Academy’s Genius Mage

“But does it matter if the shape is a little different? Well, you see, I’ve heard that experimental devices are quite sensitive…”

“You know very well.”

The employee smiled sheepishly at the unexpected compliment.

“The key to this device is the purity of the medium. Since it’s an experimental device to see how mana is transmitted depending on the medium, it should be fine if the shape of the container is slightly different.”

“Researchers are really amazing people. Hearing this explanation puts my mind at ease.”

“But if the tank had broken, the situation would have been different. That one is specially made, there’s nothing we could have done.”

“Phew.”

The employee sighed in relief.

It was a dizzying moment just to imagine.

It was a miracle that the tank caught the edge when the handcart tipped over.

“By the way, how in the world did you know all this? Just from a brief glance?”

If it hadn’t been explained that he was a freshman, one would have thought he worked in Professor Frost’s laboratory.

“It’s simple. You gave me a hint.”

“Me?”

“I heard you say that it was a very important experimental device for Professor Frost.”

“What… that was a hint?”

Ian nodded.

“More than enough. I already knew about Professor Frost’s recent research trends. I’ve read all of his papers. So I thought this experimental device was to verify those.”

“Oh! That’s really impressive!”

Admirations echoed from the surroundings.

But Ian paid no attention to the gazes around him. He was focused solely on the experimental device in front of him.

“Here are the tools!”

“Over here.”

The workers put mana into the glue they brought. They applied it to the broken parts and drove small nails where its needed.

They repaired it step by step in that manner.

There was no hesitation in his gestures.

Ian proceeded to assemble the device as if he were the one who had designed it.

The completely scattered pieces gradually formed shape under Ian’s hands.

“Here’s the experimental container!”

“Let me see.”

Ian glanced through the basket. Fortunately, the containers gathered by the workers were usable.

“I’ll use these two to replace the broken container. You can take the rest.”

Finally, Ian placed the glass containers into the wooden frame. The experimental device was completed to resemble its original shape.

After double-checking that nothing was left out, Ian dusted off his hands and stood up.

“This should do. Please inform Professor Frost honestly about the damage. Depending on the experimental method, further adjustments might be needed.”

“Thank you very much! Ah, I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Mareng from the Academic Support Bureau. How can I ever repay this favor… You said you were Ian from the Oracle Family, right?”

He shouldn’t have revealed his name.

But there was no other choice.

If he hadn’t revealed his identity, he wouldn’t have been allowed to touch the experimental device at all.

“It’s no big deal, but if you insist on repaying me, please keep today’s incident a secret.”

“But wouldn’t it be better to inform the professor?”

“No need for false hopes.”

Ian left first. Mareng, who had been watching Ian’s back, sincerely bowed his head in gratitude.

“… No need for false hopes?”

The woman in the black robe, who had been observing Ian, mumbled to herself.

In her mind, the name Ian Oracle was etched clearly.

* * *

Ian entered the main building of the academy. He climbed a flight of stairs and opened the door to the administration office.

“Right on time, thanks to that.”

Inside, there were students lined up for their enrollment procedures. All eyes turned to Ian simultaneously.

* * *

Some people tilted their heads in confusion while others displayed signs of wariness.

Their attire varied greatly.

One person wore a splendid sword on their waist, another held a staff, and some just sat comfortably without any weapon.

That was to be expected.

The Royal Academy wasn’t a place solely for those interested in magic like Ian.

The Academy’s majors were broadly divided into three main categories.

The ‘Department of Magic’ for those who wished to delve into magic.

The ‘Department of Martial Arts’ for those wishing to Master combat skills.

And the ‘Department of Natural Sciences’ for studying the principles of the world.

Among these, Ian had chosen the ‘Department of Magic.’

He had no particular interest in swordsmanship, and had a clear goal of continuing his family line, making the study of natural sciences less appealing.

Others would probably think Ian was an applicant for the Department of Natural Sciences.

After all, it was basic for a mage to carry at least a staff.

A staff helped amplify magical power.

However, it wasn’t very effective in overcoming ‘Mana Concentration Disorder,’ so Ian didn’t use one.

“……”

But there was one man who was distinctly staring at him intensely.

He held a staff that looked more like a blunt weapon.

He seemed like an applicant for the Department of Magic, but his short, aggressive hair and robust muscles suggested otherwise.

‘Does he know me?’

His gaze was burdensome.

Ian briefly made eye contact before turning his head away to avoid any further attention.

“Next student.”

It was finally his turn.

Ian quietly sat in front of the staff member.

The middle-aged female staff member, holding a pen, gazed thoughtfully at Ian.

“Your glasses suit you very well. They make you look scholarly. Nice!”

“Thank you.”

The staff member shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

Upon closer inspection, Ian’s fine genetics, which the glasses couldn’t hide, became apparent. Yet, Ian simply responded calmly in gratitude.

Not a bad start.

“Name?”

“Ian Oracle.”

Upon hearing Ian’s name, the woman’s hands moved quickly to find a thick document. She opened it and began filling it out.

“You’re the head of the Oracle Family. Age 19. Just made it in time, huh?”

“I understand that I can’t enroll after this year.”

“That’s right. Quite a few people come crying later because they’ve missed their chance. Wise decision.”

The staff member spoke casually.

This was the Academy.

According to the rules set by the Sun King, students had to obey all staff members, including professors.

“I will be asking you a few questions. Even if some may seem sensitive, I hope you understand. Just so you know, causing a disturbance won’t end well for anyone.”

She gestured towards heavily armed knights who were standing guard.

“Please, go ahead.”

“First, your reason for applying—why are you enrolling in the Academy?”

“Every noble has a duty. To be loyal to the country, to honor the King, and to love the people. I have inherited my family’s title and reached adulthood. Now, I intend to contribute more actively to the kingdom.”

“Impressive. The Oracle Family is certainly known for that. I’ve read a book by the former head of your family.”

“Is that so.”

The traces left by Ian’s father lingered even here. It was heartwarming yet somewhat bittersweet.

Sensing Ian’s feelings, the staff member skillfully avoided further mention of his parents.

“Have you chosen your major?”

“I decided on the Department of Magic.”

“It seems right. If it’s the Oracle Family, it must be the Department of Magic. As you may already know, you will choose your major in the second year. You might have to take some tests.”

“I am aware.”

It’s not just about the major tests.

The newly enrolled students regularly took pure mana measurements. It was a way to rank them by the power of their mana.

“Then let’s move quickly. I will confirm your registration for the Department of Magic. Please place your hand on the crystal ball and release a small amount of mana.”

Ian placed his hand on the crystal ball and registered his mana, following the staff’s instructions.

‘I also need to think about the specific major. To make a name for myself, I guess I should choose the Major in Applied Magic, right?’

The Major in Applied Magic was literally a place where one honed magic for real-world use.

Consequently, only those with exceptional talent could enter.

With mediocre skills, one couldn’t even mention its name.

Of course, Ian had the brain and theoretical knowledge that wouldn’t fall behind anyone.

‘But it’s still not an easy path.’

It was because of his issue with mana manipulation.

To choose the Major in Applied Magic, one had to undergo a mandatory mana test.

He wasn’t confident he could pass that test at the moment.

That left the ‘Major in Theoretical Magic,’ the ‘Major in Spirit Magic,’ and the ‘Major in Healing Magic’ as his options.

‘Is the Major in Theoretical Magic the only one I can choose at the moment?’

The Major in Theoretical Magic focused on the origins and mechanisms of magic and studied the history of magic. It was also solely responsible for research into ancient magic.

It was more appropriate to call them magic researchers rather than mages, hence it wasn’t a mainstream choice. He recalled that it never reached its full capacity.

However, his parents always said,

Theoretical mages were the flower of the magic world.

‘I am confident about the Major in Theoretical Magic. But there’s no need to finalize my major already. It’s best to keep my options open.’

This place was the Royal Academy where all knowledge was compiled.

If Ian encountered a fortuitous opportunity, he could resolve his mana issues and gain the chance to enter the Major in Applied Magic.

Ian was more than prepared to put in the effort.

“Hmm, I’d still like to ask about your specific major for reference. We need to assign you an advisor. It’s unrelated to the choice you’ll make in your second year, so please answer freely.”

“I am considering the Major in Theoretical Magic.”

“The Major in Theoretical Magic. Excellent. Then Professor Frost would be a fitting advisor for you. Have you heard of him?”

“I’ve read many of his books.”

Professor Frost was a newly rising theoretical mage. True to a theoretical mage, he wrote excellent books that made understanding magic easier.

Unexpectedly, Ian had helped with his experiment on the way up here, and now they were about to build a relationship in this manner.

“That’s good news. Professor Frost will be your advisor during your first year in the Department of Magic. If your major changes later, you will be reassigned to a new advisor.”

“I understand.”

“We have finished the process. Congratulations on enrolling in the Royal Academy. The Entrance Ceremony will be held tonight in the main auditorium. Please be sure to attend.”

Finally, the staff handed Ian a small key.

“This is your dorm key. Building A, room 307. There will be a welcome gift waiting for you. You know you need permission to leave the premises, right? If you go out recklessly, you might encounter situations where you can’t return. Please be cautious. Good luck.”

“Thank you.”

Ian took the key and left the administration office. He planned to head straight to the dormitory to unpack and then go to greet Professor Frost.

As he stepped outside, he noticed even more students bustling about than earlier.

Some students, particularly female ones, showed interest in Ian, but he pretended not to notice and moved on.

‘Is this the place?’

A building with a vintage feel soon unfolded before his eyes.

As he was about to step inside, he made eye contact with someone approaching from the side.

“……”

It was the muscular student who had been eyeing him closely in the administration office earlier.

The two halted momentarily, exchanging glances.

But there wasn’t much to say.

While Ian resumed his way inside, the muscular student followed him. He tailed Ian all the way to the third floor and even stood outside room 307.

Unable to endure any longer, Ian finally asked,

“Do you have some business with me?”