Academy’s Genius Mage

Ophelia had aptly digested the hint that Ian had given her.

Adding ‘heat’ to the existing water-based magic.

Instead of abandoning fire-attribute magic, she had fused her specialty to fit the spirit attribute.

‘This might serve as a clue to solving the spirit disharmony. Even the professors would acknowledge it.’

Ian was internally impressed.

It had been something possible only in theory. The ability to have high mana and to apply it were entirely different issues.

Yet Ophelia had succeeded as if to showcase her brilliance.

‘This could become good research material for me as well. Although spirit disharmony is not a common issue, it would be suitable for a research paper.’

Although it wasn’t double-casting where two magics could be used simultaneously, it was still a difficult feat, without a doubt.

It involved combining opposite attributes.

However, Ophelia, proving her genius, had succeeded splendidly.

For now, she had only achieved something like a ‘Water Bolt’, yet she would eventually be capable of casting a variety of magic using the heat and pressure of steam.

‘At this rate, she might even be invited to Major in Spirit Magic.’

He was already gaining interest from the Magic Society as well as the Tower of Magic.

If he continued to publish papers on spirits, offers were bound to come.

Above all, if Ian were to defend Ophelia in the upcoming disciplinary committee, he could create a good impression with the professors.

But those happy thoughts were short-lived.

As Ian exited the Security Solitary Building, a shadow followed behind him.

“Well, well, who do we have here? Isn’t this our esteemed Professor Ian?”

A sarcastic voice came from behind.

Simultaneously, Prince Helios and his followers revealed themselves.

Ian ignored them and kept walking.

“Are you running away? Well, I heard you quit being a mage to become a lawyer. They say there’s been quite the commotion in the Department of Magic.”

Those words couldn’t be ignored.

Ian stopped and turned around.

“Is the curriculum in the martial arts faculty so lax? To the point where you have time to meddle in another faculty’s affairs? Or are you still holding onto some regrets about magic?”

“This bastard?”

“The crude way of speaking hasn’t changed. If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving.”

“A fun event is going to happen soon.”

Ian’s steps halted abruptly.

Helios, who had been somewhat agitated, was now smiling.

“What event?”

“You went on a dungeon exploration recently, right?”

“So what?”

“Didn’t it strike you as odd why the professors from the Department of Magic bothered to get you some real-world experience? If it didn’t, that’s disappointing.”

Helios and his followers each wore a sinister smirk. The atmosphere was taking an ominous turn.

“I’ll graciously grant you some info. We will meet soon. Officially. You’d better be well-prepared.”

“What is this……”

“Exchange Battle.”

Ian’s eyes widened in surprise.

The exchange battle was a type of practical training where the Department of Magic and the Department of Martial Arts compete against each other.

Instead of competing within the same department, they would now face off against a different department.

As such, the pride of each department was at stake, and defeat was not an option.

Helios, handling his cherished sword instead of the academy’s sword, spoke.

“Let’s settle the fight that was left undecided. Surely, you won’t run to a senior this time? Exchange battles are part of the official curriculum. There will be no senior to pick up the handkerchief for you.”

“Cowardly bastard!”

“Get lost! You rookie mage!”

“Don’t go whining to your parents! Oh right, you don’t have any to whine to.”

“Hahahahahah!”

Helios and his group showered Ian with jeers before leaving.

Ian felt no need to fall for their provocation.

Above all else, he clearly understood one thing.

‘They’re jealous.’

Even as they scorned the kindness Isera showed toward Ian, their envy was apparent.

And Ian thought of it as a good opportunity instead. Opportunities to legally retaliate against an opponent came only a few times a year.

“You might be the one needing to ask for your handkerchief back. A lot has changed in the past month.”

Ian’s lips curled into a smile.

Unfortunately, Prince Helios did not see that smile.

* * *

A few days later, the disciplinary committee convened.

The fact that a disciplinary committee is being held at the academy itself is an unfortunate event.

Therefore, the expressions of the professors entering the meeting room were solemn.

Among them, the chairwoman of the committee is Dean Jessica.

Professor Frost, who is the subject of the report, also entered.

As the dean and other professors entered, there is one professor who caught Ian’s attention.

‘That person must be Professor Elena.’

She exuded an extraordinary power of nature. It is similar to that of an undine but on a completely different level.

Most notably, her attire clearly indicated she is a spirit mage.

She wore a daring dress designed with blue leaves. The dress perfectly encapsulated the essence of nature.

However, due to her petite stature, she appeared more cute than beautiful.

‘Milo’s information was correct. She looks no more than ten years old. Others might mistake her for a student.’

Despite this, Professor Elena is the one who led the Major in Spirit Magic.

Her actual age is not ten. Her growth stopped after she suffered a childhood fever, but she is thirty-two years old this year.

Of course, she frequently boasted about forming a contract with spirits due to that fever.

Her skill is top-notch in the academy.

And she never made a point of concealing her Spirit energy.

‘She handles two types of spirits, doesn’t she?’

Ian could sense her Spirit energy.

According to Milo’s information, Professor Elena handled wind spirits and earth spirits.

There is no limit to the number of spirits one could handle, but it is challenging to form contracts with more than two entities.

Both spirits that Professor Elena commanded were high-level.

Scholars broadly classified spirits into four levels: lower, middle, high, and spirit king levels.

It is well-known that the number of spirit mages is exceedingly rare.

Naturally, there were only a handful of genius spirit mages in the kingdom who had contracts with high-level or spirit king-level beings.

Yet, it isn’t particularly strange that a spirit mage with such abilities worked as a professor here.

Sonokin’s Royal Academy guaranteed the utmost authority and support.

At that moment, Ian made eye contact with Professor Elena.

“Oh my!?”

Professor Elena reacted.

Her clear, gem-like eyes scrutinized Ian.

She tilted her head in curiosity and seemed unable to take her eyes off Ian.

Even after she sat down, she twirled a strand of her hair while continuously gazing at him.

Eventually, she smiled effortlessly, as if she had found a fascinating toy, much like a child would.

‘… This is a bit overwhelming.’

Her gaze suggested she wanted to acquire him immediately.

She seemed to know that Ian was blessed by a spirit.

‘Still, this is a good opportunity for me.’

If Ian could catch Professor Elena’s attention in this setting, he might receive tips on forming spirit contracts.

While people saw him acting on behalf of Ophelia, in reality, he was meticulously planning for himself.

At that moment, the murmuring subsided.

Ophelia entered under the strict watch of two knights.

‘She looks to be in good condition.’

Her lips were firmly pressed, showing her stubbornness. Her unique elegance was still intact.

To Ian’s eyes, the symptoms of spirit disharmony seemed largely resolved.

“We will now begin the hearing on the professor’s defiance case.”

Thud, thud, thud.

Jessica struck the gavel three times.

“Professor Frost. Please outline the details of the case.”

“Yes.”

Rising from his seat, Professor Frost began to calmly recount the events.

The insubordination during class, especially the incident where mana was used to threaten a professor, was revealed in detail.

Sighs and groans emanated from the seats where the professors sat.

“The academy students are loyal subjects of His Majesty the King. Disobeying the professor trusted by His Majesty is a grave crime. Therefore, in accordance with the academy’s regulations, I request the expulsion of Ophelia Drias for threatening the authority of a professor through improper means.”

As expected, things proceeded this way.

Professor Frost had requested expulsion without exception.

Dean Jessica listened silently as he spoke.

Soon, she spoke up.

“Ophelia Drias.”

“Yes.”

“Is there anything incorrect in the summary that Professor Frost mentioned?”

“No, there isn’t.”

A quick, brisk answer.

The professors, along with the students seated in the gallery, began to murmur.

Even Sebastian, who would soon take the stand as a witness, narrowed his eyes.

With all faults admitted, there was no need for Sebastian to step forward.

“In that case, there is no need to set up the witness requested by Professor Frost.”

Sebastian, who had been uncomfortable with the situation, sighed in relief.

While Ophelia had been confined, he had never visited her. He feared that doing so might negatively impact the Marquis Kent.

Naturally, from Ophelia’s perspective, she could only feel betrayed.

“Trashy bastard.”

Her cold gaze was directed at Sebastian.

Naturally, Sebastian pretended to be ignorant.

“Life isn’t easy, Ophelia.”

Even if this hearing ended well, he wondered if the two could unite before the upcoming student council election.

“Ophelia Drias. If you admit to everything, will you accept the expulsion?”

Ophelia, who had turned her head again, replied accurately.

“It is an undeniable fact that I have brought shame to the Academy and the Professor’s honor. However, I would like to mention that there were circumstances for me as well.”

“Please, continue.”

“In fact, I am a spirit mage.”

The response of disbelief followed.

Among them, Professor Elena waved gleefully and smiled.

Ophelia explained why she had been hiding her spiritual powers.

“I have long experienced disharmony with my contracted spirit. Recently, these symptoms have worsened. During Professor Frost’s class, I suffered a temporary magical surge. Thus, unintentionally, I committed improper acts.”

“Do you not remember that time?”

“Not entirely, but most of it is unclear.”

The hearing took a new turn.

However, the academy’s professors were not regular people. As if anticipating Ophelia’s defense, they pulled out the cards they were holding.

“Professor Elena.”

“Yes, dean!”

Professor Elena hopped excitedly, raising her hand.

Dean Jessica looked troubled at the overly lively response.

“Is there theoretical evidence that spirit disharmony is related to magical surges?”

“There is, though it’s extremely rare!”

“… Professor Elena, this is a hearing. Please participate reverently.”

“Yes!”

Professor Elena blinked her big eyes and continued.

“Spirits are mysterious entities with self-awareness. They’re very cute and adorable!”

“Professor Elena.”

‘Pout…’

When Professor Elena’s eyes filled with tears, dean Jessica sighed and motioned for her to continue.

“Spirit energy is similar yet different from mana, so issues can arise between a contractor and a spirit. Therefore, magical surges are theoretically possible.”

“Is there a way to prove this?”

“There is! Elena can do it!”

At that moment, Ophelia raised her hand. Jessica, who had taken a breath, granted her permission to speak.

“Excuse me, dean. I would like to call a witness related to this.”

“A witness?”

“Ian Oracle, a first-year student at the Department of Magic. He has prepared a report.”

All eyes turned to Ian.

Only Dean Jessica cast a suspicious gaze at Professor Frost, who merely shrugged his shoulders with a smile.

“The request for a witness is granted. Ian Oracle, please step forward.”