Chapter 11
Chapter 11
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 11
Chapter Title: I'm Screwed
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The news of the Demons' invasion of Runia Academy spread rapidly throughout the entire empire.
Of course it did.
"You've captured the Demons?"
The report made its way into the imperial palace.
Of course, the information reaching the palace wasn't mere rumor, but an official 'report.'
This far more detailed and accurate report astonished the emperor multiple times.
The Demons had been targeting Rachel Arte.
And Rachel Arte had repelled them almost single-handedly.
And finally...
"Rain Ortiz?"
A mere freshman had taken down two Demons.
It was surprise after surprise.
And good news at that.
"Hahaha!"
Reinhardt von Meribear, emperor of the Meribear Empire, let out a hearty laugh.
The empire's biggest headache was none other than the Demons. The ones rampaging across the land had given him more than a few migraines.
"How many of the captured Demons?"
"A total of thirty-two."
"Good. Torturing them all should turn up something."
The most important thing was information.
To exterminate those accursed Demon King followers, nothing was more vital than intel.
"Oh, that reminds me."
Rain Ortiz, was it?
He grew curious about the young man.
"Is the student unharmed?"
"Yes, he's fine."
"I'd like more details."
"We have a report on him ready."
"Perfect."
The official delivering the report was the emperor’s most loyal confidant. Alex had been by Reinhardt’s side since childhood, more like a friend than a subordinate.
Alex began the briefing.
Reinhardt's face, full of laughter moments ago, hardened in an instant.
It wasn't anything bad. He simply couldn't believe it.
"...Does that even make sense?"
"Honestly, I can't believe it either."
Verified information wouldn't reach the palace unconfirmed.
In fact, all these feats were backed by testimonies from Rachel and Meriel Gardner.
Even so...
How could anyone believe it?
One student inventing new technology, solving an unsolvable puzzle, reshaping the future of an entire field of study.
"...Is there a paper on the puzzle?"
"Professor Meriel says the student had no intention of writing one."
"He could've written it himself."
"He said he wouldn't since he didn't solve it personally..."
Reinhardt fell silent.
His silence carried a familiar meaning. It was his habit when deep in thought.
Alex knew exactly what to do: help him decide.
"Take a look at this."
Alex brought over a crystal orb.
It was one that displayed footage, and the recording showed none other than Rain Ortiz's exam.
Reinhardt grinned.
"Guess we'll have to see it for ourselves."
A remarkable talent has been born.
"...His Majesty wishes to see me?"
"Yes."
"No, why?!"
"A report about you went up."
"...Pardon?"
My heart sank.
His Majesty.
The Emperor of the Meribear Empire.
Knew about me?
"I didn't want this either. I had a feeling it'd happen."
Then why'd you tell them?
I couldn't say that.
It'd be as good as lying to the emperor.
"Anyway, no time. Let's go."
"...Now?"
"Now."
Rachel grabbed my hand and cast spatial leap magic.
When I came to, we'd left the academy behind. The imperial palace, maybe...?
"Whoa, the palace."
We were right in front of it.
Professor.
This is too sudden.
I haven't even prepared.
"...Bear with it, even if you're unhappy. I can't help it either."
I was annoyed, but Rachel was right. An imperial summons—what could one professor do? She must be flustered too.
"Damn, what if they take it...?"
She seemed worried about something else entirely.
"Hoo..."
Even so, she took a deep breath, steadying herself.
She straightened her hair, then mine.
Then we entered the palace.
The moment we stepped in, opulent splendor filled our view.
Gold-plated decorations, luxurious lighting and architecture everywhere.
"Why are you so late?"
And Meriel.
Why was she here?
"I couldn't just skip class without notice. I made an announcement."
"Is that important right now?"
"It might not be to you, Professor, but it is to me."
They were bickering even here.
Good thing I didn't have to intervene.
"Thank you for accepting the invitation."
A palace official had arrived.
"I'm Alex. This way, please."
We followed Alex's lead. I thought we were heading to an audience chamber, but no.
We arrived at a plain reception room.
A sofa, a desk, a blackboard...
Blackboard?
"Come in."
My thoughts cut short.
A deep, resonant voice. Though I'd never heard it before, I instantly knew its owner.
We three bowed in unison. One knee to the ground, heads lowered. The proper imperial courtesy.
The emperor, who had been pouring tea in the corner, stepped forward with a smile.
My mind raced.
Whoa, seeing him in person for the first time.
No attendants?
Why's he pouring tea?
...Do I have to drink that?
Shit, my stomach's gonna hate me.
"Rise."
We stood as one. Our synchronized movements were almost comical, but no laughter came.
"Rain Ortiz, right?"
"Yes."
"Hoho, relax. I even dismissed the guards just for you."
Dismissing guards too? The rumors might be true.
The Emperor of the Meribear Empire is a Sword Master.
He was a strikingly handsome middle-aged man, every bit the sword master.
"Sit."
The emperor sat on the host's sofa first. I followed, then Rachel, then Meriel on the guest sofa.
"To the point... Rain. I'm here to verify you."
"Verify... me?"
"Yes, verify. Don't take it badly. Your feats are just too extraordinary to believe."
I wasn't offended. Getting upset over this in front of the nation's top authority? You'd die young.
Just nerves. And regrets.
"What should I demonstrate?"
DC and AC?
The machines I built?
Or...
"Solve one puzzle right here."
Of course.
Now I knew what the blackboard was for.
"Of course, it's one you've solved before, so it shouldn't be hard."
"I'll do it."
Honestly, I didn't want to.
It'd make me look like some ordinary guy yelling, 'I'm a genius!'
But the emperor was watching. No backing out.
I stood immediately.
Good, just verification? Get it over with and go home.
Took a pen from Alex and headed to the board.
'Erndon Theorem,' huh.
'System, help me out.'
I'd done this before. More people watching then, too.
...Though this one observer was far more intimidating than that crowd.
"—Thus, no solution exists."
Despite everything, I nailed it perfectly.
I let out a deep sigh of relief, shaking off the tension.
The emperor watched me a moment, then clapped and beamed.
"Excellent."
Rachel and Meriel, seated, secretly flashed thumbs-up.
"No better proof than that."
The emperor rose and approached. I silently begged him not to, but my pleas went unheard.
"Rain Ortiz!"
"Y-Yes?"
"How about working for the palace?"
My brain froze.
Where?
"Work environment, pay... I'll meet any conditions you want and support you fully. Even early graduation from the academy. What do you say?"
"Uh... well..."
No thanks.
I want a normal life.
No matter how good the job or pay, if it strays from 'normal,' pass.
But...
"..."
As Rachel said, my pursuit of normalcy wouldn't fly.
So, what excuse?
"I like the academy."
"Hm?"
"Professor Rachel, Professor Meriel—they're great. I love learning here."
"..."
"I want to learn more. Stay here."
Silence fell for a moment.
I continued.
"If you still feel the same after I graduate, please make the offer again."
Insane.
Turning down the emperor's offer.
But it felt right.
This was comfortable.
"...I see."
Thankfully, he accepted it.
"Then let's do this."
The emperor smiled kindly.
"For the next four years, at the academy."
I smiled too, listening.
"Show off your talents to your heart's content."
"Pardon?"
My smile faded fast.
"Magic Engineering, Magic Department, Alchemy, Knights, Theory... and more."
Wait.
"You'll attend classes in every department."
Wait a sec.
"Do everything you're capable of."
No.
"Hoho, prioritizing learning. What a fine young man."
I'm screwed.