Chapter 213: [Impostor]

Chapter 213: [Impostor]

Let me see if I understand, the [Dean] says.

I told you that some [Archmages] might be on your tracksobviously, they are too scared to do anything more than look from afar. You create a diversion in your class, an effective one, albeit rough. Then, you come to confront me, the [Dean]. An Elf. After which, you mount a threat of potential terrorism that would make even a Vanedeni blush.

The [Dean] pauses to open the second drawer from the top, taking out a bottle of greenish liquid.

Is that poison? I ask.

I wish, the man says while pouring himself a full glass and sipping it with a relieved face. Let me continue now.

The man takes another sip and stares straight at me.

You said you have a huge talent. You admit to being not just coached by one of the most famous spellcasters of the last five, six-hundred years? I dont know the Vanedeni history that well. But you, you also say in front of me that if you fly off the handle, you will destroy an entire country?

What?

Im extrapolating what you said. Feel free to correct me, though. Would you not destroy whatever was in front of you here in Lucerna if you lost it?

I dont know? I dont think so?

Good. Terrific magical talent and indecisive mortal threats, thats a good pairing.

Listen, I dont want to destroy this kingdom.

Oh, how very kind, the [Dean] takes another sip, sighing.

Then, after you postulate a possible civil war in my country on a whim, you tell me you are here just to study. To chill. Whatever refrigeration has to do with how you Humans speak.

Luciani, the [Dean] says with a frown, I have enough magic in here to restrain you. Im positive I could have a good shot at killing you, right here, right now. Im not sure Id be quick enough to avoid your Vanedeni friends coming and killing me before I managed to, but I could try. Sure, I would die immediately. But Im worried that you might be a threat too big to ignore. So, lets continue this conversation and see where it goes. Id like to understand your mind before doing anything drastic.

I dont really care about the threat. What worries me is that I dont care about the threat. I care about not caring. Does that make sense? Why am I so calm? Why am I almost relieved? Am I happy that someone will basically crash-test my internal motives and off me if they find something wrong?

After a second, I notice the [Dean]s gaze lost in the void, and I wave a hand in front of him. Whats up with this guy? I mean, I totally get the fact that Im basically the Elven equivalent of the ISIS here, but why is this dude drinking and spacing out at such an important juncture?

For the Tree of Life, has anyone told you that speaking with you can be very tiring?

My mother, I nod.

A wise woman, Ariostus says. But back to what we were saying.

Well, that about answers it. I get that having this conversation in daylight is a bit too much. Im a big fan of doing bad deeds at night. Much better on the symbolic side, you know? But it is also true that a villain dressed in all white might be as suggestive, if not more, than one dressed in all black.

Im sorry, I realize I just lost the thread, can you repeat what you just said?

Nope. My parents are dead.

Ariostus looks at me with a genuinely sad expression. I just shrug. Theres not much else I can do at this point. I came to another world, full of magic and adventures. I became strong. I became rich. I already excelled in so many things that they would make a normal persons life more than worth living.

But Im mostly alone.

Were you raised by the Vanedenis, then? That would explain the unspeakable talent of yours.

Nope, chief, I force a smile. Im justtired. I came here by chance. I have nowhere, literally nowhere, to return. The people in this nation hate me. The bonds I have built back in Amorium are also gone after this manhunt. Funny, huh, man-hunt. Now it makes more sense. But anyway, thats that. Im here, alone. I dont mind the Vanedenis, and Ive thought about going on mad adventures. But right now? Right now, I need some stability in my life.

And you thought that hiding in plain sight, dealing with one of the most dangerous groups of the underworld, and creating a huge mess in class today would give you that? And you magically managed to affiliate yourself with some of the most unstable students you could possibly find. Robin gave me a copy of their files, just so you know. Joey Luciani

What? What am I supposed to do? Who am I supposed to be?

Son, listen, the [Dean] looks in my eyes, appearing much older now, belonging to a different generationthe generation of my parents. Ill tell you something because you are one of my students, ok? But I need you to listen. There are records of red classes, the cursed ones. And one of them is [Impostor]. You are, in my opinion, dangerously close to it. Or maybe even worse. No one really knows why cursed classes exist or how they work exactly. But it doesnt surprise me that the Vanedenis didnt consider that. They probably dont have much experience with it, being the madmen they are.

What? [Impostor]?

[Impostor]. Its one of the few known cursed classes. And you are heading right into it. You are not an [Infiltrator] or a [Spy], Joey Luciani, which is what I feared. I was afraid that this would come to blows. But instead, you arelost? Yes. Lets say lost and faking that things are ok. We need to take measures for that.

What kind of measures?

First, drop the whole act. You need to be Joey Luciani. Not Gioeius. Im not an expert on cursed classes, but thats the first step for sure.

[Impostor]? Why would I get such a class? I cant help but feel a certain mistrust toward this person, an [Elf]. Just another figure who wants to help until a Dragon threatens me, and I need tocome on, lets not be children. If what hes saying is true, then Im in danger. But it could also be that he simply wants me away from this place.

We can plead your case with a great council, supported by [Archmages], Joey. You could willingly trade some of your magical expertise to make up for the mess. The political weight of that would mean that no one inside the Nine Towers Academy would be able to touch you. And the [Archmages] names would protect you from the nobles.

Is this person suggesting

Im suggesting we unveil your presence to the world while inside the academy. We gather the [Archmages] and maybe use your Vanedeni connections as a guarantee. Who in their right state of mind will attack you? Why should they even think of such a resolution? It would mean countless deaths before they can stop Valarith. She wields magic of old, and shes a genuine [Hero] if the records are to be trusted. No one messes with Vanedenis like her. And Ill bet that the Ahalis are trembling on Kome right now, fearing that she will come to slay them all. Im very curious about why shes not there yet, but thats for another time. If you agree, Ill gift you a [Professor] class. Youll plead for the support of [Archmages], and you can live in the academy with your own identity.

I scratch my nose.

What about my study group?

Would you rather keep lying to these people? Keep faking being their friend? Most of them are younger than you. And [Professors] here can still attend lessons. They would only benefit from being your friends.

Man, I scratch my head with a relieved laugh. Would you believe me if I told you that I was going to help them in disguise, then reveal myself in a crucial juncture, and see if they would follow me or not?

I laugh again, but a soft tear rolls down from the corner of my eye.

I really need to get a fucking grip on reality.