The Third-Rate Academy Villain Who Refuses to Become a Beggar

The story that demon species were targeting a branch of Mother Tree.

Normally, it would have been an unbelievable tale—something from children's fairy tales or the exaggerated rumors that occasionally circulated among first-year students—but because the one who said it was Gerhard Goldenheim, with his piercing golden eyes and reputation for unfailing accuracy, and because she had already encountered magic beasts with her own eyes during the spring expedition to the northern forests, Ariadne had no choice but to believe it. The memory of those beasts, with their twisted forms and eyes that gleamed with an unsettling intelligence, still haunted her dreams.

'Even if I hadn't met magic beasts, I might have pretended to accept it? That would have been fun in its own way.'

Of course, since it was all to gain Gerhard Goldenheim's favor—the third-year student whose magical prowess was legendary even beyond the academy walls—the feeling was entirely different. His acknowledgment would mean more than any academic achievement she could hope for this term.

Anyway, she intended to do her best to protect Mother Tree, carefully following the ancient protection rituals that had been passed down through generations of elven families, which was also why she remained at the academy when everyone else returned home for the mid-season break. While her classmates enjoyed family feasts and hometown celebrations, Ariadne spent her evenings studying protective enchantments and her mornings inspecting the sacred branch, her footsteps echoing through the empty corridors of the usually bustling academy.

After several weeks like that—weeks of solitude broken only by occasional letters from her sister Nania and brief encounters with the few professors who had stayed behind—an anomaly was discovered in the previously quiet fragment of Mother Tree. It was subtle at first, just a slight discoloration at the edge of one leaf, easily missed by anyone who wasn't looking for it specifically. But to Ariadne's trained eye, it was as alarming as a scream in the night.

"...Part of it is contaminated?"

When did this happen?

Though she wasn't attached to it like providing 24-hour security, she had faithfully come to check its condition two or three times a day.

'This couldn't have happened in just a few hours.'

It was more likely that it had been slowly seeping in, but only now became noticeable.

Even though it was a branch of Mother Tree, it wasn't as if smooth communication was possible, so this seemed more plausible.

'Just as Senior said, demon species at the academy...'

There was no other explanation. She decided to examine the recording orbs that Gerhard had installed.

But besides herself, no one had been captured.

'How?'

Ariadne, faced with a cascade of questions, examined various places around the branch.

The answer was underground. The contamination was starting from the roots.

"...It seems like this isn't a problem I can solve alone."

If Gerhard had been there, she could have run to him, but unfortunately, he wasn't. Then there was no choice but to find a suitable alternative.

Someone trustworthy and strong.

Ariadne first sought out Veriana. Since Gerhard had revealed the secret for use in emergencies, there was nothing to hesitate about.

"There you are, Miss Ariadne."

As Ariadne was about to go find the Spirit Studies professor next, someone called out to her.

"Teaching Assistant Imelda?"

Imelda was a teaching assistant brought by the newly appointed Spirit Studies professor Nania, and she was an elf.

"I'm sorry to ask suddenly, but could you go to Professor Dominic's office right away?"

"What's the matter?"

"Actually, Professor Dominic requested Professor Nania's cooperation regarding research, but something came up suddenly and she can't go."

Imelda added that it was research on integrating spirits and illusion magic.

"You're asking a student to do this?"

"...Well."

"Fine, it's okay. If it's a request from my sister, I mean, the professor, it's worth doing. Blood ties and regional ties are important, right? Oh, since you've come to the academy, academic ties too, I guess."

"...That's."

"You said Professor Dominic, right?"

Ariadne disappeared with a smile.

***

"...So, it's research on incorporating spirits into illusion magic. I needed help from people who can handle spirits most smoothly within the academy."

Professor Dominic, who had just finished explaining, pushed up his slipping glasses.

"I understand. Why my help is needed."

Spirit arts was a field particularly dependent on talent, and also a field where none were more excellent than the elves.

"It's not something I should say to a student, but would you be able to help?"

"Yes, of course."

"Thank you very much. Ah, look at me. A guest has arrived and I haven't even brought tea. What would you like?"

"Any suitable tea will do."

Professor Dominic brought tea and refreshments himself. He mixed an appropriate amount of creamer into the coffee and stirred it with a teaspoon.

"What Ariadne will actually need to do is simple. Illusion magic and spirits... I think the creamer is a bit insufficient."

More creamer was added, and he stirred with the teaspoon again.

"...I'm thinking of incorporating spirits into various elements of illusion magic to create more organic illusion magic. Illusion is ultimately about deceiving others' senses, and if..."

A spoonful of sugar was added.

"If a living soul is combined, it becomes..."

Another spoonful. Ariadne unconsciously shifted her gaze to the teaspoon making circles in the cup.

"You like it quite sweet."

"A bit childish, isn't it? But I can't handle bitter things well."

Professor Dominic continued his explanation with an awkward smile. Meanwhile, another spoonful of sugar was added, and the teaspoon continued to swim in the cup.

Her eyes kept being drawn to it.

"...Do you understand?"

"So when realizing the magic circle, I just need to place them in designated positions and perform the movements you require. It doesn't sound difficult."

"Yes. Not today though..."

After additional explanations, Ariadne left Professor Dominic's office.

'Wait, then does that mean my sister Nania isn't in her office right now?'

If she was busy enough to miss an appointment with another professor and send a student as a substitute, she must be quite occupied.

'Then who should I go to...'