Received information from Irid about the Hypnotic Detective.
According to Irid, the "Hypnotic Detective" is a well-known mage active in the Desert Kingdom, infamous for its poor law enforcement. He has gained notoriety for enforcing justice by targeting criminals through hypnotic manipulation, all while keeping his identity hidden. Rather than facing enemies directly, he controls them like chess pieces, often orchestrating situations where they end up killing each other.
For example, a notorious gang of bandits was found dead near an oasis, with clear evidence that they had fought among themselves.
"...He’s got a surprising amount of renown."
"While the Kingdom may lack in various ways compared to the Empire, a nation is still a nation. For someone to be celebrated there, he must be quite formidable."
True enough.
But this image of justice seems a bit inflated. For one, he sent a hypnotized child to deliver a message to me, someone he likely considers a depraved villain.
He could very well be someone who’s just exploiting the Kingdom’s dire circumstances for personal gain and happened to earn praise along the way. There are several possibilities to consider.
"Um, would you like another glass of milk...?"
"N-No, it’s fine. Really."
I watched as Yuna awkwardly offered a drink to a small child with purple hair, who, equally awkwardly, declined. After talking with Irid, I noticed the child’s skin was somewhat tanned.
Curious, I went over to the child, who was holding a mug with both hands, seemingly lost in thought.
"Are you from the Desert Kingdom?"
"Y-Yes...."
"Quite a long journey, huh? How did you end up coming to the Academy? Feel free to tell me if anything seems strange or uneasy."
"Um, I just felt like I should come to the Academy. I was a bit worried about crossing the border, but the border guards let me through. So...yes."
After thinking for a moment, I looked into the child's eyes and asked.
"Did you come alone?"
"Yes...."
Quite the effort involved.
They really led a child all the way from the Desert Kingdom to the Empire’s Academy.
But if I think rationally—they wouldn’t have crossed the border with just one child. There are likely more pawns he sent across with her.
Or, there might be something special about her....
I gave Yuna a slight nod, and she returned it, confirming that this child had no detectable internal magic.
It seemed she was naturally incapable of gathering or producing magic, although the paths for magic flow were present, the production itself was nonexistent.
It’s like a kitchen with no ingredients despite having a chef.
I placed my hand on the child’s head and said,
"Stay here until this case is resolved. Try to relax if you can. Do you have any friends or family back in the Desert Kingdom?"
"...There was my grandfather, but he passed away recently. I have no one now."
"In that case, consider staying in the Empire. I can arrange a job for you if you’d like, but if you wish to return home, I can help with that as well."
"Do...do I have to do something in return? I can’t think of anything I could give back for a job...unless it’s my...."
"Hey."
"Where would I use labor that’s not fully grown yet? You need a good environment to grow strong and healthy, and only when you’re twenty or older does it make sense to put you to work. Taking harvest too early is just wasteful."
"So...you do plan on harvesting?"
"Turning down an offer just out of pride isn’t wise. But if you’d rather be proud, you can decline the help."
"I’ll consider repayment based on the quality of the job you find me."
Pretty daring. I smiled, quite impressed.
Given that we don’t know when the Hypnotic Detective might strike, I’ll protect this child in the lab and take things slow while setting the bait.
The point is, he’s mistaken about me.
And the best way to clear up this misunderstanding? Seven Feats of Bravery: a solid beating followed by an explanation should help him see I’m not the villain he thinks I am.
The Academy is my home ground. No matter what tricks he tries, I have the advantage. As long as I handle things calmly, I should resolve this without much trouble.
I pulled on my robe. Even if I’m targeted by some strange hypnotist from the Kingdom, I still have classes to teach. Today’s lesson is on Defense Against Illusion Magic.
"Heading out for my lecture, Tower Master. I’ll be back, Yuri. See you both later."
"Oh, um...uh, what about...um, a goodbye kiss...?"
"I almost forgot! I knew something felt empty. Come here."
"Mhm...!"
Smooch, smooch, smooch.
Expressing affection without hiding it, I noticed the small child with the bobbed hair looked rather bewildered, but hey, what kind of couple doesn’t flirt a bit?
Fully recharged with love, I left the lab.
The Lecture Hall Remains Empty
"......."
What’s this? Did the team battle last time leave them feeling slighted? Are they organizing a mass protest to get me fired as the "Mad Wizard"?
But for none of them to show up at all is strange. There’s Selvia, Anver, even the Bennett group, who come and go like working college students.
The players I’ve bonded with are among them, and for them to all skip feels odd.
Could the Hypnotic Detective have done something...?
No, to hypnotize all the students and sneak them out would require transcendent-level skill. There’s no way he could get past this lineup.
What could it be...?
As I tapped my foot in thought, the door finally opened. I turned toward the entrance, relieved to see Selvia.
"Good afternoon, Professor. "
She emphasized each syllable with a sting, and I shrank back, somewhat cowed.
"Uh, Selvia...is it April Fools’ Day or something? None of the students are here. Did they make a group chat without me...?"
"I figured that wasn’t actually from you, Professor. I thought as much."
"...?"
"A crow came by, claiming that you hurt your back last night and class was canceled. I think everyone got a similar message."
Wait a minute.
"They actually believed that?"
"You’re notorious for keeping two girls ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) around, and people figured it was believable. ‘Mad Wizard,’ they thought, even he takes the day off after a vigorous night. It’s hilarious. Personally, I knew better...but that’s the gist."
So now, it seems I’m the lousy professor who canceled class after failing to control my own desires.
Hypnotic Detective...trying to ruin my spotless reputation as a professor, are you?
"Anyway, who sent the crow?"
"I’ve got a target on my back from someone. A Kingdom-born mage called the ‘Hypnotic Detective’ who’s convinced I’m some notorious villain."
"I see. Well, let me know if you need help. Since you didn’t ask, I assume I’m not needed...but still."
"......."
Chilling.
After saying that, Selvia left the lecture hall. Alone in the empty room, I rubbed my tingling arm and eventually stepped out. No lecture today.
As I trudged home in the free time I hadn’t planned for, I ran into Professor Al, the one who built Mansion of Glory.
"Ah, isn’t it the Mad Wizard Professor! I was looking for you!"
"Oh, yes. Hello. You were looking for me?"
"I got your message. I’m in the mood for a drink! However, my sharp wits realized you didn’t set a meeting spot. How about the pub tonight? I’ll be waiting!"
"...Wait, Professor, what do you mean—"
But he’d already wandered off. I stood there, putting the pieces together. As I learned the last time, he’s a real pain once he’s drunk.
He’s like a broken record, replaying his stories. After that disaster, I swore to never drink with him again.
"Hypnotic Detective, you madman."
So, you want to play petty games?
A switch flipped in my head. I expected him to apply physical pressure with hypnosis, not to needle me in this petty way. But I’m even more provoked.
Fine, if you want me to react, I’ll catch you in one swift move.
The Hypnotic Detective sent crows to cancel my class, showing he could hypnotize animals. His magic is fairly extensive.
So, if I neutralize these hypnotized animals, he’ll run out of pawns and eventually have to come out of hiding.
I formed a hand seal and began circulating magic.
" Hologram: Eagle. "
I created a spectral bird of prey with some physicality, giving it specific attributes.
" Delayed Explosion: Brainwash. "
This eagle is now a flying bomb, set to reset the brains of any nearby animals upon detonation—a sort of self-destructing anti-brainwash drone.
With the reset power minimized, it won’t affect humans, only animals.
Flap, flap, flap.
The replicated eagles kept taking off into the sky, flying upward like a fountain of birds.
Go on. Wipe out all the hypnosis.
Boom! Boom-boom!
Soon, a far more intense reaction than expected ensued.
Flap-flap-flap-flap!
With the sound of bursting balloons, a cleansing effect spread across the Academy grounds, sending flocks of birds flying off toward the northern forest.
The birds varied from doves to sparrows, retreating in orderly fashion like migrating birds. All of them must have been hypnotized.
Looks like they even had emergency protocols in place.
" Marker. "
I launched an invisible arrow, which flew swiftly, lodging precisely at the nape of a fleeing crow. A tracking device.
Signal returned. I hadn’t been detected, and the tracking was solid.
Calmly, I started my pursuit.
The Crow’s Trail Led to a Secluded Spot
"......."
I finally spotted the crow emitting the tracking signal. The poor thing dangled by its neck in a vine snare, swinging from a branch.
Quite the dramatic setup.
Rustle, rustle.
Animals began to gather around me—deer, frogs, any creature with a brain.
I hadn’t suddenly acquired druid powers; these were all pawns of the Hypnotic Detective. A closer look revealed their eyes spinning with a strange gleam.
So, his plan was to cancel class, irritate me, and lead me here.
The animals opened their mouths and emitted sounds, which merged to form a coherent, human-like voice. Impressive trick.
"Are you ready to admit your guilt? No, I doubt it. I know you haven’t changed."
"I don’t claim to be innocent, but I’m pretty sure I haven’t wronged you. Let’s get this straight—this is a misunderstanding."
"I left the Purple Tower and took on new students in the Desert Kingdom, hoping to leave the past behind. I lived for my own dreams, far from the tower. But you didn’t leave it behind."
"...Did this ‘Goat’ person send assassins after you?"
Seems like it.
"You killed my students and destroyed my tower."
"Wasn’t me."
I kept denying, but it seemed he wasn’t planning on listening. The animals’ eyes shone brightly as the world spun around me. Looks like he’s ready to fight.
Perfect.
"I knew you’d try to bait me, punk. I came willingly because I’m confident I can take you down...."
"Blood for blood, hate for hate. Here, Hypnotic Detective shall judge you."
Trying to duel me with illusion magic, are you? Fine, I’ll handle you with ease, Hypnotic Detective.
Before the battle, I activated my mental barrier.