Magic Tower Administration Department.
This entity functioned as an autonomous body, unaffiliated with any specific magic school, and was founded in the early days to remind insular magic schools of the Magic Tower's original intent.
Although its scope was modest, as it was intended to support each school, its role and influence were by no means insignificant.
It fostered collaboration and exchange among the isolated schools, curbing excessive rivalry and conflicts by possessing the authority to allocate a substantial portion of the budget. Through this, it encouraged unity and cooperation among the schools.
It's possible that their current interest in Kevin was related to this objective. Perhaps.
"As I mentioned, it's requested by the Alchemy School, the Life School, and others," said Whitney, a staff member of the Administration Department.
She appeared far more immaculate and impeccable compared to the other staff members, exuding a cool demeanor that effortlessly intimidated those around her.
However, this proved ineffective against Kevin, who consistently displayed an unyielding and stoic attitude toward everyone, regardless of their age.
"So, why me? Right at the start of the semester… How am I supposed to handle my classes tomorrow?"
It made sense. The task requested by the Administration Department involved traveling to the research zone in Northland, a far cry from merely visiting a nearby region.
Northland was situated to the north of England, essentially on the other side of Landa. The round trip required a significant investment of time.
Requesting a professor actively engaged in teaching to undertake such a task was preposterous.
"…I understand it's a difficult request. That's why we're willing to provide you with the best transportation support we can."
"It's a given. If you're asking for help, providing transportation and other necessary support is just common sense, isn't it?"
Whitney was slightly taken aback by his accurate response. However, Kevin didn't stop.
"Even with transportation support, it would take at least a week. The research zone in question is deep within Northland, but you didn't install any portal magic devices for security reasons."
"……."
"Portal magic can only take me to the border of Northland. From there, I'd have to travel by train, car, or on foot. If I were unlucky and encounter transportation problems, it could take more than a week… You didn't think I'd know that?"
Kevin stared at Whitney with an angry glare, fueled not by emotional rage but by rationality and reason.
As Whitney struggled to hide her embarrassment, she forced herself to remain calm and spoke.
"Yes, that's why we're asking for your help. As you know, our Magic Tower's research facilities are concentrated in the research zone I mentioned."
"There are many beasts and herbs there. It's also less populated, so there's less scrutiny."
"Yes, that's why there are several research institutes, such as the Alchemy School's potion laboratory and the Life School's chimera laboratory."
Oliver, who had been standing like a piece of furniture in the corner of the professor's office, was lost in thought. The mention of the Life School's laboratory reminded him of Mattel's secret underground lab.
"……."
"Of course, there are also researchers. Quite a number of them, in fact. However, since last month, there have been consistent disappearances, one or two at a time."
"What about the possibility of ordinary disappearances?"
"We've been searching, but there are no traces of that. In fact, there are no traces at all."
"Then why not send ordinary wizards?"
"We've already sent two teams. They were investigating every laboratory in the research zone, but suddenly we lost contact with them."
Upon hearing this, Kevin's emotions shifted from annoyance to a hint of interest and seriousness.
"If even the wizards sent from the tower have gone missing, shouldn't we dispatch a formal search party?"
"It's not that simple; the scope of the damage is still small. Moreover, if we take large-scale action, the central council will have grounds to dispute our decisions."
"……."
"But still, no matter how insignificant the damage may be, it's still damage. We can't ignore it, which is why we're asking for your help, Professor Kevin. You served in Northland and were well-acquainted with the region, and didn't you also make significant contributions to quelling the rebels?"
"It was just a few months."
"But you're the most recent person to have experience there. We've also sent requests to professors from other schools. Please help us just this once."
Whitney pulled out several letters from the file she was holding.
The wax seals were imbued with magic and the blue and red stripes along the edges of the envelopes gave them a luxurious appearance.
"Quite fancy envelopes."
"Of course, this request isn't mandatory. But if you help us, all the other professors will be grateful."
At those seemingly loaded words, Kevin stared intently at Whitney, a member of the tower's administrative department, before responding.
"…I'll think about it."
Whitney silently expressed her gratitude to Kevin and exited the room.
As she pivoted to depart, her gaze met Oliver's, but she left without recognizing his presence.
The echo of her footsteps dwindled, giving way to a hushed atmosphere.
Oliver, who had arrived to deliver a book Kevin had requested, deliberated whether to break the silence by mentioning the book or simply leave it behind and depart discreetly.
"…What do you think?"
Kevin suddenly asked.
"I think it might be best to just quietly leave the book and go."
At Oliver's response, Kevin looked at him with a subtle expression.
"…Did I make a mistake?"
"It might not be a mistake since it's you… I was asking what you think about that request."
Oliver was slightly surprised. Kevin usually didn't ask for his opinion on such matters.
Although he didn't know the reason, Oliver thought it over and answered sincerely.
"First of all, there's no problem with it according to the tower's regulations."
Oliver recalled the [Tower Regulations] book he had read in the past and answered.
While the Tower's professors were indeed educators, they were also simultaneously wizards associated with the Tower. Given valid reasons and agreement, they could be deployed in such a manner. Naturally, enforcing directives was an option, but the procedure would be exceedingly complex.
"Right, there's no problem with the regulations. So, should I accept that request?"
"No."
Oliver answered immediately.
"Although asking for your help doesn't cause any problems under the regulations, in other words, it's not a problem at all if you refuse."
Kevin nodded with faint satisfaction.
"That's right. It's not wrong. That's why the administrative department is ‘requesting' help… What would happen if I accepted the request?"
The answer came without hesitation again.
"Considering the time you'd be away, your classes would either be canceled or covered by another professor."
"Exactly, that's it. They're aiming for that."
"Who?" Oliver asked, filled with suspicion. "Professor, with all due respect, I don't mean to challenge your words, but the staff member who just came in wasn't here with that kind of intention. Of course, she may not have favorable feelings towards you, but her need for help was genuine."
"She's just a staff member. What I meant by ‘they' is someone who made her make such a request."
"Who is that someone?"
"Someone who doesn't like me, I suppose. With enough power and influence, they can indirectly manipulate others to make such requests."
Kevin snapped his fingers in a familiar gesture. It was similar to the hand movement of Puppet while controlling Corpse dolls.
"You seem to have a good eye, but don't rely on it too much. There are people in this world who hide their true selves and move chess pieces to control the world."
These were not merely offhand remarks but earnest and rather weighty statements.
Oliver abruptly recalled a story Merlin had shared with him. At one point, the tower had transformed into a political battleground rather than a research or academic establishment…
Just as Oliver was about to apologize for his fleeting thoughts, Kevin hesitantly broke the silence.
"Of course, my thoughts might be wrong. It could just be my paranoia… Northland is a dangerous place, so they might genuinely want to send skilled wizards."
"Is it that dangerous?"
"Yeah, it's a barbaric place governed more by customary law and tribes than a rational legal system… The kingdom's administration only reaches the railway and mining towns, but beyond that, you can encounter highway robbers or dangerous beasts quite frequently."
“Um…”
Unintentionally, Oliver became engrossed in the captivating tale. It was astonishing that such disparities could exist within the same United Kingdom.
However, upon reflection, it wasn't that peculiar.
Considering Landa and its adjacent cities, wasn't there a divergence in lifestyle and culture? It was entirely reasonable for there to be distinctions between Northland, a remote location, and Landa.
"Anyway, it's a dilemma… Seeing that they even sent me a letter, they really want me to go, and if I don't, they'll label me a coward or irresponsible for neglecting my duties."
Kevin shook the still unopened letter envelope. It was as if he was dealing with a carefully laid trap rather than a sincere letter.
Watching him, Oliver quietly raised his hand.
"What is it?"
"First, I'd like to thank you."
"For what?"
"For sharing this story with me. I feel like I've heard and learned a lot more thanks to you."
Oliver honestly expressed his thoughts. At his words, Kevin furrowed his brow. He had shared this information to see the reaction after giving various pieces of information, but the young man seemed to genuinely appreciate it.
"Would you allow me to ask a question if it's alright?"
"…Go ahead."
"If you were to go, another professor could take over your classes, but you don't like that?"
"Of course. It's my class."
"But you didn't originally want to teach, did you?"
"One doesn't always have to fulfill their responsibilities only for the things they like. Sometimes, you have to do your best for your goals, even if it's something you don't like."
That remark was fascinating, and even more compelling were the brief glimpses of Kevin's emotions.
A myriad of emotions was interwoven, creating a captivating display.
Curiosity stirred within Oliver. What was Kevin's goal? He pondered the driving force that compelled Kevin to give his best, even in the distasteful magic lessons, the magic tower, and the classes.
"So, you want to continue teaching while avoiding this request without any issue?"
"If I were to be greedy, yes."
"Um… then, how about I go?"
"What?"
"How about I go to that research zone? As your representative."
⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩
Oliver's suggestion was straightforward.
Kevin would maintain his teaching position at the magic tower, while Oliver would undertake the research zone survey requested by the tower's administration.
The regulations posed no issue. There was a clause permitting a professor to delegate work to trusted staff or personal students in non-urgent situations.
Naturally, the professor would assume some responsibility if complications arose, but the key point was that Kevin could proceed with his classes while addressing the requested task.
Oliver suggested this, saying he would be more helpful to Kevin this way than just doing odd jobs at the magic tower.
Caught off guard, Kevin contemplated for a moment before reluctantly agreeing to the plan.
Once the decision was made, Kevin notified the magic tower's administration office.
The office voiced their displeasure at Kevin's choice through the communication device, but when Kevin responded with his characteristic composed yet assertive tone grounded in rules, they quickly relented.
There was no conflict with the magic tower's regulations.
Consequently, Oliver readied himself for departure, equipped with a modest travel allowance, an entrance permit from the magic tower, and a document confirming his identity.
Before departing via the magical portal, Kevin cautioned Oliver about potential hazards in Northland.
He advised being vigilant against swindlers and fraudsters, as many Northlanders harbored resentment towards the kingdom's inhabitants in towns and cities.
Beyond the towns and cities, he warned of the dangers posed by wild animals, Kell rebels, and bandits.
The harsh conditions and inherent aggressiveness of Northlanders gave rise to numerous ruthless bandits.
Now, aboard the train, Oliver gazed out the window at a figure born from that deprivation and aggression.
"Halt the train at once…!!"
A burly man, brandishing formidable magic and standing on a modified vehicle, bellowed with a double-headed axe resting on his shoulder.
(To be Continued on May 29(MON))
OR
$5/month6 chap ahead + 5 chap/week$15/month12 chap ahead + 5 chap/week$30/month19 chap ahead + 5 chap/week$45/monthAll advance chap + 6 chap/week
