Chapter 77

I have received your corrections and made the necessary revisions.

The next morning, the rain and wind were still fierce.

Well, they said it would rain for 2-3 days, after all.

Besides, the strong rain and wind are convenient.

If I stay here, Dazbroud will come to kill me once the rain and wind subside.

I think it would be better to escape before Dazbroud comes, but if it's sunny, I'll be found easily.

So, I'll set off today while the rain and wind are strong.

Furthermore, my destination is not the maritime city but the nearest excavation site.

There's bound to be a facility like this one, so it might be possible to relay communications, and perhaps even land.

"Let's go then."

And with that, I started the boat's engine.

**Heroine's Side: Florina Tez**

It took about two hours to reach the maritime city while still restrained.

The boat must have been difficult to stabilize due to the strong wind, as it shook violently several times during the journey.

However, with Uzos' driving, it only shook slightly a few times and never violently.

He's really skilled. I want him even more as my personal driver.

But that's only if we can escape from Dazbroud.

Eventually, we arrived at the maritime city and were brought to my assigned area.

There, Dazbroud's subordinates were pointing guns at the researchers and students, forcing them into a storage room.

Then, a small man with glasses approached me.

"It seems the relocation of my research materials is complete."

"Yes, Doctor! All of your research materials have been moved, including the last batch."

This man, who is bowing and rubbing his hands together in front of Dazbroud, is Neimus Bolt, an associate professor at the Imperial University. He is despised for bowing to the dean and noble students while bullying the common students.

"That's our research material! And if the dean finds out about this, he will definitely investigate!"

When I said this, Dazbroud grabbed my chin with his hand and threatened me.

"Watch your mouth. Do you know what will happen to the researchers and students if I say the word? Of course, you yourself as well."

When I looked disappointed and fell silent, he continued.

"That's right. If you behave, I'll take care of you. Lock her up for now."

"Understood."

He then went off somewhere with a smirk.

Once I was thrown into the storage room,

"Professor! Teacher!"

"Everyone, are you all right? Is anyone hurt?"

I confirmed that the researchers and students were safe.

"Everyone here is fine, but all of our research materials have been taken..."

A female student, Vina Churs, reported this with a regretful look.

"By the way, what happened to the pilot?"

"I don't know. Even if he's alive, there's no way for him to get back from there. What about the police here?"

It was unbelievable that the police hadn't moved, given what had happened.

"In fact, there was a major accident on the first level, and the personnel are dealing with that. Some of them are under the doctor's control, so they didn't even accept our reports! After that, our general terminals were also taken..."

Vina hit the floor in frustration.

"Also, David Thrace is missing."

She muttered the name of one student at the end.

David Thrace is a student at the Imperial University, quite handsome, but not very popular due to his flirtatious behavior.

"He probably went to hit on someone... It would be great if he could report to the dean or the external police, but I shouldn't expect too much."

I sighed involuntarily.

**Heroine's Side: End**

**Hero's Side: David Thrace**

Oh no, oh no, oh no!

After failing to flirt, I returned to Professor Tez's research area and saw Neimus Bolt, Dazbroud's lackey, using some thugs to move the professor's research materials.

He must be trying to steal the professor's work.

Well, it's not a good idea to try to take them back forcefully.

They'll handle the materials carefully since they're important to them.

First, I need to ensure the professor and my classmates are safe, but I should contact the police first.

"Hello, Maritime City Police."

"Actually, there are armed people at my university's research area..."

"Sorry, we're dealing with a major accident on the first level. We've been getting prank calls from students, and if it keeps up, we'll have to arrest them."

"Understood. Sorry for the trouble."

This is serious. The police might be in on it too.

The external police might be in trouble as well.

Right, the dean! But I don't have his direct number, and the university office might have Dazbroud's men...

I have no choice. I need to secretly take out Dazbroud's men and contact the professor.

First, I need a weapon.

I remember there were spare electromagnetic batons in the security room.

I think the security guards were a young guy, an older man, and an old man.

I'd prefer the old man... No, the young guy is more likely to be slacking off, so he's better.

Luckily, there were no security guards, which helped.

Thanks to that, I not only got the electromagnetic baton but also a tranquilizer gun for riot control.

Now, the real challenge begins.

I approached the storage room where the professor and everyone else were being held.

There were only two guards. If I can tranquilize one,

"Ugh..."

and use the electromagnetic baton to surprise the other while he's distracted.

"Huh? What's wrong? Gah!"

After successfully neutralizing them, I borrowed the key and opened the door.

"Sorry to keep you waiting! Is everyone okay?!"

"Thrice!"

Everyone was surprised.

"Where were you? What about the guards outside?"

"K... Knocked out... They're lying outside... We should restrain them while we can..."

While being choked by Vina, I gave my instructions, and the classmates and researchers followed, restraining the thugs and confiscating their weapons.

Still, why does Vina always attack me? I don't get it.

Then, the professor suddenly approached me.

"Thrice! Lend me your phone."

I handed it over without thinking.

**Hero's Side: End**

**? Side: Sound Only**

"President Campbell! It's Florina Tez here!"

"Oh, Professor Tez. How is the excavation going?"

"More importantly, I have something important to tell you. Dr. Dazbroud has stolen my excavation items and research results and intends to kill the hired pilot! The local police are in on it and won't act!"

"I see... Understood. I'll take care of contacting the police. If possible, gather evidence. Dr. Dazbroud, or rather, Viscount Dazbroud, will be expelled."

"Thank you!"

*Click...*

"Was that okay?"

"Yes. Please ensure the report and expulsion are handled properly."

"But aren't you here to conveniently manipulate me in times like this?"

"Don't worry. I have my own grudges, against my father."

"He has always been someone who easily makes enemies. Now, even his son has turned against him."

"He got what he deserved."

**? Side: End**

Three hours after leaving the excavation site assigned to Professor Tez, I finally reached the nearest island with an excavation site.

Unfortunately, there were only cliffs, so I couldn't reach the cabin on top, but I thought I might be able to contact someone via the communication device.

However, it didn't work, either due to the distance or a lock.

In situations like this, you realize how important relay stations are.

Even if communication is impossible, I can still head to the maritime city while hiding from Dazbroud.

The problem is avoiding Dazbroud's men until I reach the maritime city.

I'll take a short break and pray I'm not found, then set off again.

This chapter had fewer mob appearances.

I appreciate any feedback, comments, or typo reports.

Is it a bit more readable now?

Switching perspectives is challenging...

I need more ideas...