Professor Dexter Callaham, the instructor of combat theory stood before me wearing a warm smile on his face.
If looked upon by the scope of talent, then he was barely average only being a b- rank despite having reached the rank of senior professor however what set him apart was his accomplishments in theory.
Amassing multiple research papers that all became renowned when he was young, he quickly garnered a reputation and an unshakable standing among fellow Professors.
' But the old fart got greedy '
As the years went by and he continued teaching his students he watched them reach power he could never with his talent and so driven by that jealousy he entered a contract with a demon so he could raise his power.
' Tsk, I still remember how much trouble he had caused for the main characters back in the early parts of the novel '
True to his reputation, aside from his greed he was still the leading figure in the theoretical field and someone who was considered a genius because of that he was always able to cover all his tracks making his identity as the perpetrator a mystery for a good chunk of the original novel.
The first time he had caused chaos was back at the academy trip where he had summoned a lower demon to terrorize the students.
' Well to be honest it wasn't that important as the demon was quickly overshadowed by the appearance of the real threat of the arc but still there is no need to let him go '
Yes, taking down professor dexter alongside the true threat would be good publicity, it'll help increase the image of household, sort of like a side quest for extra experience.
' Still, I shouldn't get too comfortable. After all this all hinges on the fact that the information of the novel is still viable '
The knowledge that came from reading the novel that was why he could dare think he could successfully tackle the upcoming threats. Having changed the original Nicolos's fate, he quickly gathered information to check the changes he may have caused, luckily it seemed like most things stayed the same.
' That will no longer hold true after this trip though as by the time it is over my name will probably be known all over the continent '
Looking up after his contemplation he watched as the kind looking old man with white hair continued to teach his students cracking jokes every once in a while, creating a pleasant mood as if he truly cares about them acting as if he wasn't planning on killing them all.
' I'll kill him.... '
With that single thought occupying his mind he smiled lightly as he listened to the lecture
.....
" The food here is really delicious "
Hearing Christines words I nodded my head, having finished most of the lectures both he and Christine made their way to the cafeteria to eat taking a secluded table at the corner.
" I guess the academy truly lives up to its reputation even the food is on another level "
Commenting lightly on it, I made sure to hold back my tears from bursting in front of Christine.
' Such heaven who ever thought cafeteria food could be so good '
Remembering the awful slop that was provided at my old workplace I had some prejudice against this one as well even though I had already read about it in the novel but having actually tried it felt like an old wound was being healed.
As I continued to heal past wounds the subtle muttering of Christine reached my ears causing me to look at her. Sensing my gaze, she stopped before finally speaking
" Um.... Sir Nicholos "
" Yes? "
" About what I said in front of Jake... I didn't mean to cause any trouble... I'm sorry "
Watching her bow her head clearly dejected I could only feel dumbfounded
' This girl really '
" How many times did I tell you not to apologize about such things "
" No... but I was at fault... I caused trouble "
Watching her continue to apologize a soft sigh escaped my lips
" Christine really it is fine, if I wanted to continue my relationship with Isabella he was bound to know, so in a way you actually helped me "
As I continued to reassure her Christine finally stopped apologising letting us go back to our previous mood, well at least we should have if not for the appearance of Jake and Elizabeth.
" May we share the table with you? " Asked Elizabeth whose eyes were glued to Christine
Considering my status at the academy I could refuse, and they would have to comply however postponing this would just cause unnecessary drama as such I nodded indicating my agreement.
As if on cue Elizabeth lunged at Christine immediately chatting with her while Jake sat further away with a blank face staring at me as his girlfriend chattered away. Not one to keep the silence I opened my mouth
" Jake "
" Yes, Sir Nicholos "
" I am going on a date with your sister next week any tips? "
Hearing my question everyone sitting at the table froze as even Elizabeth who was constantly speaking with Christine stopped her mouth hung open and Christines face grew paler but ignoring both their reactions I continued
" You are her brother so I thought you might know something I should be aware of so I hope you could help me "
Finishing my words I turned to find that Jakes previous impassive face was nowhere to be seen instead a look of sheer disbelief greeted me as he seemed to struggle on what to say
" Are you serious?? "
Finally speaking I couldn't help but smile a little realizing how he chose his words seeing that we are in a public place
' He probably wanted to ask if I was insane instead '
" Well why wouldn't I be? I have an upcoming date with Lady Isabella, and I wish for her to have fun as such asking from a trusted family member of hers is quite natural is it not " I explained to with a look of a scholar
Hearing my reply, Jake fell silent as he tried to find fault with my words, however Christine suddenly intervened changing the course of the conversation entirely
Sitting stiffly with her hands tightly clenching her skirt she spoke with a small voice that only those sitting at the table could here
" Sir Nicholos truly loves Miss Isabella... Um and he is a really nice person so... I mean wouldn't it be ok to help? "
It was my turn to freeze this time after all watching Christine stand up for me how could I not feel touched, and I wasn't the only one as Elizabeth overwhelmed by how adorable Christine looked immediately took her side
Taking her hands with hers, she looked at her with shinning eyes as she nodded her head
" Of course we will help, isn't that right Jake "
" No wait... "
Jake looked as if he wanted to say something but that was shut down immediately by Elizabeth
" We will help " She repeated her eyes turning hollow
As Elizebath spoke those words again, even I felt a chill go down my back as Jake who was the main recipient immediately nodded his head. Still, feeling bad for Jake I decided to help him out
" It hasn't been a day, yet here you are already acting like a married couple "
" M... married "
That offhand remark seemed to cause Elizabeth to spiral as she kept muttering things at a fast rate her face growing increasingly redder taking the pressure off of Jake
" Thanks " he said wiping the sweat on his forehead
" No need "
I replied as a moment of silence passed between us
" Look I don't have any bad feelings about this it is just that I was a little shocked "
" Yeah, I could imagine how weird it must have felt "
" You have no idea. Still, I am happy to know it is you who is going at the very least I can trust you "
" I am happy to hear that "
As we both sat in silence having finished our conversation a sudden tug on my sleeve caused me to look to my side, as Christine pointed toward Elizabeth who was still spiralling into chaos
" Hey Jake "
" Yeah, I see it "
Standing up Jake switched seats with Christine as he tried to bring back Elizabeth. In the end she was finally retrieved from the bottomless pit that she was in though it took the entirety of the lunch break.
As such we instead promised to continue tomorrow instead, as the time went on it all appeared to be fine as the final lecture came to an end however as I was about to stand to leave, the door opened as a student entered the classroom, looking at him it seemed he was a second year.
'What is he doing here? '
Thinking that I was about to simply ignore him, if not for that same student to suddenly appear before me
" Sir Nicholos Arcane I hereby challenge you to a duel "
' What the fuck '