Academy’s Genius Mage

“Preparation? For what?”

“You are not just fighting against a criminal named Hamel. You might have to fight against some of the nobles of Sonokin, and potentially even the empire backing them.”

It was a meaningful statement.

Hamel Gestring was no longer the main concern.

What mattered now was who was supporting him from behind.

‘The problem is that there are enemies within.’

The most suspicious individual was Zickhardt.

The vague malice he harbored had transformed into clear hostility upon Hamel Gestring’s downfall.

The hidden relationship between Zickhardt and Hamel was still unknown.

However, with time, these secrets would naturally be revealed.

The problem was whether, when the time came, he would hold the initiative or it would be taken over by Zickhardt.

If he held the reins, it might be possible to resolve things advantageously.

But if not, a bleak conclusion awaited.

“I agree with your words, senior. However, I have been preparing diligently. I also recently resolved some personal issues.”

“Personal issues?”

“It’s a bit of a long story, but to sum it up, I couldn’t fully utilize my mana due to congenital issues. That’s why I scored 77 in the mana measurement.”

“Could it be, mana Concentration Disorder?”

Isera’s eyes sparkled with realization.

Ian nodded reassuringly.

“You know well.”

“It’s quite rare… and you were experiencing it?”

“Yes.”

Mana Concentration Disorder was no longer a concern for Ian.

There was no harm in discussing past troubles.

“So, that’s what it was.”

Isera nodded as if she finally understood.

No matter how she thought about it, Ian’s accomplishments couldn’t be explained merely by his mana levels.

On the other hand, she felt sympathy.

If Ian had not experienced Mana Concentration Disorder, he might have become a stronger mage.

“You don’t need to look at me like that. I am satisfied with my current situation.”

“……”

Isera realized belatedly that she had made a false step.

For a mage, ‘Mana Concentration Disorder’ was akin to an incurable disease, akin to living with a terminal illness.

Without knowing the situation, she had inadvertently shown a look of sympathy.

She thought about apologizing, but the words wouldn’t come.

“It’s alright, senior.”

Ian smiled.

He understood Isera’s perspective completely.

If anything, it was Ian who felt he should apologize.

“I’m sorry for telling you late. I hesitated to mention it while it was unresolved.”

“No, I get it. I remember the advice I gave you when we first met at the Great Library.”

“That’s true.”

Back then, Isera had said this:
‘There are very few who enroll to actually learn something. So, try not to stand out too much.’

“Well, thanks to your submitted thesis, it became impossible not to stand out.”

“That’s fine. Writing a thesis is a natural endeavor for someone who aspires to theoretical studies.”

“The act of writing a thesis wasn’t the problem, it was the content. Luckily, it got me an invitation to the Magic Society.”

Blushing slightly, Isera lowered her head.

Perhaps because he shared a past that needed to be hidden from everyone, Isera found herself entangled in Ian’s pace.

She discovered a cute side to Isera, who had once seemed like a thorny rose. However, it was time to focus on a more forward-looking discussion.

“But what did you mean by needing preparation?”

“You’ve resolved your Mana Concentration Disorder, but you have to acknowledge that you haven’t stepped outside the framework of the academy.”

“That’s true.”

Ian had recorded a mana measure of 1750.

It was the middle of the 4th circle in terms of mana. However, even a mage at the middle of the 4th circle could be bested by a 3rd circle mage, depending on experience and circumstances.

“You’re at risk with your current skills. This isn’t just anyone you are up against, it’s the empire.”

“Do you have a method?”

“We should work together. I’ll cooperate with you.”

‘Is the senior going to help?’

Ian’s eyes widened at the unexpected remark.

Isera was a person who had no interest in anything outside of magic research.

She didn’t care how the academy operated or what policies the kingdom followed.

It was truly surprising that she would so readily offer to help.

More than anything, there was one thing that weighed on Ian’s mind.

“But this is a matter concerning the kingdom of Sonokin. Are you sure it’s alright?”

From the perspective of the Kingdom of Roland, it would be advantageous if the kingdom of Sonokin were to split.

That way, they could quickly escape being a vassal state.

Yet, surprisingly, Isera nodded.

“You spoke of justice as a mage. I am also a mage. As a mage, it’s right to correct any wrongs we see.”

“Thank you for saying so, but…”

It was still a burdensome task.

If things went wrong, not only Isera but the entire Hebraim Family could become targets.

The Sonokin Royal Family might exert cruel pressure.

At that moment, the corners of Isera’s lips curved slightly.

“Of course, I won’t be at the forefront. I’m saying I’ll help where I can.”

“How will you do that?”

“We need to make use of the academy. It’s the intersection point between you and me.”

“The intersection point is only some club activities.”

“Exactly.”

Isera picked up her teacup to moisten her slightly dry mouth.

“I had planned to go on expeditions to dungeons or ruins once or twice a semester. What do you think about increasing that frequency a bit?”

“That sounds like a good idea. We might even sync well together. And in the process, we might find artifacts.”

By using weekends or holidays, they could tackle dungeons that were a bit farther away. Furthermore, once the finals were over, the long summer vacation would begin.

Ian realized that his academy life was entering a new phase.

After all, outdoor activities offered experiences not available in the academy.

The addition of Isera was reassuring.

“Your dorm friends said they’d help you, right?”

“Yes, for now. On the way here, I came with Edel, and he said he wanted to help. He’s even mastered Mana Bolt through self-study.”

Isera smiled contentedly.

“That kid is a different kind of hard worker compared to you. He will surely become an excellent mage.”

“How is he different?”

“How should I put it? It’s beautiful and mysterious, like painting with colors on a blank canvas.”

“And how about me?”

Isera paused for a moment.

Ian was curious about how he would be evaluated in the eyes of a magic genius.

“It’s like adding colors to a perfectly sketched drawing?”

“It’s a bit ambiguous whether that’s a compliment or not.”

“It depends on your interpretation.”

Ian laughed.

It was a very Isera-like answer.

“Then, for our plan, we should bring Milo into the club as well. Does he have to take an exam?”

“Since it’s a special recruitment, let’s just add him directly. But will he want to join?”

“I suppose we’ll have to persuade him convincingly.”

Having to do club activities on a day off was the biggest hurdle, but Ian judged it wouldn’t be too difficult.

If Ian could let Milo know that he could be introduced to friends by making a good impression on Isera, he would likely join immediately.

“Then I’ll proceed with it as soon as we return to the academy.”

“Let’s start the exploration next week. I’ll pick suitable locations.”

“Understood.”

“Think of it not just as skill building, but as preparation for the upcoming exchange match. It might lessen the burden.”

“How was it during your time as a senior? There’s so little information.”

“Well…”

Isera only smiled enigmatically without providing any significant information.

‘Well, this is a problem for us first-year students to solve.’

Knowing the answer made things easier.

But developing the adaptability to solve similar problems in the future would not be fostered. It was better to ponder and face challenges on one’s own.

Knock, knock!

A rather loud knock was heard, and then the butler Kiefer entered.

“Excuse me, milady. Dinner is prepared.”

Kiefer glared at Ian.

Ian grinned leisurely, enjoying his gaze.

“Senior. Shall we go for a meal now? I’m getting hungry.”

“Alright.”

Isera stood up.

The two walked toward the dining hall, sharing trivial academy stories that anyone could overhear.

* * *

Having experienced a splendid feast, Ian headed to the Oracle Family mansion, feeling somewhat fatigued.

‘The Count’s family is indeed remarkable.’

Although it wasn’t exactly a feast with all sorts of delicacies, it still had many rare dishes that were hard to come by.

Ian could sense that Isera had put significant thought into it.

Despite receiving piercing stares from Kiefer and all the servants, Ian had an amiable time with Isera.

He felt that he had grown close enough to declare their friendship to others.

“Master.”

Upon alighting from the carriage, Wilson looked at Ian with a somewhat surprised expression.

Ian straightened his attire after disembarking and asked,

“What’s wrong?”

“It seems you returned quite early.”

“Early? It’s past ten at night……”

“I thought you might have stayed overnight.”

“You say incredible things so nonchalantly.”

It seemed Wilson had taken a liking to Isera.

He was likely set on making her the mistress.

‘Well, it would have been the same even if my parents were here.’

Isera was indeed flawless wherever one looked.

Of course, Ian felt the same way.

‘But it’s still too early.’

Even though she was a vassal state’s noble, she belonged to a Count family. The Hebraim Family is quite renowned in the Kingdom of Roland.

In comparison, the Oracle Family was obscure.

In the connections among nobles, nothing is as important as the prestige of a family.

Even if the individuals themselves didn’t mind, those around them would not stand idly.

‘But time will settle it. I will become stronger.’

Ian entered the mansion.

Wilson, who had followed beside him, reported the recent events.

“As reported, we hired some butlers and maids. I will summon them right away to greet you.”

Shortly after a communication channel was established for the Oracle Family, Ian and Wilson had their first successful communication, which was when these discussions arose.

“Isn’t it too late for that?”

“Not at all. Everyone wishes to meet you, my Lord.”

“Then call them immediately.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

Ian waited in the study for the staff to arrive.

Initially, they intended to hire soldiers too, but thanks to the Bahamut Trading Company providing mercenaries, they didn’t need to for a while.

Polo, the leader of the Bahamut Fourth Mercenary Squad, was guarding the mansion.

‘But hiring at least a knight would be good. To grow the family, I need to prepare in advance.’

Since it wasn’t urgent, Ian thought he should carefully seek out good talent.

What Ian needed was not just a skilled knight.

He needed someone who could dedicate their loyalty fully to the family. Therefore, he should avoid advertising a recruitment notice.

‘It’s a matter of connection. It isn’t something hastened.’

While going through documents, there was a knock followed by the door opening.

Wilson entered with Dorothy.

And following them, four men and women walked in a line.

“This is Ian, the head of our Oracle Family. Everyone, keep your mind straight and serve without lacking! Especially you maids, if you daydream about the Master being handsome, you’ll be in trouble!”

Dorothy commanded the subordinates like a fish in the water.

The four simultaneously bowed their heads.

“Greetings to the Master.”

“Speak up!”

“G-Greetings to the Master!”

Only then did Dorothy nod her head.

Observing this, Ian smiled.

It finally felt like the mansion was bustling a bit.