Although Dekan Was Strong, He Was Far Too Cautious

"Dekan, actually, it's like this this time."

Professor Arnold coughed twice.

"Every year at the end of the year, our two schools have an exchange program, so some students will be departing for the Tristin Magic Academy tomorrow, Monday. You will be going with them, so you can rest assured about your safety."

"There are activities like this?"

Dekan scratched his head.

But upon closer reflection...

He was more interested in intelligence from outside the school.

He didn't really pay much attention to these school activities.

The Knight Academy didn't even issue any relevant notice.

"Usually, it's the outstanding second- or third-year Alchemy Academy students who go there, and occasionally students from the Mage Academy will join, since it's a technical exchange. Then, at the beginning of the following year, students and teachers from there will come to visit in return."

Professor Arnold glanced at Dekan as he spoke.

Actually, if we're talking about the most outstanding technical talent among the students, it has to be Dekan.

Even though he didn't belong to the Alchemy Academy, but rather the Knight Academy, a place teeming with brutes.

However, Dekan, as a technician, had already transcended the level of academia.

Therefore, there is actually no need for Dekan to occupy a spot.

In any case, he went to visit Tristin Magic Academy as a specially invited member of the Card Maker Association.

Professor Arnold couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for Dekan.

Even if this guy is the most Underworld student he's ever met.

"By the way, do you have a list of the students visiting this time?"

"Dekan asked."

If his half-sister Mie were on his team, it would be pretty good.

Although the two drug addicts are perfectly compatible when it comes to research, Dekan has never tried to cause trouble with her.

Wait, that's not right.

He wasn't there to cause trouble.

He went there for a visit and also to covertly maintain peace.

"I don't have a specific list here, but I know Princess Alice is going, so a seventh-rank Captain of the Knights will be escorting you this time."

Professor Arnold was certain that the trip was very safe because Alice was among the group.

Therefore, with an additional seventh-rank Captain of the Knights as a guard, even if the Resurrection Church dares to attack, they will surely be able to repel it.

Furthermore, the city of Tristin also attached great importance to receiving Her Highness the Princess.

Therefore, all accompanying personnel will receive the same level of security.

There is virtually no chance of danger.

If there were truly insurmountable dangers, even a full three-person team wouldn't be able to handle it.

"Hmm... then I'll go by myself."

Dekan rested his chin on his hand and thought for a moment before saying this.

The Resurrection Church has now added another possibility to its list of targets.

However, the probability is low.

If a member of the royal family is kidnapped, the king will never compromise with the kidnappers; instead, he will become a mad dog and relentlessly hunt them down.

This is an unwritten rule of the Norton Kingdom family.

Regardless of the goals of the Resurrection Church.

Since the Resurrection Church has harbored treacherous intentions.

Dekan then decided to meet with the Resurrection Church.

Bringing Cornelia and Croix might actually discourage the Resurrection Church from joining.

It wouldn't be good to scare the fish away.

Dekan was kind-hearted and couldn't bear to disrupt the plans that the Resurrection Church had painstakingly developed with enormous human and material resources.

In addition.

Morion was able to deal with the Resurrection Cultist all by himself.

That's Dekan too.

Sometimes it's just like that; men have a strange competitive spirit.

"Dekan, I have great faith in your talent, but please don't find me long-winded. You must not offend the Ice Princess."

Professor Arnold, seeing Dekan deep in thought, couldn't help but feel uneasy and gave him another instruction.

"Alright, you can rest assured. I'm always prudent in my actions."

Dekan snapped out of his daze, and a bright smile returned to his face.

His interest deepened, and he could no longer hide his anticipation for the trip.

"Now that you've said that, I'm going to have a hard time sleeping..."

Professor Arnold covered his forehead, not wanting to see Dekan again.

He already had a bad feeling.

At last.

After Chairman Leren handed over some tickets and documents to Dekan bid farewell to the two men and left the office.

"Arnold, why do you look so gloomy?"

President Leren observed Professor Arnold's distressed expression and couldn't help but chuckle.

"I hope I'm just overthinking it."

Professor Arnold let out a long sigh and stood up.

I'm getting ready to leave the office with Leren.

"Don't worry, I think Dekan has always been well-mannered and polite in the real world; he's a good young man."

"... Too."

Dekan was the one who caused Arnold the most trouble, but Dekan was also the top student that Arnold liked the most.

However, this is the first time Dekan has been sent abroad.

Professor Arnold wasn't sure if Dekan would give him a big job.

Hopefully, Dekan will at least behave himself in the Living World.

Monday morning.

Before dawn, pale golden light shone into Dekan's room through the twilight.

A few crows seemed to fly by outside the window, their sharp cries cutting through the sky, which made Dekan, who had just woken up, feel particularly comfortable.

It looks like something good is going to happen today.

After making thorough preparations, Dekan shouldered his pack and set off immediately!

He feels like he's been on a high-intensity vacation lately.

My experience living at the college can only be described as perfect.

Dekan had originally planned to bring the Cat Teacher along, but then he thought about Cornelia having to face a week of lessons alone.

I'm worried she might not adapt well.

So Dekan assigned Cat Teacher an important task—

Spend more time with Cornelia these next few days.

However, now that Flora is playing with Cornelia, she shouldn't be lonely.

Hmm, I'm starting to worry again that Flora might lead her to skip class...

Dekan shook his head.

Forget it, I don't want to think about it anymore.

He believed in Cornelia's perseverance.

Dekan arrived at the Alchemy Academy's school building ahead of time, which was also the agreed meeting point for the visiting team from the institute.

Students were already waiting there.

Dekan spotted his familiar friend Mie immediately.

He quickly greeted them and went over.

"I was worried I wouldn't have any acquaintances this time, Mie, it's so good to have you here. Oh, and Princess Alice too."

"Hmph."

Mie smiled without saying a word, leaving the conversation to Alice and Dekan.

Alice, however, avoided eye contact and awkwardly hummed in response.

She only found out yesterday that Dekan would also be joining their team.

Although we have different purposes for visiting, we will travel together on the way there and back.

"Your Highness Alice, please don't hold my naiveté against me. I've always been taught by my teachers that true masters have the heart of a student. So that day I was genuinely seeking your guidance."

Dekan rarely had the chance to chat with Alice.

I think it would be better to take this opportunity to help her resolve her inner conflict.

Dekan felt genuinely guilty for scaring Alice unconscious in Mie's dorm room last time.

"Were you really not laughing at me back then?"

Alice will never forget Dekan's utterly humiliating smile at the Card Maker Association.

Later, Dekan's smiling face would often appear in her nightmares.

"Huh? What are you talking about? I made a good card, of course I'm happy."

Dekan looked puzzled.

"..."

Alice was skeptical of Dekan's explanation.

Although Dekan now seems incredibly sincere.

However, Alice witnessed Dekan's conquest of the Shadow World.

This person's acting skills are so controlled and nuanced, it's like a mask he always wears; you can't believe a single word he says!

But you don't trust me, and I don't trust you, so we'll never trust each other.

After hesitating for a long time, she sighed.

"Alright, alright, I believe you. Actually, I wasn't really blaming you; it's just that I was so embarrassing..."

Alice said helplessly.

Whenever she recalls those few lines of poetry by Dekan, she can't help but dig her toes into the ground.

She actually read it aloud with such pride!

"Your Highness Alice, what magnanimity you possess! I think the phrase 'Holding stars in your hands and plucking the sun and moon from the sky, there is no one like me in this world' is more fitting for you."

Dekan looked at Alice with great admiration and praised her.

"Holding my hand... That's enough!"

Alice found herself unconsciously longing to repeat those pretentious words again.

But then she suddenly realized that she had almost been led astray by Dekan again.

This guy is definitely trying to create more embarrassing moments for himself!

Mie: "Alice, if you want to get along well with Dekan, you'd better always be wary of him."

"What are you saying? I was completely unguarded with you."

Dekan said to Mie with some disappointment.

"Huff, huff."

Mie raised her hand to cover her mouth, chuckling softly.

Alice: "Hmm, I've been wondering about this for a while now, are you two very close?"

Dekan: "Ah, we chose the same elective course, happened to be group partners, and had similar interests, so we hit it off immediately."

Mie: "Yes."

Alice nodded.

"Since you're Mie's friend, you're also my friend. Please get along well with me from now on."

Alice looked at Dekan with a serious expression and clear eyes.

Dekan was slightly taken aback.

In that case, I'll feel a little embarrassed to bother Alice anymore.

That's true.

He never found Alice annoying from the beginning.

She is a very friendly person.

In addition, he is very generous.

Dekan sighed with relief and laughed freely.

Dekan: "It's a pleasure to be friends with you."

Alice: "Me... too."

This appears to be the first time Dekan has shown a genuine smile to Alice.

Dekan's expressions when he's with his friends are always completely genuine.

Alice could see that Dekan's expression had changed, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.

However, she was certain that this was a good idea.

She felt as if a knot in her heart had been untied.

As the three chatted casually in the early morning, the rest of the group gradually arrived.

Dekan was surprised to find that the teacher leading the group was none other than Professor Morgut, whom he knew well.

The one in charge of live streaming and business partnerships at the Alchemy Academy.

It seems there's a big business deal to be discussed at the Tristin Academy.

The seventh-ranking Captain of the Knights responsible for protecting the princess was also waiting at the school gate early on.

So, Decammie Alice arrived with the group at the magic airship transportation center located on the border of the royal capital.

A magical ship with iridescent colors floats on the spacious and magnificent open ground.

The boardwalk in front of them connected the platform and the ship's cabins. After storing his bag in the luggage compartment, Dekan went to the first-class cabin with Mie and the others.

This time they will travel to Tristin City aboard Wind Magic Airship.

It only takes three hours to reach Tristin by airship.

Although the airships weren't that fast, the distance between the Royal Capital and Tristin City was relatively short.

In the Norton Kingdom, there are only a few major cities not far from the Royal Capital with routes for Magic Airship.

Remote places like the border cannot be reached by Magic Airship.

Firstly, there isn't enough energy; secondly, the cost is too high; and thirdly, safety cannot be guaranteed.

"Since Alice is traveling, why isn't it a chartered plane?"

Dekan thought for a moment and then asked.

He has unceremoniously removed the honorifics from Alice's name.

"The tickets could be booked several months in advance, but the school only booked a fixed number of tickets in advance, and at that time the school had not confirmed that Alice would go."

Mie explained.

Although Alice could indeed use her noble status to make this Wind Magic Airship her private jet.

However, many businesspeople and travelers booked their tickets well in advance.

It's too domineering to just tell someone to cancel.

There was really no need to go to such lengths if we didn't know someone was coming.

An hour had passed without us even realizing it after we boarded the airship.

The Wind Demon Energy Airship does not fly as fast as the airplane in his previous life.

Its flight altitude is only a few hundred meters above the ground.

Therefore, it will not cause discomfort to the eardrums.

The sky was as bright as satin, and the Wind Magic Airship sailed through the sea of clouds.

Dekan leisurely glanced out the window, and the azure sky made him feel exceptionally relaxed.

For a moment, he couldn't be bothered to think about the Resurrection Church anymore, and only wanted to enjoy the pleasant and wonderful journey.

They had by then left the Royal Capital region and reached a neighboring province.

We will arrive at the magical city of Tristin in two hours.

Dekan sat in the cabin, leisurely flipping through a book.

Dekan's ticket was added to his account by the Card Maker Association at the last minute.

Therefore, his seat was different from the others at the Havenlit Academy.

Even if there are no familiar people around to chat with, he doesn't feel bored.

When I'm really lonely, I have an old friend in my heart I can chat with anytime.

Hmm, looks like she's sleeping.

Safety.

A few minutes later.

The peaceful journey was suddenly shattered by a scream.

The sound seemed to be coming from the direction of the cockpit.

Then came a violent shaking, making the entire cabin rock violently, before gradually calming down again.

The sounds of fighting came from the direction of the cockpit again, and the ship's police rushed to the front of the ship.

The seventh-ranking Captain of the Knights walked to Alice's side, ready to protect her at any moment.

"What happened?"

"Was someone attacking the cockpit?"

A sense of unease settled over all the passengers.

Even if you had to guess, you could tell that something bad was about to happen.

Dekan raised an eyebrow.

They've arrived, just as expected.

If the Resurrection Church wants to cause trouble.

The first key point is the Magic Airship from the Royal Capital to Tristin City.

This is a perfect opportunity to hijack the plane.

If you want to kidnap Dekan or Alice, now is undoubtedly the best time to strike.

If Dekan were to plan a hijacking, he would do the same.

Although Alice was unaware that the Resurrection Church was secretly plotting against her on this journey, the seventh-rank Captain of the Knights accompanying her ensured her safety.

So Dekan doesn't need to worry about her.

And so, the chaos continued for a while.

The ship's police officers heading towards the bridge disappeared without a trace, like pebbles falling into an abyss.

As the panic and anxiety among the crowd reached their peak...

"Oh, oh, good morning, ladies and gentlemen."

A clear voice rang out in the cabin.

A man in a formal suit was seen dragging the body of a ship policeman out from the direction of the bridge.

The ship's policeman collapsed to the ground, his fate unknown.

It's probably already a corpse.

The man's white tuxedo was stained with some horrifying crimson, and even his neck was stained with someone's blood.

His steps were calm and composed, and he wore a gentlemanly smile, but there was no smile in his eyes.

He surveyed the passengers in the cabin.

That cold gaze was like that of a butcher looking at his own pigs.

"No, no!"

I don't want to die!

The tourists in the cabin were deathly pale with fright.

They began to whisper among themselves in a panic.

Even before the Tuxedo Man revealed his purpose, everyone knew the ship was in grave danger.

The passengers' lives are likely now in this man's hands.

The seventh-ranking Captain of the Knights in charge of the escort drew his weapon in an instant.

However, the Tuxedo Man remained calm and simply revealed a card.

[Destruction Spark]

[Category: Spell Card]

[Grade: Purple Rare]

[Class: 5]

[Passive Effect: If the wearer is killed, it will trigger an extremely powerful fire-attribute explosion.]

[Note: An early masterpiece of the Church of Minos Resurrection Church.]

"Mean!"

This caused the Captain of the Knights's pupils to shrink sharply, and he gripped his sword tightly, but was unable to strike again.

"If you don't want all these passengers to die a horrible death, please calm down, Sir Captain of the Knights."

The Tuxedo Man smiled and said to the Captain of the Knights.

"Furthermore, if you dare come any closer to me, my companions in the cockpit will send this ship plummeting straight down."

At the same time, the Tuxedo Man pulled out a card and showed it off.

However, this card has a very large arc, as if it's not just meant for the Captain of the Knights to see clearly.

Especially when he turned the card towards Dekan, a cryptic smile appeared on his lips.

[Sentry Alert]

[Category: Spell Card]

[Grade: Blue Precious]

[Class: 3]

[Passive Effect: When the wearer is attacked, suffers an abnormal status, is controlled, or loses consciousness, other teammates within range carrying this card will receive a warning signal.]

[Note: Beware of fire, theft, and sneak attacks]

This card was used to warn Dekan.

Do not attempt to use curses, poisons, or mind control.

Clearly, the Tuxedo Man had other accomplices who hijacked the cockpit.

The Captain of the Knights remained silent.

He simply moved a little closer to Alice.

If an extreme situation were to occur later, he would choose to protect Alice and then jump off the Magic Airship with Alice in tow.

At this height, with the help of magic and physical enhancement, even at the seventh level, he still had a way to safely land with Alice.

But what if that situation really comes down?

He then had no way to attend to the other passengers and students.

Most people will die.

"Don't worry, don't worry, why are you so serious? Our target isn't Her Highness the Princess. Nobody wants to be relentlessly hunted down by His Majesty the King."

The Tuxedo Man chuckled and finally looked at Dekan.

"Dekan, could you please come with us? The fate of everyone on board rests in your hands."

"..."

Dekan remained engrossed in his book.

They seem to be listening, but don't want to pay attention.

"Oh my, Dekan, you're in great shape! Your mental fortitude is far superior to the others. But we won't hurt you; after all, you'll be our future comrade."

The Tuxedo Man looked at Dekan with satisfaction.

In the Royal Capital, they couldn't kidnap Dekan, but things were different once they left the Royal Capital.

Dekan closed the book, looked up, and glanced at the Tuxedo Man.

A faint, almost imperceptible, disdainful smile played on his lips.

Do you think I would sacrifice myself for people I don't even know?

Dekan asked in a cold tone.

They seemed to find the Tuxedo Man's question absurd and laughable.

"We've seen your performance in the Shadow World. You would never harm innocent people, and you would even lend them a helping hand. However, this is your greatest weakness."

Of course, if you choose to abandon them and save yourself, then you will be even more in line with our doctrine.

Whatever you choose, you will be embraced by us.

The Tuxedo Man seemed to be performing a one-man show, thoroughly enjoying the attention he received.

He opened his arms, leaned back slightly, and his smile became even more unrestrained.

"Ugh, you despicable and shameless bastards."

Dekan sighed, looking genuinely exhausted.

It was a feeling of being one step behind and accepting your fate.

"Promise not to harm any innocent people, and I'll go with you."

Although Dekan's tone remained calm, his words were filled with a profound sense of powerlessness.

I can't kill them, I can't control them, and the opponent is probably prepared with Pain Shield as well.

Even Dekan was powerless to help.

The other side was far too well-prepared.

"Dekan ..."

Alice bit her lip tightly, her eyes filled with resentment.

She felt desperate.

Although she was not in danger, she could only watch helplessly as her friend, the rising star of Card Crafter in the Norton Kingdom, was abducted by the Resurrection Church.

Who could have imagined that the Resurrection Church would suddenly attack at this moment?

Moreover, their meticulous preparations precisely exploited Dekan's weakness.

Otherwise, given Dekan's own abilities, they would never have forced him to compromise!

"Don't worry."

Mie gently took Alice's trembling hand.

She felt that Dekan was unlikely to simply give in so readily.

Dekan didn't mention the whole big event.

At least he's not the kind of person who would easily compromise with criminals.

You can always trust the acting skills of an award-winning actor.

"Bang, bang."

The Tuxedo Man clapped his hands in satisfaction.

Then he bowed slightly to Dekan and extended his hand.

"Then, Dekan, could you please hand over your cards to me for safekeeping?"

"..."

"Please don't blame me for being petty, but your methods are something we have to be wary of."

"Hehe."

Dekan seemed to find it somewhat absurd and chuckled coldly twice.

While they could still threaten him, they used all the passengers as leverage to force him to hand over his cards, thus rendering him completely incapable of fighting.

It was truly a flawless hijacking plan.

Indeed, we can corner him and pull out all his fangs.

It's really uncomfortable to be targeted.

"The choice is in your own hands; that's our greatest sincerity."

The Tuxedo Man smiled victoriously.

It seems they are already certain of what choice Dekan will make.

After all, if Dekan had any other options, he wouldn't have been talking to him so politely.

"Oh well."

Dekan felt he had stalled for enough time.

He stood up and, without saying a word, slapped the Tuxedo Man across the face.

A crisp, clear sound immediately filled the quiet cabin.

Not only was the Tuxedo Man stunned, but the other passengers were too.

"You?"

The Tuxedo Man stared at Dekan with a look of astonishment.

Because his pain receptors were blocked, he couldn't feel the burning sensation on his cheeks.

But Dekan's slap was so forceful that it must have left a red handprint on his face.

Even without looking in a mirror, I can imagine how ridiculous I look right now.

"What are you pretending for? Hijacking a plane and thinking you're so cool? Don't you know you look like a clown?"

Dekan looked at the Tuxedo Man with the same disdainful gaze one would give someone trash.

"Huff huff..."

Mie covered his mouth.

Although I had prepared to laugh, I was still taken aback by the Tuxedo Man's stunned expression and the fact that half of his face was flushed.

She still couldn't help but laugh out loud.

This tastes authentic!

Mie's light chuckle seemed to have shattered the Tuxedo Man's last defense.

"You bastard!"

The Tuxedo Man roared.

He was no longer as elegant as before. Enraged, he grabbed Dekan by the neck, raised his leg, and slammed his knee into Dekan's stomach.

"Waaah..."

With a painful whimper, Dekan's body went limp, and he seemed to lose consciousness.

For some reason, the Tuxedo Man felt a slight pain in his knees.

That kick didn't feel like a physical blow at all.

He released his grip, letting Ren Dekan collapse to the ground like a piece of trash.

Dekan's condition is also very off.

He simply lay stiffly on the ground like a doll.

Tuxedo Man: "?"

He suddenly realized.

Something's not right!

Could this Dekan be fake?!

If Dekan is fake.

Even if he has many hostages...

But the person he threatened never showed up, so wasn't his threat just a waste of time?

Before they could even help Dekan up from the ground, they saw Dekan body turn into a card.

[Substitute Doll]

[Category: Summon Card]

[Grade: Purple Rare]

[Class: 3]

[Effect: Can perfectly mimic the user's appearance]

[Note: This card must not be used for illegal activities]

This card is not uncommon; occasionally, high-level challengers will choose to use it to confuse their enemies when exploring the Shadow World.

However, this card has a major weakness: the puppet's combat power is extremely weak, and it cannot be used with Magic Card.

Considering its high market price, whether it offers good value for money is a matter of opinion.

"Aaaaaah!!"

The Tuxedo Man clutched his head, tearing at his hair; his eyes were bloodshot.

Although the airship is still under his control, the plan to capture Dekan has fallen through.

He let the cooked duck escape, and when he got back, he didn't know how to explain himself.

He clearly confirmed that Dekan was chatting and laughing with Mia Alice before boarding the plane!

He and his companion kept a close eye on Dekan as they boarded the plane!

What exactly went wrong?!

When did this bastard replace himself with a doll?

There's absolutely no way he could have missed it!

Could it be...?

This kid never intended to use his real body to board the plane in the first place?!

You're insane!!

Who the hell is so bored as to defend against even the air?!