Chapter 48: Young King Young Boss (2)

I looked at the strict professor with a serious expression.

"I apologize for not being able to disclose details, as it's a top-secret mission. However, I can assure you it's not something that would tarnish the dignity of a Hero Department student."

Then, I bowed my head deeply.

My over-immersed teammates also bowed their heads.

"I see. If even you, usually so arrogant, have to bow your head like this, it must be crucial. Tell me when you can talk about it next time. Take care of yourself."

The strict professor gave a satisfied smile and stepped aside.

"Yes, I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for your concern."

I needed to hurry.

"Let's get moving again."

"As expected of our captain. You beat such a stubborn professor with just a few words."

"..."

"Hehe, Theo. That was so cool."

And so, our team arrived at the faculty dormitory.

In one of the rooms on the 5th floor of the faculty dormitory, where professors and instructors lived, a man who appeared to be in his early 30s was fiddling with a fist-sized red crystal.

The man was none other than Francis, the culprit behind the magic dungeon incident.

Francis was an instructor at Elinia Academy, the continent's top educational institution, but his role was limited to assisting with practical evaluations rather than giving lectures.

Although he held a respectable position, he was discontent.

'Hehe, I can't believe they assigned me such a sweet task.'

Francis was a hero by profession, but he lacked any sense of duty or justice. His actions were driven purely by self-interest.

That's why he joined 'Turning White', a villainous group that claims to restore the corrupted continent back to a blank state.

'Once I complete this mission successfully, this artifact will be entirely mine.'

To be honest, Francis had no interest in their cause. That didn't matter to him.

All that mattered was the reward.

'Joining the organization was indeed a wise choice. They gave me such a powerful artifact for a mission of this difficulty. I wonder what I'll get if I succeed in a more challenging mission...'

Francis gently caressed the fist-sized crystal.

While its texture didn't feel any different from a regular crystal, it was no ordinary object.

This high-tier magic artifact called [Amplification Orb], as the name suggests, amplifies the power when using magic with it.

From what he could tell, it seemed to more than double the potency of his magic.

'With this power, I can do anything.'

Francis was a low-ranking hero, placed within the bottom 10% of active heroes. In a way, he was a failed hero.

But with the [Amplification Orb], even mid-ranking heroes would be no match for him. The artifact's effectiveness had already been proven.

A week ago, an investigation team visited the academy, but nothing happened.

Francis had cast forgetfulness and confusion magic on them, affecting not just one person but the entire team.

Of course, even with the help of the [Amplification Orb], he had used up all his mana.

Even after several days, only about half of his mana had recovered.

'It doesn't matter. All I have to do is wait.'

His mana would fully recover by tomorrow.

That's when the real operation would begin.

Starting tomorrow, Francis planned to secretly bring his comrades from Turning White into the academy.

Since the academy's own defense has noticeably strengthened since the magic dungeon incident, he can't bring in many people at once─

'By Friday, all my comrades will have arrived.'

By then, his job would be nearly complete. His comrades would take care of the rest once they were inside the academy.

He didn't know their objective and didn't care. All he needed was his reward.

The Hero Department might be in great danger.

'What does that have to do with me?'

Whether students die or the academy is destroyed, what does it matter?

'Rather, they should thank me. A hero should overcome any challenge, right?'

With those thoughts in mind, Francis continued to stroke the crystal.

"Hmm."

He felt as if someone was watching him.

Francis gripped the hand axe he had set next to his bed and opened the window.Diiscover new stories at nove/lbin(.)c/om

"What is it?"

But there was nothing there.

However.

"What?"

Francis witnessed a bizarre scene.

Thwack!

Noctar had punched himself in the side of the head.

Theo, on the other hand, appeared unaffected by the spell.

But Francis's bewilderment quickly disappeared.

Unlike that blockheaded orc and that human leech, he is an active hero.

He doesn't panic in urgent situations.

Instead of fighting them, Francis ran in the opposite direction.

Of course, he could have dealt with those two brats in just 30 seconds, but the orcs that had rushed to the upper floor would soon be here.

'As expected, he's planning to run.'

Theo closely observed Francis's legs.

'I didn't expect him to be this composed, but it doesn't matter.'

[Observer's Eye] foresaw Francis's movements.

His leg muscles swelled as if he were about to run.

"Catch him, Siena."

"Yess~."

Siena, who was at the main gate of the staff dormitory, quickly appeared.

"I caught him. Did I do well?"

"Kuh, ugh."

Francis felt something invisible wrapping around his body.

It was clear that the elf girl had done something.

Immediately, Francis cast a debuff spell on Siena.

"Kyaa?!"

Siena let out a cute sound.

Slowly, the energy that had been binding Francis disappeared.

However, he wasn't in perfect condition.

Theo and Noctar, who had quickly rushed over, started stabbing and clubbing at his body.

Though the practice weapons weren't sharp, they were enough to break bones.

"Kuh, ugh."

Francis is quick at assessing situations.

That's why he was certain.

He was screwed.

Thud, thud─

His body wouldn't move properly, especially his legs, which refused to respond.

To use magic nullification, Theo placed a hand on Siena's shoulder.

"Hu, hueng... I'm scared. Don't leave me... Theo."

Theo embraced the staggering and dizzy Siena, then looked down at Francis.

"Francis, suspect in the magic dungeon incident, I'm arresting you."

"Even if there are suspicions, does a mere student have the right to arrest an instructor? Besides, I've already been investigated by the investigation team."

Francis spoke confidently.

"You'll find out when you wake up."

Thud!

Tarkan, who had sprinted over, struck Francis on the head.

Following that, the orcs began roughly beating Francis with their muscular arms and legs.

"Damn, beat the crap out of this guy!"

"Hey, don't hit his face. It'll leave a mark, it could cause problems later."

"Grr, grr..."

That was Francis's last memory.

***

Last Bonus! Thank you, Zzxz, Zzxx and Avarco!

Enjoy the chappy!