Chapter 59

◈ Chapter 59: The Omnipotent Stone (1)

The Omnipotent Stone exists.

Taken aback by such an unexpected statement, I was momentarily at a loss for words.

"Surprised?"

"Quite sudden, indeed."

If the president had laughed and said, "Just kidding," I would have dismissed it as a mere joke from a superior. However, from her reaction, it seemed she was serious.

"Hmm. I suppose I need to explain the Omnipotent Stone."

The president said this and lightly snapped her fingers.

It was a natural and casual gesture.

However, the result was far from it.

A massive and vivid magical force emerged from the tip of the president's fingers, forming a shape in front of me.

It looked like a hologram suspended in the air, and it was clearly a stone.

To manifest magic in such a way—truly, she is the president of Seorun.

It was an astonishing sight, but I maintained my composure and carefully examined the stone.

Despite being called the Omnipotent Stone, it resembled an unpolished gemstone, or rather, a raw stone.

"As you can see, the Omnipotent Stone does exist, and it has been around for a very long time. It's so ancient that it's hard to estimate its age, yet it still holds unknown and mysterious powers. There's a term used in the world to describe such things."

"A relic."

A relic. In another sense, an ancient artifact.

It refers to old objects that possess mysterious powers.

"I see you know about it."

"Yes, I've heard of it."

It's different from relics and artifacts.

Artifacts are crafted artificially for a specific effect, akin to enchanted crafts.

But relics are not.

Unknown origin, unknown date, unknown abilities.

It's unclear who made them, how they were made, or how they function.

Yet, their effects and power far exceed those of artifacts created by great mages, often by at least a hundred times.

In a way, each one is a strategic weapon that requires careful management.

That's what a relic is.

However, despite their immense power, relics are extremely rare, even across the entire continent.

There's a relic in Seorun?

"Mr. Rudger must have heard something, so it should be easier to explain. Yes, the relic known as the 'Omnipotent Stone' is in Seorun. It has been stored here for a very long time."

"I see."

I nodded.

Well, if she says it's there, there's no reason to be surprised and exclaim, "That's impossible!"

However, the question is why the president called me to tell me this.

This seems to be a highly confidential matter.

"I need your help, Mr. Rudger."

"What do you mean?"

"Currently, rumors about the 'Omnipotent Stone' are spreading among the students. Most people in Seorun already know about it."

I nodded.

Indeed, Aiden's question after today's class was about this.

At the time, I dismissed it as a mere rumor and advised him to focus on his studies.

I never thought it was real.

I feel a bit embarrassed now.

"What's the problem with that?"

"Initially, this rumor should not have spread."

Ah, so that's the issue.

"The rumor about the relic, which should have been kept secret, spreading means that information from within has leaked out."

"Someone didn't keep the secret properly, then."

"Yes. Well, there is one reason for this. The Omnipotent Stone is a very powerful relic, so its storage location needs to be managed regularly."

Summarizing the president's words, it goes like this.

The 'Omnipotent Stone' is a stone that emits strong power on its own.

It is stored in a secret place, but due to the power it emits, the storage container or location fails to function properly.

"Regular maintenance and repair are essential, of course."

When fixing the storage location, the relic needs to be temporarily moved to another place, and during this preparation process, the information leaked.

This eventually became a rumor among the students.

The president seems to take this matter quite seriously.

"Someone is intentionally leaking the information."

"I see."

"That's why I called you, Mr. Rudger. I need your help."

Help.

I think I know what kind of help the president is asking for.

To help identify the person who leaked the information, an infiltrator within Seorun, or to ensure the relic's safety.

I nodded immediately.

"I understand."

"Surprisingly, you accepted it so easily?"

The president asked, wide-eyed, seemingly not expecting me to agree so readily.

I understand her reaction. Normally, one would ask, "Why are you telling me this?"

However, I didn't ask.

There was no need to.

'Asking why she's asking me would be like doubting the trust she's showing me.'

Honestly, I know.

The president didn't assign this task to me because she truly trusts me.

Given my background as a former military officer and my usual demeanor, she probably asked me to handle this.

However, she still suspects me and likely wants to use this opportunity to uncover any secrets I might be hiding.

'In that case, it's better to accept it without showing any hesitation.'

If I questioned her, it would be seen as a sign of distrust.

To show her that I trust her, I needed to demonstrate my willingness to follow her.

Trust is a two-way street, not a one-sided affair.

Trust is built this way.

By agreeing to follow her instructions, I'm essentially saying, "I am not your enemy, and I fully trust your words."

'In the long run, maintaining a good relationship with the president is beneficial. If I can get her help, it will also create a sense of obligation.'

I agreed immediately because of this calculation.

Of course, I emphasized my role as a subordinate carrying out orders without showing any hesitation.

"Please be mindful of the students' rumors, Mr. Rudger. If you notice any suspicious movements, report them immediately. Additionally, we'll need your help during the relic's transportation."

"Understood. When should I start?"

"The sooner, the better."

"Are there other teachers involved in this matter besides me?"

"Yes, but their tasks are different, so you won't interact with them."

"I see."

Does she mean I shouldn't worry about it?

Even so, for her to specifically call me, a new teacher, must mean she's quite wary of me.

Perhaps the information I provided to the Hugo faction through the bet with Mr. Chris wasn't enough.

"Please act as usual, Mr. Rudger. There's still time before we move the relic."

"Understood."

If something happens, it will be when the relic is taken out of its safe location.

At that time, the force that intentionally spread the rumor will likely act.

And that force is most likely the Black Dawn.

'This situation is getting interesting. She's assigning me, the First Order of the Black Dawn, the task of identifying members of the organization.'

What a twist of fate.

Is it a coincidence, or a deliberate move?

If it's the latter, the president probably thinks I wouldn't be able to do this if I were a traitor.

But that's a mistake.

'No one wants to expel the Black Dawn from Seorun more than I do.'

They are a shackle to me.

I don't know when or where they might act recklessly. If my cover is blown, they will do anything to kill me.

'This is a chance to see how formidable the Black Dawn really is.'

Regardless, I have one more task to handle.

It's a good thing I chose an assistant in advance.

It's ironic that my assistant is a member of the Black Dawn.

"I'll contact you later."

"Understood."

I bowed to the president and left her office.

* * *

After Rudger left the president's office.

President Elisa Willow stopped organizing her documents and looked up at the knock on the door.

"Come in."

The door opened quietly.

Wilford entered the office with a silver tray in his hand.

The tray held a freshly brewed warm tea and cookies.

"Please have some."

"Ah, thank you."

"It's my job."

Elisa stretched to relieve her stiff body and immediately took a cookie.

"Phew. Your cooking is always delicious, no matter how many times I taste it."

"You look quite tired."

"Well, I am."

Although the president usually doesn't show her emotions, she is an exception with Wilford.

He has been her loyal advisor for a long time.

"So, did Mr. Rudger Chelisi accept the proposal?"

"Yes. He nodded without hesitation, which was quite surprising."

Elisa was still amazed.

She thought he might ask questions or show surprise.

But he immediately understood the situation and accepted it naturally.

"Truly, a soldier who absolutely obeys his superior's orders."

At first, Elisa was suspicious of Rudger Chelisi.

She knew there were suspicious individuals infiltrating Seorun.

Their presence was so subtle that it was hard to tell if they were servants, students, or teachers.

Therefore, she put the new teachers under suspicion, especially Rudger, whose past was relatively unclear.

However, his subsequent actions changed her mind.

"Although I was surprised, his behavior shows that he has a strong will."

His evaluations from students are overwhelmingly positive.

Especially the magic he created, called 'Source Code,' was intriguing enough to pique Elisa's curiosity.

If she weren't the president, she would have sought him out first.

"Hehe. Didn't I tell you he was trustworthy?"

"You were suspicious at first, too."

"Until I went to meet him at the station."

Sedina was suspicious of Rudger but now trusts him.

He significantly undermined the