I'm a villain within the hero's party
Chapter 36: Professor Odel

Chapter 36: Professor Odel

Most of the students missed the first class with the professor Jordan due to Yin’s theatrics. But no one really cared, many of them were already planning to drop out because of his nasty temper and unpredictable anger.

Yin Farrock walked into the room for the second subject, Combat Training, full of confidence.

His classmates greeted him with a teasing cheer:

"Saint Alchemist!"

Yin had become a sensation at the Academy. Many believed that if he had been born one hundred forty years earlier, he could have saved countless lives. The alchemist professors and students often asked him about theories and subjects, but he always changed the topic. The truth was, he had no idea what he was doing. He simply followed Gabby’s instructions without question.

This was the biggest change in his life. Once seen as a monster in his early years—imprisoned, neglected, and feared by many, he was now praised as a genius and a savior. People and students believed he was the key to stopping the deadly threat of the Rose of Death disease.

Yin scratched the back of his head and said, "Thank you, everyone."

Gabby, watching from the side, thought to himself:

"This reminds me of the fable about a crow who finds a piece of cheese and sits on a branch. A hungry fox sees the cheese and flatters the crow, saying how beautiful it must be and how lovely its voice must sound. Wanting to prove the fox right, the crow opens its beak to sing—and drops the cheese. The fox grabs it and walks away, having tricked the crow with flattery."

"Some people can’t handle sudden praise or sympathy, especially when it sounds sincere. Their usual response is kindness."

Everyone felt the approaching aura—it was vast, dense, and terrifying. Several students collapsed under its pressure. But the top twenty remained conscious.

Then, a woman stepped into the room. She wore an eyepatch over her left eye, and her body radiated a brilliant white aura that pulsed with power. Her skin was slightly tanned, and her sharp eyes gave off a fierce presence. Her hair was tied in a single ponytail. She wore a fitted red robe under a black cloak that flowed behind her.

Everyone knew who she was.

She was the East’s strongest sword, working as a professor at Robert’s Magic Academy.

She is Professor Ava.

She cast a terrifying stare across the room; her single visible eye glowing with intensity. The pressure of her gaze alone was so overwhelming that even those who had collapsed earlier jolted awake driven by pure fear.

Without a word, she slammed her hand on the board, making most of the students’ flinch.

"I don’t have a lesson plan," she said firmly. "But if you want to pass the preliminary exam, you’ll need to fight your classmates."

She looked around the room, her voice steady and commanding.

"Do whatever you want during training. Our training ground is the arena. I’ll provide the support you need to improve."

So, everyone headed to the arena. Meanwhile, Gabby went to the restroom, where he was unexpectedly approached by Professor Odel.

The professor started the conversation.

"Hey Gabby. How’s the academy treating you so far?"

Gabby was surprised.

"He remembered my name? Of course—because I caused a scene during the trial," he thought.

"I’m doing fine, Professor Odel. Thanks for asking," Gabby replied politely.

"That’s good to hear," the professor said with a nod. "I heard about your answer regarding the origin of magic. Where did you come up with that?"

Gabby hesitated.

"I can’t tell him those theories came from my old man, Ren Restes, who spent his whole life writing spellbooks," he thought.

"It’s from a book written by an anonymous author," Gabby answered.

Professor Odel narrowed his eyes. "I see... because that theory reminded me of someone. I was just a child back then. He was a hero mage known for multi-casting. Ren Restes."

"I know who he was," Gabby replied calmly. "He was a hero from the Apocalypse."

Suddenly, Professor Odel’s eye glowed with an intricate golden pattern, resembling an ancient language.

Gabby thought to himself, "Divine Blessing... Eyes that reveal the truth. You can’t lie to someone with that power."

Then came the question.

"Where have you been all this time, Gabby Magus? The exiled prince of Redstin County."

Gabby answered, "I was isolated from the world... to the point it felt like I was a prisoner with no freedom."

"What a lonely childhood," Odel thought, "And he’s telling the truth. But what does he mean by ’world’?"

"I have a subject to attend, Professor. If you’ll excuse me," Gabby added, trying to end the conversation.

"Have you decided your major subject already?" Odel asked.

"I plan to attend his Magic Master class as my major... but this man is dangerous," Gabby thought.

"Yes," he replied. "I’ve chosen the Survival subject."

Professor Odel didn’t look pleased. "How about a casual game of chess sometime?"

"I have to refuse, Professor. I need to attend my class... and honestly, I don’t think I can win against you," Gabby said, trying to walk past him.

Odel raised an eyebrow, watching him closely. "Interesting. He’s lying. He thinks he can win. He must be a genius."

"If you can win or even tie against me," Odel said, "I’ll wager five thousand gold coins. You won’t be required to attend regular classes—but you must still pass the preliminary exam."

Gabby thought, "Professor Jordan hates me for no reason. Professor Ava looks like she’d beat you up just for breathing wrong."

"And what if I lose?" he asked.

"With a smile," Odel replied, "You’ll choose Magic Theory as your major. You’ll also become my student assistant and help me solve a magical formula I’m working on. I’m trying to break through to the eighth magic core."

"I’m not capable of assisting you, Professor," Gabby said cautiously.

Professor Odel thought to himself, "He is uncertain if he can help me ascend. Which means he has some knowledge about an eighth-core ascension. Interesting!"

"It seems you’ve accepted your fate," He replied. "But that’s fine. We’ll see. After all, you can’t lie to me."

"His wager doesn’t harm me," Gabby thought. "Becoming his assistant might help others... but for me, it’s a hassle."

"I’m free. Tomorrow, at noon," Gabby said.

Professor Odel smiled. "Let’s meet at the arena then."