Academy’s Genius Mage

“A million shillings is quite a sum. Are you really okay with betting it all on that wager?”

After finishing their tea, Ian, Milo, and Edel stepped out of the salon.

It was Milo who posed the question the moment they exited.

“Isn’t that something you should have asked before the bet was made? What’s the use of it now?”

“I just couldn’t stop you because it seemed like the first time you actively pushed for something. Especially since you’ve always been particularly passive when it comes to getting involved with others.”

Milo had been observing Ian closely. Ian smiled but chose to remain silent.

“Are you confident about winning?”

“Even if I lose, it’s not like it’s your money that’s getting lost.”

“But still!”

“They knew we took some key golem components as spoils. Yet they still made a wager, which means they must have their own reasons to feel confident.”

“Ugh, I suppose you’re right.”

Sebastian alone was an impressive freshman, and Ophelia was part of the same team. The combination of their strengths was formidable.

Yet, it seemed unlikely they would find success.

‘They seem like a good match on the outside, but they have a feeling of opposition. It won’t be easy.’

Especially with Ophelia, there was a looming sense she might cause a significant stir soon.

Ian refocused on the conversation.

“We mentioned the dungeon surveillance device in our report, so we’re bound to get high marks. Besides, we provided the natural sciences department with research samples. It’s worth a shot.”

“Is it about deciding who gets first or second place?”

“Not quite sure yet.”

He couldn’t be entirely certain about that.

He hadn’t yet heard in detail about what Zickhardt did during their exploration. All he knew was that they managed to secure a magic stone.

‘It’s on my mind, but we’ll only know if we uncover it.’

The three of them entered the dormitory. Milo stretched energetically before asking.

“So Ian, if we win this bet and earn a million shillings, what will you do with it?”

“Maybe we’ll have a modest company dinner.”

“Really?”

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It’s just the first time I’ve heard you suggest drinking.”

“I said dinner, not drinking.”

“In my dictionary, it’s the same thing.”

Milo replied seriously, causing Ian and Edel to chuckle softly.

“Once this week is over, we’ll be officially allowed to go out. Let’s have a wild night out with all the guys! Let’s goooo!”

Milo seemed unable to let go of his yearning for nightlife.

He’d mentioned before how men become close quickly when they drink until they’re drunk.

However, neither Ian nor Edel was particularly adept at drinking, so they had been postponing it.

Until now, they only received temporary permission to go out for project-related purposes. Soon they would have more freedom to leave the academy.

Refusing this invitation would be challenging now.

‘If this can help us grow closer, then perhaps…’

The recent dungeon exploration had taught him a lot. He saw a magnificent golem and studied fascinating magical devices.

But the most profound experience was moving with his peers towards a shared objective outside the academy.

For Ian, who had always been alone, it was a refreshing experience above all else.

“Edel, what about you?”

“Me? Hmm… Sure. I’m not a good drinker, but I’m great at having fun!”

“Our dear Edel isn’t bailing for once? So, it’s a promise, right?”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. We won’t know the results until tomorrow.”

The three of them entered their dorm room amidst their lively chatter.

“Milo.”

“Yeah?”

“About Ophelia. She’s aiming for practical magic, right?”

“Not sure, but if she’s flaunting her magical energy like that at the salon, it’s likely, don’t you think?”

The azure haze, as vast as the sea.

Even after a brief glance, it lingered vividly in Ian’s mind.

It felt like something he had never encountered before.

While it was magic, it also bore the force of nature.

In another sense, it felt as if every wisp of vapor contained a specific meaning.

That was why Ian asked Milo.

Surely, a family like Milo’s would know about Ophelia.

“Most people aspire to practice combat magic. It’s the path to success.”

“Is that also the tradition of the Marquis of Drias?”

“Hmm, that’s usually the case. It’s a prestigious family, and there are so many cadet branches, so not everyone follows that path, but it is quite a trend.”

“Combat magic, huh.”

Ian felt that wasn’t quite right.

That mysterious light was somewhat alien for conventional magic.

Nature’s energy remained, but without the artificial mix of spells and formulas.

Moreover, it was deeply influenced by the caster’s emotional state.

It manifested when Ophelia was angry and vanished as if a lie when Sebastian calmed her down.

This explained a strong spiritual connection with the caster.

‘No way.’

Ian realized there was an option he hadn’t considered.

‘A spirit user?’

If it was the power of spirits, it could be explained.

The bond with the caster and the natural, non-artificial power made sense.

However, spirit users were exceedingly rare.

Feeling mana was a talent bestowed by the heavens, but even among those blessed, only a few could sense the power of spirits.

Hence, spirit users were highly respected wherever they went.

Unlike mages, they had an air of wisdom.

They sometimes served as high-ranking officials, dispatched as diplomatic representatives with other races.

Particularly, elves liked spirit users immensely.

‘But why would she hide being able to command spirits?’

Given Ophelia’s personality, she would proudly boast about it.

Yet, neither Ian nor Milo, nor even Edel had ever seen Ophelia command spirits.

‘If we assume Ophelia is a spirit user, then what about those letter-like wisps I saw?’

He couldn’t examine it closely at the time.

With enough time, he could conduct various experiments, but unfortunately, circumstances were not favorable.

Ian reflected upon the situation once more.

‘Perhaps it’s a new ability of the glasses.’

Ian often wore his glasses, trying to discern any hidden abilities. It was then he witnessed the vapor.

But to prove that it was a hidden ability of the glasses, an empirical process was required.

This incident was not just about proving the mysterious phenomenon around Ophelia.

‘This is a chance to uncover the glasses’ hidden abilities.’

Unfortunately, magical analysis hadn’t yielded any significant results.

For the time being, he had no choice but to wear and experience the glasses himself. This incident had presented Ian with a new subject to ponder.

“Khuh-huh-huh! Phuh-foo…”

Loud snoring could be heard from beside him.

Ian turned his head.

His two roommates were busy with their tasks. Milo was taking a nap in his bed, and Edel was sitting at a desk, reading a book.

Ian focused on the book Edel was reading.

‘He borrowed it already. He’s diligent, as expected.’

It was an introduction to ancient languages. It was a book Ian had recommended not long ago.

Unlike Ian and Milo, who had been educated from a young age, Edel was a commoner and did not know ancient languages.

Lectures at the Department of Magic were largely divided into theory and practice.

The theory lectures were centered around reading ancient scripts.

The basic principles of magic and the proverbs guiding spells were all in ancient language.

Not knowing ancient language was almost like understanding only half of the lectures in the Department of Magic.

No matter how much Edel aspired to major in Healing, low grades in theoretical classes could prevent him from graduating.

And the Royal Academy would not accommodate the circumstances of a commoner.

‘The special admission itself was an incredible privilege.’

Naturally, Edel felt embarrassed, and Ian offered to tutor him in the ancient language.

‘You should return what you receive with added kindness.’

Having received help with the potion-making task, Ian decided to assist Edel until he could Master the ancient language.

“Is it interesting?”

“Hmm?”

“That book.”

Edel blushed, appearing embarrassed.

“It’s challenging, but there are many parts I can understand! I plan to keep studying it whenever I get a chance.”

“That’s impressive. Being able to understand any part of it at all.”

“Hahaha… Am I being too arrogant?”

“No, it’s a misunderstanding. I’m not belittling you. I read that book too, and when I first read it, I could hardly understand any of it. That’s why I find it impressive.”

“You’re joking, right?”

“I’m serious.”

Edel looked at Ian with surprise.

To Edel and many other students, Ian was already considered a prodigy.

Especially Edel, who thought of Ian as being almost at a professor’s level.

Whenever Edel had a question, Ian always provided the correct answer immediately.

“It’s really surprising that even you, Ian, couldn’t understand it.”

Of course, Ian didn’t mention that he first read that book when he was just four years old.

If he did, Edel might end up crying.

“You’re not just smart but also hardworking, so you’ll surely see results soon. Take your time and don’t rush. If there’s anything you don’t know, just ask.”

“Thank you so much.”

“That’s what friends are for.”

“Ian.”

Ian turned his attention back at the gentle voice. Edel hesitated slightly.

“Do you already have a question?”

“Not exactly… it’s just…”

“It’s fine, go ahead. Milo’s asleep anyway.”

Encouraged by Ian’s words, Edel gathered his courage.

“Thank you for earlier.”

“Earlier?”

Ian tilted his head, puzzled. There didn’t seem to be any reason for Edel to thank him.

“When you stood up to Ophelia. I was really upset when I heard about the potion comment.”

“Many people might have thought the same.”

“My father works tirelessly to provide the best medicine for the patients who come every day… Hearing things like that didn’t sit well with me. But I wasn’t in a position to speak out loudly. It would have caused trouble.”

Ian didn’t feel the need to comfort him.

That was the nature of relations between nobles and commoners.

Providing shallow comfort could end up doing more harm than good.

Just listening to Edel was enough for the moment.

“The phrase that someone’s convenience comes from someone else’s hardship… It perfectly described my father. I was really thankful. It felt good knowing someone recognized my father’s efforts.”

“You don’t have to be so thankful for something so minor, it’s a bit embarrassing.”

“Um, Ian. If it’s alright with you, I’d like to invite you to my house sometime. How do you feel about that?”

“Invite?”

The word “invite” was still a bit awkward for him.

However, Ian felt grateful to Professor Frost in his heart.

If he hadn’t experienced the dungeon practice, such an invitation might have felt a bit burdensome.

That was why he had politely declined Sebastian’s party invitation a while ago.

But Edel was different.

‘If Sebastian finds out about this, he’ll flip.’

Stifling a smile, Ian nodded.

“Sure. I was curious about it too. I’d like to hear more about your father.”

“I mentioned you, my friends to my father before…”

“And?”

“He said, ‘You’ve got good friends.'”

Edel smiled brightly.

Hearing that and seeing that smile, Ian felt he should become an even better friend.