How to Survive as the Academy’s Villain

Chapter 47

Crash!

“Ah, ah! This, this is….”

A student on stage looked extremely flustered as the flames he had summoned burst uncontrollably.

Bang!

“Argh!”

Soon, safety personnel hurried onto the stage to rescue the failed performer and manage the situation.

“Nigel Royal Academy is still lacking.”

“But their research content wasn’t that bad. The demonstration was just a bit lacking.”

“I’ve heard rumors that if their research results aren’t good this time, the Nigel Kingdom might shut down their magic academy.”

Listening to the conversations of the distinguished guests, Professor Phelan chuckled inwardly, feeling slightly relieved.

‘Hehe, thanks to Nigel Royal Academy’s mishap, my potential embarrassment is somewhat lessened.’

But soon.

‘No, why am I even relieved about this?’

Briefly recalling his own situation, he grimaced, thinking about the source of all his troubles.

Grit.

‘Where the hell is that bastard hiding?’

Just as his anger towards the still-missing Kamon Vade was reigniting,

“Hey, Professor Phelan. Just in case, is there anything we need to be concerned about?”

“Haha. What do you mean, Dean? Concerns?”

Dean Elmon, still smiling, pointed to the stage with his finger.

He pointed at the extravagant banner hanging right above the stage where the failed demonstration had occurred.

23rd Magic Academy Seminar: Nigel Royal Academy, Flance Imperial Academy, Jason Magic Institute, Vincent Magic School, Carcerian Joint Magic Research Institute, Celadin Public Academy.

The names indicated the academies participating in this seminar.

“I’ve said this repeatedly, the essence of the seminar is research. No matter how you dress it up, it’s meaningless without research results. Moreover, isn’t the Master of the Magic Tower attending this time?”

‘What? Is Elmon trying to pick a fight with me right now?’

Given that Dean Elmon had threatened to shut down the seminar if there were no proper results, Professor Phelan felt a strong urge to lash out at him.

But.

‘Huff, no. If I can successfully conclude this seminar, my reputation will resonate throughout the empire.’

All the distinguished guests and researchers here would undoubtedly be impressed by his research results.

‘I can smooth over one magic demonstration. Considering what these bastards have received so far, they should at least cover this.’

Organizing his thoughts, he glared at Dean Elmon and continued to think.

‘Just wait until this seminar is over. I’ll crush your disgusting face and take your dean position.’

Then Professor Phelan forced a vague smile and was about to speak again.

“There’s no need to worry. Everything prepared is perfect….”

But then.

“Oh, the final presentation magic is the ‘Nine Rings of Fire’? Isn’t that too much for a freshman to perform?”

‘What, what’s going on? Who’s making unnecessary comments?’

Turning his head towards the sudden voice, he saw,

“Sa-Sabiel?”

Saviel Partizan, a member of the Seven Tables and Master of the Magic Tower ‘Glagos,’ was reading the seminar introduction with interest.

“Nine Rings of Fire? Isn’t that a high-level magic?”

“The final presentation? Ah, it’s the research demonstration from the Imperial Academy, right? Is it simplified enough for a freshman to demonstrate?”

“No matter how simplified, having a freshman perform that?”

“Well, if it’s the Imperial Academy, they must have something up their sleeve. They wouldn’t have assigned it if they weren’t confident.”

At that moment, Dean Elmon smirked and muttered softly.

“If the ‘Nine Rings of Fire’ is such a remarkable and outstanding magic, wouldn’t it be impressive to show even a glimpse of it? Especially by a freshman.”

“You’re right, Dean Elmon. I’m looking forward to it.”

As the Magic Tower Master, Sabiel, nodded in agreement, Professor Phelan’s face turned pale.

“No, wait! What is this all of a sudden…?”

“Hmm? What’s wrong, Professor Phelan? Is there a problem?”

“That, that is….”

Caught off guard by Dean Elmon’s sudden question, Professor Phelan shook his head awkwardly, laughing it off.

“Ah, it’s nothing. Haha.”

‘Damn it, is this really happening?’

The magic demonstration was supposed to be a brief example at the end of the research presentation.

Something that could have been dismissed as a formality.

But now, thanks to that damn Magic Tower Master’s comment, everyone’s attention was focused on the demonstration.

‘If it turns out that the student isn’t there to perform the magic….’

With the Magic Tower Master’s interest, even those who didn’t follow Professor Phelan would be eager to find fault.

Previously, Kamon Vade not appearing on stage would have slightly tarnished Professor Phelan’s reputation.

But now,

‘There’s a high chance I’ll be buried in the academic world.’

In the magical world, the weight of the Seven Tables was on another level.

‘And that damn Dean Elmon is definitely….’

As Professor Phelan stared blankly, he could vividly imagine Dean Elmon’s smirking face, speaking mockingly.

“It seems the student couldn’t handle the pressure and fled. Didn’t I warn you multiple times that this research was too much for the seminar? How will you take responsibility for this? Our Imperial Academy’s reputation has been severely damaged. Merely canceling the seminar won’t suffice…”

The vision felt so real that sweat began to bead on Phelan’s forehead.

‘Should I confess now? No, it’s too late. Even if I explain, all the blame will fall on me. The seminar would be dissolved immediately.’

Thinking that everything he had built could crumble in an instant, Professor Phelan gazed helplessly at the distant closed main door.

‘Damn it. Where are you, Kamon Vade?!’

* * *

**Boom! Whoosh!**

“Firework magic? What was the research topic again?”

Someone seated in the audience mumbled as dozens of small fireworks filled the stage.

The performer quickly moved his hands, altering the magic.

Then,

Whizz!

“The fireworks are merging.”

“What shape is forming?”

“Isn’t that a dragon?”

The small fireworks combined to form a giant red dragon.

Then, with another gesture from the performer,

Whizz! Boom! Bang!

The dragon’s mouth opened, and another round of fireworks exploded.

“It’s illusion magic!”

“This demonstration perfectly matches Vincent Magic School’s research on ‘Combining Various Magic Applications.'”

“They mixed firework magic, transformation magic, and illusion magic for a fleeting display? That’s fascinating.”

Those evaluating the research were mostly positive, visibly excited by the display.

Even the Magic Tower Master Sabiel nodded with a satisfied smile.

“Haha, I’m glad I attended the seminar after a long time. It’s an intriguing and enjoyable experience.”

“Seeing this, I feel a renewed respect for the world of magic.”

But with each positive reaction,

**Click! Click!**

Professor Phelan’s face grew darker, and he began grinding his teeth unknowingly.

‘Damn it, damn it! What should I do? What can I do…’

As he trembled with anxiety, the seminar proceeded swiftly.

“Next up is Jason Magic Institute. Let’s…”

And so, the final presentation drew nearer.

“Flance Imperial Academy is up next. Please get ready.”

At the organizer’s call, Phelan quickly ran off somewhere.

“…….”

Dean Elmon, who had been quietly observing, left his seat and followed Phelan backstage.

“We’re the only ones left for the magic demonstration. Are you well prepared? Even a member of the Seven Tables seems quite eager… Hmm?”

“Should I say something… No… I can’t… This seminar… It’s ruined…”

“Professor Phelan, is there a problem?”

“…….”

But with Phelan still unresponsive, Elmon called his name again, perplexed.

“Phelan?”

“I’m finished.”

Muttering in a low voice, Phelan raised his head, his face no longer red but a deathly pale.

“What? Professor Phelan, what are you talking about…”

Before the stunned Elmon could say anything more,

“Now, folks, have you enjoyed the seminar so far? We’re down to our final presentation. Please welcome our last speaker from Flance Imperial Academy with a round of applause.”

The announcer’s voice rang out, signaling the final presentation.

Attendees and researchers fixed their sharp gazes on the stage, filled with suspicion, jealousy, and wariness.

‘The Magic Tower Master is interested.’

‘Why the interest in Phelan’s magic demonstration of all things…’

‘Nine Rings of Fire? Ridiculous. Is that even possible?’

‘If anything worthwhile comes out, Phelan’s reputation will skyrocket.’

Already high, Professor Phelan’s standing could soar to double or triple its current level with the Magic Tower Master’s endorsement.

But,

“Hmm?”

“What’s going on? Why isn’t anyone coming out?”

No one appeared on the stage, despite the repeated calls.

“It’s Flance Imperial Academy’s turn. Please come out!”

Even with the repeated calls from the announcer, no one showed up.

As time ticked by,

“What’s this?”

“Did something go wrong?”

The audience began murmuring in confusion.

And in this situation, Professor Phelan, who had organized and planned this seminar,

“Heh, it’s all over! I’m ruined.”

Seemed completely deranged, muttering to himself.

“Professor Phelan, what are you doing? You need to go out there immediately! What on earth is going on…”

Just as Dean Elmon reached out to grab Phelan,

*Bang! Creak!

The doors to the seminar hall burst open with a loud noise.

“What’s going on?”

“What was that noise?”

Everyone’s eyes naturally turned toward the entrance.

“Ah?”

Through the now wide-open doors, bright light poured in, silhouetting a lone figure standing there.

The figure, breathing heavily, entered the hall where the seminar was taking place.

“Huff, huff. Am I not too late?”

As the shadow lifted in the bright light, the figure holding a milky-white orb was revealed to be a young boy.