Chapter 751: One-Man Show (3)

Adamant Thunder’s coat, with Evan’s spirit dangling precariously from it.

In the now quiet lecture hall corridor, no one dared to speak first.

They couldn’t even guess what that insane wizard thought of the current situation.

What might be brushed off as a spirit’s playfulness or mistake could be perceived differently by a wizard whose standards were warped.

It wouldn’t be strange for a wizard so engrossed in blood and combat to see this act as a challenge.

They had to lighten the mood before Adamant Thunder made a complete judgment.

“Haha, Professor Vylun’s spirit seems quite affectionate.”

Someone among the professors, who had been watching cautiously, finally managed to open their mouth, and another researcher quickly followed suit.

“…Th-that’s right. Spirits are usually very fond of excellent mana users, aren’t they?”

“Indeed, for someone of a great wizard’s caliber, spirits would naturally show affection, wouldn’t they?”

“Hahahaha!! Haha, ha…”

“…”

The laughter of someone trying to liven the mood quickly died down.

Not only Adamant Thunder, but even Evan, the spirit’s actual owner, didn’t react to the nonsensical chatter.

If anything, the atmosphere around them felt even colder as a result.

As everyone silently watched the two, Adamant Thunder slowly reached out a hand towards the spirit.

“Hick…!!”

Ignoring the gasps of horror from someone who couldn’t hold back, he grabbed the fox spirit by the scruff of its neck with one hand.

The wizard, expressionless, stared at the dangling fox spirit, while Davi desperately avoided eye contact, unable to meet his gaze.

Anyone could see the pitiable sight of the spirit trembling in fear of the mad wizard, and sympathetic sighs escaped from those around.

“Oh dear…”

“Tsk tsk, why did it even…”

There were even those who clicked their tongues, convinced of the fox spirit’s imminent demise.

Some reporters even turned their heads away, as if they couldn’t bear to watch.

Adamant Thunder gazed at the spirit for a moment, then slowly drew upon his mana.

Whooong…!!

“Ugh…”

The fox spirit’s body, engulfed in mana, floated into the air and was flipped upside down, and at the moment others squeezed their eyes shut.

Thump.

Adamant Thunder lightly tapped the spirit’s nose, then moved his finger to point at Evan.

[…]

Everyone watched in astonishment as the floating Davi naturally settled onto Evan’s shoulder.

Adamant Thunder ignored the gazes and reactions around him, nodding languidly towards Evan.

“Take it. You weren’t planning to hand it over as proof of our agreement, were you?”

“…Thank you.”

As if finally waking up, Evan chuckled softly and cradled the spirit.

“My friend is just very fond of people. Shall we head straight there, then?”

Adamant Thunder nodded silently, walking beside Evan.

The professors and reporters following behind belatedly realized the meaning of Adamant Thunder’s reaction and began to whisper.

“A miracle happened… What did I just see?”

“I’ve never heard a rumor about Adamant Thunder being lenient with such a mistake.”

“He’s only cruel to people; maybe he actually likes cute animals like spirits.”

“Perhaps it was overlooked because it was Assistant Professor Vylun’s spirit. They had a prior acquaintance, didn’t they?”

From the idea that Adamant Thunder surprisingly liked spirits, some even came up with completely outlandish hypotheses.

“Maybe he thought there was no point fighting a spirit? That it wouldn’t even be a snack, so he let it go.”

“No, even so, to even consider killing a spirit…”

Someone among the reporters who had instinctively tried to retort pondered for a moment, then quickly changed their mind.

“Come to think of it, it’s not entirely impossible.”

“Right?”

“…”

Those who had witnessed Adamant Thunder’s appearance, his display of power, and the art of manipulating mass with mana firsthand were now completely convinced of his notoriety.

It was as if they were discussing a bomb that could explode at any moment.

Lennok internally shook his head at the pathetic conversations around him and began walking, controlling Evan.

From his position as Adamant Thunder, he was using Guide’s Ring to create and manipulate Evan’s doppelganger.

The recent incident where Davi inadvertently climbed onto the wrong person was shocking, but upon reflection, it wasn’t a major mistake.

‘It’s fortunate that Davi often climbs onto the heads of other students, even normally.’

Davi’s antics of enjoying human adoration were quite well-known, so the mistake probably wouldn’t cause too much trouble.

More importantly, the priority now was to move Evan and focus on the inspection.

While he had discussed the inspection procedure with the Dean beforehand, the important part wasn’t the process itself, but exposing and showcasing it to the public appropriately.

How much to show, and how much to weigh public opinion.

“Contrary to the initial schedule, we plan to postpone the Elementology Department’s project demonstration schedule,” Evan said, turning back.

“Instead, we intend to tour Rebatenon’s main research facilities and demonstrate a few projects slated for presentation. Is that acceptable?”

“…”

Tatiana, who had been intently watching Adamant Thunder’s silent face, nodded instead.

“Understood. Then, could you tell us which department’s projects we’ll be seeing?”

“Currently, the Particle Theory, Pharmacy, and Necromancy departments have projects nearing presentation,” Evan said, glancing away subtly.

“The Transformation and Fabrication departments also have projects in preparation, but introducing those as well would require a lot of time.”

“That won’t do.”

Tatiana immediately shook her head.

“As the Tower Master is quite fatigued, please keep it to the essentials as much as possible.”

“…Understood.”

The Arcane Wizard assisting Adamant Thunder expressed concern for his health.

But conversely, this was undeniable proof that the mana wielded by a wizard in such poor condition was still overwhelming everyone present.

The Dean, having felt that overwhelming disparity, subtly stiffened his face but showed no outward sign, merely following behind Evan.

They rented a VIP vehicle for circulation within the academic building and toured facilities including the library, Central Hall, and various research institutes.

The inspection primarily focused on research facilities prepared for Rebatenon’s thesis presentations, rather than student amenities.

Professors who had contributed to the expansion and construction of these facilities cleared their throats and added their comments.

“This is the Rebatenon Central Library. It houses nearly ten million books, and just by the number of theses-”

At that moment, Tatiana sharply cut him off.

“The book collection isn’t that large. Compared to the central magic tower, it’s neither particularly vast nor small.”

“…”

“Shouldn’t you more actively seek investment from the City Government?”

Tatiana’s cold assessment immediately silenced the professor who was introducing the library.

A reaction completely different from what they had expected, assuming it was mere formality. But Tatiana’s evaluations didn’t stop there.

“This is a research institute prepared for scholars. It’s designed with a structure specialized in insulation, heat retention, mana embedding, and shape memory…”

“The design is excellent, but the level of defensive barriers isn’t great. Reinforcement will be needed for future joint research.”

“…”

She evaluated the research facilities, even considering what would happen after the agreement was concluded.

Indeed, from that perspective, it seemed the witch found several areas needing feedback.

“This is the server room, recently expanded. To fully preserve spell formula data, sorcerers were called in to recreate an artificial brain structure-”

“The preservation method is good, but the capacity seems woefully insufficient.”

“…This is the newly installed particle accelerator. It’s a scaled-down reconstruction of the Carlyle Research Institute’s equipment.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to rent the Carlyle Research Institute’s equipment instead?”

Tatiana’s merciless criticisms were thrown at every facility they passed.

Her initial gentle demeanor was gone, and her cold, stern reactions made everyone, including the professors, realize.

Tatiana Chiglet wasn’t particularly pleased with this agreement from the start.

There was a reason why, even with the first institution the magic tower partnered with, positive remarks weren’t heard from the beginning.

Nevertheless, the problem was that Tatiana’s points about the research facilities weren’t entirely wrong.

The departments and faculty in charge of managing those facilities were also aware of these shortcomings but had put them off for practical reasons.

Such a high level of understanding allowed her to point out flaws and demand improvements in research facilities across different fields, majors, and themes.

It was a challenging situation where a manager with extensive experience in both fieldwork and research from long years at the magic tower, yet skeptical of the agreement itself, was assigned to the task.

Tatiana was effectively blocking any room for Rebatenon to play tricks or deceive in the agreement.

“…”

But perhaps the more surprising fact was that Tatiana checked Adamant Thunder’s reaction beforehand every time she toured a facility.

It seemed she sought Adamant Thunder’s approval before touring a facility and offering a simple evaluation.

The faculty quickly noticed Tatiana’s reactions as well.

“…They said he’d fully delegate, but it seems the authority lies with her from the start.”

“He’s a great wizard, after all. It’s obvious whose insight and discernment are superior.”

“No, perhaps even this answer was planned in advance…”

As if his fatigue wasn’t a lie, he didn’t even get out of the car for some of the facilities.

Instead, the following reporters and onlookers were more actively touring the university’s internal facilities than Adamant Thunder.

It was likely due to his severe injury, but didn’t that also mean he was backing Tatiana heavily in this agreement?

Media personnel who noticed this fact also quickly began to expand their coverage.

“…Investigate the whereabouts of the Witch of Saturation. Where has Tatiana Chiglet been recently?”

“Blaiver Tower recently gave up its first gate. It might be related to that situation.”

Meanwhile, Tatiana swiftly concluded the tour of the university’s internal facilities and delivered her overall assessment.

“Rebatenon University’s facilities are generally excellent. The name ‘City Government-affiliated educational institution’ is not mere pretense.”

Tatiana smiled faintly.

“However, the magic tower needs professional researchers, not just undergraduates who have completed their curriculum. We will continue to provide feedback on this point.”

Was she implying that it was excellent as an educational institution for undergraduates, but didn’t meet the standards for producing research results?

As the professors’ faces stiffened at her words, Evan, who had been quietly observing the situation, spoke up.

“Officer Chiglet. You seem to be mistaken.”

“…Mistaken?”

“The research personnel and achievements required by the magic tower will not be carried out through Rebatenon’s research facilities.”

“Then…?”

Evan smiled at Tatiana’s puzzled face and replied,

“Going forward, the research conducted through this agreement will be managed directly by me. That’s the condition under which this is proceeding.”

“…”

“Therefore, I’d appreciate it if you’d withhold any indiscriminate judgments about the school’s internal research performance. Do you understand?”

“Evan…?”

Only then did the professors and reporters realize the meaning of Evan’s words, looking at him with surprised eyes.

“Quite a strong statement for someone known to be quiet.”

“Considering the expo, he’s someone who knows how to calculate external gazes and reactions. It’s an intentional showmanship.”

“Could they be starting a power struggle over the agreement already?”

“He’s representing Rebatenon’s research authority. He’s already gained authority beyond a professor.”

The fact that Evan spoke up was to protect Rebatenon Magic University’s facilities and achievements.

Wasn’t he saying that he would take responsibility for this agreement and directly manage the research results to partner with the magic tower?

His words and actions clearly seemed to support the professors in the agreement between the magic tower and the university.

Even the Dean subtly stepped back, silently observing Evan instead of interrupting him.

He hadn’t even formally received a professorship yet, but he was virtually leading the internal negotiations for the university.

Reporters watching Evan and Tatiana’s conversation from a distance anxiously rummaged through their bags.

“He’s openly showing us the process. We should have captured this on camera…!!”

“Quickly jot down the conversation in your notebook! We need to send out how strong Assistant Professor Vylun’s position is, don’t we!”

“I’ve already decided on the article title. ‘The Genius Researcher Who Made a Devil’s Bargain with Vulcan’s Worst Wizard.’ That’s this month’s quota done.”

“The views might go up, but you’ll get your head chopped off? In a biological sense.”

“…”

In the middle of the now quiet academic building’s parking lot.

Tatiana glanced at the suddenly solemn reporters around her.

There was no reaction from Van, who was seated in the back of the limousine-like stretched vehicle.

This implied he intended to fully entrust the situation to her, Tatiana.

Thinking so, she subtly glared at the young researcher smiling innocently before her.

‘Evan Vylun…’

Tatiana was also well aware of this genius researcher.

His second thesis had caused such a stir that it was talked about even on the Central Front, far from Vulcan.

Pilenom Autonomous Region, Sea of Understanding.

A genius idea that artificially recreated updrafts through mana, creating anti-gravity technology unconstrained by environment.

The value of that thesis was said to be immeasurable by worldly wealth, and thousands of new theses and studies had branched from it.

Even Blaiver Tower, where Tatiana belonged, had made numerous attempts to integrate anti-gravity technology with flame magic.

Hadn’t Deadrise, which aimed to create artificial satellites, actively utilized Evan Vylun’s anti-gravity technology?

The thesis was more famous than the researcher himself; rather, Evan’s name was being elevated by the fame of his thesis.

The efficacy and versatility of anti-gravity technology were already proven, to the extent that even magnates on the Central Front actively used it in combat.

The person responsible for opening Vulcan’s Skyway, which had been blocked by magnetic storms, and creating new businesses and markets in this giant city.

However, Tatiana noticed his true character hidden behind Evan Vylun’s fame and her eyes slightly gleamed.

‘He’s more resolute than I thought. Quite different from what I’ve heard.’

Despite gaining immense fame from his expo thesis presentation, he was said to have completely refused external exposure, dedicating himself solely to research.

She had thought he was quiet and static, rarely appearing at school except for lectures with undergraduates, but upon meeting him directly, he seemed remarkably adept at this type of negotiation and power play.

In particular, the words Evan had just thrown at Tatiana were a move that instantly condensed and showcased his standing and symbolism within Rebatenon to those around them.

She immediately realized that he was using Tatiana to solidify his position among outsiders.

‘I wondered how Van contacted this reclusive researcher, but it seems he wasn’t entirely unmotivated himself. In that case…’

She would concede for now.

He didn’t seem like someone so inflexible that he wouldn’t understand such an effort, so he would surely recognize it.

Tatiana quickly made her decision and bowed slightly with a smile.

“I apologize if I caused offense. It is certainly too soon to compare achievements with other magic towers.”

“…”

“I misspoke out of a desire for both the magic tower and the university to achieve visible growth through this agreement.”

“Not at all. Rebatenon shouldn’t just put on a show of confidence either,”

Evan naturally responded to Tatiana’s words.

“I plan to deliver satisfactory results to the magic tower soon. How about we coordinate this agreement based on that?”

“Satisfactory results… you say?”

Tatiana’s eyes widened at his words.

Her lingering question from when the inspection began, regarding why Evan had stepped forward at this moment, was finally resolved into one conclusion.

“Surely, the postponement of the Elementology Department’s project demonstration…”

“I haven’t had any official activities for a long time since I published my second thesis.”

Evan smiled at Tatiana’s question.

“I might be able to create an interesting invention soon, and I plan to exclusively reveal this achievement through the magic tower.”

“…!!”

Everyone else around them, realizing the meaning of his words, collectively held their breath.