Academy’s Genius Mage

‘He managed to tame it? That enormous golem?’

Ian felt as if he’d been struck by lightning. The shock was that intense.

Taming magic was a spell that enchanted living creatures or monsters to make them subservient.

Since a golem was close enough to being a sentient life form, it could indeed be tamed.

But that was only in theory.

Although taming was classified as a third-circle spell, its difficulty significantly increased with the target’s magic resistance.

Often, one needed to reach the realm of a fourth or even fifth-circle mage to successfully tame a creature.

‘Considering the golem’s size and technical complexity, he would need to be at least a fourth-circle mage to succeed.’

Recently, Ian had confirmed at a mana measurement ceremony that Zickhardt’s power was just shy of 1500, precisely 1482. Yet, the threshold for a fourth-circle mage was 1500 or above.

To successfully tame the golem guarding the boss room, one would need mana equivalent to at least mid-fourth circle, around 1750 or more.

‘Could he have made even more progress in just a few weeks? Truly an enigmatic fellow. Is he consuming a large amount of elixirs? Or does he have some other training method?’

Ian was deeply curious. Soon, an opportunity arose to uncover the mystery.

“Perhaps some of you thought that taming the golem might be possible. However, it’s not an easy task. The golem in the boss room was a combat-type golem. One must be at least a mid-fourth circle to even attempt it.”

“Then are you saying Zickhardt has already surpassed mid-fourth circle?”

Someone asked this question, and Professor Frost responded with a sly smile.

“If he had simply overpowered the golem with sheer magic force, would he have received a good score? As you all know, I’m a professor in the Major in Theoretical Magic. If you want to score with raw mana, you should use it for the Major in Applied Magic.”

In other words, it meant that he had used his intellect.

Ian urged for the results, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

The other students shared his sentiments, with expressions of awe, reverence, envy, and jealousy directed at Zickhardt.

“Very well. However, I think it’s better for him to explain it himself. Zickhardt, would you care to explain?”

“Certainly.”

Zickhardt stood up with a confident smile. It was a smile that expressed absolute confidence.

“As the professor mentioned, taming that golem required mana of at least mid-fourth circle. To increase the success rate, the purity of the magic was also crucial, so I judged that reaching close to the high fourth-circle was necessary for success.”

The atmosphere buzzed with astonishment again.

He had successfully tamed the golem, and he assessed that only magic near the high fourth-circle could do the job.

“Did his mana already surpass 1900?”

He continued, “However, I thought there was no need to take unnecessary risks. Isn’t the human brain meant for use?”

Zickhardt lightly tapped his head with his finger, his tone supremely arrogant. Yet, no one found it unpleasant.

“There were numerous magical devices installed in the boss room. I sensed it immediately upon entry. Though most of you enrolled in the Department of Magic would have recognized as much.”

The tone was slightly mocking.

‘Did that guy realize the devices were there the moment he entered the boss room?’

Ian, Milo, and Edel hadn’t realized it until the golem launched its initial attack. Only then did they notice the golem’s arms and legs were unusual.

In other words, Zickhardt’s senses were above anyone else’s in the lecture hall.

Ian had to reassess his judgment of Zickhardt.

His distinct arrogance didn’t stem from his personality.

In truth, it wasn’t arrogance but confidence supported by skill.

“The devices in the boss room weren’t just for manipulating the environment using magic. To emit vibrations or sound waves, they needed to be synced with the golem. So, I reversed that principle. By disrupting the magical devices, I weakened their power and then applied taming magic to the golem to increase the success rate. Simple, isn’t it?”

The explanation finally made sense.

“He’s truly something remarkable.”

Reactions of admiration erupted from all sides.

Whether they hadn’t known about the special devices in the boss room or had learned about them later, everyone was generous with their praises.

A single insight could be more beneficial than an entire semester of lectures.

Zickhardt’s explanation provided such an insight.

“He truly deserves an A+. This is a complete defeat.”

At that moment, Zickhardt’s gaze swept over Ian. His eyes narrowed slightly, and a small smirk appeared on his lips.

Quiet provocation.

He was completely different in temperament from Sebastian and Ophelia.

He did not hesitate to showcase his abilities. However, the manner in which he did so was thoroughly concealed.

It seemed apparent why the Telomian Count pursued secrecy.

“Very good explanation, Zickhardt. Would you like to share a word about this dungeon exploration?”

“It was a somewhat disappointing dungeon. While I understand the efforts of those who developed it, it felt as though there is still a long way to go.”

By now, the students were no longer surprised.

They merely listened intently to Zickhardt’s words in silence.

“What aspects make you feel there’s a long way to go?”

“Excessively tailored to the student level; that’s the problem. To be honest, it was rather dull. Well, others seemed excited as if they were going on a picnic, but I understand. After all, they must be delicate flowers nurtured in a greenhouse.”

Once again, the corners of his mouth rose slightly.

“That bastard…”

Milo perceived it as a provocation. It was a moment where there was one more person to disparage, following Sebastian and Ophelia.

Professor Frost nodded his head and coolly accepted Zickhardt’s complaint.

“I will convey that opinion to the researchers. Good job, Zickhardt.”

That concluded Zickhardt’s group’s evaluation.

Although other groups still had to be evaluated, no one managed to draw any interest.

Everyone was conscious of Zickhardt, pondering how to surpass him.

“Alright, this concludes all evaluations. Everyone did well. You may all leave.”

The class ended.

Ian rose from his seat alongside his roommates. Ophelia still sat there with a pale face.

“Looks like she’s lost her spirit. Serves her right.”

Milo muttered.

Sebastian was seen placing a hand on Ophelia’s shoulder, comforting her.

Ian turned away.

“Let’s go.”

“You don’t want to savor this rare spectacle a bit more?”

“Do it on your own.”

Ian exited the classroom. Milo had no choice but to follow him out.

Edel had other matters to attend to and parted ways first, leaving Ian and Milo walking side by side toward the dormitory.

“By the way, isn’t that Zickhardt something else? How can he think like that? Ian, you’re a monster too, but when I see him, he feels like a monster among monsters.”

Ian did not respond.

Milo poked Ian in the side, staring at his face.

“Thinking about something else?”

“Do you know much about spirit magic?”

“I’m not on the level of our professors, but I studied it a bit when I was younger. I once thought I felt a spirit but turned out I didn’t.”

“Then what was it?”

“I kept hearing voices, thought it was a spirit, but it turned out my damn brothers were playing a joke.”

Ian chuckled.

He wondered if Milo’s relationship with his brothers was better than it seemed.

To Ian, who didn’t have any siblings, it was somewhat enviable.

“But why suddenly spirits?”

“I think I felt the thought of a spirit from Ophelia.”

“What? Ian, can you sense spirits?”

Milo’s eyes widened as if looking at a monster.

Ian shook his head.

“No, just a feeling. It felt like some kind of negative thought.”

Ian talked to Milo about what happened at the salon and the things he sensed during class earlier.

“A fragmented wave.”

Milo also focused on the hazy signal that seemed like some sort of sign.

“Strange. Why didn’t I see it?”

“Are you and I the same?”

“Why! What’s wrong if we’re the same!”

Milo had erupted in anger, but he still managed to say what needed to be said.

“I read in a book once that such things happen sometimes. People who can’t sense spirits yet can understand their thoughts.”

“Then, can they eventually control the spirits?”

“No, not at all. It’s a completely different matter.”

Ian was not particularly disappointed.

More than anything, he was curious as to why these thoughts were sensed in the first place.

“The question is why a sad thought was felt. Spirits share emotions with their contractors, so shouldn’t they show anger just like Ophelia?”

“The reason is simple.”

“What is it?”

“The owner doesn’t like it.”

‘What was that supposed to mean?’

Ian tilted his head in confusion. Milo chuckled with amusement.

“If the spirit’s temperament is so troublesome, even I would beat myself up with regret. If the owner always throws tantrums and acts hysterically, wouldn’t the spirit feel the same way? Maybe it’s sad about its fate of having signed a contract with the wrong person.”

“I shouldn’t have even asked.”

“Why are you worried about it anyway when it’s obvious she’s going to be expelled? Unless you have feelings for Ophelia?”

“Stop.”

Ian sighed and closed his mouth. The question did not merit a response.

Ophelia’s appearance was undeniably striking.

However, her peculiar nature did not permit a serious approach from any suitor.

Only the proverbial flies aiming for a fleeting night and sycophants of power lingered around her.

Ian abruptly turned around.

“Where are you going?”

“To see Professor Frost.”

“Don’t meddle unnecessarily; you might get caught up in trouble!”

Ian smiled at that remark. His expression clearly conveyed, ‘Why would I?’.

Milo recognized the hidden meaning behind Ian’s smile and sighed.

“Of course, you have Isera as your senior. My apologies. I misunderstood. Hey! You fortunate guy! What did you do in your past life? Did you save a country or something?”

“Stop talking nonsense and go take a nap.”

“Yes. What about dinner?”

“Let’s eat together. Pick the menu.”

Ian headed straight to Professor Frost’s laboratory.

* * *

“Hello, Professor.”

“What brings you here, Ian?”

“I have some questions and wanted to pay my respects.”

Professor Frost, as if nothing was out of the ordinary, gestured for Ian to take a seat.

Despite being human and subject to emotions, he remained exceptionally calm.

It was Professor Frost who brought up the main topic.

“The investigation into the Hamel Trading Company is underway. The results should be out by next week.”

“I see. I tried to contact Mr. Frederick, but I haven’t received any response. It seems like something has gone awry.”

“Is that so?”

“I’m tracking Mr. Frederick’s whereabouts through a friend. I think I need to meet him in person.”

“Have you concluded that he’s hiding?”

“For now, yes.”

Ian shared everything he had seen and felt with Professor Frost. His account, grounded in logic and evidence, earned a nod from the professor.

“It seems this matter is more of an incident than an accident.”

“That’s what I think too.”

“But proceed with caution. If he’s hiding, it could also mean someone’s threatening him.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And next, is it about Miss Ophelia?”

“……How did you know?”

Ian was genuinely surprised. Professor Frost leaned back into the sofa comfortably.

“When you eventually stand at the lectern, you’ll understand. From there, you can clearly see the students. When Ophelia lost control of her emotions, only one out of forty students reacted strangely.”

“……”

“Didn’t you sense something then, Ian Oracle?”