Chapter 251 Protocol
This magical artifact was inscribed with the Rank 1 Spell: Light Fall. It would automatically activate if its wearer fell for more than two meters. Alternatively, the wearer could also activate it manually. Just like what Adam was doing right now.
As he gently fell from the sky like a willowy feather, his robes fluttered as the wind passed, making him appear like a deity descending to the mortal world.
The youth hummed a tune to himself as he patiently waited for the flying serpent to arrive. A few moments later, Professor Kimberly had flown in from the distance and positioned the flying beast right underneath him.
Adam graciously landed on the saddle. The moment he did, he was immediately surrounded by the young children from the academy.
"Senior Adam, that was amazing!"
"How did you do it?"
"I've never seen so many Magic Missiles before!"
"How were you floating just now? Is it because of an artifact?"
Adam was suddenly overwhelmed by listening to the questions from these enthusiastic children. He wanted to just walk away, but seeing how lively they were, he couldn't find it in himself to ignore these kids.
Moreover, he also felt quite nice being treated as a celebrity by them. This feeling of others looking up to him was a novel experience for him.
Just as he was about to answer the kids' questions, an angry voice came from the front of the saddle, scaring everyone present.
"Student Adam, we need to talk!"
Seeing Professor Kimberly stomp toward him, Adam loudly gulped, thinking to himself, W-What the hell? Did I do something wrong? Shouldn't she be happy?
The youth involuntarily raised his hands in surrender and laughed nervously, "P-Professor, what's gotten--Acckk!"
However, before he could even finish speaking, the auburn-haired lady had already come near him and grabbed his ear, twisting it slightly.
"You really like to play the hero, huh?" Professor Kimberly heavily reprimanded the youth. "No, this won't do. I must set you straight."
With that said, she dragged the youth by the ear and walked to the front of the saddle where she usually sat. Seeing this sudden turn of events, the students were shocked. The only person that was greatly enjoying this moment was Frank.
"Ow, ow, ow, what's gotten into you?" Adam's face was full of grievance.
He couldn't understand what was wrong with this lady. According to him, after he had defeated the two flying beasts, shouldn't she be praising him? Then, why was she scolding him instead?
"Shut it!" Professor Kimberly's face was grim. "Sit down."
"Y-Yes, ma'am." Seeing the serious look on her face, Adam could only obediently nod.
Professor Kimberly crossed her arms and glanced at Adam, severely admonishing him, "Why did you not listen to my instructions back then?"
"What do you mean, Professor?" Adam asked meekly.
"You know exactly what I mean!" Professor Kimberly's voice turned up a notch. "It was highly irresponsible of you to go into battle all alone. Did you wish to play the hero so badly?"
Damn this woman! Adam cursed under his breath. He secretly glanced at all the students witnessing him getting scolded by her and couldn't help but feel deeply embarrassed.
"What if something happened to you? What if you endangered the lives of everyone on the flying mount? Did you think about these things?"
Adam protested, "But, Professor, those birds were only Rank 1 beasts!"
Professor Kimberly's eyes narrowed. "So you thought a Rank 2 Magus like me wouldn't be able to take care of them?"
"N-No, that's not what I meant." Adam hurriedly shook his hands, afraid that she would misunderstand.
"Haa…" Professor Kimberly couldn't help but massage her temples and release a helpless sigh. "Look, Adam, I know you meant well. But we are currently at war. Do you know what that means?"
Adam shook his head. However, inwardly he thought to himself, This is war. Doesn't that mean I go around killing enemies? And I already killed the enemies, so why are you so mad?!
"During wartime, you cannot disobey your superior's orders. Doing so is punishable by death in most cases," the Professor began with a solemn tone.
The youth's pupils constricted as he glanced at Professor Kimberly incredulously. Even the surrounding students were stunned.
These kids, who had always been under the shade of Clover Academy, how would they know about the protocols that govern warfare, otherwise known as the rules of engagement?
Professor Kimberly glanced at the other students and thought this was an opportune moment to teach them a few things.
"Obeying your superior is a fundamental aspect of military discipline and is crucial for maintaining order. If one of you disobeys, it will make the others think that they can all disobey orders."
She glanced back at Adam, her tone softening, "Do you get it now? I am your Professor and have known you for a while so I know you meant well when you did what you did."
The lady paused for a moment before continuing, "But the same cannot be said about the other Rank 2 Magi you will meet at Stardale. If you disobey their order, they will be sure to make an example out of you. They wouldn't care that you're a student from the Clover Academy."
Adam was silent for a long time. As he ruminated over the middle-aged lady's words, he realized why he was so impatient in fighting the flying beasts earlier. It was because he wanted to compensate for the grave mistake he had committed in the secret plane.
His hands clenched tightly as he thought to himself, I messed up.
He glanced at Professor Kimberly and nodded, "You're right, Professor. I'm sorry, it won't happen again."
Seeing the look in the youth's eyes, the lady understood that he had learned his lesson. She ruffled his raven hair and gently smiled. "It's good that you understand. Don't repeat this in the future. Unless you really have a death wish."
"I won't." Adam chuckled and got to his feet. He turned his head and looked into the distance. "How far are we from Stardale?"
Professor Kimberly gazed into the horizon and muttered, "We should reach within the hour."
She looked back and instructed all the students, "Hold tight, kids, we're about to pick up speed."
With that said, she pulled the reigns of the winged serpent and commanded the beast to fly faster toward their destination.
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