Chapter 130: The Path
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 130: The Path
The old man could still recall the scenes from a year ago.
Back then, just as he had at the start of this semester, he stood in his office in the Great Clock Tower, gazing out as vibrant, energetic students streamed through the main gates.
He had harbored a flicker of anticipation, knowing that the heir to the Campbell family would be entering the Academy. He hoped to see a brilliant young man, much like the Lion King himself, once again radiating light within these halls.
And so...
When the blonde youth appeared in his line of sight, stepping down from a griffin-drawn carriage surrounded by a retinue of maids, the old man felt a profound sense of disappointment.
With just one look, he knew exactly what kind of person the boy was.
He was like so many of the noble scions this Academy never lacked: conceited, arrogant, supercilious, reeking of wealth and the peculiar affectations of the aristocracy.
The only thing missing was anything of substance inside his head.
The young Lord Campbell’s subsequent behavior only confirmed his assessment.
If he had to describe him in a few words, it would be: a lost cause, utterly beyond saving.
After several fruitless attempts to correct the boy's behavior, the professor had essentially given up.
He just hadn't expected...
Professor Prang glanced at the current Muen.
In the end, it was his own experienced eyes that had been deceived.
*
"Was my father really that impressive during his time at the Academy?"
After listening to Professor Prang’s description of his father, Muen let out a cry of surprised admiration.
He had honestly thought, as the rumors suggested, that generations of Campbells were nothing but ultimate, thick-headed brutes.
"A brute with power is called 'valiant and decisive.' A brute without power is simply 'reckless.' As it happens, the generations of Duke Campbells have never lacked for power."
As if seeing through Muen’s thoughts, Professor Prang offered a leisurely explanation.
"I see." Muen scratched his head.
It made sense.
How could a man who held the position of Duke so securely, whose son was betrothed to the Emperor's daughter, and who currently commanded the great armies at the border, be a mere simpleton?
But...
Could such an outstanding man be so blinded by excessive love that he allowed his own son to become a useless wastrel?
Parents, truly... Muen couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"So, Professor Prang, you didn't hate me just because I only managed to learn a single Illumination Spell last semester?" Muen asked next.
Clack.
The moment the words left Muen’s mouth, Professor Prang’s frame visibly stiffened.
"Of course not. Why would I hate you for such a trivial matter? After all, I was well-prepared for the Campbell family's... unique level of magical talent and attainment."
Professor Prang’s tone remained flat, seemingly devoid of emotion.
"Even your brilliant father never managed to pass a single magic course. The only spell he ever properly learned was one that could make flowers bloom at any time—and he only learned that to woo your mother."
"Is that so? It seems Father was a magic idiot too, hahaha..."
"Even so, it only took him two weeks to learn the Illumination Spell."
Professor Prang turned back, his face expressionless and his voice deep.
However, as his fingers shifted slightly on his staff, clear indentations could be seen in the wood.
"As a side note, it only took me three days to teach my cat that spell."
"..."
And you say you don't hate me? I feel like you're about to beat me to death with that cane at any second!
Muen felt as if a giant "DANGER" sign was hovering over his head. He began to wonder what kind of pleading posture would best suit the son of a Duke if Professor Prang actually decided to finish him off right here.
"However... I admit, you truly have changed, Muen Campbell."
Ultimately, Professor Prang did nothing. He simply gave a long sigh, turned around, and continued walking deeper into the passage.
"Since you were able to raise your Magic Basic Theory grade to such a level within a single month, I believe that even the Campbell family's magic curse can be easily broken by you. You might truly surpass your father and become the most exceptional Duke Campbell in history."
"That’s a bit too much praise, isn't it?" Muen felt a bit bashful at the sudden compliment.
"Is it? In the past, I would have been certain, but after witnessing your transformation, I’ve begun to doubt my own aging eyes. However..."
Professor Prang’s tone suddenly shifted.
"I didn't expect you to make such a decision, Muen Campbell."
"Hmm?"
A question mark practically popped up over Muen’s head as he looked at the professor’s back in confusion.
Then it clicked. Was Professor Prang talking about... Teacher Mela?
"The path that Mentor Mela Domir pursues... though I don't know the details, I know it is not a bright, smooth road. At the very least, for you, Muen Campbell—a Duke's son with a limitless future—it is not a path worth choosing."
Professor Prang continued, "You should have had better, more stable options. If you wanted power, the Campbell inheritance is by no means weak. You only needed to progress steadily, step by step. Even if your Magic Basic Theory score remained a three, your future achievements as a Martial Artist would have inevitably reached the Crowned boundary. Becoming a Crown Bearer would have been a certainty.
"Even if you dislike the Campbell reputation for being brutes, as the son of a Duke, your resources and starting point far exceed those of ordinary people. As long as you applied the same tenacity and effort you used to reach an 'Excellent' grade in one month to any other path, your future achievements would certainly not be low.
"And yet, you seem to be in a great hurry. So hurried that one cannot help but wonder..."
Professor Prang turned back once more. His aged but still sharp eyes held a hint of inquiry.
"As the heir to the Campbell family, a future pillar of the Empire, and even the fiancé of Her Highness the Princess—Muen Campbell, what exactly are you afraid of?"
"I..."
Faced with Professor Prang’s question, Muen opened his mouth but no sound came out.
What was he afraid of?
It was nothing more than the word "Fate."
If he could, he wouldn't want to work this hard. He too wanted to walk toward a bright future step by step, marrying the person he loved amidst the ringing of church bells and scattered rose petals.
He wanted to be an ordinary son of a Duke. He wanted to wait until his father grew old or ready to retire, then take over, receive the Campbell inheritance, and live out his life with that legendary surname.
He wanted to live.
He wanted to be happy.
It was that simple.
But Fate would not allow it.
Fate would not permit a yellow-haired villain like him to exist in the original story.
He was supposed to die. He was supposed to have died more than once already.
And the things he faced were not things the name "Campbell" alone could resolve.
That prophetic dream was like a blade suspended over his neck, urging him to hurry forward.
So, he could only take a radical path.
Even if that path also led toward a future shrouded in mist.
He had to try. He had to try with everything he had.
—To defy Fate.
"It seems you have already made your decision."
Gazing at Muen, seeing the blood and fire flowing like lava in the youth's eyes, Professor Prang withdrew his gaze.
"In that case, I will ask no more. Even as a teacher, the final choice ultimately rests with you."
Professor Prang raised his hand and pressed it against a sophisticated instrument.
Then, accompanied by the roar of grinding steel, a massive doorway that seemed to lead straight to the heavens slowly swung open before Muen.
Blinding light flooded into the darkness where Muen stood, forcing him to squint, making it difficult to see the path ahead.
"Go," Professor Prang said.
"Mentor Mela Domir is waiting for you, Muen Campbell."