Surviving as a Mage in a Magic Academy - Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Fortunately for Yi-Han, Professor Millei did not send him away upon his arrival. Instead, an unexpected development occurred. Suddenly, two thick books materialized out of thin air. They were so hefty that they could have been mistaken for weapons.

The books, bound meticulously, displayed the title on their covers. Professor Millei, with a commanding presence, instructed, "Both of you, sit down." He was the kind of person whose stern gaze alone could evoke tension, eliminating any need for a sword or staff to assert authority.

Gainando, slightly intimidated, quickly found a seat. Curious, he asked, "Professor, where are the other students?"

"They have gone back after receiving their lessons and collecting their assignments," Professor Millei replied.

"Assignments?" Gainando echoed, lifting his head, his tone reflecting his concern. The idea of additional assignments seemed like a significant burden under the current circumstances. He ventured a timid challenge, "Professor, isn't dark magic... not part of the assignments?"

Professor Millei's direct gaze fell upon Gainando, rendering him completely subdued. 'Could it be that his gaze has a petrifying effect?' Yi-Han couldn't help but think, given the peculiar nature of some of the professors.

"Both of you, open the books," Professor Millei commanded. They complied, opening the books to find pages filled with densely written text. The sight seemed to overwhelm Gainando, who appeared slightly dizzy.

"Read, copy, and solve the problems," the professor instructed. Yi-Han, looking down at his book, saw the heading of the first chapter:

.

"Summoning inanimate objects is the most basic and core aspect of summoning magic. Even summoners who are only interested in other areas of summoning must learn and master this part. The great summoner Boltzmann organized educational and efficient magic circles for future generations, and remembering these circles became fundamental in summoning magic. So, young summoners, be thankful and diligent. Memorizing Boltzmann's basic magic circles and understanding their principles will guarantee remarkable achievements in summoning magic..."

(1st Magic Circle)

(2nd Magic Circle)

(3rd Magic Circle)

(4th Magic Circle)

...

...

"Young summoners. Having learned interesting knowledge, it's now time to use that knowledge in even more interesting ways. Answer the following riddle. The novice summoner, Chursu, while traveling in the cold North, got separated from his group due to an accident. Unfortunately, someone had stolen his bag containing thick clothes, and the fierce wind tore apart the clothes he was wearing. What is the quickest summoning magic circle Chursu could use to avoid freezing to death?

Yi-Han found this question to be quite absurd. 'It seems odd to focus on the magic circle when the culprit should be caught first.' He thought the approach was forced, yet he couldn't help but recognize the excellence of the textbook. Having encountered many complex and difficult textbooks, Yi-Han could appreciate the quality of this one.

Not all textbooks were this considerate. Some were designed to cater to the reader's level, while others seemed to aim solely at wasting the reader's time. Unfortunately, most textbooks, and even the professors here, usually fell into the latter category.

However, the book given by Professor Millei was a notable exception. It allowed students to easily memorize and understand the basic magic circle compositions used in summoning magic by focusing and reading slowly. This fact alone elevated Professor Millei in Yi-Han's esteem. 'He is indeed a good person,' Yi-Han thought. Professor Millei had carefully selected the most suitable book for education from numerous magic books, showcasing the mindset of a true educator, a trait that was incomparable to the other professors.

"Thank you, Professor," Yi-Han said, his gaze filled with gratitude.

Professor Millei, slightly surprised, was taken aback by the emotion in Yi-Han's eyes.

'??'

There were two primary reasons why Professor Millei was initially hesitant to teach summoning magic to his students.

Firstly, he recognized that summoning magic, without sufficient knowledge and preparation, could be hazardous. Even the seemingly simple task of summoning inanimate objects could result in injuries to the caster if not handled with care.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, Professor Millei sought to prevent his students from acting recklessly. He was aware that freshmen, often filled with pride and a sense of ego, could easily cause accidents due to their arrogance and lack of experience. He believed that if these students were immediately taught summoning magic, their recklessness could lead to dangerous outcomes.

Thus, he made them study hard and tediously. The studies were so rigorous and challenging that they twisted and contorted the students' bodies, pushing them to their limits. This approach was central to Professor Millei's teaching philosophy. In his view, if a student couldn't endure the rigorous studies and gave up on summoning magic, it was for the best. Such students were deemed better off not learning summoning magic at all.

'But...?' A sense of surprise overtook Professor Millei as he observed Yi-Han diligently copying from the book and solving problems without any signs of complaint. Yi-Han, who was known for his exceptional talent among the students, was expected to be the most arrogant. Yet, while other students soon started yawning, twisting in their seats, and casting longing glances outside, perhaps planning their escape, Yi-Han remained an exception.

The skull principal's assignment was to bring flags from other towers. Even with the broadest definition, it had nothing to do with character, but the principal stood confident. "Let's start with the Black Tortoise. Have you acquired the Immortal Phoenix flag?"

"Yes, we have..." Students from the Black Tortoise cautiously began to take out the flag they had exchanged with the Immortal Phoenix.

"Ah, you brought it. Good."

"..."

"..."

The skull principal displayed an overtly disinterested expression.

He already knew they had exchanged, so it wasn't of much interest to him. "The Immortal Phoenix must have taken care of theirs too, right?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now..." The skull principal, with the joy of someone who has been served a long-awaited meal, floated up to the White Tiger students. "My honorable knights from noble families! You surely have the Blue Dragon flag, right?? Huh??"

"..."

"..."

The faces of the White Tiger students flushed with humiliation and shame. Even Yi-Han, who normally didn't care what others thought, found the situation a bit uncomfortable.

'The back of my neck is prickling.' thought Yi-Han, feeling uneasy. The White Tiger students glared at Yi-Han with resentful eyes.

"Why aren't you taking it out?! Huh?! Why?! Don't tell me you didn't bring it?!"

'Enough already...' Yi-Han silently wished for the skull principal to stop his antics. Of course, he didn't.

The skull principal, having had his fill of fun, changed the topic. "As I said before, this lecture isn't about making you fight. The purpose is to get to know each other, become friends, and unite." None of the students believed him. "It's a pity you misunderstand my intentions. So, for the next assignment, I'll give something easier to understand."

Yi-Han grew anxious. What more could he be planning? "There's a lake if you go west from the main building. Some of you might have seen it."

"..."

"...That was a lake?" Students who had wandered around were confused, saying they thought it was... "I thought it was the sea."

"Why would there be a sea inside an academy?!"

"Well, I just thought that in this academy, there might be a sea." ...It was an immensely large lake. As there were deep and rugged mountain ranges difficult to gauge the end of, so too was there a lake in this magic academy.

On that lake, there was an island. There, I had hidden a pass for leaving the academy grounds.

"!"

"!!!"

The students' eyes momentarily flashed like those of starving beasts. "Work together to bring it to me."

"We understand!"

This response was the most enthusiastic of any they had given so far. "Remember, Immortal Phoenix students should move together with Black Tortoise students, and Blue Dragon students with White Tiger students. You're free not to listen, just like the last assignment, but..." The skull principal smirked. I assure you, you won't pass if you do that. Students from the Blue Dragon and White Tiger looked at each other and scowled. They all had the same thought.

'Together with these guys? That's what they must be thinking.'

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