Ana and I continued conversing until we reached the Research Facility in question.
Before we got there, I got the gist of what was happening, and who the guilty Professor was.
His name was Maro, and he was a bit enthusiastic about his work. While he was known to be incredibly brilliant, and was also a source of motivation for Ana, he was a recipe for disaster —especially thanks to his undying curiosity.
It was thanks to his achievements and deep love for Magic technology that he was chosen to give a presentation to the students this day.
‘Too bad he messed up again…’
Not that it would make a difference, since Neron could just reverse everything.
We soon arrived at our destination — a tall building layered by several cadres of fortification Magic. I could also sense the effects of Neron’s Magic as I drew closer.
Looking at the Research Center now, it looked as good as new.
“Looks like Professor Maro’s mess has been cleaned up.” I smiled.
Ana chuckled slightly, and we both entered the center.
I didn’t have any clearance to proceed, but it appeared her ID was enough to allow both of us entry. Plus, once she mentioned that I was a guest of Neron, things went even smoother.
“Headmaster Neron should be on the fourth floor for Magic Engineering. I’m sure he’s chastizing Professor Maro as we speak.” Ana spoke as we ascended the stairs.
There were Teleportation conduits placed within the structure, but the fact that Ana used this means meant that she wanted us to converse a little more.
“When will he be done?”
“Hm? You have business with him?”
“Yeah. I mean… this whole thing interrupted our conversation, so…”
“Ah, that’s true.”
We both laughed, talking more until we reached our target floor.
“Alright. We’re here.” Ana spoke, opening the door to the massive room.
I was welcomed by the brightness that existed within the enormous place, taking in the sight of a room filled with all sorts of innovations.
‘Not bad…’
The area was split into several compartments, and a good deal of Magic tools and technology could be seen. Automatons, Magic Items, Golems, etc.
“Like what you see? I’ll show you my compartment later.”
My lips curled up to form a grin.
“That would be nice.”
“But first, let’s get you to see Neron!”
*************************
“Maro, you nearly died this time, you know? I can’t reverse death.”
“…”
“And all for what? Why did you push yourself so hard once again?”
“I… I…”
“I mean, if you were the only one to get hurt, that would be fine. But… you dragged others to it.”
“I’m… sorry…”
I could hear those sounds from my distance —before I entered the office of the Head Researcher of this area —Professor Maro.
‘Neron sounds quite serious right now. Should I just wait until later? No… there’s no time left!’
I had spent more than I bargained for.
Based on my calculations, I was supposed to be on my way to the Capital now.
“Let’s go,” I said to my partner, opening the door.
“A —ah, yeah…”
Her hesitation meant she was probably also reconsidering barging in on Neron’s reprimand of Maro.
However, at this point, it was of little importance.
>CREAK<
The door opened once I got close enough to it —without having me twist a knob. I smiled at the good engineering and stepped inside the office, meeting Neron and the guilty Maro in a conversation.
One sat comfortably on a chair while the other was kneeling —head bent downward.
‘Is that Neron?’
It seemed he was a different person when dealing with others as a superior.
As for the man —Maro —he was a lot younger than I expected.
‘He’s in his early thirties, maybe….’
The fact that he led a whole floor in the field of Magic Engineering was something that amazed me. Based on all Ana said, he was a brilliant person too.
‘The last administration would never have allowed this. Does that mean Neron changed the system for Ainzlark’s staff as well?’
I smiled and drew closer.
“So, you’re the infamous Professor Maro…” I spoke, interrupting the unstopping back-and-forth between Neron and the man in question.
I was certain they had sensed me entering, but… neither even looked in my direction.
“Ah, Jared… you’re back from your walk, uh?” Neron finally turned in my direction.
Maro followed his lead, and I finally saw his face more clearly.
He had ragged red hair, as well as a shanty cluster of short beards all over his chin. The bags under his eyes told me very much about his level of stress.
“A-ah, and who might you be?” He murmured.
“Well, I’m —”
“He’s my friend and honored guest, Jared Leonard.” Neron interrupted and spilled out my name.
The moment he did so, Maro’s eyes bulged open.
“You mean, you’re… the one who… the Jared who was…”
‘Ah, he’s referring to the Demonic Disturbance, uh…?’
>WHOOOOSSSHHH!<
Maro suddenly left Neron’s front and rushed at me with maddening speed. If I didn’t know he was harmless, I would have probably retaliated in some way.
“T-thank you very much!” The man bowed as he rendered gratitude to me.
‘What the —?!’
Why was he thanking me? I didn’t remember seeing him during my stay at Ainzlark. Or, did I rescue someone of importance to him?
“I heard from Ivan just how amazing you are. I’m his big brother, see…”
“Ohh, I see…”
They looked nothing alike. Other than the same red hair they both shared, Ivan and this Maro character were polar opposites.
“Ivan told me… what you did. If it wasn’t for you, he would most likely be dead. He can be an annoying brother, but… I’m happy he survived.”
‘Hold on, does he mean —?
“I spoke to him through our sibling communication line, and he told me about what you did at the Western Border.”
‘Ah, so that’s what he meant.”
“It’s fine…”
“What happened at the Western Border?” Ana was looking confused as she finally interjected.
My gaze went to Neron, and seeing no change in his expression, I decided to use my discretion.
‘She’ll find out sooner or later…’
“The Demons have begun their invasion.”
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