Book Eater

Chapter 18 - At the Crossroad of Trust (2)

Five years at Bergen Academy had taught him one thing: he shouldn't judge people by their light words or temporary actions. Classmates who pretended to be friends had turned away from him, while the professors treated him like a fool. It would be foolish to trust people like them.

However, Professor Vince was different.

- Are you the one they call a long-time dunce? I don't know what idiot created that nickname.

- The answer to this final exam was excellent. If you don't mind, come to my laboratory after school. I will teach you a little more.

- Don't mind those playing tricks on you. You are a better person than anyone at this academy.

- Theodore Miller, do you want to try being a magic scholar?

Theo remembered all of their conversations. Those words had saved the frustrated, disappointed, and ashamed Theodore. Vince was the only one who recognized Theo's value. The academy's best magician had said that he believed in the talent of the long-time dunce. His words had created the present Theodore.

Professor Vince... is the only person in this academy that I trust and can confide in...

If even Vince wasn't trustworthy, then he would never be able to tell anyone in the future. Theodore's eyes sank as he realized something else; he couldn't live like this forever. Eventually, someone would notice books going missing from the library, and people would raise doubts about Theo's sudden skills and performance. In that situation, he was a mere student with neither the power nor the status to fight for his rights. However, it was a different story if he had Professor Vince as his ally.

Obviously, I can try to stop that situation from happening... but like this, I can get help. It will also be easier to get the necessary books.

On one hand, he was gambling on not getting caught before graduation, and on the other, that Vince would not betray him. He couldn't see the future, but the scales in Theodore's mind were leaning toward the latter.

"Professor, I'd like to show you something, so please don't be surprised."

"I'll try."

Vince, who was watching him quietly, nodded with a serious expression. It was just for a moment, but the weight of the worries that had flashed over Theo's face had not been light. So, he needed to be dignified.

Theo took a few deep breaths before placing Roaring Flames, which he was holding in his right hand, on the table. Then he held his left hand above it.

"Gluttony, come out."

As always, it responded faithfully to his call.

Slurp!

A hole opened in his palm, and a tongue fell out of it. Professor Vince flinched, but didn't cast anything. As the eyes of the two people met, Gluttony's tongue wrapped around its prey, the pendant, Roaring Flames, which was emitting an intense magic power.

[+7 Roaring Flames (Accessory)]

[This silver pendant is a high-grade magic stone that contains a small amount of mithril. This pendant was produced by Viscount Carter, and its method of production no longer exists. The owner can form a contract by dripping blood on the pendant in order to use all the functions. When this pendant is activated, magic power and one's affinity for fire magic will temporarily increase.

* The rating of this pendant is Precious.

* When consumed, a considerable amount of magic power will be absorbed.