experiencing the slave market raid and the appointment ceremony incident moved to their prearranged escape routes while exchanging jokes.
They completely treat me like a sinner.
However, Freythe mastermind behind this commotionwas the most relaxed person.
It should be here by now
Frey, absentmindedly glancing at his wristwatch as if waiting for someone. Despite being surrounded by knights filled with murderous intent, he showed no sign of panic.
Clop, clop, clop
Here it is.
While everyone was puzzled by Freys attitude, the imperial messenger bearing the imperial seal swiftly arrived at the outdoor hall.
This is the decree His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Raikon, issued!
Those dumbfounded by this sight gradually knelt when the messenger, taking out a scroll, proclaimed loudly, sneaking glances at Frey.
Is it trickery, perhaps?
No, thats real. The magic on the scroll cannot be replicated.
What kind of magic is this
The knights knelt a little while keeping their weapons aimed at Frey. The envoys, still clueless, glanced around cautiously.
Nobles, with their high pride and disdain for the recently destabilized Imperial Family, made displeased faces and sighed as they knelt.
Similarly, Ruby and the other students also knelt.
Frey, shouldnt you kneel as well?
The Duke of Starlight has no reason to kneel before the Imperial Family.
I know that, but havent you lost your noble status?
Freys expression soured at these words. The previously silent outdoor hall resonated with murmurs.
Moreover, you are currently charged with treason against the state and collusion with the Demon Kings Army. Also, I learned that you would be stripped of all your rights in the Empire.
Rubys words were a fact.
The current acting head of the Starlight family, Aria, had already renounced Freys disownment. Freys apparent death had only temporarily delayed the execution.
Even if that was not the case, the two severe treason charges against him only worsened matters.
Even if someone were to grab Frey by the hair, strangle him, and spit on his face right now, they would likely receive minimal punishment.
Sssk
Whether or not Frey was aware of this situation, he closed his eyes and knelt quietly.
Is your action right now an acknowledgment of my words?
Ruby, observing him closely, asked with a glint in her eyes.
Yes.
Fufu.
As Frey responded in a low, formal tone, the silent outdoor hall, where one could hear the breath of the person next to them, echoed with Rubys chuckle.
But thats only half true.
Pardon? What does that mean?
Frey said with a smile. Ruby, who was already smiling, tilted her head and asked.
I admit that Ive become a commoner after being disowned by my younger sister. However, I cannot accept the treason charges.
Hmm?
Ruby seemed interested, but everyone else was perplexed.
Over the past few months, his high treason had been widely publicized in the newspapers. After all, they were heinous acts.
Even if the crimes revealed in the last investigation were considered, Frey would be doomed without being charged with high treason.
Despite the presence of overwhelming evidence, Frey had just outright denied the two crimes that carried the heaviest penalties.
Whats your basis for that?
As the peoples confusion peaked, Ruby quietly posed a question to Frey.
Do you have any evidence that can overturn all the numerous pieces of evidence, examinations, and testimonies gathered so far?
Of course.
Freys response plunged the situation into uncontrollable chaos.
By the way, even if you are the Hero isnt interfering with the Emperors decree excessive?
As Frey calmly pointed out the messenger, who had been clearing his throat softly, Ruby nodded in agreement and fell silent.
Ehm, hmm, then I shall announce the decree.
As everyone watched in suspense, the messenger infused mana into the scroll, causing radiant letters to appear in the air gradually.
[Summary Judgment on Two High Treason Charges Against Frey]
Treason against the State (Suspended)
Collusion with the Demon Kings Army (Suspended)
[Reason: Insufficient evidence and the existence of other matters that are difficult to determine through a summary judgment.]
At the sight of the first paragraph, everyones eyes widened except for Freys.
[The above summary judgment was decided unanimously by the Sunrise Empire Advisory Council gathered for Freys judgment.]
[As such, the application of the two high treason against Frey is hereby suspended until next summers verification trial.]
Raikon Solar Sunrise
The Emperors signature was at the end of the text on the scroll, a powerful ancient spell that no one could counterfeit. Nevertheless, some people still suspected the authenticity of the decree.
Most people were shocked at the undeniable fact that this decree was real.
How could?
T-the Emperor is one thing, but the advisory council How could they?
The format of the summary judgment played out in the case of someone presumed to be deceased, like Frey, was straightforward.
Sometimes, there were cases where the crime was so clear that there wasnt a need to scrutinize judgments or trivial details.
In such cases, a carefully selected advisory council of influential figures in the Empire would convene, collect their opinions, and, following tradition, the Emperor would issue a decree for swift resolution.
The high-ranking nobles often exploited this system to avoid judgments, but this time was different.
The council consisted of Vener, the representative of the anti-Frey faction, the Third Imperial Princess Clana, who had recently been associated with peculiar rumors about Frey but widely trusted by the public, and even the Churchs Saintess, Ferloche.
Representatives from all corners of the Empire, including the Imperial Family, the Church, and the Council, comprised this advisory councilpeople who unanimously despised Frey.
Moreover, with Empress Ramie missing in action and the Emperors waning influence, it seemed improbable that he would intervene, further ensuring Freys downfall.
Yet, Freys two high treason charges had been unanimously suspended.
While he wasnt declared innocent, and a trial was mentioned for the next summer, the judgment of postponement by unanimous decision was sure to carry significant weight.
Hmm
As people remained in a daze until the messenger finished announcing the decree and stepped back, Ruby, carefully observing them, spoke to Frey.
Even if this decree is applicable, I doubt you can continue to walk around here with your head held high.
Why not?
When Frey asked back, she tapped her fingers on the podium and said.
Currently, there are a total of 327 charges against you. With the two just suspended, you now have 325.
Hmm.
As a commoner stripped of noble privileges, carrying so many crimes It doesnt sit quite right, does it?
Frey smirked.
With all those charges, shouldnt you be arrested on the spot right here? Just suspending high treason shouldnt be the end, right?
No, of course not.
As someone well aware of that, why in the world have you shown yourself here?
The knights, who had been watching Frey like hawks, began to show interest again when Ruby posed the question with a sharp gaze.
Why? Why are you here?
About that I will explain that now.
In response, Frey slowly stepped forward.
D-dont move!
Its okay. Ill handle it if there is an emergency.
As Frey moved toward Ruby, the soldiers tried to restrain him, but she intervened. She calmly observed him as he walked closer.
Fufu.
Rubys expression, which was only visible from Freys perspective, was like an invitation to try her once more.
Mm mm, greetings.
Responding stoically to Ruby, Frey stood on the platform and brought the sound amplification magic device to his lips to explain.
We dont have much time, so Ill get straight to the point.
At some point, Freys characteristic cunning expression had taken over his face.
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A group that recently went to the Western Continent uncovered an ancient prophecy.
When I took out the old prophecy I always carried and unfolded it, all eyes were focused on my hands.
This prophecy contains the magical script that many studied diligently for the past thousand years.
As I said that, some scholars, standing in the back, nodded with serious expressions.
Indeed, the ancient language known as Hangeul was so complex that even most mages could not decipher it due to the multiple, intricate Anti-Recognition Magic layers. To scholars, it might have been as daunting as the Demon King.
Deciphering the intricate Anti-Recognition Magic in this script and interpreting it with only a limited sample size made Serenas achievement exceptional.
On the day that marks the thousandth year since the disappearance of the Demon King, her successor will emerge and engulf the world. To stop this successor, a Hero with a power like mine will be needed.
When I mentioned the contents of the prophecy, already well-known in the empire, people made lukewarm expressions.
And that Hero will appear precisely at the moment of the Demon Kings death
When I continued to the next sentence, some scholars eyes widened.
Well, such a reaction was natural.
The Hero statue in the heart of the empires academy had a prophecy written in the imperial language on its pedestal. Beneath were small characters written in Hangeul, enchanted with Anti-Recognition Magic.
The scholars who had been secretly acquiring relics from the Western continent for centuries, despite the Church and the Imperial Familys monopoly, likely had some knowledge of its contents, even if incomplete.
and will be born a thousand years later.
Of course, I kept one thing from them: the ancestors of the Starlight family had reserved the term direct descendants just in case.
And there will be a guide to lead that Hero
And from here on, it was entirely a work of fiction.
That guide will be none other than my descendant born a thousand years later.
The moment I uttered the sentence that could instantly reverse my current dire situation, the surroundings fell silent.
After seeing this recently dug-out prophecy, for some reason, the characters seem to be more readable.
Th-this cant be true!! Its impossible!!
Do not insult the great Hero!! This is a disgrace to this family!!
When I shrugged my shoulders and spoke like that, the scholars in the back began to scream in protest.
Where did you see this content? Did you steal our research?
Hmmm
One of the scholars shouted with a flushed face.
Silence fell in the outdoor hall.
Yes, that scholars words had subtly added credibility to my words among the people.
I had planned this, buying that person in advance and having him shout at the right moment, so the effect was naturally excellent.
The fact that I can already read this prophecy has been verified. My interpretation matches 100% with the ancient manuscript interpretations held by the Imperial Family and the Church.
He drove the wedge in with a contemptuous expression, and the scholars wearing blank expressions suddenly started shouting again.
T-the prophecy is fake! That prophecy is a fake!
T-thats right! The timing is too convenient, isnt it? This is a scam!
Since the Imperial Family and the high-ranking officials of the Church did not raise their heads at my words, this time, they had decided to attack my prophecy.
The prophecy has already been verified.
W-what kind of trick
The Magic Tower Master personally supervised it, and mages from the Magic Tower conducted inspections. They checked the parchments age, examined the handwriting, and performed other magical inspections.
Unfortunately for them, I had come prepared.
For this very day, I had thoroughly hidden my identity and traveled between various places. So, there was no way that I couldnt refute something like that.
If I may quote the esteemed Magic Tower Master directly, the parchment was precisely written a thousand years ago, with the same handwriting as the first Hero. Above all, judging from the lingering traces of mana and soul, it undeniably came from the Hero.
When I said that, there was a moment of silence.
Well, therefore to conclude
In that silence, I shook the prophecy and spoke quietly.
If its not me, then no one else can interpret the content of this prophecy.
..
And if no one can interpret it, doom will befall this world.
The onlookers eyes widened.
Everything about how the Hero will defeat the Demon King, the events to come, and the relics to be gathered its all written there.
That can be fabricated easily
Ms. Ruby, in this world, there are lie-detection devices and magic. Also, note that theres dark magic capable of extracting information forcibly from ones mind and even making them commit suicide.
I immediately countered Rubys attempt to interject and spoke with a chilling smile.
In the testimony inspection conducted by the Church and the Imperial Family, the facts about the special method for the Hero to defeat the Demon King, upcoming events, and necessary items to secure have been proven true.
But
And the Magic Tower Master has also verified it. By any chance, is there someone in this empire who can match the Magic Tower Master in magical prowess?
Ruby and Irina, standing in the distance, flinched but didnt raise their hands.
Well, thats how it is.
With a satisfied smile, I firmly clapped my hands once, then whispered into the sound amplification magical device.
If I dont help, this world will be doomed.
Finally, the public understood the truth, and their faces went pale.
Is the actual reason behind the existence of matters difficult to determine through a summary judgment precisely that?
You can think of it that way.
In other words, the advisory council had no choice but to make that decision through gritted teeth?
Feel free to think whatever you want.
I responded to Rubys annoyed tone with a calm voice and quietly observed people around.
Well, considering what Ive been through, Id love to escape to the countryside until the world is on the brink of destruction but, truth be told, Im quite a kind person, you know?
Wearing a cold smile, I looked down at them.
Instead of postponing the execution of the remaining 325 crimes, excluding the crime of high treason I accepted one proposal.
Then, I looked at the new students, who had blank expressions, and whispered in a low voice.
So, Id like to request your help, freshmen.
Upon hearing that, their faces showed puzzled expressions.
I am a second-year student at the academy. I am the special lecturer, Professor Frey, who will teach you for one year.
Their expressions quickly soured.
Here is the associate professor, Ms. Vener, who will assist me.
He..llo..
Vener, a member of the Hero party who used to glare at me with disdain, bowed to greet me. Her face looked haggard, and the publics expressions sank even further.
Hero and everyone, you will learn how to defeat the Demon King from me in the upcoming year. You know you can be chosen as a member of the Hero Party through the special laws, right?
With a peculiar smile, I looked at the students who would be the subordinates of the Hero Party in Dark Tale Fantasy 2.
So, may I ask for your cooperation for one year, future members of the Hero Party?
Of course, the students gazes were incredibly cold.
No, I would have counted myself lucky had they been only cold.
Thanks to the peculiar circumstances of wartime, most students here had been selected without corruption, based solely on their abilities by the Empire. Right now, they were glaring at me with an intense, murderous look.
.
And that also applied to the second-year students and nobles standing in the back.
Thats all.
Then, I turned around with a light-hearted smile and whispered.
This is where it begins.
Ruby, who had been watching me, responded with a snicker.
Then, were counting on you, Professor?
My Declaration of Being a Professor, which had caused a worldwide panic, concluded just like that.
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Meanwhile, as Frey and Ruby stared coldly at each other
This is strange I cant believe that prophecy is real Ugh, its the end of the world.
Hmm
Glare, in her academy uniform, glanced quietly at Frey standing behind her. She stood beside the Magic Tower Master, who watched the scene while clucking her tongue.
If the Pretender is the Demon King then the Hero is
Her eyes, more serious than ever, sparkled.
Could it be?
Chapter 276: War of Nerves
War of Nerves
Phew.
After delivering the earth-shaking declaration, I returned to the waiting room. As I settled into a seat, I sighed quietly.
Young Master.
Kania, looking tense, hurriedly approached me.
Calm down, Kania. Everything went as planned.
Thats fortunate, but
While I tried to soothe her, Kania spoke, wearing a frown.
Indeed, theres something odd.
Odd? What do you mean?
The Demon King didnt seem surprised at all. I kept a close eye on her, but all she did was smile.
Kanias expression darkened as she spoke.
Well, if I were in her place, I, too, would have reacted the same way if the final boss were smiling like that.
Dont worry. Shes the type to smile, regardless of the situation, as long as its interesting.
Still
Thank you for your concern, Kania.
Before she could say more, I held her hand and said that. Then I turned my gaze to the side.
By now, Clana is probably holding a press conference, right?
Yes, she will officially announce the details regarding todays events.
Well, thats settled then
I quietly gazed at the reporters visible through the window. Then, I closed my eyes and muttered to myself.
Now, I want to return to the inn and rest.
Arent you returning to the hideout on the outskirts?
That place is too far from the academy. Of course, Ive considered an alternative way to use that place.
After saying so and tapping my fingers, I stood up and said.
Shall we head back then? What about dinner tonight
Creak..
Huh?
The door suddenly opened, and someone walked in.
Huh?
Kanias expression turned ice-cold.
Oh my, hello.
The newcomer was none other than Ruby.
What brings you
Concerned about what she might be up to again, I frowned and wanted to pose a question. However, I decided to remain silent ultimately.
I avoid the reporters and head to the waiting room with the freshmen.
It was because a large number of first-year students had entered through the open door.
Mr. Special Lecturer.
She had started speaking humorously; after the students entered, she concluded her words with a cold and anger-laden voice.
.
The students behind her started casting cold glances at me, one after another.
They are the same students as written in the prophecy
First-year students newly admitted to the academy as the second year of Sunrise Academy began.
Represented by figures like Roswyn, Aishi, and the youngest Paladin, they all had the qualities required to join the Hero Party.
The Ancestor had said that their roles were similar to supporters or sub-characters.
However, the crucial point is that Ruby currently held the Hero position, and the Hero Party was on the brink of disbandment.
The five main Heroines, supposed to be the original Hero Party, had all refused to join. Moreover, recruiting even sub-Heroines seemed difficult.
Therefore, the role of these freshmen became more crucial than initially intended.
Originally, in the standard route, when a party member couldnt be selected due to their death or retirement, the most outstanding among the prospective members, the freshmen, would be chosen for the Hero Party.
Even if that happened, it was impossible to avoid bad endings or total party wipes, as the most powerful characters in the game were predefined as Heroines and sub-Heroines.
However, the system was designed to assist the Hero even in desperate situations.
Despite my choice to follow the False Evil Route rather than the Standard Route, the Hero Party had reached a disparate state nearing disbandment. That posed a problem.
The Hero Party members, with Demon King Ruby as the Hero, were freshmen, serving as reserve members to fill the vacant spot.
Thats Frey
He looks so annoying.
The Empires enemy.
The individuals mentioned by the ancestors to have received quite a bit of love for their good performance among the users already were speaking ill of me in whispers, which was looking quite nice.
Its a good plan, indeed.
Their actions so far indicated that the plan was working well.
My image and reputation had long since hit rock bottom, and I had lost my noble status, becoming a mere commoner.
If I couldnt attend the academy, it would lead to a game over, and surviving in this world would be nearly impossible.
I needed the minimum safety measure by taking the Professor position.
It was essential to have a bare-bones shield against the first-year students who would become my enemies as members of Rubys Hero Party.
I can hear you all.
The waiting room fell silent as I quietly addressed the students badmouthing me.
Phew.
In the future, I had to use this position to prevent the students from becoming my enemies and, more importantly, to win them over.
However, it was not as important as unleashing the Heros Armament and awakening Heroines for the final battle to get this worlds happy ending.
Hmm
Lost in thought, I observed the students staring at me coldly, and then I scratched my head and muttered to myself.
Now that I think about it, its been a while since Ive seen her
Aishi, the Cloud Kingdom princess, stared at me with a pale expression as if she had seen a ghost.
The other two dont seem to be here
Ignoring the Paladin, still tied up in a corner of the inn, I had no idea where Roswyn had gone.
If they continued like this, wouldnt other popular characters end up taking their roles?
And that child
After anxiously surveying the surroundings, I murmured to myself when the thought of that child crossed my mind.
Squeak
The door to the waiting room opened once again.
Hello!
There stood the young girl I had been searching for. She was smiling and carrying a backpack.
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All eyes turned to the girl.
Hello!
With a faint smile, she greeted everyone, bowing politely.
Whats with this kid?
But shes wearing the academy uniform.
Some commoner students, perhaps from rural areas or unaware of the Empires affairs, whispered to each other, puzzled by the young girl who appeared unusually young.
Meanwhile, the noble students, who were well-informed about the Empires situation, looked at the girl quietly.
Her appearance would have definitely caught the attention of the low-born elite knights of their age, who were selected solely for their skills.
The girl peeking out her head through the waiting rooms door had recently been declared the Magic Tower Masters disciple.
The Magic Tower Masters first disciple was Freys mother, followed by Irina, and she briefly tutored a young Serena.
Later, the Magic Tower Master announced she wouldnt take on any more disciples.
However, she broke her rule to mentor her third discipleGlare.
This decision caused some ripples in the Empires high society, yet Glare remained oblivious as she dedicated herself to learning magic over the past few months.
Step, step
As Glare moved forward with a glint in her eyes, the students kept their gazes focused on her.
Hehe.
As she reached the front seat of the waiting room and sat down with a smile, curious glances met her.
I should keep a close eye on her from now on
Of course, Glare had taken the front seat to get a better view of Frey, who sat right in front of her.
Ms. Glare? Hello!
Ah.
As Glare looked at Frey and smiled, her expression suddenly turned sour.
Nice to meet you here!
Ah, yeah
Ruby, who had recently engaged in a fierce battle with her, smiled gently at her.
Despicable
Ruby confidently acted as the Herothe one responsible for capturing her. Seeing her, Glare gritted her teeth and then turned her gaze toward Frey.
Hmm
Glare blankly stared at him.
Indeed, he does look pitiable
Frey appeared quite tragic to her.
His face said that he hadnt slept for several days, with dark circles under his eyes and a tired, sunken gaze.
Do we have to follow a professor like him?
Why should we? A loser like him?
Remember what he said earlier? Well, just pretend that we stepped on poop or something.
From what I heard, he even begged for his life before the prophecy was found
Gossip, meant to mock Frey, rang from behind.
But why does he look pitiable?
She quietly bit her lips and tilted her head as she fell deep in thought.
First, he seems to be a villain, but its still too early to guess Hmm
The feeling that Frey looked pitiable had sunk deep into her subconscious, beyond mere impressions or thoughts.
She felt an inexplicable urge to protect him.
Something feels strange.
Confused by these feelings, Glare stood up and muttered to herself.
Let me cool down my head for a bit.
Captivated by these hard-to-decipher emotions, she ignored the gazes that had turned back to her and quietly headed to the restroom.
Oh, right.
She took a magical communication device from her pocket as she left.
I should let her know that Lord Frey is alive.
Muttering to herself, she calmly smiled.
I have a question.
At that moment, a freshman raised her hand and asked Frey a question.
How did you come across that prophecy?
As Frey tilted his head in response to the girl in glasses question, another question was directed at him.
Come to think of it, Im curious too~.
Responding to the question, Ruby also reacted by slowly speaking languidly.
How did you come across the prophecy that the expedition team found?
Professor.
Yes?
However, as Ruby continued, she noticed Freys chilly smile and stopped, tilting her head.
Did you just address me as Professor, Miss Ruby?
Ah, yes.
The two exchanged cold smiles, their gazes silently crossing.
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Meanwhile, in Roswyns room
Hero
Seated in the corner of the room, hugging the two flower buds Frey had sent her, she gazed into the air with a vacant expression.
I miss you once again
Beside her was a partially filled-out application to become an assistant to the Magic Tower.
Beep, beep
Hm?
She stared blankly at the application before quietly burying her face in the flower buds. Suddenly, her attention shifted when the magical communication device rang.
Hellooo
She answered the call with a lethargic expression, as if everything was over.
..Pardon?
Suddenly, her eyes widened.
W-what did you just say?
Her voice was severely trembling.