Academy’s Genius Mage

Ian realized for the first time that a connection point had been created between himself and the spirit.

“So, is this pair of glasses the medium?”

Otherwise, he would not have been able to touch Undine merely by stretching out his hand.

To see a spirit and to touch one were entirely different stories.

Without materialization, spirits might just be dismissed as illusions, but Ian could distinctly feel the soft texture of water.

It wasn’t water.

It was nature in the form of water.

‘The important thing is a foundation has been laid for the spirit, no, Undine, to recognize me. There’s no need to worry about anything else. I just have to get Undine to look at me.’

Ian stared intently at Undine.

However, Undine’s gaze was still directed at the void. Their eyes had yet to meet.

‘Now it’s my turn to convey my intentions. In a way that Undine can understand.’

It wasn’t as if there were no methods available.

There had been a slight change just after Ian touched Undine. Ian absorbed the refreshing aura entirely.

As a result, Ian became aware of the characteristics and means of expression of the spirit language.

It was as if dense knowledge had been injected into his brain.

In myths passed down orally, it was said that there were such devices in ancient times.

A marvelous device where, by simply attaching a small object filled with all knowledge to a person, the knowledge would automatically enter the mind without having to spend time studying.

Myths tend to be exaggerated.

Additionally, they often get adapted as they pass through numerous hands.

Yet, when Ian absorbed the refreshing aura, he couldn’t help but recall that myth.

It was something inexplicable with modern magical theory.

That dense aura contained a remarkable amount of information.

Basic concepts about spirits, relationships with nature, and even private aspects like emotions.

Of course, comprehending all this knowledge was incredibly challenging.

There were intuitive contents that were difficult to regard as knowledge.

But it was enjoyable.

Even though he was experiencing an indescribable mystery, he felt no fear. He simply trusted the power of the glasses.

“Let’s do this!”

Ian stirred his mana.

Ziiing!

No special gestures were necessary.

A meticulously calculated spell was both wasteful and extravagant.

All that was required was to express mana according to his will.

Ian recalled the structure of the spirit script learned from the refreshing aura.

Simultaneously, Ian’s hand moved.

Swish, swish, swish!

Geometric patterns began to inscribe themselves in midair.

More precisely, right in front of Undine.

The radiant glow of mana glittered before Undine’s eyes, captivating her.

“Calm down. You are not alone.”

Ian’s spirit language conveyed these words. At the same time, Undine’s previously cloudy eyes moved.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Ian Oracle. I’ve come to help you.”

Finally, the spirit shifted its gaze from the spirit script formed by mana to look at Ian.

Incredibly, Undine began to move.

She advanced a little closer to Ian and started to examine his face and entire body.

“You’re a human unblessed by nature. How is it that I can see you?”

Ian quickly waved his hand and crafted new spirit language.

“That’s not what’s important. You’re in trouble, and I’m thinking of helping you.”

The spirit stared intently at Ian.

From Undine’s perspective, it was incomprehensible.

An unblessed human was speaking to her in a way she had never witnessed before.

Even humans blessed by nature could not handle the spirit language with such freedom.

Her curiosity piqued the Undine.

“Human. Why do you want to help me?”

“Because I heard your voice.”

“Just hearing a voice doesn’t mean everyone will help.”

Ian looked toward Ophelia.

She seemed resigned, her eyes lowered.

Though he did not know the language of spirits, Ian could sense the meaning the Undine conveyed due to their shared emotions.

The words the Undine just said were also a rebuke directed at Ophelia.

“They’re not getting along as well as I thought.”

Ian resolved to solve the issue with more caution.

Even then, Ian pondered ways that could also benefit him.

“Communicating through text like this is cumbersome. Isn’t there another way? I want to connect directly with you.”

“Humans are greedy beings. They exploit nature without care and respect. They don’t listen to the voices of nature; they just use it.”

“I’m different.”

The Undine hesitated.

Her eyes, which seemed to contain the life of the beginning, stared intently at Ian.

“You are human too.”

“But I’m also a mage. As I said before, I heard your voice. It was a terribly painful voice. However, not all humans act as you think. Sometimes, they reach out to help those in danger.”

“My Master is also human, but denied me.”

Her voice was more dejected than ever.

She referred to Ophelia’s concealment of their contract.

For a spirit excited about exploring the world with her Master, it must have been quite a shock.

But Ian smiled.

“I do not deny you. On the honor of my family’s name and my pride as a mage.”

Water spirits are gentler than other spirits.

Since ancient times, water and the ocean have symbolized a mother. Thus, they have a character capable of embracing everything.

Embracing is a profound word.

Whether the other shows favor or harbors malice, one must embrace it all like destiny.

That’s why the Undine eventually accepted Ian’s proposal.

“May you be blessed.”

She extended her hands towards Ian. The blessing of the Undine flowed from her hands and instantly enveloped Ian.

An endless expanse of the ocean appeared before him.

From time to time, he saw rain and snow falling from the sky.

He also saw clear streams flowing through valleys, and calm waters filling lakes.

Every image of water that existed in this world was being etched into Ian’s mind.

Having never swum before, he now felt confident in swimming better than anyone.

Diving posed no issue.

In truth, Ian had feared water since childhood. But now, it was different.

Rather, he found himself wanting to lie on the water in a lake, looking up at the sky and spending time.

All the images about water accumulated over 19 years had drastically changed.

From negative to positive.

From fear to happiness.

Such was the blessing of the spirit.

Eventually, Ian opened his eyes.

“Can you hear my voice?”

A gentle and compassionate female voice. Though the Undine didn’t move her lips, the message came through clearly.

It was completely different from a moment ago.

It had felt curt and unstable earlier, but now it carried a gentle and compassionate tone.

Finally, he had succeeded in complete communion.

“I hear you well. Thank you, Undine.”

“You have received the blessing of a spirit. You will now be able to converse more freely with nature.”

In short, it meant Ian could become a spirit mage.

“This is truly the greatest gift to someone who researches magic.”

“And not only that. I’m experiencing communicating with a human in this way for the first time. There might not be any other spirit with such experience in the spirit world.”

“That would be the same for us. Still, it is fortunate. Thank you for opening your heart to us.”

Undine smiled gently.

She seemed like a completely different spirit.

Ian guessed that it might not just be about opening hearts, but rather a change caused by their enhanced affinity with each other.

A new research project came to mind, and his heart fluttered with excitement.

“Ian Oracle, I am moved by your courage and wisdom. On the other hand, I was curious. How can a human so different from the Master I chose exist?”

It was indeed an unusual case. Most spirit summoners cherished and loved their spirits.

“Undine, can Ophelia also hear our conversation?”

“She cannot hear.”

Ian nodded.

“Humans possess as many diverse personalities as there are individuals. There are those who are prideful, and those who are full of consideration. I’m not trying to defend her, but perhaps Ophelia’s upbringing and personal nature led to this situation.”

“I do not resent my Master.”

“That’s unexpected.”

During their conversation in the spirit language, it felt like Undine was coldly criticizing.

Apparently, it had been a misunderstanding.

On reflection, all written communication is like that.

There is no better way to convey thoughts and emotions than by seeing and speaking directly.

Expressions, gestures, and non-verbal cues like eye contact are crucial.

But such nuances do not transfer to letters.

That’s why there is a sense of incongruity from that difference.

“I was sad. When I first came into the human world and met my Master, I was overjoyed to make a pact. But that joy didn’t last. My Master distanced herself, tormented me, and belittled me.”

“And yet you say you don’t resent her?”

“Because it’s my destiny.”

With that one word, Ian understood why spirits couldn’t unilaterally sever contracts.

They were beings that accepted everything as their fate.

‘Truly, like nature itself.’

But it wasn’t the time to be impressed right now.

“So, when you say you first came into the human world, does that mean Ophelia is your first contractor?”

“Yes, I am a spirit not long born.”

“You seem quite mature.”

“Spirits do not age. We are complete beings and vanish as such.”

“So it was a mistake to choose your contractor for the first time.”

“No.”

Undine smiled as if recalling the day she first met Ophelia.

“My Master was a cute child. She was very interested in nature and had a beautiful smile.”

“I can’t imagine that.”

“As you said earlier, her environment had a negative influence on her. Her family was very strict.”

The story that followed unfolded as Ian had speculated.

After she denied the pact and devoted herself to fire magic, Undine had to endure painful days.

“Initially, we depended on each other and maintained a good relationship, but my Master changed as she grew older. The kindness was gone, and the innocence disappeared. Her love for nature as well…”

“What a pity.”

“And now she wishes to sever the contract with me. I can do nothing but face each miserable day watching her wither away.”

“That won’t happen.”

Ian flashed a mischievous smile.

Undine moved a little closer to him.

“Perhaps, are you considering choosing me?”

“I’m not sure if that’s possible. Even if it is, I won’t do it. Your Master is Ophelia.”

“Then…”

“Ophelia is clumsy. She pretends to be smart, but in reality, she’s fragile and weak.”

“True, Ian. You seem to be a very wise person.”

“Ophelia has most likely lived by discarding everything that displeased her. But now it’s time she changes that habit.”

“Is that even possible?”

“Your Master is in a difficult situation right now. I will help resolve that situation. During that process, this issue will naturally be resolved.”

Undine turned her head to look at Ophelia.

Her resigned expression conveyed the gravity of the situation.

“Your Master has agreed to cooperate. Now it’s up to your will.”

“I will do it. For my Master.”

Undine clasped her hands tightly.