The Magical Girl Wants to Bully Me

Chapter 11: The Unraveling

I couldn't believe my ears when the deputy dean called me into his office to discuss the ongoing conflict between Selena and me. I had been keeping my distance from her, focusing on my own studies and research, but it seemed that even that wasn't enough to escape her web of deceit.

"Aurora," the dean said, his voice grave and serious, "I'm stepping in to mediate this conflict. Selena's about to be honored with a prestigious academic award for her innovative research, and her recent submission to 'Science' has garnered acclaim. She's also been recommended to succeed you as Professor Thompson's assistant."

A wave of shock and disbelief washed over me. "That can't be right," I protested, my voice shaking. "Selena's work is a facade. From day one, she's manipulated and cheated her way."

The dean massaged his temples, weary. He showed me the 'Science' article in question.

As I read, a bitter laugh escaped me. The truth hit me hard; Selena had pilfered my research paper, aiming to usurp my place as the one who successfully published it.

She must've resorted to another magical gimmick, much like her previous deceit with my exam results, replacing my name with hers on the paper.

While I could overlook the exam incident, this theft was unforgivable. This paper was the culmination of my dedication and perseverance, a labor of love on a subject dear to me since childhood: the brain's nervous system.

My passion reignited years ago when advancements at Harvard and the University of Washington demonstrated the potential of brain-controlled interfaces. Inspired, I doubled down on my research, sacrificing leisure and social life to draft my findings.

Now, Selena had effortlessly claimed my hard work as her own.

Panic surged through me, followed by a defiant laughter. I had safeguarded my research with copyright, a standard precaution in academia to prevent such allegations of plagiarism.

"Of course," I asserted to the dean. "Selena must be using her magic to influence others, just as she's always done."

The dean looked puzzled. "Magic? Aurora, what do you mean?"

Realizing I'd revealed too much, I backpedaled. "Forget I mentioned it. I'm just stressed. But I assure you, there's something off about Selena's work, and I intend to prove it."

The dean, now more sympathetic, suggested a meeting with Professor Thompson to air my concerns directly.

"Alright," I said, my voice firm and determined. "Let's do it."

As we made our way to Professor Thompson's office, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I had always admired the professor, and the thought of confronting her about Selena's lies made my stomach churn with anxiety.

As we made our way to Professor Thompson's office, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I had always admired the professor, and the thought of confronting her about Selena's lies made my stomach churn with anxiety.

But as we entered the office and saw the look of surprise on Professor Thompson's face, I knew that I had made the right decision.

"Aurora," she said, her voice warm and welcoming. "What brings you here today?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. "Professor Thompson, I'm here because I have reason to believe that Selena Darkwood has been engaging in academic dishonesty. The work that she has submitted for this award, and for your own research, is not her own. It's mine."

Professor Thompson's eyes widened, a flicker of doubt crossing her face. "Aurora, that's a very serious accusation. Do you have any proof to support your claim?"

I nodded, reaching into my bag and pulling out a thick folder of documents. "I have been keeping meticulous records of my research and my work on this project. Every experiment, every data point, every analysis – it's all here, in black and white."

I handed the folder to Professor Thompson, watching as she flipped through the pages with growing astonishment. "My goodness," she murmured, her voice filled with awe. "This is incredible work, Aurora. But how could Selena have gotten hold of it?"

I hesitated for a moment, wondering how much I should reveal.

"I share a dorm with her," I said, my voice trembling slightly. I didn't tell the truth because nobody believes in magic.

Professor Thompson's face hardened, a glint of anger flashing in her eyes. "This is unacceptable. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense, and it will not be tolerated under any circumstances."

She turned to the dean, her voice firm and resolute. "I think we need to bring Selena in here and confront her with this evidence. She needs to answer for her actions, and face the consequences of her deceit."

The dean nodded, his expression grim. "I agree."

I felt a rush of relief wash over me, knowing that finally, someone was taking my concerns seriously. But I also knew that confronting Selena would not be easy, and that she would likely fight tooth and nail to maintain her façade of innocence.

As we waited for Selena to arrive, I could feel my heart racing in my chest. I had spent so long living in fear of her, of the power that she wielded over me. But now, armed with the truth and the support of those who believed in me, I knew that I had the strength to face her head-on.

When Selena finally entered the room, her face was a mask of confusion and concern. "Professor Thompson, Dean Miller, what's going on? Why have I been called here?"

Professor Thompson fixed her with a steely gaze, her voice cold and unyielding. "Selena, we have reason to believe that you have been engaging in academic dishonesty. Aurora has presented compelling evidence that the work you submitted for the Eisenberg Award, and for my own research, is not your own. It's hers."

Selena's eyes widened, a flicker of panic crossing her face. But she quickly regained her composure, forcing a smile. "That's ridiculous. Aurora is just jealous of my success, and she's trying to undermine me with baseless accusations."

I stepped forward, my voice trembling with anger and determination. "It's not baseless, Selena. I have proof. I have been documenting my work on this project for months, and I can show you every step of the process. You stole my research and passed it off as your own, and I'm not going to let you get away with it."

Selena's face twisted with rage, her eyes flashing with malice. "You can't prove anything," She fumbled with a copyright certificate, claiming it as her work. Professor Thompson, skeptical, inquired about draft iterations, a standard in scholarly work. Selena's flimsy excuse of theft did little to convince anyone.

Professor Thompson took one glance and understood. "No draft plan?"

Selena Darkwood couldn't even finish her sentence. "No, no, maybe it was... it was stolen by someone."

"Humph," Professor Thompson let out a cold laugh.

Bursts of mocking laughter also came from the surroundings.

Most of the people here were experts. Upon hearing Selena Darkwood's defense, how could they not know what was going on?

Even for a genius, it's impossible to write a world-class masterpiece in one go. Repeated polishing is a common practice, and it's normal to have dozens of versions constantly overwritten. It would be hard to say if it were done in one breath.

The truth was self-evident.

In an instant, dozens of gazes pierced Selena Darkwood like steel needles.

Selena Darkwood was so scared that she didn't even dare to breathe.

The deputy dean hurriedly asked, "Selena Darkwood, I'm giving you a chance to explain. After all, you've always been ranked first in exams for so many years and are quite talented! How did you complete your paper?"

Professor Thompson smiled meaningfully. "That's a question for her to answer. And I was wondering why it looked so familiar. Turns out, it's the person who couldn't distinguish between potential and kinetic energy."

"What? How is that possible?" The deputy dean quickly asked Selena Darkwood, "Potential and kinetic energy, such simple concepts, you must know what they are, right? Quickly recite them for everyone to hear."

Selena Darkwood's lips trembled, but she couldn't utter a single word.

She really didn't know. She didn't even know the most basic knowledge.

The people present instantly erupted, almost all questioning the authenticity of Selena Darkwood's grades.

Professor Thompson just shook her head, her expression one of disgust and disappointment. "The evidence speaks for itself, Selena. Aurora has presented clear and compelling proof of her ownership of this work, while you have offered nothing but empty denials and baseless accusations."

She turned to the dean, her voice firm and resolute. "I think we have heard enough. Selena Darkwood has committed academic fraud of the highest order, and I believe that she should be expelled from this program immediately."

The dean nodded, his expression grim. "I agree. Selena, your actions have violated the fundamental principles of academic integrity, and they cannot be tolerated. As of this moment, you are no longer a student at Weston University."

Selena Darkwood finally panicked. She shouted and screamed, saying that she wasn't the one at fault.

Then she wailed, crying snot and tears, completely losing her composure.

"I was wrong, I regret it, I didn't do it on purpose."

No one sympathized with her. They all looked at her coldly, despising her.

She cried in despair for a long time, then suddenly ran over and grabbed the corner of my shirt. "I was really wrong! I'm begging you, please! I'll give the paper back to you, you take it, I don't want to be expelled, I'm only 20 years old!!"

I looked at her with a smile. "Did you ever think that I was only 18 when you stole my grades?"

She was terrified and twisted, suddenly collapsing to the ground. "It was that mascot, it was that thing that tricked me! It tricked me into becoming a magical girl, and it won't let me quit! I was wrong, please, I beg you..."

I heard the mascot constantly reminding her that she had exposed the magical world, deducting a large amount of energy points. Her energy points were insufficient, automatically deducting Selena Darkwood's attributes.

Selena Darkwood kept crying out in despair, "Stop," but how would the mascot listen to her commands? Moreover, this mascot seemed to know that I could see it, giving me a wicked smile.

She broke down, wailing so loudly that the entire building could clearly hear her regret.

But no matter how much she howled, it was useless. From the moment she decided to enjoy the results obtained through improper means, she should have known how serious the consequences would be.

As she was led away for plagiarism investigation, I reminded her, "I warned you, knowledge can't be stolen."