Shura Field

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of classes for the day, Marcus made his way through the bustling corridors of the academy.

His thoughts were already focused on his meeting with Professor Erza, who had asked him to come to the staffroom after classes.He was eager to discuss his request to venture into the dungeon.

The staffroom was located in a quieter part of the academy, away from the busy classrooms and common areas. As Marcus approached the room, he could hear the murmur of voices drifting through the partially open door. Curiosity piqued, he slowed his pace, straining to catch snippets of the conversation.

Inside, Erza was engaged in discussion with several other professors. The topic, seemed to be none other than him. He could make out phrases like "2-star mage," "unprecedented," and "dungeon raid" among the chatter.

Marcus took a deep breath and stepped inside, the sound of the door opening momentarily silencing the room. The professors turned their attention toward him, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity. Erza, looking slightly flustered but composed, greeted him with a nod.

"Marcus, come in," she said, her tone warm but tinged with an undertone of frustration. "I've been discussing your request with the other professors."

As he approached, Marcus listened closely. It was clear that Erza was seeking consensus on how to handle his unusual situation. The academy's policy was to train students through rigorous internal exercises and controlled duels, usually reserving dungeon expeditions for those in their third year who reached 2nd star level. Marcus's advancement to a 2-star mage at such a young age was an anomaly that defied standard protocol.

"Seems like you've really stirred things up," one of the professors remarked with a hint of admiration. "A 2-star mage at your age is quite exceptional."

Erza glanced at Marcus, her expression contemplative. "I've been trying to figure out how to grant your request. Normally, we don't allow students to venture into dungeons until they're well into their third year. It's a matter of safety and protocol."

Marcus's mind raced. He understood that his request was unconventional, but the urgency of his situation made it all the more pressing. "Can't we bypass the usual procedure? I really need to go to the dungeon as soon as possible."

Erza hesitated, her gaze shifting to the other professors for support. "I was considering asking Principal Lucian for a special dispensation, but… she's currently not at the academy."

Marcus's heart sank. In the novel, Lucian was a constant presence at the academy. The fact that she had left was another unexpected twist—one that Marcus could only attribute to the butterfly effect he had read about.

He Could also guess this occured due to him confessing to lucian.

"Do you know when she'll be back?" Marcus asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Erza shook her head, looking apologetic. "I don't have an exact timeline. It could be a while. You can also go during the summer break, but that's still two months away."

Marcus felt a wave of frustration. Two months was too long; he needed to strengthen himself quickly, and the dungeon was crucial for that. He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he accepted the reality of the situation. There was little he could do but wait for Lucian's return or hope for an alternative solution.

"I understand," Marcus said, forcing a small smile. "Thank you for trying, Professor. I'll wait for the principal's return."

Erza looked at him with sympathy. As someone who cared deeply for Marcus, she could see how this delay was affecting him. Her concern was evident in her eyes, and Marcus could tell she wished there were more she could do.

"Sorry that I can't offer a better solution," Erza said softly.

Marcus gave a nod and turned to leave, feeling a pang of disappointment. As he walked back toward his room, his thoughts were preoccupied with the implications of this delay. He needed to devise another plan or find a way to make the most of the time he had.

Upon reaching his room, Marcus was surprised to find Charlotte sitting on the sofa, looking contemplative. She had clearly been waiting for him.

As Marcus entered, Charlotte looked up, her blue eyes filled with concern. "You seem upset. What happened?"

Marcus sighed and relayed the situation. "The principal is away from the academy, and I didn't get the permission to go to the dungeon. Erza said it might take a while before she returns, or I might have to wait until summer break."

Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise. "The principal has left the academy? That's unusual. She's always been here, as far as I know. This must be her first time being away from the academy."

Marcus nodded, his frustration still evident. "It seems so. I was hoping to get her permission right away, but now I'm stuck waiting."

As Marcus sank onto the sofa beside Charlotte, he was caught off guard by a sudden knock on the door. The maid, Alice, answered it, and to Marcus's astonishment, Erza walked into the room.

Both Marcus and Charlotte looked up in surprise. Marcus's heart skipped a beat. Seeing Erza in his room was unexpected and, given his recent conversation with her, slightly unsettling. He quickly glanced at Charlotte, who was also staring at Erza with a mixture of curiosity and unease.

Realizing the potential for awkwardness, Marcus swiftly addressed the maid. "Alice, it's getting late. Why don't you head to your room for now?"

Alice nodded, sensing the urgency in Marcus's voice, and exited the room with a polite bow.

As soon as Alice was gone, Marcus used his [Sound Barrier] ability to ensure that no sounds could escape the room. He didn't want any sensitive conversations being overheard. The familiar hum of the barrier settled over them, adding a layer of privacy to their conversation.

As Erza entered the room, her expression was a mix of determination and concern. She made her way toward Marcus and Charlotte, who was seated on the sofa beside Marcus. Charlotte's gaze met Erza's with a noticeable edge of annoyance, her posture stiff as she assessed the situation.

Erza broke the silence, her voice carrying a blend of sincerity and reassurance. "Charlotte, I know Marcus has already told you everything about us."

Charlotte's eyes narrowed slightly, but her demeanor remained icy. She had evidently been giving Erza cold looks during class, and it was clear that she wasn't entirely pleased with the situation.

Erza continued, her tone earnest. "I understand that this must be difficult for you, but please know that I also love Marcus."

Charlotte didn't immediately respond. Her face was thoughtful, as if weighing her words carefully before she spoke. After a brief pause, she finally broke her silence. "I know, Professor. I understand that Marcus loves you. I don't hate you." She shifted her gaze to Marcus, her eyes softening momentarily. "I also think it's this guy who made a move on you."

Marcus met her gaze with a loving smile, acknowledging her words with a nod. He was touched by her willingness to accept the situation and respect his feelings, even though it had clearly been a struggle for her.

Erza's face brightened with a smile of relief. "Thank God. I was worried you might hate me for this."

Charlotte shook her head slightly. "I wouldn't hate you, especially since Marcus loves you. I respect his wishes."

Marcus was somewhat taken aback by the sudden shift in Charlotte's attitude. When he had first told her, she had seemed hurt and betrayed. Now, however, she spoke with a newfound understanding and acceptance, which was a significant change.

"Thank you, Charlotte," Marcus said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I appreciate your understanding."

Charlotte, though still maintaining a serious demeanor, seemed to soften further. "But I'll be the big sister here," she said firmly, her tone carrying a hint of playful authority.

Erza's smile widened at Charlotte's words. "Alright, if that's how you want to be. I'm glad we can all come to an understanding."

The atmosphere in the room shifted from tension to a more relaxed and amicable state. Erza and Charlotte seemed to reach a mutual respect for each other, recognizing that their shared affection for Marcus did not have to be a source of conflict.

With the tension eased, Marcus felt a wave of relief. He was pleased to see both women in his life finding common ground. It was a small but significant victory in navigating the complexities of his relationships and the challenges he faced.

Suddenly Erza said, "Oh, I almost forgot the purpose I came here for."

Marcus asked, "What purpose?"

Erza spoke, "I believe there might be another way to address your request."

Marcus's eyes widened in anticipation. "Another way?"

Erza nodded, her expression thoughtful. "We might be able to arrange a provisional permit for you to enter the dungeon under special circumstances. I'll need to discuss it with a few more colleagues and make some arrangements, but I believe it's possible in view of your exceptional progress."

Marcus's face brightened with hope. "That would be incredible. Thank you, Erza." As he said this, he hugged her, feeling a surge of relief and gratitude.