All-Master Player Of The Academy [EN]: Chapter 285

143. The Day of Departure – 1

Even as I prepared to leave, I still had tasks to complete.

And the most pressing of these were, of course, the projects piling up in the Academy development zone.

After bidding farewell to my classmates, I headed straight to the lab the next day.

A wizard, who had been waiting, handed me a piece of paper.

It detailed the problems they were encountering with the equipment currently under development.

After a quick glance, I scribbled formulas and magic circles onto the paper and returned it. The wizard accepted it with delight and respect.

“Ah! So that’s how it works!”

“The 8th circle spell, Cloud Diamond Dusk, requires precise mana concentration. You can’t ignore the medium, but the centering magic circle is paramount.”

“I see. Hmm. So, the method was flawed. The Mond School will be quite disappointed.”

“Please have someone from the Mond School visit later.”

“They’re already at the Academy.”

“Really? Then tell them to finish their current work and attend the research meeting tonight.”

“Understood! But, Count Ian, are you sure it’s alright to share this so freely? What you’re passing on is…”

“Are you asking if it’s part of the Magic Kingdom’s legacy? Yes, it is.”

“Aren’t you planning to establish a new school? If you keep sharing knowledge like this…”

“I have no intention of creating a school.”

I stated firmly, and the wizard looked perplexed.

However, the fact that I was sharing the Magic Kingdom’s legacy with the Magic Tower was a significant boon for them.

What if I were to create a school?

That school would quickly become immensely powerful.

All resources are finite.

Resources would be concentrated on my suddenly powerful school, reducing the resources available to other schools.

“It’s a shame. I thought the Magic Tower would flourish under your guidance, Count Ian.”

“The Magic Tower can develop sufficiently with the knowledge and technology I’m currently providing. And…”

I smiled and pulled the device I was working on closer.

“Someday, we might even be able to rebuild the Magic Kingdom.”

“I’m sure we will. And I hope you’ll be at the center of it then, Count Ian.”

That’s unlikely to happen.

But I remained silent, and the wizard bowed and departed.

Shortly after he left, the lab door opened again.

“Hey, Ian.”

It was Crowley.

Still in her student uniform, she walked over and plopped down on the chair, speaking bluntly.

“I heard you’re leaving?”

“Where did you hear that?”

“The spirits are buzzing about it.”

The spirits of the wind were always watching me.

Of course, they would have overheard the conversation I had with the upper-level Class B students in the lobby.

“I don’t understand it at all.”

“I don’t think I need to make you understand.”

Crowley frowned, her pretty face creased with confusion.

She couldn’t comprehend what this human in front of her was thinking.

“Are you sure you’re doing the right thing? Won’t there be problems at the Academy without you?”

“If the wind spirits know, then Sylphion [the Queen of the Wind Spirits] knows too. That means Instructor Valentine will know as well.”

“Probably.”

“The instructors aren’t fools. They’ll have made sufficient preparations. And there are things I’m leaving behind…”

They’ll manage well enough with that.

I said nonchalantly, and Crowley shook her head.

“Then what about this?”

She pointed to the circlet on her head.

“If you put something like this on me, shouldn’t you take responsibility until the end?”

“Do you like me? Wouldn’t it be better if I weren’t here? Why are you trying to hold me back?”

“I don’t dislike you?”

But she doesn’t like him either.

Crowley said with a sulky expression, and I nodded, as if I expected it.

“So? Are you going to release it?”

“Just wear it.”

“What if someone else uses this to pressure me? Rubellin is dead, and all the demons of hell are gone.”

The number of demons remaining on the continent wasn’t that high.

But the power those demons possessed couldn’t be ignored.

“What if they return to hell and rebuild their forces? And what if I become the King of Hell?”

What if someone later discovers the circlet and its power?

She would be at his mercy.

“If that happens, a crisis will engulf the continent.”

“That won’t happen.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because the circlet and the incantation aren’t from this dimension. Simply knowing the incantation doesn’t grant anyone the ability to use it.”

“Huh? Hmm. But there could be someone like Rubellin…”

“That won’t happen.”

I said firmly, and Crowley pouted.

He didn’t seem to have any intention of releasing her from it.

“Tch.”

“I told you before, it can withstand even divine power. Why are you so eager to remove it when it’s such a good thing?”

“Sigh.”

Eventually, Crowley shrugged and sighed.

And her eyes flashed.

“If it can block even divine power, then there’s no one in this world who can stop me.”

“Well, you never know. Soon, an early model Titan [a powerful magical construct] will be created in the Dwarven City as well.”

And there’s already a Titan that’s been made.

If the Dwarven City and Highrar [likely a reference to a powerful magical organization or location] collaborate, and the Magic Tower joins in, the production speed will increase even further.

“Considering the meditation method I’m teaching…”

“Ugh…”

“If you can fight and defeat those with such things and dominate the world, then I’ll have to acknowledge it.”

I put down the screwdriver and looked at her.

“I’ll consider that your form of resistance.”

“Haa. You’re so stubborn.”

“How can you live without this much stubbornness?”

I chuckled and reached out to grab another piece of equipment.

Crowley watched him work and then stormed out.

How long had it been after she left?

Just as he finished making what he was making, the door to the lab opened.

“Ian. Can I talk to you for a moment?”

It was Aranse.

I nodded as I asked, holding snacks and tea.

“Sure. Are you here representing the instructors?”

“Yes. You knew it, of course.”

“That’s the only reason the instructors would be looking for me.”

Aranse sighed deeply.

“I heard the story. You’re leaving?”

“Yes.”

“To another dimension.”

“Yes.”

“Do you have to go?”

“Yes.”

I was as firm as ever and didn’t seem to have any intention of stopping what he wanted to do.

Aranse looked at him with pity.

“Okay. Well. If you’ve decided that, I can’t stop you.”

“You’re not going to try to stop me?”

“Would I be able to stop you if I tried? I haven’t known you for very long, but… I think I know you.”

I was always so resolute that nothing could sway him.

How could he change such a person’s decision?

“I just hope you achieve all your goals wherever you go.”

“Haha. Thank you. You’re letting me go so coolly.”

“What would I do if I didn’t let you go coolly? Of course, the other instructors told me to persuade you… Anyway. Can you come back after you leave?”

“Yes.”

“Then that’s enough. People are bound to part ways someday… I’ll just think of this parting as coming a little sooner.”

“Excellent. Instructor Aranse.”

“Haha. You.”

Aranse smiled bitterly and stood up.

“That tea was a gift. It has a good fragrance, so drink it from time to time. And the snacks were also a gift.”

“I’ll eat and drink well.”

“You don’t have to worry about the chaos that will arise from your departure. Although your presence is significant, Fredon Academy is by no means weak.”

“I know.”

I smiled, and Aranse smiled back.

After saying goodbye, Aranse left, and Myae [likely a familiar spirit or magical companion] tapped the snack bag.

“Then you’re the only one left…”

“Myaa~ Myamya~.”

“Will you be waiting at the Sun Temple in the Academy?”

“Myaaaa…”

Myae clung to me with regret.

She wanted to follow him.

“Myaaaaa…”

“Going with me is by no means easy.”

Even Marzana, the giant and the Queen of Winter, couldn’t do it.

No matter how much Myae is a spirit of light, he couldn’t simply take her on his journey.

“I’m saying this for your sake.”

I stroked Myae’s fluffy head.

At his affectionate voice, Myae finally nodded.

“Myamya…”

“So wait. And think about it. Which is better, the pain of being separated from me or the pain of living an endless life?”

“Myaa.”

“I’ll definitely come back.”

* * *

Just because I announced that I was leaving didn’t mean time stopped.

The chilly weather gradually warmed, and soon it was time for the Hero Festival at the Academy.

A guest arrived at the Academy.

“Why did you come?”

It was nothing short of astonishing.

The Emperor of the Vlad Empire himself visited Fredon Academy.

His arrival caused a stir not only in Fredon Academy but also in various countries.

But I remained as indifferent as ever.

“I’ve decided to hand over the Emperor’s throne to Osnen after this year.”

“So?”

The Emperor looked around my lab with an impassive expression.

He surveyed the interior, which was even more complex than the research lab of the Imperial Magic Department, and then grabbed his sword.

“Shouldn’t we settle our unfinished match?”

“Haven’t you heard the rumors circulating in the world?”

The Emperor shook his head.

He had heard them.

Many people were saying that I was stronger than the Sword Saint, the Emperor, and the Forest Keeper.

“But shouldn’t we determine who’s superior? And this thought…”

Before he could finish his words.

The door burst open.

“Hey! Ian… Oh?”

Blanche, who opened the door, was flustered.

“I, I didn’t know His Majesty the Emperor would be here.”

She had heard that the Emperor had arrived.

But she didn’t know he would come straight here instead of going to the Dean’s office.

Blanche was embarrassed and approached Ian, saying.

“The Sword Saint and the Forest Keeper are here now.”

“Really?”

“That’s right. I told them too.”

Since he had decided to step down from the Emperor’s throne, shouldn’t he determine who was the strongest?

At his words, the Sword Saint and the Forest Keeper had come to the Academy.

“And… I heard you’re leaving soon.”

“Where did you hear that?”

“Don’t underestimate the Imperial Intelligence Department.”

The Emperor smiled, and I nodded.

“I’m in the middle of finishing up, so I have a lot to do. Come to the training ground.”

Ian Brandon, the strongest in the current world.

And the Sword Saint, the Emperor, and the Forest Keeper, who were once among the strongest.

The news that they were going to have a showdown spread instantly not only to the Academy but also to the town.

“Ugh. I want to try too!”

Widron, who came to recruit new members, grumbled, and Danju next to him grabbed his sword.

“I’m next.”

“Should I just barge in?”

“Don’t come crying after getting beaten up.”

The strong who come every Hero Festival.

And the students of the Academy waited with excitement as the players entered.

The Sword Saint, who looks like a young girl but has swordsmanship that is better than anyone else.

The Weapon Master Forest Keeper, who is muscular to the point that it is hard to see him as an old man and can handle numerous weapons.

Finally, the Emperor, who can cut anything with one sword.

They bowed slightly as they looked at Ian standing in the center of the training ground.

“I know you are stronger than me.”

“Are you still going to do it?”

“I just want to know what level I am at.”

The Sword Saint pointed her sword at Ian.

Seeing that, the Forest Keeper threw all the weapons in his bag on the floor.

“I wanted to fight you at least once.”

“Sure.”

The Emperor, who was looking around at them, calmly opened his mouth.

“I’ll go first.”

At his appearance, the Sword Saint bared her teeth.

“Get lost.”

The Forest Keeper also pointed the axe he was holding at the Emperor.

“Consider it fortunate that I’m not attacking you right now?”

The Emperor growled at the Sword Saint and the Forest Keeper’s sharp reaction.

I said calmly to them.

“Do we need to do it multiple times in a complicated way?”

-Kuuuuung!!

An aura like a storm erupted from me.

The Sword Saint, the Forest Keeper, and the Emperor smiled at the enormous aura that even the onlookers were terrified of.

“Let’s all attack together.”

I raised my sword.