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Karen Academy.
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The building where professors mainly stayed.
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Sajong-ru, the tower housing the primary laboratories, was always silent.
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The rule of Sajong-ru was simple:
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Silence.
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Noise corrupts the mind and scatters concentration, so except for extremely rare “exceptions,” even the sound of eating was forbidden.
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And right now was exactly when that silence was about to shatter.
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“Pro-Professor! Professor! Where are you?!”
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Crash!
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Eren, one of the assistants, ran frantically through the corridors looking for Professor Moriarty.
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At least the other professors were out on business or lectures today—if they hadn’t been, he wouldn’t even be able to search like this.
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Truthfully, Eren wasn’t even thinking about that right now.
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The guest currently waiting for Professor Moriarty was no ordinary person!
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The ducal house of Alkart.
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A family so famous that anyone even slightly connected to nobility knew of them!
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Not just one of the pillars upholding the empire, but a family that wielded enormous influence.
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The ruler of the underworld they occasionally used to purchase secret items “for research”!
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And the professor had invited the blood of that ruler to the academy… and then vanished.
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“W-What’s wrong?”
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Keo, who had just achieved this week’s record longest sleep of a full 1 hour 30 minutes, poked his head out with dark circles hanging to his chin.
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Why is he running around so frantically?
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Did three years of research just blow up?
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Or did someone form a union?
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Sometimes lunatics demanding human rights block the entrance to Sajong-ru.
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They’re usually commoners or fallen nobles, so easy to remove, but they do cut into sleep time.
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“D-Did someone ruin an experiment? Or start dating? Or—no, did someone sleep more than two hours?!”
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“Aaaah! That’s not the problem! It’s a much bigger problem!”
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Bigger than sleeping two hours?
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Keo fell into deep terror.
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“Y-Young Master Alkart is here! And the professor still hasn’t shown up! He’s never been late even once…!”
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“!”
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Keo’s face turned white.
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He usually slept so little, but today he had slept longer than usual, so his brain worked a bit faster.
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Alkart.
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An insanely prestigious noble house.
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Young Master.
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The bloodline of that house!
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The one who invited him?
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Professor Moriarty himself!
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And he’s late?
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An unforgivable insult!
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“A-Armin, who’s good with people, is buying time right now…!”
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But with high nobles, the problem is never the noble himself—it’s always the people below.
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They urge you to hurry so the noble doesn’t feel even the slightest discomfort.
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Worse than a nagging mother-in-law is the sister-in-law whispering beside her.
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From their perspective, the servants were scarier.
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“I-It won’t be long, right?”
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“Y-Yeah. Right. We’re screwed…!”
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“I-I’ll check the professor’s lab…!”
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“I’ll take Lab 1! You take Lab 2!”
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The two scattered quickly.
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Lab 1 was on the second floor; Lab 2 was underground.
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No one knew where the professor actually was—his solo research in Lab 2 was top secret.
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He didn’t show it even to disciples, sponsors, or the emperor!
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So Keo prayed he was in Lab 1, but no luck.
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Standing in front of underground Lab 2, Keo swallowed dryly.
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N-Normally I’m not supposed to call…
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But you never know.
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Even the seemingly perfect professor might have fallen asleep here.
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If so, as his disciple, it was his duty to wake him.
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Even if he got cursed at a little…!
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Knock knock!
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“P-Professor!”
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Knock knock knock!
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“P-Please come out! Are you inside?! Y-Young Master Alkart is still waiting for you…!”
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Knock knock knock knock!
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Creak!
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“Uh?”
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The door slid open—then swung wide!
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Keo, who had been leaning on the door while knocking, tumbled forward with a thud.
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“O-Ouch… Ugh… my head…”
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Rubbing his aching nose, Keo looked up.
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And lost all words.
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…A spectacle that language could not—should not—describe.
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Dozens of bags, rows upon rows of flasks, unidentified liquids in the middle, and inside them…
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“I believe I made myself clear.”
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Thud!
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A heavy voice fell over Keo’s head.
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“That you were never to enter.”
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“P-Professor…”
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“Keo. You have always obeyed me well. However…”
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Professor Moriarty looked down at him.
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Those eyes were not the usual indifferent yet intellectual gaze.
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Yes.
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One word summed it up perfectly.
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Madman.
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The eyes of someone who would sacrifice everything for a single purpose…
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“Urk!”
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Keo lost consciousness and collapsed.
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Just before his mind went dark,
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the last scent he caught…
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Somehow…
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It smelled of thick perfume mixed with the iron tang of blood.
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“…”
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Moriarty glanced at his wristwatch while looking down at the unconscious Keo.
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One minute past the appointed time.
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A mistake he would never normally make.
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But… this time it couldn’t be helped.
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He thinks he’s hiding it, but he cannot fool my eyes.
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The scent of death that only those attempting Resurrection of the Dead emit.
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The scent that clings only to those who gather all sorts of crude materials to defy the laws of the world…
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Very faint, but it was coming from him.
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That left only two possibilities.
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He had given up midway, or he had succeeded and erased the scent.
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Moriarty naturally believed the latter.
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Evan. You will understand my will.
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Only those who have lost family can understand each other’s pain.
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Losing parents—god-like figures to a child whose mind had not yet fully grown—must have been an even greater shock.
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If you have lost something, it is only natural to strive to regain it.
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“…”
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Moriarty quietly cleaned up the interior, closed the door, and stepped out.
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Bright sunlight poured in, but the ceiling cast deep shadows across his face.
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Please, I beg your cooperation.
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He didn’t yet want to lay a hand on him.
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***
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“I apologize. I was slightly delayed.”
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Professor Moriarty approached at a pace neither fast nor slow.
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Usually when someone is late, they run and ruin their dignity, but he maintained perfect composure even now.
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Wow.
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Is that what it takes to be the most popular professor?
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Well, I don’t know if he’s popular.
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But from what I’ve heard, he’s definitely the professor with the highest achievements.
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“The research I was running yesterday suddenly produced far better results than expected. My apologies.”
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“It’s fine. I understand.”
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“As expected, you are very considerate. I am grateful.”
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Professor Moriarty bowed expressionlessly.
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He glanced at his watch again and spoke.
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“Is there any place you would like to see first? The professors’ building is fine, or earlier…”
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“Anywhere is fine—the student dormitories, labs, buildings, whatever.”
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Moriarty naturally pulled something from his pocket.
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“This is a permit. With the chancellor’s tacit approval today, you may go anywhere.”
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Anywhere…?
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Evan suddenly felt burdened.
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He had planned to just quietly follow behind, yet now they were handing him the choice?
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“…In the professor’s opinion, what would be the best choice?”
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“Hm. My opinion, you say.”
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Passing the buck again!
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Normally that would be annoying, but thankfully the professor didn’t seem to mind.
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“I think it would be good to visit the building where you will be lecturing first.”
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“A good idea. Let’s go.”
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“Ahem. We’ll follow behind you two.”
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“Yeah, yeah. We’re just tag-alongs.”
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“By the way, Charlotte, was the academy your destination?”
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Evan looked at her, silently asking why are you still here?
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Charlotte gasped, covered her face, and squeaked,
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“D-D-Don’t look at me!”
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“?”
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“I’m a face-con like my sister!”
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“???”
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…What is she talking about?
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Evan gave up understanding.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Fine.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
She’ll leave when the time comes…
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I will guide you now. Armin, you may return. I didn’t see Keo today.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Gah! D-Did he fall asleep somewhere…? Understood! Professor! Even if something happens, please don’t call me!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Armin vanished like the wind.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Aegis frowned slightly as she repeated Armin’s words.
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“Even if something happens, please don’t call him…?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It’s just Armin’s way of saying he doesn’t want to work.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You let that slide?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I do not oppress my disciples. Instead, there is simply a lot of work. Each person’s individuality must be respected.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Wow.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
That’s actually kind of cool.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan was inwardly impressed.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The two Sins who had been bickering quietly approached.
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One hand holding Lapis, the other holding Frey.
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“?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Like parents taking kids on a picnic.
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Evan looked at them, confused about the meaning.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Instead of answering, the two jerked their heads away.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
…F-Fine.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Just don’t fight.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan reluctantly let them keep holding his hands.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Professor Moriarty stared openly at the scene.
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He opened and closed his mouth a few times as if wanting to say something, then eventually turned his head.
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***
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“We will depart.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Karen Academy was ridiculously vast.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
How much land did they use?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Every building and ornament was extravagantly gorgeous.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
At first Evan admired each one.
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But… it didn’t last long.
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“Gasp!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Who’s that?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“A new student?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“The timing’s wrong for that…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Guest lecturer?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Damn, he’s insanely hot…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Countless stares poured in like mad.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan wanted to crawl into a mouse hole right that instant.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Is that… his kid beside him?”
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“Of course it’s a guardian! He’s too young.”
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“Why? People can have kids early. My cousin had an accident last time.”
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“He came alone… does that mean no wife?”
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“Married but effectively single now? Hmm. That might be even better…”
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“???”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“H-Hold on!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
At that moment, one noble son looked closely at Evan’s face, realized who he was, and turned pale.
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“Y-Young Master Evan Alkart…!”
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“The Alkart d-duke?”
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“Gulp.”
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The atmosphere froze in an instant.
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Because Evan had appeared in such an unexpected place, they hadn’t recognized him immediately.
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“Oh my.”
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In the sudden silence,
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someone quietly appeared.
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Evan instantly recognized the familiar figure.
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Acella, right?
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The lady who, for some reason, wanted to prove Evan’s incompetence.
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“It’s been a while, Young Master Evan.”
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“…Yes. Lady Acella.”
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“Heehee. I never thought we’d meet here.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Acella smiled seductively.
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With baby fat still on her face, it looked pretty awkward…
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At least to Evan.
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Everyone else looked thrilled.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
What are you doing here?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Surprisingly, Acella spoke to him via composite magic.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Do you want me to expose all your pathetic abilities right here?
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‘?’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Or have I become wary?
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I took first place this time and even entered the empire’s top magic tower.
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Just found that out.
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But you won’t be able to enter.
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You probably already know you can’t.
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Just because you fooled the Spacetime Tower doesn’t mean you can fool me too, right?
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Fooled?
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Me?
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I didn’t do anything…
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While Evan was inwardly bewildered,
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“Y-Young Master Evan?!”
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Another familiar voice.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Evan turned his head.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Far away, a girl’s eyes widened into perfect circles as she spotted Evan and came sprinting.
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Da-da-da-da-da-da-da!
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“?!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Then thud! collapsed right in front of him.
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Like a believer kneeling before their god, Velia Yorta sat on the ground, voice trembling with excitement.
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Y-Young Master Evan! Thank you! Thank you so much!
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‘?’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Thanks to you, profits jumped 500% this time…! I risked my life investing, and then the Demisia Kingdom suddenly normalized, and my business exploded!
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The golden daughter.
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The perennial second-place merchant family.
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And they hit the jackpot this time?
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Because of me?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The Alchemists’ Tower also sent great news…! This was all orchestrated by you, right…?!
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Yorta practically worshipped him from the ground.
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A money tree.
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No, a blessed being who inflated profits just by existing.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
But Evan remained silent.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Outwardly, he looked as if it were only natural and not worth mentioning.
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Inwardly, he could only say one thing.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
…Me?
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