The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Chapter 70: The Ceremony and The Challenge

One death variable was avoided.

Just as I thought about it, a screen appeared before me.

A sign of a quest completed.

[Death Flag Avoided

+1 Store Currency]

[Hidden Quest Completed: Terror of The Deadly Hollows

+1 Store Currency +100 Mana]

It's two.

I remember that the hidden quest of the deadly hollows was already completed and I've received the rewards.

I opened the store catalog and saw that the store currency I received from the previous quest was still there.

Now it's 3.

Somehow, there is a hidden quest I'm not aware of.

Is it something related to Liora?

It's tempting to scroll and dive to pick a useful skill or item from the store catalog now, but it's not the right time.

I need time to think how useful and practical the thing I'm going to choose, as quests does not appear that easily like in the game.

Time to focus on the next task.

I navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the Magic Tower University, my mind already shifting gears. The upcoming ceremony demanded my attention, and I needed to prepare accordingly. Reaching my office, I pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside, the familiar scent of parchment and arcane residue greeting me.

Hanging in the corner of the room was the senate robe.

It was an ornate piece, woven with threads of gold and silver, and embroidered with ancient runes that seemed to shimmer in the dim light. The robe was a symbol of power and authority, but it also carried with it the weight of danger. Many had worn it before me, and not all had met pleasant ends.

I scoffed at the thought as I approached the robe, running my fingers over the intricate designs. It was both a shield and a target, and I had no illusions about the latter. Slipping into the robe, I adjusted it around my shoulders and turned to face the mirror. The reflection that stared back was one of calm composure, yet the eyes held a depth that many found unsettling.

Satisfied, I nodded to myself and left the office.

The grand hallway leading to the auditorium was bustling with activity. Students and faculty members alike hurried to take their places, the air thick with anticipation. As I approached the front of the auditorium, I saw that the rest of the senate had already gathered with the chancellor. One of the professors, a man with a perpetual smile etched into his face, looked at me with a smile.

"You're late, Head Professor Draven," he said, his tone dripping with condescension.

I met his gaze coolly. "I'm right on time," I replied, my voice steady and indifferent. Without waiting for a response, I joined the group.

I caught a small smirk appeared at the chancellor's face, but I don't mind it.

It's dangerous to enter the vision of such a dangerous man.

The grand doors of the auditorium loomed before us, their surfaces seeping with tendrils of black smoke that only I could see. It was the reaction of my [Vision] skill to the presence of [Villain's Fate]. I remained indifferent, not allowing the sight to unsettle me. Without stealing a glance at my colleagues, I walked straight inside.

The auditorium was a vast space, filled with students, faculty, and distinguished guests. As I made my way to the stage, the whispers of my peers barely registered. Taking my seat, I allowed my eyes to narrow, focusing on the task at hand.

Floods of black smoke filled my vision, a manifestation of the grudges and enmities harbored against me.

There were too many people who bore ill will, too many enemies within these walls.

No wonder Draven's death was too easy, even as one of the people that wrote the lore and the story of the game, I couldn't help but just realize how it's close to impossible for Draven to avoid his death with these much of people harboring malice towards him.

The sheer volume of malice would have been enough to crush a lesser person, but I withstood it.

I face it.

The darkness swirled around me, a palpable force of hatred and resentment.

With a slight widening of my eyes, I concentrated, and the black smoke began to disperse.

It was a small victory, but a significant one. I was facing the seeds of death sown by the original Draven, and the remnants of his soul still lingered, stirring a turmoil within me. Yet, I remained unfazed. This was the path I had chosen, and I would see it through to the end.

The chancellor began his speech, his voice a booming presence that commanded attention. I listened with half an ear, my focus divided between the ceremony and the subtle threats that surrounded me. The students watched in awe as the chancellor spoke of tradition, excellence, and the future of magic. I saw Elara in the crowd, her eyes sharp and attentive, absorbing every word.

Amberine stood not far from her, a fiery presence that contrasted with Elara's cool demeanor.

As the chancellor's speech transitioned to the magical displays, I felt a shift in the atmosphere. The first performer took the stage, casting illusions of ancient battles and mythical creatures that captivated the audience. I observed closely, my analytical mind breaking down each spell, each technique.

Lady Serina, head of the Enchantment Guild, followed with a display of enchanted objects that moved with a grace that spoke of years of mastery. Her performance was an elegant ballet, and I noted the precision in her movements, the delicate control she exerted over her magic.

Lord Fenwick of the Rune Society showcased the power of ancient symbols, each rune glowing with an ethereal light as he inscribed them in mid-air. His presentation was more subdued but equally captivating. The runes he created seemed to hum with a power that resonated deep within the onlookers. I found myself drawn to the exactness of his work, the profound effects those symbols could generate.

Professor Thaddeus, leader of the Alchemical Society, demonstrated a series of potions that elicited gasps of wonder and intrigue from the crowd. Each potion had a distinct effect, from changing the color of the sky to creating small, localized weather phenomena. The professor's explanations were thorough and engaging, offering a glimpse into the endless possibilities of alchemical studies.

Finally, it was my turn. I stood and approached the center of the stage, feeling the weight of countless eyes upon me. With a calm breath, I began my demonstration. Manipulating fire and water, I created a dance of elements, weaving them together with an effortless grace that belied the complexity of the spells.

The flames roared and twisted, merging with streams of water to create a mesmerizing display.

It's consuming a crazy amount of mana to conjure them since they are not my specialty and my magic isn't supposed to reach this level yet, but with [Vision] and [Comprehension], I could comprehend the mechanism of the magic displayed by the other performers and professors.

So in the end, it's just the matter of imitation.

The audience watched in stunned silence, their expressions a mix of awe and curiosity. As I concluded my performance, I felt a sense of triumph. Despite the rumors and whispers, I had proven once again that my mastery of magic was unmatched.

Returning to my seat, I let my gaze wander over the crowd. The black smoke still lingered at the edges of my vision, a constant reminder of the enmities that surrounded me. Yet, I remained resolute. This was my world, my domain, and I would not be swayed by fear or doubt.

The ceremony continued, but my thoughts drifted to the future. There were challenges ahead, enemies to confront, and mysteries to unravel. The presence of Liora in Aurelion was a step forward, but there was much work to be done. I had to stay vigilant, to navigate the treacherous waters of the university with care.

As the final speeches were made and the ceremony drew to a close, I stood once more, my gaze sweeping over the assembly. The students began to disperse, their excitement palpable. I saw Elara making her way toward the Elemental Research Club's booth, her determination evident in her stride. Amberine, surrounded by friends, was heading toward the Combat Magic Club.

I descended from the stage, moving through the throngs of students and faculty. The black smoke had dissipated, but the underlying tension remained. I could feel the eyes of my peers on me, the silent judgments and hidden grudges. But I welcomed it. The path to greatness was never easy, and I was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Reaching the exit, I took a moment to look back at the auditorium. The echoes of the ceremony still lingered in the air, a reminder of the day's events. With a final nod to myself, I stepped outside, ready to embrace the next phase of my journey. The game was far from over, and I intended to play it to the very end.