Invincible
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#186
🕑 Added 2025-01-22 18:47:22 +0000 UTCRockefeller (1)
"Will the professor be alright?"
As Limberton asked, I shook my head side to side.
"No, I hear Arental is coming soon. No matter how good-natured he is, he has to handle this situation professionally. He will start an investigation and assign responsibility."
Rockefeller would feel as if the blood was draining from his face upon hearing that an elder was coming.
"But still, this situation seems a bit unfair, doesn't it?"
"Why?"
"Honestly, even the professors are human. Could they have anticipated this?"
Limberton’s point seemed valid, so I nodded in agreement.
Preventing a crisis before it happens also vaguely involves understanding what the danger is.
Even I, who knew the scenario, didn't expect the timing to be moved up or the appearance of a high-ranking spirit. How could they possibly have predicted?
"Maybe it can be explained well enough to get by?"
"…I don’t know what your standard for getting by is, but even in the best case, he's going to be fired, Limberton. If he avoids execution, that would be enough to be grateful for."
At the mention of execution, Limberton's eyes widened.
"The expected punishment is that severe? Even Arkandric, known as the Frost Champion, couldn't have handled this situation. It was fortunate you were there, otherwise, it would have been worse with another professor."
I nodded again at that.
Even defeating Ecok, who had become the Spirit King Dordone, required gathering a large number of strong fighters, and the Black Sun would have been a total disaster if not for a gimmicky method.
It was only by chance that I had the right hand to deal with the situation; it would have been impossible otherwise.
In summary, professors aren’t gods, and it wasn’t a situation they could have resolved easily.
"So, all that needs to be done is to prove it was unavoidable? Are you worried that the headquarters people won’t believe it because it's too outrageous?"
As Limberton asked, I shook my head horizontally again.
"No, it should be possible to prove it."
There are means to prove that it was an unavoidable situation, as severe as it was for even the professors.
Rockefeller had sensed the danger of the Black Sun and had diverted the high-ranking spirit 'Jurett.'
If explained well, there might be a little room for reconsideration.
But just a little.
What’s important is whether they did well or not. And the most powerful voice in that assessment belonged to the students.
The influence of the students, currently under Rockefeller's tutelage, on Arental’s decision is significant.
But would the students actually speak well of Rockefeller?
Stress had been at its peak due to ongoing crises.
The carefully repaired castle seemed irreparable, and they had lost their base.
Considering how he usually ruled the students with strict fear...
Honestly, it was a relief they weren’t calling for his execution.
“The problem, as I've said before, is the students' opinion. Even if they say they'll stay until graduation, it doesn't end there. If they argue that the faculty needs to be replaced, then it’s immediate."
As I said this, Limberton shut his mouth tightly.
Then he swallowed his saliva and expressed his thoughts.
“People always say that, but honestly, I think Rockefeller did well this time. The professors too.”
I patted Limberton’s shoulder lightly.
“I agree. Leaving aside our bad history with that man, he actually handled the situation well.”
Even in the sudden situation, Rockefeller had aligned the students and professors immediately into battle readiness.
Efficient operation of barriers, protection of the engine room, gathering information on the enemy, supply management, and immediate treatment of the wounded and deceased.
That he came up with all of this instantly without panicking is proof that he's no ordinary person.
Moreover, the professors responded immediately and understood the directives as they came pouring in.
While they couldn't stop Ecok's revival, being able to finish the defense and destroy the spirit gate was impossible if they were incompetent.
"But public opinion doesn’t think so. That’s the problem."
“But if you think about it rationally, won’t everyone eventually understand?"
"Limberton. Don’t underestimate the ignorance of the crowd. People become foolish enough to support a foolish argument just based on the atmosphere."
Good deeds are often undervalued in their own time and re-evaluated later.
But by then, it's usually too late.
Those who were ahead of their vision were either stoned to death or died in obscurity after being treated as fools.
And such incidents are usually instigated by someone, and I vaguely suspect who might be behind it.
"Huh? Wait, Hersel. Are people lining up over there?"
"Oh, it looks like it’s food distribution. Did the faculty send support?"
"Are you going to line up and eat too?"
"If it's free, I might as well eat."
The culprit desperately needed someone to take responsibility on his behalf.
And that person was targeted to be Rockefeller.
Because…
"Hey, Ders. Is that rumor really true?"
"What rumor? Has something new happened?"
"No, it’s just… I’m a bit hesitant to say this."
"It’s okay. Speak freely."
"Cough. Was it really Ecok?"
Because Ecok was the true perpetrator behind this spirit war incident.
"Ah, the whale that handled the sea, right? Sorry, but wasn’t that already clarified? It just slightly resembled him in appearance."
Ecok had been isolated on the battlefield and died, enveloped in an explosion, leaving no trace.
At that time, Ecok’s appearance was influenced by Dordone, sounding like him and only his eyes were like a panda's.
Moreover, his demeanor had transformed into that of a dignified and compassionate king.
It wasn’t unreasonable for people to believe it.
"Ahaha, exactly, right? After all, it doesn’t seem like something Ecok would do. He was a good-natured and very thorough guy."
"I understand your doubts, but I hope we don’t dishonor his sacrifice."
Therefore, the culprit was the man distributing bread right in front of me now.
Ders, the current student council president who had marked Ecok as his successor. He would suffer the most damage if the truth came out.
That would force him to step down from the student council, and he would receive unfavorable treatment from the 'Sun’s Order' that the students revere.
Of course, these matters should be resolved by Rockefeller, not something concerning me.
By the way, is there any bread left?
**
"Do you see it, Berthnal?"
At Emeric's words, Berthnal turned his head.
"What now?"
Emeric was pointing with his hand.
It was the line of people waiting to get bread.
"Hersel Ben Tenest is scouting the enemy."
"Eh? To me, it looks like he’s just trying to get some food because it’s free."
That’s how it truly seemed to Berthnal.
Hersel’s expression showed he was simply passing time without much thought.
But as usual, Emeric smirked crazily and snickered.
"Huh, you still don’t know him. How much more do I need to explain? Hersel Ben Tenest is..."
"Ah, here it goes again."
Berthnal plugged his ears.
He waited a while until Emeric’s prattling mouth stopped.
"...That’s the intention."
As it finally seemed like the nonsense had ended, Berthnal brought up a topic circulating among the students lately.
"But what do you think?"
"Ah, if it's about that, I plan to announce it when the time comes."
Emeric tapped a document envelope hidden in his chest pocket.
Documents secretly infiltrated and taken from the student council in the midst of the battlefield with the spirits.
Berthnal sighed deeply and shook his head.
"Not that, I mean Rockefeller, Rockefeller, there’s a lot of talk about forcing him out or even executing him, isn’t there? What do you think?"
"Hmm. About Rockefeller…"
Emeric pondered before responding.
"I don’t have particularly good memories. When I was a representative of the Burger Hall, he tried to restrict various rights, which caused a lot of friction and stress trying to convince those guys."
Berthnal looked somewhat surprised and shrugged.
"Well, that might differ from how the Adele Hall sees it. Actually, Rockefeller has been quite well-regarded among us. Unlike the Adele Hall, he took good care of us."
He was a person who provided many conveniences despite being very critical and nagging.
In the Adele Hall, there were occasionally those who viewed the current situation with regret.
However, based on a pyramid-like structure with beneficiaries at the very top, their number was paltry compared to the total number of students.
"So, you lean towards him resigning, I gather."
Emeric was also recently part of the Adele Hall but was about to graduate.
The time to clear up accumulated resentments was short.
Then, unexpectedly, a statement sprang from his mouth.
"You don’t know, Berthnal. I don’t have a bad opinion of him. It’s true that the quality of the Frost Heart has gone up since he became the head professor."
"How do you know that?"
"Thanks to the many conversations I’ve had with visiting alumni. When asked about classes, the seniors working in the field are surprised. They ask if such things are now taught."
Usually, when senior alumni show up, it’s common to avoid them due to discomfort.
But that would be just like Emeric.
Berthnal nodded.
"Really?"
"The educational materials at Frost Heart are continuously being updated with the latest information obtained by active professionals from the field," Emeric explained.
Berthnal agreed with him.
It would indeed be beneficial for someone like Emeric who loved to learn.
"Moreover, I believe that’s how a leader should act. Strictly managing and maintaining order, even if it means using force when necessary."
"That makes sense. Being too lenient can also be problematic. Hmm..."
Berthnal suddenly had a new thought about Rockefeller.
'Come to think of it, Rockefeller has served as a good shield.'
Inside the Adele Hall, whenever challenging courses came up, phrases like 'It's Rockefeller’s doing,' or 'It’s Rockefeller’s idea, if you have complaints go to him,' had long become common.
Berthnal wondered if he could have smoothly carried out his duties as the dormitory representative if there hadn't been a common enemy like Rockefeller among the students.
"Umm, it doesn't really matter to us since we're graduating, but honestly, wouldn’t the next head professor perform worse than Rockefeller?"
"That’s obvious, Berthnal. Considering the reputation of other academy professors, he truly deserves to be here."
For the juniors, it’s right that Rockefeller stays.
If they graduate as competent Pathfinders through structured education, their chances of survival would also increase.
But the time had already passed.
The inflamed crowds had turned their backs on him, venting their accumulated complaints.
"You had a lot of complaints about Rockefeller usually, right? Then, sign this."
"Did you all hear that an elder is coming soon?"
"We’re going to submit a petition containing all our intentions to him. So, please sign."
Berthnal shook his head.
Upon thinking calmly about this situation, the faculty had done everything they could.
It’s likely that no other academy had professors who could handle things better.
It was then that concerns about what kind of punishment he might receive were growing.
Professor Gomon approached the group of students writing the petition.
Taking a deep breath, he shouted loudly, "I know everyone has complaints about our professors! There's been a lot of talk among the professors about this too. So, we've decided to prepare a platform where we can all share our positions!"
A student frowned and asked, "A platform to talk?"
"Yes. Think of it as a debate. Our side will have Professor Rockefeller represent us, and you should elect someone too. The deadline is tomorrow. Don't forget to attend. That's all."
Professor Gomon, a large man, walked away.
Berthnal snickered in disbelief.
"A debate? And all the students are supposed to attend?"
Unlike Berthnal's cynical reaction, Emeric chuckled, "It feels like a determination to confront the issue head-on."
"Yeah, I know that, Emeric. But still, it’s like walking into a fire pit voluntarily."
Unless he had a knack for enchantingly persuading people.
In Berthnal’s view, Rockefeller was definitely not that person.
It would probably just be an exchange of irritable shouts.
***
Student council president Ders internally cheered.
'Rockefeller is going to represent? That worked out well.'
The formation of public opinion had long been completed.
Many had been swayed by the welfare distributed through the authority of the order, thanks to subtly using the student council to cast doubts on his capabilities, though there was no direct evidence of involvement in this incident on the surface.
It was a perfect moment.
If Rockefeller ended up being blamed for everything, the case would be neatly concluded, and perhaps the skeptical views about this instigation would soon fade.
'All that’s left is to graduate smoothly. I'm finally becoming a priest of the Order.'
Ders, dreaming of a rosy future, distributed bread to the students.
Then, surprised, he widened his eyes at the face of the next man who approached.
'Huh, Hersel Ben Tenest?'
The surprise was brief, and Ders, with his well-practiced tact, greeted him skillfully.
"Oh, sorry about this. I never expected we'd meet like this, did you?"
Hersel responded nonchalantly, "Really?"
Ders inwardly speculated whether there had been an incident that upset Hersel, as his expression seemed unusual.
'His face looks troubled. There wasn't any particular friction with the student council, was it something else?'
Ders smiled apologetically, filled with a sense of regret.
"Actually, I had been meaning to visit you to express my gratitude. As the president of the student council, I definitely owed you a debt of gratitude for everything you've done. But I've been so busy that I kept postponing it until now."
Hersel shook his head.
"Don't worry about it, senior."
"Really? But you seem a bit under the weather."
"Just... nothing."
Hersel then turned his head towards the group drafting the petition.
"Hmm, it looks like they're trying to pick a representative for the debate. Don't you have any thoughts on it? You’re the president and would fit the role well."
Ders smirked to himself.
'Unless I'm crazy, I wouldn't do that.'
Staying behind the scenes and wrapping things up was the best scenario Ders had hoped for.
He didn’t want to waste all the effort he had put into keeping a low profile by stepping forward as a representative.
But then Hersel suddenly leaned in and said something that made Ders shudder.
"Step up as the representative, Ders. Stop manipulating those fools from behind."
