Jacob cannot believe how shameless Professor Halvern is. He doesn't know how someone could possibly be this shameless and act so high and mighty. It almost makes no sense to him.

  [Grimoire Analysis: Map of the Stars — True Diamond — Four Flaws Found.]

  [Map of the Stars: Use your knowledge of Vein paths from other skills to decipher which Vein paths is most convenient and effective for any given skill below Diamond Rank.]

  Jacob can’t believe his eyes.

  Even if he is actually a master of runic notation, Jacob thinks, how is he getting away with this?

  So Jacob realizes that what Professor Halvern has been doing is not only sketchy, but most likely illegal by academy standards—and also a scam.

  Professor Halvern might have an excellent knowledge of Runic Notation, but like pretty much anybody else, he doesn't have a perfect knowledge of Skills. There are too many Skills to be an expert in all of them. That’s why Tutors usually teach the skills they are experts in, or the ones adjacent to their expertise. And this also explains why Professor Halvern would only get students with skills at level seventy or above.

  What he’s been doing is basically taking the progress that every student has already made with a skill, recording it in his Map of Stars Skill, and then using that accumulated expertise to help others. Now, if this was all above board, and Professor Halvern had communicated that this was what he was doing, Jacob would have no problem whatsoever with it. It would be totally fine. It wouldn’t be something he’d complain about.

  However, the fact that Professor Halvern has been keeping this a secret makes Jacob suspicious that—since he knows from Elder Karl that Professor Halvern also sells Runic Notation—this man has been selling Runic Notation made from the knowledge of other students.

  Jacob scratches his chin, thinking about his next move.

  What should I do? he thinks. If I make a big deal out of this, it's going to be a problem. And this guy seems to have been around for a while now, which means he must have overall benefitted the students. There's even a chance that the Headmaster himself knows this guy is running a scam. Maybe it’s a trial the Headmaster set up for someone to uncover him. But honestly, I don't think I want to get involved. Not now. I'm not sure if the Headmaster knows, but just verifying that he's actually scamming people would have to involve me telling someone about my skill. And to be fair, he is teaching these guys.

  So Jacob decides—against his instincts—not to do anything. To leave this wasp’s nest untouched.

  It’s not clear whether this is the best call at the moment, but he has other fish to fry.

  The moment Jacob steps out of the classroom, the voices begin.

  Two students in the front row—first-years, by the look of their spotless uniforms—are whispering in tones so reverent they might as well be in a cathedral.

  “Did you see how effortlessly he corrected that loop?” one says, practically trembling.

  “I know,” the other replies, eyes shining. “He’s like… he’s beyond a tutor. He’s an artist.”

  A third student joins in, hugging a notebook to his chest like it’s a holy relic. “Professor Halvern personally looked at my Skill last week. Said it showed promise. Promise!” He exhales shakily.

  Jacob feels a headache brewing but he tries to stay calm.

  It’s none of my business, he repeats to himself.

  “Ah, yes—Mr. Errem,” Professor Halvern says, his silken voice cutting through the chatter like a warm knife through wax. The student in question, the one still looking at his own Skill stunned, looks up.

  “Yes, Professor?”

  Halvern smiles—a thin, composed smile that looks practiced enough to have been polished before a mirror. “You may go now. We might continue your personal tutoring another day. Let me know if you make any breakthroughs on your own.”

  “Yes, Professor!” that young man bows reverentially and then goes back to his seat, happier than ever.

  Halvern’s eyes drift over the room, taking their time.

  His gaze glides past rows of nervous young nobles, skips a trembling dwarf, lingers for a heartbeat on a silent elf, and finally stops.

  On her.

  The Goblin Princess.

  Princess Naar’ethra.

  Professor Halvern’s voice softens, and a subtle shift runs through the classroom.

  “Princess Naar’ethra,” he says, her name gliding off his tongue like something he’s been saving for the right moment. “How fortunate that you chose to attend today’s lesson.”

  “Professor Halvern, that was a mighty performance,” the Princess nods wisely. “Not even my Tutors have been able to provide so many levels in one go.”

  “I’m not an Academy teacher for nothing, Princess,” Professor Halvern says smugly.

  “If it pleases you,” he says, “I would be honored to assist you personally. Should you wish to advance or refine any of your Gold or Platinum Skills, my expertise is at your disposal.”

  The words hang in the air.

  A few students glance her way—some with envy, others with open curiosity.

  Jacob watches, surprised, as Princess Naar’ethra walks up to the Professor.

  "I'm very curious, yes, Professor Halvern."

  Professor Halvern puffs his chest, "you won't be disappointed, Your Highness. I have a longstanding reputation in the Academy for being a trustworthy teacher."

  Trustworthy my ass, Jacob thinks to himself. Come on. When's this lesson ending? I need to get going. I just want to take the test to pass the course and get back to more important things. Lancelot and I have to get ready for the Heartspire.

  "One of my Skills is almost level one-hundred," Princess Naar’ethra says. "I've been struggling to perfect it."

  A few murmurs raise from the classroom.

  "Level one-hundred?"

  "That's a Princess for you, buddy. She's the real deal."

  "The real deal? She's the realest deal."

  Please, let this end as soon as possible, Jacob thinks to himself. I can't take this anymore.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  Princess Naar’ethra extends a hand over the Map of Stars that Professor Halvern summons and the eyes of the middle-aged man start shining.

  "Man, Professor Halvern can even help a Princess!"

  "He's going to max out her Skill!"

  "Professor Halvern is capable of anything!"

  As soon as the Princess is done demonstrating the vein pathways through the Skill, the Professor nods and whispers a few things in her ear. Now, her eyes go wide and she channels her Skill again.

  "It's leveled up! I just gained three levels!"

  Yeah, and he stole every other little bit of knowledge in your Skill in exchange for a couple of levels, Jacob thinks, rubbing his face.

  Professor Halvern turns toward the classroom, with his arms wide.

  "See? A good training in Runic Notation will allow you to do the same!"

  The class erupts in cheers.

  "I really want to major in Runic Notation now! Have you seen how effective that was?! Imagine if I knew a tenth of what Professor Halvern knows! I'd be an unstoppable Knight!"

  "Yeah! With Professor Halvern teaching us, we'll be the best of the best in the Academy! I pity those who couldn't get in his class!"

  "And to think that there are people who refuse to attend class!"

  * * *

  Many now turn toward me, staring daggers.

  "Maybe you should have thought about attending the class," Zibrek whispers to the side.

  "With my Skill close to level one-hundred, I'm now even more confident in killing that bastard who's claiming my wife!"

  I don't even look toward Princess Naar’ethra, but I just stare right into Zibrek's soul.

  "You should have told me it was going to be this messy."

  "You might not have accepted, Jacob. Sorry. I just... I can't take this," Zibrek lowers her head, then I catch her sneaking a glance at the Princess and blushing.

  Wait a second. Does she...

  I take a big breath and roll my eyes up.

  "Now, now," Professor Halvern says toward the roaring crowd, trying to calm them and the murderous Princess. "Not many know how beneficial Runic Notation 201 can be. I don't fault Jacob Cloud, the Fake Champion, for being an ignorant."

  I feel a vein pulsating on my forehead.

  "Sure," I say, gritting my teeth. "Could I take the test now?"

  "No, no," Professor Halvern shakes his head slowly. "I know you're too shy to walk back on your words, Cloud."

  "What?" I ask, genuinely confused. "What do you mean too shy to--"

  "I know how you must feel," the Professor sighs dramatically, "but it's common for youngsters to make mistakes. In fact, it's the older generation's duty to be more mature, to lead with the good example."

  What is he talking about? I ask myself, puzzled.

  "That's why I decided to forgive you."

  "Uh... thanks? But Professor, I really just want to take the..."

  "Now, now, Cloud, don't be shy. I've decided to give the last spot of today's private teaching to you. Come here and show me your best Skill."

  A series of boos rain down the stands of the circularly arranged classroom.

  "He doesn't deserve it! He's not attended one single lesson!"

  "Yeah, he's a piece of crap, Professor! He disrespected you! Why is he getting this opportunity?!"

  "When he was dilly-dallying around we were all studying for Class, Professor!"

  Professor Halvern nods gravely.

  "I know, my dear students, I know. However, Jacob Cloud is but a hairless lost sheep. He doesn't know better. Yet, his talent for Runic Notation, as I've heard, is considerable. I'm willing to make an exception, to offer him peace and the chance to finally start attending my lessons. Of course, he will have to catch up on all the assignments, but that's just fair."

  That seems to placate everybody else but not me.

  In fact, I feel like I'm about to get a stroke from this shameless man.

  "Come on, Cloud. Let me help you out."

  Help me out?! You just want to steal my own expertise, you bastard!

  "I'll pass," I say, gritting my teeth. "I just want to take the test to pass the class."

  The entire classroom gasps but Professor Halvern just waves his hands.

  "Come on, Cloud. I know how you must feel. I know that you must be really ashamed for this. And you're right. You should be ashamed for your behavior. Yet, second chances do happen, but they must be seized. Now, just come here, show me your best Skill, the highest level one you have and I'm sure you'll be convinced."

  "Professor, no thank you."

  "Cloud, stop wasting time. Opportunities like this don't fall from the sky. Do you even know who I am?"

  A fraud.

  "Professor, I must insist. I will not show you my Skills. In fact, I have no intention of doing anything like that. I just want to take my test and get out. Please."

  Professor Halvern does a double-take, clearly not used to people refusing him.

  "You dare disrespect an honorable teacher like me?"

  Honorable?!

  "If it's what I need to take the test, sure. Let's call it disrespect. Can I now, please just take this test and remove myself from this Class?" I say, getting up and peeling Zibrek off my arm under the hateful gaze of Princess Naar’ethra.

  "Let me duel him for you, Professor!" Princess Naar’ethra suddenly says. "I'll teach him to appreciate the opportunities that get offered to him!"

  "Yeah!" one student yells. "Let her take care of this ungrateful bastard!"

  "The Professor only teaches a few people individually per lesson and Jacob Cloud just refused it! What an absolute clown! Who does he think he is?!"

  "If Professor Halvern had offered me such an opportunity, I would have jumped in a river to cleanse myself of all sin and offered my right arm as a sacrifice to his kindness!"

  I turn to locate the last speaker.

  That's a bit much, I think to myself.

  "I regret to say that yes, Jacob Cloud, you do seem to need a lesson."

  "Let me," Princess Naar’ethra jumps in the middle of the class. "I can't wait."

  "Princess Naar’ethra, you said you were trained in Runic Notation by your Tutors, right?"

  "As a Goblin Princess," she says, "I'm expected to know as much about Runic Notation as engineering, Professor Halvern. I can easily sketch Platinum Ranked Runic Notation."

  "Well, we teach fundamentals of Gold-Ranked Runic Notation in the 201 part of this course, so you'll have to limit your own abilities."

  "I'll take the Platinum Ranked Runic Notation," I say, walking toward the center of the Class. "How about we make a little bet, though?"

  I am looking forward to catch two birds with one stone.

  "What would the bet?" Princess Naar’ethra asks.

  "Zibrek," I say, curling my finger at her. "Please, come here."

  I see Zibrek suddenly panic as she tries to hide behind her desk.

  "My wife, please," Princess Naar’ethra begs.

  That, against the expectations, has Zibrek defeatedly walk up to the statuary, curvy goddess of a Princess.

  "So," I say, " Zibrek, you don't want to marry this woman, right?"

  "I don't know her. This is the first time I've seen her. She's been sending me these crazy letters."

  "Darling, that is because I've seen your picture in your parents' home and I've heard of your genius! I can't help but being smitten with you! And now that I see you in person as well, how could I not fall in love with a such a gorgeous woman!"

  Zibrek reddens up and I nod.

  "Alright, so, here's my bet conditions: if you win, you get to marry Zibrek as soon as now, I fail the class, and you can even slap me or whatever. If I win, you stop hounding Zibrek against her will."

  "I won't let you marry her!" Princess Naar’ethra declares.

  "No, no. We're not actually together," I confess, having a few people who were already planning on gossiping about us gasp. "I'm asking you not to bother her against her will. If Zibrek wants to talk to you, she's free to do so. I'm just saying, stop bothering her and being insane about this marriage. How about that?"

  The Princess narrows her eyes at me.

  "Fine."

  "Good," I say, turning toward Professor Halvern. "So, what are the conditions?"