551 – Malice (5)

Luna’s assessment was very ominous to hear, but fortunately it did not reach Jane’s ears.

It was before she turned dark, and Jane’s nature was basically good. However, it is difficult to divide the world into good and evil.

Things that start out with good intentions often turn out badly, and vice versa.

But it’s safe to say that Jane will have little to no chance of turning black this time, because she has already achieved her goal.

Instead, you might feel guilty, because the things you invent to benefit the world might end up destroying it.

To stop that weapon, a stronger invention is created, and that invention can be abused, and the cycle continues infinitely.

‘I need to take good care of my mental health too.’

Although Sulwha spoke in a careless tone, it was very important advice to Jane.

As the saying goes, being dangerous is synonymous with being powerful. The opposite is also true.

I don’t know what choice Jane will make, but she will probably need to think about it for a long time. There are also important things to consider before that.

“First of all, which professor suggested it? I think I need to know the department and the name.”

At that moment, Luna spoke up for me. We need to know who is eyeing Jane’s invention.

Jane also looked up as if she had come to her senses after hearing her words. Then she answered while pushing up her glasses that had been slightly slipping down.

“Hey, Professor Metro from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He is from Santiago, like me, and a renowned scholar.”

“Um… This is the first time I’m hearing about it? What about Seolhwa?”

“I don’t remember unnecessary names.”

Some rather harsh reviews have come back, but that’s normal. People really don’t care about things they aren’t interested in.

In the past, the level of recognition was low, like, “Mechanical engineering? What is that? Is it something you eat?” But now that time has passed, people are starting to know about it.

‘How long has it been since Santiago was founded?’

The land of science, Santiago, has been around for about 200 years since its founding. Even so, it has developed into a considerable power.

A country of science and progress. But also a country with an uglier side than any other country.

Since ancient times, the advancement of science has been achieved through the exploitation of nature. Santiago is no different.

The land that was once abundant has become desolate, and we have continued to exploit nature despite knowing this.

‘The people of the lawless zone revolted because they couldn’t stand it anymore.’

That’s roughly the story. It’s a story you can often see in steampunk or arcanepunk worlds.

Anyway, moving on from that, he is a professor in charge of mechanical engineering at the academy, so he probably has a wide network of connections.

Also, since he is currently working as an academy professor, there is a very high possibility that he is of a high position. This means that it will be a tough fight.

“Is that professor still bothering you?”

“Yes. He comes to my workshop about three times a week. Up until now, it’s been difficult to sign a contract because Shibari-sama hasn’t come, but…”

“Were you originally planning to meet?”

“······Yes. Until the thief came in.”

Jane’s answer was filled with bitterness and a hint of anger. Jane must have been embarrassed, but also happy.

Because it was someone other than me who had received recognition, and it was a professor at that. I couldn’t have known what kind of person the professor was because of that joy.

‘The person who scouted Jane in Soul World was Professor Metro.’

The general story is this. Jane was on the verge of being expelled.

Professor Metro, who couldn’t stand to watch, checked Jane’s theory and the machine that came out of the process.

Professor Metro, who saw a glimmer of talent there, will begin to support Jane.

It is unclear what happened after that, but the investor changed to someone other than Professor Metro.

It’s easy to think of him as someone above, but he’s such a high-ranking person that he even treats Professor Metro like ‘something like that’.

‘He’s a politician, after all.’

After that, Jane passionately pursued development, but······as you know, it was a waste of time.

Therefore, Professor Metro must be stopped. It is better to cut off the seeds of disaster in advance.

Since I still have some time off, I think it would be a good idea to visit the workshop regularly. For Jane’s sake.

“Did you tell the academy?”

“As I said before, I couldn’t protest because I only had a hunch.”

“Then we’ll tell the president. He likes Jane’s invention too.”

Surprisingly, Luna came up with the most reasonable solution. In fact, Lord also likes Jane’s inventions.

It’s because of pride, but he’s the type of person who enjoys riding on the Pidgeontu to begin with.

But Jane’s invention was stolen? Of course she’d be furious.

‘I’m curious about what kind of person he is and what his face looks like.’

Jane’s story is one that if you don’t catch it early on, you’ll never get it.

It is only in the latter half, after the war with the demons, that we tend to remember the character of Jane.

I only know the main plot of the story, so the details are difficult. But I’m still satisfied because I’ve twisted the future.

Anyway, Jane’s sub-story will appear the moment you enter Santiago, so for now, you can just focus on protecting her.

“I’ll visit again tomorrow. In the meantime, take care.”

“Thank you. Please take care on your way back.”

Jane bowed deeply to see us off. As always, she was very polite.

Thanks to that attitude, I think Seolhwa liked it too. I got a good harvest.

“What are you going to do now?”

“I need to eat.”

“Hmm. I guess it’s about time to eat. Is there a good place to eat?”

“I’m more about quantity than quality.”

“That’s true too.”

Sulwha, convinced by my answer, turned her head and looked at Luna.

Perhaps Luna felt instinctively uneasy at that gaze. She shook her head and opened her mouth.

“I’m not hungry yet?”

“so?”

“yes?”

“So what’s the problem? My wife said she’s bored.”

“··· ···”

“Guide me.”

Then, Seolhwa naturally moved behind Luna. When Luna saw this, she stopped in her spot and Seolhwa also stopped in her tracks.

A silent sign that says, “If you don’t go, I’ll stay here too.” If it’s a fairy tale, then it’s a fairy tale-like attitude.

Of course not to Luna, she urged, her voice full of incredulity.

“Are you really going to do that? If you keep doing that, I’ll······!”

“Now that I think about it, what I taught you yesterday…was there still a lot left? If you don’t like it, then there’s nothing I can do.”

“I have nothing to say. Do you like steak?”

“I heard it’s famous for Western food.”

Luna began to guide them very naturally. After that, Seolhwa followed along with a smile.

Judging from the conversation, it seems that Sulwha is teaching Luna various things.

Since she really liked it, she’ll probably teach it various techniques. It’s also a very important part for Luna.

‘It really suits you strangely.’

I also found Sulwha, who followed Luna around, to be secretly cute. Who would think that person was a purple transcendent being?

It’s just bad. Maybe being bad is even better.

I shrugged and walked to get lunch. As usual, it was a buffet.

Normally I would eat with my friends, but unfortunately they are still sleeping, recovering from the fatigue from the day.

I’ll probably come to my senses after lunch. I plan to make Grace a meal when I get back after lunch.

‘There are more episodes left until the end of the year······’

As I processed the buffet food almost at the level of inhalation, I recalled the episodes leading up to the end of the year.

The Touhou episode ended a little later than scheduled, but it shouldn’t affect the class as a whole.

Since the professors have also experienced a major incident, there is a high probability that they will be somewhat passive. There will be almost no practical training.

‘I can’t think of anything in particular. Most of them are easy.’

This is an episode that would normally promote the main character’s growth. However, I don’t need such an episode.

Luna will suffer, not me. I can just sit back and watch.

But that doesn’t mean I’m going to just sit around and do nothing. Didn’t Karasu say that before?

‘When will the Gaia Church send their greetings?’

Beware of the Gaia Cult. They will definitely show some unusual signs.

Now that the demons have fully revealed themselves, they will have direct and indirect effects on the Academy.

In particular, I have been greatly influenced by divine powers. It is highly likely that I would have been recorded as a person of interest.

‘If I’m not careful, I might get involved with Seolhwa.’

If by any chance the truth about Seolhwa is revealed, it would be a big problem.

In addition, Seolhwa is a purple transcendent being. She tends to dislike the existence of other transcendent beings.

I don’t know if it’s xenophobia or a territorial issue, but something is definitely going to happen.

‘I’ll have to ask you a favor when we meet tomorrow.’

I can’t help it, I need to rest now. After finishing my meal, I headed out.

Now I just need to go back to my room and make Grace lunch······

-Deeeeeeeeeeng!!!

······But what is this clear bell sound?

The Academy originally had a bell that rang every hour. So, if it’s on time, it’s okay to ring.

“What? It’s not even time yet?”

“Who made you cry?”

The problem is that it’s not the regular time yet. There’s still a long way to go until the regular time.

Sometimes a passing bird will hit you, but it won’t be as loud as that.

The only thought that came to my mind was that someone had accidentally rang the bell.

‘whoever?’

As I was looking around, looking for the culprit, I saw two very familiar figures.

One was Seolhwa, who was shaking her hands, and the other was Luna, who was yelling at Seolhwa.

I focused my ears and eavesdropped on their conversation, wondering what on earth was going on.

“What the hell are you doing?! That’s Gaia’s church!”

“It’s just annoying. But I feel at ease when I hear the bell.”

“No. You’re throwing stones because it bothers you?! Why on earth?!”

“I would like to tear down that church. Is that okay?”

“Of course not!!”

hmm.

Luna, you’re having a hard time. Cheer up.

I tried to ignore it and went on my way. I didn’t want to get involved in that.

‘Was that what Lord did?’

It’s a bonus that I feel sorry towards Lord for no reason.