The Villain Professor's Second Chance-Chapter 416: Why Should it be Me!?

The lab within the Magic Tower University was dimly lit, the flickering light from the candles barely illuminating the shelves of ancient tomes and tables cluttered with various spell components and magical artifacts. The room was filled with the scent of parchment, ink, and the unmistakable tang of mana that seemed to hum through the air. It had the distinct feel of a place where knowledge was painstakingly gathered, piece by piece, through experiments and the occasional magical accident that left burn marks on the walls. The hum of magic intermingled with the occasional popping and sizzling of spells that hadn’t quite dissipated. It was a place that seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the next great discovery.

Amberine sat at the large, ancient wooden table, her head resting lazily on her palm, her fiery red hair cascading around her fingers. Her eyes, amber as her name, gazed around the room, her curiosity only faintly piqued by the various components and runes scattered across the tables. Beside her, Maris tapped her fingers on the table, her eyes flicking towards the door every few seconds, her dark hair tucked neatly behind her ears, and her expression a blend of mild curiosity and impatience. Across from them, Elara twirled a quill between her fingers, her blue eyes half-lidded, her posture relaxed as though she’d rather be anywhere else.

"How much longer is this going to take?" Amberine muttered, her voice tinged with irritation. "We’ve got spells to practice, you know." She kicked her feet under the table, the clattering sound echoing slightly in the room.

"Patience, Amberine," Maris said, her lips curling into a smile that was part empathy, part teasing. "Besides, you’re always saying that you could use a break from practice."

"Not this kind of break," Amberine shot back, rolling her eyes. She glanced at Elara, hoping to get some reaction, but the ’Prodigy Child’ only shrugged slightly, her gaze never leaving the quill she was twirling.

Before Amberine could complain further, the door opened with a low creak, and Professor Astrid entered, her robe flowing behind her with an air of effortless grace. Her presence filled the room immediately, her eyes sharp and focused, her steps confident as she approached them. She held in her hand a scroll sealed with the emblem of the Continental Magic Council—a sign that the contents were important.

"Good afternoon, ladies," she greeted, her voice calm yet authoritative, her eyes sweeping across the three students. "I’m glad to see you’re all here."

Amberine sat up straighter, her eyes fixed on the scroll in Astrid’s hand. "Is that from the Magic Council?" she asked, her curiosity now fully awakened.

"Indeed," Professor Astrid said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She handed the scroll to Maris, motioning for her to open it. Maris took it carefully, breaking the seal with her thumb and unrolling the parchment. Elara finally looked up, her gaze settling on the scroll, her fingers still absentmindedly twirling the quill.

Maris cleared her throat, glancing at her fellow students before she began to read aloud, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet room. "To Professor Astrid and the esteemed research group," she began. "We are pleased to confirm that your submission has been accepted for the Arcane Symposium at the Aetherion fortress. The symposium will include representatives from across the continent to discuss new advancements in magic."

Amberine leaned forward, her eyes wide, excitement bubbling inside her. This was huge—their research had been accepted at the Continental Magic Council’s symposium. It wasn’t just about being recognized; it was a chance to prove their worth in front of the most powerful figures in the magical world. Even Elara, with her typical air of indifference, seemed slightly more alert.

Maris continued, "A representative from your research group must be present at Aetherion to complete the procedural checks. These checks include background verification and security screening for the safety of the event and to uphold the credibility of our contributors."

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

The excitement in the room quickly turned to unease. Amberine exchanged a glance with Maris, who raised an eyebrow, and then looked to Elara, who had gone back to twirling her quill with an expression that bordered on mild annoyance.

"A representative," Amberine said slowly, her eyes narrowing. "Well, obviously, Professor Astrid should handle this." She leaned back in her chair, clearly relieved at what seemed to be an obvious conclusion.

Maris and Elara nodded in agreement. It made sense—Professor Astrid was their mentor, the one with the experience and the authority. Who better to represent them at the symposium? Besides, an underwater fortress? The thought alone made Amberine shiver. She wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of diving deep into some dark, ancient place filled with magic traps.

Professor Astrid gave them a knowing smile, her blue eyes twinkling as she shook her head. "I’m afraid that won’t be possible," she said, her voice carrying an apologetic note. "I have another urgent matter to attend to at the Magic Tower University—administrative obligations that cannot be postponed. The symposium and its preparations, important as they are, cannot override my other duties as a professor."

"Wait, what?" Amberine blurted out, her eyes widening. "You’re not going?"

Professor Astrid shook her head, her smile still in place. "No, Amberine. I trust the three of you to decide who will attend as the representative of our research group. This is an incredible opportunity for you all to grow, to show what you’re capable of in front of some of the greatest minds in magic."

Amberine’s jaw dropped slightly, her mind racing. She glanced at Maris, who had a bemused smile on her face, and then at Elara, who was back to looking like she wished she were anywhere else.

"Professor, come on," Maris protested, her voice filled with disbelief. "Isn’t this a bit more important than administrative work?"

Find exclusive stories on novelbuddy

Astrid crossed her arms, her smile softening. "I understand your concern, Maris, but there are certain things even I cannot ignore. And besides, I have confidence in you three. I’m sure you’ll make me proud."

Elara sighed audibly, rolling her eyes. "This is too troublesome. I’d rather just stay here and avoid all the fuss."

"I’m with Elara," Maris said, her lips curving into a smile. "I’m too busy with my Royal Knight Mage internship. And honestly? An underwater fortress doesn’t sound like my idea of a good time."

Amberine frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. "I guess I could do it, but... the cost of supplies, traveling expenses? Even with the sponsorship money, budgeting is always an issue." She bit her lip, clearly hesitant. The thought of representing the research group at something as grand as the Arcane Symposium was terrifying, especially since it meant public speaking. Her stomach twisted at the mere idea.

Professor Astrid smiled knowingly. "No one wants to go, I see." She paused, her eyes glinting mischievously. "How about leaving it to chance, then?"

Amberine’s heart sank as she watched Maris’s eyes light up, and even Elara’s lips twitched upward. "Chance?" Amberine repeated, her voice filled with dread. "You mean a lottery?"

"Exactly," Professor Astrid said, her smile widening. She reached into her robe and pulled out three slips of parchment. "Three slips—two say ’NO’ and one says ’YES.’ The one who draws ’YES’ will be our representative."

Maris snickered as she leaned over the table, eagerly watching as Astrid placed the slips on the surface. "This should be fun."

Amberine groaned. "Of course, this would be how it ends up." She glanced at Ignis, the fire spirit within her robes, as if hoping for some divine intervention.

"Don’t look at me," Ignis whispered, his voice laced with amusement. "You’re the one who decided to be here today, remember?"

Amberine huffed, reaching out to grab a slip. She hesitated, her fingers trembling slightly, before finally drawing one of the parchments. She opened it slowly, her face falling instantly as she saw the word written on it in bold letters: "YES."

"Ha!" Maris exclaimed, a triumphant grin spreading across her face. "Looks like it’s you, Amberine."

Elara’s lips curled into a smug smile, her gaze flicking to Amberine. "Better you than me," she said dryly.

Amberine groaned loudly, slumping back in her chair, her face etched with frustration. "Of course it’s me. Why wouldn’t it be me?"

Professor Astrid placed a reassuring hand on Amberine’s shoulder, her smile warm. "It’s a wonderful opportunity, Amberine. I know you’ll do well." She gave her a gentle pat before returning to her seat. "Now, let’s discuss what needs to be done. The symposium is no small affair, and there are certain preparations we’ll need to make."

Amberine let out a long, resigned sigh, her mind already running through what she would need to do. She’d need to gather administrative documents, supplies for the journey, and perhaps worst of all—prepare a presentation for the symposium. The thought made her stomach twist uncomfortably.

"A presentation?" she said, her voice cracking slightly. "I didn’t agree to give a presentation!"

Elara looked at her, her expression flat. "Just don’t mess it up, Amberine. The reputation of our group depends on you."

"Thanks, Elara," Amberine muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Maris reached over and patted Amberine’s back, her smile sympathetic. "Remember, you’re representing not just us, but also Professor Astrid and the entire Magic Tower University. No pressure."

Amberine shot her a glare, her heart pounding. "Oh, no pressure at all," she grumbled, her shoulders slumping. She looked down at Ignis, the small fire spirit that had nestled within her robe, seeking some kind of comfort. Ignis looked up at her, his tiny eyes glinting with mischief.

"Another adventure involving possible drowning," he said, his voice filled with mock excitement. "How delightful. But don’t worry—I’ll remind you if you forget to pack socks or something."

Despite the fire spirit’s sarcasm, his words managed to bring a small smile to Amberine’s lips. "Great. Just what I needed—a sarcastic cheerleader."

"Hey, someone’s got to keep you from burning down the place," Ignis said, his fiery form flickering slightly.

Professor Astrid glanced between them, her eyes warm with amusement. "Amberine, I know you’re worried, but I wouldn’t have given this responsibility to you if I didn’t think you could handle it,"

Amberine nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. She could do this. She had to do this. There was no other choice.

Why it should be me...