On My First Day Undercover, the Organization Collapsed - Chapter 64

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Organization Collapsed on My First Day of Infiltration Episode 064

 

 

Special Support System

 

 

When Ziel was appointed to the Academy’s Sword School, he received the Student Handbook from Professor Elcanto.

And he memorized all of it.

So if someone asked him, he could recite the contents of that thick Student Handbook from memory.

Within it exists a system that even Sword School students and professors don’t know about or have almost forgotten.

Or…

Someone might be monopolizing it for their own use.

One of those is the ‘Special Support System.’

 

“Special Support System? I’ve never heard of it.”

“It’s written in the school rules. It’s a system that provides dormitory fees and tuition support for students who meet specific conditions.”

“There was such a thing?”

“Yes. It’s clearly stated in the school rules.”

 

Karen tilted her head as if hearing this for the first time.

At the same time, a glimpse of joy could be seen.

 

“If that’s possible, then I…”

“You won’t need to come here anymore.”

“Teacher! Thank you!”

 

Karen grabbed Ziel’s hands tightly.

Warmth and excitement were conveyed directly.

Ziel actually couldn’t empathize with Karen’s difficulties.

The accumulated debts.

The burden of having to support her family.

And the dire situation of having to find boarding accommodations.

But that didn’t mean he couldn’t find a reason to help.

 

“I’m helping because you’re my student.”

“Teacher…”

 

After returning to the Academy like that, the next day.

 

“What? The Special Support System?”

“That’s right, Professor. I found it in the school rules.”

 

Ziel went to find Elcanto.

 

‘Special Support System?’

 

Elcanto also seemed completely unaware of it.

 

“Such a thing… Ah. I think I might remember something.”

“It’s in Article 59 of the school rules, ‘Student Support System,’ Section 8.”

 

Elcanto hurriedly pulled out the dust-covered Student Handbook.

His uncertain expression turned to surprise.

 

‘It’s really there?’

 

Did he really memorize all of that?

 

“Ahem. Yes, I had forgotten about it. That’s right. There was such a system. But why are you asking about this?”

“I need it for one of my students.”

 

Article 59, Student Support System, Section 8.

Students who obtain permission from the Review Committee can receive benefits from the ‘Special Support System.’

 

‘Here, the Special Support System refers to dormitory fees, next semester’s tuition, and a modest living allowance decided by the Professor Council… Who is he trying to give this to?’

 

Elcanto tilted his head.

Even when he was in charge of first years a few months ago, he hadn’t paid particular attention to students other than those from wealthy families.

 

“It’s for student Karen Aswan.”

“Ah. Oh. That student.”

 

It was vague.

Who was that again?

 

“Student Karen Aswan’s family situation isn’t good, so I want to get her dormitory fee support.”

“I see. Hmm. I’ll look into it. If it’s in the school rules and we have the professors’ agreement…”

 

As is typical in professor society, you need to get agreement from below before going up.

And that’s the problem.

 

‘Professor Merhen will absolutely refuse to help.’

 

Their relationship had already soured after the Exchange Tournament.

Because he had broken his alliance with Merhen and instructed him to help the First Years.

Since then, Merhen had been so angry that he wouldn’t even acknowledge Elcanto’s greetings.

 

‘But isn’t it worth trying?’

 

Elcanto was personally experiencing Ziel’s changed status after the Exchange Tournament.

The fact that the heads of Kundel and Rihart had tried to scout Ziel was already known to everyone!

There were even rumors that the Second Prince had shown interest.

 

‘This is a good opportunity.’

 

It seemed like a golden opportunity to make an impression.

 

“I’ll look into this right away. It probably won’t be a difficult matter.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

“Haha! It’s only natural! It’s Teacher Ziel’s request! I’ll definitely, definitely help you.”

 

Elcanto emphasized.

His intentions were transparent, but this was exactly how Elcanto survived.

Elcanto stepped forward confidently.

But soon he would hear words like a bolt from the blue.

 

“Excuse me? What do you mean by that, Professor Idel?”

“That probably won’t work. As far as I know, that system is practically exclusive to Arcane School?”

“What?”

 

Professor Idel, who was in charge of the Fourth Years, shook his head.

 

“The system exists, but it’s difficult for us to use.”

“Even though it’s in the School Rules Book?”

“Professor, you know all this, so why are you asking?”

 

Arcane School.

He had unfortunately encountered a formidable opponent incomparable to Merhen.

Sword School no longer held its former prestige.

To be precise, ever since Valdrain began supporting the academic discipline of magic, Arcane School’s status had risen infinitely.

 

“That system is monopolized by Arcane School. The entire school supports only 3 people in total though.”

“…”

“Professor Elcanto, you’re still quite naive.”

 

There was a reason why the system wasn’t even mentioned despite existing.

 

‘I made such a big boast, but now I’m screwed.’

 

If the opponent was Arcane School, there was no chance of winning.

Because the treatment itself was different within the Academy.

There was a reason why people said “mage rather than knight” these days, and why a family’s status would rise several levels if even one mage emerged from it.

 

“Well, then are there any other systems available?”

“There are, but all scholarship selections for this year have already ended. First Years aren’t eligible anyway.”

“Ah…”

“I don’t know what this is about, but you’d better just give up on that system.”

“Why on earth would Arcane School…”

“It’s a good way to get money. Can’t you tell just by looking?”

 

Tuition.

Dormitory fees.

These weren’t actually that much money.

At least from the nobles’ perspective.

 

“There’s the living expenses part, right?”

“Yes.”

“That’s the key.”

“Ah…”

 

He roughly understood.

In the end, they were exploiting loopholes in the system for profit, and since that profit was substantial, Arcane School monopolized it.

Living expenses were ultimately determined at their discretion.

 

‘Sigh.’

 

In the end, Elcanto trudged out of the research laboratory.

 

“This is driving me crazy.”

 

I told him to trust only me.

How disappointed would Teacher Ziel be.

 

“Of all things, it had to be Arcane School.”

 

Simply put, it was system monopolization.

It meant they were hogging all the good stuff for themselves.

The application period was until this week.

But seeing that no one from Sword School had used it until now…

 

‘It means there’s no point in applying.’

 

There was nothing he could do.

Elcanto met with Ziel again.

 

“Teacher Ziel, unfortunately, that system won’t work.”

“I see.”

“Yes. When I looked into it, this is really…”

 

Elcanto brought up words that would make Ziel tilt his head in confusion.

 

“Even if we try, it won’t work.”

“What reason is there?”

“Because of Arcane School, you know.”

 

Elcanto sighed, but Ziel didn’t understand that sigh.

 

“What does it have to do with Arcane School?”

“Well… Sigh. To be honest, even if we apply, it won’t work. It’s a system monopolized by Arcane School.”

“According to the School Rules Book, it’s not a system limited to Arcane School.”

“Yes. I know. Who wouldn’t know that. But the Academy’s logic is…”

 

The Academy’s logic.

Ziel didn’t understand that either.

 

“I’ve never heard of such logic.”

“It’s definitely existing logic. Teacher Ziel, let’s try to find another way. If that doesn’t work, we could try finding a sponsor…”

 

If it had been a truly convincing reason, Ziel would have nodded too.

But since he wasn’t convinced, Ziel’s answer was predetermined.

 

“I heard the application period is until this week.”

“A-are you really going to apply?”

“Yes. I will apply.”

“No, I’m telling you it won’t work even if you try! There will be a qualification review meeting, but no matter what, Arcane School will definitely…”

 

The result was obvious no matter what.

It would only invite ridicule.

Arcane School looking down on Sword School was already a well-known story.

If he applied for this, how much mockery would they face!

But it seemed impossible to stop Ziel.

 

“The qualifications are sufficient. We achieved good results in this Exchange Tournament, so that will be included in the recommendation reasons, and the student’s personal circumstances are also difficult. I think this is sufficient qualification.”

“That’s why I’m saying there’s no point in applying! It’s already confirmed that Arcane School will take it anyway, so even if you try…”

“Then we can raise an issue with that part.”

 

It was one mountain after another.

If they not only got ridiculed but also raised issues…

 

‘Why are things getting so complicated!’

 

Elcanto’s goal was to just quietly live his professor life, taking the long and steady path.

But this was like jumping right into the center of an incident!

 

“D-do you really have to do this, Teacher Ziel?”

“The system exists and there’s a student who needs it. I think it’s natural to do it.”

 

There seemed to be no way to stop Ziel.

Eventually, a few days later, Ziel really submitted the application form.

The student review would be in a few days.

The supported student would be decided under the decision of the professors participating as review committee members.

Elcanto sighed upon learning this fact.

The rumors also spread instantly.

 

“I heard Teacher Ziel applied for the ‘Special Support System’?”

“What were you doing, Professor Elcanto, not stopping him?”

 

Professor Idel and Professor Merhen criticized him, thinking this was their chance.

Especially Merhen was like a fish in water.

 

“Tsk tsk, unable to control even one Liberal Arts Instructor.”

“…”

“How much will Arcane School laugh at us?”

 

There was nothing else to say.

While applying itself was free, naturally no one applied when everyone knew the result was predetermined.

Except for Ziel.

 

‘Maybe I should have said I’d support them with my own money.’

 

Elcanto secretly shed tears.

Meanwhile, today’s faculty meeting began.

Naturally, Ziel’s matter was also mentioned.

 

“All agenda discussions are finished… Oh, Professor Merhen. Do you have something to say?”

“Department Head, have you heard by any chance? Teacher Ziel applied for the ‘Special Support System’ for students.”

 

That, that cunning expression!

Elcanto’s teeth ground automatically.

What a sight, tattling away thinking this was his chance!

 

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yes. The result is obviously predetermined anyway…”

“The result is predetermined? What do you mean by that?”

“Well… it’s a bit awkward to say, but Arcane School practically monopolizes this system.”

 

At those words, Berhal’s expression hardened for a moment.

Whether Merhen didn’t notice or not, he excitedly continued speaking.

 

“This way, won’t our Sword School just become a laughingstock again? Submitting an application when we obviously know it won’t work, and a certain professor of ours couldn’t even stop it.”

 

Though he referred to “a certain professor,” Merhen drove the point home by glancing sideways at Elcanto.

For Elcanto, it was really a mood where he wanted to hit him.

 

“If Teacher Ziel isn’t currently in class, please call him.”

 

Merhen’s lips curled upward.

 

‘He’s going to publicly reprimand him.’

 

Right.

In Sword School, one must follow Sword School’s logic.

He had been a thorn in his side since the Exchange Tournament anyway.

Elcanto, who ignored his instructions and allied with the First Years!

And Ziel, who led those First Years to achieve impossible results, thereby crushing the Third Years’ prestige!

It was a golden opportunity to get rid of both at once.

 

Knock knock.

 

A moment later.

Ziel entered the Faculty Meeting Room.

 

“I heard you were looking for me.”

“Ah, Teacher Ziel. Please sit for a moment.”

 

Berhal pondered for a moment before asking.

 

“I heard you applied for the Special Support System for students.”

“That’s correct.”

“I’d like to hear your reason for applying.”

“One of my students is unable to pay the dormitory fee and tuition, so I applied to help them.”

 

A calm answer.

Merhen inwardly sneered.

 

‘As if such a trivial reason would…’

 

“Who is this student?”

“Student Karen Aswan.”

“Aswan… Hmm.”

 

Eastern Countryside.

A family buried somewhere in the corner even among those.

Eastern families are generally poor, but families whose names aren’t even well known are even poorer.

Aswan was exactly that kind of family.

 

“Is that the only reason you applied?”

“There was no other reason. I discovered there was a system to help students, judged that the requirements were sufficient, and applied.”

“I see.”

 

Merhen now expected Berhal to teach Ziel what politics was all about.

 

“Teacher Ziel, did you know that this system is practically only applied for by Arcane School?”

“Yes, I was aware of that.”

“Yet you still applied. Is there a reason?”

“The school rules didn’t say it only applied to Arcane School, and I judged that I should apply since the requirements were sufficient.”

“But isn’t there precedent?”

“I think not attempting at all because of precedent isn’t a good choice.”

 

Suddenly.

It seemed like the corners of Berhal’s mouth went up just a little.

 

“Not attempting at all isn’t a good choice… Hmm.”

 

‘What’s this?’

 

Merhen felt a strange sense of foreboding.

Something’s odd?

 

“That’s not wrong. If it’s a system where students can apply and receive help regardless of department according to school rules, then naturally we should do so.”

“But Professor, isn’t this just poking a hornet’s nest for no reason…”

“Then will we continue living like this forever?”

 

At Berhal’s words, Merhen and Idel flinched.

 

‘We have no choice.’

‘Arcane School is practically backed by the Imperial Family.’

 

The Empire’s magic development policy!

That was the problem.

Right after the war, mages’ power grew stronger and it came to this point.

Children no longer dream of becoming knights.

They only hope to become knights as a second choice because they have no talent for magic.

Because of this, defeatism had gradually taken root in Sword School at some point.

But Berhal delivered a sharp rebuke.

 

“If we continue like this, eventually fewer students will want to enter Sword School, and we’ll always have to bow our heads when we meet Arcane School professors.”

“…”

“Honestly, it was disappointing when I attended the last academy-wide meeting. The Arcane School professors were talking enthusiastically, but our Sword School professors were…”

 

Silence continued.

There was also shame.

 

“Perhaps this might be a very good opportunity for us, professors. Even if we fail, it doesn’t matter. If we continue like this, we’ll be looked down upon by Arcane School forever.”

 

The professors here had different positions and various personalities, but they shared one emotion.

 

“Since when have mages been above knights?”

 

Precisely, ill feelings toward Arcane School!

More accurately, aversion to the tribe called mages!

Berhal had used exactly that.

More precisely…

The discrimination between knights and mages that had continued unknowingly for a long time and had grown even larger recently.

 

‘This is why the Dean called me.’

 

The growing restraint against Arcane School and restoration of Sword School’s former status.

This case seemed like it would be a very good justification.

 

‘Wait, thinking about it… even if we fail, we can just blame Ziel, and if we succeed, we’ll give Arcane School a blow…’

 

Even Merhen, who was only interested in protecting himself, changed his thinking a bit.

 

‘If I only oppose this, it won’t look good, right?’

 

“Department Head, you’re absolutely right. It seems the time has come to give Arcane School a blow.”

 

Berhal inwardly chuckled and nodded.

 

“Good. What about the others?”

“I’ve also been displeased with Arcane School’s behavior lately. I think it’s good.”

“Good, Professor Idel.”

 

Elcanto went without saying, and Isabella, who had the highest voice after Berhal, also agreed.

 

“I agree as well.”

“Good. Then, understanding that all professors agree… let’s try pushing forward with this.”

 

Merhen stood up abruptly, slightly excited.

 

“Let’s give Arcane School a good beating!”

 

Of course, no one shared in that excitement.

 

‘Again, again all by himself…’

‘Sigh, how can his intentions be so transparent?’

 

Merhen sat back down awkwardly.

Well, it worked out fine anyway.

And Ziel, who was watching this, thought to himself.

 

‘Student Karen Aswan must be moved. To think the professors are so united like this.’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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