Life of a Magic Academy Mage – 14



Chapter 14

‘It’s regrettable’ thought Yi-Han feeling disappointed. His friends at the dormitory had failed to accept his unique theory.

-“Are you seriously choosing to attend unpopular classes? Why? Is it a noble pursuit to attend classes no one else does?”-

-“<Repetitive Training of Basic Magic Combat>? Oh sorry. I already have a class at that time. Really I’m not lying.”-

-“Wardanaz. Why would you waste your precious time like that? I can’t understand. In the Dargard family we’re taught…”-

But what could he do? The path of the righteous was often a lonely one. When midterms finals and overwhelming assignments begin to strangle them his friends will remember Yi-Han’s foresight.

After all professors in any school lack empathy for students. Despite students attending various classes the professors would always demand them to focus solely on their own classes a cruel and selfish demand!

Hence students must support their favorite classes by taking easier ones. A strategy of selectivity and focus common in all schools.

‘Is this the place?’ Yi-Han entered the main building’s front door and searched for the basement stairs.

The classroom for <Repetitive Training of Basic Magic Combat> was on the first basement floor.

“…Creepy” he muttered unintentionally.

Passing through the main entrance a grand staircase unfolded. Neither too luxurious nor too desolate the gothic-style staircase appeared utterly normal.

Yet Yi-Han felt an ominous sensation perhaps due to his knowledge.

-“Don’t wander carelessly in a mage’s tower.”-

A famous adage known to all in the empire whether mage or not.

-“You shouldn’t wander in a mage’s tower.”-

Even ordinary-looking places could be enchanted. Climbing to the second floor out of curiosity might trap one in an eternal labyrinth.

Yi-Han had read several fairy tales in his family’s library about children trapped in wicked mages’ towers barely escaping.

At that time still naive and adjusting to this world Yi-Han had innocently asked:

-“This is an exaggeration in the fairy tale right?”-

-“It is quite exaggerated Young Master.”-

-“Right? Disappearing just by going to the second floor…”-

-“Yes. Non-experts who enter a mage’s tower can never escape. In reality those children would have aged and died trapped.”-

Yi-Han was horrified to learn that disappearances on the second floor were common.

The mage’s tower filled with mysteries was indeed such a dangerous place… And this magic academy Einroguard was akin to many such towers combined. Its dangers were unpredictable.

New students rarely explored the academy despite their curiosity upon arrival. They knew from their families or rumors not to wander carelessly lest they be found dead.

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‘Ah well. The first basement should be safe…’

Yi-Han steeled his resolve shaking off his fear. The notoriety of the mage’s tower was somewhat exaggerated. Places like the first floor of the main building or the dormitory were safe to explore. Then he heard a familiar clattering sound. Clack clack…

“Eh what? Going to the first basement? You won’t end up a corpse tomorrow will you?”

Silence fell as Yi-Han lost his words to the Lich Principal’s seemingly kind remark.

“…”

“Respected Principal! It’s an honor to meet you!” Yi-Han bowed his head sharply.

Inside he may have been seething with resentment and hatred but on the outside he managed a smile – a skill honed by graduate students. His greeting was filled with the elegance and decorum befitting a noble.

The Lich Principal nodded approvingly. “You know your manner.”

“Yes. I am headed to the first basement. Might you have any advice?”

“None. If you turn up dead tomorrow I’ll lay a flower on you.”

‘Bastard.’

—

Despite the Principal’s intimidating words the first basement was surprisingly ordinary. The wide corridor was lined with classrooms and there were no corpses undead or any other dangerous monsters in sight. It was a bit dark eerie and cold but Yi-Han attributed this to the poor location of the magic academy.

“That’s a relief.”

Suddenly two students rushed past Yi-Han.

Were they too heading to <Repetitive Training of Basic Magic Combat>?

‘It seems I’m not the only one with this idea.’

After all it was unlikely that he was the only one among the empire’s brightest minds to think this way. Though competition had arisen Yi-Han wasn’t concerned.

‘Two more is fine. It’s stressful to be the only one.’

“Oops. This isn’t the right classroom. Almost went in by mistake.”

“What class is this?”

“<Repetitive Training of Basic Magic Combat>.”

“What? There’s such a class? And people actually attend it?”

“I heard some from the White Tiger tried it and cursed on their way out.”

“If even they couldn’t handle it it must be unbearable.”

The two students chattered away heading towards another classroom. Yi-Han began to feel a twinge of unease.

Creak-

Inside the classroom three students were already seated. However Yi-Han could tell they didn’t share his strong purpose. Their expressions were a mix of anxiety nervousness confusion and worry. In short they looked like they might have entered the wrong class.

“It’s time. Take your seats.”

Yi-Han was startled again. He hadn’t noticed the professor sitting in a shadowy corner of the classroom. His presence was so unassuming.

‘A vampire?’

Pale skin. Long fangs. Gloomy gaze.

With a Troll professor already a reality a Vampire professor wouldn’t be out of place.

“Ah!”

“Gasp…!”

The other students reacted with shock. Yi-Han looked at them wondering if they too hadn’t realized the professor was there.

“I am Boladi Bagrak the professor for <Repetitive Training of Basic Magic Combat>. I look forward to teaching you all.”

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“We look forward to learning from you!” The students chorused their greetings with Yi-Han joining in.

Professor Boladi pointed with his finger not bothering to use a wand. On the lecture table there were palm-sized orbs.

“These orbs are made from Soul Star Ores.”

Soul Star Ores. Yi-Han had heard of it before.

‘Aren’t they sensitive to mana? A mineral that changes under the influence of certain constellations which emitted a sacred force.’

That was the Soul Star Ores.  Known for its sensitivity to mana Yi-Han had heard it was used in detection devices and barriers.

“Everyone grab the orbs and focus channeling your mana into them.”

The students though perplexed complied. They were all freshmen not even a month into their studies. Talented yes but uncertain in their ability to infuse mana properly.

Suddenly with a burst of energy:

“Ah!”

“Yikes!”

Despite their apprehensions the orbs slowly vibrated and lifted into the air. Professor Boladi remained expressionless as he spoke “The orbs are now connected to your will.”

‘Artifacts!’ Yi-Han realized these were not merely orbs carved from Soul Star Ores but artifacts crafted personally by the professor.

‘Well-crafted artifacts are worth a fortune.’

Artifacts were always in high demand. A mage skilled in their creation could sit on a gold mine. Yi-Han too had an interest in artifacts but it depended if the artifacts were interested in him.

“Ah!”

One of the orbs suddenly shot towards the ceiling with such force it seemed it might break through. Fortunately it stopped just short of the classroom ceiling. Yet Professor Boladi’s expression remained unchanged almost as if his facial muscles were paralyzed.

“Being connected to your will means you can control them. Of course they’re constrained to not destroy this classroom.”

“That’s a relief” someone muttered.

Before the words were fully out an orb struck a student in the abdomen.

“Ugh…!”

“The orbs are restrained from damaging the classroom but not you. Be careful not to break them.”

Typically one would caution against injury but here the concern was for the orbs not to break upon hitting a person. Yi-Han sensed that this vampire professor was not to be trifled with.

The students still clinging to a sliver of hope awaited the professor’s next instruction.

“What should we do now?”

“Float the orbs and draw a circle.”

Cautiously concentrating the students lifted their orbs. Yi-Han did the same. Everyone struggled to draw something resembling a circle crude and uneven but some managed to sketch something fairly circular.

“I’ve done it!” One student exclaimed joyfully believing they had succeeded.

“That is not a circle. Draw it again” responded Professor Boladi bluntly.

“…Yes professor.”

The students began again attempting to draw circles with the orbs. And then again. And again. And yet again…

Finally one student hesitantly asked “Until when do we have to draw circles?”

“?”

For the first time Professor Boladi showed a hint of emotion one of perplexity.

“Obviously until you draw it perfectly.”

“…Professor may I use the restroom?”

“No need to ask.”

One student left. Another taking a cue quietly followed.

Left with one other Yi-Han watched in surprise as the student suddenly collapsed forward.

“???”

Yi-Han was taken aback. Such a dramatic fainting act just to leave the classroom?

‘This guy. What a trick!’

Yi-Han helped the student up but the student’s face was pale as lead.

It was not an act.

“Are you alright?”

“My… my mana…”

“Professor! It seems they’ve collapsed from exhausting their mana.”

Yi-Han addressed the professor recalling what Professor Garcia had taught. Beginners in magic often failed to manage their mana properly leading to cases where they recklessly depleted their mana and collapsed.

This student was clearly a victim of such mismanagement.

“I see.”

“What should we do?”

“Once their mana is replenished they should pick up the orb and continue drawing circles.”

Yi-Han sensed the student he was supporting writhing with anger. It was clear that this student would not return to the classroom.

‘It seems I’ll be attending the lecture alone.’

And indeed that’s what happened.

Left alone Yi-Han asked for clarification “Professor how are grades for this lecture determined?”

“By the standard rule points are awarded in order of performance.”

“I see…”

Yi-Han nodded and grabbed the orb again.

“Just draw circles right?”

“Yes.”

Yi-Han began moving the orb tracing circles in the air. The students who had left might have grumbled about wasting time but Yi-Han didn’t care.

‘Better for me.’

Just by sitting through the semester he could secure a high grade with ease. This was the true essence of the lecture.

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