"No, look here. Refusing without even thinking about it. Shouldn't you at least preserve your position!"
"I am not interested."
"Uh, no... Not interested, what does that mean!"
Of course, I knew that his offer was not honorable.
I also knew that it could become problematic later.
However, it was a proposal made after agonizing over it.
This is the only way.
"I know, I know. I am pathetic for recommending such a disgraceful act to you. But isn't it unavoidable? At this rate, you will be kicked out of Glasco...."
"Vice-Chancellor."
Lucas cut off Ronald's words and asked.
"Do you know how much time is left until the academic conference?"
"About a month... left, right?"
It was a question out of the blue, but still, it is a positive reaction.
Doesn't the fact that he became curious about the academic conference signal that he might consider my proposal?
However, the words that came out of Lucas's mouth had a completely different nuance.
"That is sufficient."
"Sufficient, what do you mean?"
"I will prepare for the academic conference on my own."
"No, the time remaining now is...."
"It is sufficient."
The eyes of Lucas facing him bore a firm light.
Enough to persuade him without realizing it.
"Uh, no, that, saying it's sufficient won't make it...."
I am the one who is supposed to be persuading him, yet I am being persuaded by Lucas who has no logic.
Strangely enough, a mysterious sense of trust wells up.
"Haa... I understand. Instead, if you need help, tell me anytime. I will keep the door to the Vice-Chancellor's office open."
"I will keep that in mind."
Ronald turned around without achieving any significant results, but somehow his steps were light.
'It really is strange.'
It was not a part he could understand.
"Hello!"
"Oh, isn't it Ailon. By the way, what brings you here at this late hour?"
"I came to see the professor."
"Professor Lucas? He happens to be inside. Go on in."
***
...That old geezer?
Listening from the inside, it is dumbfounding.
Why is that old man acting like an information desk receptionist in front of someone else's office instead of going home?
Knock knock-
Without a gap for questions to continue, a knocking sound was heard.
Since I already heard the conversation outside, I knew who it was.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Ailon appeared riding a wheelchair that was upgraded from before.
"Professor, hello."
"...It has changed."
"You recognized it!"
It is due to my observation skills improving thanks to Vision Enhancement.
Actually, the change could be seen as quite minimal.
Only the material changed; there was no difference in the design.
Were functions added as well?
"I wanted to show it to you first, Professor. The name is D-Log. I can confidently say it is the strongest magic weapon in history."
D-Log.
The moment I heard that name, I was startled.
Just like Ailon's confident declaration, D-Log shakes the world of Academy's Genius Scoundrel with its majesty as the strongest, unprecedented magic weapon in history.
However-
"Are you truly confident?"
That is the story of mk.X.
Although it was developed earlier than the original timeline, this is a prototype, that is, mk.1.
It is unreasonable to guarantee the power of X.
Ailon flinched, then grinned.
"As expected, I cannot fool your eyes, Professor. That's right. This is, strictly speaking, a prototype. But it is true that I wanted to show it to you first."
"Why is that?"
"I thought you might know the deficiencies of this D-Log, Professor."
...It is madness.
At a glance, he is hiding madness in those clear-looking eyes.
I felt it instinctively.
This, if I mix my words wrong, I'm in big trouble.
It isn't something like a threat to my life.
Even if he is a psycho, he isn't a guy who crosses the line.
What is truly dangerous is that guy's genius.
My mask could be peeled off.
All my secrets- could be busted.
"Magic engineering is not my major. You have come to the wrong address."
"I am not speaking of magic engineering knowledge. I just hoped you would find areas for improvement."
"Why did you come to me? The engineering professors of Glasco would be much more helpful."
I tried to pass the bomb.
"The engineering professors are of no help whatsoever."
That is a correct statement.
Compared to Ailon, the level of the engineering professors is no different from newborn babies.
Passing the bomb is a failure.
"Only you seem to know the answer, Professor. Because you are the only one who made my Magic Cannon useless. I felt you might be able to examine such areas for improvement this time as well."
It is a precarious point.
It is ambiguous to pull out, and also ambiguous to consistently feign ignorance.
Above all, the fact that Ailon's personality is that of a crazy psycho bothers me the most.
Screw it, I can tell him.
The problem is that the true completion of D-Log happens only after the story progresses to a certain extent, that is, after the Glasco invasion operation, when the war with the demons gets on track.
It is created with byproducts obtained from killing not something of the human realm, but of the demons, and a Demon King level existence at that.
Even what is made that way is mk.5.
It is far too unreasonable to compare it to X, the complete form in the true sense.
'It is not like there is no way.'
What Ailon wants is strictly improvement.
I could pretend I don't know that there isn't any, but since mk.1 is a prototype, it has many defects.
The fact that it has many defects means the variables of death increase for me, who will use Ailon as a meat shield.
"...You had better not expect that much."
"Yes, Professor."
He answered like that, but his eyes are incredibly expectant.
Suppressing the pressure, I examined D-Log which transformed into the Magic Cannon.
'As expected.'
The most important passage of mana.
It wasn't as vulnerable as in the past, but there was a risk of it becoming unstable when using maximum output due to the change in materials.
Indeed, even if there is no reason for D-Log to produce maximum output at this point in time.
Still, a point to improve is a point to improve.
"I will call them out one by one."
It should be fine to give just a few hints within the limits where the probability isn't destroyed.
***
"Thank you, Professor!"
Ailon greeted brightly and closed the door to the office.
'...As expected.'
Just as anticipated, it was clear that Lucas had an expert opinion on magic engineering.
And at a considerable level too.
'To think he found that part at once.'
When developing D-Log, he developed it with Professor Lucas in mind.
Because the memory of the Magic Cannon being neutralized by him remained dizzyingly in his mind.
A primal question arose.
Why did he see through the Magic Cannon's weakness so easily, and in an instant at that?
The conclusion was one.
That he understands the structure of the Magic Cannon.
Unless it is that, it cannot be explained.
Sure enough, Lucas found the defects left intentionally at once.
'Those defects that even I would have just passed over if I hadn't simulated it two or three times.'
And what was more surprising was that he pointed out several defects other than those.
Among them were defects Ailon hadn't realized.
They weren't at a serious level, but they were things that would be much better if improved.
'As expected, he is an interesting professor.'
Ailon's smile deepened.
***
'Is the Professor still not getting off work?'
If she waited for quitting time in the past, now she dislikes the approach of quitting time.
Although a door divides her and Lucas, it is the scarce time they can be together anyway.
Rit, who was craning her neck and looking at the office door, mumbled with her lips, then stood up as if she decided on something and undid her polymorph.
A slightly bold outfit.
She tried wearing it by referring to a video she saw on MongTube called 'Innocent & Sexy styling to win a man's favor'.
Of course, Lucas is not a man who would be swayed by such visual things, but she still harbored a shred of expectation.
"Professor, aren't you getting off work?"
-I still have work to finish.
You go in first.
Recently, he is in the middle of final work on his thesis.
As the academic conference schedule approached, Lucas's time leaving work became later and later.
Rit wanted to help with anything.
If data research was needed, she could raid the library right away, and if it was something she could do, she wanted to help with anything.
From what courage it was, she carefully opened the office door.
"Is there nothing I can help you with?"
Lucas's gaze turns to Rit.
Those eyes were widening with surprise.
It seems the 'Innocent & Sexy styling to win a man's favor' is effective.
***
-Professor, aren't you getting off work?
Rit's call wakes up the silence.
Has the time become that already?
Even an hour has passed since the original quitting time.
Even if I assume I have no talent, it seems I am happiest when writing.
Seeing how time flows quickly.
"I still have work to finish. You go in first."
I passed quitting time by an hour, but haven't I left work yet?
Because of whom am I receiving glares from the professors.
Creak-
The door opens, and Rit peeks in.
"Is there nothing I can help you with?"
Something helpful right now...
There is none.
Maybe if she becomes a high-ranking demon later, who knows.
Right now, a corner where she could be largely helpful is....
[A new notification has arrived.]
[Astore has donated 500G.]
[Astore has donated 500G.]
[Astore has donated 1,000G.]
[dung0104 has donated 100G.]
[Rain of Heart has donated 1,000G.]
[LoveAuthor has donated 100G.]
[LoveAuthor has donated 300G.]
[LoveAuthor has donated 500G.]
[LoveAuthor has donated 1,000G.]
[LoveAuthor has donated 3,000G.]
[LoveAuthor has donated 500G.]
[LoveAuthor has donated 1,000G.]
[LoveAuthor has donated 300G.]
[LoveAuthor has donated 100G.]
[[Mad Wind]Nanseol has donated 500G.]
[lee3 has donated 5,000G.]
[zzx5678 has donated 100G.]
[zzx5678 has donated 100G.]
[Karogi has donated 1,000G.]
[shsvoa0109 has donated 100G.]
[shsvoa0109 has donated 300G.]
[shsvoa0109 has donated 100G.]
[Gyumon has donated 30,000G.]
[Akasal has donated 500G.]
Why are so many donations coming in like this.
While happy, on one hand, it was heavy.
This is the will and voice of those cheering for my survival.
[LIFE TIME : 27 Months]
That number which doesn't increase even if the favorite work count increases after the system reorganization.
My remaining lifespan, and the time remaining until the event where this Glasco collapses, 'Glasco Invasion'.
The donations, recommendations, and comments coming in now are all cheers to survive in preparation for that event.
The amount does not matter.
Everyone is the same, same....
'Huh?'
Are my eyes wrong?
There was Vision Enhancement Level 2, should I buy that?
A number in the middle looks a bit strange.
Once again.
A whopping thirty thousand gold.
For a moment my mind goes blank, and it feels like my consciousness is flying away.
It felt like it would be fine even if my lifespan of 27 months disappeared at once.
'Ah, no. It is a donation given to survive, I shouldn't have such thoughts.'
Thirty thousand gold isn't the issue; the overwhelming gratitude for the endlessly continuing donations is too great.
An anxiety that I should do something right now as a meaning of gratitude arose.
If you watch internet broadcasts, when such huge donations come in, they usually dance or something.
If I do it, it would only be unpleasant.
At that moment, I saw Rit beyond the notification window.
Polymorph was in a released state, and the outfit that seemed bold yet innocent was making her beauty shine even more.
It appeared.
A corner where Rit could be useful.
"...Did you say you wanted to help me?"
"Yes, Professor!"
Then, you will have to do a reaction of gratitude on my behalf.