Chapter 81: Hyde Goes to Barakhan’s Theological University! (3)

“So this is Barakhan’s Theological University!”

My heart pounded as I arrived at the long-awaited building.

A city called holy.

An educational institution directly under the Papal authority, established in this very place.

I had high expectations, and judging by its exterior alone, it exceeded them.

Elegant and majestic buildings, like the Cathedral of Florence, were constructed with artistic flair.

In the campus garden, fountains flowed beautifully, and beneath the trees, their leaves turning vibrant autumn colors, swayed gently in the pleasant breeze.

“The pleasure Epicurus pursued wasn’t momentary amusement, but sustainable emotion. Therefore, the highest pleasure is, in a passive sense…”

Groups of people sat around tables and chairs outdoors, engaged in deep discussions.

It was the very image of the theological university I had always dreamed of!

Even in the theological universities of the 21st century, such discussions were rare!

“It’s a wonderful place. I also attended a theological university in my time. I can tell this is a truly excellent institution.”

I expressed my honest admiration.

Psyche looked surprised.

“Hyde! You attended university? I knew you were skilled in interpreting scripture and knowledgeable in medicine. I never knew!”

She seemed quite surprised that I had attended university.

I tried to avoid mentioning anything about the 21st century to the people of this dark age.

They wouldn’t believe me anyway, and I didn’t want to bother with complicated explanations.

I might be mistaken for someone possessed by a demon.

Anyway.

I was originally a theology student.

Unfortunately, I didn’t graduate.

Because I was struck by lightning.

Psyche asked,

“Hyde, where did you attend university? Did you graduate? This is the first time I’ve heard this, so I’m very curious!”

It wasn’t me, but Milione who answered,

“What kind of wife doesn’t know if her husband attended university?”

Milione was such a wicked girl.

No matter what, she always said things that made me want to smack her across the face.

Ignoring Milione, I said to Psyche,

“The region where I lived is very far away, so you wouldn’t know the name even if I told you. Besides, due to certain circumstances, I couldn’t graduate. Therefore, coming to Barakhan Theological University feels like divine providence.”

If I just showed a little of my knowledge and piety here, the professors would surely be moved to tears and beg me to take their diploma, or to become their proud alumnus, clinging to my ankles.

Then I would acquire a Barakhan Theological University diploma.

“Hehehe.”

I couldn’t help but think that my arrival here was part of Lord Elohim’s divine plan.

With that feeling, I strode energetically onto the campus.

A vast autumn meadow.

A group of relatively young men and women were gathered there, engrossed in something. It seemed like they were in the middle of a lecture.

“Hyde, look over there! It looks like an outdoor lecture! Shall we listen in?”

Good idea.

Although recently established, Barakhan’s Theological University was said to be on par with the 500-year-old Antioch Theological Seminary.

I decided to assess its level for myself.

The professor was young.

Mid-thirties, with thick brown hair and a cleanly shaven face.

A typical intellectual type.

His attire was neat, and he was quite handsome.

Looking at him, Alter Archibald said,

“That’s Barakhan Theological University’s youngest professor, Baltiel. He’s also the author of Pilgrim’s Progress. He’s an amazing man. Pilgrim’s Progress has sold an incredible 300,000 copies.”

The youngest professor, Baltiel.

The author of Pilgrim’s Progress?

I had heard of that book.

It was quite a good novel.

A fairytale-like story about an innocent protagonist, ‘Pilgrim,’ on a journey to a utopia called ‘Heaven,’ somewhere in the world─.

In a way, it was similar to my The Village of the Back Alley Nymph.

Professor Baltiel clenched his fist and spoke like an orator,

“Excellent writing shouldn’t just be words, it should be a sharp axe! An axe that cleaves the narrow-mindedness of the world! That is truly excellent writing!”

Oh-.

Was it a writing lecture?

Psyche said,

“He’s talking about writing! Hyde, you’re a wonderful writer! It seems like providence is truly with us!”

The timing was impeccable.

I was the author of the masterpiece The Village of the Back Alley Nymph.

Frankly, I had already surpassed the level of a university student.

“Now, then, teaching assistant, collect the assignments.”

At the young professor’s words, the students began handing stacks of paper to the teaching assistant.

Were they writing assignments?

Just then.

The young professor frowned as he glanced through the assignments.

“The Village of the Back Alley Nymph? What’s this…?”

A voice I couldn’t ignore caught my attention.

I turned to see the young Professor Baltiel holding my book, The Village of the Back Alley Nymph.

How did that happen?

Milione chuckled.

“I submitted it. I was curious to see how a genius writer would evaluate Hyde’s novel.”

What a pointless thing to do.

Milione was truly a master of causing trouble.

But─.

I started to feel nervous.

A genius writer would recognize another genius.

What if he praised it excessively?

What if he asked me to be his apprentice, or even offered to become my student, asking me to teach him how to write?

Baltiel opened my book and flipped through the pages, reading quickly.

Then he slammed the book shut and said,

“Who is this? Who played this prank? Whoever it is, they fail.”

What?

I felt dizzy.

I wondered if he meant it in the sense of, “How dare you show me such a great book now! You fail!” But that wasn’t it.

The young Professor Baltiel was genuinely angry.

“Look at these nymphs. What kind of strange language are they using? Did you plagiarize my innocent protagonist ‘Pilgrim’ from Pilgrim’s Progress?”

This…

Plagiarism? What plagiarism!

Alter Archibald spoke up,

“Professor Baltiel, that book wasn’t submitted as an assignment. My sister was being disrespectful and disrupting the lecture. Please forgive her.”

As he spoke, Alter Archibald flicked his sister on the head.

Milione, who had been giggling, yelped ungracefully and teared up.

“Ow! Why?!”

Milione was furious.

Only then did Baltiel’s expression soften.

“I see. I thought someone was trying to mock and insult my lecture. It happens a lot these days. Those Blood Crusaders or whatever they’re called─.”

---

After the lecture.

We sat in the field and talked.

Alter said,

“I really enjoyed reading Pilgrim’s Progress. I was especially moved by the scene where Pilgrim’s friend, Monoran, is unjustly burned at the stake, but angels descend and guide him to heaven.”

Alter seemed to enjoy religious books.

Baltiel bowed his head humbly and said,

“I only spent about three minutes thinking about that part while eating breakfast. You’re too kind. Strangely, people praise the parts I write carelessly more than the parts I put effort into! Haha!”

Was he bragging?

Annoying fellow.

I decided to chime in.

“Indeed, from my professional perspective, it does seem like it was written carelessly. I’m surprised you spent three whole minutes thinking about those sentences.”

As I nodded, Baltiel looked at me.

“You’re Duke Hyde, correct? I’ve heard so much about you. I’ve been wanting to meet you, and it’s a pleasure to finally do so. Was that writing from earlier a synopsis?”

“A synopsis?”

“Ah, was my vocabulary too difficult? A synopsis is a blueprint, a rough outline of a work’s plot. Like a skeleton.”

Did you think I asked because I didn’t know what it meant?

My completed work is a synopsis?

Baltiel continued,

“Was it a completed work? My apologies. Being eloquent doesn’t necessarily make one a good writer, so I understand. It’s difficult to possess multiple talents simultaneously.”

This bastard!

Openly insulting me?

Alright.

I accept your challenge!

“You say I lack the talent of a writer? What makes you say that? Isn’t it possible that Professor Baltiel’s judgment is flawed?”

“Haha! That’s impossible. As for me, my Pilgrim’s Progress has sold a total of 500,000 copies, and my previous work, What Men Live By, sold 300,000 copies.”

800,000 copies.

So because he sold that many, he’s a great writer, is that it?

Just because he’s a bestselling author, does that give him the right to evaluate and condemn other people’s work?

What a fool.

I could see the level of this theological university now.

“Professor Baltiel. Just because people eat more oatmeal than ribeye steak doesn’t make oatmeal a greater food. Selling a lot of copies doesn’t make it better writing.”

How about that?

My sharp retort!

Baltiel hummed, “Hmm.”

He must be flustered!

However, the students who had been watching frowned and started to act like angry monkeys.

“What? This guy, who writes garbage that doesn’t even sell, is insulting our professor?”

“Our professor has over a million readers! A million! If they each spat once, your body would drown and be cooked!”

This was completely an away game.

I felt like a punching bag being pummeled by a crowd.

Still, I had someone on my side.

“Hyde writes very moving and heartwarming stories! If you all read them properly, you’ll change your minds! I love them!”

Even if everyone else pointed fingers at me, Psyche was on my side!

Just then.

Clap, clap.

Professor Baltiel clapped his hands.

“Everyone, please calm down. Even I find my early writing appalling to look back on. Everyone starts somewhere. It gets better with experience and depth.”

Baltiel placed a hand on my shoulder.

“I’ll give you a special tip. Villains. Hyde, the quality of the villains in your stories is abysmal. It’s a common mistake for beginners. Remember, a good story needs a good villain.”

Villains.

The quality of my villains is abysmal?

“Professor Baltiel, do you know what a real villain is?”

“Of course I do. I conduct fieldwork and research to vividly depict the environment. I recently interviewed a member of the Psychoes.”

Psychoes.

At those words, the surrounding people shuddered.

“A, aren’t those guys the terrifying ones who kill people for fun?”

“To go that far for a book. As expected of a professional.”

“Professor Baltiel is amazing!”

Damn it!

Acting all high and mighty just because he interviewed a bad guy from a safe distance!

My writing lacks depth?

My life lacks experience?

This elite prick probably thinks the hardest thing he’s ever done is getting out of bed to wash his face in the morning!

The quality of the villains in my stories is low?

It’s laughable coming from someone who would only be fit to be a third-rate villain in one of my episodes!

Fine!

I’ll show you what a real villain is!

“Psyche, something came up, so I’ll be back shortly.”

I started to head towards the restroom.

Psyche followed me, clenching her fists.

“Hyde, don’t let their words bother you! I gain strength every time I read your new stories! I prefer your stories!”

Psyche’s words calmed me down a bit, but I was already past the point of no return.

Just this once.

Just this once, I’ll become a righteous punisher!