Episode 229: The Academy (1)
From the early hours of the morning, Altman Bedepulite, the headmaster of the Academy, found himself in a state of bewilderment.
“Ha, Howard… What on earth are you saying…?”
Altman asked, staring at the large mirror hanging on the wall. This mirror was a magical device designed for long-distance communication. Instead of reflecting Altman, it showed the face of the Emperor.
It was unheard of for someone like the headmaster of the Academy to speak so informally to the Emperor. However, Altman Bedepulite had once been the Emperor’s personal tutor in his youth. Thanks to that connection, he was granted the rare privilege of speaking casually when they were alone.
“I wish to employ Damian Haxen as an instructor at the Academy,” the Emperor stated calmly. Altman felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.
“Teacher, why are you silent? Do you not know who Damian Haxen is?”
“Of course I know… I know very well…”
How could he not know? Damian Haxen was the winner of the Helian Tournament, held in honor of the first Emperor. The Empire was abuzz with stories about him. Historically, all winners of the Helian Tournament had been knights of the Empire, a fact that filled its citizens with pride. But Damian Haxen’s victory had shattered that pride.
“Howard, Damian Haxen is a knight of the Apple Kingdom. Bringing such a man into the Academy as an instructor goes against tradition…”
“Teacher,” the Emperor interrupted, his gaze steady. Altman realized his mistake. The Emperor, even as a boy, had been notoriously stubborn. Once he made up his mind, he wouldn’t rest until he saw it through. That expression on his face was all too familiar.
“I’ve heard that argument from my ministers countless times.”
“So, no matter what I say, you won’t change your mind.”
“That’s correct.”
Altman sighed deeply. Despite being the Emperor’s mentor, he couldn’t outright refuse an imperial command.
“Very well. I’ll see to it.”
“Thank you for understanding my intentions.”
The Emperor nodded, satisfied. But Altman had no intention of simply complying.
“In return, I have a request.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“The Academy is a place of learning. It was established by the first Emperor to provide excellent educational programs to both nobles and commoners.”
The Emperor’s brow furrowed slightly, sensing that Altman was about to broach an uncomfortable topic.
“If Damian Haxen lacks the qualities of an educator, I intend to dismiss him according to the Academy’s regulations.”
The Emperor looked at Altman in silence. From past experience, Altman could tell the Emperor was conflicted.
Altman decided to push the Emperor’s internal struggle a bit further.
“Howard, as your teacher, I ask you to never forget the Academy’s ideals.”
”…Understood. I won’t interfere with that.”
The Emperor reluctantly agreed. Altman smiled.
“Then I’ll leave the rest to you, Teacher.”
With those words, the magical communication ended. Altman called for his secretary.
“Summon a special meeting. Gather all the professors in the conference room.”
The secretary nodded and left the headmaster’s office.
An hour later, Altman faced the professors in the conference room.
“Headmaster, what’s going on?”
“A sudden meeting?”
The professors looked at Altman, puzzled. He explained the conversation he had just had with the Emperor.
“What do you mean? Hiring a knight from the Apple Kingdom as a swordsmanship instructor at the Academy?”
“Even if it’s the Emperor’s command, this is unacceptable!”
As expected, the professors were outraged. They had lived their lives with pride as professors of the Academy, and they couldn’t easily accept the Emperor’s order.
“Unfortunately, His Majesty seems determined.”
At Altman’s words, the professors sighed collectively.
“However, I secured a promise that if Damian Haxen proves unfit as an instructor, we can dismiss him from the Academy.”
The professors’ expressions brightened at this.
“That’s good news.”
“Does that young man even know what teaching is?”
“His skills might be impressive, but combat and education are entirely different matters.”
The professors were visibly relieved.
“So, Headmaster, how do you plan to test Damian Haxen’s qualifications?”
One of the professors asked. Since he was appointed by the Emperor’s special order, they couldn’t just find fault without a solid reason.
“Don’t worry. I already have a plan.”
“What is it?”
Altman smiled meaningfully at their questions.
“I intend to assign him to Class 13.”
The professors flinched at the mention of Class 13.
“Isn’t that a bit too harsh…?”
“Yes, perhaps it’s too much…”
Some professors expressed concern, but others seemed quite satisfied.
“Indeed. If he’s been specially recommended by the Emperor, he should be able to handle Class 13.”
“Exactly. He needs to have that level of ability for everyone to accept him.”
Altman clapped his hands.
“Then I’ll take it as agreed. There’s nothing more to discuss, so this meeting is adjourned.”
With that, the hastily convened special meeting came to an end.
Two days later, Damian Haxen arrived at the Academy.
“It’s enormous.”
That was Damian’s first impression upon arriving at the Academy. Surrounded by high walls, the Academy was as large as a city. Around it, shops and inns had sprung up, forming a bustling community, likely catering to students and staff.
“I’d heard it was impressive, but I didn’t expect it to be this big.”
In his previous life, Damian had never visited the Academy. It had been attacked by one of the four great demon lords created by Dorgo. These demon lords were the most powerful undead Dorgo had ever created, aside from Damian himself. Originally, they were meant to be the key to conquering the Empire, but their importance diminished significantly after Damian was created.
“I should get going.”
Damian made his way past the buildings to the central castle. He presented the seal given to him by the Emperor to the guards at the gate. They opened the gate immediately, allowing him to enter.
The Academy was unlike any other city. It was filled with stately buildings, large fields, and training grounds where students could be seen running around.
“Who is that?”
“Never seen him before.”
Naturally, the students’ attention turned to him. They began to show great interest in Damian Haxen.
“Wait a minute, isn’t that Damian Haxen?”
Someone recognized him.
“Damian Haxen? You mean the winner of the Helian Tournament?”
“I was at the arena then, I know for sure! That’s Damian Haxen!”
Students gathered to catch a glimpse of him, though they kept their distance.
“Tch… What’s he doing here?”
“A knight from a small kingdom like the Apple Kingdom winning the Helian Tournament…”
Some students showed hostility towards Damian. They didn’t like the idea of a foreign knight winning their prestigious tournament.
Regardless, Damian headed straight for the headmaster’s office at the center of the Academy.
“I’m Damian Haxen. I’m here to see Headmaster Altman Bedepulite.”
He informed the staff on the first floor of his purpose. The staff promptly guided him to the headmaster’s office.
As he entered, he was greeted by an elderly man with a long white beard.
“So, you’re Damian Haxen. I’ve heard from His Majesty. Welcome to the Academy.”
The headmaster’s gaze and tone were cold, making it clear he wasn’t pleased with Damian’s presence.
‘Didn’t expect him to be so openly hostile.’
Damian had anticipated that the Academy’s traditions would make him an unwelcome figure. He expected the professors to be wary of him, but he hadn’t thought the headmaster would be so blatant in his disdain.
“Thank you for the warm welcome,” Damian replied with a smile. The headmaster’s expression twitched slightly, perhaps caught off guard by Damian’s unexpected response.
Damian didn’t care whether the headmaster liked him or not. He was only interested in staying at the Academy long enough to find that wretched woman, Slah.
“Why do you want to work as a swordsmanship instructor at the Academy? With your skills, you could have your pick of places.”
In truth, working at the Academy was far from a path to success. The Empire’s Academy was strict about preventing corruption among its faculty. Even the slightest bribe was forbidden. There was a saying that if you wanted only honor and not money or power, you should go to the Academy.
“I’ve long admired the Academy. I’ve always wanted to learn swordsmanship here. As an instructor, I hope to fulfill that dream, even if just a little.”
Damian lied smoothly. The headmaster wasn’t part of the Melmadon, so he couldn’t reveal that he was there to find Slah.
“There are indeed many who admire our Academy.”
Pride flickered across Headmaster Altman’s face. Damian’s flattery seemed to have struck a chord. But it was short-lived, as the headmaster’s gaze turned icy once more.
“The usual protocol is for guest lecturers to handle special classes. However, I can’t say I trust you just yet.”
“Are you questioning my abilities?”
“How could I doubt the winner of the Helian Tournament? It’s your leadership I’m concerned about.”
There’s an old saying: teaching is a whole different beast from learning. To teach one thing, you must know ten.
“Moreover, every student here takes pride in being part of the Empire. I doubt any of them would be eager to learn from someone from the Kingdom of Apple.”
The headmaster’s concerns were understandable. Even when Damien first arrived, many students had shown open hostility.
‘What a hassle.’
In truth, Damien wasn’t particularly bothered. He wasn’t here to become a permanent part of the academy; he just needed to find Sla.
But to buy time for his search, he needed the headmaster’s cooperation.
“What do I need to do to prove myself?”
“There’s a class without a current teacher. If you can demonstrate your leadership there, both I and the students will trust you.”
“Very well, I’ll do it.”
Damien nodded without hesitation, and a peculiar glint appeared in Headmaster Altman’s eyes.
“Just a warning—you might regret this. Class 13 is notorious for being a handful. Many teachers before you have given up on them.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not like the others.”
Damien thought of the six-sided club he had tucked away in his subspace.
“Hmm? That’s odd… Why do I suddenly feel a chill?”
The headmaster shivered slightly.
“In a week, there’s a school evaluation exam. If the students of Class 13 excel in the swordsmanship section, I’ll trust you.”
“Understood.”
Then, a thought struck Damien, and he asked the headmaster, “What happens if Class 13 doesn’t perform well in the exams?”
At this, Headmaster Altman’s gaze turned sharp.
“We have no use for incompetent teachers at the academy. I believe that answers your question.”
Afterward, Damien headed to the staff quarters to unpack.
‘This shouldn’t be too hard. I managed to reform Veronica, after all.’
Damien had trained many people before, so he assumed this would be no different.
However, the next day, when he arrived at Class 13, he realized he had underestimated the academy.
”…There’s no one here?”
Not a single student from Class 13 had shown up.