Great Teacher in a Defense Game

#19 The Night is Short, Run, Missy!

The Pankratos was swiftly concluded.

The mages in the background, murmuring amongst themselves, began to disperse.

Only a few remained in the hall, Enoch among them.

The Master of the Magic Tower and the Guild Leader remained as well; the principals in this affair.

“A bit of a disturbance, perhaps, but the result is not unfavorable. Or, rather, let us hope it is not unfavorable.”

Rosita spoke as if pleading.

Vergo nodded, as if in agreement.

“I would say it’s not bad, all things considered. The building didn’t collapse, and it was resolved with words, wasn’t it?”

“The building *did* collapse slightly…? Now that I look, the foundations are a bit unstable.”

“Honestly, Rascelin, must you always be so…quietly?”

Vergo, bickering with Rascelin, approached Enoch.

“My apologies for the tardiness of introductions. I am Vergo Tessaille, Master of the Lightning Magic Tower.”

“I am Rascelin Iskuta, Master of the Earth Magic Tower. I’m not sure if I’m pleased to meet you, but, well, pleased to meet you all the same.”

“I am honored. My name is Enoch. Forgive the great burden I have caused in our first meeting.”

Enoch, banishing any hint of sharp edge, replied with measured politeness.

A demeanor of utmost respect, so unlike before.

Vergo, witnessing this, gave a short, “Hmm.” of impressed acknowledgement.

*‘A subtle grace in every movement, every gesture.’*

Perhaps it was from having encountered so many mages of…unstable minds.

A small flicker of favor already began to kindle.

Vergo felt that this new Border-Rank mage was, all things considered, quite agreeable.

“Today will be busy and arduous, but should the opportunity arise later, let us speak at leisure. The Lightning Magic Tower resides in the northern reaches of the continent. Visit sometime, should you find the hours to spare.”

With those words, Vergo transformed into lightning and vanished.

*Rumble-* The thunder still echoed when Laceline approached and gave Enoch’s shoulder a playful shove.

“Hey. Visit me before you visit Vergo. That fellow, for a Lightning Magician, has the personality of damp stone.”

“Is that so? He seemed quite dignified to me.”

“Dignified is another word for boring. But I am different. The Earth Magic Tower will never be dull.”

Laceline, perhaps because she had not exerted her powers, spoke with a more casual tone than before.

And being rather short, Enoch had to look down to meet her eyes.

Enoch nodded, watching Laceline stand on tiptoe.

“I will keep that in mind. I was thinking of bringing a gift. Is there anything you might desire?”

“It’s alright. I’m hardly hurting for coin.”

“Is that so? I possess quite a bit myself.”

“Really? How much, then?”

“Two hundred and twenty trillion Croy.”

“?”

Laceline tilted her head, puzzled.

Then, her brow furrowed.

What childish jest was this?

It seemed his new colleague, personality aside, possessed little talent for jesting.

“I take back what I said earlier. You’re better off spending time with Vergo.”

“It wounds me to hear you say so, out of the blue.”

“I don’t care. I’m leaving now. Farewell for now, you presumptuous newcomer.”

Laceline waved a hand, then dissolved into earth and disappeared from sight.

Only a faint dust of soil on the ground remained, proof that she had been there.

“It seems you’ve made introductions. Sebek is nowhere to be seen. Did you speak with her privately?”

Nortilla approached soon after.

The elder stroked his white, voluminous beard as he addressed Enoch.

“I was unable to speak with her. It seems she has already departed.”

“Indeed. She has appeared ill at ease since our arrival. She could not bear it and has fled, it would seem.”

“It is of no matter. Perhaps there will be another opportunity in the future.”

Enoch merely shrugged, as if it were nothing.

Nordilla, seeing this, let out a hollow laugh.

“Since you already know, I shall skip the introductions. That aside, you remember what I said before, yes? Be sure to visit someday with a disciple in tow.”

Having said that, Nordilla turned to ice and melted away.

With this, a total of four mages had departed.

Now, only two remained.

Guildmaster Rosita and the Water Tower Master, Jane Alurada.

Enoch turned his gaze to where the two stood.

As it happened, they were approaching him as well.

‘Judging by appearances, they were in the midst of a private conversation.’

Rosita and Jane.

Their expressions were remarkably similar.

Quite soured, as if they had been discussing the earlier commotion amongst themselves.

Presumably, the subject matter was something along the lines of, “That was too harsh,” and “What else was I supposed to do?”

“Enoch. I, too, would like to have a proper conversation with you, but I’m rather fatigued today. I trust you understand?”

Rosita spoke as soon as she saw Enoch.

It was no empty platitude; the dark circles beneath her eyes made it clear she was genuinely tired.

“It’s quite alright, Guildmaster. We can speak again another time.”

“…Thank you. I’m not normally like this; it nearly brings tears to my eyes. Your letter of appointment will depart shortly. I shall send someone to let you know.”

Rosita said this and turned to leave.

At that moment, Enoch reached out and stopped her.

“Guildmaster.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“This, if you wouldn’t mind, please accept it. I recommend you give it to no one else and enjoy it in a quiet place, alone.”

Enoch discreetly offered a bribe.

The item’s true nature was a high-grade whiskey known as the Goddess’s Tear.

Its price was approximately one hundred million Crowe per bottle.

Enoch himself occasionally indulged in a glass when the mood struck.

“You…!”

Rosita’s eyes sharpened.

The sleepiness had vanished without a trace.

With a resolute look, he spoke, as if scolding,

“Tell me, how did you know I liked such a thing?”

“It’s basic courtesy, isn’t it.”

“From the moment I first saw you, I knew it would come to this. You may call me ‘Hyung’ now. If you ever have hardships, feel free to unburden yourself to me. However, if such a thing were to happen again, I might be compelled to swear brotherhood with you, so bear that in mind.”

Rosita, his face stern, departed.

Enoch felt he might become closer to Rosita faster than expected.

“Then…”

Enoch belatedly turned his head.

The only person remaining.

His eyes met those of the Tower Master, Jane.

“…”

“…What.”

“……”

“……What!”

“……”

For some reason, Enoch continued his silence.

“What! What! What is it! Speak, you little shit!”

Jane finally lost it.

Truthfully, her heart was a tangled mess right now.

She wanted nothing more than to leave straight away, like the others.

But she couldn’t bring herself to, because of Rosita’s desperate plea from before.

-Jane, please try to get along with the new recruit.

-What? Are you crazy? Did you not see what just happened?

-That’s why I’m saying this! And what about my own situation, managing you all? You’re the ones who cause trouble, but it’s the face of the guild – me- that gets chewed out. I’m already going to be grilled by the Emperor and his ministers over the height of the waterways, and you can’t even manage to be friendly with a junior? Huh? Thinking about it, I’m getting angry? I might just flip the whole thing over-

-Ah, alright… calm down.

Jane had ultimately accepted Rosita’s earnest entreaty.

Knowing well the Guild Master’s struggles, she couldn’t possibly refuse.

And so, she had deliberately remained until the very end.

But now, what was this attitude?

To stare back in silence, without a word…

Was he looking for a fight?

Huh?

Is he getting angry again?

“You little…! At least say something—”

Jane felt the heat rising once more.

Enoch’s gaze, as if observing a lab animal, was grating on her nerves.

Already, water was swirling around her feet.

A little more force, and she could unleash power enough to engulf the whole building.

It was precisely then that Enoch stepped forward.

Before Jane could blow a fuse again, he spoke, as if preempting her move.

“Matopju-nim?”

“…? What?”

“Firstly, I apologize for what just transpired. I had much to consider, and it took me some time to sort through it all.”

His demeanor had shifted in an instant.

Enoch bowed respectfully, offering his apology for the rudeness.

As if he had already forgotten everything that had just happened.

A change that was almost too sudden.

Jane, momentarily forgetting her anger, stared blankly at him.

“You… no, nevermind. Just stand up already.”

“If you wish, I could apologize further.”

“It’s alright. What need is there for apologies over something like this. And stop with the honorifics. You’re a Boundary-Class mage now, after all. It just makes me uncomfortable.”

“Is that so? Understood. I will cease using honorifics.”

Enoch sprung up! He lifted his head.

The atmosphere had already returned to its former state.

Seeing this, Jane was struck anew with astonishment.

To change his attitude so quickly.

She was genuinely impressed by Enoch’s social skills.

“You… I’m realizing this again, but you’re truly something.”

“In what regard?”

“That *whoosh-whoosh* changing act, you know? Doesn’t it tire you out?”

“Hmm. Not quite sure what you mean.”

There are people like me in this world, too.

Enoch added that as an afterthought, cleared his throat, and shook his head.

Then, almost tossing the question to Jane, he asked, “Anyway, let’s get to the point. Do you happen to have some time right now?”

“…Time?”

“Yes. I was thinking, maybe we could wander around the capital together, also to smooth things over from earlier. How about it? Will you come along?”

“……”

Jane didn’t answer right away.

Instead, she carefully scanned Enoch from head to toe.

A neat hairstyle.

Distinct, clear features.

A straight back.

The tidy coat he’d somehow already changed into.

A crease-free outfit.

Once she’d confirmed all that, her mouth opened automatically.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Wise choice.”

@

The two left the guild and wandered the streets of the capital.

Just in case people recognized them, they pulled suitable robes over their heads.

Truth be told, Jane didn’t expect Enoch’s company to be particularly enjoyable.

The reason was simple.

It was because she herself was a mage.

*’Mages usually only focus on one thing. They’re hopeless when it comes to everyday life. Probably, this guy won’t be any different.’*

As a high-ranking mage, Jane knew all about the habits and natures of mages.

They truly only know magic.

They don’t pay much attention to anything else besides magic.

Therefore, going out with a mage is the worst decision.

Because, wherever I go, I only get a lackluster response, and end up perpetually choosing options based solely on fleeting interest.

Enoch would likely be no different.

‘Guess I’ll just kill some time and head back.’

Jane thought with a yawn.

But, surprisingly, Jane’s expectations were entirely off the mark.

“Jane, do you happen to like alcohol?”

“Alcohol? Of course, I like it.”

“If you like it, what kind do you prefer? Whiskey? Wine? Is it a prejudice to ask if you like rum since we’re tied to the sea?”

It began with alcohol.

Enoch inquired about her preferences with a lighthearted joke.

And then proceeded to spend 400 million Kro on the spot.

-Goodbye! Honey! Shut the shutters! We’re closed for business!!!

“Here. I chose a few bottles for you as well.”

“Uh… okay… but, why are you holding a glass? Can we drink while we walk?”

“It’s fine. Sampling is free on this street. In fact, carrying a glass around is considered a virtue here.”

“I, really?”

Enoch handed Jane a glass.

Then, right there and then, he opened one of the bottles he’d just bought and poured a generous amount.

Jane took the glass and sipped the liquor.

Was it because the alcohol was good?

Her head felt rather muddled.

Next was tobacco.

“Come to think of it, you were smoking a hookah. What kind of liquid do you use? Fruit? Or leaf?”

“Liquid… usually the fruity kind. It’s less nauseating, and doesn’t smell as much.”

“I see. Then have you ever been to the red-roofed shop in Block 5 of the capital’s commercial district?”

“No? What is that place?”

Enoch chuckled at Jane’s reply.

“Goodness, you’ve been living your life at half-mast.”

“What? Is it that great?”

“Come along. Since we’re on the subject, we might as well go.”

Enoch’s reaction had sparked Jane’s curiosity.

The two of them soon moved to another place.

The sipping of liquor along the way made it far from tedious.

“We’ve arrived. This is ‘Acorn Burrow.’ A place where an artisan hand-carves pipes and tools.”

“Such a place… existed in the capital?”

“Come on. I think the one you were smoking earlier broke. I’ll get you a new one fitted here.”

Enoch drew Jane inside the building.

And once again, he scattered his coin.

-You’re looking for a hookah? Then, how about this? Fig wood struck by lightning, steeped in resin and then meticulously shaped. Even when boiling the liquid, it leaves no stickiness, and the smoke permeates with a gentle caress.

“…So he says. What do you think? Care to try a puff?”

“O-oh, alright.”

Jane put the artisan-carved pipe to her lips.

She marveled at the subtle fragrance and the smooth passage down her throat.

Before she knew it, a bright smile blossomed on her face.

The old pipe, likely rolling around on the floor now, was a forgotten face.

“It’s incredible… there isn’t a single rough edge.”

-Indeed? The liquid itself also comes in various types. Citrus Lime, Delon Mongoose, Innsmouth Iceberry. If you desire something specific, please do tell.

“Innsmouth? You still have that?”

Jane gasped in surprise, her mouth agape.

Enoch, leaving the engrossed Jane behind, presented a wad of cash.

“Give me everything you have in the warehouse. Liquid, leaf. Everything.”

-…! Very good! How much would you like?

“More than enough. Let there be no shortage.”

Enoch added two more bundles of money.

Then, as if he had almost forgotten, he added.

“Incidentally, keep the change.”

The owner grinned at that.

A short while later, the shop’s shelves and warehouse were completely emptied.

That day, Acorn Burrow declared a long vacation.

Enoch emerged from the shop and settled onto a nearby bench.

There, he pondered his next destination.

“Perhaps a drink will aid my deliberations?”

“A fine idea. Where to now, then?”

“I’m still deciding. The owner of the Acorn Cave place slipped me a few local hotspots. One must heed the wisdom of the locals, wouldn’t you agree?”

Enoch twirled the paper listing the hotspots on his finger.

At the same time, he poured drinks into both his and Jane’s glasses.

Jane beamed and extended her glass.

Two bottles of liquor were already emptied, more or less.

But perhaps spurred by the rising merriment…

Jane, puffing on her hookah, grinned sheepishly and, without even realizing it, cracked open another bottle.

– *Pppft*

“Local recommendations, you say? It does have a certain…ring to it.”

“That’s the only way to truly enjoy oneself while playing. Ah, here’s a place renowned for its seafood. Said to have graced even the Emperor’s table. Could it possibly be true?”

“Ah, I think I know the place. The Emperor mentioned something similar once. Said there’s a particular establishment he always calls upon when indulging in seafood.”

“Is that so? Excellent intel. Dinner shall be there, then.”

Enoch declared, downing his drink.

Following Jane’s prompting, he also took a few puffs of her hookah.

In the interim, a vehicle and chauffeur arrived before the bench.

Enoch had summoned it from within the shop earlier.

“Let us go.”

Enoch promptly boarded the backseat.

The seat beside him remained unoccupied, as if urging her to hurry.

“What are you waiting for? Do not dawdle so.”

“…”

“We have food to eat and shopping to do. The night is brief. Quick, now.”

Enoch said with a touch of urgency.

Jane, belatedly, seemed to regain her senses.

Her fist was clenched tight.

But the cause of her clenching wasn’t anger; something else entirely.

A strange emotion blossomed within Jane’s chest.

One she’d long forgotten, buried deep since becoming Archmage.

It was joy.

‘Enoch, you little… No, you rascal… you scamp…’

Before she knew it, her heart was brimming with anticipation for what came next.

Jane could no longer deny it.

Enoch, that scamp…

He knew how to have fun more than she thought.