Nanomancer Rising: Divine Alchemist Reborn as Academy's Worst Teacher
Chapter 110: Theo’s goal

Chapter 110: Theo’s goal

"Wait, are you for real?"

Celeste nearly choked on the coffee from her cup, ending up desperately trying to stabilize the cup in her hands while also fighting to clear her airways and take a breath.

"Is this really all that you wanted to know?"

Her face was that of an unbridled, perfectly honest surprise.

"What did you think I was going to ask about?" Theo countered, putting on a weirded look on his own face while leaning back in his chair. "It’s the kind of stuff I’ve never really cared about. And I think it’s quite obvious I was never a student at this place, so when would I ever learn how to properly take care of my disciples?"

This was what this meeting was all about.

Not some grand scheme to push back against the headmaster after he used him back at the auction house. Not some genius plot to capitalize on the formations he already proved to know better than any of the locals.

It wasn’t even anything related to magic or cultivation, not even in the most remote of ways.

No.

All that Theo wanted to know was the exact limit and reach of the expectations a disciple could have towards their master, the degree of his responsibilities and then the so-called life’s prose of being a teacher.

Stuff that the teachers at the academy were originally supposed to know in advance, but given Theo’s specific set of circumstances, not even his past self ever got to take those lessons.

"Well, if that’s what you want to know..." Celeste hesitated for a moment before finally putting her cup down and then leaning over the table, cupping her hands together only to rest her elbows down on the table and rest her chin over her hands.

For a moment she closed her eyes and turned silent, taking a moment to gather all of her thoughts before even approaching the answer.

"First, those two are not your kids. They have their lodging covered by the academy and are getting enough credits to get by. But while that is all true..." Celeste hesitated for a bit only to then shake her head, "This is one of the things that have a set of rules for those that wish to follow the official guidelines, and a separate set of rules for those who want to try hard. The question is," she raised her eyes to look Theo directly in the face, "are you satisfied with the bottom line?"

This time, it was Theo’s turn to remain silent for a while.

’Initially, I was only planning to be a teacher for a moment, a few days, a few weeks, a month tops, but now?’

Ever since the short talk with the headmaster, Theo’s plan for his immediate future has... changed?

No, that wouldn’t be the right word for what happened.

His old plan was simply gone, reduced to atoms and scattered throughout whatever universe thoughts existed in. All that was left was Theo desperately scrambling for scraps to figure out how he was supposed to go around his future, now confined to the academy grounds.

Up until this moment, he only ever made plans for what to do in the very next moment, for what should be his next move and course of action. But, as Theo was quickly starting to notice, without a greater thought, greater goal, greater purpose behind his actions, was there really any point in anything he was doing?

Sure, getting stronger was one thing, a prerequisite given the dangers of this world. But beyond that?

"I think..." Even as Theo gathered his wits to answer, he ended up hesitating and cutting his answer short, still not sure what was the right way for him to respond.

’Should I be cutting the costs as much as I can? Julius’ wealth won’t last me forever, after all,’ he thought, the pragmatic part of his soul now sharing its voice. ’But... am I really satisfied with being someone who just does the minimum expected? Or rather, the minimum set by the rules while actually lower than common expectations?’

Theo took in a deep breath.

It was already hard to decide when just considering his own situation. But after taking a moment to add his disciples to the picture... Theo was left with only one, correct answer.

"I don’t think I would be satisfied with myself if I picked the easiest option," he admitted with a sigh.

’Isn’t Tesh supposed to be some kind of a legendary thief, who somehow managed to reach as close to the top a student can while actively hiding her own exploits?’

Theo breathed out.

’And Lukas... After robbing him of his teacher, it is only right if I pull my own weight and properly compensate him!’

"If that’s the case, then you should provide them with some sort of lodging, food... basically, treat them like your full-time followers rather than just disciples. And that is..." once again, Celeste hesitated, giving Theo a look full of doubt and uncertainty, as if she wasn’t sure how he was going to take what she was going to say next.

"And that’s merely the tip of the iceberg," she then revealed with a sigh, leaning back in her chair while her eyes attentively locked in on Theo, studying every smallest reaction of his.

"Cultivation resources, teaching materials, new ways to develop their secondary talent, support in their side jobs, providing them with activity that allows them to test and practice their skills..." Celeste listed out a whole slew of different things only to then shake her head. "All in all, having direct disciples is as annoying as it can be rewarding," she added, only to turn the rather sour look on her face into a charming, almost flirtatious smile.

"And you should know damn well just how rewarding it can feel to have some people at your beck and call, ready to pull their eyes out if you so desire. Don’t you?"

Hearing this, Theo put on a complicated expression on his face while looking away, finding it somewhat weird to admit to it.

It was a true and established fact that it was his disciples rather than himself that turned Julius’ wealth of items, treasures and artifacts into money Theo could actually use.

Heck, they were always waking up super early all to show up at Theo’s place, often arriving before Theo would even wake up, given how they were always at his doorstep by the time he woke up, dressed up and took a look.

By all means, Celeste was right. Having those two dance however he played for them was not only helpful and mildly amusing, but practically a godsend for someone like Theo who often lacked the common sense to complete such interactions on his own.

But as much as he enjoyed the perks of having disciples like that, it was clear that it was now his turn to pay them back for all they did in those last few days... Even if by any reasonable standard, he already did so when he remade their cultivation.

"Okay then, hearing how complex and convoluted this job seems to be, can you simplify it for me?" Theo asked while pushing his tired body forth to lean over the table and take a sip of his coffee, a sip that somehow breathed some life back into his flesh. "What, as per your advice, would be the best thing I could do for them tomorrow? In the next week? In the next month?"

Given the importance of this question, Celeste didn’t dare to just answer with whatever came to her mind first. Instead, she took her time to consider all her options, take Theo’s circumstances that she knew about into account and then compile it all into one, neat reply.

"First, you should take better care of yourself," she stated, starting from an angle Theo never saw coming. "You won’t be of any use as a teacher if you can hardly gather a thought or keep your eyes open. Don’t forget," she raised her hand and wiggled her finger at him, "you are also teaching them by example!"

With that said, Celeste took a sip and then, as if to directly contrast what Theo did, leaned back in her chair.

"Beyond that it’s the basics. Give their cultivation a periodical check-up to make sure they are not straying away from your teachings. I know it sounds simple," she raised her hands in defense, "but this small thing goes a really, REALLY long way."

Theo nodded his head in response.

"Okay, note taken," he reported while committing the bit to his memory and then leaning even further, almost as if he wanted to just lay down on the table. "What next?"

This time, Celeste took even longer to think.

"Beyond that, I would honestly say just guidance," she answered with a sigh. "Be aware of what’s going on in their life. Look for ways to help them. And throughout all of this, always be ready to help them grow even further."

Theo breathed out a long sigh.

Even though this advice was relatively simple, it was exactly what he was looking for.

’Maybe I should put teaching those two as my next big goal?’ he thought, only to shake his head and dismiss the thought.

Right now, Theo was in no state to make any long-winded decisions. Finding out what he was supposed to do next in regards to his disciples was already good enough.

"Thanks," he then said, lowering his head to show that he wasn’t just throwing this word out in the air but really felt grateful for the help. "I appreciate your help, I really do," he added, further reinforcing the message of his gratitude.

"No problem," Celeste smiled back in response only to then cross her arms over her chest and give Theo a cheeky look. "So I guess now’s the time for me to ask you to repay the favor, isn’t it?"