Ascension Of The Failed Mage

"Also, there's also the alternative to consider. If you do not accept my offer, I'll have to remove the young lady from the institute and inform the Duke of all the recent developments. We both wouldn't want that… would we?" At this point, Noir leaked out a little smile.

Denzel didn't know what to make of it. Was it a threat? Or a friendly gesture? The old man had no idea.

"All I want to do is keep the young lady safe, per my agreement with my employer. This is the most optimal route, and I see no loss you will incur by agreeing to this arrangement. What do you say?"

Noir stretched out his hand for a handshake this time, his smile already far gone from his face, and a calm aura surrounding him.

'I can't read him!' Denzel thought to himself.

Could he trust him? Most likely.

After all, there was no reason not to. Denzel knew the right choice—no, the only choice—to make. He simply felt trapped, unable to do anything else.

And that was what he didn't like.

Unfortunately for him, preference was out of the picture. He simply had to do what was best for the United Southern Empire Magic Institute, even if that meant letting go of his ego.

"Haa… very well, Noir Novo. You're hired."

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Trevor impatiently waited for Noir outside the Archmage's office.

His face easily depicted dissatisfaction, though he was fortunate no one was present to witness it. Within Trevor, however, a fiercer flame burned—the flames of his ambition.

'I got left out of the equation. What was I expecting, though?'

Lord Denzelw as a shrewd man, one who respected his privacy well. However, Trevor knew he had a good portion of the old man's respect and trust. Then, what about Noir? Surely, they had been enemies in the past, but they were currently on neutral ground.

He had gone so far for them, yet…!

'Haa, calm yourself, Trevor.' He smiled.

None of this affected his plans in any way. He was simply going to play his role well… waiting for the time he would reap his rewards.

>SHUUUUUUUUUU<

The huge doors to the Archmage's office opened, and both the old man and Noir came out. They both had relatively good expressions on their faces, and Trevor could find no discomfort or tension between them.

'Uh?' He thought to himself.

"Thank you for your understanding, Archmage. I can resume as soon as you want me to." Noir's voice echoed in Trevor's ears, and he wondered just what kind of agreement both he and the head of the Institute reached.

Rather fortunately for him, he would soon find out.

"Trevor, you are to assist Noir Novo with his integration into the United Southern Magic Institue." The Archmage addressed him.

"W-wha—?" Trevor was even more surprised.

"I'll be replacing Richard Lawcroft as the Homeroom Teacher of the Intermediate Stage within the Foundation Class." Noir responded to his surprise.

This made Trevor even more surprised.

'I… didn't see this coming at all!'

Noir's stoic face made everything seem like no big deal, and even the Archmage appeared normal, but Trevor knew how unnatural the whole thing was. Unfortunately for him, it wasn't even his place to speak.

"Alright. As you wish, Lord Denzel." He bowed, taming the curiosity that flowed within him.

"Thank you. Well, then, gentlemen, you may make your exit."

Lord Denzel returned to his office, shutting the doors behind him. Needless to say, the whole interview process was over and Noir had concluded his business with the man.

"Let's go." Noir began leaving, and soon after, Trevor followed.

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"What exactly happened in there? What did you say… or do? Did you coax or coerce him?"

Noir sighed as he heard Trevor assail him with numerous questions on their way down. He wasn't particularly irritated with the man's bustling curiosity—considering it was simply human emotion.

However, he was simply unwilling to share the method he utilized to curry the favor of the Archmage and secure for himself a role as a teacher in the institute.

"Why a teacher, though? I don't understand your rationale. Did you ask for something, but settle for that role because that's the only position he would give you?"

"Why did you choose to be an educator, then?" Noir interrupted Trevor's series of enquiries with his own.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Someone as talented as you are—able to work as a top member in Magic Research, as well as having enough power to best most of this Empire's Mages… why did you choose the line of education?"

Trevor realized what was happening. Noir was driving at a point.

"Because it's convenient for my work." He answered.

"Exactly. Being a teacher is also convenient for my goals. I'd appreciate it if you don't ask me any more. Just as I have chosen not to meddle in your affairs any more than I need to, you should also show me the same courtesy." Noir's dark eyes sent a shiver down Trevor's spine

"Do we have an accord?"

Of course, the Magic Instructor could do nothing but nod in response to his interlocuitor's words. Trevor had personally experienced how frightning Noir could be, thus he chose not to push too far and too much.

"Well, you'll need a tour of the Institute, an understanding of the teaching schedule, the academic curriculum, the basis of educating, the standards of the institute, and also—"

"I already know all of that." Noir shrugged, increasing his pace as he and Trevor descended the flight of stairs.

Noir was once again enaamored by the sight around him—the view of researchers delving into Magic. He considered it both a fruitless endeavor and an interesting obsession.

"Y-yeah… why am I not surprised?" Trevor groaned and rolled his eyes.

Noir had been monitoring Ciara, as well as the inner workings of the Magic Institute for some time now. It was pretty much within reason that he knew many things at this point.

How else would he have been able to corner Richard's lookalike so well, or even find Trevor to be the mastermind behind certain things within the Institute?

Noir's knowledge and planning were his strongest suit, causing even Trevor to envy the level of competence he displayed.

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[A/N]

What do you all think of Noir as a teacher? Hahaha!