Chapter 6

◈ Chapter 6: False Identity (1)

This world has yet to see the widespread use of photography.

Most photos exist only in black and white, and even then, the quality is so poor that detailed comparisons are impossible.

When comparing individuals, one can only rely on their attire, age, and overall build.

It's not surprising that they made a mistake.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Rudger."

It's a pity for the deceased, but I can't die just because of that, can I?

The living must live.

And Rudger's identity was a huge help in getting out of this situation.

"Unbelievable. A new teacher at Seolren Academy. So the magic I saw back then was indeed..."

The moment the name "Seolren" was mentioned, Veronica's tone changed.

She muttered to herself, "So that's it..."

So, she saw me use magic.

Perhaps that's why she trusted me even more.

Even the officer who was about to interrogate me with suspicion immediately bowed to me.

"I, I apologize! Given the situation, I was rude. Please forgive me."

"It's fine."

I thought to myself how powerful the name "Seolren" really is.

The only magic academy in the empire.

Seolren is one of the top academies on the continent.

The name Seolren is not to be taken lightly, and it's no wonder they were surprised to hear that I was a teacher there.

"A teacher at Seolren."

"Quite impressive for someone so young."

The other guards and police officers murmured among themselves.

Since things have come to this, I decided to act even more boldly.

For this moment, I am Rudger Chellis.

"Sir, we will guide you to the exit."

"It's fine."

"No, it's not. You are someone who will nurture the future of the empire. How can we just let you go? We caused you to waste your time."

"It's fine."

"We are the ones who are sorry."

No, it's inconvenient to move with you guys!

I couldn't shout that, so I answered with a stern face.

"Ms. Veronica. I'll be going now. It was nice meeting you, even if it was brief."

Before leaving, I said goodbye to Veronica. Despite the short encounter, I didn't think it was a bad connection.

She seemed to agree, smiling and waving at me.

"Yes, Mr. Rudger! If we have the chance, let's meet again!"

"Sure."

I'm sorry, but I don't think we'll see each other again.

With the guard's guidance, I was able to safely navigate through the crowded train station and reach the exit.

As expected, the exit was bustling with people, given that it's a busy train station.

I decided to speak up.

"We've come far enough. From here, I can manage on my own. I'd feel uncomfortable if you came any further."

"Ah, yes. I understand. Please take care!"

The guard saluted me and disappeared back into the station.

I gave a light nod in return and sighed, letting the tension in my shoulders ease.

I almost got into serious trouble.

Fortunately, they made a wild assumption, or I would have been exposed as a fake and accused of being a terrorist accomplice.

Now that I've gotten through this crisis, things should be fine.

"Are you Mr. Rudger Chellis?"

At that moment, a voice from behind made my blood run cold.

I couldn't sense any presence from the voice.

I slowly turned my head to see an elderly gentleman standing there, looking composed.

I calmed my racing heart and replied calmly.

"Yes, that's me. Who are you?"

"Hello. I am Wilford, a servant of Seolren Academy. I've come to greet Mr. Rudger."

"…Greet me? Me?"

"Yes. I heard that the train was attacked. I rushed here, worried that something might have happened, but I'm relieved to see you're safe."

Wilford said this and opened the door of the carriage he had brought.

"Come, get in. I'll take you to Seolren."

"…."

I rolled my eyes. Can I say he has the wrong person here?

I don't know when this Wilford appeared, but his certainty that I am Rudger suggests he saw me part ways with the officer.

Pretending to be someone else and refusing would be impossible.

Most importantly, I didn't sense his presence when he first appeared, and the subtle but sharp aura he exudes, even though he's trying to hide it, is telling.

This man is no ordinary servant.

"…Alright."

I had no choice but to get into the carriage.

* * *

Veronica, the deputy commander of the Coldsteel Knights, thought about Rudger as he left.

'Rudger Chellis.'

From the moment I met him, I knew he was no ordinary person.

Because I saw it.

I saw him sweep away the terrorists with white flames.

The other knights might not have seen it clearly from a distance, but I, who prided myself on my eyesight, saw it clearly.

Moreover, his opponent was another mage.

Rudger took him down without a scratch.

It was as if it was the most natural thing in the world, and his actions were so fluid.

Even when I thought he might have used excessive force to brutally kill the terrorist.

Rudger's face didn't flinch.

It wasn't the reaction of someone frozen in fear.

Rudger was observing the situation with cold, rational eyes.

'He's not an ordinary person.'

A neat suit with a golden sash, a simple yet elegant black frock coat.

A reserved demeanor and a serious gaze.

His long hair, slightly swept back and tied at the nape of his neck.

He was a nobleman with a sharp, aristocratic appearance.

Most of all, the subtle but powerful aura emanating from him was what caught my attention the most.

'At first, I thought he was a royal in disguise.'

The subtle nobility that radiated from Rudger was similar to what I felt when I met high-ranking nobles at the royal court.

So when I heard that he was going to be a teacher at Seolren Academy, I understood.

No, I even thought that the prestigious name of Seolren might not be enough for him.

Just as no one is surprised by a fish swimming or a bird flying, it felt natural for Rudger to be at Seolren.

The strong sense of familiarity I felt when I heard his name confirmed it.

'Rudger Chellis. I've heard of him. A young mage with a growing reputation. He achieved the rank of 4th Circle at the youngest age, submitted 12 papers to the Magic Tower, and even redefined the Languster Formula, one of the most challenging problems.'

He also has a military background as an officer and has specialized in hunting Cryptids.

'He's supposed to be joining Seolren this time, right?'

I'm curious.

My younger brother attends Seolren, so I'll ask him about it if I get the chance.

What was his class like?

* * *

My plan to escape as soon as we left the train station hit a snag.

I never expected the academy to send someone to pick me up.

It seemed excessive, but given that it's Seolren Academy, it made sense.

A teacher joining the empire's top academy would naturally receive special treatment.

Seolren would be worried if such a valuable resource was caught in a terrorist attack.

Sending someone to escort me was understandable.

'This is a problem.'

I looked around the carriage.

The plush red seats and the ornate patterns on the walls made it clear that this was a high-end carriage. It was smooth and barely shook, even at high speeds.

The black carriage was pulled by a golem in the shape of a horse, a result of the latest magical engineering, a blend of machinery and magic.

I was amazed by the sight.

Most of all, the elderly gentleman driving the carriage, Wilford, was no ordinary person.

I didn't sense his presence until he was right next to me, and his sturdy build, despite his neat attire, was noticeable.

'He's at least a former knight.'

Knights don't easily grow old. In fact, older knights are even more dangerous.

They have superhuman bodies and years of experience.

Running away in this situation would be foolish.

'Making an excuse to leave would only raise suspicion. I can't escape secretly, and even if I did, they would track me down if I reported it.'

There were other issues as well.

First, the fake identity I used, Gerard, was now considered deceased. I needed a new identity, which would require a lot of money and time.

I would need to gather information and find a place to stay in the back alleys of this new city.

Without a proper identity, I would be an illegal immigrant, with no rights and no one to care if I disappeared.

After considering all the possibilities, I decided to abandon my escape plan for now.

It was time to play it safe.

'Let's not do anything to raise suspicion now.'

Let's go to Seolren Academy first. I can think about the rest there.

* * *

The carriage slowed down, and I knew we had arrived at Seolren Academy.

The front window of the carriage slid open, and Wilford spoke.

"Mr. Rudger, we've arrived."

I glanced outside at the grand and massive gate, and the vast grounds beyond.

The road was neatly paved, and rows of green trees lined both sides, adding a refined beauty.

The buildings of Seolren Academy gleamed white in the bright sunlight.

That's the main building, that's the annex, that's the park, and that's the auditorium?

The scale of each building was impressive, and the size of the grounds was hard to estimate.

This place is bigger than most cities, isn't it?

The guards at the main gate opened the door and gave a light bow.

As we passed through the gate, I could see the numerous magical runes etched into the surroundings.

The layers of magical arrays were so dense that their original shapes were almost invisible.

Crazy.

No one with the nerve to storm the main gate would last a second.

* * *

The carriage stopped at a building deeper inside the grounds, a towering structure that looked like a grand castle.

"Here we are. Please get out."

As I reached for my bag, Wilford stopped me.

"You'll be coming back, so there's no need to carry your luggage."

"…Alright."

I got out of the carriage and followed Wilford past fountains and beautiful statues into the building.

The interior was just as impressive.

The light from the windows softly reflected and spread, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere that gently enveloped the skin.

A fragrant scent filled the air, and the sound of birds chirping could be heard. It felt like a dream.

The interior design was elegant and clean, reminiscent of beautiful medieval European architecture.

While the nearby city of Leiderbeck had a steampunk atmosphere with its steam, this place was more fantastical.

* * *

As we climbed the stairs, I passed by servants and students in academy uniforms.

Each time, I could hear them whispering, but I hoped they weren't gossiping about me being a country bumpkin.

Feeling self-conscious, I adjusted my clothes and hair.

We soon arrived at a large elevator.

Ride this again?

"This way."

I got into the elevator with Wilford. I was surprised to see that it went up to almost the 30th floor.

This is the scale of the empire.

When the elevator arrived and the doors opened, a long corridor with a red carpet and a wooden door at the end greeted me.

"The chancellor is waiting. I'll wait here."

"Thank you for the guidance."

"It's my duty."

I walked down the corridor and stood in front of the chancellor's office door.

Just as I was about to knock, a lazy yet alluring voice came from inside.

"Come in."

"…"

I opened the door and entered.

"Nice to meet you."

A woman sitting at a desk with her back to the window greeted me.

She is the chancellor of Seolren Academy.

Given that only those of at least 6th Circle among the existing 8th Circle mages can hold this position, she is undoubtedly a top-tier mage.

She looks to be in her mid-twenties.

She had been organizing some documents and put down her fountain pen, looking at me.

Her long, white hair, like a curtain, shone brilliantly in the light from the window behind her.

Her hair was white on the outside but had a subtle pink tint on the inside, a two-tone style.

'What is this?'

The moment her golden eyes met mine, I felt an indescribable sensation.

I felt a deep beauty in her presence, something that touched my soul.

I ignored the strange feeling and spoke in a stiff voice.

"I am Rudger Chellis. I came as you called, Chancellor."

For now, I am Rudger Chellis.