Cheater's Prosper 5 (Patreon)

Daniel moved with purpose through the labyrinthine corridors of Everglade, doing his best to look calm and normal, like he wasn’t carrying several forbidden books tucked into his bag. His heart beat steadily, each thump a reminder of the precarious path he trod.

It wasn’t the plan itself that scared him, but the fact that he was planning to leave it pointing at Raum while removing himself from the equation.

Risky, but after all the time he spent in the library mastering the spells necessary to erase his magical signature from the books, it was too late to turn back. The knowledge transfer from the enchanted dragon statue was too important to be wasted, his head still throbbing from the strain.

The actual switch was easy. Absurdly so. Daniel spotted Henry’s bag lying unattended on a bench while he helped his friends review spells. Students milled about around them, engrossed in their conversations, paying little attention to their surroundings.

Daniel scanned the area, ensuring no one was watching the direction he was in, before he approached some, and delivered the books via a basic telekinetic spell. Basic, but using it at the range he did require some finesse, which was only possible because he used the sword as a focus.

Once the books were in place, he followed them with incantations he'd learned earlier, making sure that the spells were designed to erase any lingering traces of his involvement. The air shimmered briefly around the satchel, and Daniel felt a subtle shift as the magic took hold, masking any residual energy that might lead back to him.

“Perfect,” he muttered with a chuckle. He straightened and moved away casually, blending into the flow of students heading toward the great hall.

He wanted to stay away, but that would mean he didn’t know how things developed.

When he arrived, he saw Raum looking at him questioningly. He nodded, giving him the signal. He walked toward Raum, as if he was expecting to open a space near him, but Raum ignored that detail.

He clearly expected Gregory to deal with the inevitable blow-up.

Daniel acted like he had been insulted by the sudden dismissal and walked in the other direction. Only when he turned the other side, he smiled, glad that Raum made it easier for him to disassociate it.

He pulled the other side, and picked a seat where he could watch the first threads of his plan begin to unravel. The great hall was a hub of activity, students crisscrossing in every direction, the hum of chatter and laughter filling the air.

He spotted Professor Aldridge weaving through the crowd, his tall frame and silver-streaked hair making him easily identifiable. Aldridge was one of Everglade's more notorious instructors. He was stern, unforgiving, and rumored to have a penchant for accepting bribes to look the other way or, in some cases, to orchestrate a student's downfall.

Daniel knew from the books that Raum had Aldridge in his pocket, leveraging the professor's vices to further his own schemes. Another name that ended horribly thanks to Raum’s failing plans in the future books.

Aldridge approached Henry, who had just arrived with Vanya. The two appeared to be deep in conversation, their expressions animated. Vanya laughed at something Henry said, her eyes bright and her posture relaxed.

She was beautiful. Red-headed, athletic, and magically competent, she was one of the most important people in the world. Raum’s jealousy was obvious, thinking that every beautiful noblewoman needed to be with him.

Admittedly, the sight stirred a pang of envy in Daniel as well. He had seen every beautiful woman around him in his life date others, so it felt annoying, but he pushed it aside.

Emotions were a distraction he couldn't afford right now.

"Mr. Porterson," Professor Aldridge called out, his voice cutting through the ambient noise. Henry and Vanya turned to face him, their smiles fading as they registered the professor's grave expression.

"Professor Aldridge," Henry replied politely. "Is everything alright?"

"I'm afraid not," Aldridge said, his tone heavy with feigned concern. "I need to inspect your bag immediately."

Daniel barely held back a groan as he watched them. Professor showed absolutely no subtlety. No wonder he failed soon after Gregory in the books.

Henry blinked in surprise. "My satchel? May I ask why?"

"There have been reports of forbidden materials circulating among the students," Aldridge explained, his eyes narrowing. "As a precaution, I must ensure that you are not in possession of any such items."

Vanya stepped forward, her brows knitting together. "That seems a bit extreme, doesn't it? Henry would never involve himself with forbidden magic."

"This is a matter of protocol," Aldridge replied sharply. "Now, Mr. Porterson, if you would."

Henry exchanged a puzzled glance with Vanya before nodding. "Of course, Professor. I have nothing to hide."

He handed over his bag, and Aldridge began rifling through its contents with deliberate slowness. A crowd was beginning to gather, whispers spreading as students sensed the brewing conflict. Daniel watched intently, his muscles tense despite himself. If he made a mistake…

Aldridge's hand emerged holding the forbidden books, their dark covers and ominous runes unmistakable. A collective gasp rippled through the onlookers.

"Care to explain how these came into your possession?" Aldridge demanded, holding the books aloft for all to see.

Henry's eyes widened in genuine confusion. "I've never seen those before," he insisted. "They aren't mine."

"Is that so?" Aldridge's voice dripped with skepticism. "These texts are banned for a reason, Mr. Porterson. Possession alone is a serious offense."

Vanya's eyes flashed with anger. "This is ridiculous! Henry wouldn't touch those books, let alone carry them around."

Aldridge ignored her, his gaze fixed on Henry. "I'm afraid I'll have to report this to the Headmaster. Until then, you are suspended from all classes and activities."

Murmurs spread through the crowd, a mix of shock and disbelief. "This has to be a misunderstanding," Henry protested, his composure beginning to waver. "Someone must have planted them."

"Convenient excuse," Aldridge sneered. "But unless you have proof, the evidence speaks for itself."

Daniel might have felt the satisfaction of success if he didn’t know the plan would blow up. He didn’t remember exactly how, but he knew that it would.

Vanya stepped between Henry and Aldridge, her stance protective. "Professor, with all due respect, you can't just accuse him without a proper investigation. At least give him a chance to prove his innocence."

Aldridge's expression hardened. "Miss Vanya, I suggest you step aside. Interfering will only implicate you as well."

"Then consider me implicated," she shot back, her chin raised defiantly. "I won't stand by while you railroad an innocent student."

The crowd's murmurs grew louder, the students watching with rapt attention. Some nodded in agreement with Vanya, while others looked uncertain, their faith in Henry shaken.

Aldridge's eyes flickered with fear. It was one thing to accuse Henry, but trying to do something to a noble was something else. He looked at Raum, only to receive a nod that encouraged him. "Very well. If you insist on making this difficult, I'll escort both of you to the Headmaster's office."

Before he could act, another voice cut through the tension.

"What's going on here?"

All heads turned as Professor Langley approached, her robes billowing behind her. Known for her fairness and keen sense of justice, Langley's arrival shifted the atmosphere immediately. Daniel nodded in understanding. Langley was a character that saved Henry’s ass many times, her supposed impartiality working wonders to protect the hero.

"Professor Langley," Henry said, relief evident in his voice. "There's been a misunderstanding."

Aldridge bristled. "I have the situation under control, Margaret."

"Clearly," Langley replied dryly, her sharp eyes assessing the scene. "Perhaps you can explain why you're publicly accusing a student without proper procedure?"

Aldridge stiffened. "I found forbidden texts in Mr. Porterson's bag. As per protocol, he is to be suspended pending investigation."

"Protocol also dictates that such matters are handled discreetly to prevent unwarranted damage to a student's reputation," Langley countered. "And that investigations are conducted thoroughly before any disciplinary action is taken."

Vanya seized the moment. "Henry didn't put those books in his bag. Someone must have planted them."

Langley nodded thoughtfully. "That is a serious accusation. Do you have any evidence to support this claim?"

"Not yet," Vanya admitted. "But I know Henry. He would never engage with forbidden magic."

Langley turned to Henry. "Is this true, Mr. Porterson?"

"Absolutely," Henry affirmed. "I have no idea how those books ended up in my bag."

Aldridge scoffed. "His denial means nothing without proof."

"Then we shall find proof," Langley declared. "I propose a magical residue test to determine who last handled the books."

Daniel felt a jolt of adrenaline. This was the moment of truth. He looked at Raum, who looked annoyed and resigned, but not panicking, making it obvious his little trick with Gregory had been intentional.

That would have removed his guilt … if he had been feeling any in the first place.

"Agreed," Henry said confidently. "That should clear this up."

Aldridge hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. "That won't be necessary."

"On the contrary," Langley insisted. "It's the most expedient way to resolve this matter fairly."

She gestured for the books, and Aldridge reluctantly handed them over. With a series of intricate movements, Langley cast the detection spell. The air around the books shimmered, and faint threads of magical energy became visible, swirling like tendrils of smoke.

Everyone watched as the threads coalesced, forming patterns that indicated the magical signatures of those who had handled the books. Langley's eyes narrowed as she interpreted the results.

"Interesting," she murmured. "There are traces here, but none match Mr. Porterson's magical signature."

Henry let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Vanya smiled triumphantly.

"There must be some mistake," Aldridge insisted, his voice strained. "Perhaps he used a masking spell."

Langley raised an eyebrow. "An advanced technique not taught even to our graduates. Do you truly believe Mr. Porterson capable of such deception?"

Before Aldridge could respond, Langley continued. "However, there is a signature I do recognize." She paused for effect. "It matches that of Raum."

A ripple of shock went through the crowd. Raum, who had been watching from the periphery, stiffened visibly.

"This is preposterous," Raum declared, stepping forward. "You're accusing me based on a flawed test."

Langley met his gaze coolly. "The test is quite reliable. Do you deny handling these books?"

Raum's eyes flashed with anger. "I am being set up. Clearly, someone is attempting to sully my name."

"Then perhaps you would consent to a more thorough investigation," Langley suggested. "Including an examination of your quarters."

Raum's composure slipped ever so slightly. "I see no need for such extremes." Raum looked at Daniel, signaling him, expecting the loyal Gregory to save him. Daniel acted stupid, more than happy to use his reputation as a stupid bruiser to the full limit.

"Those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear," Vanya interjected, a hint of satisfaction in her tone.

Aldridge looked between Raum and Langley, his earlier confidence evaporating. "Perhaps we should reconvene privately to discuss this matter."

"I agree," Langley said. "But Mr. Porterson is free to go."

Henry nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Professor."

As Langley and Aldridge moved away, Raum shot a cold glare at Henry and Vanya before turning on his heel and disappearing into the crowd. The tension began to dissipate, conversations resuming as the spectacle concluded.

Vanya turned to Henry, her expression a mix of relief and vindication. "I knew they'd see reason."

"Thanks to you," Henry acknowledged. "I appreciate you standing up for me."

She smiled warmly. "Always. We look out for each other, right?"

Daniel watched the exchange from his distant perch, a complex blend of emotions swirling within him. His plan had succeeded in deflecting suspicion from himself and casting doubt upon Raum. Yet, once again, Henry emerged unscathed, his reputation intact and bolstered by Vanya's unwavering support.

He would have respected Henry for adeptly navigating the challenge, but he did nothing. The fate bent around him, saving his ass. Annoying.

But, just as he watched him leave with Vanya, he noticed another gaze watching them, her jealousy covering her face.

Eleanor.

Daniel smiled. Maybe he could use that to his benefit.