CH 283.1

Countless gazes were fixed on me and Sytry, who was feigning sleep.

First of all, I think I have to grasp what was going on, but as usual, I have no idea.

But since I came to the Imperial Capital and became a hunter, I had encountered these situations so many times that I was completely used to them (In a bad way).

Surely, the flow of time in the Imperial Capital is too fast for me. That is why they can see things that I can’t see, and say things that make no sense to me at all.

On what grounds does “Lucia’s Teacher (Sensei)”――Sage-san thinks I have half-destroyed the Academy.

It was that monster that destroyed the Academy. No matter how bad my luck is, I don’t want people to think I summoned such a monster. That is the least I want……

If anything, isn’t it more likely that it was because of some Magi in some laboratory who did some weird experiment?

From what I hear, the Magic Academy is still better than the Magic Science Academy, to which Sytry belongs, but from my point of view as a harmless human being, neither is better than the other.

The look in her eyes was more dangerous than when Lucia and I came to see her all these years ago. At that time, her curiosity was stronger as Lucia had just turned fifteen and had just come of age――But apparently, this time she thought that I had done something very bad.

When I was still, not knowing what to do and saying nothing, Professor Sage said with a thin voice as usual.

“According to our research, the Level 8 Hunter, Cry Andrich, the 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 sent a Magi’s natural enemy here at the Zebrudia Magic Academy, something that has extremely powerful magic absorption abilities――By sending the root of that dangerous creature, it has resulted in the complete destruction of 115 of the historic 127 layers of barrier that had been laid on the Academy grounds. According to the Empire law, this is a violation of three crimes and one of the ten sins, 『Bringing in a City Disrupting Class magical creature』.” (Sage)

Hooo, I see, I see…… I wonder if that Cry-san is not 《Infinite Sky Flower (Senten Banka)》 instead of 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》?

Even if she tells me that solemnly, I don’t remember doing that at all, but for the time being I will listen silently.

Sytry is still *gugu* snoring, but when will she get back to normal? Maybe she is like this because of the Magic circle on the ground?

“Among the 127 layers of barrier, there was some technology that had never been broken before and had already been lost in time. And you destroyed those barriers.” (Magi 1)

“Like brittle glasses…” (Magi 2)

The Magi next to her interjects with a serious expression. Maybe it is because the other Magi are all old people, but the appearance of Sage Clasta nodding her head at the center while looking like their grandchildren looks like a joke. I hear that “Spirit People (Noble)” has a slow aging rate, but I wonder how old she really is…… 

Sage-san nodded accordingly at what her companions said.

“Yes, like brittle glasses. It was an outdated barrier, but it was also academically valuable. Thanks to the efforts of 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》 and the school’s Magi, the magical creature was reduced to ashes, but many students, not to mention faculty and staff, fell prey to the creature’s venom and were forced to have their magic power squeezed out them, and some have yet to recover from their magic power deficiency. This is a clear act of hostility toward the Academy. Even if the other party is a Level 8 Hunter, this kind of behavior is unforgivable.” (Sage)

I see…… But even if we assume that I committed such a criminal act, you guys are still going to forgive 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction’s (Shin En Kametsu)》 act, right?

I heard that while we were on vacation and playing with the Onsen Dragons, that Baa-san picked a fight with Akasha in the city and burned the place down. Shouldn’t we condemn her first?

However, I want to clear up some misunderstandings…… I don’t know why, but for some reason, they don’t seem to not suspect my involvement in the case.  What a nasty trust they have for me.

I don’t know how you did your research, but there is no way that this is fair.

Professor Sage’s voice was cold and almost emotionless. It may have been her personality, but she always has a strong reaction toward me.

“And, out of all things, Lucia’s older brother, you are――Asking something in return. If that extremely dangerous Magical Creature――If 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》 didn’t come, the rest of the barrier would have all been destroyed, and I don’t know how much of an uproar it would have caused. It is possible that Magical Creatures would have escaped outside the confines of the Academy and brought doom to the Imperial Capital.” (Sage)

I looked around at the dozen or so Magi surrounding us. I don’t know their names, but each one of them must be one of the best Magi in the Imperial Capital.

It is strange that no one defends me even though so much wisdom of the Imperial Capital is gathered here.

And it was Sytry who was asking something in return, not me.

…… Well, I have Franz-san with me. Franz-san will be with me. And unlike Sytry, he won’t become useless.

Let’s call for help later with the Symphonic Stone. Lucia’s “Teacher (Sensei)” made a quizzical expression as I made up my mind.

“Why are you not saying anything? If you have any objections…… I will at least listen to them. Otherwise, we will follow the regular procedure of the Empire law and dispose of this case according to the Academy’s law.” (Sage)

Was this Academy an extraterritorial territory……?

Speaking of which, Lucia told me something about this. She said that they are granted autonomy in case a Magi went on a rampage and caused a major incident. Me coming here was just an accident, but I walked into a terrible place.

Whether it was an objection or a counter-argument…… I have never been heard when I appeal for my innocence. I want to clear up the misunderstanding as calmly as possible but――.

Then, one of the Magi who surrounded us raised her hand and said.

“But, Professor Sage. He is the brother of that Lucia Roje… Isn’t it problematic to dispose of him without Lucia’s permission?” (Professor 1)

She looks serious. At her words, the other Magi raise their voices.

“《Unrestricted Creation (Bansho Jizai)》 has a talent that could rival 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》. And unlike Rosemary, who is feared for turning the surrounding area into a sea of fire with her fire technique, she is a decent person. She has developed several new spells as well.” (Professor 2)

“If something changes in Lucia’s mind after disposing of 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, it will be a problem. How will the students who adore her react――” (Professor 3)

Lucia’s “Teacher (Sensei)” eyebrows twitched at what the other professors said. Apparently, my Imouto is quite popular.

Lucia…… Your brother is extremely happy that you have become such a splendid person! Do your best, Lucia! Please, do better than your best!

The discussion heated up on its own in front of me as I support Lucia in my mind and pinched Sytry’s cheeks as she hugged me and *gugu* snored with her eyes closed.

“In the first place, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 is a man who was even selected to escort His Majesty the Emperor. Even though we are allowed to dispose of people at our own discretion, it is only as a last resort. In this case, it is too dangerous to do so.” (Professor 4)

“………… There is no mistake with the other party’s charges. A favor for a favor, a grudge for a grudge, this is the Magi’s custom.” (Sage)

“Lucia is the one who brought the object. It is unreasonable to punish only 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 without punishing Lucia.” (Professor 1)

“Speaking of which, there’s also a problem with Anna, who used that staff carelessly――” (Professor 2)

“I can’t help but think that Professor Sage’s lab is full of problems.” (Professor 3)

“Is it possible…… It is your revenge for her missing her Advanced Compound Spiritual Wand Examination that you recommended?” (Professor 4)

Advanced Compound Spiritual Wand Examination…… Right, I am pretty sure it is the one she said she couldn’t take because of a scheduling conflict with the Supreme Martial Arts Festival.

I am not the one who brought the monster in, but…… I am very sorry for the inconvenience I caused on that occasion!

Finally, Professor Sage glared at the other professors after being on the receiving end of a weird accusation.

“…… As if it was the case! I am merely exercising my legitimate rights. In the first place, do you understand that the prestigious barriers of this ancient abode of Magi have been destroyed!?” (Sage)

“………… However, although you said to be prestigious, it has been neglected for decades after being told that it must be fixed-up someday. Shouldn’t we be thankful for it being destroyed?” (Professor 3)

“That’s just a consequence! What kind of idiot would say thank you after having their barriers broken without their prior consent! That’s too barbaric!” (Sage)

The Lucia’s brother’s correction is…… Too strong. At least, to me, what Professor Sage is saying seems more correct.

The only thing that is incorrect is that…… It has nothing to do with me at all.

Sage-san is glaring at me even though I wasn’t the one arguing with her.

“But I want you to think calmly, Professor Sage. He is the brother of that――Lucia Roje, you know!” (Professor 3)

Phew. Yes, I am Lucia Roje’s brother. I feel like that is why I am here, but――In the first place, we do not share the same blood……

Apparently, it seems like the professors are divided into two factions: those who believe that 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 should be forgiven because he is Lucia’s brother, and those who believe that 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 should pay for his crimes because he is guilty. We are still waiting for the 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 is innocent faction, to arrive.

I didn’t know where to start the conversation, so I had no choice but to *niconico* smile when Sage-san looked at me with a frozen look that seemed to have condensed all of Lucia’s frozen glare.

“………… Why have you been silent all this time, why aren’t you saying something, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, Lucia’s brother. I have been unnecessarily interrupted――But, Lucia belongs to my laboratory, and I have the authority over what happened. Unlike the others, I will not humor you――Even if it is the brother of my beloved disciple, I… Will not show any pity. In the first place, I have heard a lot about what you do from Lucia. You can hardly move inside that barrier and you can’t use your Relics or Magic that you are so good at.” (Sage)

I didn’t notice because I wasn’t trying to move, you know.

Then I realized something and opened my eyes widely. Sage-san *hmph* snorted softly.

“It is too late to make that kind of expression now. Punishment will follow when you commit a crime――Breaking the barriers of Zebrudia Magic Academy is unprecedented. The details of the punishment will be the result of discussions with the heads of each research department of the academy…… But the scale is the scale. You should be prepared for the consequences.” (Sage)

I can’t use my Relics or my Magic………… So does that mean that Sytry was my Relic all along……?

Thanks for reading!

Ooof crazy long chapter… I wanted to cut it in 3 part but as I didn’t post a chapter last week, I’ll compensate by not cutting it into 3 part. But boy this chapter is long…

Cry’s trying to run away from reality by thinking that Sytry is his Relic is so funny, sasuga Cry!

And is it just me or I can kind of feel some Tsundere vibe from Sage-sensei…