The Extra’s Academy Survival Guide - Chapter 55

When a bunch of things start to come up all at once, it can really put your mind in overload, delaying your sense of reasoning. Sort of like a time lag.

Because of that, it wasn’t until some time had passed that Ayla managed to get herself together.

Fact: The Devil of the Underground Waterways in the cell across from her was completely asleep, unlikely to wake up due to sleep magic.

Fact: As long as she sat patiently in her prison, she wouldn’t be hurt for the time being.

Her mind, which was spinning in circles, was slowly starting to calm down to some extent.

When it finally calmed down, thanks to a combination of complicated reasonings, her legs stopped shaking.

“Taylee…”

She buried her face into her lap as she called out his name, but it would be a long time before Taylee would arrive.

Ayla was vaguely aware of the fact that Taylee would surely come to her rescue.

A mixture of sadness and shame filled her heart.

However, she was upset. She resented that she was a burden to him all the time, and a mixture of sadness and shame filled her heart.

It wasn’t that she didn’t try. Ayla was just born with hopelessly little talent when it came to combat, though she could never be looked down upon based on her talent in intellectual academics.

Her ability to absorb information regarding magic and fully understand it, even knowing how to use it, was at a scholarly level that even Professor Glast recognized.

However, the fact that she couldn’t do anything without someone else’s help every single time was something she greatly resented.

She was going to be getting help from so many people this time, as well.

Even Ed Rothstaylor was going to help her—someone that she considered an enemy, the sight of him making her grit her teeth.

That guy left Ayla in that safe prison cell as he ran out to resolve the situation by himself.

Doing that much, just what could she say about him now? She couldn’t believe that he was considerate towards her while she was in a state of absolute confusion and chaos.

To be honest, rather than feeling dependent on him she was rather scared. She felt that she would be afraid that he would end up hitting her if he even raised his hand.

“Disappointment…”

Emotions always had expectations, though the form of those expectations varied greatly from person to person.

For example, how she hoped that the person she loved would always be a righteous and good person.

Or how the subject she resented and hated would always be something evil, perverse, and ill-natured.

That was her justification and the reason she antagonized that person.

The fact that he might also be an upright person, one following his own sense of beliefs and righteousness, meant that he could also be justified in some way if you looked at the situation from another point of view… It wasn’t easy to swallow her pride and admit that fact.

However, Ayla couldn’t help but to admit it.

Ed’s reputation throughout the academy, the full and unwavering support from the top second year student, and his showcase of perseverance and ability to maintain a constantly composed nature during the Glasskan incident…

Not only that, but he also maintained a calm attitude, showing not a single sign of being taken aback, when they ended up getting kidnapped together.

There wasn’t even a hint of anger towards her, despite her having constantly been hostile and wary towards Ed.

Ayla was well aware of what that type of characteristic was called.

Open-mindedness and patience.

He could have harmed her, shifted the blame onto her, spoke badly about her, or even sacrificed her… he was in a situation where he could do anything that he wanted. The balance of power was completely tilted to Ed’s side. Whether it was simply physical strength, talent in magic, or even mentally.

Nevertheless, the act of helping and saving Ayla made him seem more like an honest and reliable upperclassman than the arrogant one that she saw during the entrance exam.

Perhaps he was always like that, even from the beginning.

Why did his behavior at the entrance exam change so suddenly, earning him all of that resentment?

Whenever there was an important or urgent moment, he would always try to resolve the situation in a serious manner—like a reliable upperclassman.

Even going so far as to say that Taylee would definitely come to her rescue, putting his full faith into him…

So why was he so mean to him during the entrance exam to the point where it ruined his entire reputation?

“Ayla Triss. You’ve been watching over Taylee all this time, so you know perfectly well that he’s the kind of guy that becomes stronger with each hardship in his way.”

Appropriate to the urgency of the situation, his tone had been completely unwavering, like a large tree that had dug its roots into the ground and was unwilling to move.

Ayla knew that. Taylee’s life was full of so many hardships that it seemed like he was fated from birth with a destiny of trials.

And each time he overcame those trials, he grew one step further… He was a person that would shine brighter than anyone else.

Just how did Ed know about Taylee’s temperament…? A belated feeling of suspicion started to enter her head, though it didn’t really matter.

He looked down on Taylee during the entrance exam, rebuked Taylee during the Glasskan incident, and even blocked Taylee’s way during the Occupation of Ophelis Hall. And even though he still had the strength to fight back and resist back then, he admitted his defeat against Taylee.

After getting excommunicated, he became someone that talked very little in his daily life, quietly focusing on his studies and trying to avoid getting involved with others. It was as if something had changed in his heart. As if he had lost interest in everything other than his studies and life.

However, whenever there was an important moment, where Taylee’s trial would begin…He would appear, acting like a whip. He would always get involved in situations where he really didn’t need to intervene, even though he could have just stood by and watched.

Right then, Ayla was convinced that the pieces of the puzzle were fitting together.

The reason was unknown, but Ed Rothstaylor seemed to be earnestly praying towards Taylee’s growth and success.

“…Ed Rothstaylor…?”

Ayla, who had come to her senses, quickly stood up from her seat as she stuck her head out through the bars.

At the end of the hallway was the Celestial researcher Koom, who was still busy reviewing the research data.

Right outside his field of view, Ayla’s fingertips trembled as she watched Ed quietly open the exit door as he went outside, keeping a low posture.

In terms of the situation, that was how things were.

The only thing Ayla and Taylee had given to him was resentment and hatred, but he was risking his life for the two of them.

Pride and previous grudges had covered her eyes. Though, after taking a step back and thinking over it, it had always been like that.

It was partially because Ed Rothstaylor wasn’t the type of person to brag about what he had done in the first place.

Her throat felt like there was a thorn stuck in it, making it hard for her to breathe. Now that she thought about it carefully, it wasn’t such a difficult conclusion to come to.

Rather than being an arrogant and conceited fallen aristocrat, he was instead a hardworking and reserved person that didn’t care to brag about what he did… He was that type of reliable person.

After admitting that fact, it felt as if a huge burden had been lifted off her shoulders.

She had no choice but to admit just how rash she was when judging others.

Ayla couldn’t do anything else besides patiently stand still, facing the bars…

***

The main conference room in Trix Hall didn’t have many people gathered together when compared to its large size.

That was because the sale of the Sage’s Seal wasn’t something to be proud of.

Thus, the Seal’s Resonance Transferal was to be carried out on a very small scale.

Accordingly, it proceeded quietly and confidently, with only a few academic heads from the academy and a few head senior executives from the company present.

The Headmaster, Obel Forsyth.

The Vice-Headmaster, Rachel.

The Dean of the Combat Department, Stan.

The Dean of the Magic Department, McDowell.

The Dean of the Alchemy Department, Edelweiss.

The person in charge of the Resonance Transferal, Glast.

As a scribe, Assistant Professor Cleoh.

The stand-in, entrusted with full power from Elte Company, Lortel Kehelland.

The Head of Business, Tanya.

The stand-in for the accountant, Veneer

The Record Keeper, Tars.

The Head Secretary, Melania.

Only the very top within the academy and company had been chosen to represent them, and they had gathered together at the location where the Resonance Transferal would take place.

Among them, the ones that drew the most attention were the representatives of their groups.

Obel and Lortel.

The impressions the two of them gave off were so distinct that you could even say they were exact opposites of each other.

Uncharacteristic of his position as the headmaster of the great Silvenia Academy, Obel Forsyth looked rather young, candid, and easy-going.

Because of his short-cut hair and his smooth chin, clean of even a single piece of hair, it was difficult to determine his age. Because of his neat and tidy appearance, it was difficult to see him as an elderly gentleman approaching his sixties.

His frame was rather large, appropriate to the high reputation that praised him as a man of talent in the combat, magic, and alchemy fields. He wore a splendid robe that was engraved with the Silvenia seal, but his wide shoulders were still noticeable.

On the other hand, the person that was representing the company as the stand-in was rather small. However, if you were to compare her small figure, which wasn’t sensuous in any way, to a flower… She would be like a rose.

Even though she might appear delicate, if you were to approach her by hastily reaching out your hand, she would prick you like a thorn and cause you to bleed out.

While her flowing reddish-brown hair appeared rather glamorous, the frill dress and semi-robe she wore were rather moderate.

Even sitting in front of Obel, whose age, height, experience, strength, and magic power surpassed her several times over, she showed no sign of falling to his pressure.

Instead, Lortel slowly opened her mouth… and started to question the academy’s faculty.

“Headmaster Obel, whom I respect dearly. Before I am a merchant, I am a student here at the great Silvenia Academy. Thus, I will never forget that I should show my utmost respect to the faculty members here, who always teach me valuable lessons. However… the matter at hand right now is different from our relationship as a faculty member and student, right?”

The other company personnel that Lortel brought to the scene began to tremble.

Lortel’s anger was always cold.

The biggest thing Lortel Kehelland hated was the default of a contract.

No matter what type of unavoidable reason there might be, if things didn’t go according to the contract, the person in charge had to be questioned.

The reason that Lortel, who was still young, was able to hold the leadership to tie together the entire company and keep it moving as if it were her own body stemmed from the fact that she was precise.

Contrary to her relaxed and beautiful appearance, her behavior was rather cold-hearted and cruel.

She was terribly realistic, to the point that she left very little room for compromise once a course of action had been set.

Due to her thorough temperament, the company personnel had rarely seen Lortel sign an unfavorable contract or make a risky investment.

“I can’t believe the seal has been stolen, even with all of the academy’s key figures gathering here… Had this deal not been handled so quietly, this would have been a great humiliation.”

“All of the personnel in charge of searching are on the move, so I hope you can wait just a bit longer. The academy will take responsibility for this incident and make sure to get the seal back.”

Even if there were equals in terms of the contract, they still had the relationship of a student and headmaster.

Lortel wasn’t being any more rude than necessary, but she had to say something.

Raising her head, she looked at the center of the conference room in Trix Hall.

The explanation of the situation wasn’t very complicated.

In the middle of the Seal’s Resonance Transferal, after confirming that Headmaster Obel’s resonance ownership had been cut off… A wide-scale vision obstructing spell was cast throughout the main conference room.

Smoke rose up to obscure their view, strong flashing lights blinded their eyes, and as various rambunctious noises were heard—creating a complete chaos in an instant.

Either way, there seemed to be a commotion building up outside. Students and other faculty members nearby had all started to gather at Trix Hall. The plan to proceed with the deal in secret was now somewhat ruined.

Afterwards, all sorts of magic golems rose up nearby, attacking anything that came near them. No matter how you looked at it, it had become a dangerous situation.

Though, there actually wasn’t much risk in the first place, as every member of the academy’s personnel gathered there was strong.

After figuring out the situation, it seemed as if Professor Glast, who was against the sale of the Sage’s Seal, had taken action on his own.

Professor Glast had stolen the Seal and completely disappeared.

He was a senior-level professor with over fifteen years of service at the academy, so he knew the way the academy operated. That was why he was able to simply blindside the academy and its personnel.

Professor Glast had a long career, with many achievements to his name, to the point that it wouldn’t have been surprising if he had become a dean in the near future.

However, he valued the seal so greatly that he refused to be promoted, instead immersing himself in the study of the seal as a researcher.

Obel had no idea that Glast would end up taking such arbitrary action ahead of the Seal’s sale. That was why he had no idea what Glast was going to do with the Seal now that he had it.

“I don’t think Professor Glast would have stolen the seal only looking at its financial value… There seems to be something else going on.”

“It seems so.”

Obel swept his hand over his chin as he sat still at the conference room table, which had become a mess.

Without recognizing all of the surrounding gazes on him, he comfortably sat down, holding full authority of the room.

“Now that the situation has become like this, it would only be right if, at the very least, I was to tell those here the truth.”

After all, every person gathered in the hall were high-ranking individuals that were considered the top of their groups. Obel must have taken that fact into account.

“Whatever Professor Glast plans to do, I’m sure that it isn’t something good. With that in mind, why don’t we try waiting for a bit? Even if it takes time, I will take responsibility for the seal, making sure we can secure it back.”

“Just what are you saying?”

A frustrated feeling began to rise inside of Lortel’s chest.

The headmaster of Silvenia Academy, Obel Forsyth, was like a monster that had risen to the ranks of mastery in every possible way.

Whether it was in practical combat skills or talent in magic, when considering every single faculty member and student within the academy, the only person that could compare to him was the first-year lazy genius, Lucy Mayreel.

If Obel Forsyth had personally rolled up his sleeves and taken action, Glast would have been defeated in no time at all.

But Obel had only ordered his personnel to go out and search for it, not intending to personally take action himself.

When Lortel saw what he was doing, she had wanted to ask him to personally take action and retrieve the seal or something of the sort, but… No matter how much she wanted to, personally questioning him to such an extent felt wrong, given the difference in their statuses.

So Lortel continued to act as if she was listening to what he had to say, before an unbelievable fact suddenly entered her ear.

“Professor Glast’s research on Celestial magic power was centered around the traditionally forbidden field of ‘resurrection’ magic.”

No matter how far an academic’s desire for knowledge stretched, over the long history of magic there certainly was a field of magic that was considered forbidden.

The three fields that distorted the world’s providence, blurring the current flow of time and rejecting the framework of a human’s destiny.

The pursuit of eternal life, the resurrection of the dead, and the reversal of time.

It was seen as taboo to challenge providence by refusing the divine will granted to the human race and twisting one’s fate.

No matter how much one might be able to deal with time itself through the use of Celestial Magic, it was considered completely unacceptable to twist the past that had already been set.

Though in the first place, there was never a magician that was able to reach such a level.

“That… Even though you knew that, you left him alone, Headmaster?”

“That’s quite a precarious question to answer. I have received the reports on Professor Glast’s research, but there was no way he was going to properly report on such an inappropriate research topic. This is just a guess, but… I’m sure of it now. He praised the great sage Silvenia as if it was part of his nature.”

Considering Professor Glast’s research and his past tendencies, it was reasonable to think that.

However, he couldn’t be sure.

Lortel swung her head around, looking at the expressions of the other academic staff members that were present.

Vice-Headmaster Rachel and Dean McDowell had quietly closed their eyes.

However, the other academic staff personnel were blinking, as if they had never heard of that before. It was top secret even among the most high-ranking academic staff personnel.

“I don’t want to say anything bad, but… Headmaster Obel…”

“You want to ask if I’m crazy. Is that correct, Lortel Kehelland? Well… At least for me, I wonder what Professor Glast’s final choice will be?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Do you remember what Professor Glast used to say out of habit? Anguish for academic progress. In respect to the great sage Silvenia, who was a true intellectual… and the return of something that is lost.”

For Lortel, who knew of Professor Glast’s past, that wasn’t something that she could just ignore.

“All human beings, regardless of who they are, lie to themselves to some extent.”

A mad obsession with talent. That was a sentence that defined the human being, Professor Glast.

However, Lortel was also guessing to some extent.

Was that obsession really the true nature of Professor Glast?

Or was it simply a defense mechanism that stemmed from the pain of losing someone?

That mad obsession of his that thought uncertain and vain talents shouldn’t be given any value…

He was very self-righteous… On one hand, it might seem noble of him, but the nature of it might actually be even simpler than she had thought.

He didn’t want his daughter’s death, which came from her lack of talent, to be in vain… It might have just come from the result of that fleeting fatherly love.

Was he a sublime scholar or a grieving father?

Unable to hastily define Professor Glast, Lortel was caught up in her confusion.

“If he really had discovered a Celestial magic that could bring the dead back to life…”

The extraordinary Great Sage Silveria, who would advance the world’s progression and dramatically progress the history of magic forever.

His own daughter, Myuri, who ended up dying after he had believed in her uncertain talent and pushed her to her death.

“As for Professor Glast… who do you think he would bring back?”

Lortel looked up into Obel’s eyes.

Lortel couldn’t even imagine just what kind of sight he was looking at with those eyes of his, the ones that looked beyond the horizons.

Slam!

“Something big has happened, Headmaster Obel! There’s information that he was seen in the education district! A few minutes ago, Professor Glast was seen running into the underground waterways with the student Taylee chasing after him!”

“Eyewitness accounts also say that, besides the Seal, he has also kidnapped a couple of students! As far as we know, the identity of those students are… First-year magic department student, Ayla Triss, and… Second year magic department student, Ed Rothstaylor!”

It was at that moment. Lortel felt her suspicions grow after hearing the report given by the member of the academy’s faculty that had come running in.

A great roar that echoed throughout the entire sky of the education district. The same was true of the ensuing vibrations.

Seeing the ground shake, Lortel ran out into the hallway, hurriedly opening a window.

Trix Hall was located on a hill just on the outskirts of the education district. Opening the window and looking down, you could practically see the entirety of the education district.

Near the shoreline on the outskirts of Acken Island, where the underground waterway entrance was located, she could see a high-ranking spirit that she was so very familiar with—to the point she hated seeing it.

The high-ranking fire spirit, Takan.

It was a terrifying fire lizard that all of the first-year aces that had gathered together once tried to defeat.

It smashed its tail around and cried out, like it was calling someone from someone to come out immediately.

Even though it was just a single high-ranking spirit, it had the strength to take out all the top-ranking students without taking any meaningful damage.

If you left it alone, there was no telling what would happen.

As it was heading towards Acken Island’s outskirts, it didn’t look like it’s going to cause much damage to the inside of Silvenia.

Either way, since she hadn’t yet made the payment, even if the Seal did get lost it wouldn’t cause any direct damage to her books. There might be another type of loss, but it wouldn’t be from her money.

That was why… No matter how much… She wanted to get her hands on that seal…!

“Ah, Seriously…!”

Lortel finally let out a sigh as she grabbed her hair, though it didn’t fully come united.

“With this happening… I’m also going to the underground waterways…!”

“What?”

“Excuse me, but what about the Resonance Transferal?”

The company personnel that had come along all looked at Lortel in complete surprise. Lortel shook her head.

Then Lortel looked over straight at Headmaster Obel. Even though she was staring at him quite rudely, Obel didn’t even seem to care.

“Headmaster, you are so consistent with that apathetic attitude of yours. I will go and bring the Seal back myself. I’ll leave behind as little staff as you need, and the rest will come with me! Hmph!”

It was five minutes before shit completely hit the fan. It was only a matter of time before Ed’s patience would explode.

The biggest victim would be Professor Glast.

To blame him in his hasty decision to kidnap a ticking time bomb that was even worse than Ayla… well, it was because the information that he had on Ed was all too limited.

There was no one who could give him a silent prayer.

***

Going in reverse.

Trix Hall – the chase through the education district, underground waterways entrance – deepest part of the underground waterways – secret laboratory entrance – Soul Library – monster research wing – deepest part of the laboratory.

I was familiar with the route of the storyline’s final chapter and the order in which it took place, but it was quite an interesting experience to have to go through it backwards.

Taylee was probably on his way now, so I was sure that I would run into him somewhere halfway through.

I ran out of the deepest part of the laboratory and carefully passed through the monster research wing. It wasn’t that hard to pass through the monster research wing. It was a part where most of the monsters were trapped in separate research facilities, and the number of forces there was low. That part was only difficult because Koom ended up releasing all the monsters trapped in the research facilities. At the moment, there weren’t any particular obstacles like that in my way.

The problem was the Soul Library.

The librarian Reina, who guarded the Soul Library, was very sharp and extremely good at detection magic. Even for the low-ranking spirit Mugg, who had a very weak level of energy, it took a long time for him to sneak through.

I put my back to the back entrance of the library as I looked inside.

The bookshelves and magic books were all floating in the air.

And the room was full of valuable magically engineered items and production formulas.

Since I’d come all the way there, I really wanted to just sweep everything up and run away. Either way, since we would eventually run into each other, it was fine to take whatever I wanted.

Though, the main priority was to get out of the laboratory and meet up with Yennekar. I just needed to pick the most efficient ones and run for it. Right outside of Reina’s line of sight.

[Young master Ed! Are you… Drooling, by change…?]

“……”

I quickly fixed my expression as I checked the items that I should take with me.

Reina’s patrol pattern and behavioral pattern were simpler than you would think. It wouldn’t take me too long to pick up everything that I needed.

I was a little excited just thinking that I’d actually have the opportunity to raise my magic engineering proficiency.

My spec growth had been pretty slow. As long as I could procure the materials I needed, it was an opportunity to create magically engineered items with specs that shouldn’t even exist at the level of Act 2 ~ Act 3.

My heart was pounding like crazy.

In any case, it would be difficult if I overdid it when taking production formulas and magically engineered items.

For now, I needed to just grab enough that I could carry on my person, and once Taylee passed through then I could come back and take the rest slowly. Meeting with Yennekar was my first priority.

Still, I couldn’t calm my excitement easily, because it felt like I had hit a jackpot.

A bargain sale….!!

***

“Ed, where are you?”

Glast Subjugation, Act 2 Phase 2 mid boss, Dorothy Whitefeld.

She was quite proud of her abilities.

The third year Dorothy was a combat-type alchemist that was even highly recognized by the Alchemy Department’s society.

Although she wasn’t the top of her entire year, she had risen to the top of the alchemy department.

Dorothy used all kinds of combat-type reagents, instant chemical reactions, mass-produced magically engineered items, and her combat abilities were at a level where it was even difficult for students of the combat department to handle.

The alchemy department’s top first-year student, Elvira, and the top second year student, Norden, also frequently came to her asking for advice.

For Dorothy, whose talents weren’t blooming even after such a long time, Professor Glast had become her savior when he recognized her talents.

Professor Glast alone had acknowledged Dorothy, even when everyone else around her had belittled her abilities… So even seeing him take such extreme actions, she figured that there must be a reason for it.

Therefore, Dorothy had joined in on Professor Glast’s plans with open arms.

She didn’t know his exact intentions, but she decided to carry out his request to watch over the entrance to the underground waterways.

“…….”

No matter the reason. This can’t be right, Professor.

Dorothy, who was monologuing to herself, sat down in the shallow waters at the entrance of the waterways as she faced Takan’s mouth as he screamed as if he was going to burn the world down.

“Where’s Ed?”

She knew who that light pink-haired girl was. She was a fairytale-like princess that was loved by everyone in the academy.

It was said that wherever she walked, flowers bloomed along the sides of the road. People also said that her bright smile could make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

That warm smile of hers was still the same.

Her smiling face was so cute and adorable that she was going to just reach her hand out and stroke her head if she had ended up letting her guard down.

However, there was no one that would be able to do that.

Looking up behind her, there was a giant flaming lizard with spit drooling down its mouth.

In Yennekar’s opinion, she was asking as politely and kindly as possible, but the gap between her and what was in the background ultimately only increased her fear.

“Y-Yennekar! I’m just here guarding over this place! I’m just doing what I was told! Yeah!”

Completely surprised, Dorothy stuttered over her words.

“Oh, I see… Ah, come to think of it, you’re my upperclassmen. I-I’m so sorry I spoke informally to you… I was out of my mind, that’s why…!”

A sympathetic response to what Dorothy had said. And a hesitant but polite apology.

It was then that Dorothy realized that her opponent was the nicest person in the world, Yennekar. She started to relax a bit, when…

“So, by the way… Do you know where Ed is?”

Besides the fact that she was against Yennekar, the nicest girl in the world… That fire lizard was certainly going to have no mercy when fighting against Dorothy.

Dorothy lost all the strength in her arms and legs as she fell flat on her face.