Academy’s Genius Mage

The wand with a transparent cubic gem was an item distributed to second-year students in the Department of Magic.

In other words, the person who picked up the handkerchief instead of Ian was a second-year student in the Department of Magic.

It was an unspoken rule that seniors should not get involved in conflicts between departments that occurred around the time of the induction ceremony.

Nevertheless, the person standing before him had fearlessly picked up the handkerchief.

“I asked what it was. Are you intending to disrupt a sacred duel of Sonokin? Even if you’re a senior, I won’t forgive you!”

“A sacred duel?”

Finally, the mysterious person’s voice was revealed.

Ian was startled.

The voice, spoken in a clear, precise manner, belonged to a woman. Only then did the small stature hidden by the cloak catch his eye.

“You tell interesting stories. To attach the adjective ‘sacred’ in such a way.”

She soon took off her hood.

Golden hair, nearly like lemon color, fluttered in the air. From behind, Ian couldn’t see her face properly, but the reaction of those around was overwhelming.

As the dull hood came off, it felt almost as if the world had brightened.

“Who is she?”

“An incredible beauty!”

“Was there such a person in Sonokin?”

Only then did Ian guess her identity.

If his guess was correct, this person was reputed to be a genius in the Department of Magic.

A maverick who chose to major in Theoretical Magic despite immense talent.

And the continent’s most beautiful woman.

But a tragically fated noble with the inherent limitation of being from a count family of a subsidiary state.

“Isera Hebraim.”

Someone uttered her name, and at that moment, Helios’s attitude changed.

“Oh, aren’t you Lady Isera of the Hebraim Family! You are indeed as beautiful as the rumors say. I wished to meet you and perhaps dance, but I didn’t expect to greet you so soon.”

Helios approached with a sly smile and tucked the handkerchief into his chest. Just like that, the duel was nullified.

“May I have the honor of kissing your noble hand?”

He bent one arm and courteously showed his respect. However, Isera did not extend her hand.

Eventually, Helios had to rise with an awkward expression.

“Well, this is embarrassing. I heard you could be cold, but I didn’t think it was to this extent.”

“Do you understand what it means to know your place?”

“Hahaha. Of course! I am the Prince of Sonokin. Isn’t that sufficient?”

His clever words suggested considering the situation of a subsidiary state.

But there wasn’t the slightest shift in Isera’s cold expression.

The Hebraim Family did not belong to the Kingdom of Sonokin.

It was a count family of a neighboring small nation, now reduced to a subsidiary state with an uncertain future.

Amid all this, Isera was struggling after enrolling in the Royal Academy.

“Soon, his Majesty the King will arrive. His dear son’s violation of academy rules and actions tarnishing the reputation of the Sun King will surely disappoint him.”

“Are you threatening me now?”

“I am following the rules.”

Isera did not yield an inch. A mysterious blue light started swirling from the wand in her hand.

The magic energy was immense.

She was so strong and steadfast that it was puzzling why she had chosen to major in Theoretical Magic.

“If you don’t leave immediately, I’ll report your misdeeds. Surely, you don’t want the disciplinary committee to be convened before the induction ceremony?”

“Do you think I came here because I wanted to?”

“Why would that matter? I have no interest in your life.”

Helios’s face twisted.

But it did not take long for a greedy desire to settle in.

With a smile, Helios again offered a polite gesture.

“I’ll greet you again soon. Next time, I’ll invite you to a more private setting, lady Isera.”

Isera let the filthy remark pass in one ear and out the other.

When Helios turned away, his followers began to trail behind him one by one.

The battle ended in a draw.

Then Isera turned her head.

For the first time, Ian felt her cold gaze.

“Thank you, senior.”

Ian lowered his head once more, even though he hadn’t heard an answer.

In an instant, the blue light that had enveloped Isera’s staff vanished as if it were a lie.

Pulling her hood down, she began to walk somewhere. The students followed her with their gazes.

However, today’s main character was Ian.

Students from the Department of Magic started gathering around.

Among them were Milo and Edel.

“You scared the hell out of me, you damn brat!”

“I’m really relieved!”

Though they were roommates he met for the first time today, Ian felt as if they were old friends.

Ian chuckled.

“Were you watching?”

“Man, I can’t believe you tried to grab that handkerchief. Is your head just for decoration? Do you just shove people’s words straight through your ass?”

Milo’s language turned rough, but Ian didn’t mind.

“I was trying to dodge it as best as I could, but it didn’t go as planned. Let’s just head back to the dormitory.”

As soon as Milo entered the dormitory, he gulped down water.

Only after sitting down did he let out a sigh of relief.

“Huah… But Ian, did you already know Lady Isera?”

“Who would I know? People say I’m a recluse.”

“Were you secretly holding a grudge? But that’s an old story, right? I think the rumors might change after today. Did you see the expressions of our classmates earlier?”

He certainly did.

It wasn’t because of his remarkable looks. More significantly, he had upheld the dignity of the Department of Magic and demonstrated that an individual could stand against the enormous power of royalty.

That was a story a bit apart from the desecration of royal authority.

Anyway, as long as they were within the confines of the academy, nothing Ian said was incorrect.

“But you were really cool. Especially what you said mentioning the Sun King!”

Edel’s cheeks reddened. Milo, sitting next to him, nodded in agreement.

“Even as a guy, I’d be impressed. If you have that kind of guts, you’ll become someone great one day. Let’s be friends!”

“I-I’d like to be friends too…”

It was overwhelming.

One side felt repulsive because he was a guy, and the other seemed strangely unsettling because, despite being a guy, he didn’t feel like one.

‘But it’ll be brief.’

Ian had no great expectations.

Once the induction ceremony concluded and the mana measurements began, his classmates’ interest would wane.

It would be fortunate if he didn’t end up at the bottom of the class, given his weak mana.

Despite everything, he remained undaunted.

The academy would surely provide him with answers. It would show him the correct path to becoming a great mage.

“It’s a bit sudden, but I have a favor to ask of you.”

“What is it?”

“After the induction ceremony, I plan to make a potion. Could you help?”

At the mention of potions, the two’s eyes widened.

“Suddenly making a potion? You can just buy it from the store if you need one.”

“I’m preparing a project. With Professor Frost.”

“Professor Frost…?”

“Isn’t he incredibly famous these days?”

Unable to help but notice, Ian and Milo shot a look at Edel, who, startled, covered his mouth in surprise.

“S-Sorry… No. My apologies.”

“Let’s keep it reasonable, friend.”

“Ugh, okay!”

Ian continued.

“I’ve been researching potion-making lately. Since I’m at the academy now, and there are facilities here, I wanted to run some experiments, so I consulted with the professor.”

“You’ve already met the professor? You’re incredibly diligent. That’s some impressive networking!”

“I just went to introduce myself.”

“Why potion-making? There’s a very attractive field like enchantment.”

“There are some personal reasons.”

He couldn’t tell his roommates about it yet.

Later, when the business stabilized and things with the Hamel Trading Company were sorted, it wouldn’t be too late to share.

“I’m in! I’ll do it!”

“Aren’t you deciding too easily? It could be more cumbersome than you think.”

“I mentioned it earlier, right? A friend with such guts will make it big later. I consider it an investment.”

“I’ll do it too! Actually, my parents are healers. I’ve been dealing with herbs and potions since I was young, so I’ll be helpful.”

It was as expected. Edel had a reason for choosing to major in Healing Magic.

Ian asked about something he was curious about.

“But how did you get admitted through the special selection? You don’t have to answer if it’s a difficult question.”

“Oh, I was going to ask that too.”

“Well… my father served as an army doctor and achieved merits in the war. That’s how I got the admission privilege.”

“The Sorol War?”

“That’s right!”

The ‘Sorol War’ referred to the conflict with the neighboring small kingdom of Roland.

Despite the Kingdom of Roland’s desperate resistance, they ultimately could not withstand the army of the Kingdom of Sonokin.

Isera Hebraim, who had appeared earlier, was also a noble from the Kingdom of Roland.

“Alright. Then I’ll explain the future plans, assuming everyone will help.”

Ian explained what he had agreed upon with Professor Frost.

Everyone tensed up at the prospect of Professor Frost, no less, coming to the dormitory to personally observe the manufacturing process.

“It will still be a good opportunity. Since in the first year, you’ll have to attend all the professors’ classes in the general curriculum.”

“We’d better make a good impression then.”

“But doubling the efficacy won’t be easy. The materials Professor Frost listed are ingredients used for low-grade healing potions.”

“I know at least that much.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“You’ve thought up some method, haven’t you?”

Ian nodded. He pointed his chin towards the alchemy equipment scattered behind him.

“I’ll need to fix that equipment. I’ll tell you after the induction ceremony, so get ready.”

“I’m looking forward to it! I wonder what kind of item will come out.”

“We should set some rules first, I think.”

With that, Ian looked directly at Edel. Edel flinched, caught off guard.

“From now on, we will charge you a fine of 10,000 Shillings every time you speak formally to us. You need to break that habit before Professor Frost arrives.”

“That’s too much. 10,000 Shillings is… my weekly allowance.”

“Credit is also available.”

“That’s harsh.”

Milo chuckled in amusement while Edel hung his head low. But there was no choice. Ian wasn’t wrong after all.

Just then, an announcement flowed from the mana speaker connected to a corner of the dormitory.

― The academy induction ceremony will soon commence. Freshmen are requested to gather in the main auditorium. Once again, please be informed that the academy induction ceremony will soon commence…

* * *

Ian entered the auditorium with his roommates.

As a building representing the academy, it was extremely large and splendid. It was the only indoor space that could accommodate all the students.

Here, the tendencies of the roommates became clear.

Milo, the outgoing type, was busy searching for attractive people.

Meanwhile, the commoner Edel was repeatedly exclaiming in awe as he looked around the building.

“Wow! It’s so amazing!”

“10,000 Shillings.”

“No… I was just talking to myself.”

“20,000 Shillings.”

“…”

If a tax collector had seen this scene, they would have taken an interest in Ian.

Milo laughed heartily, claiming he would soon be rich.

Ian observed the overall atmosphere.

‘It’s definitely very strict since His Majesty the King is attending.’

Knights in splendid armor and mages from the royal magic division fiercely guarded the surroundings.

Of course, the academy had its own security force, so the likelihood of any incidents occurring was very low.

In other words, the strictness in front of them was focused on representing the royal authority.

Nevertheless, the students gazed at them with eyes full of admiration.

Joining the royal knights or the royal mage division was one of the honors for any family.

“That guy…”

“Isn’t he the one who confronted the prince earlier?”

“Yes, Ian Oracle.”

A group of students from the Department of Martial Arts lined up on one side, glaring at him.

But Ian lightly ignored them and headed towards where the Department of Magic freshmen were gathered.