The Villain Professor's Second Chance

"Honestly," I began, breaking the silence, "it's fine. I'm actually quite intrigued by your methods, Chancellor. In fact, it's perfect."

Elandris's eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and wariness. She wasn't used to being caught off guard, but she quickly composed herself, her smile never fading.

"Perfect?" she asked, her voice light but laced with a hint of caution.

"Yes," I continued smoothly. "This whole situation has opened up a unique opportunity. Imagine the research potential in studying the intricacies of your clone spell. It's rare magic, one that could certainly fuel several years of academic discussion. And," I added, my gaze steady on hers, "we could collaborate. A research journal, perhaps?

You control the practical aspects, and I, of course, would handle the analysis."

For the first time since I had revealed her secret, genuine surprise crossed her face. The calculating look in her eyes softened, just for a moment, as if she hadn't expected me to take this approach.

"You want to collaborate with me?" she asked, her tone laced with incredulity.

"Why not?" I replied, a faint smile playing at the corners of my lips. "I specialize in magical analysis. And this—" I gestured between us, acknowledging the transformation she had revealed, "is a rare and sophisticated magic. The process alone would be worth documenting. The theory behind it, the magic flows, the concealment... It's a field I've been wanting to explore for some time.

And now, thanks to you, I have the perfect subject."

Elandris blinked, her lips parting slightly in surprise. It was as if the possibility of working together hadn't even crossed her mind. Then, as if a switch had flipped, her eyes lit up, and the corners of her mouth curled into a smile—a real smile this time, one that reached her golden eyes.

"That's… an intriguing idea," she mused, almost to herself. "You would be perfect for such a study. After all, you've always had a keen eye for dissecting magic, analyzing it down to its very core."

She took a step closer, her posture relaxing now, as if the tension of the earlier confrontation had melted away in light of this new possibility. "And you're right," she continued, her voice gaining a touch of excitement. "The process could provide significant insights, not just into clone magic but also into how mana flows can be manipulated across different forms of magic.

Think of the potential applications!"

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral but allowing a hint of approval to show. "Exactly. And by working together, we could ensure that both the practical and theoretical aspects are well-documented. You manage the practical execution of the spell, and I'll handle the technical breakdown, ensuring the research stands up to scrutiny."

Elandris's eyes gleamed now, her earlier caution forgotten in the thrill of intellectual discovery. "This is a great idea!" she said, her voice filled with genuine excitement. "We could present it at the next arcane symposium! Your name already carries weight in the academic community, and with my methods revealed, it would make waves. We'd be at the forefront of magical research."

I allowed a small smile to form, one that mirrored her enthusiasm, though beneath it, my mind continued to work through the layers of the situation. Elandris was a powerful ally, yes, but also a dangerous one. A partnership with her was not without its risks, but if I played my cards right, this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement.

"Then we'll plan it," I said, my tone lighter now, as if this conversation were simply between colleagues discussing a research project. "But first, we have more pressing matters to address."

As soon as I said it, the atmosphere shifted. The energy in the room grew heavier, the lightness of academic excitement fading as Elandris's golden eyes narrowed slightly, her sharp mind clearly turning back to the matter at hand.

"So," she said quietly, her voice colder now, "you've been hiding yourself all this time, Draven."

I remained still, my gaze steady on hers, though I could feel the weight of her words. She wasn't asking, she was observing. Evaluating.

"You've been hiding in your own inferiority," she continued, her voice soft but piercing. "Making a mask of imperfection, pretending to be something less than what you truly are."

I tilted my head slightly, letting her words hang in the air for a moment before responding. "No, Chancellor," I said evenly. "It's not about hiding behind imperfection. It's about control."

Her brow furrowed slightly, as if she wasn't entirely sure what I meant.

"I've been released from the curse that once trapped me, the one that held me back from reaching my true potential," I explained, my tone measured and calm. "But unlike most who would flaunt their newfound power, I chose a different path. I chose to observe, to analyze, and to wait. There's no need to rush when you're already several steps ahead."

Her eyes flickered with something unreadable, but I could tell my words had hit their mark. She understood the concept of control, of waiting for the perfect moment to strike. It was, after all, how she had operated for centuries.

"But," I added, shifting the conversation back to the present, "we need to focus on the more immediate issue at hand. The Magic Tower University. The dungeonification. I believe," I continued, my gaze never leaving hers, "that you, of all people, want to strike back at whoever orchestrated this occurrence."

Her expression hardened, the gleam in her eyes turning sharper as she straightened. "Of course I do," she said, her voice now laced with a dangerous edge. "They've threatened everything I've worked for, everything I've built. Whoever is behind this will pay dearly."

I nodded in agreement. "Then we're on the same page. But do you have any idea who might be behind this?"

Elandris paused, her gaze shifting slightly as if considering the possibilities. "I have my suspicions," she admitted, "but no solid proof. Do you?"

I allowed myself a brief, knowing smile before I responded. "Yes, Chancellor. The idea of dual identities is not just something that applies to you. You're not the only half-elf in this tower."

Her eyes widened slightly, clearly taken aback by my statement. She studied me for a moment, as if weighing my words carefully, before responding. "Another half-elf? Who?"

"Professor Armandra," I said, the name slipping from my lips with precision. "She's younger than you, less experienced, but she's been playing a dangerous game. She's the one who trained the student responsible for the ritual that triggered the dungeonification."

Elandris's eyes narrowed, her expression darkening as the pieces began to fall into place in her mind. "Armandra," she whispered, as if tasting the name. "Of course. It always comes back to her. I guess I should have known. These is why magicians are..."

I nodded. "She's been operating under the radar, using students like pawns in her grand scheme. Ramia, the one who conducted the ritual, was trained directly by her. Everything that's happened—the dungeonification, the chaos—it all traces back to Armandra."

Elandris's jaw tightened, and I could see the anger simmering beneath her calm facade. "Then we know our target," she said, her voice cold and deadly. "And we'll make sure she pays for every life lost in this tower."

I remained silent, allowing her words to hang in the air. The game had indeed changed, and now, with Elandris as both ally and potential rival, we would move forward into the next phase.

Armandra, I thought, as the chancellor and I shared a final glance. Your time is running out.