Chapter 283

Chapter 283 – Just One Real Punch

Salvatium.

It was a title that hadn’t crossed my mind in quite some time.

A clandestine association of dark spellcasters who dabbled in forbidden arts, focusing around the outlaws of the magical world.

Its roots and deep-seated mysteries remained hidden from the world.

The solitary piece of certain information was brief.

They wielded powers that shattered the boundaries of logic.

Yet.

“An exiled spellcaster attempted to breach the perimeter?”

Obern kept his expression neutral as he responded to my query.

“Correct. You recall that the Master and I wove defensive wards around the campus perimeter last year at the headmaster’s request, yes?”

I was aware of that.

It was the headmaster’s countermeasure after the incident at the Trial Chamber threw everyone into a panic.

“And it actually tripped?”

I hadn’t detected even a ripple of a defensive grid during my daily commutes through the academy grounds.

“Regard it as an ambush mechanism. It doesn’t remain constantly active. It triggers exclusively upon detecting dark mana…”

Even under those conditions, a minute fluctuation of energy should have been perceptible.

A concealment weave so perfect it could deceive the perceptions of a transcendent entity?

It ran contrary to everything I knew about magic, but that wasn’t the crucial issue at this moment.

“In any case, proceed.”

“Understood, well…”

Obern recounted the events that transpired before daybreak.

An infiltrator—whether a standard dark caster or a true practitioner of forbidden arts—had attempted a breach early this morning.

Being one of the primary anchors keeping the wards stable, Obern possessed a direct link to monitor its integrity, alerting him the instant the system triggered.

Fortunately, the defensive matrix functioned as intended and drove back the trespasser, though it sustained immense strain, forcing him to spend hours restoring the fractures before tracking me down.

At that point, I cut in.

“The defensive line was compromised?”

“Correct.”

“Doesn’t that imply the trespasser possessed significant strength? That points more toward an outlaw mage than a common dark sorcerer, wouldn’t you say?”

“That is highly probable. However…”

“I understand. Let’s not leap to conclusions prematurely, right?”

“Yes. My apologies if that came across as presumptuous.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

What was there to consider presumptuous?

He was Muspellun’s apprentice, after all.

A faint smile of satisfaction touched my lips at Obern’s perpetual modesty.

Our dialogue pressed onward.

“So, to summarize, some rogue spellcaster tried to infiltrate the campus grounds? And that is the extent of what we know for now?”

“Yes, that summarizes the current situation.”

“I see…”

Folding my arms, I fell into a brief silence to process the details.

‘The timing of these events aligns a bit too perfectly.’

It wasn’t shocking that Salvatium had set its sights on the school.

Honestly, it was likely long overdue.

Considering their fixation on forbidden texts and relics, Presen’s artifact represented a premier prize.

The element that perplexed me was the chronology.

‘…Why choose this exact moment?’

Were they attempting to capitalize on the internal friction currently plaguing the academy?

I weighed the possibility for a second, but the likelihood seemed minimal.

To the school administration, the arrival of the imperial auditors was a massive headache, but on a grander imperial scale, they ultimately served the same crown.

They might squabble bitterly among themselves in isolation, but the moment an external threat materialized, they would close ranks—much like dysfunctional siblings.

‘Granted, the sheer toxicity of their dynamic is where the real danger lies.’

Regardless, the influx of personnel moving through the academy gates did not work in Salvatium’s favor.

“Um… Senior?”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“What course of action should we take?”

Obern directed a steady, determined gaze toward me.

It was the identical expression he wore back during the crisis in the Hamern Great Forest.

I held his gaze for a beat before offering a reply.

“Why look to me for the answer?”

“…Excuse me?”

…Ah, a slip of the tongue.

Clear the throat.

“What I mean is, we ought to formulate a strategy as a unit. Cast your mind back to the Great Forest. Could I have pulled through that trial entirely on my own?”

“But I contributed practically nothing…”

At least you possess some self-awareness, huh.

“Nonsense, you played your part. Consider this—even common waste material has its place in compounding remedies, and you were consistently present. Furthermore, you brought Sha… well, that particular squatter along.”

As the words left my mouth, I recognized that Obern had genuinely assisted quite a bit throughout the events of the Great Forest.

Granted, he was somewhat dense when it came to interpersonal dynamics and managed not to become a liability… but he did facilitate Shine’s involvement, and he ultimately activated Overclock during the climax.

“Waste material…”

“…Disregard that analogy.”

“No. I intend to print your wisdom directly onto my soul, Senior.”

Is his plan to complain to Muspellun at a later date?

‘A swift strike to the skull is rumored to be excellent for memory loss.’

I casually flexed my knuckles considering the threat to his well-being, though fortunately, I refrained from delivering a blow to Obern.

“Indeed. The magnitude of my individual impact isn’t what matters. The specific function is irrelevant. Therefore… much like waste repurposed for medicine, my only duty is to occupy the correct space and execute what tasks I can.”

“Suu…re?”

“My gratitude, Senior. Your guidance never fails to provide such profound enlightenment.”

“Suu…re.”

I briefly wondered if he was mocking me, but the absolute sincerity in his eyes disproved the thought.

“With that in mind, Senior, would it be possible to gather soon and deliberate on our upcoming choices together?”

Obern made the request, his eyes practically gleaming with enthusiasm.

Staring into those unclouded eyes, a pair of distinct explanations entered my mind.

Was I looking at an unfathomable depth of character… or the absolute zenith of denseness?

I redirected my gaze toward the sky.

‘…Senior Muspellun, I trust you remain content with this?’

Naturally, she was. Affection practically radiated from her whenever her eyes landed on Obern.

In any event.

“For the moment… perhaps we should relocate to a different spot?”

“As you wish, Senior.”

Obern answered, offering a radiant grin.

As our steps took us forward, he raised another point.

“Senior, if the opportunity arises, would you introduce me to your social circle at some point? Ah! Not immediately, down the line! Senior Damian, Senior Chenbi, and Senior Evelyn preserved the student body during the crisis at the Trial Chamber last year…”

“…Be quiet.”

“What was that?”

“…It’s nothing. Let’s move.”

Introducing a fourth member to that trio of blockheads?

A catastrophe of that magnitude would never see the light of day…

Not while I still drew breath.

By the time I finished collaborating with Obern on various defensive strategies regarding Salvatium, twilight had already claimed the sky.

“I shall take my leave, Senior. Oh, regarding the communication orb…”

“Activate it without hesitation the moment a crisis develops.”

“Understood!”

Obern began his trek back to the first-year residential halls, clutching the communication orb I had passed to him.

Tracking his departing form, a convoluted knot of impressions tightened in my chest.

‘He wasn’t quite this severe in the past.’

Was this the underlying motive for Muspellun sending Obern to the academy grounds?

To absorb a few harsh realities within this microcosm of a school environment and build up immunity to the sharper edges of existence?

…Unlikely, given that he appeared far too upbeat for that theory to hold weight.

His socialization with the rest of the student body seemed perfectly functional as well.

Every underclassman he encountered offered a polite nod—as though he maintained a rapport with the entire campus.

‘Is it actually possible to navigate existence with that mindset?’

I couldn’t fathom it.

The world felt far too unyielding for such optimism.

Shine, Damian, Chenbi, Evelyn, Railey, the headmaster, Senior Maiseln, and a host of others.

Were I to adopt that demeanor, they would likely view me with profound suspicion.

Regardless, there was no point in lingering on idle speculations.

Leaving Obern to his journey, I turned my steps toward my own residential quarters.

My intention was to retreat indoors and organize my materials for the upcoming lectures, but the moment I crossed into the courtyard of the dormitories, a familiar tone sounded out.

“Aster.”

Stationed along the stone walkway leading to the building was Evelyn.

“…?”

“What has occurred?”

Ah, she sought information regarding the recent visit.

It was logical. Being aware that Muspellun served as Obern’s mentor, Evelyn bound to find his sudden appearance highly unusual.

“Are you intending to keep it a secret?”

“No, that isn’t the issue.”

I had simply paused to deliberate for a moment.

Technically speaking, Salvatium maintained no overt alliances with the Magic Tower.

‘…Or do they? If the matter zeroes in on me, does it automatically pull the Tower into the equation?’

“Are you familiar with an organization called Salvatium by any chance?”

“…?”

Predictably, Evelyn tilted her head in confusion.

Consequently, I found myself detailing the exact nature of the Salvatium syndicate, which ultimately required disclosing several incidents from the Hamern Great Forest that I had previously kept under wraps.

Once the entire narrative had been laid bare.

“And that sums up the current predicament.”

“…”

Evelyn compressed her lips, a slight twitch visible near the corner of her eyes.

She seemed to sink into deep reflection.

Against the backdrop of the dying sun, her scarlet locks caught the fading light.

‘…That looks highly combustible.’

Granted, human hair is generally prone to catching fire. Still, that particular shade of crimson gave the impression of being uniquely susceptible to sparks…

Evelyn broke the silence.

“You have been actively engaging against individuals of that caliber, Aster?”

“Hardly.”

“…Oh, is that so?”

“Had I been doing so continuously, I would have been buried long ago, wouldn’t I?”

It was solely in this current incarnation—armed with the recollections of my previous existence and the power of Heaven-Defying—that I managed to remain among the living.

Trading blows with Salvatium or the Decullans without intermission? I would have perished a lifetime ago.

Visibly eased by my clarification, Evelyn let out a breath she had been holding.

“What a relief.”

“What makes you say that?”

A brilliant smile graced her features at my inquiry.

“I was genuinely debating whether it was time to collect my belongings.”

“…Collect your belongings?”

“Indeed. The Magic Tower offers wonderful prospects, but I have no desire to meet an early grave. A person needs to remain upright to generate revenue, correct?”

“…”

How did she consistently manage to articulate the exact phrases that triggered an urge to strike someone?

Yet Evelyn wasn’t finished. She retained one final verbal jab to deliver.

“Oh, Aster. In that case, I am clear to relocate to the Second Black-White Slums for the time being?”

“…”

“It’s highly improbable that academic schedules will maintain regular order regardless. Send word once the dust settles on this affair. Oh, should I extend the warning to Chenbi and Damian as well?”

…Well, at least a shred of morality remained within her. Keeping Damian and Chenbi in mind amidst her exit strategy.

But what about my plight?

Releasing a weary sigh, I waved my hand to dismiss her as if shooing a bothersome insect.

“Save your breath. The situation will remain manageable.”

“Very well. I shall leave the resolution in your hands, Aster.”

Having dropped that line, Evelyn turned and strolled gracefully toward the female quarters.

A beat later.

“Oh, I think I will proceed with packing just in case?”

The inflection suggested a query, but the delivery made it entirely clear it was a declaration of intent.

Fixing my gaze on Evelyn’s retreating form, a singular thought crystallized.

‘I really want to land one solid punch on her.’

Naturally, it remained purely a fantasy.

Who would oversee the financial assets of the Magic Tower if I actually incapacitated her?

She was likely the one individual guaranteed to survive purely due to her administrative utility.

Controlling the slight tremor in my fist, I pivoted toward the male residential hall.

‘Come to think of it… Professor Pellina ought to be in a secure position by now, correct?’

The memory of my charitable intervention caused a wave of self-satisfaction to wash over me.

I would verify the outcomes upon arriving at the academy tomorrow.

A highly productive conclusion to the day.

A tumultuous start to the day. Aster stepped across the threshold of the lecture hall, a radiant expression plastered across his face.

He was filled with anticipation to observe what positive outcomes his benevolent interference on behalf of Professor Pellina had yielded.

Groups of pupils gathered in clusters throughout the room, exchanging whispers regarding the rumors and events that had transpired the previous afternoon. Inevitably, the discourse surrounding Professor Pellina found its way into the chatter.

However.

“…?”

The intelligence the student body had gathered regarding Professor Pellina was notably… no, radically distinct from the scenario Aster had envisioned.

“Did you catch the news? Professor Pellina anticipated the arrival of the auditing committee.”

“Yes, the rumor reached me as well. She completely cleared out the hidden reserves of the off-the-books accounts.”

“A formal inquiry is required to establish the facts… What term did they use? If the allegations hold, it amounts to destruction of evidence? The penalties could become significantly more severe because of that step.”

What… in the world was happening here?