Chapter 283: The Professor’s Secret

Chapter 283

The Professor’s Secret

Regarding the appearance of the demonic toxin user, Ellie felt the Setter family likely knew as well. They had captured the demonic toxin creator during the emergency camp incident last time. However, after torturing him for information, it turned out he had only fragmented memories. The images they saw showed the "bodies of demonic toxin users," more than 10 different people gathered there, with the leader handing them something to ensure they wouldn’t betray.

The previous demonic toxin creator was an ordinary low-class person. He accidentally found a magic staff discarded by a noble. After that, he intended to collect it and sell it for money, but he was caught and brutally beaten simply because the nobles didn’t like him. Despite this...the nobles didn’t want the staff back. They might not have even known this old staff existed in their mansion.

After acquiring the staff, a group of people approached him, asking if he wanted revenge against the nobles. At that time, he hated the nobles deeply. He only wanted to trade the old stuff for food money, but instead, he was beaten, even though they didn’t want the staff back. With such hatred, he was willing to do anything for revenge.

He was then drawn into the demonic faction, as seen. But his turbulent mind calmed down immediately after “consuming” that thing to prove his loyalty. Even his demeanor and thought processes changed.

The Setter family initially suspected that the thing he ate might be a parasite, one that entered a person’s body and forced them to follow the orders of the mother parasite, similar to the Pink Poison. However, they dismissed this theory because a parasite wouldn’t alter someone’s personality so drastically. Yet, they still didn’t understand what had truly happened.

Ellie hadn’t given it much thought. She felt the man’s demeanor was so familiar that she had to keep an eye on him. Initially, she didn’t think he was a demonic toxin creator, as the one she knew had been captured by the trusted Setter family. However, after seeing him use demonic toxin, the Setter family’s initial suspicion resurfaced.

If this man was indeed a demonic toxin creator, his similar behavior indicated that “the thing they consumed” could completely alter their personality and spirit.

Strange! This thing was incredibly strange. Now, Ellie might fear that “thing" they ate more than the demonic toxin itself!

“Ellie, follow me for a moment.”

After everyone saw Nara leave like that, and Professor Regan didn’t pursue her further, it seemed today’s lesson was sufficient. Pressing further wouldn’t yield any better results. So, he let everyone rest. There was still the task of setting up tents and preparing food for the refugees. Fortunately, in the Village of the Windy Chasm, the students had already prepared many resources. Hence, they didn’t have to climb the mountain to gather food at this time...

Despite everyone having returned safely, Professor Medik, who called Ellie to follow him, still wore a grim expression. Seeing her professor with such a stern face, Ellie was very surprised. Everyone was back safely, so he should have been happy, right? Why was he still acting like this?

Ellie followed the professor to a tent. He took no chances and summoned a magical device to create a sound barrier. This action made Ellie sit up straight, realizing he wasn’t calling her for a casual conversation.

"Is there something you need, Professor?"

"Yes." Medik’s brow furrowed so tightly that his handsome face turned red. Ellie didn’t interrupt him, merely nodding for him to continue, which he understood as a signal to proceed.

"In truth, I didn’t want to do this, but I think this situation is quite unusual."

"Do you think something strange is going on?"

"Yes. You might not know, but my bonded plant has another ability that I’ve never told anyone and shouldn’t speak of. Apart from immobilizing or strangling enemies to death, this power came to me after advancing to level 4, it’s...detecting demonic toxin."

Ellie paused at his words, understanding why he had kept this ability secret. If anyone knew about it, even allies might seek to use him to detect demonic toxin locations. However, the real danger would come from the enemy knowing about it!

Demonic toxin was a terrifying threat to every kingdom. Previously, the head of the Setter family had sacrificed his life due to it. Not only this great family head, but many had suffered because of demonic toxin, which never disappeared as mentioned earlier. Once it emerged, it continued to spread, always finding new victims. This meant demonic toxin could be lurking anywhere within the kingdom.

If Professor Medik’s ability were exposed, he would be monitored from all sides, putting him in unavoidable danger. Despite this...Professor Medik, who had been keeping this secret with himself all along, revealed it to his only student. Though the situation was somewhat frightening, Ellie felt a warmth in her heart.

"So, Professor, are you saying there is demonic toxin here?"

"Yes. I detected it while fighting the magical equipment. Initially, I suspected the one who use demonic toxin might be “Nara.” I knew from Professor Regan she had been poisoned and always kept an eye on her to control problematic students. However, upon returning, I realized the demonic poison here wasn’t from Nara. She didn’t run around the village where we went. So, if she wasn’t following us, there’s only one explanation: there is another source of demonic toxin here!"

Professor Medik bit his lip nervously. Ellie could tell he was under a lot of pressure.

"But after thinking it over, I realized that this use of demonic toxin is very unusual. Normally, I can detect who has demonic toxin in their body. Aside from Nara, no one else here has it. So, it’s very strange. I fear that...it might not just be people with demonic toxin in their bodies."

Because of his work for the palace, Professor Medik was well-versed in dangerous situations. He knew that the Setter family had captured a demonic toxin creator, though it was a secret known only to a few high-ranking individuals in the kingdom. He was one of those who knew.

He wanted to keep this a secret, but for Ellie, he believed that she probably knew everything. The Setter family respected her greatly and wouldn’t hide this from her. They might have even informed her to help her stay cautious.

"Are you suggesting there might be a demonic toxin creator around here, Professor?"

"Yes," Medik’s eyes shining. Now that Ellie knew about this, it was easier to talk.

"In that case, Professor..."

"I know it might be asking too much of you. However, I can think of only two options right now. One is to call for Professor Lucien. I’ve already sent a rune to summon him, but I don’t know his current situation. If there are no obstacles, he should arrive here in about 1 to 2 days. However...to be more certain, I would ask you to contact someone from the Setter family."

Professor Medik hesitated slightly when he uttered the last sentence, feeling embarrassed to ask a student to contact her fiancé for help in dealing with the demonic beast creator. But since the Setter family was already handling the previous demonic beast creator, having them capture another one shouldn’t be an issue, right?

"Professor...I understand. And...if you need the Eldest Young Lord’s help, I can ask him to assist us right away. However, we still don’t know why the demonic beast creator is here, do we? Perhaps the Eldest Young Lord hasn’t acted now because he wants to see what the creator’s objective is."

"You speak as if the Eldest Young Lord of the Setter family is already here...Huh? Are you saying he is already here?" Professor Medik paused slightly, repeating his question. Ellie just nodded in confirmation.

The young professor’s jaw dropped. He never thought the rumors he’d heard could be true. It seemed the eldest young lord liked to follow a beautiful woman everywhere to win her favor? Initially, he thought it was just gossip, and his little student would never like a man who behaved so annoyingly, like following her everywhere. But now...it seemed he had misunderstood his student.

Of course, Ellie didn’t know his thoughts. If she did, she would have said she didn’t like being followed around either. The eldest young lord didn’t do anything terrifying either. If he didn’t sense a severe danger that she might not be able to handle alone, he wouldn’t bother her. As someone with his powers, he had many responsibilities. He only lingered around her in specific situations.

Unknowingly, Ellie’s thoughts started to lean towards “defending” him. She tried not to fall for his handsome looks and considerate nature, but she was gradually swayed by his kindness without realizing it...

"If you say the Eldest Young Lord is around, then let him handle this. But the purpose of the demonic toxin creator? Is the Eldest Young Lord suspicious about something? Do you know?" Hearing these questions, Ellie hesitated a bit. It was just her own speculation, but it was important for the professor to be aware.

"I’m not sure, but my thought is...it seems the appearance of the demonic toxin creator coincides with the appearance of the magical equipment. He might be looking for that equipment."

"Hmm? Are you suggesting that he is the “Demon Frog Warrior” Professor Regan mentioned?"

"That’s impossible. The Setter family has verified that the Demon Frog Warrior is safe, and he and the demonic toxin user are not the same person."

"In that case...the hunter might be in danger. If their target is indeed the magical equipment, they might go after the Demon Frog Warrior later." Professor Medik analyzed, and Ellie agreed with this thought.

Initially, when she found out the demonic toxin creator was interested in the magical equipment, she hesitated about revealing her identity as the Demon Frog Warrior and getting involved. She was sure that complications would arise regarding her identity as Luke. But regardless of the outcome...the possession of a level 6 magical equipment would be investigated by the kingdom anyway.

Luke would be summoned to the palace again because of this incident. He would have to present the magical equipment to the kingdom’s researchers for examination and registration. The kingdom considered anything found within Ares as national treasure. However, since Luke was the one who discovered the equipment, he had the right to become its owner without any issue. Ultimately, even if he didn’t claim ownership now, the fact that Luke possessed the valuable magical equipment would be revealed.

Moreover, Ellie wasn’t afraid of the demonic toxin users. Even if a hundred demonic beasts attacked, she wouldn’t fear them...She held the status of the future lady of the Setter family, the person the eldest young lord cared most about. To ensure she faced no danger, the Setter family had provided her with over a hundred weapons designed to deal with demonic beasts!

Not to mention whether the eldest young lord would even allow her to handle the demonic beasts on her own...

"I think that hunter might have a way to deal with it. The most important thing is to observe what the demonic beast creator wants to do with that equipment."

"True, but how will we investigate this?"

"I’m not sure, but I expect that the Demon Frog Warrior and the Eldest Young Lord might have already discussed this..."

Ellie shifted the matter to the eldest young lord once more. Professor Medik could only sigh. As he had feared initially, if they fought with this much force, who knew how much loss there would be. But with the eldest young lord involved, there shouldn’t be any more issues!

After their conversation, they went their separate ways. Ellie quickly headed to the village in her Luke persona. Upon arriving, she found the eldest young lord of the Setter family waiting. He held the grand magical equipment in one hand, looking relaxed as if there had been no resistance from the ancient device.

"This little girl is the one you want me to form a bond with, huh?!! No way. Why should someone as powerful as me play with a child like this? I’d rather make a contract with you!" The old man’s voice rang out in protest. However, with a slight twitch of Eldest Young Lord Owen’s hand, the old man’s shaky voice cried out again.

"N-No! Don’t torture me anymore. I give up. Even if it’s a three-year-old, I’d still make a blood contract. Just let me go..."

"Good." With the old man’s cries echoing, the eldest young lord merely nodded and handed the magical equipment to his beloved woman...