Chapter 153 — Some Days Are Especially Gloomy

1

The day dawned.

Today was Friday.

It was also the day of the end-of-April evaluation.

Usually, around this time, students were either excited or nervous.

They were anxious about what kind of questions would appear, how much their friends had studied, and whether they were in good condition for the test.

However, today, the atmosphere at the academy was particularly subdued.

“Kael! Did you sleep well?”

“No. I’m still sleepy—.”

As Kael was sluggishly heading to class, a red-haired girl appeared beside her.

It was Anais, who had been troubled recently with the student council elections.

Her face was equally gloomy.

Though a single blemish on a beautiful face wouldn’t change much, the overall mood seemed different, making her impression feel altered.

It seemed Pearson had gone ahead, saying he had something to prepare.

“You heard about it too, right? About Senior…”

“…There’s no way he would do that.”

“Yeah, I know. He’s not someone who would rely on drugs to improve.”

Anyone who knew him even a little would have felt the same.

If someone asked whether you could become like Manus with something as cheap as Black Rum, everyone would shake their heads.

Despite this, the situation was not turning out well.

Even in the girls’ dormitory, there were disturbing rumors.

Some said he had been abandoned by his family, while others claimed he had been deceiving everyone all along.

Although the rumors hadn’t escalated to outright slander, those who had always viewed him with disdain were now emboldened.

“A disciplinary committee… Should we visit the Chairman?”

“Let’s go after the evaluation.”

Kael nodded.

If anyone could help, it might be the Chairman.

But for now, they had to focus on the evaluation, so it was best to calm their minds.

What kinds of questions would appear now that Professor Mia was gone?

They said the remaining professors had divided up the task of creating the magic-related questions this time.

But will Senior… be able to perform well in this evaluation?

Sigh—.

It was a day filled with nothing but sighs.

Would they be able to get through the evaluation peacefully today?

And what would happen to Senior?

Their steps echoed with worry.

The two walked through the campus in silence.

Today, there were especially many eyes watching them.

It was probably because they were associated with Manus.

2

Bang, bang!

The door to the Chairman’s office rattled more violently than usual today.

Chairman Nyx heard the urgent voices calling for him from beyond the door.

He rubbed his temples with his fingertips and sighed.

How many times had this happened already?

Yesterday and today, since taking on the role of Chairman of the academy, had been some of the busiest days.

Especially with the frequent visits from the professors.

It was almost better to work on paperwork alone.

“-Come in.”

“Pardon the intrusion, Chairman.”

“Alano, come in. Are you here about…?”

“Yes. I came to ask about Manus.”

“…I see. As expected. I don’t doubt Manus. The judgment and skills he’s shown, as well as the leadership that has guided you all—those aren’t abilities that could be produced by mere drugs.”

“Then…”

There was a glimmer of hope in Alano’s eyes.

However, the Chairman’s next words made it difficult for Alano to hide her disappointment.

The circumstances of the adults.

The law that had to follow procedure.

Even though she knew this, the reality that she had no choice but to endure such troublesome matters struck her hard.

Chairman Nyx’s expression wasn’t good either.

“Still, the disciplinary committee will convene. I can’t stop that.”

“Manus will take this as a grave insult.”

“It can’t be helped. That’s the rule of the academy.”

Alano sighed.

Rules.

Yes, she was someone who also valued rules and understood their importance.

She believed that under rules, everyone could maintain order.

But she hadn’t anticipated that the strict laws and procedures would become shackles that would bind them.

It felt even more unfair because they were in the right.

She asked quietly.

“If Manus can’t prove his innocence, will you just stand by and watch, Chairman?”

“…I’m not sure yet.”

“He’s the focal point of our group. Without him, we wouldn’t be able to save the world.”

Alano spoke firmly.

Her tone was filled with conviction, implying that others shared the same opinion.

After all, it was Manus who had brought everyone in their group together.

If he suddenly disappeared, it wouldn’t just be a matter of lowered morale.

The Chairman was also well aware of this.

Manus wasn’t just an ordinary student.

He was an indispensable asset.

“I understand. We must at least avoid the worst outcome.”

“Though, he will surely prove his innocence on his own.”

Alano added her final words with a determined glint in her eyes.

She had absolute faith in Manus.

Seeing the silver pocket watch trembling, Alano bowed her head.

“Then, I’ll be on my way.”

“Very well.”

Chairman Nyx stared blankly at Alano’s departing figure.

He remained silent until the door closed, then quietly sighed.

Just two months ago, this wouldn’t have been something to worry about.

Manus had certainly done enough to attract malice.

But now, two months later, things were different.

He had become an irreplaceable talent, essential for overcoming catastrophes and uncovering secrets.

From what he heard, Manus had helped them overcome countless crises.

The current state of the students must be dire.

‘At least it’s fortunate that today is evaluation day.’

He swallowed his sigh as he gazed at the golden letter lying on one side.

How could the Emperor be so oblivious?

He looked at the calendar.

The midterms were approaching.

Various matters were piling up, making his head spin.

In any case, time would continue to flow.

And as time passed, how would this significant incident conclude?

The wrinkles on his forehead deepened.

3

Manus ignored the particularly sticky stares that followed him.

His boiling emotions urged him to retaliate immediately, but he didn’t.

Now was still the time to remain silent and gather an audience for the upcoming twist.

He deliberately wrapped his ears in mana, blocking out the noise.

Without looking around, he maintained his dignified stride.

They might curse him behind his back, but no one dared to confront him directly.

‘I should focus on performing well in the evaluation, right?’

So far, nothing had been confirmed, whether it was expulsion or disciplinary action.

At the very least, today’s evaluation should be conducted on equal footing.

Performing well in the evaluation would also support his claim of innocence.

If they weren’t fools, they wouldn’t think so simplistically.

‘You can flip your image in one go. Even someone who seemed like trash could quickly be seen in a different light.’

It was the same back in South Korea.

Celebrities or politicians who had been embroiled in countless scandals.

Once a hidden good deed was revealed and articles with “The truth was…” started pouring out, their negative image would be replaced by a positive one.

Public perception is inherently like that.

Regardless of the reality, as long as you manage your external image, there’s no problem in garnering love.

He never thought he would reach a position where he’d need to use such tactics, but it was time to apply what he had learned from others.

Besides…

‘Who would have thought an assistant would plot something like this? Even with the age gap?’

He didn’t care what emotions had driven the assistant to act this way.

Why they had targeted him, who had been minding his own business…

Manus took a seat in the arranged exam formation.

There was still some time before the exam would start.

He was in the midst of tirelessly working to manifest the knowledge of the 6th-Class.

The knowledge of the 6th-Class was vast, and even a Caesar couldn’t reach it easily.

But if he pursued it steadily, he would eventually reach it.

He believed that by living each day to the fullest, he would one day achieve it.

For now, the knowledge in front of him was more valuable than the stares around him.

“Manus, do you have a moment?”

“Did you successfully clear the dungeon?”

“With me there, what was there to worry about? So, are you okay?”

He looked up at the shadow cast over him to find Nia looking at him with concerned eyes.

It wasn’t pity or sympathy but pure concern.

He thought he knew a little about Nia, but after surviving so many close calls, had they developed a sense of camaraderie?

She always talked about how she would uncover the truth, how she was certain of it, yet it seemed she was worried after all.

So, Manus didn’t hold back his smile.

As always, a smile that would charm everyone appeared on his face.

Nia pouted as she saw his smile.

“If you’re in the mood to smile, I guess you’re okay.”

“Thank you for your concern. Please keep your words to a minimum.”

“…Why? Do you have a plan?”

Manus nodded.

He had no intention of hiding it from her, his comrade.

Seeing this, Nia hummed and nodded along.

Of course, it was Manus.

If it were her, she would have been raging, trying to find the culprit.

She wouldn’t have been able to tolerate someone trying to harm her.

She wouldn’t have been able to stand anyone tarnishing the Abrel family, which was close to a great family.

“Anyway, I’ll stay out of it. Do well on the evaluation.”

“Yes. You don’t need to worry.”

“I’m fine, but the others might not be. Make sure to comfort them later.”

“Will do.”

It seemed like it was past the point where he should be taking care of these things.

But he had to assess the situation.

He stood up.

There was still some time left, so he needed to ensure he didn’t mess up the evaluation.

Ignoring the stares that followed him with every step, he headed downstairs.

The second years could handle themselves, but he felt the first-year juniors needed some mental support.

He had one reason for going.

‘I don’t want the kids to suffer because of me.’

They were only 15 years old.

Still young.

What had I been doing in my second year of middle school?

Probably hanging out at PC rooms with my friends?

Even though the environment was different, they probably didn’t have the maturity to make such decisive choices.

It might seem like I’m being a bit of an old man, but having lived a bit longer, I had some advice to offer.

Having gone through that period, there were things I could see.

I could be a stabilizing influence for those kids who might be wandering.

[Interference has begun.]

‘Yeah, this is definitely interference.’

This is what real interference is like.

When I was young, I used to ignore the things adults said.

I never thought that the words they casually threw around could change my life.

But since I’m closer in age to these kids, I should be able to form a connection with them.

It’s a day to be thankful that we live in the same generation.

“-Senior?”

A familiar voice called out.

When she saw him, her eyes trembled as if a flood of thoughts ran through her mind.

It was clear what she was thinking.

However, she didn’t hesitate and walked briskly toward Manus.

Her eyes showed a desire to know the truth and a firm belief in Manus.

Manus opened his mouth to speak.

He didn’t want her to feel betrayed.

And he didn’t want her to waver because of him.

–TL Notes–
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