Academy’s Genius Mage

“Everyone’s eager to tear you apart, aren’t they?”

Milo grumbled.

Ian wasn’t particularly bothered, but his two roommates kept glancing towards the group of martial arts students.

Seeing this, Ian gave Milo and Edel a light pat on the shoulders.

“Don’t worry about it anymore. Let’s focus on ourselves. They’re aspiring knights too. Surely, people who follow chivalry wouldn’t hold grudges.”

“And since when does a group of bullies signify chivalry?”

“It’s half sarcasm.”

“Hahaha. That’s so you, Ian. Don’t pity them too much. You might end up getting backstabbed.”

Milo had enough reasons to dislike knights. His family forced him into knightly training despite his desire to study magic.

However, Ian bore no prejudice against knights.

On the contrary, mages are often considered sinister by the public.

This perception becomes increasingly evident as one’s rank rises.

Knights devoted themselves to rigorous training for both a healthy body and mind.

In contrast, many mages are single-minded.

This makes them hard to understand and trust, leading to frequent skepticism.

Yet, knights known for both excellent martial skills and character were often more respected.

After all, the very concept of ‘chivalry’ was crafted by martial artists.

For now, they could only hope for an internal regulation within the Department of Martial Arts.

Despite the enrollment of the troublemakers, surely the seniors wouldn’t remain passive.

This time, they were lucky to get Isera’s help, but there’s no guarantee in the future.

“Without justification, there’s no advantage to gain. If they pick a fight, just respond then. As long as we don’t stray, public opinion will favor us.”

“It’d be nice if it were that simple…”

Edel mumbled.

Ian understood his feelings. As a commoner, Edel’s awe likely added to his worries.

“Don’t think too hard, Edel. For now, it’d be better to worry about paying back the 20,000 shillings.”

“That’s harsh.”

Ian stood at the back of the line for the Department of Magic.

There were noticeably fewer new students.

This was an indication of how few could sense and manipulate mana.

“In contrast, the Department of Martial Arts’s freshmen look to be almost double.”

In magic, innate talent holds great importance.

However, martial arts is not solely reliant on that. Many have achieved mastery through acquired skills.

It’s a matter of manipulating the laws of nature versus enhancing human capabilities.

Moreover, there were many new students in the natural sciences department, which catered to common people.

The natural sciences department offers the quickest path to becoming a kingdom overseer.

They might not go to the front lines like knights or mages, but many have made names for themselves as administrators.

“Ian Oracle, right?”

“Everyone’s talking about you. Heard you gave the reckless newbie a proper blow?”

Students from behind addressed him amicably.

“But still, calling him a reckless newbie, it seems the prince doesn’t have a good reputation.”

The rumor spread faster than expected.

The academy was a closed environment, so events within would inevitably circulate rapidly.

“I didn’t do anything. Lady Isera did it all.”

“Even so, that’s impressive! To face royals so boldly. Honestly, if I were in your place, I’d have been terrified.”

“As expected of the Oracle Family’s head. I’ve read Baron Lefevre’s writings. It was really impressive.”

There was a glint of anticipation in Ian’s peers’ eyes. Ian remained indifferent, but Milo and Edel looked at him with pride.

A fellow student whose name he didn’t know asked,

“So, are you aiming to be a theoretical scholar, Ian?”

“For now.”

“The Oracle Family is known for theoretical mages, so you’re pursuing that path. But still, your magic ability must be substantial, right?”

The predictable question finally arose.

Ian replied nonchalantly.

“It was nothing special.”

“I’m looking forward to the mana measurement day. If Ian has the confidence to put Helios in his place, the result must be something significant.”

“That’s right. It’s going to be exciting!”

“Besides, no one really knows Ian’s abilities, right? He’s been quiet up until now.”

“Could it be that he’ll break the all-time record?”

Their peers whispered amongst themselves with amusement.

Ian just smiled it off.

Even with a simple assessment, he knew his mana couldn’t even reach half of Milo’s. Then again, it wouldn’t do to dampen their expectations.

“Having a high mana doesn’t necessarily make someone a great mage.”

His parents had always told him so.

They believed that a true mage is not one who wields mighty mana but one who understands and applies the principles of nature.

Having been raised by such parents, Ian didn’t feel too discouraged by his low mana. Instead, he pondered how best to understand and apply his abilities.

However, society’s standards were different.

“If I were to measure it now, it would probably be at the lowest level.”

Even without checking, Ian could gauge his own mana levels.

“For now, the matter with the Hamel Trading Company is more pressing. I’ll research ways to enhance my mana slowly.”

Ian took out his glasses and wore them.

Milo, who was nearby, showed interest.

“Where did you get those glasses? They look quite old.”

“They’re an heirloom.”

“An heirloom? Those shabby glasses are a treasure of the Oracle Family?”

Ian nodded. There was some movement on the podium. It seemed the king would enter soon.

“Is there any need to look at it that way? Our family is a bit unique, so our concept of treasure is different.”

“Well, I didn’t quite mean it like that… What can they do?”

“Vision.”

“What! Can they see through women’s clothes or something?”

“Of course that’s nonsense. Get a grip.”

“Damn it!”

Ian chuckled softly.

For now, there was nothing new to see. However, since he had them in hand, he decided to use them patiently.

‘If my father made me wear these glasses at a specific time, there must be a reason. Perhaps they’ll become the tool that could break my limits?’

Just then, the sound of trumpets resounded.

Bwooooo!

As the grand performance of the military band began, the high-ranking academy officials seated on the podium rose simultaneously.

The students tensed up.

Soon, a king dressed in a magnificent robe made his appearance from one side.

King Isaac the Conqueror.

The great king who secured victory in the long-standing war with the neighboring Kingdom of Roland.

But now, he is over sixty years old.

The majestic figure who once returned triumphantly to the cheers of his subjects was gone, leaving an old man behind.

The sun was setting on his reign.

“Pay your respects to His Majesty the King!”

The solemn announcement through the mana amplifier brought every student to their knees.

The students kneeled as if paying homage to a monarch, right knee down and left arm bent.

This was due to the unique status of being an academy student.

Enrollment in the Royal Academy meant pledging allegiance to the kingdom, essentially becoming a subject.

“Loyalty to His Majesty the King!”

The students’ voices echoed loudly.

Academy students fundamentally served as aides to their superiors.

Department of Magic students were called by the Royal Magic Corps to conduct investigations or research, gaining experience in the process.

Sometimes, they even took part in battles.

Department of Martial Arts students, somewhat like cadets, were obligated to join any army operations. However, due to the recent peace on the continent, their real army experience was mostly limited to monster subjugation.

Department of Natural Science students worked in government offices based on the knowledge they acquired.

In all courses, if they stood out, they might skip grades or graduate early.

The elderly king stood in front of the podium.

He spoke.

“Rise, everyone.”

Simultaneously at his command, the students stood proudly.

At that moment, the king coughed a few times.

Watching this, Ian tilted his head slightly with curiosity.

‘Is His Majesty really so weakened? That’s strange.’

Though he was over sixty, the sharpness that was characteristic of him had completely vanished.

He had been a king exceptional in martial arts.

Frequently leading campaigns, Ian had seen him a few times from afar while holding his parents’ hand as a child.

However, the sharp eyes he had seen passing through the triumphal arch were no longer there.

‘It’s understandable that Prince Helios would be feeling anxious.’

In this state, he would not endure for long.

However, at this moment, the crown prince had been appointed.

If everything were to be reset, the king must endure.

From Helios’s perspective, he would wish for the king to remain strong.

‘But there’s hardly any precedent for a crown prince to be deposed… eventually, the throne will be naturally inherited.’

While Ian pondered such thoughts, the king’s speech began.

“Seeing the loyal figures of you all, the future of the kingdom looks brilliant. As academy students, and as my faithful subjects, you must be ready to lay down your lives for the kingdom and the people.”

Once the king had finished his arduous speech, another cough erupted from him.

Ian simultaneously observed the guards and officials.

Their expressions were not good. It suggested that the king’s illness was quite severe.

The cough, once started, did not easily subside.

“… May the glory of light be upon your future.”

After the king stepped back, attendants and knights aided him.

The speech concluded.

At that moment, Milo nudged Ian in the side.

“Doesn’t it seem like the kingdom will soon be in turmoil?”

“Quiet. Someone will hear.”

“I didn’t say it’s because of anyone.”

Ian didn’t think much of it.

Even if the throne’s occupant changed, its impact would only be on high-ranking officials or nobles.

The Oracle Family wouldn’t draw anyone’s attention.

In some ways, being from a minor family was advantageous in times like this.

Without any territory, there was even less to worry about.

“Next, there will be a speech from the student representative. Department of Martial Arts representative, Helios, please come forward.”

As the academy principal’s stern voice rang out, Helios confidently ascended the podium.

How the freshman representative was chosen was unclear.

Even though he was known as a troublemaker, Helios had a clear reason to stand as a representative. After all, his father was the owner of this academy.

“After causing all that commotion, how brazen!!”

Milo marveled. Ian silently watched Helios.

“I vow. We, first-year students of the Department of Martial Arts, along with all the freshmen, enter the academy by the command of His Majesty the King, pledging with sincere hearts to serve the kingdom and the royal family.”

After the vow, Helios moved on to free remarks.

He looked down at the students with an arrogant expression.

Since it was not particularly substantial, Ian didn’t pay much attention.

“As the representative of the freshmen, I have one last thing to say. Listen carefully.”

At that moment, Helios’s gaze moved. Among the many students, he pinpointed where Ian was immediately.

Ian and Helios’s eyes met in mid-air.

‘Indeed, he seems to be an individual far removed from the chivalric code.’

Helios’s lips twisted slightly. It was the same expression as when he had picked a fight with Ian earlier.

From that stance, Helios spoke.

“The weak shall be weeded out. Personally, I like this saying. Why? Because the weak are of no use. The same applies to this academy. Only the strong survive. I sincerely hope none of you are weeded out and that you all survive safely.”

It sounded almost like a warning directed at Ian.

However, Ian’s expression remained calm. Their interests had been different from the start.

This, in turn, irked Helios.

As a result, the troublemaking prince didn’t take his eyes off Ian until he stepped down from the podium.

It seemed as if sparks flew between the two.