Dungeon Raider System
Chapter 686 - 686: Pangeotis' grievance Part 1

Despite all the changes their city underwent, the fact that Pangeotis' office remained the same brought some measure of comfort to Uriel. The same furniture, the same decorations and Uriel could have sworn the same papers he saw last time he stepped inside that office. The sole difference being that instead of the stern expression on the Professor's face Uriel found a soft scowl directed at him.

"You really shouldn't arrive late to class. As my assistant you should set the example for students."

"I know, I had a thing," Uriel excused himself only to continue with an awkward expression. "I wanted to talk to you precisely about that. I still want to take some classes and I'll definitely come whenever I can, but now things are different. I'm a hunter and as such, I'll be often be dragged away from college."

"Same old, then," The professor's expression softened. "It's not just you, I must say. Before 'you know what' happened most students were common people and only a bunch were hunters. We had special policies that applied in such cases, but now most if not all students are actually hunters. This means our policies are not so lenient anymore."

Uriel lingered for a few seconds while he put in a balance the pros and the cons of working in college arriving at the conclusion that it wasn't worth it. His main reason to accept the position in the first place was so he could have access to the college resources, namely the library.

He knew beforehand that Pangeotis would attempt to force his hand which is precisely why he spent a good chunk of the time previous to the re opening of the college making the most of his time.

"Now, now, there's no need to rush. That only applies for students and I'll understand if you have other matters to attend." Pangeotis rushed to say.

"I see." Uriel let out a sigh, unsure if it was relief or annoyance.

"I'm telling you this because we could use your help in some planned excursions to investigate the ruins to the west. There's rumors about some ancient artifacts being found in there and we need to confirm whether or not their true." The old professor shifted uncomfortably in his seat then produced a small wooden figurine of a bear.

"They are," Uriel nodded now certain it was annoyance what he felt. "I'm sure you know I went on multiple expeditions inside that dungeon. If I recall correctly, you were hired as the army's consultant by the Celes company."

"I was, but I never had the chance to go inside. Not that I would ever want to, but if my... our students could find some artifacts..."

"Let me get this straight. You want me to lead an expedition team comprised of nothing but self entitled students in hopes of finding artifacts?"

"What do you say?" The professor smiled at Uriel looking at him like he was his grandson.

"I refuse." Uriel replied shortly.

"Why!? I thought you were interested in Native American culture. What could be better than the chance to study artifacts such as this? You see this pattern here? We can't associate any distinctive culture to this figurine which means it must predate them.

Not just that, this figurine is said to boost the strength of a hunter by just applying a tiny amount of flux energy and you could have it as your payment for just one week."

"One week!? I'm sorry Professor, but the more you speak the less inclined I am to participate. You are trying to make it look like an academic investigation when It's actually just about the money." Uriel had to bite his tongue to not let out the fact that the reason why there were so many new artifacts flooding the market was that he sold them.

That figurine did exactly what Pangeotis claimed it did.

It sounded great when Uriel first found it, but the boost in strength was even weaker than the one he received from his pocket knife and the flux expenditure albeit small was still a downside to using it.

"It's not about the money, at least not entirely," Pangeotis finally admitted. "It's actually of the utmost importance for our department that we find powerful artifacts such as this. They could give an edge to our hunters increasing their success while at the same time making our city grow stronger. Before I discovered the dungeon..."

"Excuse me?" Uriel glared at the professor wondering not how to kill him, but how to dispose of his body where no one would find it.

"I meant we," Pangeotis said in a thin voice and continued. "before we investigated the dungeon almost the entirety of the college funds went to STEM to the point where most of the humanities were relegated to nothing but the scraps. Now, however, wealthy families from all over the continent are funding our research. It is our chance to shine and to make a difference too."

"Let me be clear, professor. The one who discovered the existence and location of the dungeon was no other than yours truly." Uriel said with a deadpan expression pointing at himself.

"Of course, it was just a mistake on my end." Pangeotis shrugged.

"I better not see any mistakes in any publications or magazines." Uriel said in a polite yet firm tone. The fact that Pangeotis so nonchalantly attempted to steal his credit would have make anyone angry, though it actually made him feel better about himself.

Despite his shameless behavior, the fact that a renowned professor such as Pangeotis attempted to steal his credit meant it was an incredible achievement. Even in the old times it wasn't rare for scholars in all disciplines to steal other's research, which reassured Uriel that his own research was solid enough to draw interest.

"What would you say if, in exchange for your participation you received this?" Pangeotis pointed at a piece of paper that could be considered quite cheap, but one that could potentially mean the world to Uriel.