The Tall Mentor in a Defense Game

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Then, the side door slid open with a clatter and a staircase came down.

“Let’s go.”

“Yeah…”

Enok, with sunglasses on, swaggered down confidently.

Rakrina followed closely, clutching the stairs as if her stomach was doing somersaults.

“Skyhigh airship. Not bad considering it was an impulsive purchase. Don’t you think?”

Enok asked with a pleased look.

Rakrina, probably a bit too tense for her first flight, felt queasy.

However, noticing the subtle expectation from her teacher, she nodded.

-Nod, nod

“Seems like you’re feeling a bit off. That’s why I suggested resting in the lounge.”

Enok clicked his tongue.

Inside the airship, there were all kinds of leisure facilities like a small pub, a lounge, and even a billiard room.

It would’ve been better if she had just relaxed there instead of sticking next to him.

Enok felt once again that Rakrina had a peculiar stubbornness.

-Clomp, clomp

Just then, someone approached.

It was a man with blonde hair and another man with a timid expression.

It was Chairman Baltro and the Principal, Antony.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Baltro Ulrigan, the chairman.”

“I’m Principal Antony. Welcome to your visit.”

Principal Antony gave a slight bow.

Baltro stepped closer and offered a handshake.

Considering Enok’s identity wasn’t disclosed yet, this was quite a generous gesture.

It was probably due to the influence of the magic tower lords.

Recalling that, Enok accepted the handshake.

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Enok the magician. I apologize for the trouble.”

“Trouble, trouble… Well, it is a trouble, indeed. Really…”

“?”

Enok noticed the Principal’s subtle reaction.

For some reason, he seemed oddly fixated on the simple greeting.

‘Ah, I guess he’s been through some hardship.’

The position of chairman bears as much responsibility as it does power.

And Enok’s request demanded responsibility.

‘I’ll have to flatter him a bit.’

It’s not like he could scold someone who’s been through a lot.

Considering that, Enok casually uttered some sweet talk.

“Indeed, you are the chairman after all.”

“…? What’s with the sudden flattery?”

“You went through so much trouble to fulfill a mere magician’s request. There couldn’t be a more fitting chairman of a learning academy than you. It’s enviable how the students of the academy get to study under someone like you. If I had studied under a person like you, I would’ve surely risen higher than I am now.”

“…Well, I suppose that’s not wrong.”

“Your flattery is quite something. Let’s drop it now.”

Baltro coughed awkwardly and looked away.

Indeed, even the chairman likes to hear good praise.

However, the reality was a tad different.

Baltro was actually someone who didn’t particularly enjoy flattery.

But, of course, there were exceptions.

The messenger matters more than the message.

And for some reason, this man in front of him seemed to be favored by the magic tower lords.

It wouldn’t feel bad at all to receive praise from such a person.

“You have the knack for putting others on the spot. Huh, huh.”

The chairman coughed again to hide his embarrassment.

Enok turned out to be a quite impressive guy, more than he expected.

The principal, who was watching eagerly from the side, was lightly ignored.

“Let’s go on then. Since we’re here, let me introduce you to the academy.”

“You’ll guide us yourself?”

“Now that a guest has come all the way here, I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity.”

“Sounds good. Let’s go.”

Thus, the group departed.

Baltro’s promise to show around the academy was no lie.

He showed Enok the school’s facilities, appealing to his own efforts.

However, there was one unexpected twist.

Enok was surprisingly articulate.

“This is the academy’s promenade. I’ve personally transplanted trees that bloom different flowers each season.”

“Indeed… it’s a win-win decision that captures both student psychology and the school’s appearance. Excellent!”

“Hmm, hmm… Next is the dormitory. It was built with care, so the students from noble families can stay comfortably. Gym, swimming pool, and even a small shopping street within the premises. By the way, commoner students also stay here. There shouldn’t be any distinction among students.”

“That’s a proper educator’s stance. Those who only speak sweetly never manage even that simple thing. You’ve already grasped the profound truth that there’s wisdom in the minutiae.”

“Hmm, hmm… can’t disagree.”

“I hear Cassio Academy recently built a new dormitory as well.”

“……”

“So, it turns out you’ve been copying the chairman’s actions, huh?”

“You caught on, huh? Correct. Those guys are only about copying. They’re the pathetic kinds that just cling to others’ coattails.”

“Well, what can you do? Jealousy often manifests like that. Hopefully, a generous person like you can tolerate it.”

“Yes, I ought to endure! Who else will if I don’t!”

Baltro burst into hearty laughter.

The initial stern look had already vanished somewhere.

Facing Enok turned out to be a refined fellow who was well-versed in manners.

He even had reactions that were quite delightful.

No matter what was presented, Enok responded beyond expectations.

In fact, this was drawn from modern K-YouTube reactions.

But Baltro was oblivious to this.

Instead, he became more excited as he showcased all sorts of facilities.

The promenade, the dormitory.

From the classrooms to the principal’s office and the administrative room.

Even the hidden research building that the academy kept secret.

Baltro dragged Enok around to all those places.

“Huh?!”

Baltro came to his senses late.

He had found himself brewing tea for Enok and Rakrina in a personal reception room.

‘W-What just happened?’

Baltro stood in a daze, having stopped in the middle of brewing tea.

Enok tilted his head and asked.

“What’s wrong?”

“…Oh? Ah, it’s nothing.”

Baltro awkwardly smiled and resumed brewing the tea.

He placed fragrant black tea before Enok and Rakrina.

“Hah… My apologies. I guess I’m tired. I’m all over the place.”

“Oh dear. It seems we’ve made you worry unnecessarily.”

“Not at all, it’s my pleasure. Don’t mind it.”

Baltro chuckled awkwardly.

Truth be told, he was indeed drained because of Enok.

But there was no need to mention it now.

In the end, a good outcome is all that matters, right?

Of course, there were moments that left his ears tingling with all the flattery.

“Hmm, by the way, I haven’t introduced myself to the lady yet.”

“Oh, hello. I’m Rakrina.”

“Ah, Rakrina. Nice to meet you. I’m Baltro Ulrigan, the chairman.”

Baltro pulled out a pen and paper.

He was planning to record Rakrina’s information.

Originally, this was supposed to be handled by a normal staff member.

But calling one now felt honestly cumbersome.

Baltro just decided to do it himself.

“First, I need to ask this. How old are you? Where are you from?”

“I’ll be 16 soon. I’m from the southern city of Magnus.”

“You wanted to enroll in the academy, right? Do you have any magical abilities?”

“Ah, yes. For now, I can use ice magic. I’m also somewhat confident in swordsmanship.”

“I see. Did you learn on your own?”

“Magic is more or less self-taught. But if it weren’t for Teacher Enok, I wouldn’t have learned magic at all.”

Rakrina said confidently.

Baltro quickly recorded what he heard.

‘Name: Rakrina. Currently 15 years old. From Magnus. Confident in swordsmanship. Self-taught in magic. Refers to Enok as a teacher. And…’

Baltro paused his writing.

Then he looked at Rakrina.

She kept glancing at Enok, who was sipping his black tea calmly.

‘Note: Takes subtle interest in Enok. Presumably due to typical pubescent feelings.’

Baltro recorded that and then spoke again.

“Alright, Rakrina. I’d like to test your magic.”

“Magic? How should I do that?”

“Well, just show me what you’re most confident in.”

Baltro smiled kindly.

Rakrina thought for a moment.

After a bit, what she showed was none other than the side effect of her ice magic.

-Glide

“…For now, this is what I’m most confident in.”

“…I see. So, you’re letting yourself be consumed by the magic while controlling the degree to utilize it in reverse.”

Rakrina’s pupils turned a bright blue all of a sudden.

Baltro looked on with curiosity.

Unlocking magic lies in the realm of talent.

However, being able to control the side effects of magic takes it to a different level.

It’s impossible without a level of sensitivity that is off the charts.

Rakrina, right in front of him, achieved that.

She was beyond mere talent; she reached the realm of genius.

‘Indeed, there was a reason Lord Nordilla emphasized this.’

Looking back, the only one who knew the student’s name was Nordilla himself.

This meant he was already aware of Rakrina’s existence.

‘Is it possible I’m sitting in front of the future ice tower lord?’

Baltro’s valuation of Rakrina skyrocketed in his mind.

Along with an elevated assessment of Enok, who had noticed her talent.

“Great, Rakrina. That was quite an impressive display of magic.”

“Thank you.”

“Your tone has become a bit stiff. I guess the magic does affect you after all.”

Baltro noted down this new insight.

He then curiously asked.

“For now, you’re in a state where your consciousness is shared with the ice magic. You’re using that in reverse to force your feelings and psyche to remain calm, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then, how much can you withstand? What kind of shock or disturbance would it take for your magic to release?”

“…I’m not quite sure yet.”

Rakrina shook her head.

Baltro seemed pleased by this and spoke again.

“Really? Then let’s put that to the test. Enok, would you assist her?”

“Me?”

“Yes. You’d probably be more effective than I would.”

Baltro said as he took a sip of his black tea.

Then he continued.

“Alright, Rakrina. From now on, try saying something you’d normally never say to Enok.”

“…? What do you mean by that?”

“I want to see how solid your psyche is. It’s just a simple test, so don’t fret about it.”

“…Yes.”

“Enok, you go ahead and say something that might shake Rakrina. Understand?”

“Got it. It shouldn’t be too hard.”

Both nodded at each other and looked at one another.

Rakrina and Enok.

Rakrina spoke first.

“Teacher.”

“What is it?”

“I absolutely hate adults like you.”

“What a coincidence. I also hate students like you the most.”

“……”

-Tearful

“Okay, that’s enough.”

In an instant, Rakrina’s psyche was shaken.

Baltro sensed the danger and hurriedly ended the experiment.

The magic had already been released.

As Rakrina teared up, he and Enok quickly rushed to comfort her.

-Sniffle

“Calm down, Rakrina. It was just a simple experiment.”

“Yes…”

Rakrina managed to calm down after hearing Enok’s comfort.

Baltro watched the two and thought inwardly.

‘…I need to amend the notes a bit.’

Note.

Subtly interested in Enok.

Baltro crossed out “subtly” with his pen.

‘Sigh.’

 

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