Chapter 12: The Secret of My Father

“The Secret of My Father”

[“Good. That’s the advisor’s office. Come on in.”]

Following Noias’s voice, Sion stepped into the professor’s office wing.

He opened the door bearing the nameplate “Noias Beitan.”

Inside was a spacious and pleasant room.

“Come in and take a seat, Sion.”

“Thank you,” Sion said, awkwardly settling onto a sofa.

As expected of a professor’s study, one wall was lined entirely with books.

While Sion glanced around the office, Noias returned with a warm cup of tea and handed it to him.

“Here, have some.”

“Thank you.”

“So, how do you find the academy? It’s been a week now—are you settling in?”

“Yes. Every day feels new and exciting. I’m eager to attend more classes.”

“Haha, good to hear.”

Noias chuckled as he sipped his tea, engaging Sion in casual conversation about life at the academy.

How was he adapting? Was he finding magic challenging? Which department was he interested in joining?

But Sion cut through the pleasantries.

“Professor, please tell me. What do you know about my father?”

“…Very well.”

Noias extended his hand into the air.

“Spatial Barrier.”

A hum of mana spread through the room, creating a circular barrier.

“What’s this?” Sion asked.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just a precaution to ensure our conversation doesn’t leave this room.”

Clink.

Noias placed his teacup down, his previous warm demeanor replaced by a more serious expression.

Sion straightened his posture, sensing the shift in mood.

“Sion, do you remember your father?”

“…What?”

Sion was at a loss for words.

‘I’ve never even seen my father’s face.’

He had only awakened in this world a few days ago, right at the academy’s entrance ceremony.

Since then, he hadn’t ventured beyond the academy grounds, let alone met any family.

“I thought as much. Your last memory of him would’ve been from your early childhood.”

“Ah…”

“You were raised in an orphanage, so the concept of a father must feel foreign.”

An orphan.

That much was true. Sion had suspected as much, given the lack of any personal belongings or letters from a family.

If he had family, surely they would have reached out.

“You’re correct—I grew up in an orphanage. But how do you know about my father?”

“Because I was the one who entrusted you to the orphanage, along with the funds for your care.”

“You…?”

“It was at your father’s request,” Noias said, his gaze distant as though recalling the past.

His expression turned somber, and after a moment of silence, he resumed speaking.

“Your father was an exceptional magician. If not for… that incident, he would’ve held a prominent position as a court magician or within a mage tower.”

“…What incident?”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you about that yet.”

Noias shook his head firmly, leaving Sion to infer that whatever had happened was significant.

“Because of that incident, your father felt his life was in danger. He left his noble house and entrusted me with your care, asking me to place you in the orphanage.”

“…Noble house? Did you just say noble house?” Sion asked, startled.

“Yes, you were born a noble. But when your father was disowned, you became a commoner. It no longer holds any meaning.”

Sion processed the revelation with mixed feelings. While being a former noble might mean little now, it still felt like an important piece of his identity.

“And it was also I who arranged for your admission to the academy.”

“You arranged for my admission?”

“I spent a significant amount of my own funds, but it was a debt I owed your father. However, I won’t be able to cover your tuition beyond this semester.”

Noias’s expression turned apologetic.

“Your father disappeared after the incident, but many people in high places still know about it. I must remain cautious to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.”

“I understand.”

“I’m glad you do. I hope you can find a way to fund your studies and continue your education. I see a great deal of potential in you, Sion.”

Noias pointed to Sion’s eyes.

“That potential lies in those eyes. They are what we call ‘Insight Eyes,’ a type of mystical ability passed down from your father.”

“My eyes… are a special ability?”

“Yes, though you likely didn’t realize it. Your eyes are unique among mystical abilities in that they don’t manifest obviously.”

Noias explained that mystical eyes, or “Maan,” were either innate or acquired abilities that granted their user extraordinary powers.

Sion’s “Insight Eyes” allowed him to discern the essence of objects and phenomena.

“What you can discern depends on the type of Insight Eyes. For example, the most famous wielder of such eyes is Lord Happyberk, who served as the commander of the imperial knights.”

“I see… I had no idea.”

“With those eyes, earning money shouldn’t be difficult. The adventurer’s guild and nearby dungeons should provide ample opportunity.”

Sion nodded, already planning to visit the guild over the weekend. But first, he needed to organize his thoughts.

‘There’s so much to process. Let me summarize step by step.’

The key points were as follows:

• Sion’s father, once a promising magician, became embroiled in a major incident.
• Facing danger, his father left his noble house and entrusted Sion to Noias, who placed him in an orphanage.
• Noias used his own funds to enroll Sion in Byzantium Academy.
• While Sion had no inherent magical abilities, he possessed the “Insight Eyes,” passed down from his father.
• To continue his studies, Sion would need to use this ability to earn money.

After summarizing, Sion relayed the information to Noias to confirm his understanding.

One of the best ways to solidify knowledge is to explain it aloud.

Noias nodded approvingly.

“Is this summary accurate?”

“Yes, you’re as sharp as your father.”

“…May I ask one more question?”

“Of course. Feel free to ask.”

“Why did you go to such lengths to enroll me in Byzantium Academy? Even spending a fortune in donations?”

Noias stroked his beard thoughtfully, as if considering his response.

Finally, he smiled gently.

“Because I believed in your eyes.”

“You knew about them?”

“Of course. It was the very reason your father entrusted you to me. Your Insight Eyes made you a target for those who sought to exploit your talent.”

Noias extended a hand, placing it gently on Sion’s.

The touch was warm and reassuring, like that of a grandfather.

“Your gift truly shines when learning magic. Considering your father’s accomplishments, I believed the path of a magician would suit you best.”

Noias’s gaze softened as he looked at Sion.

“That’s why. That’s why I arranged for you to enter this academy, despite your lack of experience with magic. Does that answer your question?”

“Yes. Thank you,” Sion said, standing and bowing deeply.

This man had cared for him in place of his father, funded his education, and revealed the truth about his past.

“A New Path and Unlikely Allies”

Sion’s questions about his family had finally been answered.

“I only did what was necessary,” Noias said.

“Even so, I wouldn’t be here at the academy without your help.”

“Compared to the debt I owe your father, this is nothing. If your questions are resolved, it’s time for you to head back. This is an opportunity to make new friends at the opening ceremony. Off you go.”

Noias stood to see Sion out of his office.

Sion bowed deeply, repeatedly thanking the professor.

The door to Noias’s office closed with a soft thud.

Sion began walking back to the grand hall where the opening ceremony was still underway, his expression pensive.

‘A father…’

The word felt strange to him.

In his previous life, Sion had a father who taught him science and a mother who raised him with love.

Here, in this world, the original Sion also had parents.

Although he knew nothing of his mother, it seemed his father had cared deeply for him, enough to entrust him to Noias during a dangerous time.

‘I wonder if my parents in the other world are doing well. Would they grieve over my death?’

In his past life, Sion had undoubtedly died. He had collapsed during a blackout, and when he awoke, he was in this new world.

Now, he could never see their faces again or hear their voices.

‘I can’t go back. There’s no way.’

Sion shook his head, trying to dispel the melancholy.

There was no point dwelling on things he couldn’t change. Instead, he resolved to focus on his current reality.

He needed to earn enough money to pay for next semester’s tuition.

Taking a leave of absence or a student loan was an option, but either way, funds were essential.

‘Tomorrow, I’ll visit the adventurer’s guild.’

With that thought, Sion arrived back at the grand hall.

“Sion, you’re… here?”

“Patrick?”

Patrick was staggering near the hall’s entrance, looking worse for wear.

Concerned, Sion rushed to his side, only to glimpse the chaotic scene behind him.

“Hahaha! Is there no one who can challenge me in a drinking battle?” Geivolg bellowed, standing triumphant amid a pile of empty wine bottles.

Students sat slumped, some groaning in defeat, while others looked on in disbelief at Geivolg’s stamina.

“…Let’s get out of here,” Sion muttered.

“Wait, Sion… help me… urgh…” Patrick groaned, reaching out weakly.

“Sorry.”

Sion turned away, deciding to leave Patrick to his fate.

He had an important schedule tomorrow—visiting the adventurer’s guild—and getting roped into cleaning up the aftermath of this party wasn’t an option.

The next morning.

“I said I’m sorry.”

“Who are you? Oh, Sion! You’re in the Magic Department too, right?” Patrick grumbled.

“Yes, Patrick…”

“Stop following me to breakfast, geez.”

“Patrick~!”

Despite his earlier grumbling, Patrick joined Sion for breakfast, still grumbling about the previous night.

Today was the weekend, meaning no classes.

Even in this medieval fantasy world, Byzantium Academy adhered to a five-day school week.

“So, what are your plans today, Sion?” Patrick asked after his mood improved with a good meal.

“I’m heading to the adventurer’s guild.”

“Adventurer’s guild? You only know 1st-circle magic, don’t you?”

Patrick’s concern was valid. With only basic 1st-circle magic, even fighting an F-rank monster like a slime would be challenging.

But Sion felt confident.

‘I’ve practiced enough magic.’

Thanks to his time in the training grounds, he had a grasp of his mana limits and the practical applications of his spells.

While not powerful, his magic was sufficient for basic combat.

“I’m just planning to start with simple F-rank dungeons.”

“Well, be careful. If my roommate disappears overnight, I won’t be laughing.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”

After finishing breakfast, Sion parted ways with Patrick and headed for the adventurer’s guild.

The guild building was located near the academy’s commercial district, where he had once dined with Professor Lunia.

‘This must be it.’

Using the Byzanty app on his student ID, Sion confirmed the location.

Peering inside, he saw the quintessential fantasy adventurer’s guild—a combination tavern and registration center.

Heart pounding, Sion pushed the door open.

“Excuse me…”

The moment he entered, countless eyes turned toward him.

Rugged, muscular individuals from a variety of species filled the room, their imposing presence almost suffocating.

Feeling intimidated, Sion shrank back as he approached the receptionist.

Fortunately, the receptionist was a cheerful woman with a warm smile.

“Welcome to the Byzantium Adventurer’s Guild! How can I assist you today?”

“I’d like to register as an adventurer.”

“Of course! Judging by your uniform, you’re a student at the academy, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Great! Please show me your student ID, and I’ll get you registered right away.”

Sion handed over his ID and completed the registration process.

Since the guild was affiliated with the academy, issuing an adventurer’s card was quick and simple.

“Here’s your adventurer’s card. You’ll start as an F-rank. Complete quests to raise your rank!”

“Thank you…”

“You’re welcome! Good luck!”

Speaking with someone so cheerful and approachable left Sion feeling oddly nervous.

He wandered over to a wall filled with job postings.

‘These are all real adventurer quests…’

The wall was covered in papers and pinned notices, categorized by rank from F to S.

Sion focused on the F-rank section, scanning for something suitable.

Tap, tap.

Someone tapped his shoulder.

Startled, Sion turned around to see who it was.

“Hi! You’re an academy student too, right?”

“…Yes?”

“I’m a student as well! My name’s Boryan Baist. Want to team up with me?”

The girl standing before him wore the same academy uniform.

Her bright orange twin-tails and playful grin made an instant impression.

To Be Continued.