Chapter 24: Mistaken for a Graduate Student

“Professor! How about calling that student to your lab sometime?”

“What?! I’m against it. I heard he’s the kind of brat who, right after entering by flaunting his family name, goes around bossing others around and bullying students from weaker families. He’s also extremely possessive of his fiancée. It’s better not to associate with people like that.”

As soon as the master’s graduate student suggested to Professor Radvisin that he call me over, the doctoral graduate student grabbed his arm to stop him.

If they knew about the mischief this possessed body had committed in the past, their reaction would naturally be like that.

‘But I didn’t expect the rumors to spread even to graduate students who are buried under thesis work…!’

I guessed that since they discovered I couldn’t infuse toxicity into my Aether, the rumors likely spread along with accounts of last semester’s behavior.

Among gossips and scholars who like to criticize others, Karbaldr’s Aether deficiency would be an intriguing topic. They’d start their stories with, “There’s a guy with Aether problems…” just like the conversation I was overhearing now.

“Seriously?! There’s someone like that?”

“Exactly. Plus, not fully inheriting his Aether ability must be a huge complex for him. If he says he wants to research that area, people would be quick to cooperate.”

“Ugh… Now that you mention it, he sounds like the type who’d throw a fit and cause trouble.”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

It seemed like no one had heard that Karbaldr was reflecting on his past, trying to make amends, or that he wasn’t bothered at all by not being able to use his poison ability.

Well, rumors are naturally biased and fueled only by excitement and entertainment.

‘If I actively defended him now, and it was revealed later that I’m Karbaldr, that would be terribly embarrassing.’

So, for now, I decided to keep quiet.

It was also a good chance to hear firsthand how the story about this possessed body was spreading.

Later, when I reveal the truth about this body’s identity, the graduate students will be very embarrassed—but that’s not my concern.

As I thought that, “New guy, what do you think?”

Suddenly, the master’s graduate student asked for my opinion.

Were they trying to draw me into this gossip and badmouth Karbaldr together?

Or were they asking if Karbaldr would willingly cooperate with Aether research? I couldn’t read their intentions, so I gave an answer that covered both possibilities.

“In my opinion, Karbaldr did commit acts worthy of criticism. If he proposed researching Aether last semester, I’m sure he would have thrown the kind of tantrums you described. So it’s understandable that you two consider him someone to avoid.”

“If that’s the new guy’s opinion too, then I guess we have to give up…”

“But now, he would cooperate with research.”

“Really?!”

The master’s graduate student’s eyes lit up. The doctoral graduate student’s expression was no different.

Aether with dual attributes is rare, and cases where one of the two abilities can’t be used are almost unheard of.

For those researching Aether traits, losing interest is nearly impossible.

“Why do you think that?”

“Just from attending the ‘Aether Attribute Enhancement’ lecture, it’s clear, isn’t it? Even if the professor doesn’t call him, he’ll come to the lab himself. He might have already come.”

“If that’s the case, we shouldn’t be hanging around here! Let’s get back to the lab quickly!”

“No need to rush.”

“Ah… right. Since he has to eat too, he’d probably avoid coming during lunch.”

I hinted that he might have already visited, but they didn’t notice.

They probably didn’t consider for a second that I could be Karbaldr.

That was actually a good thing.

The moment they realize the person they were criticizing is right in front of them, their guilt will flood in all at once.

If I forgive them, their guilt will turn into gratitude.

And the prejudice born from those rumors will shatter.

‘Maybe they’ll even correct the bad rumors about Karbaldr for me?’

I finished calculating all that and raised the corner of my mouth into a smile.

But I lowered my gaze and made it look like a bitter smile.

Something that would make onlookers wonder, “Why did he make that face?”

So that when they recall this moment later, they’d mistakenly think I was hurt.

“It looks like everyone’s finished eating. Shall we get going?”

At the professor’s words, we tidied up and left the cafeteria building.

Come to think of it, while the two graduate students exchanged negative opinions about Karbaldr, the professor hadn’t said a word.

I suddenly wondered what he thought of this possessed body.

“Professor, what would you do if Karbaldr came to the lab asking for help?”

“What kind of obvious question is that? As a professor, I must help him.”

His answer came immediately, without a hint of falsehood or hesitation.

That surprised me.

Perhaps I even showed a surprised expression, because Professor Radvisin gave a calm smile and added an explanation.

“Although he made mistakes, he’s still a young student. A professor is not only a scholar but also an educator. So rather than hate him blindly, I believe it’s my duty to guide him on the right path. Of course, first I’d verify the truth behind the rumors, and if they’re true, ask why he did those things.”

His words were so reasonable and showed such character that I couldn’t help but admire him.

I wish the Swordsmanship and Martial Arts professors could hear this.

“This is exactly why I like our professor.”

“Right! We really chose a good advisor! New guy, don’t you agree?”

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one impressed by such exemplary words from an educator.

The graduate students proudly showed their admiration for Professor Radvisin.

Then they asked me for my opinion too…

“I’ve only met Professor Radvisin twice, but I think he’s a good person.”

“Huh? You didn’t even know much about him but chose him as your advisor?”

“What? What do you mean? At Valhalla Academy, you only get to choose your advisor after becoming a graduate student, right?”

“That’s right. From the graduate student level.”

“…?”

“…??”

The master’s graduate student and I exchanged confused looks, unable to understand what the other was saying.

Then suddenly, the master’s graduate student’s eyes widened in shock.

“You—your eye color! Purple with sky-blue flecks?? That’s exactly like the heir of the Austri Ducal Family from the rumors!”

“Wait, look at his necktie color! It’s red!!”

The master’s graduate student panicked, and the doctoral graduate student also shouted in alarm.

Only now did they notice the eye color and the necktie I was wearing.

They hadn’t even looked closely at my eyes despite me standing right in front of them.

‘I can’t believe they didn’t even know I’m a first-year student…!’

Then why have they been calling me “new guy” all this time?

Maybe because I entered the academy this year? Then…

“I know it sounds absurd, but just to be sure—did you think I was a new graduate student?”

“…”

“…”

“…”

Not only the two graduate students, but even the professor nodded blankly.

If this possessed body’s face had aged prematurely like Riolikin’s, I might have understood, but there was no sign of that, so it was baffling.

I had no idea why such a misunderstanding happened.

“No wonder… I felt the face was vaguely familiar yet unknown. It must be because I only briefly saw you once in a previous lecture.”

“Professor, what do you mean by that?! Didn’t you recruit a smart student from this summer’s graduates to be a research student?”

“Hahaha. That was suspicious to me too. I don’t remember taking on any new graduate students, but suddenly the number increased. I just thought it was good and let it slide, but that was a mistake.”

“That’s why I hate you, Professor!”

Only a few minutes ago, the doctoral student had praised the professor but now flipped his opinion.

Hearing this, Professor Radvisin just gave an embarrassed laugh.

He probably thought it was ridiculous to mistake me for a new graduate student.

“So… Karbaldr, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I apologize. It’s not just the careless talk from my students earlier…”

“That’s alright. Their comments weren’t exactly wrong. There’s no need to hold a grudge or cause trouble for the seniors.”

“Phew…”

I answered politely, and Professor Radvisin sighed deeply.

He seemed worried that I was suffering because of the wrongly spread rumors, seeing me as someone different from the figure in those stories.

Glancing at the two graduate students, I saw their apologetic and embarrassed expressions.

‘They didn’t do anything wrong.’

I couldn’t blame them for blindly believing the rumors and criticizing someone without understanding.

The rumors were all true anyway.

If anyone was at fault, it was those who deliberately filtered out the truth that I had resolved to live properly and wasn’t bothered by the Aether defect.

‘Still, if the earlier criticism was about me, it must have been tough. But it was all about the original Karbaldr—just someone else’s insults.’

And it wasn’t like they fabricated any lies.

I maintained a calm expression as Professor Radvisin hesitated and tentatively added,

“Also… I caused quite a stir when I suddenly had you organize the thesis compilations, didn’t I?”

“Well… I thought that’s why you told students to visit the lab anytime.”

“That’s a ridiculous misunderstanding! I only assumed you were a graduate student because of the dark circles under your eyes!”

From my perspective, confusing a freshman with a graduate student just because of dark circles was truly absurd.

But Professor Radvisin and his students seemed to think differently.

The professor waved his hand denying it, while the students nodded vigorously in agreement.

I wondered if they’d all lost their minds from overworking on research.

“Really. Most students who finish their bachelor’s struggle just to properly analyze one thesis. How could I possibly ask a newly enrolled freshman to organize compilations…?”

Seeing my dumbfounded expression, Professor Radvisin went on to explain himself further.

Suddenly, he stopped talking and looked at me as if he’d discovered a precious gem.

“Once you get back to the lab, let me see the table of contents you made. Oh, and you said you checked and categorized various things while reading the thesis? I want to see that too. I’d also like to hear in detail how you derived the core topic from the introduction and contents. And more…”

He looked excited, chattering rapidly.

Where did the apologetic professor from a moment ago go?