The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Chapter 168: The Unexpected Development

Perhaps an exploration of ancient magic, something lost to time and knowledge, would pique her curiosity. Or maybe a lesson on the strategic applications of magic in warfare—something practical, something that would appeal to her cunning mind.

She was not one to be impressed by mere displays of power; she required something deeper, something that challenged her intellect as much as her magical prowess.

I was still musing over the details when the grand doors of the throne room swung open with a suddenness that snapped me out of my thoughts. The echo of their movement had barely died down when Aurelia strode back in, her golden hair bouncing with each impatient step. Her earlier satisfaction had been replaced with a familiar look of irritation.

"Draven," she called out, her voice sharp as she approached, "I forgot to tell you something."

I straightened slightly, the hint of a smile fading as I prepared to listen. The Queen was nothing if not unpredictable, and whatever she had returned to say would likely require my immediate attention. But before she could continue, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall, followed by the appearance of a breathless messenger.

His face was pale, his eyes wide with barely contained panic.

"Your Majesty!" the messenger called out, his voice trembling as he dropped to one knee in a hurried bow. "There's trouble… at the magic tower!"

Aurelia frowned, the irritation in her expression deepening. "What is it this time?" she demanded, her tone dripping with impatience. "Speak, and be quick about it."

The messenger gulped, his hands shaking as he relayed the news. "Your Majesty… the entire magic tower… it's turned into a dungeon!"

Aurelia's eyes widened, and the air in the throne room seemed to grow heavier with the weight of the revelation. For a brief moment, even her usual impatience was replaced with something resembling concern. "A dungeon?" she repeated, her voice laced with disbelief. "How the hell did that happen?"

The messenger swallowed hard before continuing, "The chancellor confirmed it, Your Majesty. He's confined inside his room, unable to leave."

Aurelia's frown deepened into a scowl. "And how the hell did he give you this information if he's stuck in there?"

"The chancellor's familiar, Your Majesty," the messenger explained, his voice still trembling. "A magic owl. It's delivering messages from the inside."

I watched the exchange with a detached interest, already piecing together the implications of this sudden development. The magic tower was a cornerstone of magical education and research in the kingdom, a place where the most talented mages studied and honed their craft. For it to suddenly transform into a dungeon was not only unprecedented but also deeply concerning.

Such an event suggested a powerful disturbance—one that could not be ignored.

Aurelia let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing her temples as if trying to ward off an impending headache. "Damn it," she muttered under her breath. "This is exactly what I don't need right now."

The throne room fell silent as Aurelia mulled over the situation, her brow furrowed in thought. I could see the gears turning in her mind, weighing the options, considering the consequences. Despite her often crude and impatient demeanor, she was not a fool. She understood the gravity of the situation and the potential threat it posed to the kingdom.

"Send a team to investigate," Aurelia finally ordered, her voice regaining its usual commanding tone. "I want to know exactly what's going on in that tower and how to fix it."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the messenger replied quickly, bowing once more before turning to leave.

But just as the messenger moved to exit, another sound filled the room—a soft, resonant chime that emanated from within my robe. I recognized it immediately. The magic crystal I carried, a communication device linked to my most trusted students, was vibrating with urgency.

I reached into my robe, withdrawing the crystal just as Alfred appeared at my side, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever. "Master Draven," he said quietly, "my crystal is also shining."

The timing was too perfect to be a coincidence. I held up the crystal, and as I did, the faces of my three students—Elara, Amberine, and Maris—flickered into view. The magical projection hovered in the air before me, their expressions clear despite the distortion of the image. Elara looked tired, her usual calm demeanor strained by whatever ordeal they were facing. Your journey continues with ???

Amberine was panting, her fiery hair disheveled and her eyes wide with fear. Maris, in contrast, wore a wide smile, though there was a flicker of something unsettling in her gaze—an odd mix of excitement and relief.

I remained indifferent, though I could feel a slight furrowing of my brow as I regarded them. "What happened?" I asked, my voice cold and efficient, cutting straight to the point. There was no need for pleasantries in a situation like this.

Elara sighed heavily, running a hand through her blonde silver-streaked hair. "Professor," she began, her voice laced with exhaustion, "the magic tower… it's turned into a dungeon."

Looks like they are trapped inside.

I nodded slightly, unsurprised by the confirmation. "I've just received word of the same," I replied, my tone calm and measured. "What's your situation?"

Amberine wiped her eyes, trying to compose herself enough to speak. "We… we're trapped inside, Professor," she said, her voice trembling. "The tower… it's not the same anymore. Everything is twisted, and the magic is unstable. We've been trying to find a way out, but every time we think we're close, the paths change. It's like the tower itself is alive."

Maris, still smiling despite the gravity of the situation, chimed in. "It's like a maze, Professor! Every hallway leads somewhere different, and there are creatures—monsters—we've never seen before. But we've managed to avoid most of them, so far. It's like the whole tower has changed into a dungeon!"

I could hear the underlying excitement in Maris's voice, the thrill of the challenge that the situation presented. It was typical of her—always eager to push the limits, to see how far she could go. She somehow has taken that kind of turn ever since she took revenge for her family and joined the royal knights. But now was not the time for recklessness.

"You need to stay focused," I instructed, my voice firm. "Your priority is survival. Do not engage with the creatures unless absolutely necessary. Find a secure location and remain there until help arrives."

Elara nodded, though there was a hint of doubt in her eyes. "We'll do our best, Professor," she said quietly. "But… what about the others? The other students and staff…"

My gaze flicked to each of them in turn, assessing their state of mind and physical condition. They were all capable, but this situation was far beyond anything they had faced before. "Your primary objective is to keep yourselves safe," I replied, my tone brokering no argument. "If you can assist others without endangering yourselves, do so. But do not take unnecessary risks."

Amberine sniffed, her tears subsiding as she nodded in agreement. "Understood, Professor."

Maris's smile faltered slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. "We'll do what we can."

There was a brief silence as the weight of the situation settled over them. I could see the fear in Amberine's eyes, the weariness in Elara's posture, the tension in Maris's smile. They were strong, but they were also human—vulnerable in a way that no amount of training could entirely erase.

"Remember," I added, my voice softening just a fraction, "you are not alone. Help is on the way."

Perhaps, it's a little bit unlike me to give such reassuring words.

But this is not the time to consider image.

Children are in danger, after all.

Elara offered a small, weary smile in response. "Thank you, Professor."

The image of the three girls flickered, the magic crystal dimming as the connection weakened. "Stay in contact," I instructed, knowing full well that the instability of the tower might make that difficult. "I will do what I can from this end."

With that, the connection was severed, and the crystal returned to its inert state. I slipped it back into my robe, my mind already calculating the next steps. The situation was dire, but it was not hopeless. The Queen would undoubtedly mobilize a team to address the situation, but there was no guarantee that they would act with the necessary speed or precision.

I would have to take matters into my own hands.

Aurelia, who had been watching the entire exchange with a mixture of impatience and curiosity, crossed her arms over her chest and gave me a pointed look. "Well, Draven?" she asked, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Are you going to just stand there, or are you going to do something about this mess?"

I met her gaze evenly, my expression as cold and unreadable as ever. "Your Majesty," I replied, "I suggest you prepare your forces. This situation requires immediate and decisive action."

She narrowed her eyes at me, clearly unimpressed with my formal tone. "And what are you going to do?"

I allowed myself the faintest hint of a smile. "I'm going to resolve the situation, of course."