Chapter 45: Mystery (2)

"Hmm, what's up, Neike?" I asked, glancing at Siena, who still clung to my right arm.

Despite the curious gazes of the surrounding students, Siena showed no signs of letting go.

But something felt different this time.

Neike had initiated the conversation, and it didn't seem like he came to share a joke.

Quickly, I gathered my thoughts.

'It must be related to the investigation of the magic dungeon incident.'

Neike had been asked by Senior Professor Rok to investigate the first-year students.

'At this point, he must have already received the request'

The investigation team was probably formed by now.

However, it was a futile effort.

Neike's team would discreetly investigate the first-year students, but they would find nothing.

The culprit wasn't a student but an instructor.

Only after the culprit had brought most of his cronies into the academy would they act.

It was incredibly frustrating when I played through that episode. I would never have handled it that way.

"Anyway..." I pondered.

Was Neike inviting me to join the investigation team?

I didn't want to intentionally interfere with the story, but I saw no reason not to participate.

The other team members would take care of it.

I just had to be on board.

'Just by being part of the investigation team, my reputation score will increase, and I'll earn significant extra points in practical evaluations'

As I was lost in these thoughts, Neike appeared troubled.

"Um... this is a conversation that needs to be held between the two of us," he said, looking at Siena, who was still clinging to my right arm.

It was clear he wanted her to leave.

'But this fool, I mean Neike, she's going to hear everything anyway.'

Siena's spirit magic was unknown to most and Neike had no affinity for spirits.

I gazed at Siena for a moment.

"Hehe, I understand. Building relationships with classmates is important. But... don't take too long, okay?"

Siena obediently left the classroom, although she would likely send a spirit to eavesdrop.

But for now, Siena was out of earshot.

Turning my attention back to Neike, I inquired, "So, what's is it that requires just the two of us?"

Neike looked around the classroom where a few students still lingered.

"Would you mind if we changed locations?" he asked.

"Understood," I replied.Diiscover new stories at nove/lbin(.)c/om

I followed Neike to the exclusive dormitory of the Hero Department.

The Hero Department's exclusive dormitory was a space that clearly showcased the academy's merit-based approach, granting residence only to the top 10 students regardless of age, status, or race.

"Let's go in," Neike said, opening the door to a room and stepping inside.

I followed suit.

The room was filled with familiar faces—Piel, Jang Woohee, Aisha, Andrew, Eshild.

Alongside Neike and me, a total of seven people were present.

'Andrew wasn't part of the group in the original story.'

It seemed that the future had been altered.

But that worked in our favor. Andrew, the top magician among the first-year students, was incredibly talented.

He might prove to be a valuable asset to the investigation rather than an obstacle.

'Let's see how things unfold before making any decisions.'

Poor Andrew, always appearing wherever Aisha went.

Unrequited teenage love can be quite bitter.

"I've simply obtained a new trait."

Archdemon?

What utter nonsense.

An Archdemon's discerning gaze was particularly acute.

There were geniuses all over the continent who would sell their souls to make a pact.

"But that explanation simply isn't enough," Piel stated, her gaze fixed on Theo.

Her eyes burned with crimson rage.

"No trait can alter a person's personality so rapidly. The exceptional leadership you displayed in the magic dungeon and your composed demeanor in extreme situations—it's too extraordinary."

Piel had observed numerous active heroes, even encountering several who ranked within the top 10.

Yet, none could compare to Theo.

Despite his lack of strength, he resembled a superhero from a fairy tale.

His transformation was extraordinary.

However, if Theo had indeed made a pact with a great demon, everything would fall into place.

Piel knew all too well how people changed when they entered a contract with a great demon.

Merely recalling the horrors from that time was enough to make her feel as if she were losing her mind.

"...You can still turn back now. Tell me the truth," Piel pressed, gnawing at her lips.

It was a sight she, always proud and filled with righteous competitive spirit, had never shown before others.

But Theo simply stared back at her with vacant eyes, saying nothing.

His sorrowful gaze shattered the last remnants of her rationality.

"Speak up!"

Piel's scream erupted like a wail, causing the other members to gaze at me with apprehension.

My boiling mind swiftly cooled down.

...It's rather considerate of them to confront me directly instead of scheming behind my back, implying that this can still be resolved.

Even though they're prospective superhumans... they're still in their mid-teens, just kids.

They're emotional and lack experience. Naturally, they couldn't grasp the trouble a high-tier magic artifact can unleash.

No signs of external interference had been found.

Despite scrutinizing the faculty members, not even the tiniest clue emerged, indicating that the culprit must be a student.

It was a simple yet rational deduction.

Though I was seething with anger, I understood why they harbored suspicions about me to some extent.

After all, there was likely no one as out-of-place as me in the academy at the moment.

Culprits often behaved conspicuously at the scene of the crime to deflect suspicion.

I possessed all the knowledge of the truth, while they remained in the dark.

"I am not the culprit, nor have I made a pact with a great demon," I stated firmly.

However, there would be consequences for carelessly suspecting someone.

The matter was too grave to be dismissed just because they were young.

"You still..." Piel began.

"Give me two days, and I will apprehend the true culprit behind the magic dungeon incident," I interjected.

"What?"

Piel's voice trembled with agitation.

"Do you have a loud mouth but deaf ears? If you grant me two days, I will expose the real perpetrator responsible for the magic dungeon incident."

"What do you..."

"Just remember this. I definitely won't forget today's humiliation," I declared, rising from my seat and exiting the room.

***

We got approved for ads! The website is going to be messy for while... Ads will sometimes be there, sometimes not. Pictures might not show up, light mode might need a refresh... Basically older versions of the website might show up rather than the latest. Sorry it'll be that way for a week longest hopefully (name server change).

Bonus chap! Thank you Ahmad, Jonathan!

Enjoy the chappy!