episode_0063

“Bern, please come over here and have a seat.”

Following his words, I sat down on the sofa opposite him.

The sofa was incredibly comfortable, perhaps due to its expensive nature.

Anyway.

The youngest principal of the academy.

The guardian of the academy, the next archmage, and so on.

His name, Alex Frederick, was accompanied by numerous titles.

Just by looking at people with his two eyes, he exuded an aura of intimidation.

He was waiting for me…

Moreover, he knew about my involvement in the scandal.

But then again, this gossip must be circulating among the students.

Those who need to know probably already do.

So, the principal must have brought me inside with various considerations in mind.

Should I ask what he wants to talk to me about?

“So, why did you call me here?”

Upon hearing this, the principal began speaking with a very amiable smile.

“Firstly, I have no intention of discussing Bern’s scandal.”

“….”

No intention of discussing it.

Then why bring up my name from the start?

Is this some kind of test?

Regardless, he continued speaking.

“We won’t inquire about why Bern ended up in such a situation or express any interest. So, rest assured about continuing your studies at the academy.”

“We don’t expel students from the academy over such incidents,” the principal said with a very compassionate expression.

Was this brought up due to enrollment issues?

Whether involved in a scandal or not, the tuition for this semester has already been paid, so there is no real impact on attending the academy.

Still, it wouldn’t hurt to express gratitude.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Anyway, let’s get to the point. First, Bern, I sincerely apologize for what happened. I offer my deepest apologies.”

With that, he suddenly bent his waist from the sofa and began apologizing to me.

Someone around my father’s age suddenly bowing and apologizing.

It was slightly awkward, but since I wasn’t particularly concerned about the matter, I told him nonchalantly.

“I’m not bothered by that. Besides, no one else seems to have been injured. Above all, it was an incident that occurred solely due to my choices. And if there’s any blame, it lies with the Requiem guys.”

Since the hospital bills were covered by the academy, and Lucy wasn’t harmed either.

Despite being called the world’s best academy, security breaches are inevitable for the progression of the story.

I decided to just accept it.

Furthermore, the principal handles things personally without delegating, making him a busy person working tirelessly throughout the year.

Besides managing the kingdom, he also travels to various places on the mainland for work.

Taking time out for me like this must also signify the principal’s genuine intentions.

Having listened to me, the principal straightened up and started chuckling while looking at me.

“Haha. Thank you very much, Bern. You truly have a depth of thought unlike your peers. You are completely different from the rumors. Someone might think you’ve changed. Haha.”

“….”

Well, it’s true that I’ve changed…

Anyway.

Bowing once again, the principal began expressing his gratitude to me.

“And Bern, on behalf of the academy, I extend our thanks. Thank you for protecting us in place of our students.”

“I simply did what needed to be done. Even if someone else had been there instead of me, they would have naturally tried to save them.”

“Haha. You have a good mindset indeed. Bern, many people in this world fail to treat the obvious as such. Therefore, continue to hold onto that mindset.”

“Anyway, that’s all I wanted to say. By the way, I hope I didn’t take too much of Bern’s lunchtime,” said the principal.

“It’s fine. Well then, if you’re done speaking, I’ll take my leave.”

“Yes, of course. It was nice meeting you, Bern. I hope you focus on your studies. Take care.”

With those words, I exited the principal’s office.

As I walked out into the hallway and checked the time,

It was nearing 1 o’clock already.

‘That wasn’t such an important conversation after all.’

Was that to be expected?

After all, I was probably summoned because of the incident with Requiem last time.

Well, considering that, it ended rather blandly.

Anyway, let’s stop by the store on the way out.

….

The room inside the principal’s office, despite being an office, felt quite simple yet cozy.

The academy’s principal, Alex, sat on the couch sipping coffee, lost in thought.

“It was something that had to be done… Nowadays, among students, no, among people, there aren’t many who think like that.”

Ha, reminiscing about the past.

“To consider sacrificing oneself for others as a matter of course. Truly a rare student. Rumors are not always to be believed.”

He set his cup down on the table and began tapping his shoulder with his hand.

“Ha, seems like I’m getting old. There isn’t a part of my body that feels okay. Even if I had two bodies, it wouldn’t be enough.”

Traveling between various countries on the mainland, constantly working without rest,

His body had deteriorated significantly compared to his youth.

His hair was gradually thinning, his back was in bad shape…

No matter how much magical power he possessed, aging was inevitable.

Moreover, various ailments caused by overwork continued to plague his body.

Nevertheless, he couldn’t rest.

Being a man burdened with many responsibilities, he couldn’t afford to rest even if he wanted to.

Considering the current unfavorable atmosphere on the mainland, there was no time to rest.

Thanks to the kingdom folks and the terrorist group Requiem, his head was almost splitting.

What could he do?

Surviving through these tough times was also a task as someone carrying burdens, as a principal.

“By the way, I forgot to mention giving Bern a small reward at the academy. My mind has been so occupied lately that I forget such things. Well… I’ll find out after this practical session is over.”

Now, it’s time to work again.

Sigh… Maybe I should retire after this year.

Indeed, this is not something a person should be doing.

At this rate, the academy principal will end up in the newspapers as having died from overwork.

“Ha… I really… want to retire.”

….

Time passed quickly, and before we knew it, it was Thursday.

Today is the day for dungeon exploration at the academy.

It proceeds a bit differently from the game I used to play, but

the overall flow remains unchanged.

Once the dungeon exploration is over, the final event of Act 2 will begin immediately.

As long as Silia behaves herself properly.

When we reach the latter part of Act 2,

There comes a moment when Silia cannot be found anywhere in the academy.

Even if I try to search for the missing Silia, she seems to have been erased from existence, impossible to find no matter how hard I look.

After some time passes, Silia reappears.

At that point, she doesn’t just appear as an NPC but transforms into a boss monster.

After her death, she learned a few things.

She was kidnapped by the Requiem guys and subjected to unspeakable acts.

She lost her sanity and turned into a killing machine, a slaughter weapon rampaging around.

No matter what they tried, there was no way to restore her sanity.

There was no other option but to let her be at peace.

However, this is not a game.

This is not a game but a real, existing world.

So, if I stick with her all day after this dungeon exploration,

I can prevent her from being kidnapped and becoming the boss of Act 2.

Of course, Silia might be extremely disgusted.

Otherwise, there is no other way.

Well, there could be a way to tell her that she will be kidnapped.

She might think I’m crazy or not believe what I say.

So, sticking with Silia is the best option.

Since we don’t know when or where she might be kidnapped.

But, if by some chance…

If she becomes the boss of Act 2.

If she loses control and goes on a rampage.

I… must protect Silia…

“Ha… What am I thinking?”

I should focus on protecting her.

What am I even thinking?

I can protect her.

I protected her last time, so I can do it again this time.

So, let’s not dwell on those negative thoughts.

Anyway, let’s finish preparing to go to the academy now.

We are supposed to gather at the gym today and move to the place with the underground labyrinth.

Before heading out, maybe I should check my equipment again.

The homeroom teacher said to bring gear for dungeon exploration.

“Longsword.. check. Healing potions.. check. Lantern powered by mana stones.. check. Knife as backup.. check. Emergency sword also in case.. check.”

Most things are packed.

I’m wearing comfortable clothes too.

“Now, shall we go out?”