High School of Demon Hunting

Heh.

As expected, nothing unexpected happened...

Just kidding!

𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

At this moment, Zheng Qing was no longer overwhelmed with anxiety and panic as before; instead, he felt a calmness deep down, even a hint of humor—if he still felt uneasy when the gentleman appointed him as the manager of the San You Bookstore, he was shocked when given responsibility over certain departments; then, at the third strike, he had already learned to stretch his cleaned neck out, letting it be chopped by Him.

If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also—Matthew 5:39

"...Dean of Edge Academy."

The young wizard mumbled the words, inexplicably finding them amusing; that a student who hadn’t even graduated was arranged into such a deadly position—should he lament the lack of people at the school or the gentleman’s ignorance.

But the gentleman couldn’t possibly be ignorant.

Therefore, Zheng Qing forced himself to cheer up, with a touch of collapse in his expression, weakly saying: "Didn’t you miss the word ’Deputy’? I’m just a student from Jiuyou Academy..."

"Korma is also from Jiuyou Academy." The gentleman interrupted cheerfully: "—Your academy background doesn’t necessarily relate to your future development. Maybe because of Cognitive Obstructions, you haven’t realized, but you might recall your experiences at First University over the past two years... Have you noticed? You possess a trait that very much fits Edge Academy?"

A trait that fits Edge Academy?

Is it being inept?

Or being unpopular?

Zheng Qing’s heart stirred, naturally recalling last year’s Christmas Eve ’Burn Zheng Qing Parade’—on this level, like Northern District Wizards, Half-Giants, or Fishmen, his popularity among orthodox wizards was similarly low.

"It’s sacrifice."

The gentleman calmly corrected the boy’s wandering thoughts: "From the first day you entered school, unafraid of being disciplined, daring to confront upperclassmen; to your first participation in the Hunt, risking your life to lead away a large group of Wild Demons alone; then when Korma progressed to the Big Wizard in a critical moment, you chose to self-destruct... Also in Black Prison, before you almost got knocked out by a few of your partners, your choice, and so on. This trait has been abundantly demonstrated. Coincidentally, sacrifice is the fundamental principle upon which Edge Academy is built."

"Sacrifice?"

Zheng Qing uneasily twisted his body, glancing out the window with a hint of embarrassment.

"...More importantly," the gentleman slightly intensified his tone, adding a weighty element to his persuasion: "In a sense, your sacrifice created Korma, so she would have no objection to you being the dean. Or, more accurately, it is the best way for her to repay causality."

"But, sir, didn’t you say before that I got into Jiuyou Academy because she once gave me a push?" Zheng Qing attempted to unravel the threads of causality.

"I have already repaid this causality for you," the gentleman reminded him: "During last year’s Christmas festival."

Oh.

Zheng Qing immediately remembered that last year, when he brought Poseidon to see the gentleman, two forcefully ’inserted’ witches’ faces immediately fell, losing their strength to argue.

This is probably what it feels like to be struck by destiny.

"—Before Edge Academy has suitable Legendary Combat Power, it is your responsibility, and you are its only choice."

At this point, the gentleman displayed a bit of regret: "To be honest, this responsibility could have been borne by someone else, but plans can’t keep up with changes. You’ve now become the most appropriate choice among all candidates... Moreover, accepting the fate of being Edge Academy’s first dean could elevate your control over Taiyi to a higher level."

"Who was the school’s previous candidate? Why was it abandoned?" Zheng Qing’s eyes brightened, seeing a glimpse of possible trouble-free resolution.

The gentleman glanced at him.

"Exactly those two names you guessed."

He sighed deeply: "Professor Montreya was actually the best choice. He comes from an ancient clan, has extensive experience, is adept at organizing, and flexible enough to embrace new concepts... His appointment as Edge Academy’s dean could significantly mitigate the old-school wizard’s resistance to the new academy. Unfortunately, he ultimately failed."

Zheng Qing sensed some unease.

"Did you know Professor Montreya was conducting illegal experiments?" he cautiously added the word ’Professor.’

"Of course."

The gentleman calmly replied: "Without my approval, even If foolish would not be lenient with him to that extent. In fact, in my initial plans, the crows were to become a very strong arm to support you in the future. This is also why you’ve had so many interactions with them."

"Why?" Zheng Qing instinctively blurted out.

The gentleman didn’t answer directly but gave an example: "Walk in the light, and a shadow always follows behind. This is Natural Law. Reversal is the movement of Tao; it’s the principle of cultivation. If the crows’ experiments succeed, they can greatly alleviate many sharp contradictions existing in the Wizard World... As a superior, one shouldn’t overlook any small possibility. Overall, Montreya’s experiments were conducted with restraint. Perhaps that was also why he ultimately failed."

The gentleman’s words carried a hint of merciful coldness; Zheng Qing pursed his lips, knowing he was right but still finding it hard to accept deep down.

"—If given another chance, would you still accept him?" The gentleman suddenly asked.

Zheng Qing instinctively shook his head.

Then fell silent.

Luckily, the gentleman didn’t continue this soul-searching question, instead changed the topic: "—In short, fate enjoys teasing people. Montreya didn’t become part of Edge Academy’s opportunity but instead became the catastrophe establishing Edge Academy. This reversal of fortunes instantly impacted the academy’s original plan, dragging another dean candidate into the Abyss."

Zheng Qing thought of the mix of red and black shrouding Buji Island’s sky, of the silver-white strands of starlight descending from the clouds, of Taiyi being bounced like a ball by Leviathan in the Cloud Sea World, feeling he struggled to become the gentleman’s intended choice.

"I still believe Sister Korma is the most suitable candidate." Zheng Qing thought of another vice-dean at Edge Academy.

The gentleman’s mouth curled into a slight smile but remained noncommittal: "Indeed. That child exhausted herself for the establishment of this academy; it’s her sole advantage... Besides that, everything is insufficient. From rank to experience to relationships with the traditional wizard community... Her foundation is lacking, hard to sustain, and help Edge Academy through the current catastrophe. In contrast, within the Wizard World, your Legendary Level obviously surpasses hers."