The Academy’s Undercover Professor – 231



◈ Episode 231: Marks of fire (1)

Hans didn’t try to answer what Ludger said but quickly nodded.

“surely. “It would be more comfortable to be a crow flying in the sky than a rat crawling on the ground.”

“No one would be especially wary of birds.”

Ludger gently stroked the crow’s head.

The crow opened its beak and cawed.

It meant feeling good.

“If we collaborate with Sedina we will be able to quickly find the location of the relic.”

“Kek. “With that kid?”

“why. “You don’t like it?”

“No it’s not that I don’t like it…”

“It’s a poor child. Since he had nowhere to lean on he clung to me who might kill him. “I was that desperate.”

Hans sighed at Ludger’s words.

“Okay. Okay so stop talking. Are you doing this on purpose because you know I’m weak in emotions? “I will do as my brother tells me so just stop there.”

“okay. Since you are a senior set an example as a senior.”

Still Hans felt more at ease when he was praised as a senior.

At least Ludger seemed to acknowledge that this was superior.

“What if we pinpoint the location of the relic? “Steal?”

“What do you think should be done?”

“You weren’t planning on using that identity?”

“You mean Arsene Lupin? If I were to rob the imperial palace with that status it would be really noisy. However I plan to leave it as a last resort.”

“It’s a last resort. “Can’t I just slip into the shadows?”

In fact Ludger’s unusual movements were in spatial movement through shadows.

“It’s not something that can be used that easily. “If you don’t recognize the coordinates properly you may end up in the ground.”

“That’s just for me and the kid to check.”

“And there are more problems. The imperial court is a place filled with the strictest security within the empire. Especially important places like that are plastered with all sorts of magical protection. The technology of passing through shadows is also new but in the end it is magic. “If there is an obstacle in the middle it becomes dangerous.”

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“I think the conditions are very strict. It would have made no sense if there were no conditions for that level of magic. “Doesn’t that make enough sense even now?”

“That’s why. “In order to steal it you have to remove all the protection magic but that takes too much time.”

“I guess I have no choice but to choose another way.”

Hans also nodded as if he finally understood.

Of course there was one more thing Ludger didn’t say there.

‘If I rob the imperial family with Arsene Lupine I might actually get killed by that woman this time.’

Nightcrawler Knight Commander Terina Ryan Howl.

A lion’s cry commanding the defense of the empire.

In the past she was a great knight but now that she has surpassed the level of master she is someone who must avoid fighting.

“More than that brother. When are you planning to stop by the capital?”

“There is one thing that has been talked about recently.”

“story?”

“They were planning a field trip in Seorn.”

Hans looked puzzled but then nodded as if he understood.

“ah. but. “Even for students there are problems with being confined to the academy.”

“yes. Even now students are solving various problems at Lederbelk through the request bulletin board but that alone is not enough.”

Wizards are basically people who lock themselves in a corner of their room and devote themselves to research.

It was like that in the past but it has become much more serious these days.

Seorn was concerned about that so he created an educational curriculum that would take him outdoors periodically and field trips were one of them.

“The Imperial Magic Society and the schools that support Seorn. “By collaborating with them we introduce students to them have conversations with them and let them see the city.”

“I’ve heard of it. Do you call them mentors and mentees?”

“okay. You meet various magicians active in different fields listen to their stories and find the path that suits you. “The purpose itself is very good.”

That’s the intention but most students are busy exploring the city and having fun.

Even taking that into account it wasn’t completely ineffective.

“At that time I will also go to the capital as a guidance teacher so I will be able to take advantage of the opportunity when I meet the Imperial Magic Society.”

“Then I’m glad I got the chance.”

“Oh and Hans.”

“What else is there?”

“If you can now command a raven then it seems like your abilities have become much stronger than before. Is there anything you can guess?”

If Hans who previously could only control rats suddenly became able to control crows there must be some reason.

Right now it may be just one but it may increase to several in the future.

However it was not possible to think positively about power.

“Okay. I don’t know either. “It just happened when I suddenly came to my senses.”

“It happened naturally?”

“Yeah whatever.”

“Did you ever have a dream or something?”

“dream?”

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Hans seemed to be scratching his head and thinking about something.

Soon he shook his head.

“If you ask me if it’s a dream you probably don’t know me. I forget everything when I wake up. But why did you think it was a dream?”

“By feeling.”

“It’s just a feeling.”

“I don’t know anything else but I can guess why your abilities have become stronger.”

“uh? “Really?”

Ludger said as he put a piece of feed into the crow’s mouth.

“It’s a tooth.”

“Teeth? “You mean those teeth?”

“okay. The monster of Gévaudan can control other beasts. “I think it probably happened because of your transformation that day at the Kunst auction house.”

“her….”

“There was no change until now but now the reason my constitution has strengthened is probably due to that effect. “The beast’s kindness has manifested itself more strongly.”

“So it’s bad?”

“If you can’t suppress your wild nature that keeps getting stronger then things won’t go well.”

Hans’ face suddenly hardened.

A memory I didn’t want to remember came to mind.

If we continue like this we may be eaten by our own constitution and lose our humanity.

That alone was enough to make a person overcome with fear.

“But it doesn’t mean there is no way.”

“Is there a way? “You mean like the neutralizer you gave me?”

“Neutralizers only suppress your constitution and cannot completely cure it. Besides I don’t know how to make a cure. Your case is unprecedented and the first of its kind. “Even if we make it we can’t guarantee how long it will take.”

“Then it’s meaningless.”

“That’s not necessarily true. Because it depends on what you decide.”

“Me?”

Hans asked his eyes fluttering open.

“What do you mean I should do?”

“Poison can become medicine if used well. Hans. “Do you understand what I mean?”

“Are you saying that a better path will open up depending on how I use this ability?”

“Your insight has improved a lot. Your constitution is the first example that anyone has ever seen. Do you know what it means to be the first?”

Hans thought for a moment and came up with an answer.

“Isn’t it amazing?”

“That’s the result.”

“Then what is the answer? “There’s nothing that comes to mind.”

“First means only one thing. The possibilities are endless. “Even the greatness you mentioned is just one of countless paths you can choose.”

Hans closed his mouth at Ludger’s words.

“Hans. You are walking a path that no one can walk. I don’t know what lies at the end of the road. I don’t even know where I’m headed. “Maybe the very way you walk becomes a path.”

Hans felt that Ludger’s words were being addressed to more than just him.

“Depending on where and how you go you can become a great person or you can be reduced to a mere beast. “The only thing that depends on it is your will Hans.”

“….”

“It might be okay now but someday the moment of choice will come. What choice you make then is entirely up to you. Take your time but don’t be complacent. “There is no harm in preparing an answer in advance from now on.”

“I will take note. There is nothing to lose by listening to what your brother says. But honestly I can’t guarantee that it will work out.”

“Don’t worry. “That’s enough for now.”

“So what are you going to do now?”

“I came out but there was nothing to do.”

At Ludger’s words Hans says Paha! He burst out laughing.

“You moved unplanned unlike your older brother.”

“Sometimes having no plan is good. There’s been a lot of busy stuff lately. “You have to rest when you have time like now.”

“Well when you say that I can understand it. It was not long ago that Arcane Chamber announced its research results. “It’s time to cool off.”

“I actually came out to rest but I’m not sure what to do first.”

Hans thought that was surprising but he laughed out loud as if it was funny.

It was not unusual to see a person who had always been like steel wandering around in these areas.

“Since we’ve already come to this how about going shopping? older brother. “You made a lot of money.”

“Most of it disappears through investment though.”

“It’s not going to exceed that investment. Go eat something delicious and buy new clothes. “Isn’t that what life is all about?”

“You talk as if you’ve lived longer than me.”

“At least I can be confident that I know more about things to enjoy than my brother.”

Ludger chuckled at Hans’ joke.

“good night. “It’s been a long time coming so there’s no harm in getting some new clothes.”

“Are you going to go to the store that Violetta runs?”

“I’d like to request a custom production.”

“It’s become so famous that you have to wait in line but if it’s you you can do it right away. Let’s go. “Did you meet those guys down there?”

“okay.”

“…I plan to put you on a diet soon. “Don’t worry too much.”

* * *

Royal Street was full of people every day.

People gather they spread the word and more people gather.

Repetition of a virtuous cycle.

The reason these positive events continued was partly because the new business was so popular.

People who came out to see the musical chatted about the musical they had just seen as if they were having fun.

New magazines that came to bookstores sold like hot cakes as soon as they came out.

As new designs of clothes came out the number of noble ladies visiting Royal Street increased exponentially.

Artists from cities where it is difficult to make money all gathered in one place.

Musicians earned money by playing instruments on the streets and painters painted beautiful pictures on empty walls.

Poets and novelists all wrote for publication in magazines.

The sound of hammers and spinning springs echoing from a repair shop where machines are made.

Images of children running around and playing with toys.

The smell of freshly baked bread wafting up the chimney of the bakery.

The streets were full of life and warm.

It was a brightness not seen in a city that was often filled with steam and fog.

“Recently the city of Lederbelk has started to openly support this approach.”

Hans said to Ludger as they walked down the street.

“It’s so unfortunate that the guys who were trying to keep us in check by taking kickbacks from nearby merchants not long ago suddenly change their stance.”

“But thanks to you I won’t be able to do whatever I want there. “Because they too will get stabbed at some point.”

“That’s true but I may have become cautious because I don’t know much about the owner. It seems like he’s trying to contact his brother somehow. “What are you going to do?”

“Let’s watch a little longer. “Anyway the work to reach out to the entire city is progressing calmly underneath the water.”

Although Royal Street is now in Ludger’s hands.

As we gradually expand our sphere of influence around metallurgy we will be able to have a big impact on the entire city.

“Anyone who sees him will think he is an evil magnate who wants to devour the city.”

“It might seem that way.”

After exchanging meaningless conversation the two entered the store [House of Verdi] run by Violetta.

The store was full of noble ladies who came to look at clothes and employees walking around busily.

What was surprising was that not only noble ladies were seen but there were also many men.

“People are more diverse than I thought. “I thought only women would gather.”

“Maybe because of word of mouth a lot of famous fashion designers have been visiting us recently. In addition wealthy merchants and high-ranking wizards are coming.”

“Even a wizard?”

“Even wizards have people who put on appearances. “My brother said the same thing right away.”

“I’ve never made anything up.”

“…Ugh. That’s it. You seem like a deceiver. “Let’s go meet the manager here first.”

“Sure.”

It was at that time that Hans took the lead and was about to go up to the second floor.

“Get the person in charge out of here!”

Along with the ear-piercing shout a faint wave of magical power was released.

The surroundings were immersed in silence.

Ludger and Hans’ gaze naturally turned to the place where the magic flowed out.

There a young man with orange hair was frowning.

‘wizard.’

Ludger realized that it was he who had shouted and released magical energy a moment ago.

And one employee caught up in the release of magical power even fell to the floor.

“Oh my. “What’s going on?”

“That person. “Isn’t that Albert Pablo?”

Among the gathered guests someone who recognized the wizard called his name.

“If you are Pablo isn’t he a master magician belonging to the Old Magic Tower?”

“I heard it too. Moreover I heard that there is a color wizard in Pablo’s family.”

“If it’s Albert he must be his younger brother.”

In fact Albert himself showed his teeth and made a threat as if he was annoyed by the situation itself.

“I can’t hear you telling the person in charge to come forward!”

When no one could stop him Violetta appeared on the second floor.

Violetta who came down to wonder what was going on looked at Albert’s face and her expression instantly hardened.

On the contrary Albert recognized Violetta and twisted the corner of his mouth.

“what. Someone said it was you? “Violetta.”