Eve of the Storm, Part 3
It's done.
My moves at Wintersheld Magic Academy had been an unprecedented success.
In just a few days, I had seized the leadership of the Shadow Society and brought the continent's strongest mages to my side.
Not only had I eliminated the Transgressor early on, but I had also rescued Strawberry Latte.
On top of that, I had even strengthened him through "Synchronization."
Most importantly, by completing my audience with the Great Sage Demarion, I obtained the true name of the Blind Sword Master.
Despite playing through the game nearly two hundred times, this was the first time I had achieved so much on my very first visit.
My business in Wintersheld is now complete.
Of course, that didn't mean I could return to Midtemple immediately.
There were still loose ends to tie up before leaving the city.
...First, I need to change locations.
A low murmur rippled through the air.
Ever since I stepped out of the Great Sage Demarion's chamber, a massive commotion had broken out across the entire magic academy.
Professors and students alike had packed the corridors of the topmost floor.
In a situation like this, communicating my intentions properly was practically impossible.
Having reached that conclusion, I gave Selena an instruction.
"Take me somewhere quiet. I have things to discuss. Bring Biorf and Chancellor Tordam along as well."
"Understood."
Rather than having a chaotic conversation with dozens of mages, it was far more efficient to summon the three key figures and discuss matters in private.
Besides, I had no intention of broadcasting my plans to everyone.
Understanding my intent, Selena immediately began parting the crowd, leading Biorf and Chancellor Tordam.
As she stepped forward, the whispering mages fell silent and hastily cleared a path.
Our footsteps echoed in the quiet hallway as we followed Selena, leaving the commotion behind.
But to my surprise, Selena did not lead us to her own office.
After passing through several familiar corridors, we arrived at Professor Biorf's office.
"...What? Why are we at my office?"
Biorf stopped in his tracks, looking bewildered. Selena replied calmly.
"Sir Gaon requested a quiet place. And the quietest place in this academy is undoubtedly your office, Professor."
Selena turned to look at Biorf and continued.
"You value organization just as much as you value academic depth, don't you?"
"C-cough! Well, that is true..."
With a dry cough, Biorf pushed the door open.
Biorf's office was just as neat and tidy as I remembered from the game.
The space was organized with a level of calm that was hard to associate with his usual hot-tempered personality.
Books and scrolls were neatly arranged by subject, and his research tools were precisely categorized according to their use.
Compared to Selena's room, which was slightly cluttered with miscellaneous items, this room definitely felt much more "quiet."
"Please, have a seat," Biorf said, gesturing toward the sofa.
Leaving the seat of honor vacant, he took a spot on one of the side sofas.
Chancellor Tordam and Selena naturally sat down beside him.
"..."
I took my seat and looked around.
Everyone looks anxious.
They were all staring at me with eager, expectant faces.
Were they really that curious about my conversation with the Great Sage Demarion?
Yet, out of everyone, Professor Biorf looked the most conflicted.
Well, that makes sense.
Only a few hours ago, he had discovered the secret of the human sacrifices that had been occurring beneath the academy for centuries.
Not only that, but he had also faced the truth that many of his colleagues belonged to a secret society that worshipped a monster.
While Selena and Chancellor Tordam were members of the Society and already knew, Biorf, who had been completely in the dark, was bound to be in deep shock.
I need to quiet this chaos as much as possible.
Wintersheld needed to quickly regain its stability and get back on track.
To prepare for the impending crisis, the continent's premier magical research institution had to function properly.
However, the authority of a Sword Master alone wouldn't be enough to completely control Wintersheld.
No matter how many influential professors I brought to my side, without legitimacy, it would be difficult to gain the support of the rest.
So, it's best to borrow the name of the Great Sage Demarion here.
The most authoritative name within the magic academy was, without a doubt, the Great Sage Demarion. Utilizing his authority to push through my plans was the most efficient method.
Having finished my thoughts, I called out to Professor Biorf.
"Professor Biorf."
"Yes?"
"The Great Sage Demarion spoke of you."
Surprise washed over Biorf's face.
"...Me?"
He looked utterly dumbfounded that the legendary archmage had mentioned him.
Of course, Demarion hadn't mentioned Biorf at all during our conversation, but I kept lying without a single change in my expression.
"Yes. The Great Sage evaluated you as a 'pure scholar who has preserved the values of orthodox magic.'"
"...!"
Biorf's face flushed red. He was clearly deeply moved by the praise.
"To receive such high praise... it is an honor."
"The Great Sage also gave advice on the direction Wintersheld should take moving forward."
"...!"
Everyone's eyes locked onto me simultaneously.
"Now that the Transgressor is gone, he said Wintersheld must reclaim its original purpose. The revival of orthodox magic, and the pursuit of pure academic inquiry."
"..."
"And the Great Sage designated Professor Biorf as the right person to lead this effort."
I continued.
"Professor Biorf is an elder mage who is completely unaffiliated with the Shadow Society. Furthermore, through research such as the 'cultivation of Labyrinth Village specialties,' he has shown that he values not just academic worth, but the livelihoods of the people."
"..."
"The Great Sage Demarion highly praised that aspect. However, what matters most is your own intention, Professor Biorf..."
I trailed off, looking at Biorf with a meaningful gaze.
"Professor Biorf."
"..."
"I would like to ask if you are willing to accept the position of the new Chancellor of Wintersheld Magic Academy."
Chancellor Tordam's expression stiffened instantly.
He seemed slightly displeased at suddenly being stripped of his chancellorship.
Yet, in the end, he couldn't voice any protest.
His affiliation with the Shadow Society had already been made public during the emergency council meeting.
If someone who had worshipped the Transgressor continued to serve as the Chancellor of the magic academy, the unrest within the institution would only escalate.
From Tordam's perspective, it was far better to step down now and let a new Chancellor be appointed under the authority of the Great Sage Demarion.
Besides...
...If Biorf takes over the academy's administration, the Shadow Society can continue its independent activities much more easily.
Which meant I could manipulate the Shadow Society, now firmly in my grasp, whenever and however I pleased.
In other words, appointing Professor Biorf as Chancellor was a win-win choice for both the Shadow Society and us.
Furthermore, since Professor Biorf harbored a strong curiosity about Strawberry Latte, it would make settling the guy into the magic academy much easier through him.
"The chancellorship... This is a very sudden proposal..."
Professor Biorf trailed off.
He possessed an abundance of academic passion and research ambition, but he had little interest in power.
This was evident from the fact that he had essentially dumped the administrative duties of the chancellorship onto Tordam in the past.
However, even Biorf would find it impossible to readily refuse a direct request from the Great Sage Demarion.
"...If that is the will of the Sword Master and the Great Sage, I have no choice but to comply."
Professor Biorf finally nodded.
"There are two things you must do."
"...?"
"First, the Shadow Society must be allowed to exist. However, restrict its purpose solely to the pursuit of magical knowledge and historical research."
This would completely neutralize any threat from the Shadow Society.
It was a way to keep my promise to Selena while minimizing backlash from the existing members of the Society.
And it was also a way for me to freely utilize the organization I now controlled.
Of course, Professor Biorf looked displeased about maintaining the secret society that had plagued Wintersheld Magic Academy.
However, because it was the will of the Great Sage and the Sword Master, he couldn't bring himself to object and simply nodded.
"Second, Wintersheld's research must henceforth be directed toward preparing for the impending apocalypse."
"..."
"While pure academic value is good, more resources must be allocated to practical defense and survival magic. This includes your research on the 'cultivation of Labyrinth Village specialties.'"
Hearing my words, Biorf bowed his head deeply and respectfully.
"Yes. I will keep that in mind. I accept both conditions laid out by the Sword Master."
"The transfer of the chancellorship will be officially announced after dinner tonight. Focus on minimizing unrest among the students and professors."
All three professors nodded at my command.
Having finished my business, I left the office, with Adelia and Selena trailing closely behind.
Biorf apparently had some private matters to discuss with Chancellor Tordam regarding the transition of power.
Just then, Selena quietly approached me and spoke in a cautious tone.
"Sir Gaon, could you spare a moment?"
I wasn't in any particular hurry, so I nodded. I had a good idea of what she wanted to talk about.
We headed back to her office.
Once we were seated opposite each other, Selena spoke.
"To be honest, when I guided you to the top floor today, I never expected the Great Sage Demarion's door to actually open."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. For a door that had been shut for hundreds of years to suddenly open..."
Her voice trailed off into a low murmur.
"I don't know what I was thinking, trying to use the Sword Master... Looking back, it was truly foolish of me."
Sincerity was written all over Selena's face. It seemed she had finally recognized my capabilities through this incident.
"Of course, that doesn't mean my past actions can be forgiven. Merely guiding you to the top floor cannot erase the wrongs I've committed."
Selena snapped her fingers.
A chest in the corner of the office clicked open, and something floated gently toward us.
It was a map made of old parchment and a rusted bronze key.
"These are a map and a key that once belonged to the Ruins Expedition Team."
Unfolding the map, I saw a familiar topographical layout.
Location markers drawn in faded ink and notes written in ancient script were scattered across it.
"It is undoubtedly a key to unlock some ruins, but I have not yet been able to decipher this map."
"..."
"However, since it was something the Ruins Expedition Team cherished so dearly, it must lead to a place incomparable to ordinary ruins... Sir Gaon?"
She paused.
Selena called my name.
From the moment I took the map from her, my mind had drifted completely elsewhere.
What is this?
Even across my two hundred playthroughs, this was an item that could absolutely never be obtained in the early stages of the game.
No, more importantly...
...This was in the hands of the Crimson Empress at this point in time?
It was a fact I had never known, even after playing Lost Elder for so long.
In an instant, my mind began to race.
If I could exploit this situation properly...
...I might achieve the True Name Awakening of the Feather Sword faster than in any of my previous playthroughs.