Chapter 51

◈ Chapter 51: James Moriarty (1)

While walking alone down the dark corridor of the stadium, a person suddenly poked their head out from around the corner as if they had been waiting.

"Perce... no, Mr. Rudger."

"Sedina, is it?"

Sedina Roschen, with her voluminous brown hair, had been waiting for Rudger. The moment she saw him, her face lit up.

After briefly checking her surroundings to ensure there were no witnesses, she finally seemed to think it was safe and spoke.

"Congratulations on your victory in the bet."

"Thanks."

"More importantly, are you alright? I'm worried that this incident might have drawn too much attention from within the academy. The other members are also concerned."

That was what Sedina was worried about.

Rudger had infiltrated Seolron under a false identity.

However, his recent actions had attracted too much attention from Seolron.

If this continued, every move he made would be scrutinized, hindering his grand plan.

Rudger shook his head at her concern.

"It's fine. I was prepared for this."

"Prepared...?"

"Sedina, do you know anything about the principal of Seolron?"

At the mention of the principal's name, Sedina immediately nodded.

"Yes. Her name is Elisa Willow. She's a famous magician who achieved the rank of Lector at the young age of 6. She is currently the principal of Seolron. She's not someone to be underestimated."

"Right. She suspects me now."

"Suspects you, sir?"

"The principal has noticed that our people have infiltrated Seolron. She might even suspect a teacher like me."

"Such... a thing."

"I need to shake off that suspicion. Because of this, I won't be able to meet with the other members, but it can't be helped."

"To avoid suspicion, you came here as a teacher... I see."

"Exactly. I had to do this anyway. If I can gain Seolron's trust through this, it will be a good deal. However, it will take some more time to achieve that."

"Indeed, I understand! I believed in you!"

Sedina, who was already completely smitten with Rudger, firmly believed his words.

In fact, it wasn't entirely a lie.

Rudger's actions to stand out in Seolron were partly intended to impress the principal.

However, Sedina couldn't help but worry that Rudger was receiving too much attention.

Even the other members had secretly commented that it was strange for a First Order to do nothing.

'Of course! There's no way Mr. Rudger would do something like that!'

She believed in Rudger and wanted to continue believing in him.

It was the first time.

Someone who listened to her so well.

Doubting such a person felt like committing an unforgivable sin.

"Sedina, you must do the same. Since you are a student at Seolron, focus on being the best student you can be."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. Among the members, you are the only one who can easily interact with me. I am a teacher, and you are a student. They won't suspect us for having a conversation, but I can't just meet with a student who has nothing to offer."

"I see, that makes sense."

"Show them that you are a model student. The more you do, the less they will suspect you."

"I understand!"

"Exactly. This is a mission for the two of us. To thoroughly adapt to our roles. Got it?"

"Our... two-person mission."

Sedina's eyes softened when Rudger used the word 'our.'

Seeing her reaction, Rudger felt relieved.

'If I explain it this much, she should understand.'

Although he was deeply involved in his role as a Seolron instructor, Rudger never overlooked the existence of the Black Dawn Society for a moment.

Officially, he was a First Order, a high-ranking member of the Black Dawn Society.

The problem was that Rudger himself didn't know why he had infiltrated as a high-ranking member.

All he knew from deciphering the code was that he was to infiltrate and win favor.

What was to come after that?

Was there an original plan, or would new orders be issued based on future developments?

Rudger didn't know.

He couldn't ask Sedina either. How could she know why a high-ranking member had come?

'Ultimately, I have to figure it out on my own.'

It was likely that he had received direct orders from the Zero Order, or perhaps another First Order was sharing the task with him.

In any case, he needed to find another First Order who had infiltrated Seolron.

But until he found that person, Rudger had to minimize the Black Dawn Society's suspicion and continue his activities.

So he intentionally acted more enthusiastically as a teacher.

'The principal does indeed suspect me, and it will take time to dispel that suspicion. At least, this can help quell the growing dissatisfaction within the secret society.'

And this could also buy him more time to extend the deadline.

Sedina seemed to understand immediately, even with just this explanation.

'No, she just excessively praises the First Order, so she can't be a fair example.'

But it was fine.

If Sedina could explain this to the other subordinates, it would make things easier for Rudger.

Sedina was already thinking about doing just that.

'Of course, Mr. Rudger! I was worried that something might be wrong, but you had everything under control!'

Despite being socially ostracized within the organization due to her status, Sedina's recent behavior as Rudger's exclusive subordinate had made the other members leave her alone.

Thanks to this, Sedina felt even more grateful to Rudger and looked up to him even more.

'Even worrying about someone like me and giving such solid advice! He's truly amazing!'

Since Rudger had said so much, Sedina resolved to follow his orders no matter what.

"Explain it well to the others."

"Yes! I'll take care of it!"

"And... one more thing."

"Yes! Is there something else you want to say?"

"...No, it's fine. I'll tell you next time. And it's good to see you more confident than before."

Sedina felt a jolt of electricity run through her body at Rudger's final compliment.

"Please."

"Yes! I'll do it no matter what!"

"Don't die."

"Yes! I'll do it no matter what, but I won't die!"

"...Alright. That's enough."

With Sedina, who was becoming increasingly burdensome with each meeting, Rudger left the spot.

* * *

Back in my personal quarters, I entered my room and briefly organized the tasks ahead.

'First, through this public sparring match, I've successfully planted the image of being a key figure in the principal's faction. I don't know how the principal will react, but she has her own position, so it will be hard for her to dismiss me.'

For now, the principal's faction seemed to have the upper hand, but the noble faction led by Hugo couldn't be underestimated.

Among the students, the most powerful force was the group of nobles gathered around Freuden.

The noble teachers, led by Hugo, had also aligned themselves with Freuden.

While the principal's power currently seems strong, if they oppose her, she won't be able to make arbitrary decisions.

'And because I've drawn the principal's attention, I, as a member of the Black Dawn Society, have a legitimate reason not to act rashly. The other secret society members won't try to contact me recklessly.'

In other words, I've gained an exemption from the Black Dawn Society for a certain period, allowing me to do nothing.

So, I'll put off anything related to the Black Dawn Society for now.

'Seolron is the most important.'

Through this public sparring match, I've now become openly hostile to Hugo's faction.

But I'm not too concerned about this.

I only plan to stay for two years, and even if I offend the noble teachers, it won't cause any major problems.

They might annoy me a bit, but compared to the various people I've encountered in my life, it's just a minor inconvenience.

Most importantly, through today's sparring match, I saw a certain potential.

'Eidan. I've felt this before, but he's definitely a good kid. He has a good sense of judgment, a decently kind heart, and he's a hard worker.'

Even though I pushed him hard, it's astonishing that he mastered the mobility spell in just three days.

Is it talent? Or is it effort bordering on obsession?

Considering that mere intelligence isn't enough to fully master a mobility spell, he might have a natural talent for physical skills.

The movements when he split the magic with anti-magic were clearly those of someone trained in swordsmanship.

Given this, Eidan had a high potential to excel in actual combat.

'Of course. Considering his teacher, it makes sense.'

I had met the magician I suspected to be Eidan's teacher, and it was easy to infer.

The stance Eidan showed once was exactly the same as the swordsmanship manual that person used.

I thought he would live alone and die unnoticed, but he ended up taking on a disciple.

'With Eidan's anti-magic, he will likely rise to a significant position in Seolron.'

I finished a simple calculation in my head.

I decided to use Seolron and some special students to fight against the secret society, the Black Dawn Society.

Being sandwiched between both sides, the most important thing for me is to reduce the pressure that's crushing me.

Among them, the Black Dawn Society is the most annoying.

If I can gradually erode the power of the Black Dawn Society members within the academy, my chances of survival will increase.

'Eidan, Leo, and Tae-shi. The abilities of these three are objectively high.

They might be among the top in the first year, just based on their talents.

If we add Rine, who has the Judgment Eye, it will be even better.

'Not bad.'

Of course, this might not be enough. I need to scout more students as a precaution.

If I can make them clash, it will ease the pressure on me.

'I'll stop at this for now. I need to build my own strength as well.'

My current situation is that I'm on the verge of being crushed by the pressure from both organizations.

Weakening both groups alone won't fundamentally solve this situation.

So, what else can I do?

'I need to build my own organization.'

In fact, I preferred to act alone.

But since I need to stay in the empire for a long time, I can't keep acting solo.

I need more people.

Besides Hans, I need to call on others I've had connections with before and form a new organization.

That organization will become my strength, and that strength will allow me to resist the forces that are suppressing me.

'As the saying goes, even a tiger will come if you call it.'

Just as I was thinking about him, the crystal orb in my room began to glow.

The personal communication orb I gave to Hans was ringing, which meant only one thing.

"Hans, what's up?"

[As you asked, I've checked the area around here.]

"Given your skills, you must have gathered all the necessary information. But you're contacting me separately, so you must need some help."

[...You're really quick on the uptake. Yes, from now on, we need 'force.' You know I'm not good at fighting.]

"I never expected you to be."

[Anyway, now it's just a matter of getting your help.]

"Alright."

It's not a bad timing.

I got up from my seat, put on my black long coat for going out, and placed a gentleman's hat on my head.

[When will you come? We need to handle this by the weekend at the latest.]

"I'm leaving now."

[What?]

He must have been surprised that I would come immediately, as a startled exclamation came from the other side of the crystal orb.

"The sooner, the better."

[That's true, but... are you sure? You're so busy.]

"It will be over quickly anyway."

[How can you be so sure?]

"Because I'll make it so."