The Transmigrated Author
Chapter 209: Change (2)

[Pinnacle Academy, Staff Room - Higher Department Of Teaching]

The Higher Department of Teaching.

Also known as the Department of Magical Assessment, it was a small but crucial part of the academy.

This team, consisting of all the homeroom teachers across every year group, was responsible for designing and administering all exams, from basic spellcasting tests for first-years to the gruelling theoretical examinations for those seeking higher magical qualifications.

Their work was varied and demanding. For the younger students, they created engaging and challenging practical assessments, including trials on generated islands and multi-day survival exercises designed to test magical aptitude and resilience in the wilderness.

These rigorous tests ensured that only the most promising students progressed to the higher levels of magical education.

Before the doors of Kolek's office, a man dressed in all brown meticulously adjusted his appearance.

This man was Damon Bennett, connected to the infamous duo wanted across the world: Morwen Cross and Vladimir Bane.

Bennett stood there carefully, his slender fingers reaching into the depths of his pocket to pull out a small oval mirror with a silver frame that gleamed in the afternoon light.

"My trusty old pocket mirror, I could never forget you," he murmured with a smile, contorting his face into strange poses as he gazed at his reflection.

His unusual perfectionism, combined with his ordinary yet complex facade, was difficult to maintain on a daily basis.

He found himself needing to check his reflection every five minutes.

This behavior not only dictated his actions but also led to frequent breakdowns in extreme situations.

"Huuu...haah... Okay, I'm ready."

He performed a final check with the pocket mirror, hovering it above him, and meticulously adjusted any stray strands of hair.

"...I just hope this will improve the boss's plan," he muttered under his breath.

Finally, he tucked the pocket mirror into his back pocket, curled his hand into a fist, and knocked.

Knock... knock... knock...

"Come in," Kolek's voice called through the door, and Bennet entered with a polite smile.

The room presented a deceptive image of order.

A pristine desk, a seated Kolek stroking his chin thoughtfully over a paper—the very picture of a hardworking teacher.

But upon closer inspection, Bennet found stacks of papers strewn across the floor, seminar notes scattered across the whiteboard in a chaotic jumble, and empty ramen cups piled high in the trash bin beside the desk.

"...how... di-di..." Bennett's face twitched.

This was a dangerous situation for him.

Not only was his perfectionist personality threatening to unravel, but anger was bubbling up within him with each passing moment.

"Did you say something?" Kolek's voice cut through the room.

Bennet quickly straightened his shoulders and plastered a smile back on his face.

"How delightful to meet you, Head Teacher Kolek." He bowed politely before taking a seat in front of the desk.

"I guess that's what everyone calls me now," Kolek sighed, his face a mask of exhaustion before regaining its usual sternness.

[Gibson Kolek, Homeroom Teacher Of Class 1-A And The Head Coordinator Of The Higher Department Of Teaching.]

"I guess that's what everyone calls me now," Kolek sighed, his exhaustion evident.

"You came here without notice, so I assume it's something urgent."

He didn't waste any time with pleasantries.

"I wouldn't wanna be a hinderence—"

"Just tell me what it is," Kolek cut him off, his tone impatient.

"Okay... So, I'd like to be an assistant in the upcoming Practical Exams for the first years."

Kolek, who had been looking down at the papers on his desk, suddenly looked up with a serious expression.

"Now, why would you want to do that?"

His stern gaze intensified the atmosphere in the room, putting Bennet on edge.

"Well, it's simply because I really enjoyed teaching your first-year classes, and I'd love it if you'd allow me to assist you since you're directing the first years' annual practical combined exam."

Kolek stroked his chin thoughtfully at Bennett's answer, then leaned back in his chair, resting his elbows on the desk and clasping his hands over his mouth.

"Your proposal is hard to turn down, as these exams can be a handful for four teachers. But if you want to spend your three days on a generated island, be my guest."

Bennet's face erupted in a wide grin, a reaction that puzzled Kolek.

In his excitement, Bennett rose abruptly from his seat and, without permission, reached out to shake Kolek's hand.

"...?"

Kolek, caught off guard, found himself reciprocating the gesture.

"Thank you, Head Teacher Kolek!" Bennett exclaimed.

"No problem?" Kolek replied, his expression still a bit dazed.

"I'll email you the details the morning before the practical exam day, so be sure to check your emails."

Bennett turned and briskly exited Kolek's office, a spring in his step as he left the central building of Pinnacle Academy.

Outside on a off students section Bennett connected an ear piece to his right ear.

Then with his watch flicked towards the dialing session and wrang up the number unknown.

***

[Eldoria, The Syndicate's Head Quarters]

RING!!!!...RING!!!!...RING!!!...

RING!!!!...RING!!!!...RING!!!...

In the head office of Syndicate, Morwen was playing chess against a high-rated bot when his telephone suddenly blared.

"Sir Morwen... I have news for you," a familiar voice spoke.

Morwen recognized the number or rather the lack thereof.

It was an unregistered number, but the contact details matched those of his building.

It had to be Bennett.

"Well," Morwen chuckled, the sound echoing through the office, "it seems this meant that our little investment has paid off. Did you manage to secure our vessel Valencia?"

There was a momentary pause on the other end of the line before Bennett's voice, slightly shaky with restrained excitement, filled the space once more.

"Sir, I've managed to secure a position as an assistant in the upcoming first-year practical exams."

Morwen's brow furrowed. "That's not quite what I had in mind, Bennett. While it is a step in the right direction, our primary focus is on Valencia."

"But sir," Bennett interjected, "this is even better. All the first-year candidates will be in one place, including Valencia. If for some reason we cannot acquire her as planned during this exam, it will give me the perfect opportunity to assess and identify any other exceptional talents that could serve as suitable alternatives."

Morwen paused, considering Bennett's words.

He had to admit, it was a valid point.

"Very well, Bennett. You have my permission to proceed. But remember, our priority is to acquire Valencia. She remains our primary target, but keep an eye out for any other exceptional individuals with potent magical abilities. We must not fail this time."

"Understood, sir," Bennett replied eagerly. "I won't let you down."

"I know you won't," Morwen assured him. "Keep me updated on any promising candidates, especially those with exceptional magical abilities."

"Of course, sir."

Morwen ended the call, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.

Things were finally falling into place.

With Bennett in position, they were one step closer to achieving their ultimate goal.

He returned his attention to the chessboard, his mind already calculating the next move.

The game was far from over, but he was confident that victory was within his grasp.

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