Chapter: 87
The session had ended. Despite various incidents and troubles, everything ultimately unraveled well, and everyone was able to enjoy the ending credits with smiles—except for the Evil God, who had been thoroughly beaten and locked up in a simulation prison.
I wondered, wasn’t he beaten to death? But the Evil God was just playing dead, cleverly trying to sneak into the next session. For now, he was apprehended. His last resistance felt rather half-hearted, to be honest.
Frankly, I expected the Evil God to throw more mental attacks my way.
You know, transforming into the appearance of Bennett’s younger sister, or showing hallucinations of Tara’s parents. Or maybe a blood-tear-sobbing Abraham crying out, “Why didn’t you save me?” accompanied by some dramatic sound effects.
There were dozens of great tactics available, yet it felt strange just seeing him flee and die after muttering some cliché lines.
The Tower Master suggested, “Maybe he got hit by the TS Beam too much and lost his mind…?” but I didn’t let my guard down. I had sealed the space where the Evil God met his demise and locked it in a black box.
And that meticulousness proved correct; the bastard was still holding on to a lifeline.
I briefly considered incinerating him right there, but then a thought crossed my mind—perhaps there’s a way to make use of him, if I keep him on a tight leash.
AI has its limits. It’s just a mechanism that moves according to inputted patterns, so it couldn’t respond smoothly to unforeseen circumstances. I had to manually control it during crucial moments. Just like when I entered Joseph’s scene before.
Bennett surprised me with unexpected sharpness, saying, “You’re not Joseph, are you?” If I had left it to the AI, it would have merely repeated, “No, I am Joseph,” and wouldn’t have been able to ad-lib, “I’m the Goddess.”
Complete automation by AI is undeniably challenging. Unless, like in some fairytale, the AI suddenly awakens self-awareness, it’s impossible. And I couldn’t think of ways to enhance AI’s performance at the moment.
That’s why the Evil God, who had become something akin to a spirit fused with something in my mind, looked attractive. If he could play the role of a villain… the possibilities for direction could greatly expand. I got a little greedy.
So, I had been rolling out daily informational bombshells of gratitude for the Evil God. Today’s menu featured “Dancing Girl Dead Serious about B-Boying.”
Rumble rumble.
“Just kill me, you crazy wizard…!!”
Seeing her twirl in a frilly dress while windmilling warmed my heart. It seemed the Evil God appreciated it too.
This operation will continue until the Evil God, ID_013, declares defeat and submission.
===============================================================
Let’s start by reviewing what I gained from this session.
My brain’s performance increased. After becoming aware of something in my head, I realized I had been consistently suppressing part of my brain to keep That at bay.
Upon examining the mental barriers against ‘That’, they felt quite meticulously constructed, more than just some subconscious coping mechanism. It seems my past self devised a strategy and purposely concealed the memory.
The Tower Master’s reason for not informing me must be similar. The more attention ‘That’ received, the more unruly it seemed.
The fact that something was implanted in my head was… unsettling and horrifying. If the bastard consumed me, I might be physically alive, but essentially, I’d be dead. A time bomb in my head…
But I’m trying not to be shaken by that fact. Losing control is precisely what that punk wants. The key point is that I can handle it. Let’s not forget that.
Anyway.
About 7% of That had detached, allowing me to reclaim resources that were being consumed by the mental barriers. If you ask how much improvement I’ve made… perhaps around 5%?
Emotionally, I… became a bit more sensitive. No, it’s more accurate to say a part of me returned to its original state. I suddenly found myself hella into romance. I want to do romance. Yep, let’s dive into romance.
That sums up my internal gains. Now onto the external.
What have I gained externally?
Bennett and Tara underwent metamorphosis. Out of three students taking my class, two of them emerged with metamorphosis. This was a huge accomplishment that would astonish the world and shake the Academy to its core.
What does this mean? It’s like the stock price for my sessions skyrocketing. Attendance for my TRPG classes, which showed low demand, would probably spike. I’m now rich with players…!
Since I had a connection with Tara, I might even snatch cooperation from the Church of the Goddess. Religion has always been a treasure trove of materials. There should be plenty of resources. Perhaps I could even aim for a Holy Relic!
If I could extract info about Black Magic from Bennett, it would lend itself to creating and staging sinister elements like Demonic Arts. I could also maintain historical accuracy.
The quality of the sessions is bound to improve. I’m already bubbling with excitement.
The mission the Second Prince entrusted to me also progressed significantly.
Actually, I had just submitted a brag document to our dear Second Prince. I had caught a Black Wizard and taught my students well. So, haven’t I essentially completed around 300% of the assigned mission? Since I worked so hard, I included a request for a bigger budget at the document’s end.
Of course, I won’t plan to hold such intense sessions in the future. The fact that two people underwent metamorphosis reflects their talent more than my ability.
But the outer crowd doesn’t know that! So!
Even if it’s merely for appearances, I’ll make great use of it.
Alongside my gains, there are numerous matters to handle afterwards. Such as Bennett’s case, and the wicked plans of the Black Wizards. But above all else, there’s something I must address first.
“Tower Master.”
“…⋯⋯”
I’m referring to the matter concerning a small, cute wizard who is sweating profusely from anxiety.
I looked directly into the Purple Magic Tower Master’s eyes and declared more clearly than ever.
“Bringing external matters into a session is forbidden.”
“…B-But we haven’t completely resolved it—”
“This is a matter of conviction.”
“…Conviction?”
The Tower Master’s eyes quivered anxiously. I added an explanation.
“It’s not that I entirely deny that method. It’s certainly efficient, as it minimizes damage; even if it fails, it ends as just an illusion… So, I will still make use of it. However.”
“…⋯⋯⋯”
“Only through proper agreement—whether by paying them or gathering people who genuinely wish to help. I want to attempt it with those who consented, and I don’t want to drag uninformed individuals into it.”
In essence, I want to separate fun from work.
I gestured for the Tower Master to come closer.
The Tower Master, with a slight bow, scurried over and perched on my knees. I lightly massaged her shoulders, and she quivered slightly, flinching at times.
I carefully selected my next words.
“It’s been tough for you, huh?”
“No, it’s not been tough, it’s Tara and Niolle…”
“That’s between them. I’m talking about you, Tower Master.”
If the Tower Master was utterly cold-hearted, pushing the trio into despair without hesitation, it may have been different. But she pressed forward, even grimacing in guilt, simply because she valued me that much.
She suppressed her conscience and whatnot to work hard for me. Honestly, I felt happiness washing over me.
So… even now that things have gracefully concluded, I want to brighten the troubled expression of the Tower Master that still cloaked her in dark clouds, just like a clear blue sky.
“Tower Master, you were really upset about this, weren’t you? You felt guilt, too…”
“Uh-huh…”
“You’ve worked hard. Thank you for your effort on my behalf. But from now on, I’d like you to consult with me. Let’s take a path where everyone can be happy. That would be wonderful, wouldn’t it?”
“…I’m sorry.”
About that guilt.
The fastest and most effective way to alleviate guilt is to be forgiven. The second is to face punishment.
If I were to tell Tara and Niolle, “Everything was just an illusion spell, and your distress was caused by the Tower Master; will you forgive her?” after everything they experienced, I could expect some sharp blades aimed at me. So, I’ll make them happy to indirectly resolve it.
For now, let’s visit proper punishment to diminish the feelings of guilt.
I picked up the Tower Master in a princess carry. She looked up at me with wide eyes.
“…⋯⋯…?!”
“If it bothers you this much, a punishment might be in order.”
“P-Punishment…?! What kind…?!”
“We’re going to the bedroom.”
Poof.
The Tower Master’s face turned bright red, and hearts practically spun around her. Her uncontrolled illusion magic painted the air with various images before vanishing. You know, images of spankings or being tied up with ropes.
I figured she might try to escape. I mean, if she really had her reservations, that would be the natural response, wouldn’t it? But considering she nestled quietly in my embrace, it seems her desire for atonement was quite large.
However, how could I, a disciple, dare lay a hand on my master, who is akin to the heavens? I had no intentions of meting out corporal punishment. I had a more effective method in mind.
I walked down the hallway, still holding onto the Tower Master, and opened the door to Pink-Haired Lesbian’s bedroom.
“?”
“…???”
Pink-Haired Lesbian was lazily rolling around in bed, fully dressed. When she signaled her confusion about the situation, I responded by tossing the Tower Master her way.
Swoosh.
Pwoof.
Whirll.
“…⋯⋯…!!”
Pink-Haired Lesbian ensnared the Tower Master like an octopus capturing a fish. It seems she instinctively clung to what was thrown onto her bed. Truly a succubus, huh?
I solemnly declared, “You may do as you please.”
“…⋯⋯…?!”
The Tower Master’s hair stood on end. It seemed she just realized she was tossed into the lair of a lesbian. Pink-Haired Lesbian received my impromptu toss with a sly, rogue smile.
“Crazy Wizard, can I really go ahead and do this?”
“…⋯⋯…!!!!”
Leaving the Tower Master, who was so astonished she couldn’t breathe behind, Pink-Haired Lesbian and I traded signs and gestures silently. Crazy Wizard, what is the meaning of this? You schemer, are you indirectly trying to assassinate me?
No, I’m not. The Tower Master will behave. I’m just trying to give her a little scare; it’s perfectly fine to satisfy your desires as long as you don’t overstep the bounds.
Very well. But don’t think that this exempts you from your previous boundary-crossing preemptive attack. It’s too late now. Prepare yourself.
What in the world are you saying, Pink-Haired Lesbian?
“Devour her, Pink-Haired Lesbian, I give you permission.”
“As you command.”
“…H-Hek…!!”
I quietly stepped out of the bedroom and closed the door. This should do as a punishment.
I couldn’t quite understand the meaning of the cryptic remark Pink-Haired Lesbian left behind, but what could happen? I had diligently upheld our agreed standards until now!
Later, I heard that Pink-Haired Lesbian merely gave her a good scare before toiling over a full-body muscle massage. Apparently, she had squealed in delight as her knotted feet were kneaded with elbows.
===============================================================
After the session concluded, the next class began. While training students in the Tentacle Labyrinth, Bennett breezed through and approached me.
I had prepped the Perception Reformation Magic, just in case he tried to throw a punch, but luckily it seemed he genuinely wanted to talk. Bennett sheathed his longsword and regarded me with a serious expression.
“Wizard. I have something important to discuss.”
“Ah, perfect timing. I also have something to share with you.”
“Can we speak alone?”
“Come to my lab after class.”
We set a meeting. I had a rough idea of what Bennett might say. The timing was impeccable. I ought to distribute the session’s clear rewards, after all. I had prepared some prizes, and the Tower Master contributed as well.
By the way, I was so proud of her. Impressively, the Tower Master had wrapped the rewards under the premise that the deceased Abraham had prepared something for the players. Moments like these, albeit small, bring about such delightful joy, don’t you agree?
“Hey, Bennett! Stop dawdling and slice that giant tentacle!”
[If you prefer to see someone caught by a tentacle, just hang tight for about six minutes!]
“…I’m on it!”
At the calls of his comrades, Bennett drew his sword once again and dashed back into action.
I rather looked forward to the conclusion of the class.
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