How to Survive as the Academy’s Villain

Chapter 99

Jamie nodded after listening to my story in silence.

“Well, it’s a difficult topic to say who’s right.”

“Really?”

I expected Jamie to side with Chelsea, but her objective viewpoint surprised me.

Then, Jamie spoke again.

“Normally, I would agree with Professor Beroen’s logic. But Kamon, your case is different.”

Her gaze shifted to the ‘Orb’ ring on my finger.

“As the professor said, most mages wouldn’t care about their bodies breaking down because the benefits of mana and magic are immense. However…”

Jamie paused, then continued with a faint smile.

“I think Chelsea’s point is also valid. Especially since you use the ‘Orb,’ your current method could indeed cause physical problems. The way you output mana puts a lot of stress on your mana pathways and heart.”

“……”

“Of course, that’s just theoretical. I’m here to monitor and manage you, so such issues won’t arise.”

Jamie’s voice was firm as she continued.

“As a third party, I can’t judge who’s right or wrong, but as the person involved, you can make that judgment. Not that I’m telling you what to do, just giving advice as your senior, mentor, and protector.”

“Thank you, Master.”

Jamie Hasellion was truly an enigmatic character. At times, she seemed like a mad scientist, but moments like these showed her depth and wisdom.

Just when I was feeling a bit touched…

“So, can we try a new experiment now?”

“No, we can’t.”

“Aw, come on, just once. We haven’t done one in a while.”

“No means no.”

“But you just said you were grateful. If you’re really grateful, let’s do one experiment.”

“……”

Forget it. The sentiment is canceled. She’s just a crazy magic researcher.

What? Wise? Deep? What a joke.

Never pretend to understand her again, Kang Hyunsoo.

* * *

After the unexpected duel with Chelsea and the profound conversation with Jamie, I returned to my dorm.

Flop!

“Man, I’m so tired.”

What a day, full of unexpected events and incidents.

“Sigh.”

Lying on the bed, I took a deep breath and reviewed the day’s events.

Jamie’s opinions and the context of everything made me reflect a lot.

‘Did Chelsea really give that advice for my sake?’

I didn’t think she was just meddling or acting out of jealousy as Professor Beroen suggested. Still, there were unanswered questions.

‘But why did she…?’

She wasn’t the type to care so much about others, so why did she confront Professor Beroen over this?

Even though it turned into a pride battle, she did stand up for me.

“I feel even more guilty now.”

Thinking that far, I shook my head.

“No, there’s no need to dwell on it.”

We had a proper clash, and I lost spectacularly. Isn’t that enough?

If I meet her again…

“I should clear up any misunderstandings and thank her. We’ll keep seeing each other as Jamie’s disciples, after all.”

I decided to clear things up with Chelsea in our next class.

That was the plan, but…

* * *

“Apologize.”

“What?”

“Apologize to Kamon and me, Professor Beroen.”

What kind of messed-up situation is this?

“…”

The room fell into a stunned silence as everyone processed Chelsea’s bombshell demand. Even Professor Beroen showed no emotion on his face, simply staring at her with cold eyes.

As the silence dragged on, the atmosphere grew heavier.

‘Damn it, why is she escalating things like this?’

Even I was shocked by Chelsea’s sudden move. The other students looked suffocated, exchanging glances or whispering quietly among themselves.

Chelsea’s voice broke the silence, pressing Beroen again.

“Professor?”

“This is quite amusing.”

Finally, Professor Beroen spoke, a faint smile appearing on his face as he looked at Chelsea with sharp eyes.

“I don’t quite understand. What did you just say?”

“I asked you to apologize to Kamon and me.”

“For what exactly?”

Chuckling, Beroen asked, and Chelsea replied with unwavering resolve.

“For the things you said in the last class.”

“And what exactly was that…?”

Bang!

Chelsea placed a thick stack of papers on the desk.

“I wasn’t criticizing Kamon’s methods out of jealousy. These papers contain enough evidence to support my points.”

“…”

The stack was filled with papers, each with notes and highlighted sections.

“You need to apologize to me for dismissing my legitimate critique as jealousy, and to Kamon for…”

“Enough!”

Beroen interrupted her with a scowl, glancing at the papers.

“So, you think waving these papers around will make me acknowledge you?”

“They provide legitimate, logical support for my argument…”

Shaking his head, Beroen called out her name.

“Chelsea Artin.”

“Yes, Professor.”

“This is your final warning. Stop this childish nonsense.”

“…”

His low, threatening tone made Chelsea pause. She bit her lower lip, shaking her head.

“I don’t think my actions are childish.”

“…!”

Her bold declaration left everyone holding their breath.

This was insane. Absolutely insane.

‘Chelsea, what are you doing?’

The character of Chelsea was never one to act like this. In the original story, she would endure unreasonable situations for the sake of her grades.

So why now?

Why is Chelsea standing against the professor and the academy system?

Just then, Beroen nodded and spoke softly.

“Alright, if that’s your choice, I’ll respect it.”

He continued, with a tone that grew darker.

“But let me point out one flaw in your argument…”

His eyes glinted as he looked at Chelsea.

“Those papers won’t help you. The logic you claim is supported by the researchers at the Tower, and their conclusions are validated by the high council above.”

“……”

“Moreover, asserting your opinion in class isn’t how you get acknowledged.”

“No, I…”

“And don’t forget. You’re a student, and I’m an academy professor. Ask anyone about magic, and they’ll say my opinion is the correct one.”

“That’s an appeal to authority fallacy.”

“Maybe so. But that’s how the world works.”

With a casual shrug, Beroen dismissed her argument, making Chelsea’s face twist in frustration.

Then, he continued with a softer voice.

“And now, you must face the consequences of your actions.”

“…?!”

“You won’t be attending my classes anymore. Failing grades are just the beginning.”

Smiling slyly, Beroen looked at the other students.

“And there will be a disciplinary committee. Its purpose will likely be to expel Chelsea Artin from the academy.”

The students murmured in shock.

“What? Expulsion?”

“They’re going to expel her?”

Several students, including Elaine, cried out with pale faces.

“Professor, that’s too much!”

“That’s too harsh!”

Ignoring their protests, Beroen continued.

“The reasons for the disciplinary action are: disrespecting a professor, challenging authority, and displaying distrust in the educational system. Despite several attempts to guide her, her stubbornness makes her unfit for the academy.”

With a smirk, Beroen concluded his explanation and looked at Chelsea.

“Does that seem a fitting consequence for your actions, Chelsea?”

“…”

As if mocking her, Beroen asked while Chelsea stood trembling, her fists clenched tightly.

“Ugh.”

Watching her, I sighed deeply and shook my head.

Chelsea had brought some of this on herself, but Beroen was the real problem.

‘I’m involved too, to some extent.’

Even if it was unintentional, it was a fact.

Besides,

‘If Chelsea really gets expelled, the ripple effects will be disastrous.’

I couldn’t back down now. Steeling myself, I was about to speak up.

“Professor Beroen, this is too…”

But at that moment,

Knock, knock!

Before I could finish, everyone’s attention turned to the door.

And then,

Creak!

The door opened, revealing several people.

First,

“Professor Phelan?”

An old man with a bald head and a white beard, who I recognized as Professor Phelan, and

“And Professor Genjin? Have you recovered?”

“Yes, fortunately.”

Nodding with an awkward smile was Professor Genjin Dayton, whom I had met before.

“Ha ha, you were in class?”

“Uh, yes.”

Laughing heartily, Professor Phelan’s question made Beroen Clarence’s face sour slightly as he nodded.

Unaware of Beroen’s discomfort, Phelan continued with a broad smile.

“Sorry to interrupt, Professor Beroen.”

“It’s fine. But what brings you all here?”

“Well…”

Phelan glanced at the students before whispering something to Beroen.

“…!”

Beroen’s eyes widened in surprise, and his expression showed a hint of panic.

‘What did he say?’

I strained to listen but couldn’t make out their conversation. Then,

‘Huh?’

I noticed Professor Genjin winking at me.

‘What’s going on?’

Confused by the unexpected gesture, I heard a familiar voice.

[Stop looking so dumbfounded.]

‘Master?’

It was Jamie’s voice, but Professor Genjin was the one looking at me.

Could it be?

‘Is that Master?’

Then, he glanced at Chelsea and nodded.

“Sigh.”

Chelsea returned the nod and took a deep breath.

“Thank you for everything, Professor Beroen.”

“Oh, no problem. It was an interesting experience.”

Genjin spoke respectfully, while Beroen replied with a stiff expression.

Then,

Clap, clap!

“Everyone, attention.”

Professor Phelan clapped his hands, drawing the students’ attention.

“Professor Genjin Dayton, who originally taught Intermediate Magic, has recovered and returned. Therefore, Professor Beroen Clarence, who temporarily took over, will return to his original class.”

“…?!”

“Wow, really?”

“Please make sure there’s no confusion, and that the transition goes smoothly. The midterms are next week, so we don’t want to disrupt the students.”

“Understood, Professor.”

“Of course, Professor.”

As the two professors bowed, the students’ attention shifted to one person.

Chelsea Artin, who had just faced the worst situation moments ago.

______________

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