Reviving a Bankrupt Academy: My Financial Battle

Chloe couldn't understand this situation at all.

She simply entered the forest and checked the basement as requested by the Finance Director, but.

Why was an unidentified stranger blocking her path?

──The site I need to check is inside that forest. It's a bit difficult for me to enter as a Rank 1… so I'm asking for your help.

The forest, artificially created, had a distorted flow of mana.

It wasn't a big problem for mages like Chloe, but it was a place where Rank 1 or 2 individuals couldn't even enter.

It was just as the Finance Director said. It was something he, as a Rank 1, couldn't do, but simple enough for him to ask for Chloe's help.

'It wasn't really necessary for someone 'capable' for this, though.'

Although she was a bit upset knowing that his words were just flattery.

The summoning ritual conducted by the professors in the basement was already over. They were caught by the academy Security Unit just today.

The books and documents in the basement were all confiscated, and just in case the summoning magic circle could be activated, they removed all the mana and distorted it in several places.

The reason they didn't erase it completely was that the Finance Director had to check it in the end.

──Although it's a formality, I have to check if there was any financial damage or potential for damage and report it to the Headmistress.

Well, he was the Headmistress's close aide. Since summoning magic was a big deal, it wasn't strange for a high-ranking official like the Finance Director to be in charge.

She felt quite annoyed at the mention of the Headmistress, but she endured it since she was currently next to the Finance Director… or rather, this was driving her crazy.

Anyway, she received permission from the security guard at the entrance, found the basement she was told about, recorded the inside with recording magic, and was about to return when…

What was this situation?

[[Answer me. How did you know about the summoning magic?]]

A voice that was endlessly distorted and grotesquely modulated. Anyone could tell it was voice modulation using a mask artifact.

And a black robe covering the entire body, with the hood pulled deep.

How could she not notice such a suspicious stranger? She was wary of her surroundings with magic just in case.

'…It's a Rank 5, or a Rank 6, specialized in hiding their presence.'

It didn't feel like a Rank 7, as she didn't sense the unique overwhelming aura. From Chloe's experience, the stranger in front of her was Rank 6 at most.

Of course, even if it was Rank 6, it was close to impossible for Chloe to win alone. More than anything, this stranger had tricked the security guards on the outskirts of the forest and entered.

At first, she thought it might be the Finance Director's trap, but if he could mobilize such a powerful person, there was no reason to take care of it in this forest.

More importantly, she heard that this was caused by the professors, so if this person knew about the summoning magic…

"You, you're with the academy, aren't you?"

[[You talk too much.]]

Slice!

She tried to probe with her tentative conclusion, but as the stranger's sword slightly moved, one of the surrounding trees was cut down.

'I-I couldn't even see the sword strike.'

At this level, it wasn't a specialized Rank 5, but definitely a Rank 6. If it was a Rank 6 at the beginning, she might have a chance, but seeing that swordsmanship just now, it seemed like a veteran among Rank 6s.

Someone at that level would be treated well anywhere, so it was more plausible that this was an insider hiding their identity, rather than a stranger from outside the academy.

'Someone related to the academy. Perhaps one of the professors involved in this incident who wasn't caught?'

When it came to Rank 6, all she could think of were professors, the Security Unit, and the Exam Supervisors.

For a moment, she thought of the Rank 6 guy she met a few days ago, but she smirked inwardly and dismissed it. He wouldn't even know that this was happening, and it didn't make sense for the professors to cooperate with a student to construct summoning magic.

While Chloe's mind was racing, the stranger pointed the ominous sword at her again.

[[Are you not going to talk?]]

"You're not in a position to make demands. If I unleash even a single spell here, all the nearby security guards will gather."

[[That's true. But I can slit your throat before that.]]

It was annoying, but the problem was that it wasn't wrong.

Chloe, secretly preparing the escape scroll from her master in her pocket and slowly raising her mana, focused on the stranger's sword.

'That sword, what is it?'

A pitch-black sword, from the blade to the crossguard and the handle.

It looked strange and ominous, and the mana contained within it was unusual. She even felt that the sword was more dangerous than the stranger.

But why?

That sword point seemed somewhat familiar, and her neck felt strangely prickly.

[[This is your last warning. Tell me how you know about the summoning magic and this basement, and who's behind you.]]

"...."

[3.]

"Fuck off!"

Flare!!

[Dancing Flames]

Chloe's fingertips glowed, and flames, rotating as if dancing, soared towards the sky covered with dark clouds.

And then they exploded brilliantly.

BOOM!!!

It must have been clearly visible from afar since the surroundings were dark due to the clouds.

Chloe sent a signal with the most flamboyant spell she could muster and immediately reached for the escape scroll in her pocket—

[[As expected, you have it.]]

"What the—!?"

—The scroll was cut in half the moment she tried to activate it.

Although the sword swung and cut the scroll in her pocket, there wasn't a single scratch on her clothes or body.

A divine technique that cut only what it wanted. It was proof that the opponent's ability was clearly superior to Chloe's.

Someone at this level would have known that she was preparing [Dancing Flames] and could have even cut down the activated magic to cancel it, but…

'Is he toying with me? Or does he not care if he gets caught!?'

Rank 6. Certainly strong, but that was all. If the Rank 7 Chief Examiner or the Security Captain, or above all, the Headmistress, stepped in, he would be in trouble, so why was he doing this?

The stranger's intention, which Chloe was curious about, was revealed immediately after.

[[I'll let you go this time. But I'll be watching you.]]

"What does that mean?"

[[I'm not certain yet. In my experience, this method is more effective for those who don't open their mouths easily, like you.]]

"...."

[[You should continue to fear me. You can tell the academy and get an escort. But you won't last the night.]]

"──Over there!"

"──Hurry up and run! Save the student!"

Hearing the Security Unit rushing over.

Chloe quietly glared at the stranger who had the tip of his sword against her neck.

Tap.

The sharp sword grazed her neck just enough to not draw blood.

[[If you change your mind and want to tell me everything, scream anytime. I'll always be able to hear you.]]

"…Get lost."

[[I hope you make a wise choice.]]

The stranger who appeared suddenly disappeared just as suddenly. It was as if he melted into the darkness.

Immediately after, the Security Unit arrived, protected Chloe with their bodies, and quickly dispersed to search the surroundings.

"Student, are you alright!?"

"Search the area first! Secure the student's safety!"

"...."

Among the commotion of the Security Unit…

Chloe's eyes blazed like fire.

***

"So, Miss Chloe."

"…Yes, Finance Director."

"You were checking the basement as I asked, and on your way back… you were surprised by a bug, tried to burn it, and accidentally shot magic into the sky?"

"…I apologize."

"That was dangerous, Miss Chloe. As you know, the forest is full of magic herbs and medicinal herbs, so fire magic is prohibited."

"I'm truly sorry."

Why did this happen all of a sudden?

I found a skilled person to enter the forest that I couldn't enter and was waiting on a nearby bench.

But Chloe came back with the Security Unit, not the recording magic.

And she even used fire magic by mistake because of a bug.

'Does that even make sense?'

I would understand if it were another student, but she's Chloe Piste.

She wouldn't even be afraid of bugs, she would just step on them without hesitation.

More importantly, Chloe, who was quite sensitive about grades and evaluations, couldn't have not known that she would be penalized for using fire magic in the forest. And a Rank 5 mage 'accidentally' shot magic into the sky?

'It seemed like the same flash of light from the sky earlier… Judging from the explosion, it looked like [Dancing Flames].'

And among all the fire magic spells, [Dancing Flames] wasn't very powerful or efficient, but it was often used as a signal because it exploded so flamboyantly.

Was it really a coincidence that she used [Dancing Flames] among all the fire magic spells?

Even the Security Unit was suspicious, but.

"Student, are you sure nothing happened?"

"I'm sure. As you can see, I'm not injured, am I? I apologize to the Security Unit for the trouble."

"Well, if you say so…"

It was difficult to say anything more when Chloe herself was being so assertive.

I gestured to the Security Unit, who were watching me, to leave and got straight to the point.

"Miss Chloe, what about the recording magic?"

"It's safe. Do you want to see it now?"

"Please."

It was obvious that something had happened, but she didn't want to talk about it, so if I had the Security Unit thoroughly investigate the forest and the basement, the circumstances would be revealed. I decided to ask Chloe about it later and checked the recording magic first.

"Hmm…"

"Is it okay?"

"It's good."

It was just ordinary.

The report submitted by the Captain of the 1st Security Unit a while ago, about sensing suspicious mana in the magic department's forest.

A mage from the Security Unit happened to sense suspicious mana during patrol, and when they mobilized the entire Security Unit to investigate the forest, they discovered the basement. There were many cases where students secretly built such facilities or built them and then forgot about them, so they didn't know everything that was hidden in the academy.

They investigated the basement, found traces of summoning magic, and then lay in wait and captured the professors who came to the scene.

It was truly smooth and efficient work. The Security Unit was composed of veterans who were experienced in this kind of task.

'By the way, when researching summoning magic, don't they usually buy artifacts that conceal mana?'

If the patrolling Security Unit mage hadn't noticed, they probably wouldn't have known. Well, that's what the Security Unit was for, to find and apprehend those doing such things.

In any case, since summoning magic was banned by the Empire and the kingdom, they couldn't be too careful.

Moreover, what was used to draw the magic circle wasn't even magic stones, but just cheap substitutes. It wasn't like they were short on money, so why didn't they buy and use magic stones or artifacts?

'…Money?'

Could it be because their salaries were reduced? They were already short on money just one year into the salary reduction?

Come to think of it, it seemed like Chloe was in the same situation. Were the magic department professors just extravagant, or did they not save much because their salaries were high anyway?

There were three magic department professors caught this time, all men, two of them associate professors and one assistant professor.

'There were no problems with their statements. They just said they wanted to research summoning magic.'

To be honest, when something is forbidden, people become even more curious, don't they? Even though it was banned by the Empire and the kingdom, researching summoning magic itself was something that happened in secret.

Even so, since they were caught, all three were dismissed. The only peculiar thing was…

'They seemed to have something to fall back on.'

All three of them were calm, as if being dismissed wasn't a big deal.

Even if it wasn't a big deal for an assistant professor, an associate professor was someone who had worked at Grandis Academy for quite a long time. They were in a position where they could be promoted to full professor, and yet they researched summoning magic, which carried a high risk.

'Well, they'll be handed over to the royal prison, so if there's someone behind them, they'll find out.'

In the end, we were an educational institution, not a torture chamber or a court. If the professors were hiding something, it was the job of the royal torturers or inquisitors to find out.

Since the results would be shared by the royal family anyway, I stopped worrying about it and ended the recording magic.

"Miss Chloe, thank you for your help. Grandis Academy will not forget your dedication."

"Ah, yes…"

Hmm.

Normally, this would be the end of it, but it was a bit of a waste to let go of such a skilled person here.

"Miss Chloe, could you perhaps help me with something else? I'll pay you this time."

"O-of course I can!"

Yes!

I should put her to good use.

"Thank you. Then please rest for today, and I'll see you tomorrow."

I had to write a report based on the recording magic and go talk to the Headmistress.

As I finished the conversation and got up from my seat, Chloe also tried to get up but stumbled.

What's wrong with her?

"Ugh!?"

"Oops. Miss Chloe, be careful. You seem tired, so please get some sleep."

"…Okay."

I helped Chloe, who was holding her forehead as if she had a headache, get up, said goodbye, and headed to my office.

I want to sleep too…

***

Again. That dream again.

The Finance Director walking ahead, and herself following behind.

And the voice that echoed.

──Why won't you look at me?

Ah.

This was getting tiresome. That damn stranger she met today was also someone she encountered while trying to resolve this dream.

More than that, she felt strangely languid and had a headache, she wanted to forget everything, including the dream.

She felt the urge to just forget everything with Forget magic.

──Adam, turn around. I'm right behind you.

──I'm always following you, always watching you.

──Is that dead woman more important to you than me, who is here right now…?

But why was she spouting those words in her own voice in the dream?

Why was she acting so pathetically? Why was she so obsessed with the Finance Director?

Just forget him and move on, or find a better man. Or go back to the Magic Tower.

Or at least reach out and grab the Finance Director. So frustrating.

"Why is she acting so ambiguously…?"

That was a monologue muttered in the dream, and Chloe's own voice for the first time, and…

──The reason is simple.

"…Huh?"

──Just grabbing Adam wouldn't assure me of his feelings. That woman might still be in his heart.

A voice could be heard.

The voice that always repeated the same words spoke differently for the first time.

It was answering Chloe's monologue.

—But if Adam turns to me first, it means he has decided to let go of that woman in his heart. It means he will only have me in his heart.

"Uh, uh…?"

"—That's all."

The voice that was echoing within her body turned into a voice coming from her mouth, and…

Chloe, who had been following behind Adam, suddenly collapsed.

She found herself back in her original form, the one before she fell asleep, not the grown-up version from the dream.

And as she hurriedly got up.

"Should I say it's the first time we've met? What you've seen so far was just a fragment of memory."

"…You."

"To think the influence of the Dark Sword and regression would manifest in this way. Honestly, I never imagined I would wake up like this again."

"Wh-what…?"

"Although I'm not thrilled about it, I'll greet you for now."

"...."

"Hello, me."

The grown-up Chloe, who had been following Adam, who had always thought of herself as 'me' in the dream.

Turned around for the first time and faced 'Chloe.' Unlike Chloe, who was speechless with shock, she had a truly indifferent expression.

The original Chloe and the grown-up Chloe.

The two Chloes looked at each other with bewildered and dead eyes.

It was the moment the dream changed.

—-‐————