LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 5: Three Major Taboos
Ed walked down the long corridor, following the director, feeling the tension in the air. He understood that the upcoming conversation would not be an easy one. The dull sound of their footsteps echoed across the marble floor, and the massive doors ahead seemed to him like gates leading into uncharted territory.
The director—a tall man with a piercing gaze and stern facial features—confidently pushed open the heavy door leading into his spacious office. Inside, absolute silence reigned, broken only by the muffled ticking of a wall clock. The atmosphere was one of serious deliberation: along the walls stood bookshelves filled with ancient tomes, and in the center of the room, a massive oak desk loomed, the very place where important decisions were made.
The director took a few steps forward and, with a gesture, invited Ed to sit in the chair opposite his desk.
"Have a seat," he said calmly, walking around the desk and settling into his leather chair.
Ed sat down, his fingers brushing against the cold surface of the armrests. His face remained unreadable, his expression calm—perhaps unnaturally so.
The director interlaced his fingers, observing Ed closely, as if trying to read his thoughts. A brief pause settled in the room, heavy with unspoken meaning.
"Before we begin our conversation," the director finally spoke, his voice steady but carrying a note of hidden severity, "would you like something to drink? Tea, coffee... perhaps some water? There are also snacks."
The offer was polite, but Ed couldn't shake the feeling that this was merely a prelude to something far more serious. He knew that something truly significant awaited him. Yet, despite the unease creeping into his thoughts, he decided not to refuse the offer—after all, he suspected that he might soon find himself living in the woods.
"Yes, tea would be nice," he replied with a slight nod.
Hearing his response, the director gave an understanding nod, then rose from his chair. Moving unhurriedly, he retrieved a small tea box from his desk, along with a few carefully selected snacks that paired well with the drink. The preparation took only a minute.
When Ed accepted the cup and took his first sip, the director sat back down, folding his hands on the desk, his gaze once again focused intently on the young man.
"Student Ed," he began, his face grave, "I am not currently interested in your family background or the reasons why you are on the verge of expulsion from the academy."
"What interests me," he continued after a brief pause, "is something else entirely. Tell me—are you aware of the three most important taboos of magic?"
Ed met the director's gaze but remained silent. His face showed no reaction. Seeing this, the director continued.
"The first taboo," he said, leaning forward slightly, "is the pursuit of immortality."
He watched Ed carefully, but the young man remained impassive.
"The second," the director took a measured breath, "is the resurrection of the dead."
His voice remained even, yet there was a subtle undertone of caution within it.
"And the third…" He paused, as if testing how attentive his student truly was.
"Time travel."
The moment those words were spoken, Ed's eye twitched ever so slightly. He quickly regained control of his expression, but the director, of course, did not miss the fleeting reaction.
"It seems you know something, Student Ed," the director mused, crossing his arms over his chest. "What's particularly strange is how much your body has changed. You've clearly grown taller, more muscular… even your facial expressions seem different."
Ed remained composed. He had not used time magic—he wasn't even capable of it—but everything pointed to the fact that he had been affected by it. He needed to come up with an explanation.
"Director," he began, feigning confusion, "do you truly believe that I possess the knowledge, the ability, and, most importantly, the sheer amount of mana required to wield such an advanced form of magic?"
The director studied him for a moment before nodding, acknowledging the logic in his words.
"Yes, that is indeed a fair point… Even with the changes in your body, it does not seem like you possess an advanced level of magical power." He picked up his cup, took a small sip of tea, and continued to observe Ed closely. "Additionally, no traces of magical artifacts were found near the scene of the incident. That leaves me at a dead end."
He fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. Then, with a quiet sigh, he added:
"And it doesn't seem like you're lying when you say you haven't used time magic. That means only one possibility remains…"
The director's gaze sharpened, becoming more analytical, even slightly wary.
"You were affected by someone else's time magic."
Ed made sure to keep his expression neutral, continuing to listen.
"Unfortunately, I cannot confirm this definitively," the director admitted, pulling out a sheet of paper and a quill from his desk. "However, for now, the official version of events will state that time magic was used by an unknown party."
He began writing swiftly, his movements precise and confident.
"Considering that you are now a key witness in this event," he continued without looking up from his writing, "I will use my authority to temporarily increase your academic scores. This will prevent your expulsion for the time being."
A wave of relief washed over Ed.
"But remember," the director added sharply, his eyes locking onto Ed's, "if you break the rules, your grades will be reverted to their original state."
Finishing his writing, he set the quill aside, took another sip of tea, and delivered his final verdict:
"Unfortunately, you cannot return to the dormitory."
Internally, Ed was ecstatic. Of course, losing his place in the dormitory was inconvenient, but compared to the threat of expulsion, it was a minor setback. Besides, if the official version of events held, no one would pay him any further undue attention.
"Well, that's all. You're dismissed," the director concluded, giving him one last glance.
Ed nodded, rose from his chair, and, not forgetting to express his gratitude for the director's understanding, left the office.