Talent-Swallowing Magician - Chapter 13

Episode 13:

Real Battle

[What is the result of the upcoming presidential election at Woosden Academy?]

[Dean Verlux is far ahead of the other candidates with an approval rating of 52%.]

[He approached the failing students who were only repeating grades with a broad mind without wearing colored glasses. Personality was cited as a major factor in popularity.]

“Hehe. “Public opinion seems to be working to its liking.”

Professor Verrux burst out laughing at the articles pouring in every day.

If I were to choose the happiest moment of my life, I would say it is this moment.

“Congratulations, President.”

As Riven, who was standing next to him, rubbed his hands and flattered him, Professor Verlux’s mouth was split in half.

Then, perhaps because he thought it was a mistake, he cleared his throat and screamed as if he was scolding him.

“The election hasn’t even started yet, what kind of nonsense is this? If others hear it, they will misunderstand it! “I am only worried about the future of this academy and the future of the cadets!”

“yes. I know. “How could I possibly guess such deep feelings of the President?”

“Hum hum!”

“Still, won’t all public opinion revolve around you, and won’t a big discovery be made in the upcoming exploration? “No dean can match your reputation.”

“That’s right! “It lifts me up too much.”

But contrary to what he said, he didn’t seem to dislike it at all.

[Could another miracle appear?]

[What is the historical value of the nest to be discovered this time?]

The exploration team led by Professor Verlux was scheduled to depart from the Academy in two days.

A lot of public opinion was already focusing on this exploration.

Some speculated that a much larger dragon’s nest would be discovered than what Elric discovered.

If that were true, it was clear that Professor Verlux’s reputation would skyrocket, thanks to his contribution to supporting Elric’s great discovery and the discovery of a new nest.

“But is Cadet Elric still showing no signs of recovery?”

“They say there is no way to confirm because Neresta is still surrounding the area of the hospital room. However, from what I heard from the guard….”

“From what I heard?”

“It is said that we have already barely overcome the hurdle several times. Maybe even that won’t last long…”

“That’s… such a shame.”

Unlike his tone of voice, his mouth was smiling.

Revan’s smile also deepened.

“Isn’t the whole reason the Neresta family is sticking around like that to gain the right to excavate? “We are constantly watching their movements closely, and if we see any sign of something happening, we will report it immediately.”

“okay. The Jewel Dragon’s Nest is the property of our academy. “You can’t just hand something like that to them as something personal.”

The direction of excavation rights was gradually being concentrated between the Academy and the Neresta family.

In addition, there were rumors that Elric might die soon, so ownership was added on top of this.

Of course, I couldn’t help but light up my eyes at both places.

But Professor Verlux wasn’t too worried.

If this exploration is successful anyway, the political atmosphere and public opinion will inevitably be tilted toward the Academy.

“Anyway, everything is up in the air right now, so make sure you stay sane until the end. “Let’s talk about my successor then.”

If Professor Verlux becomes president, one professorship in the Department of Elemental Sciences will become vacant.

So, who will receive that position?

With his eyes shining brightly, Riven bent down so that the top of his head touched the ground.

“I won’t disappoint you.”

“Hehehe.”

Professor Verux lifted the steaming cup of coffee and savored the aroma.

Like this flavor, the future that unfolded for me seemed to be refreshing.

* * *

“’Exploration party sets out amid much anticipation and welcome…?’ The launching ceremony was held on a grand scale. “What are you going to do to take care of it later?”

Elric let out a laugh as he looked at the newspaper on the newsstand.

No matter how much he guided it, how could things proceed as expected?

I was worried that things might proceed in a different direction than I had intended, so I felt like my efforts to rush straight ahead were in vain.

The results of that exploration were, in fact, as obvious as fire.

‘There would be no plausible spiritual vein, just a deep cave and nothing else.’

If it becomes known that it was a pure soup, it would be like pouring cold water on its reputation. What will Professor Verlux do then?

‘I can’t help but be obsessed with my nest that much. I have to win the presidential election somehow. In the process, the conflict with the Neresta family will continue to grow.’

From then on, Elric planned to secretly spread rumors one by one.

The rumor is that Professor Verex’s good deeds, which were said to have fully supported Elric’s great discovery, were actually a lie.

There are rumors that he ignored the opinions of Elric and Sean who raised objections about the location of the nest, and instead made a bet to steal the heirlooms of the magic clan.

For this work, Sean’s loyal confidant, Carol, was currently moving underwater.

‘After all, what the media likes is provocative conspiracy theories, not heartwarming good deeds. I’ll be scribbling hard. The Neresta family and other presidential candidates will also be holding on to that like a pack of dogs.’

What if Elric appears in such a situation in perfect condition?

Professor Verlux will have no choice but to fall completely.

‘professor. So you shouldn’t have aimed for this from the beginning. ‘Isn’t this what happens because you crossed the line?’

Elric snorted as he touched the magic sword hidden by his collar with his fingertips.

Elric couldn’t be more pleased with Professor Verlux because he was a precious treasure that saved his life.

‘Anyway, I’ll see how you can solve this trap.’

Grumble!

Elric created a flame, burned the newspaper in his hand, and then moved to a destination not far away.

Black ash fell in a flutter to the spot where he was.

* * *

“Are you looking for guidance to the snowy field?”

Elric nodded, looking at the intermediary who looked at him like he was crazy.

“yes. “Can you save it?”

“Is it trendy these days to go to commit suicide in groups?”

“yes? “What do you mean by that?”

The intermediary did not properly answer Elric’s question and spoke in a blunt tone.

“Well, if you give me a lot of money, it won’t be that difficult to find a guide. “The harvest has been poor for the past several years, and all the villagers living around here are in poverty.”

“Well, that’s…”

“You don’t have a lot of money, do you?”

Elric laughed bitterly for a moment.

Considering that his sister had supported all of his academy tuition and living expenses, there was no way he had much money left in his pocket.

‘Now that I think about it, I haven’t been able to properly contact my sister… I’m going to get scolded a lot later.’

Even though I asked Sean to explain the situation, I still can’t feel comfortable with the constant flow of articles like that.

It would be even more heartbreaking to think that I have a personality that worries so much.

I told the intermediary, thinking I would have to post a separate telegram later.

“How could it not be?”

“Well, it’s not like there’s no way. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to join the rest of the party and share the wages?”

As an Elric, I was planning on parting ways with the guide along the way if I just climbed the snowy field anyway, so there was nothing bad about it.

“Could you please let go of my leg?”

“Come here by 1pm in three days. “I plan to leave then.”

“thank you.”

Elric stood up and put the money bag on the table.

* * *

『I said that the terrain felt somewhat familiar. It was the Yeti’s residence.

While moving to the lodgings on the outskirts of the village, Mephisto looked around and nodded.

A village located in a remote mountainous region with only about 100 households. All that was visible around was a tall mountainous area completely covered with perpetual snow.

This place, located in the northeast of the empire, was full of rough and rugged mountain ranges, to the extent that there is a legend that ‘in the past, a giant dragon died and its remaining spine covered the sky.’

That’s why it was nicknamed ‘Yeti’s Plateau’.

The Yeti, who made the perpetual snow their home, would sometimes plunder mountain villages and kidnap and eat hikers.

However, Mephisto seemed to know this place well.

Yeti was a local noun that referred to the yeti.

“I guess you’ve been here before?”

Mephisto snorted.

『Everything. They are trembling beggars who dared to admire us.』

“Are you trembling?”

Elric tilted his head to see what he was talking about, but then his eyes widened.

“Was the yeti a demon?”

Mephisto frowned.

『Don’t group yourself into the same category! Because I feel bad!』

But Elric was already quite surprised.

‘So that means you’re at least a low-level demon?’

I just thought it was a monster that enjoyed eating human flesh.

‘Well, apart from their long history of fighting against humans, not much is properly known about them. Still, I didn’t even think of this?’

Mephisto’s resistance to being grouped in the same category is probably due to the Yeti’s low intelligence.

As demons are usually mental entities, they have noble and extravagant hobbies and arrogant personalities.

『Still, their old king was more useful than I thought. If that guy’s fate hadn’t been so bad, they wouldn’t have escaped the demon’s grace.』

Was there a leader who led the Yetis in the past?

It seemed like there had been some kind of incident that wasn’t known to the public.

“hmm! I don’t know if his grave is still there.』

That moment.

Elric’s eyes sparkled.

* * *

Three days later.

As the broker said, Elric was able to meet a guide who identified himself as ‘Cook Mingma’.

“Our tribe often names people based on the day they were born. Mingma means the day the second sun rises. What do you want to say? Today is the second day of the week when the sun rises… So, in the imperial language, it is Tuesday, so as long as you follow me around, you will never experience any trouble!”

A dark-skinned boy who appears to be about thirteen years old.

『He talks a lot. If I leave it like that, I’m going to talk non-stop. Does it really have to be that guy?』

Mephisto grumbled as if he didn’t like it.

In fact, everyone gathered there, including Elric, didn’t seem to pay much attention to the guide.

‘Five people hiding prayers, three monster hunters… and four herbalists.’

Was this unusual combination created because it was the Yeti Plateau?

In particular, the five people who were at the very back and looked around from time to time were suspicious.

Although their identities were unknown as they were covered in robes, the four people seemed to be thoroughly protecting one person.

When I heard it, they said that they were the first people to participate in this passenger trip.

There must be some kind of story.

As Elric, there was no reason to care at all, so he turned off his interest in them.

‘Anyway, it’s a bit disappointing. I was wondering if I could get some kind of opportunity again.’

Elric quenched his appetite while looking at the snowy field in the distance.

It was because I suddenly remembered what Mephisto had said three days ago.

-tomb? It must have already been stolen. How do you know where the king is?

Wizard who swallowed talent