Ascension Of The Failed Mage

"That's it?"

Noir's statement startled everyone present. One would think Noir had to be overjoyed from the absolution of any offense they wanted to pin on him, but it was the opposite. His calm face had turned into a scowl, and he was glaring at the judges.

"Not only did you make me spend the night in a cell, but you've also treated me wrongly for so long. You've wasted my valuable time and wrongfully accused me on many counts..."

The Judges knew they were in the wrong and had been too impatient. They just wanted to wrap everything up since that had a culprit and resolve the incident as soon as possible.

However, due to their carelessness, they made a wrong assumption.

"You should have undergone investigation and shown me proof before accusing me of those crimes. Yet, you attempted... no, you Intended to convict me of murder." Noir added.

"... What is your point?" Julian blurted out, a little nervous.

It would turn into a scandal if word were to get out of their flawed approach in Noir's case. Plus, Noir's connection to the Duke couldn't be ignored.

"It's simple, really..." Noir said, looking at the judges with a fiery look in his eyes.

"I would like to report this matter to your superior, the Archmage and head of this institute!"

A deafening silence flowed after Noir's words. The professors and lecturers all looked at each other in shock. They realized that they were in the wrong, but what Noir had just demanded was indeed too much.

"A-Ahem. Mr. Noir, we would appreciate it if you knew of your bounds. The Archmage if this Institute is not one you can leisurely meet. He is the pinnacle of the entire Magic Institute, and one of the most powerful mages in the whole Southern Empire. You don't just get to meet him." Julian said, frowning at Noir's impudence.

"Apologies for misunderstanding, but I wasn't intending on asking for your permission in the matter," Noir responded.

This sent a wave of murmurs across the hall and unrest spread across everyone. They had all thought of Noir as a gentleman, however, public opinion was shifting away from him.

'What are you thinking, Noir? You're shooting yourself in the leg.' Trevor thought to himself, focusing his eyes on Noir.

"Do you realize... what you're saying right now? You realize you're addressing the most powerful mages in this institute, and one of the greatest in the whole Empire, don't you?" Tyman Lenard barked in annoyance.

His fury knew no bounds as he flared up.

"I realize who you are. However, it is of no concern to me of your other titles. To me, you are none other than educators. No more, no less. If you wanted to be treated as all-powerful mages, then you should have chosen a different career path. Something like an Imperial Mage." Noir defiantly responded.

The man's impudence knew no end.

"However, as lecturers in this Institute, you are under obligations and the rules binding this citadel of learning. You should not imagine that you can use your title to deprive me of my rights."

The Lecturers began whispering among themselves, wondering what Noir was referring to. He looked at the top three Judges, and two of them appeared uncomfortable. Obviously, they knew what he was talking about. As for Trevor, he was intrigued, waiting for how the whole matter would be resolved.

"No matter the status anyone possesses, if they are lecturers, they are subject to the complaint of a capable guardian of any ward within the Institute. Therefore, as one who has been placed in charge of the protection and affairs of Miss Ciara Versacee Dunroe, daughter of the Duke, it is only natural that I have the right to seek reprieve as well as a reasonable explanation concerning the recent events."

There was now silence, as everyone paid rapt attention to Noir's words.

"Not only did I have to personally intervene, but I was also treated roughly, given no reception, wrongfully accused, and have been deprived of my rights to complain, especially after risking my life to ward off the very same danger that your Institute was too incompetent to detect."

Noir's insult stirred the professors, but the daring expression he made caused none of them to raise their voices in objection.

"Tch, what's your point?" Julian asked impatiently.

"I believe I've already stated this. I wish to meet the Archmage of the Institute. The security, reception, and proceedings of this Institute are all subpar. If I were to leave currently, I would personally be delivering a report to the Duke concerning all I have seen and experienced during my stay here... I imagine he won't be pleased."

A fearful gasp emanated from the audience. It was obvious that they were intimidated now.

Noir smiled within himself, entirely taking charge of the situation.

Most of the things he said were mere bluffs. He didn't have access to the Duke, they hadn't even met before. He had also overestimated his position before all of the people present.

However, through knowing the inner workings of the institute, as well as studying their reactions, Noir was able to create the ideal situation where he had the advantage.

The most favorable thing about the situation was that they couldn't call his bluff. Doing so would mean that the entire Institute would suffer a backlash in the situation where Noir was actually as important as he claimed.

"Mr. Noir... we admit that we have wronged you. We also promise to tighten our security. Put Institute is the finest in the empire, so rest assured that-" Tyman Lenard said, trying to smoothen his words over with a sweet tone.

However, he should have already realized... that Noir was not the kind to be deterred by such!

"Those are mere words. Your words mean nothing compared to the evidence of events I have experienced. You are all incapable. You had no idea how and when your professor was killed not even knowing the culprit, mistaking me for the malefactor. You didn't prevent the entry or exit of the mastermind, and if I hadn't surrendered, you wouldn't have caught me. The incompetence is too high, and your security is too lax. However, you are all in no position to effect real change. The one who truly holds the power in this Citadel of learning... the Archmage, he is the one I want to see."

Noir had determined eyes. They could all see that there were only two options.

One, answer to Noir's wishes.

Second, allow Noir to return to the Duke and report everything.

As noblemen themselves, as well as people of honor they couldn't resort to petty things to silence Noir. Even if they tried, they weren't sure they would succeed.

'In the unlikely case that they succeed, suspicion falls on them, and in the end, the news will leak. In the end, there's only one viable option.' Noir analyzed within himself.

Victory was his!

The murmurs within the hall grew louder as people argued and spoke to each other violently. Galand couldn't take his eyes off Noir's back, since he wasn't facing him. The admiration for him had deepened since Galand was certain that if he was the one placed in a similar situation, the results would be phenomenally different.

'Sir Noir...is truly amazing!'

The triumvirate began discussing among themselves. Julian tried his hardest to seem composed, but Noir saw through his face made easily. As for Lenard, his panic was written pretty clearly on his face. Trevor remained with his intrigued face, glancing at Noir once in a while as the judges decided on what course of action to take.

Finally, they were ready to reveal their choice.

"A-Ahem!" Julian cleared his throat.

The moderator, who was violently engaged in a hush conversation with someone was instantly alerted of this, laughing nervously.

"Let there be silence, everyone!" He declared.

His loud voice boomed across the noisy hall, and in an instant, there was calm.

He looked above and saw the judges, nodding at them while smiling apologetically, he scurried out of their line of sight.

"Mr. Noir... after careful consideration of your words... this council has decided to grant your request. And so-"

"Grant my request? I believe I already told you... I didn't need your permission." Noir Interrupted them hastily.

He refused to be placed under their jurisdiction any longer now that his intentions had been achieved.

The Judges appeared a little flustered by his rude remark, but they decided to let it be.

"F-fine. You are excused. We believe you know where his office is." Julian said.

For an elderly man, he felt foolish for uttering the last part of his sentence. He knew he would regret it.

"Why would I? You're supposed to provide me with an escort or show me the way. Why else would I inform you of my intentions?"

This sent the audience into another state of shock. However, none of them dared protest against it.