Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

With a blink of an eye, a group of people were teleported to a theatre.

Rudger, one of the first people to realise the change in location, scoped the area for potential dangers and exits, however, there was none. What caught his eye though, was a giant cinema screen that was the exact same from the modern world that he lived in his previous life. Around him were people from U.N Owen, Seorn and other people like the first princess and Casey Selmore.

———————

Elisa, president of Seorn and a Lexorer (6th Circle) mage, found herself in a situation that was like no other, she was teleported, which was currently known to be impossible in the first place by all species and with unknown technology around her. With no exits around her, she quickly gathered information on the people around her, all of this happening in a matter of seconds.

———————

U.N. Owen was taken aback and put themselves in fighting positions, only to find that there was no danger, relaxing their posture, they still put their defences up, just in case… just in case.

———————

As the first princess and the one who was next in line to receive the crown, nobody dared to touch her rashly, even when she didn’t have supporters. Now that she found herself teleported with other people. It seems like she wasn’t the only victim to this ploy.

———————

Other parties, like the students of Seorn and Casey, put their guards up as they got teleported, except they found themselves seated, unlike some of the other adults who were standing.

.

.

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“Hello people! Hi, I’m the one that brought all of you here, feel free to ask questions! Address me as sleepy, a lower case ‘S’ at that!”

With another presence that joined them, they found themselves asking questions, even Rudger, who knew that he had better self restraint than now.

“Where are we?”

“Who are you?”

“ What are you?”

“Why did you bring us here?”

“Why-“

“Okay okay, stop. This isn’t going to work out, one at a time roll call order (I swear making emotions stronger backfired, I just needed the MC to ask questions like a normal, untraumatised human being D:). Princess Eileen can go first.”

“Where are we?”

“We are in the R.O.T or the Room of Truths, no secrets stay here, I do know ALL of your secrets. However, R.O.T’s real purpose is just a reaction room, so I guess enjoy? Yes, Mage Elisa can go next (omg no, that was too cringe 💀).”

“I’d like to ask two questions, how did you teleport us here and, I hope I’m not being rude, but what are you?”

“I guess I’m a God no need to , I took interest in you guys cuz a [Holy Grail] used God’s powers, and I need some content, that’s the source of my powers. Because frail old me just started the journey, I only have up to a certain knowledge of the future, although that would be very far for you. … ugh. Noble Hugo Burtag, your next.”

(Rudger froze listening to this, maybe it was wrong.. maybe being born was a curse. Maybe-)

Hugo Burtag (like the asshole he is) spoke proudly : “So you do know me, I am the great Hugo Burta-“

“Shut up, I know everything about you including all of your dirty little secrets, I don’t mind spoilers. So hurry up and ask your question, and just so you know [Holy Grail] I wasn’t part of this human creation thing, I’m lazy so I just played games and slept.”

“Who is this [Holy Grail] guy that you keep on talking about, URGH!”

“Your gonna react to him, next. And since I’m nice, Rudger Chelsea. ”

Rudger couldn’t help but freeze, as someone who know that this identity was fake and that all of his secrets would come to light, he could tell that the God was amused and interested in his next move. (sleepy : I’m the writer, but I’m excited myself. Help-)

Taking a deep breath, he spoke “Is there a way to stop the non-attribute magic curse?” (Of course, he’s Rudger, the guy that legit just goes : business [help- i can’t- 😂])

“Hmm, interesting. Anyways, I don’t know, I didn’t know you guys existed, no offence, until I was God’s power being used repetitively ever since that one insane era with Lumensis. And I think you will find out anyways in the future. Just react.”

With questions being answered (sleepy : totally not me running out of motivation and questions) the reaction started.

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Characters (recap info)

MC (duh)

• Rudger Chelsea (Heathcliff Van Bretus)

Seorn

• Elisha Willows
• Hugo Burtag
• Selina (Esmeralda)
• Flora Lumos 
• Renei
• Aidan
• Leo
• Erendir Von Exilion

U.N. Owen

• Violetta
• Hans
• Arfa

Other

• Casey Selmore
• Eileen Von Exilion
• Grander

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Lets get started!!!

Chapter Text

Most parents recommended high-ranking jobs such as 'doctor' and 'judge' when their children dreamed of their future job.

That was because the jobs that ended with the letter 'sa' were all well-acknowledged.

[Side Note: Doctors and judges were 'uisa' and 'pansa' in Korean, and most of the high-ranking jobs in Korean ended with 'sa'.]

As the petty noble he is, Hugo Burtag spoke up, “Job? Psh- we all know it’s the mages, wizards and the other political figures that are on the top, doctors…? Healers do the job. What is this nonsense?!? Is this another world???” [u cannot blame me, he is an utter piece of trash that deserves to be eliminated 😒, I still gave him like half a brain to say that last question]

Rudger couldn’t help but flinch and then freeze, grabbing the attention of Elisa,

‘Interesting, really interesting. How could he know though? That flinch was unnecessary…’

Or they would at least recommend a civil servant job, which was said to be a quite good job with stable income as well.

No parent wanted their child to go through a tiring and difficult path.

However, it was very different in my case.

“My son, you should be a shaman.”

“What?”

Elisa spoke up : “I agree, this is probably a different world, and as far as I’m concerned, Shamans aren’t an occupation.” After a light pause, she continued, “Maybe we should ask Mister Rudger, I have a suspicion that he knows about this.”

As all eyes stared at Rudger, who dismissed that action with a wave of his hand, “Just continue reacting, we’ll figure it out.”

Despite his cool and calm demeanour outside, he couldn’t stop sweating and stop his heart from beating erratically. ‘From what I see, it's going to show all of my identities, this is dangerous, I used my real face so it's going to be harder to run off and switch identities, dang it, if only that guy didn’t die in the train. Too late to go back now though.’

That was what my mother said to me when I lost my father early and grew up with my unreliable younger sister.

Although my family was not very lean or poor, I still studied hard to become a doctor in order to earn money… Or perhaps to be a scientist or a developer.

Casey Selmore took pride in being rational and a genius, but at this moment all she could think of was the assumed commoners to be some part of a cult. Accidentally muttering out “Commoner cult?”, Rudger’s eyebrow twitched, feeling annoyed at that insult despite knowing that this was the modern world.

What my mother recommended to me, who had made such meticulous plans towards a scientific route, was not a liberal arts route or even music and physical education, but it was a path of a completely different level.

How should I say it? Was it theology?

“Oh, what did you say?”

“You didn't hear me right, so I'll say it again. You have to be a shaman.”

“But I don't want to.”

My answer was firm.

I wasn't going to be a shaman. Why all of a sudden?

My mother's eyebrows shook once at my daring answer, then she spoke in a strong tone.

“You have the qualities of a shaman—all kinds of deities are looking after you. You have no other path than to become a shaman.”

I was dumbfounded to hear that.

“Who is this person? Are they related to the Bretus Empire?”

Others were agreeing with whoever spoke up, all focused on figuring out where this took place.

The qualities of a shaman, she said. I had such a talent, she said.

Other than the absurdity of it, I just didn't think of anything.

After that, my mother mainly said things that she should not have said to her son, such as saying I had unique qualities and that I was destined to suffer if I did not become a shaman and experience shaman possession.

What did I say back then?

“Never, I don't want to.”

“If you don't, you'll experience a big disaster someday. I'm saying this out of concern for you.”

Casey recked though her brain on big disasters but couldn’t find anything related with extremely tall foreign buildings and unnatural clothes. [nooooo! the fashion sense… dang but all of them still be looking hot though 😏]

“If it's for me, you should've supported me on the path I want to walk on!”

Flora Lumos, as an illegitimate child, could slightly relate to this, but she knew that her past was darker than whoever this was about… she was just a tool for her family, it was just her talents, she wanted approval she- [cutting off the angst guys, this is a reaction… u know totally not just me altering people’s mind so the chapters shorter 👀]

I remembered saying that sternly and shutting myself in my room.

To be frank, I was rightfully resentful and upset. She couldn't compliment her child, who had been planning his life since his puberty in middle school, yet she told him to give up everything and become a shaman?

The people of the U.N. Owen were composed throughout, but they couldn’t help but ask, “Middle school?”

Hans muttered, “Dang it, is this an effect from the R.O.T?” [yes it is, and i’ll make ur life hell from that… not u ofc just the angsty MC. edit : I take it back, ur included Hans.]

Instead, those words prompted me to study harder with a sense of defiance.

My mother kept bothering me and forcing me to do religious things and even taught me strange knowledge such as myths, magic, and sorcery.

Grander, who was lazily watching, looked at her disciple all nervous and rigid. He was the prince of the Bretus kingdom, that was his original identity, so what was he all scared about? If the first initial shock of teleportation shook him, sure, but even more after watching magic getting called non-existent, something was up. She would just question her disciple later, this was actually interesting.

But I didn't give up. The more she did so, the more it raised my anger as I gained all kinds of rational knowledge to strengthen my brain.

After more than 10 years, when I had grown to be an adult and became a member of society, I had died.

Selina couldn’t help but comment, “Uh, isn’t this cut short? I mean they died… it's not gonna be like they reincarnate or something.” [u don’t deserve this, but someone needed some karma here… I’M SO SORRY U DON’T DESERVE THIS U POOR CHILD!]

—It was a car accident.

'It was really ridiculous.'

Was that what my mother meant about experiencing a disaster?

And what was even more surprising was something that happened afterwards…

I was alive. To be exact, I was dead once, but then I was reborn.

Grander, an 8th circle mage, would only get interested in new things, but as someone who was a vampire and extremely strong in human standards, widened her eyes at a new fact of possibilities.

The rest of the people there were in pure shock at the fact, the closest of that happening was healing someone on the verge of death or arising people from the dead, the possibility of re-incarnation was unknown to them (its transmigration people, but like, they don’t have Webtoon) [OMG NO WEBTOON HOW COULD THEY?!?!?]

I couldn't believe the afterlife existed. I had thought everything my mother said was a lie, but who would have thought that it was all true?

Foolishly, human beings would not realise what they had not experienced in person, and I could feel it bitterly through the experience of death.

And what am I doing now?

“It will be included in the class. Everyone, open your textbook. Continuing on from last time, I'll teach you how to draw a magic circle.”

I'm a Professor at the Academy of Magic.

“Who is this? Do they work at Seorn? I mean, we must be related somehow to react to them?” (pretend Rudger is blurred and nobody can recognise him cuz their blind) [yes i am an annoying little shit]

…How did this happen?

Finally, some truths are revealed! Since a flashback was coming up, most of the room watched with extreme interest. Rudger was sweating abnormally at this point, although his outside demeanour was calm.

A Magic Engineering locomotive that spurted out white steam arrived at the station.

Click! Choo choo!

The sound of compressed steam spewing resounded out refreshingly as irons were interlocked to each other.

The passengers who were waiting at the station got on the train one by one, and while watching the scene, I took a deep breath before boarding the train.

My body even felt refreshed due to the clear air that permeated my lungs.

The sky was clear without a single trace of clouds, and even a pleasant freshness could be felt in the cold air of the winter season that had just ended.

There was not much time left until the departure of the Magic Engineering locomotive, which was heading to the Exileon Empire.

‘Okay, he is inside my empire… could it be Rudger, he’s always an abnormal case…’ Crown Princess Eileen was adamant to find out the person’s secrets.

I raised my hand and brushed my face lightly.

I felt a peculiar foreign sensation through my gloved hands.

'The face camouflage mask definitely sticks well.'

It was inevitable because I had to hide my identity.

Eileen’s expression widened, the only person that talented at hiding their identity was Rudger, who was previously Jack the Reaper (its a novel spoiler, I warned u). ‘Interesting, and this is just the start, I wonder what the future will bring us.’

On the other side, Grander’s eyes landed on her disciple, who would be interrogated later.

I got on the train with a natural step in order not to arouse suspicion from other people.

“Let me check your ticket,” the conductor spoke to me as I got on the train.

I took the ticket out of the frock coat's pocket that I wore and handed it over to him.

“Confirmed. Mr. Gerrard. Have a nice trip.”

Students of Seorn collectively asked : “This old man is a reincarnator? Who is he?” [he’s ur teacher guys… but I ain’t telling u, i’m silent for this since yall rn’t the disruptive type]

After receiving a formal greeting from the conductor, I replied with a slight nod.

When I checked the ticket I took back from him, room 403 was written on it.

In other words, it was the third cabin of the fourth compartment. The corridor was narrow enough for only one person to walk around, but it was long, and the doors lined up at a large gap on one side.

The Magic Engineering train I had just boarded wasn't called a luxury train for no reason, thus all the seats were divided into each room in the long hallway.

Room 401.

Room 402.

Room 403.

'Here it is.'

I checked the plaque before I opened the door and went inside.

The moment I opened the door, I smelled the strong scent of old trees.

The inside wasn't that fancy, but it had everything that was essential.

—A comfortable-looking seat that was divided from left to right and storage space for luggage, along with a signal bell that was installed to call the clerk if I needed anything.

'This isn't bad.'

I hadn't packed heavy luggage in my bag, so I only moved forward and sat down lightly on my seat.

The seat was soft, maybe because it was a luxurious train.

Looking out of the window, the vast scenery of the northern mountain range was engraved in my sight.

The tops of the sharply towering mountain range were covered with white snow, making them look like giants that were wearing white cone hats.

The train would soon squeeze through the cracks of that mountain range.

'Now that I've come this far, can I be relieved?'

My name is Gerrard.

Seorn’s principal, who didn’t know that her employee was ‘Gerrard’, mumbled, “now that we have his name, finding traces of him and his identity will be tracked…”

I was once an ordinary person living in South Korea.

Arfa spoke up, “Where is South Korea?”, but was quickly silenced by Rudger.

Of course, that was my past life, and I had died in a mysterious car accident.

The place where I woke up after I died like that was the world I am in right now.

—A mysterious world where magic and science coexisted, completely different from Earth.

I was enjoying my new second life here.

'I'm on the train to the Empire, so I'll rest until I get there.'

The Exileon Empire…

It was known to be the largest and most powerful nation on the continent.

It was the birthplace of Magic Engineering, where magic and machines coexisted equally, and it was the place where wizards and magic towers existed.

I was heading to that Empire on the train.

'Is the big city of Leathevelk the transit station in the middle of the trip?'

With new pieces of information flowing in, people’s search areas lessened. (did i JUST realise that they're probs smart enough to realise that it's gonna be revealed later? Yes. but for the content i’mma say no.)

I checked the contents of the information pamphlet next to my seat after I pulled it out.

The scheduled final destination of the Magic Engineering train, which was just departing, was the capital of the Empire.

However, there was no way that there would be a train heading to the capital of a country directly from the border of another country.

It was the same even for the first-class Magic Engineering train, which only the qualified and rich people could ride.

Naturally, there were two transit stations in the middle of the trip.

Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks

Leathevelk was the first one, and it could be seen as a city that was more famous than the capital in some ways.

—Because it was the place where Magic Academy—the dream of all aspiring wizards—existed.

The students of Seorn were proud to be mentioned.

'Is it an Academy? What an amazing world.'

It had been decades since I had started living my second life, but there were still many things that I couldn't adapt to.

The sense of separation from my past life must have been great.

But the Academy wasn't a place that had anything to do with me anyway—I didn't have to worry about it.

“He’s not at Seorn, I don’t know, who is he?” Casey was troubled once more, her thoughts could only think about James Moriatary, who was known to be a genius mathematician, he could be the person, especially since the person is assumed to come from another world… [i mean- she’s not wrong but-]

Bump.

While I was immersed in such thoughts, the train vibrated slightly once.

'Are they going to depart slowly?'

Woo wooo woo!!!

As I expected, the train honked to announce its departure.

Within a minute at the earliest, the train would run through the vast northern mountains.

'Am I going to be alone in this room? It'd be nice since it's comfortable.'

While I was immersed in such foolish thoughts, the door of room 403 opened with a rattle as if it had been waiting for that moment.

It wasn't the clerk. A well-dressed man in his mid-20s came inside. He was handsomely tall, and he wore a brown frock coat with a design similar to mine.

There was no way a train clerk would wear such clothes, so it meant he was the guest who would use the same room as me.

Speak of the devil…

I didn't know there was another passenger.

'I was wrong in thinking that I could have a comfortable trip without feeling some sort of constraint.'

Aidan couldn’t help but comment, “Poor guy.” despite now knowing the person at all. [I mean look at the hot MC and his old man disguise like HOW?]

When I was sighing inwardly like that, the other person looked at me and greeted me.

“Hello.”

He greeted me first, so I nodded my head slightly and accepted his greeting.

I didn't want to exchange words for a long time, so I responded to him as if I had a silent personality.

He didn't care much about my behavior and sat in the seat across from me.

Woo wooo woo—-!!!

The train started to depart with a loud horn.

At first, the Magic Engineering locomotive rattled and shook, but the shaking disappeared as soon as the speed increased.

The tickets weren't pricey for no reason. Just as the high price was beyond an ordinary person's purchasing ability, the level of speed and convenience were different compared to ordinary steam locomotives.

The scenery outside the transparent window quickly flashed past me.

The snow piled high, and the needleleaf trees stood firmly in the snow. The white snow mountain that covered all of it was so beautiful that it naturally drew my attention.

However, after I kept watching it for 10 to 20 minutes, I got tired of it because it was getting boring.

I took out the newspaper that was stuck together next to the pamphlet and opened it.

There were no laptops or smartphones in this world, so the only things that I could use to kill time were books and newspapers.

[The civil war in the Kingdom of Utah is over]

[The Princess's faction won]

Such an article was showcased prominently on the front page of the newspaper.

Until recently, a civil war had been ongoing, and it was the Kingdom of Utah that had recruited a large number of mercenaries from all over the country.

People in the room all thought (minus Rudger and U.N. Owen) ‘but we already know this…’

And it was also the country where the train station from which the Magic Engineering train departed from was located.

A black-and-white photograph was embedded between articles printed in black-letter fonts—it was a picture of the Princess's faction that had announced their victory in the war.

“So the civil war in the Kingdom of Utah is over.”

A voice was heard beyond the newspaper.

I lowered the newspaper that was covering my face slightly and stared at the man across from my seat.

If he asked me directly like that, I couldn't just ignore it, so I opened my mouth.

“Yeah. I was wondering when it would end. I'm glad it ended faster than I thought it would.”

“It wasn't long ago that the Prince's faction gathered a large number of mercenaries and military strength from all over the country, yet they still lost. I'm glad it ended early.”

“But it's not like there wasn't any damage at all.”

“Really? Oh, I'm late to introduce myself. I'm Ludger Chelysie.”

Most students asked “Mister Rudger?”, [look I KNOW it says Ludger but NO its RUDGER 2 me] after all he looked nothing like the teacher they knew. 

Elisa’s eyes zeroed on him, all of the puzzle pieces fit together. HE was the reincarnator. ‘Interesting… very interesting…’

'Ludger Chelysie. Since he has a surname, is he a nobleman ?'

However, he showed no arrogance or rudeness particular to the aristocracy.

“My name is Gerrard. I do not have a surname.”

I didn't have a surname.

In other words, I had revealed that I was a commoner.

“Oh. You don't have to be too uncomfortable. I'm from a fallen aristocrat family.”

“Oh, I see.”

Him being a fallen aristocrat made sense.

They were aristocrats but not actual aristocrats.

“Where are you going, Mr. Gerrard?”

“I'm heading to Lyne de Bruneau, the capital of the Empire. I've got business there.”

“Well, if someone as good as you has business there, it would certainly be something great, right?”

I smirked and shook my head at the joke that Mr. Ludger had told me.

“It's not work-related, it's just a visit for some sightseeing.”

“Sightseeing, you said. That's good, too. I've only heard it, but the Exileon Empire has developed a lot of magical technology, so there's a lot to see.”

“Then where are you going, Mr. Ludger?”

“I'm going to Leathevelk.”

“Leathevelk is where the Academy exists. Do you happen to have business there?”

“Yeah. Well, I'm not bragging, but I'm assigned to be a Professor at Sören Academy.”

There was no faking it, he really was the supposed Rudger that taught them. But the Rudger they knew had longer hair and had a more cold attitude.

“Whoa.”

I was genuinely impressed.

The Empire's Largest Academy of Magic .

—The place where all kinds of the wonder children that existed on the continent gathered—it was a cultivation ground of the future to carve the jades that would bear the world into jewels.

Of course, the students who gathered there only consisted of children with the best talents, and the professors who taught them were those who had been strictly selected accordingly.

It meant that the man in front of me was one of them.

“You seem to be young, but your skill must be outstanding.”

“No. It's just that the public thinks highly of me. Actually, I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth at a critical moment.”

“I've heard that there are enormous people who failed because they still couldn't satisfy the Academy with the skin of their teeth. I think you should be proud enough.”

“Thank you for your appraisal of me. Oh, rather than that, about the civil war in the Kingdom of Utah, have you heard of the rumor?”

“What rumor?”

“They said that there was a leading figure in the civil war that led to the victory of the Princess's faction.”

“Hmm, leading figure, huh.”

“But to my surprise, they said that he was neither a skillful wizard nor a high-ranking knight but a wandering mercenary.”

Rinei spoke up : “Isn’t that the dead war hero Machiavelli?”

Nobody responded, all internally agreeing with her.

A wandering mercenary who had made great contributions to the victory of a nation's civil war…

It hadn't been revealed in the newspaper yet, but was it that word of mouth had spread among the people?

“Mercenary Machiavelli. That's his name.”

Rinei was right, though most people were figuring out how Rudger became Rudger and who the real Rudger was.

“I see,” I chimed in at his words in a slightly apathetic tone.

“You're not that surprised, are you?”

“Haha. I just think it's a false rumor.”

I had said that I didn't know, but it was actually a lie.

I knew the name “Mercenary Machiavelli” very well.

There's no way I couldn't know.

Because Machiavelli was…

The identity I used before Gerrard.

A collective “WHAT?!?!” was heard throughout the room…

T.B.C.

____

Chapter Text

The movie screen fizzed a bit, then the next episode started, with the title ‘To the Empire’s Capital [2]; NO INTERLUDE’. 

Rudger didn’t really mind this, since one of his worst worries was Rinei finding out that he killed her mother, although he can’t say anything (bro, it wasn’t your fault. The MC is such an depresso  😞).

Casey Selmore couldn’t believe it. The most logical time that a person, or the self-proclaimed god sleepy (i mean… technically i’m a god in their standards cuz like i can just *abandons fic* and murder them), would allow an interlude would be when a giant reveal happened or people weren’t able to watch enough without a break; what reveal would be so mind-blowing that the fact that Machiavelli was not dead couldn’t compare to it. (she doesn’t know… SHE DOESN’T KNOW!!!)

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But why had the man in front of me asked me about Machiavelli's existence?

Elisa, Casey and others were focusing on uncovering Machiavelli’s identity since the not-so-dead-but-dead war hero was there, as they watched through the screen.

Renei, Flora and the others were more focused on why the professor Rudger displayed on the screen was not cold and had shorter hair.

It was also a fake identity that I had been using until not long before then.

After a few seconds, everyone shouted the same thing (minus Rudger) : “WHAT?!?!”

To them, it was an absolutely shocking fact that, despite some mercenaries having to go and fake an identity solely on missions, someone famous as Machiavelli could live in peace for the rest of his life as a hero in the Kingdom of Utah.

Crown Princess Eileen’s eyes narrowed on Rudger, the only person she knew capable of those feats, although she was a bit shocked that one of his identities was THE Machiavelli, she couldn’t forget him working under her as Jack the Reaper.

'No way… is he doing it on purpose because he knows?'

'What is his hidden intention?'

For a moment, I suspected that he was a tracer sent by the princess's faction of the Kingdom of Utah, but I didn't think so.

Looking back at that again, more people became confused on why this seemingly old man (its a disguise, HE’S HOT!!!) abandoned such a famous identity. 

It wasn’t logical. If the Utah Kingdom found out, then they would track him down to the ends of the continent, if not, then he has to be wary.

It was a confusing situation, being more beneficial to stay in the Kingdom of Utah as a normal war hero (but the relics…).

This caused some people’s interests in this person’s identity to stir up more [a.k.a. Elisha, Eileen and Casey].

Ludger hadn't taken any other action other than asking me the question.

Rather, his eyes and actions showed something closer to pure curiosity.

'So it's just a mere coincidence?'

'A professor of Sören…'

Sören Academy was so famous that news regarding it had passed by on word of mouth even to faraway countries.

The fact that such a young man was to be Sören's newly appointed professor meant that the person in front of me was a person with great talent.

Elisha felt proud of Seorn’s reputation that she maintained over the years as principal, along with the students who attended the academy. (i just realised that this translated version spells it as S-ö-r-e-n; idgaf)

I surely didn't know it at first, but I could gradually feel that something was odd with that guy.

But instead of raising my guard, I shook my head inwardly.

'Let's just say it's a coincidence for now.'

I couldn't let it show because I'd feel guilty.

Casey couldn’t comprehend this. Despite knowing that the person’s identity would be revealed in the future, her detective instincts were restless at the amount of unknown information and questions that were piling in her head.

‘Why do you leave if you feel that much guilt? Is the Kingdom of Utah useless to you now?’

I naturally turned to the next page of the newspaper and listened to his words.

“If there was really someone like that, he would have been in the newspapers.”

“Ha ha. Well, there are things that aren't easily revealed to the public.”

“That's interesting. Is it okay for you to say that to someone you've just met today?”

“Well, there's no reason why I can't do it, right? And, Mr. Gerrard, it's my first time seeing you today, but somehow I feel like we're on the same page.”

“I'm grateful that Sören's reputable professor has a good opinion of such an old man.”

Ludger didn't seem to be able to take his interest off of me, perhaps because he had a good image that was well-liked by others.

He couldn't let it pass quietly without a word.

Because it had become like that, I decided to respond to him appropriately.

Leo couldn’t help but wish he had that much courage to just abandon everything… but his family was held hostage and he didn’t have those top notch acting skills. Hopefully the future shows himself free… although that was just his dreaming (their all PTSD induced smol beans).

Still, having a companion to talk with made me less lonely, so there was nothing bad about it.

“Mr. Ludger, when you arrive in Sören, will you go to a lesson right away?”

“Not immediately, but I'll have to wait a while.”

“Teaching first year?”

“No. I'm in charge of the second year.”

“Oh, so you teach the second year. Don't newly appointed professors usually handle the new students in the first year? Well, you're more amazing than I thought you'd be.”

It was only a rumor I had heard, but Sören Magic Academy had an image that was close to a university when judged compared to Earth.

“Hmm, this Earth seems to have similar education to us. I do wonder what a university is.” Elisha grumbled to herself about all of these new facts that she learns. A lexorer classed mage is not all omniscient (omniscient reader view-) and everything.

It was said that all kinds of buildings were built on a huge expanse of land and that there were already thousands of units only for the employees who lived and worked there.

Although it was adjacent to a large city, Sören's scale was literally close to a small city, so there were even some comparisons going around that it was like two cities next to each other.

The students of Sören ranged from 1st year to 5th year.

Usually, the higher the year, the smarter the children become, so it would be fundamental to have a competent professor in the senior year and a newly appointed professor in the first year.

But I couldn't believe he was going to teach the second year from the start of his appointment.

Elisha proudly stated : “Not going to lie, Professor Rudger over here has displayed outstanding capabilities, even teaching the first years.”

Rudger couldn’t help but sweat a bit more at that statement, especially after knowing what was going to go down.

I had thought that he might be quite a great man, but he turned out to be more than that.

'He wouldn't be able to become a professor in Sören for no reason.'

The Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

This was a world that had achieved an industrial revolution called iron and steam, but if I should pick a different aspect from the Earth, of course, it was the existence of magic.

'I've only seen it in fantasy novels before.'

Hans thought : ‘Wow, the leader really demoted us to fiction.’

The existence of magic was inseparable from this world, and most definitely, magic was always the exclusive possession of the chosen ones.

—Because one couldn't use magic if they couldn't handle it.

But…

Unlike in the past, where only aristocrats of noble blood could use it, those days, there was an exponentially growing number of skill supremacies as common people could also learn magic as long as they had the talent.

Sören was the place where one could get into the top Magic Academy with just that skill.

'I'm curious at this point. What kind of place is it?'

Usually, when it came to a magic academy, I couldn't help but think of a famous literary work from when I lived on Earth.

—Students flying around on brooms and using magic with wooden sticks…

Perhaps children who came across that kind of magic school's movies and books in their childhood had dreams about it.

A magic school.

—There was nothing as dreamy as that.

But there really was such a thing in this world.

—Students who learned magic and enjoyed their youth.

'Youth… huh.'

In my past life, my father had died early, so I couldn't afford to enjoy it.

Renei, who lost her mother early on in life, asked out in concern, “Are they okay?”

Rudger, the person she was referring to, couldn’t help but be buried in a bit more guilt.

I had studied like crazy with the obligation to support my family, and I was under pressure to succeed.

My second life wasn't particularly different from my previous life.

No, it was even worse.

There was a reason why I had been walking around hiding my identity.

Casey realised that this person lead a dangerous life with the person’s family probably following and/or tracking them down. It now made sense to her that staying as one identity is dangerous for them… this was just a speculation though, there could be other reasons. (u go girl. Girl power!!!)

'I must be wanting something out of nothing if I wished for it now as well.'

It had been about 27 years since I had been born in this world and lived again.

I was no longer on the path of burning youth or whatever you would call it.

The Academy of Magic or whatever was just a story from a different world.

It was still the same regarding the man called Ludger in front of me, who was closely related to the Academy.

I—who lived with a false identity to hide my true identity—and that man—who stood on the shining stage of Sören—were extremely different.

But since he had become a Sören professor at a young age, I decided to congratulate him earnestly.

'Cause he's a fallen nobleman.'

There were still classes of society in this world, and the nobles were definitely the pinnacle of such classes in society.

Aiden gasped, “They don’t have class in the place called Earth?”

Sleepy interfered, not wanting the poor smol bean and to make it realistic : “It's about how rich someone is and one’s attitude in that world. Some aspects are harder, although they don’t have magic, as already shown.”

However, those who were in such a place and fell to the abyss existed.

Whether it was because of their rebellion against the state, or they got on the wrong side of those with higher statuses, or they were in huge debts.

Anyway, those nobles had fallen to the abyss for various reasons.

Fallen aristocrat.

Considering that fallen aristocrats were more despised by their fellow aristocrats than by the commoners, the man named Ludger in front of me must have made a really bloody effort until he became a professor at Sören.

While I was immersed in such thoughts, I felt something strange outside.

'What is it?'

I had no choice but to be filled with strange anxiety as I threw a slight glance out of the window.

The atmosphere was strange.

The air was heavy, to be exact.

It was as if something was going to happen.

“What's wrong?” Ludger asked, seeming to feel something odd with my response.

I didn't answer, and I had my five senses on edge.

…Something was coming.

“Is something—”

It was the moment Ludger was about to open his mouth.

Rudger, who knew what it was, couldn’t help but show outward signs of anxiety, his inner turmoil growing and the lack of excuses that he could think of. The truth about relics should never be shown to the world.

A powerful jolt along with a huge explosion shook the Magic Engineering train violently.

The train's cabin shook, and the train that was running on the railroad swung to the side.

I held the chair's handle firmly in order to balance my body.

“What is this…? Did the engine burst?”

Ludger muttered so, but I shook my head as I didn't know.

The engine didn't seem to have burst.

There was no way the whole train would shake because of one engine going out.

Arfa spoke up, “Is this an attack?” Hiding his actual age and maturity was one of the minor missions that the leader had given him, since he wasn’t exactly human.

In addition, when it came to safety, there was no way that the engine of an exclusive Magic Engineering locomotive would explode by itself.

There must have been something. A reason why that explosion had been inevitable.

It seemed that my uneasy imagination wasn't wrong, as something began to run busily, thumping loudly on the ceiling of the train.

At the same time, a loud noise was heard from the leading compartment.

—The sound of something breaking and of people screaming. I realised exactly what had happened.

“It's a raid.”

“A raid? On this train?”

“Most of the passengers on this Magic Engineering train are wealthy merchants and aristocrats. The robbers in the northern mountains must have done this while aiming for them.”

Most of the passengers on that expensive Magic Engineering locomotive were rich people. Obviously, there were many people who were after their money and valuables, and raids by the robbers who were targeting those trains occasionally took place.

'Even so, I can't believe they're doing this on the train that's heading from the border to the Empire.'

Those bastards who attacked right then were pretty much not in their right mind either.

They were so daring that they even became extremely reckless.

'The explosion that shook the train a little while ago. I don't think it's from a normal force.'

I narrowed my eyes because I had something that I had speculated.

'Is it magic?'

“This is dangerous, are they okay?” Casey, who was used to corpses and other disfigured sights that would make an average person hurl, couldn’t help but be worried.

There was a wizard among the raiders.

If a wizard was involved, such a bold move was feasible.

If they quickly robbed and escaped with the help of a wizard, they could hide safely in the steep northern Arette mountains. It would have been hard to chase them.

If that something was what they were planning, they were definitely not ordinary robbers.

If they had a wizard with such firepower and attacked a train with aristocrats on board, those bold guys could never be ordinary people in the first place.

Since magic existed in this world, there were also some people who did bad things with magic.

“Mr. Ludger, I think you should hide or avoid the attack for now.”

Ludger nodded as he listened to my words.

Ludger picked up his luggage. Did he try to take his bag in that situation? There must have been something important inside it.

I stood up because I also wasn't in a position to worry about others. The first one to take the lead was Ludger.

“I'll stand in front of you just in case.”

“Yes.”

For the moment, my identity was as a commoner in his 40s who had a lot of money.

That guy who became an academy professor in his mid-20s would fight better.

Aiden, one of the last people expected to speak, spoke up, “Does this Professor Rudger die there?”

Silence took over the room, the screen pausing. It made sense. Since this person who is assumed to be the ‘original’ Rudger, was different and the person near them was a master at changing identities, it would make the most plausible conclusion. However, other possibilities couldn’t be crossed off.

It was a watch to find out activity after all. (i’m still gonna make them have insane reactions when they go to that part tho. mwahahaha)

Ludger took out a small wooden wand in his right hand and raised his guard.

The two of us opened the room's door and examined the movement in the corridor of compartment four.

There wasn't anyone in sight yet. The passengers seemed to be waiting quietly in their rooms for the moment.

'It's the wrong choice.'

Casey, having extensive knowledge on attacks for her profession, exclaimed, “That is true, a mage can get through magic protection if they are strong enough.”

Just as she stated, the shown persons’ thoughts were similar, if not the same.

It was said that the cabins themselves were protected by magic, but the robbers who attacked were not ordinary people either. In that situation, sitting still in the cabin was like sticking out your own neck to be slaughtered.

In times like that, the best plan was to stay as far away from those robbers as possible.

'But there's no way the robbers who penetrated compartment three haven't entered here yet.'

I thought that they'd scatter right away and then extort money and valuables from the passengers, but was I wrong?

Or maybe they were after the first compartment, in front of ours.

The first compartment was the first-class seating where the nobles stayed. It was a VIP room that was strictly protected—in other words, it was the golden egg that had the most money.

'It's a relief.'

We just needed to step back while they were drawn to the first compartment.

Of course, rescue signals were installed in that kind of Magic Engineering train to prepare for an unexpected attack and in case of an emergency.

The backup force would probably be running in the early hours.

I just had to hang in there until they arrived.

Crash!

At that moment, a man broke into the hallway window.

At the moment that Leo saw the uniform, he paled, it was the Liberation Army that he was serving; forced to serve.

‘What did they want, they wanted to ‘eradicate’ nobility and make everything equal, not riches… Why the Professor? He’s a fallen noble… maybe that's that.’

As he was fluttering the snow from his shoulders, which he had not brushed off yet, he raised his head and stared at us after he sensed our presence.

His eyes were severely bloodshot.

'His first impression is brutal. Is he high on drugs?'

Leo knew them well, they were crazy people, one who would rival the Lumensis cult in their loyalty towards their beliefs. Except they were more cruel, they enslaved his family, the one and ONLY reason why he was serving under them as a spy.

His appearance, which was suffused with hatred and anger, seemed to be completely different from a robber's.

In that cold weather, I wondered if he was going all out after waiting for the train.

“Aaaargh!”

But before I could reveal that mystery, he yelled at us when he found us first.

At the same time, Ludger revealed his magic.

The students of Seorn, who were still doubtful of the Professor Rudger shown on screen, used this to check whether or not it was some weird hair-job that the professor had done before teaching at Seorn.

It was a sorcery in which threadlike strands of magic power were carved in the air in front of the wand.

—The sorcery that seemed to carve a three-dimensional picture in the air soon combined into a single spell.

Zzzt!

A flash of light penetrated the intruder's chest when it seemed that a blue lightning bolt had formed.

“Aaaargh!”

The robber, who was rushing toward our side, fell flat onto the floor stomach-first and shook his body.

After assessing the skills, it was like Rudger’s but still lacking, also fighting unlike the Professor that they know now.

“Did you kill him?” I asked while looking at Ludger.

“No, I just incapacitated him,” Ludger replied before slowly approaching the fallen robber with a cautious face.

He continued to aim his wand at the body.

“Wait, Mr. Ludger. It's dangerous.”

“It's all right. I'm just going to interrogate him a little bit about his purpose for attacking the train.”

Despite their previous doubts, they still had to admit that they were the same in a way.

Leo, who was still suspicious of Rudger, thought ‘Heh… that is something that the professor would do though…’

“No, I mean…”

I tried to say something more, but Ludger moved without listening.

He turned the fallen robber's body upward with his foot.

“Tell me. Why did you attack this train?”

“Uurgh. Ha. Haha.”

“Did you just laugh in this situation…?”

“We need to kill all… everyone.”

“Why?!?!” Rinei shouted out, “That’s so cruel!”

Despite her protests, the screen kept on playing.

What lay in that stammering voice was a frigid madness that was enough to make anyone's skin shudder.

The robber laughed as his body convulsed and he bled from his nose.

At the same time, his tightly wrapped coat fell open, revealing an object hidden inside.

It was a huge bomb.

With his eyes wide open as he saw that, before Ludger could unleash a spell…

The robber pressed the detonator that he had prepared in advance and held in his hand.

Booooom!

A huge explosion swept through compartment four.

Silence engulfed the room, most too stunned to speak, some realising the truth that the ‘Professor Rudger’ they knew wasn’t the original ‘Professor Rudger’.

Hans could piece it together now. The explosion probably blew of boss’s disguise and caused him to become his current identity as Rudger Chelsea.

TBC…

____

Chapter Text

Most people at this point in time, already figured out that the ‘Professor Rudger’ they knew wasn’t the original ‘Professor Rudger’.

Some already knew (U.N. Owen) that the ‘Gerrard’ person was actually the ‘Rudger Chelsea’ they knew now.

Casey Selmore had a suspicion regarding ‘Gerrard’ and ‘Rudger Chelsea’. (the whole arc of her getting karma was like \_(_-_)_/)

—

The screen fizzed once more, the title displaying : ‘The Great Train Raid [1]’.

However, unlike before there was a small, red subtitle underneath displaying ‘Interlude Included’. Seems like there was going to be a shocking reveal… (mwahahaahahahahaha MWAHAHAHAHAHA… i’ll stop, continue reading)

—

The foggy dust caused by the explosion subsided.

“Uurgh.”

Shaa.

Crouching down, I woke up while shaking off the broken debris that covered my body.

Fortunately, there were no injuries to my body. Even the broken debris couldn't pierce the coat I had been wearing.

Casey, viewing this, was extremely annoyed as only part of the disguise was ripped off, why couldn’t luck be on their side and their identity was revealed, after all, they were watching for about 10 minutes. She, however, waited as it was a golden opportunity to figure out this ‘transmigrator’ (they don’t know what this is because it doesn’t exist there, they are gonna assume its some summoning after death or dark magic, it will be more cleared out in the interlude ^U^) and the war hero-slash-mercenary Machivelli’s identity. She hoped it later showed Moritary’s identity and location later on, after all, the bastard didn’t deserve to be free anymore. (HER ANGST ARC… NOOOOOOOO!)

'It's a good thing I wore a sturdy one just in case.'

The corridor and the wall of the compartment, which had been fine not long before, were completely blown away.

The chilly wind that was running on the snowfield blew through the gap and scratched my face like a blade.

“…I thought it was a normal robbery.”

I couldn't believe he had detonated a bomb that was wrapped around his body in a situation where he was electrocuted by electricity magic.

That was something that would never be seen from a train robber.

It was more severe than a robbery, and they were closer to fanatics, if I may say so.

The mindset of dying together even though he knew he was going to die.

'Are they the rebel remnants of the Prince's faction who fled the kingdom of Utah? No, they're busy hiding right now. These bastards are different.'

Despite this drawn out scene, most of the people there were on the edge of their seats. Although the students were just entranced in the plot, Casey and Elisa knew that having a ripped disguise was a nuisance and could get in the way of fighting and that it would irritate the skin if left. Since this person was Machiavelli, they would be rational and then their identity would be revealed.

As I was sweeping my face with my hands in frustration, I sighed, feeling my loose skin.

No wonder the cold wind was cutting into my face.

“It's expensive, though. What a shame.”

Riiipp.

I took off the camouflage mask that I had been wearing on my face.

sleepy paused the video playing. There was no need to play it if nobody was going to pay attention.

The students, who were less dignified and composed shrieked varying screams of ‘WHAAAAAAATTTTT??!?!?!?’ and ‘HUH?’ and other reactions of surprise.

On the other hand, Elisa’s and Casey’s eyes opened wide. Elisa couldn’t believe that one of her employee’s was a famous war hero while Casey couldn’t believe that such a presence could just hide in public. It was unusual; after all that wasn’t a skill that anybody could just pick up.

Hugo Burtag, the one who leads the noble faction, was shocked. Actually, that was an understatement (bro got what he deserves later but i’d say he should get worse), he already made it obvious that he doesn’t have good intentions with ‘Professor Rudger’ or whatever his true identity was.

U.N. Owen was worried overall on how to deal with this situation as if this identity got revealed, then they would see and probably know his other identities. 

However, the greatest shock to the overall majority was the fact that Professor Rudger was here. And he was teaching them skills never seen before!

(for the people who might comment going like “OH NO WHAT ABOUT THAT HOLY GRAIL TALK IN THE FIRST CHAPTER?” i’m just gonna say that they’re gonna forget about that so the reaction is more cannon; yk since i’m technically a god here and lol 𓁹‿𓁹 ʰᵉʰ )

I didn't need to keep using it since it was already torn due to the shock of the explosion and the grazing of the debris.

Since I couldn't keep the face of a man in his 40s with wrinkles and whiskers anymore, I threw the camouflage mask out of the train.

I thought the train was going to be a little safe, but I didn't expect an unpredictable incident to happen.

'Come to think of it, where is he?'

Ludger, who had said he was going to be a professor at Sören Academy, could not be seen.

Soon after, I realised something.

When the explosion had happened, he couldn't react and was likely swept away.

The desolated wall was half blown away and broken. There was no trace of Ludger.

When I slightly stuck my head out and looked down, I saw a steep cliff.

Despite the initial shock of the identity reveal, the people couldn’t help but feel sorry for the loss of life for the original ‘Professor Rudger’.

However, only Rudger thought differently as he knew that the person was actually First Order John Doe, an evil person who is part of the Black Dawn Organisation. (remember that they haven’t had that meeting yet so our MC doesn’t know the ‘John Doe’ really well).

Deep down the cliff, there was a raging blizzard and foggy snow clouds that buried its base.

'…He must be dead.'

Anyone who thought that he was a mere robber would be bewildered when the robber blew himself up with a bomb.

If he had known beforehand, he could have prepared a spell, but unexpected situations always happened.

What a pity for him.

Looking at this real life scene, the students of Seorn realised why their Professor said how important casting time is as if the original Professor Rudger had the source code, he probably would’ve survived that incident. (the plot : □ the plot if source code was normal magic : .)

To think he had died on the day he was appointed as a professor for the famous Sören Academy. I prayed for the repose of Ludger's soul with a small, silent prayer.

'It's not time for me to be relaxed either.'

Since I knew that they were no ordinary robbers, my alert level was several stages higher than before.

If they were all going to blow themselves up when their plans went awry, no matter how strongly that Magic Engineering train was protected by various spells, it might derail.

'That could be their real aim: seeing that kind of extreme act happen.'

'Let's run away.'

After making that decision, I headed to the compartment behind that one.

Sraak.

When the door from compartment four to compartment five opened, a conductor with his face full of tension appeared.

“Oh, sir, are you all right? Wh-what on earth is hap…”

He was slightly bewildered and stuttered at the sight of me standing alone in the corridor and at the bulkhead that had flown away.

“There's a robber attack; they're armed with dangerous explosives. I was almost swept away by it,” I replied calmly.

Even after inwardly knowing that Professor Rudger was Machiavelli, it didn’t stop the audience’s amazement at his rational thinking, after all, most people lacked that and it caused problems in society.

“I… I see.”

“I think they're focused on compartment number one, so we'd better step back.”

“Oh. I was actually about to evacuate the other passengers to the back.”

“That's a relief.”

I approached the conductor with a relieved face.

And as soon as I narrowed down the distance so I could reach him by stretching my arm, I grabbed the conductor's collar and threw him down to the ground.

Baam!

“Argh! Why… why are you doing this?”

“Did you think that kind of petty acting would work in front of me?”

“P-pardon?”

The conductor looked up at me with a confused face.

If it were someone else, they would have erased their doubts by looking at his extremely victimised expression, but I was not convinced.

“I thought something was odd. I refuse to believe that it's so easy to break through the Magic Engineering train, which is protected by strong defensive magic and magical stones attached to it. And right when it was running fast through the rugged Arette Mountain, raiders appeared as if they had been waiting.”

“Wh-what…”

“It's practically impossible without someone working from inside the train assisting… Unless someone turned off the magic that should have been operating.”

At that moment, the conductor's face changed in an instant.

All the people except for Casey, Elisa and Princess Eileen (the crown princess in case you're confused) were shocked at this stunt. Despite most of them knowing that tricks like that could be pulled, it didn’t mean that people expected to see it to that extreme of a degree.

He moved his hand and tried to pull something out, but I already knew and had prepared for it.

I thrust a sharp knife under his chin.

Unlike Rudger, U.N. Owen, Casey, the Crown Princess and some others, most of them paled or closed their eyes. Violence was a common occurrence in some aspects, but it didn’t mean seeing blood like that eased one’s stomach. (poor Aiden and Renei… dem lil beans)

“Stay still.”

“Urgh.”

“You're quick to move. As expected, this is not an ordinary robbery. Tell me, where do you guys come from?”

“…Or keep your mouth shut. Well, that's up to you.”

I wasn't really curious about it anyway. I lifted that man up with a knife around his neck.

If my prediction was correct, something might have happened in the compartment that he had come from, compartment five.

“Move.”

With a knife held in my right hand on his neck, I overpowered him by bending both his arms back with my left hand and then kicked his feet.

Uurgh.

He clenched his teeth and refused to budge, but when I twisted his arm a little more, he immediately moved.

He should have done it from the start.

“How many colleagues do you have here?”

“So you won't say it? Then I'll have to make you talk.”

At that moment…

Something was heard from compartment number five, where he had come from.

It was a small sound that could almost not be heard from compartment number four, where a blast of cold wind blew from outside the train from its missing bulkhead.

My extremely alert ears caught the sound properly.

Click…

It was something I had heard so often that I recognized the familiar sound immediately—metals colliding with each other.

—It was the sound of a rifle hammer being pulled.

Knowing so, I threw the conductor forward and fell flat on my stomach right away.

Ratatatatatatatata!

Immediately above my head, a barrage of countless bullets penetrated the door and passed through.

The conductor I had just pushed fell as he was honeycombed with bullet holes without being able to react.

Debris and dust were scattered. I covered my head with my hand and glared at the door.

The bullets showed no signs of stopping soon.

'Is it a machine gun? They've prepared very well.'

Elisa was impressed with Rudger’s fighting skills. Even after knowing that he was qualified, torture and interrogation was hard for some people and knowing how to avoid things like bullets with extreme senses were hard to find within people in society. She guessed that most of the contributions could go to his time as Machiavelli the mercenary.

—Then they had no choice but to take that action as well.

When I was thinking about it, they stopped shooting, thinking it was enough.

'He shot his colleague mercilessly even though his colleague was crossing the compartment. They didn't even let him send any signals.'

It meant that the conductor, who had already become a hole-filled rag, had told them in advance.

—If they don't hear from him for a while, he must have been caught, so shoot him relentlessly.

'The suicide-bomb terrorists were like that as well. I'm sure they're crazy.'

'Why did this happen when I got on this train…?'

I got up from my position while sighing at my unfortunate life.

After shaking off the powder and dust on my body, I glared at the door again.

Soon after, the door was smashed, and three bulky men rushed into the corridor.

“What? There's still someone alive”

“We shot that much, and he didn't die?”

“Who are you to talk about dying or not as you please?” I uttered in an irritated voice while looking at them talking amongst themselves.

They exchanged glances and soon began to approach me in a ferocious manner.

The corridor was narrow enough for only one person, so if I had to go against them, I had to deal with one person at a time.

It was obvious that they looked much rougher and heavier than I was.

I didn't want to fight if I could avoid it. I refused to have a clash in a pointless place.

'But if I surrender now, they won't accept it.'

Looking at the people who approached me with the determination to kill me, no matter what I tried to do to appease them, they wouldn't buy it.

They had not the slightest bit of intention to let me live.

“I want to ask you one thing…”

My unfriendly tone made them raise their eyebrows in offense, but I had no choice. It was just my nature.

“What? Are you going to cry for your life now?”

'No way.'

“…How dare you attack this train? Aren't you afraid to die? The rescue team will be here soon, right?”

“Ha! I wondered what it was, so it was just lame intimidation?”

The guy at the forefront snorted at my warning and drew a sword that suited his size.

I had asked him seriously, but he seemed not to think my question was worth answering.

“I'll cut you in half with a single slash.”

The big man slowly approached me, and I slowly backed away.

However, the partially destroyed train's cabin had a limit, and naturally, my steps had to stop.

If I tried to step back any further, I would fall outside the broken train.

“Hehe. There's no place for you to run anymore.”

“I see.”

If I jumped out of the train from there, I would end up like Ludger.

It had been a long time since someone last spoke, but Elisa stepped up and asked a question : 

“Rudger, Machiavelli or however you want to be addressed, do you know if the original Rudger died for certain?”

Rudger replied, “I do not know for certain but nobody claimed me as a fake until now and that fall means certain death for most so I assume he died. I’d like you to refer to me as Rudger as that is who I am right now.”

Before anybody could say more, the screen showed some interesting scenes.

However, my front was blocked by his large body, so I had to pass through them to go forward.

“I'm busy, so I'll finish you as soon as possible!”

—It was when he was about to spring out at me while spouting such words.

I invoked the spell I had prepared in advance.

Boom!

The sound of an explosion spread through the air as the man who was about to swing his sword at me bounced back like a cannonball.

Thump, bam!

Those who were standing absentmindedly behind him could not react and bounced off each other before rolling on the floor.

“Uuuurgh. Wh-what…”

“A wizard?!”

It was quite powerful magic power, but there was no sign of much distress as they were pretty strong.

No. They were wearing something inside their clothes, to be exact. Was it like a protective suit?

'Then I should just give a stronger blow…'

I carved a sorcery while releasing the mana I had gathered. The three-dimensional pattern that was drawn in the air soon turned into a spell, and in an instant, it became a big wind and lifted the men who were about to stand up into the air.

This was the exact same thing that the Professor had shown them during the class on magic ‘squares’. Seeing the result was extremely interesting. The Seorn students only had things to gain (poor MC, he’s gonna have trust issues… *sigh* lets continue).

They must have been confused because it felt like an invisible giant hand was clutching them.

“Oh, ooh?”

“Let, let go of this! Put me down!”

“I'll put you down, just as you asked.”

I used the wind to move them by myself.

—To the outside of the wide-open train.

Machiavelli was known to be a cold-hearted and successful war hero, that reputation was clearly shown through his actions. No remorse.

“Save me, please! I beg you!”

They shouted desperately, but I didn't say yes or that I would spare them. They were the bastards who attacked that train with the intention of killing everyone. They would stab me in the back if I showed them any mercy.

As I threw them out of the train, their screams echoed and slowly faded into the distance.

“Tsk.”

Having gotten rid of the attacker, I pulled a hair tie out of my pocket while arranging my hair which had become quite messy.

Because I didn't pay much attention to beauty treatments, my hair had become quite long, and if I didn't arrange it in time, it would be quite cumbersome.

I tied my flowing hair together around the back of my neck.

“It's better now.”

With most the fighting over, Professor Rudgers looks began to shine again, especially his flowing and ever-so-silky hair (... do i have a hair kink or smth? Idk. just appreciate his looks, the manhwa make him soooo handsome and hot and omg like just omg) and his clothing, although plain, seemed to shine through with his overall looks.

While I was thinking of running away again, the door of compartment number three opened and new people appeared.

Once I got rid of one group, others kept appearing.

There seemed to be no end to it.

That was why I wanted to leave quickly.

“What the…”

The men who came from the third compartment saw me standing alone inside the half-destroyed fourth compartment, and my face hardened coldly.

“Kill him!”

Someone who seemed to be their captain was furious as he gave the order.

At the same time, the guys who were waiting pointed their rifles at me.

Looking at it, I desperately held back my sigh.

'Yeah. What can I do? Now that I've come this far, I should see the end of it.'

“Shoot!”

The captain gave the order and his subordinates pulled the trigger.

But the bullets didn't come out.

Clack! Clack!

“Oh, ooh?”

“What are you doing?”

“The… the guns are broken!”

“What?”

While everyone was talking, I prepared the next spell.

If they were together like that, it was easy to get rid of them from where I was standing.

But there was one thing that I had looked over…

—There was also a wizard among them.

Shooo!

The spell that I casted was cancelled midair.

The wizard stared at me with a wary eye as he pointed his wand at me.

“I didn't know there was a wizard among the train passengers.”

“Whatever, since it's like this, you should die with them as well.”

What was with his words? He had been resolved to kill me from the start.

I figured those guys were terrorists and that whatever I said there wouldn't work.

I took my watch out of my pocket and checked the time.

Ten minutes had yet to pass since they started to attack.

'Is there still… a little bit of time left?'

The scenery passing by outside was still cold and bleak.

When I had seen it through the window, I had thought it was beautiful, but because the bulkhead wall in between disappeared, it had become quite scary.

There was still some time before the train left Arette Mountain.

It would be hard for the supporting troops to come right away.

'I have no choice…'

When I thought about the train's location and the time that had passed, I had at least five minutes left.

'…But to hang in there.'

Most of the people watching were on the edge of their seats until the screen lighted up with : 

“TBC.”

However, instead of starting again, the room lit up and the speakers blared “Interlude Commences!”

It seemed that quite a few people had questions for ex-Machiavelli and now-sorta-Professor-Rudger (hot either way so I ain’t complaining).

____

Chapter Text

The interlude commences, with all of the people being teleported to a lobby-of-sort. In front of them was a round table that looked like the perfect spot for interrogations. However, there were more places to be explored. Although the place was brightly lit, the numerous hallways that surrounded the place looked dark.

Despite all the hints for them to sit down and probably talk to one another about their finding, Rudger’s best course of action was to go away and hopefully not interact. They couldn’t really do anything during the reaction due to even more information flowing through.

However, all of this was useless because the hallways seemed to be blocked by a barrier. 

With expectant stares directed towards him, he had no choice but to sit down.

Casey started first, breaking the tense silence, and as always, straight to the point, 

“You are Machiavelli right?” But before Rudger could answer, sleepy poofed right in front of them and cards of varying colours.

“I expect the majority of you to have questions for some people, but I still want to make this fun and play this like a game! The blue cards are question cards, of course, you can ask questions without it, but the blue card forces the truth.”

Despite explaining like the blue card would have the ability to force the truth out of anything (blame me for favouritism okay?), I sent a telepathic message to Rudger : 

“You can go around the loopholes in the questions, but you cannot tell straight out lies.”

With all materials set and a perfectly tense atmosphere to set the mood, the interrogation began.

—-----

Casey Selmore wanted to yell and question the man in front of her immediately, specifically about his previous identity, which was just revealed on a giant screen. However, as a noble, and a blue-colour mage, she had to compose herself and ask questions calmly.

At least, that was what most people thought she would do, but she is Casey Selmore, the genius detective. She has no reason to act calm and intimidation is a major factor when it comes to revealing secrets, though it would probably not have worked since the man in front of her was Machiavelli, a mercenary-turned-war-hero.

Collecting her thoughts, she banged her hands against the table, which caused the Seorn students to flinch.

“You are Machiavelli.” It was a statement, not a question, though it was true unless the whole drama they watched was all fabricated (Casey doubted that was possible with how high quality and realistic it was, as well as Rud-Machiavelli’s genuine reactions that sometimes slipped through his mask).

“Yes I am.” A standard response, although the atmosphere only became more tense.

“‘Yes I am’?! Answer me, why did you run away? Why didn’t you just stay in the Kingdom of Utah, you would’ve lived a comfortable life! Did you have other identities? Why stay as Rudger Chelsea? Who are you?”

Despite being bombarded with questions, Rudger stayed calm and composed.

“Since you seem so eager to get the truth out of me, I'll answer some of them, I do enjoy my privacy after all.”

Despite his calm demeanour outside, he was internally panicking, his past identities were not supposed to be revealed, although he was grateful that Casey was the type to ask the question directly in her mind since she couldn't speak as fast as she was thinking. This meant that his identity before reincarnation could be hidden with a simple mind altering spell; as long as she didn't cast spells or had spells casted on her that undid the spell, he would be in the clear (a note that memory sealing spells take a lot of mana that he can't afford to lose and it's pretty flashy, he also cast the spell on the others (-U.N. Owen)).

“I ran away because of circumstances I will not elaborate about. I do have another identity, Rudger Chelsea, Professor of Seorn. I… won't answer the question about why I'm staying as this identity as it's pretty straightforward (it mentions in the book that he went cuz of the situation but probably would’ve stayed for the pay 🤣).”

After a long, tense pause, Casey shouted “ You still haven't answered who you are!”

Of course, Rudger had a rebuttal to that.

“Who am I? I believe I already stated that I am Rudger Chelsea, a Professor who teaches at Seorn. However, I am also known as Machiavelli, though that is in the past. I was just a wandering mercenary who was trying to start anew before, as you know it, the Revolutionary Army attacked. I hope this provides as enough of an explanation.”

Rudger really didn’t want to reveal his past identities, they were buried, with only certain people knowing about them or had the ability to recognise who he was. But it was all to plan as he required the trust of the Principal and couldn’t just run away because his face was out there and they knew of his skill to hide his face and whatnot. He couldn’t afford to be caught by anyone and he didn’t really wish to go back to working under Eileen, the crown princess.

The current situation was annoying, but he would have to make do, after all some sacrifices have to be made for the greater good, in this case, his own secrets getting spilled in order to hide the darker truths.

“So I guess people are confused-”

Casey quickly cut in, “Ya think! This is a serious man, do you know how much I had to think this over? So hurry up!”

“As I was saying, I was intending to start another identity for reasons I will keep personal, but I got in a mix up where I was mistaken as the actual Rudger Chelsea. I believe you will see more about that later.”

Most of the questions were resolved, but this brought up another question from the principal of Seorn.

“Well then Mr. Machiavelli, I believe the talent for teaching does not start from nowhere, does this link to one of your previous identities?”

This was extremely troublesome for Rudger, he couldn’t bring up his identity as that would put him in danger as well as most of the participants for even holding the knowledge of his identity.

Rudger took a moment to gather his thoughts. He realised that he needed to address the principal's question without revealing too much about his past identities. Rudger then decided to choose his words carefully.

"I must clarify that my talent for teaching is not directly linked to any specific previous identity. Rather, it is a culmination of my experiences and skills acquired over time. Teaching is a noble profession, one that I find fulfilling and meaningful. As Machiavelli, the wandering mercenary, I had my fair share of encounters and challenges that shaped my abilities. However, it was through the process of starting anew as Rudger Chelsea and immersing myself in the academic environment of Seorn that I discovered my passion for sharing knowledge and guiding young minds." Rudger hoped that his response would satisfy the principal's curiosity without raising any further suspicions.

He knew that he had to maintain a delicate balance between revealing enough information to gain trust and concealing enough to protect himself and others. The principal nodded, seemingly accepting Rudger's explanation.

The atmosphere in the room eased slightly, but the tension was far from dissipated.

The other participants in the interrogation still had questions and suspicions of their own. sleepy, who had been silently observing the proceedings, suddenly interjected with a mischievous grin on their face. (hey i gotta make sure they get something out of him)

"Now, now, let's not forget the game element I introduced. Casey, it's your turn to ask a question. Will you use a blue card or not?"

Casey hesitated for a moment, weighing her options. She knew that the blue card had the potential to reveal the truth, but she also wanted to test Rudger's ability to navigate around the questions, maybe this could lead to something bigger; well bigger than what this mess already was. In the end, she decided to take a chance and forego the blue card.

"No blue card," she declared firmly. 

"I want to see how you handle a question without the assistance of forced truth."

Rudger's eyes flickered with a hint of relief, but he maintained his calm demeanour. He knew that he had to tread carefully with his response.

"Very well, Casey. Please proceed with your question."

Casey leaned forward, her gaze fixed on Rudger.

"You mentioned that you had another identity before Rudger Chelsea. Can you provide any details about that identity? And why did you choose to start anew?"

Rudger paused for a moment, calculating his words. He needed to provide enough information quickly to satisfy Casey's curiosity without divulging too much. He had to go with plan B : speaking absolute bullshit and hoping that everything just spiralled off until they got minimal knowledge.

However, a little thought poked at his mind ‘ But everything is going to be revealed, what will you do about it? You can only borrow Gods’ power but they are a God themselves, is it really worth the effort to do all of this? Will you just sit and watch like the rest of the people here to get all the secrets you painstakingly kept to be revealed? Just like that? ’

Swallowing the thought back down, Rudger opened his mouth.

"I apologise, but I cannot disclose the specific details of my previous identity. It is a part of my past that I prefer to keep private. As for why I chose to start anew, it was a personal decision driven by a desire for change and a fresh start. Sometimes, life presents us with opportunities to reshape ourselves, and I seized that opportunity." Casey nodded, seemingly accepting Rudger's response. The other participants watched the exchange intently, their own questions and suspicions still lingering in the air.

sleepy, eager to keep the interrogation going, chimed in once again.

"Well, well, it seems we're making progress. But there's still much to uncover, isn't there? Who would like to ask the next question? Remember, this is the last question you can ask him for this one, it is quite boring to just grab answers, watching it unravel through movies and life shows is so fun!”* 

This time, it was none other than Leo, which did catch Rudger by surprise, but it was the last question, so what could go wrong?

Contrary to Rudger’s relaxed response, Leo was tense ‘ Why was he targeted by the revolutionary army. Even if it was another guy, this is serious because there’s only a few cases on why they would do that. ’

“Professor, why would the revolutionary army target that person? I could see from their badges that they were members from that group. Wouldn’t it put you in danger? Do you know who that guy was?”

“WAIT! I said one question ONLY. Pick one Leo.”

“Then please answer this question, I will use my blue card, ⌜Who was the guy that was targeted and what did he do to get targeted?」Of course, that is if you know.”

Shit, Rudger could only tense up at that notion, he could say that he was someone who was playing the forged identity of Rudger Chelsea, but what about the second part? The revolutionary army was known for murdering corrupt nobles or nobles overall, but a fallen noble would not catch their interest, especially a fake one which was a mere fake identity for the Black Dawn… he couldn’t reveal Black Dawn just yet, but what could he say to avoid suspicion again?

Deeming that it was taking too much time, Rudger spoke what was on my mind at the moment, 

“He was a fake Rudger Chelsea, but I can’t really say what he did to get targeted because it's too messy for most of you to deal with.”

—

This bastard! All he was doing throughout the whole interlude was yap and talk! Sure, there was information gathered, but it was given in such a roundabout way that it was so annoying!

While Casey was internally swearing out her guts at Rudger, sleepy took the initiative to jump in.

“Ah! Finally! I’ve reached over 2000 words and now I can- ahem ignore that. Anyways the interlude is done, go back to reacting, it’ll give you more answers than that guy will give you! I don’t neglect (my readers) so hurry up and move those legs! The R.O.T is just down this corridor.”

Chapter Text

sorry for not posting for months... oops

i've been busy with school and i lost motivation cuz the AUP manhwa season ended

this fic will be on hiatus but i will continue it after a new season gets uploaded

also i have like 30 drafts rn that are all 1/2 finished and i learnt a few things (i can't write romance ;-; i wrote like 8k words of bs)

also i received messages reguarding artists in the comments
i feel honoured that ur motivated enough to draw things for my fic if u have any pieces of art, just put a comment of a link or ur account so i can see and link it in my next chapter for everyone to see!!! :D