A Regressor's Guide to Hunting in the Academy

Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Nebiross's fallen corpse was soon enveloped in light before-boom!-it exploded.

A massive shockwave swept through the alternate space, and Henrik was blown out of the gate by the explosion's aftermath.

-Clang! Scrape, scrape, scrape!

Henrik barely managed to land before collapsing to his knees.

His strength was draining away.

Repeated doses of awakening potions and the reckless expenditure of power using Sephirum.

On top of that, he'd fought consecutive battles while wrapped in aura-even Henrik had reached the limits of his stamina.

Thud! Collapsing where he stood, Henrik looked around.

With Nebiross's death, the magic beasts she'd been controlling stopped moving. His companions also looked exhausted, but they were safe without serious injuries.

As the tension released, the sounds around him became muffled, as if underwater. His vision grew hazy, his eyelids heavy.

Cough! When he coughed, blood spurted out.

It was proof that his internal organs had been ravaged by the aftereffects of the awakening potions.

"Henrik!"

Ted rushed urgently toward Henrik.

Having spent all his strength, Henrik lost consciousness and collapsed.

* * *

Time passed, and several days later.

After the Nebiross incident, Henrik-who had lost consciousness-opened his eyes in the infirmary. Upon regaining his senses, Henrik immediately checked the situation around him, and as soon as he confirmed the crisis had been resolved, he began training himself as usual.

Today was the day Henrik had finished recovering and was returning to his lectures. Amecitia sat in the demonology classroom for the first time in a while. However, for some reason, her expression didn't look good at all.

The academy had suspended all classes for a week due to the incident's aftermath. Repairing damaged buildings, treating the injured, and Dean Ted had been busy constantly apologizing to the parents of students who had come all the way to the academy.

After spending such a hectic week, the demonology class finally began, but-

"I wasn't interested in demonology before, but it seems like I'll need it."

"Right. After seeing that, I couldn't not learn it."

"The professors blocking the magic beasts coming out of the gate were really amazing."

Henrik's classroom, which had always been gathering dust, was now packed full with students wanting to audit the class, all thanks to the Nebiross incident.

From the Knighthood department to the Department of Magic, and even elective course students. Everyone had gathered together, waiting for Henrik to arrive.

The battle with the magic beasts pouring out of the gate and the fight with Carlo.

These events were enough to plant curiosity about demonology in the hearts of hot-blooded young students.

Amecitia wasn't particularly pleased with this situation.

While it was good that the number of students had increased, wouldn't that mean Henrik would have less time to look after her? She was secretly worried.

-Bang!

Amecitia suddenly stood up on her desk and shouted at the students.

"No matter how many students have increased! The first disciple of Professor Henrik is me! Me! Amecitia Flammeur!"

Amecitia flaunted that she had become his disciple first, keeping the other students in check. Grimory, sitting next to her, simply smiled at Amecitia's behavior.

At Amecitia's words, the students looked at her with disbelief. Then one student spoke up to Amecitia.

"You attacked Professor Henrik, got completely wrecked, and were forced to become a major."

Then other students began to chime in agreement.

"Right. It's a fact the entire school knows."

"Urk......"

Hearing this, Amecitia faltered and sat back down in her seat.

"By the way, Professor Oliver was amazing too."

"Right. I really never dreamed such a thing would happen."

The students' interest began to flow toward Oliver. Naturally, Oliver had to take responsibility for this incident.

Even though the opponent had been Nebiross, a Demon Duke, there was strong backlash among some nobles because it had happened at the Mandolin Family Mansion.

In the end, Oliver announced the full account of the incident. The details naturally reached the students' ears as well.

However, what changed slightly was that Family Head Carlo was portrayed as having fallen to the demons.

It was to protect the Mandolin Family at Henrik's request, and when the Sword Emperor and Ted-who had played major roles in resolving the incident-came forward as witnesses, and the Mandolin Family offered their assets as donations, all complaints disappeared.

"To think Department Head Carlo fell at the hands of demons......"

"Still, Professor Oliver said he'd take full responsibility."

Oliver, in the name of the family head, additionally covered all the academy's repair costs and the injured's medical expenses. Even for the Mandolin Family, it must have been a burdensome amount, yet he opened the vault immediately without any hesitation.

"Professor Oliver is the head of the Mandolin Clan......"

"I know, right."

Afterward, Oliver became the head of the Mandolin Clan according to his father's will.

Everyone had witnessed Carlo's final moments.

Though he had committed wrongs after being swayed by demonic manipulation, in his last moment, he had sacrificed his life to make amends for his mistakes.

Everyone who watched must have felt complicated emotions.

He had committed unforgivable acts, but his end had been that of a true knight.

Just then-creak-the classroom door opened.

"......."

Henrik saw the classroom packed full with countless students and hesitated for a moment before slipping out to check if it was really his classroom.

Amecitia and Grimory chuckled at his appearance. Even Henrik, who was so calm and showed little expression, seemed a bit flustered by the enormous number of students.

After confirming it was indeed his classroom, he walked in with steady steps and stood on the platform.

"Let's begin the lecture."

At his usual demeanor, the students opened their books and listened attentively to the lecture. Unlike when the students first flooded in, they all looked very serious.

* * *

Today, for some reason, Henrik finished his lecture early. He closed the textbook and looked at the students. There were countless students anxiously wondering if Henrik would just leave like this.

Before long, Henrik quietly looked at the students and spoke.

"Today's lecture ends here. There seem to be many questions, so I'll take questions for the remaining time."

At his words, the students' faces brightened.

Henrik, too, through repeated lectures, was gradually getting a feel for how to teach students.

"Does anyone have questions?"

When Henrik asked, students raised their hands one after another. Among the many students, when Henrik pointed at one with his finger, the selected student spoke.

"How strong was the demon who was the mastermind of the incident?"

"A demon equivalent to upper-rank. Next."

Henrik answered briefly and pointed to another student.

"What do you think about Department Head Carlo?"

"It was unfortunate. Next."

"What's the most effective weapon against demons?"

"The type of weapon doesn't matter. Silver works best. Pay proper attention to the lectures. Next."

"There's a rumor going around the academy lately that Sword Emperor Isaac is giving lectures-is that true?"

"It's true. Next."

Henrik answered each student's question quickly and concisely. Eventually, the last student's turn approached.

The student spoke to Henrik in a small voice.

"The battle with Department Head Carlo... I was deeply impressed. If it's not rude to ask, could you tell me who the other person there was-the elderly gentleman?"

It was a question about William.

Naturally, rumors about William had spread just as widely through that battle.

His appearance as a seasoned veteran and his unusual combat technique using steel wire had become a hot topic, eventually evolving into speculation about his identity.

Because William had vanished without a trace after everything ended, the rumors grew wilder, and among the students he became known as "the nameless savior."

Henrik glanced toward the corner of the classroom where Carmine sat, presence erased. Carmine shook his head.

A gesture that said not to reveal it.

"A retired work colleague."

When Henrik deflected, the students nodded and chattered among themselves.

"I see... of course, if he's Professor Henrik's colleague, that makes sense."

"Hey! Quick, search through the hunter registries! Let's find him."

As the classroom grew noisy, Henrik quietly gathered his textbook and left.

"Since I've answered your questions, today's lecture is over."

* * *

After finishing his lecture, Henrik climbed the stairs to the top of the academy's main building, heading for the dean's office where Ted was.

Though everything had ended, there were still things he needed to discuss with him.

Bang! When he opened the dean's office door, Ted jumped in surprise. He was sitting at the table across from a man.

"I told you to knock!"

"What happened to Professor Bena?"

"Professor Bena? Ah, right... you wouldn't know since it happened while you were unconscious."

"She doesn't seem to be in the dormitory. Even when I asked the students, no one knew her exact whereabouts."

The man looked at Henrik with sharp eyes and spoke.

"What's your relationship with my daughter?"

"Daughter...?"

Henrik glanced at the man. He wore fuzzy leather clothing and had a bushy beard, solid muscles, and a massive build. And his hair was the same blue-tinged black as Bena's.

'Margrave Gus!'

Henrik recognized him instantly. In his previous life, the man had looked more haggard, like a weathered veteran, but now he appeared much younger. It was an appearance befitting his past reputation as the Guardian of the North.

"Ah, Lord Gus. Let me introduce you-this is Henrik Dusk. The professor I mentioned before, the one who helped Professor Bena."

"...Hmm. The fellow from the newspapers."

Gus looked Henrik up and down, then spoke.

"You pass."

Then he stood from his chair and approached Henrik with heavy footsteps, extending his hand.

"Gahahaha! My daughter was in your debt. I heard it was a very dangerous situation and I was worried, but thanks to you, my daughter regained her senses! You're my benefactor!"

"Not at all. I only did what needed to be done."

When Henrik answered calmly and accepted the handshake, Gus grabbed Henrik's hand and shook it vigorously. Every time the roughly 2-meter-tall Gus moved, it felt like the surroundings vibrated.

"You're curious about my daughter's condition? Well then, I'll tell you. She's regained consciousness and is recovering steadily. But there are aftereffects and she's quite weakened, so for the time being she'll be recuperating at a hospital in the Imperial Capital."

"I see."

Henrik nodded.

"Well then, Dean Ted, I'll be going now."

"Yes! Thank you so much for coming, Lord Gus."

"Helping clean up after the incident is nothing. I owed the previous Duke many favors, so consider this repayment. However... you must ensure the academy's defenses are solid. I can't entrust my daughter to a place like this."

"I'll keep that in mind. I'm truly sorry you suffered damage in this incident."

When Ted bowed his head, Gus patted his back heartily and stood up.

"Don't worry about formalities. Just call me Gus like before!"

"Even so... you're a full-grown adult now..."

"To me, you're still a child."

Gus glanced back at Henrik.

"Henrik, I owe you a debt I can never repay. If you ever come to my territory, be sure to contact me. I'll treat you with the utmost hospitality."

"Thank you."

When Henrik answered obediently, Gus left the dean's office with heavy, thudding footsteps. It felt like a storm had passed through.

Then Henrik suddenly thought of Isaac, who like Professor Bena, he hadn't seen since the incident.

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen Isaac either..."

"Haa... about Isaac..."

When Henrik brought up the Sword Emperor Isaac, whom he hadn't encountered once since the incident, Ted let out a troubled sigh.

"He holed himself up in a nearby tavern, saying he'd drink until his lecture schedule was set."

"That's just like Isaac."

"And strangely, he suddenly asked me to bring him a whole jar of perfume, you know? I have no idea what he's planning to use it for..."

"He's probably planning to make scented liquor."

The fact that Isaac was still in the city was good news. In his previous life, he had been powerful enough for Henrik to trust him at his back, so building a relationship with him was essential.

"Henrik, Lord Gus helped with the cleanup, but this incident probably can't be hidden like last time."

Ted looked out the window with a serious expression.

He watched the students running around below and chatting happily.

"With this many eyes watching, the fact that Nebiross is a Demon King will be discovered quickly. Unlike with Velperia, most of the students here are children of noble houses. It's possible to silence commoners, but nobles are difficult."

"I know."

"Naturally, the imperial palace won't leave you alone either. They'll probably summon you soon."

"..."

"I'll pull what strings I can, but I can't guarantee anything."

"No problem."

Henrik nodded.

It was something he'd already anticipated. This was the second time-someone who had defeated Demon Kings twice would never be left alone by the imperial palace.

From now on, the imperial palace would use every method to bring Henrik under state control.

Ted was worried about this as well.

But Henrik's main concern wasn't the imperial palace-it was somewhere else.

Specifically, the academy underground.

Through this incident, the path to the artifact Henrik had been seeking had opened.

During the incident, Nebiross, made desperate by Henrik's interference, had overused the gate and ended up disturbing even the location where that artifact was hidden.

As a result, that door seemed to have opened earlier than before.

'I need to get there quickly and obtain it.'

If he could get his hands on that artifact, the new weapon would become even more perfect.

Henrik smiled faintly and sipped the tea Ted had brought out.

"What's got you smiling like that?"

"......."

Unaware of Henrik's thoughts, Ted simply stared at him with curious eyes.