Chapter 44 "Dead Ends and New Leads"

  "Heading to the library again?" Corvan asked as I prepared to leave.

  "Yeah," I replied, adjusting my bag.

  "Why don’t you skip it for once? We’re all going to Sarah’s family restaurant later," he said.

  "Sorry, maybe next time," I answered without hesitation.

  Corvan sighed, but Arthur spoke up. "By the way, Caelan, a student council member was looking for you yesterday. They said they needed to talk to you."

  I frowned. "Me? What for?"

  "They didn’t say, but I think it’s about joining the student council. You did place first in the entrance exam," Arthur replied.

  "If they invite you, don’t accept it," Corvan warned. "They’ll just use you as an errand boy."

  I raised a brow. "And how do you know that?"

  "My cousin’s third-year. He told me most of the student council members are nobles. They rarely accept commoners—unless it’s a rich merchant’s kid who can sponsor events and fund their expenses. If they do accept a commoner, it’s just to have someone clean and organize their room."

  "I see." I nodded, then glanced at Arthur. "If they come looking for me again, tell them I’m not interested. I don’t have time for it."

  "Got it," Arthur said.

  With that settled, I left and headed straight for the library.

  Upon entering, I spotted the librarian at the front desk.

  "Good afternoon," he greeted, setting down a parchment and quill.

  I quickly picked up the quill and signed my name.

  "You really love reading, don’t you?" the librarian asked with a chuckle.

  "Yeah," I answered simply.

  "That’s impressive. Not many students come here to read—they rely on their professors instead."

  I didn’t bother correcting his assumption. Let him think what he wanted.

  Walking over to the shelves, I retrieved the last scroll I had been reading. I hadn’t finished it yesterday.

  Settling into my usual spot, I unrolled the parchment and picked up what I left

  My days fell into the same routine—attending classes, then heading straight to the library. Even on weekends, I spent my entire day there until closing time. Over time, Mr. Ben, the librarian, became familiar with me. If he wasn’t busy, he’d help me find books and records.

  Nearly a month had passed since classes started, yet I still hadn’t found anything useful. No answers about the portal. No clues on where to begin. I had nearly read every book in the library.

  Now, I stood at the carriage station, waiting for Sarah and Arthur.

  "Good morning, Caelan," Arthur greeted as he arrived.

  "Morning," I replied.

  He studied me for a moment. "Are you okay?"

  I forced a smile. "Yeah."

  "How’s your research going?"

  I sighed. "I haven’t found anything yet. I’ve almost gone through every book in the library."

  Arthur nodded in understanding. "If that’s the case, why don’t you ask Professor Vaelgrim Ironquill? Remember, I mentioned him before? He’s a renowned professor at Huntington Academy—an expert in multiple fields. If anyone on the entire continent of Yedon can help you, it’s him."

  "Really?" I asked, feeling a spark of hope.

  Arthur nodded. "Despite being a commoner, he was granted a surname in recognition of his achievements and contributions to humanity. Many kingdoms and empires have tried to recruit him, even offering him noble status, but he refused. He dedicates his life solely to research."

  "How do I meet him?" I asked eagerly.

  "He’s not one of our professors. But if you choose herbalism and science as your major in fourth year, he’ll be your instructor."

  "But I need to meet him now," I insisted.

  Arthur thought for a moment. "We could ask Professor Elias for help. You can’t just meet someone like Vaelgrim Ironquill on demand."

  "I see… Do you think Professor Elias will help me?"

  "I believe so. He’s quite fond of you."

  Professor Elias was kind—not just to me, but to everyone. However, during his lessons, he often asked for my opinion, as if testing the extent of my knowledge. Maybe he was just curious about me.

  If there was a chance he could help me meet Vaelgrim Ironquill, I had to take it.

  As the lecture ended, students began packing up their things, chatting as they prepared to leave. I remained seated, watching as Professor Elias gathered his notes and stepped out of the classroom. Without hesitation, I stood up and followed him.

  He walked down the quiet corridor, his pace steady but unhurried. I quickened my steps, closing the distance between us.

  "Professor Elias," I called.

  He paused and turned to face me, his expression calm as always. "Ah, Caelan. Is there something you need?"

  I nodded. "I have a favor to ask."

  He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."

  I hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I want to meet Professor Vaelgrim Ironquill."

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  Professor Elias tilted his head slightly. "Professor Ironquill? That’s quite a request. May I ask why?"

  I clenched my fists. "I’ve been researching something important, but I’ve reached a dead end. I’ve read almost every book in the library, but I still haven’t found any answers. Arthur mentioned that if there’s anyone who could help, it would be Professor Ironquill."

  Professor Elias studied me for a moment, his sharp eyes assessing my determination. Then, he let out a quiet chuckle.

  "You’re quite persistent," he remarked. "But you do realize that Professor Ironquill isn’t someone just anyone can meet, correct?"

  "I know," I said, standing firm. "That’s why I need your help."

  He crossed his arms, considering my request. "And what exactly are you researching?"

  I hesitated again, unsure of how much to reveal. "Something... that I believe only he can guide me on."

  Professor Elias sighed, then gave me a small smile. "Very well. I can’t promise anything, the decision is still up to Professor Ironquill if he’s wants to meet you."

  Relief washed over me. "Thank you, Professor."

  He chuckled again. "Don’t thank me yet. He’s a busy man, and there’s no guarantee he’ll agree. But if he does, I’ll let you know."

  I nodded. "That’s more than enough."

  Professor Elias gave me a final nod before continuing down the hallway, leaving me standing there, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

  If this worked, I might finally get the answers I’d been searching for.

  As usual, after class, I headed straight to the library, continuing my routine while waiting for news from Professor Elias about meeting the renowned scholar.

  As we walked across the academy grounds, Arthur suddenly spoke.

  "Caelan, the student council is still looking for you. They say they need to talk to you. I think they really want to recruit you," he said.

  "So, they still haven’t given up?" Sarah remarked. "If the top scorer in the entrance exam isn't interested, why don’t they try recruiting the second-place student instead?"

  "They need an errand boy," Arthur muttered. "The student council is made up of nobles. They just use commoner students to clean and organize their council room."

  "I see... so that’s why they’re so persistent," Sarah said thoughtfully.

  Sarah separate to us and went to her own class me and Arthur went to ours

  With that, our class finally came to an end.

  "Arthur, Corvan, I’m off to the library," I said, gathering my things.

  "As always," Corvan said with a smirk.

  "See you tomorrow, Caelan," Arthur added.

  I stepped outside the classroom when a soft, soothing voice stopped me.

  "Black hair and black eyes… it’s definitely you."

  I turned toward the speaker.

  Standing before me was a young woman—elegant and undeniably noble. Her blue-green eyes, framed by long, dark lashes, held an intense yet serene gaze. Her golden blonde hair cascaded in soft waves, with loose tendrils framing her delicate features, lending her an almost ethereal beauty. It was the kind of beauty that felt effortless, captivating without being overwhelming.

  "Are you talking to me?" I asked.

  She smiled. "So the rumors are true. You really are handsome."

  I ignored the remark. "What can I do for you?"

  A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "Oh, and you’re polite as well." She curtsied slightly. "I’m Alina de la Vega, second-year student and president of the Huntington Academy student council."

  So, this was the student council president herself.

  "My council members have been looking for you, but you always seem to disappear before they arrive," she continued. "So, I decided to come earlier and find you myself."

  "I see."

  I glanced around and noticed my classmates trickling out of the room, their curious eyes drawn to our conversation. The unwanted attention made me uneasy.

  Alina followed my gaze and smiled. "It’s a bit uncomfortable to talk here, isn’t it? Why don’t we go somewhere else?"

  "Apologies, but I have something important to do," I said. "Can we schedule this for another time?"

  She studied me for a moment before nodding. "Then come to the student council office tomorrow?"

  "I'm sorry, but I can't. I'm still busy."

  "How about the day after tomorrow?"

  "I'm not sure."

  "Then promise me you'll visit the student council office when you're free."

  It seemed she wouldn’t let me go unless I agreed. With a sigh, I relented. "I promise."

  She smiled, satisfied. "That’s enough. I'll wait for you at the student council office, Caelan." With that, she turned and left.

  I exhaled and hurried toward the library. The student council president was a waste of my time.

  Like the past few days, I found nothing useful. I went home with slumped shoulders, walking through the quiet streets of the Northeast District.

  Professor Ironquill might be my last hope for information. But what if he refuses to help? No—I can't think like that. I have to talk to him, no matter what. Even if I have to surrender everything I have—my treasures, the magic stone from the Class S dungeon, and even the guardian dungeon's magic stone—as long as he can tell me how to go back.

  -------------------------------

  "Okay, class, goodbye. Next time, we’ll be covering business sales reports. I'm telling you this in advance so you can prepare," Professor Baldin said.

  He was already gathering his things to leave when he suddenly stopped and looked at me.

  "Caelan, Professor Elias wants to see you in his office after class." Then, without another word, he exited the room.

  My heart pounded. I didn't react right away.

  "Caelan, do you think it's about meeting Professor Ironquill?" Arthur asked.

  "I don't know… but I think that's the reason. I can't think of anything else."

  Arthur was about to say something when someone interrupted.

  "Why does Professor Elias want to talk to you? Is he tutoring you or something?"

  I turned to see Raben Savalenco, a red-haired, red-eyed noble and one of our classmates. He was the same person who had been staring at me so intently back then.

  "No, it's just a personal matter. It has nothing to do with class," I replied.

  "Really?" He still looked at me suspiciously before turning away.

  Raben Savalenco was proud and fiercely competitive. He had ranked second in the entrance exam—just behind me. Because of that, and the constant praise I received from professors, he seemed to see me as his rival.

  "What's his problem?" Arthur muttered, watching Raben leave.

  I grabbed my things. "Arthur, I'm heading out. See you tomorrow."

  Arthur nodded. "I hope you get good results."

  I stood in front of Professor Elias’s office, took a deep breath, and knocked three times.

  "Who is it?"

  "Professor, it’s me—Caelan. Professor Baldin said you wanted to speak with me."

  Ah, Caelan. Come in."

  I pushed the door open and stepped inside. I saw

  Professor Elias sits at an ornate wooden desk, deeply engrossed in his work. The air is thick with the scent of parchment and ink. As his quill stills, he looks up and meets my gaze, a warm smile crossing his face.

  "Sit down," he said.

  I did as instructed, anticipation buzzing in my chest.

  "I have good news for you," he began. "I spoke with Professor Ironquill, and he agreed to meet you. He’s curious about you because of your entrance exam results."

  A wave of emotion swelled inside me, and I couldn’t help but smile. "Thank you so much, Professor Elias."

  "However," he continued, "he’s quite busy. The only time he’s available is on the sixth day when there are no classes. Come to the academy before noon and head to the back of the Headmaster’s building. There’s a small laboratory there—he spends most of his time working inside."

  "I understand." I stood up and bowed. "Thank you again, Professor Elias."

  With this, I was finally going to meet the person who might help me find the answer to how I could return to the world I came from.