Chapter 310: Secret Midnight Meeting [Part 1]
Chapter 310: Secret Midnight Meeting [Part 1]
"Now that the issue with the Ancient Wendigo has been addressed, let's talk about your reason for coming to my office," Professor Rinehart said before sitting back down on his chair. "Do you need my help with something?"
Ethan nodded. "Professor, do you know someone who has the power to shrink something? You see, my team and I managed to kill a Boss Monster inside the Legacy Domain. It is now stored inside of my ring, but it's taking up a lot of space. If possible, I want to shrink it."
Professor Rinehart pondered for a bit before nodding his head. "I do have an artifact that can help me shrink things. How big is this Boss Monster that you want to shrink?"
"At least thirty meters long," Ethan replied. "It's a Giant Black Snake with gold patterns on its scales."
The Headmaster looked at Ethan while lightly tapping his fingers on top of the table. Half a minute later, he nodded his head and agreed to the young man's request.
"Very well." Professor Rinehart rested his chin over the palm of his intertwined hands. "Meet me in the Northern Tower of the Academy later at midnight. I will shrink that Giant Black Snake for you, and I will also help you deal with the Ancient Wendigo in your possession.
"Professor Barret will also be there to ensure that no one will disturb us while we do the things we need to do. Also, if possible, don't tell anyone what we are going to do.
"The less people who know about it, the safer you will be. Do I make myself clear?"
Ethan nodded his head. "Understood, Professor. I will come tonight at the promised time."
"Good." Professor Rinehart smiled. "You have just recovered, so don't do anything reckless. Otherwise, Professor Galena will definitely ask you to become one of her guinea pigs to test her homemade brews on. You may go now, and remember, don't tell anyone."
"Yes, Professor." Ethan bowed respectfully before leaving the Headmaster's Office.
A minute after Ethan left the office, a certain Chesmire Cat appeared on top of the desk with a smirk.
"It seems that you are cooking up something with that boy," Chessy said before it licked its paw.
"Well, since he managed to get the Ancient Wendigo, it will be in the academy's best interest if he gets to keep it," Professor Rinehart replied.
"Is that your payback because Nero invited the academies who have bad blood with your academy?"
"That and other past grudges between us."
Chessy smirked. "What a petty old man."
"Not as petty as you, Chessy," Professor Rinehart countered.
The two stared at each other for a few seconds before the Chubby Black Cat stretched its body. After it was satisfied with its stretch, the Chesmire Cat lay down on top of the desk and smiled.
"Because of what happened at Nightfall Academy, the academies that hate you to the bone are planning to target your students the next time they go out on their Field Missions," Chessy stated. "Will you still permit that event to take place?"
"Yes and no." Professor Rinehart answered. "I will open the Mission Hall for the Fourth Years and some selected students in the First, Second, and Third Years. As for the other students, I will let the Professors think of fun activities that will allow them to stay in the academy and earn merit points at the same time."
Chessy nodded. "So, you're only planning to send the graduating students and the other Elites who can protect themselves. This is not a bad idea. You might even exterminate a lot of those Rogue Wizards and Witches under their employ."
"Right." Professor Rinehart smiled. "Also, make sure to monitor their movements, Chessy. I'll make sure to properly compensate you, as always."
"Hmph! You better," Chessy replied. "It's almost Winter, and I need to go to Northshire for a bit. I promised the Dwarf Princess that I'd accompany her for the month of the Solstice. Staying there is much better than wasting my time here in the academy."
After saying those words, Chessy turned invisible and left a few parting words to Professor Rinehart. He liked the old Wizard, and if possible, he would like him to remain as the Headmaster of the academy.
"The Kerr Faction is planning to do something when Spring arrives," Chessy said. "You'd better prepare because those Nobles are finally making their move."
Professor Rinehart nodded. "Thank you, Chessy. Enjoy your Winter Break."
"Mmm."
When the Headmaster was certain that he was truly alone inside his office, a long sigh escaped his lips.
"Those High-Ranking Nobles," Professor Rinehart muttered. "Why can't they just give me a break?"
The old man shook his head helplessly before snapping his fingers.
A moment later, a raven flew inside the room from the window and landed on top of his desk.
"Please, deliver this to Midgard," Professor Rinehart said as he placed his sealed letter inside the metallic cylinder that doubled as a storage ring, which the Ravens used to carry their packages. "Fly swift, fly safe, Coal."
The Raven nudged its head against the Headmaster's hand, making the old man smile.
"Don't worry, this will be your last mission this month, Coal," Professor Rinehart patted the Raven's body, making it close its eyes. "Go. Make sure that my letter reaches him."
The Raven nodded before flying toward the window, headed for Midgard, where the Headmaster's allies could be found.
————————————
Ethan arrived at the Northern Tower of Brynhildr Academy a few minutes before midnight.
Fortunately, Luna didn't insist on sleeping with him tonight, so he didn't have a hard time sneaking out of Dud Manor.
Upon reaching the meetup venue, he saw two men standing side by side, looking at him with a smile.
"You're finally here, Ethan," Professor Rinehart said. "First things first, let's shrink that Giant Black Snake that is currently in your possession."
The young man nodded and waved his hand.
A moment later, the corpse of the Giant Snake appeared several meters away from him, making Professor Barret whistle.
"This is a High-Ranking Magical Beast," Professor Barret commented as he walked close towards the dead monster and knocked on its scales with his knuckle. "Resistant to Magical and Physical attacks. Fighting this creature is surely a nightmare. It's a good thing that you managed to defeat it."
"It was a team effort," Ethan stated. "Fighting it alone would have been complete suicide."
The Headmaster of Brynhildr Academy approached the Giant Black Snake before fiddling with his beard.
"How small do you want it?" Professor Rinehart asked.
Ethan thought for a while before giving his answer.
"As small as possible, Professor," Ethan replied. "If you can shrink it until it's only a foot long, it will be better."
Professor Rinehart nodded before taking out a diamond-shaped Artifact from his storage ring.
"Diminutio Magnitudine!" Professor Rinehart pointed the artifact at the body of the Black Giant Snake.
A few seconds later, the Giant Black Snake started to shrink slowly.
Ethan subconsciously clenched his fists. If things went according to his plan, he would be able to revive the Giant Black Snake using the power of Necromancy that his Other Half possessed.