Published at 4th of September 2023 8:12 am

Chapter 296

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Ark Orphanage.

As per Carver's provided information, the paladin Joanna hailed from the Ark region of Gallos, specifically Ark Orphanage.

Joanna was left abandoned at the orphanage during a harsh winter. Despite her young age, she displayed a cheerful demeanor, compassion, a strong sense of justice, and remarkable physical abilities. She became the pillar of support for everyone at the orphanage.

Not only did she catch the attention of the villagers, but she also drew the interest of the local priest.

Impressed by Joanna's exceptional character, the priest granted her the opportunity to undergo the paladin's examination. Demonstrating her remarkable abilities, Joanna was promptly selected as a paladin candidate.

‘The details of the examination and her training remain unknown to me. However, it is certain that the Parter Church started contributing to Ark Orphanage, thanks to Joanna.'

Carver had meticulously researched the financial records, photographs, and individuals associated with Ark Orphanage.

With Joanna's involvement, Ark Orphanage gained financial independence, allowing them to not only accommodate more children but also provide education, equipping them with the means to lead a respectable life after leaving the orphanage.

‘It's an exceptionally commendable orphanage. Instead of merely raising them like livestock, they offer a path to self-sufficiency. Even the city could learn from their approach.'

Oliver studied the photographs of the orphanage's inhabitants in the file.

They were all strangers to him.

At that moment, Carver interjected.

‘Unfortunately, the situation has taken a sudden turn for the worse.'

‘What happened?'

‘Due to a reduction in donations from the Parter Church, the situation has deteriorated. As the support increased, they increased the number of children and educational expenses, so it's only natural that things have become difficult now."

Surprised by the unexpected news, Oliver inquired about the reason behind the reduction, but Carver simply shrugged.

‘I couldn't ascertain the cause. It's confidential information. However, we can speculate from a secular perspective.'

‘Speculate?'

‘Yes, reducing donations could mean that there is no longer a motive to provide financial aid or, perhaps, they wish to exert control and subdue them.'

It was a plausible deduction.

Money had a way of silently strangling people.

However, the question remained as to why they suddenly sought to undermine Joanna.

After pondering for a moment, Oliver recalled a conversation he had with Paladin Elton in the past.

Elton was Joanna's partner.

He had explained that the Parter Church, being an ancient and vast organization, sometimes had to compromise with reality.

Those who refused to comply, he had said, were broken.

-Joanna. She argued that the wizards were conducting abhorrent human experiments and insisted on an investigation. After advocating for this to the higher ranks for several months, she was transferred elsewhere.

Paladin Elton had indeed made that statement, and it seemed like a form of demotion.

For those who did not conform to the organization.

Oliver didn't want to entertain the thought, but it appeared that the reduction in donations to the orphanage was part of the same narrative.

‘…Is it truly that challenging?'

‘Most orphanages face significant challenges… If you wish, I can gather more information. It wouldn't be too difficult to find out about the orphanage's current situation.'

‘Could you do that for me?'

‘As a modest gesture for our unofficial alliance, the cost would be minimal, so certainly.'

‘Very well, then-‘

"-Are you returning to work?"

Within the tower, Oliver, who had been waiting in front of the professor's office at the farthest corner of the Elemental Tower, snapped back to reality upon hearing the sudden voice.

Standing there was Kevin, who had finished his class and returned.

Kevin Dunbara, master of the tower, professor, and disciple of Merlin.

It had been quite some time since Oliver had last attended work, yet Kevin showed no signs of annoyance or irritation towards him.

"Yes, Professor. I apologize for my tardiness."

Oliver politely bowed as a greeting.

Kevin briefly glanced at him, then opened the door to his office, gesturing for Oliver to enter.

"Has the matter regarding ABC been resolved?"

As Oliver shut the door, Kevin swiftly cast a soundproofing spell and began speaking.

"Let me clarify, I didn't personally investigate this matter; I merely heard rumors circulating."

"Rumors?" Oliver asked.

"Do you think the Magic Tower wouldn't catch wind of a large-scale financial scam?"

"Oh…"

"Especially when the scam is linked to the Druids and the World Tree. Naturally, I would come across information about a warlock who manipulates emotions and mana, even harnessing the power of nature."

"Oh…"

Oliver sighed again, realizing that he had been too absorbed in his own thoughts and had likely been oblivious to his surroundings.

"I apologize… I believe I may have gone a bit too far."

"Just a bit?" Kevin echoed Oliver's words, his expression hinting at numerous thoughts he refrained from sharing.

Oliver apologized once more.

"You don't need to apologize to me… It's not my concern, it's yours. However, I do think you might have crossed a line. Considerable power can be a weapon in Landa, but it can also make you a target."

"I heard something similar from the broker I've been working with."

"Then, there's no need to dwell on it further. It's best to exercise caution. Some individuals have taken an interest."

"Is it a serious matter?"

"Not necessarily serious. It's just that a few people have become intrigued due to the spreading rumors. At most, some wizards or students might collaborate and attempt to attack you."

"Oh, that's somewhat reassuring."

Though it provided little reassurance, Oliver responded as if it did.

"Reassuring?"

"Well, actually, I was planning to take a break from being a solver for a while."

"Hmm… That's a good idea. If you halt your activities, the rumors will die down, reducing the danger. What do you plan to do in the meantime?"

"For now, I thought I would focus on my neglected work at the Magic Tower."

"Is it not too late to be diligent, considering how you spent your vacation? Besides, the summer break is nearly here."

"…Summer break?"

"Yes, the summer break. This semester is coming to an end."

Caught off guard by the unexpected revelation, Oliver didn't know how to react. He was aware of the upcoming break, but he hadn't realized it was already upon them. Time seemed to have flown by.

"Does that mean I won't have anything to do?"

"No, that's not the case. I will continue my research during the break."

"Can I assist you?"

"There's no issue with that, but why do you want to help?"

"I think it would be enjoyable to aid you in your research, Professor, and I believe I would learn a great deal. Additionally, it feels a bit odd to continue receiving a salary without performing any work," Oliver replied honestly.

While his statement could be interpreted as presumptuous, given that it came from Oliver, Kevin regarded it more as typical of Oliver's straightforward nature than something to be angry about.

"Well, very well. As it happens, I have some inquiries that have piqued my curiosity."

"Regarding me?"

"Yes. Things like the Shamus mission, how you fused emotions, and when you first started harnessing the power of nature."

Those were questions that required a substantial amount of time to explain.

After considering his response, Oliver decided to address the simplest question first.

"I don't have much to say about the druid power. I simply reached out without realizing it and tapped into it."

"You just gave it a try, and it worked?"

"Yes."

"…I heard that you perfectly replicated Shamus's technique. Did you also achieve that effortlessly?"

"Yes, more or less. I simply imitated Mr. Shamus."

Oliver spoke as though it were no big deal, and that's exactly what he meant.

All he had done was modify and imitate what Shamus had done in his own way.

However, for the listener, it was an astounding revelation.

"I can't disclose any information about the ABC mission as it is classified, but for everything else, I'll write a report and submit it if you'd like."

"Hmm… Alright. I have my own work to attend to, and I can't look into it right now. We'll discuss it when the master returns."

"Oh, yes… Is the elder not back yet?"

"No, it's taking longer than expected. But he'll be back soon… For now, please leave. I need to grade the students."

As Kevin said this, he placed a notebook on his desk, which he had tucked into his waistband.

After every class, he evaluated the students, monitored their learning progress, and adjusted the course content accordingly. Sometimes, he would even reteach certain topics.

Despite his unfavorable feelings toward the students and the tower itself, his diligence was commendable.

As Kevin bowed his head to indicate he was about to start working, he suddenly called Oliver back.

"Wait a moment."

"Yes, Professor?"

"I forgot to mention this amidst all our conversation."

"What is it, Professor?"

"Do you remember Felix?"

Oliver nodded.

Felix was a student from the Gaia sub-faction who enrolled in the ‘Basics of Magical Combat' course. He struggled to keep up with Kevin's class and received basic training from Oliver. Oliver had helped Felix right before he left for his Shamus-related leave.

"A few days after you left, Felix's skills improved dramatically, and he moved to my class."

"Oh, is that so?"

"You seem quite pleased."

"Achievement brings great joy, after all."

As always, Oliver spoke honestly. Indeed, the accomplishments of oneself and others brought immense happiness. When witnessing the achievements of others, how could one not be pleased and eager to learn something new?

Shamus's growth served as a prime example of how others' growth could contribute to Oliver's own progress.

Oliver was curious.

"Has Felix's skill improved significantly?"

"Yes, his physical strength and mana capacity were decent, but he always struggled with mana control. However, that issue has been resolved now. He has become quicker and more flexible in using mana, and his magic combinations have improved as well. Once the obstacle that held him back was cleared, his skills progressed rapidly, and the improvement is quite noticeable."

"That's a relief."

"But because of that, some strange rumors about you have started circulating. Felix has kept quiet, but people noticed that you met with him a few times. Some students believe you must have done something."

Fortunately, it appeared that Felix had kept his promise.

Upon speaking with Felix, Oliver had asked him to keep everything a secret except for Kevin if he achieved any significant progress.

"But why did you mention that the method came from the far eastern desert?"

"Elder instructed me to mention either the east or the desert. So, I combined them. I thought it would be a good choice since both are intriguing."

"What an unexpected way of thinking… Anyway, due to that, some might approach you out of curiosity. Keep a low profile."

"Yes, I'll keep that in mind. I have no intention of exploiting the situation, so I'll follow your instructions."

"Good, then you may go."

"Excuse me… If it's alright, may I ask a question?"

This time, Oliver directed his question to Kevin.

"What is it?"

"I'm curious about what grade Student Felix will receive."

Oliver wanted to know how Felix had been performing.

It was wonderful that Felix had joined Kevin's class, but there were already a significant number of students in that class.

"If he continues to work hard like this, he has the potential to score quite high on the final exam. Fortunately, one student dropped out, which makes things a bit easier."

"Someone dropped out? Who?"

Oliver was puzzled as he contemplated Kevin's class.

Many initially looked down on Kevin's class because of his Red Man status, but gradually they became captivated by Kevin's unique sincerity and passion, causing them to diligently follow the class regardless of their personal opinions.

But suddenly, someone had quit. It didn't make sense.

"Derick Redhill. I suppose he hit a wall."

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