Academy’s Genius Mage

Upon returning to the academy dormitory, Ian Oracle found Milo Vinettia sprawled over his desk, resembling a half-dead corpse.

“Ugh…”

Ian had to pause to contemplate the mysteries of dark magic.

He wondered if a zombie might look something like how Milo appeared at that moment.

Milo’s condition was quite disheveled, with his hair matted and dark circles extending down to his cheeks.

Ian chuckled softly as he set down his luggage and approached him.

Materialized Goyang jumped onto the bed, watching over the two with curiosity.

“Did you stay up all night again?”

“Why ask the obvious? The problem is that I’m strongly suspecting I’ll have to pull another all-nighter tonight.”

“Are the business preparations coming along?”

“We’re in the final stretch. By next week, the factory should be up and running. Until then, I have to manage somehow.”

“So, you’re finally about to see the light.”

Ian had never visited the potion production facility set up inside the academy. There was no real need to.

He had already written papers and created potion manufacturing manuals, so just Milo handling it was sufficient.

Of course, Professor Maxim of the Department of Natural Studies was very curious about the remarkable setup Ian had designed.

However, true to his quirky nature, he hadn’t yet made the first move to approach Ian.

‘Right now, it’s important for Milo to establish himself in Professor Maxim’s lab. There’s no need for me to get involved. Surely, an opportunity will come later.’

Ian decided to postpone his meeting with Professor Maxim for another time.

There were too many things that required his attention at present.

Aside from uncovering the secrets linking Hamel, Zickhardt, and the Empire, he had to attend the upcoming magic association meeting.

Moreover, there will be an internal exchange event happening soon.

Thanks to these, there were plenty of topics to discuss with his dormitory roommates.

He also needed to ensure Milo joined the Ancient Literature Reading Club.

“But you really have no luck, you know? If the potion business had been pushed back a bit, you could’ve rested for at least a week.”

“What kind of talk is that? It’s all because of you! You pushed things too fast, and that’s why I’m like this!”

“Well, isn’t it a crime to be talented, even if I’m not particularly handsome?”

“Huh…”

Ian rubbed his thumb and forefinger together, implying that Milo was making money.

Milo flinched but soon scoffed.

“If you try to solve everything with money, your soul becomes shallow, friend.”

“To think those words would come out of Milo Vinettia’s mouth! Weren’t you the one who once said money is everything?”

“Just get out of here if you’re not going to help!”

Ian suppressed a laugh.

At that moment, the door opened, and Edel walked in, looking fully refreshed, with vibrant energy on his face.

“Good morning!”

“Shh.”

Ian placed a finger on his lips, signaling not to provoke Milo unnecessarily.

As expected, Milo glanced back irritably, then returned to his original position.

“Oh? Are you working from the morning, Milo?”

Edel, however, was different from Ian.

He took out some fruits wrapped in paper and offered them to Milo.

“Want to try these? They’re peaches from Trona Mountain, really effective when you’re tired. The dried ones are even used as medicinal ingredients. In some regions, the juice is mixed into potions.”

Three very appetizing peaches appeared.

Milo’s mouth watered.

“Oh! That’s different from someone who only talks big.”

“Hahaha. Is that someone Ian?”

“Why bother saying it? Just a waste of words.”

“I’ll peel them for you. Hold on.”

Edel peeled the skin with a sharp tool, and as the flesh was revealed, a sweet fragrance filled the room, proving it was no ordinary fruit.

『What, what is this?』

Goyang, who was loafing on the bed, perked its tail up at the enticing aroma.

“Wow. The smell is amazing!”

『Human! Just one bite for me!』

Naturally, Ian ignored Goyang’s plea.

『Why are you ignoring me? Human, I also like fruit!』

“Spirits don’t really need to eat, right? We should share with a friend who’s exhausted.”

『I can eat!』

“It’s okay, you’re a great spirit.”

Goyang realized that being called a “great spirit” wasn’t always a positive thing.

“Here, try it. The seed inside is hard, so be careful not to hurt your teeth.”

“Hahaha. Thank you.”

Milo had skipped breakfast, so he eagerly accepted the peach.

Edel began peeling the next peach.

“I brought them to have one each, but Milo, you can have them all. You worked hard all night. Ian, is that okay?”

“Why not. There’s a saying that you give an extra candy to the one you dislike.”

“Hahaha. You guys! At least you still have some conscience left. I’ll enjoy this, thank you!”

Milo put the fruit directly into his mouth.

As the sweet juice spread, a blissful expression appeared on his face.

“Kyaah!”

For a moment, it felt as if his fatigue disappeared.

Edel’s statement that it was used as a medicinal herb was not an exaggeration.

It was as effective as a mid-level potion.

“Isn’t this a medicine rather than a fruit? How can it have such an immediate effect?”

“Maybe it’s even more so because you’re hungry?”

“Possibly.”

He had already finished one.

Edel cut a small piece and handed it to Ian.

Ian tried one as well and was amazed.

“It tastes really good.”

In an instant, several ideas flashed through Ian’s mind.

Though brief, it was enough to make him smile.

“You’re not thinking of research themes again, are you?”

“Just enjoying the taste would be a waste. If I can derive something productive from it, that’s killing two birds with one stone.”

“Anyway, Ian is impossible to stop.”

Edel peeled the remaining one neatly and gave it to Milo.

Milo’s large muscles started twitching.

It was a natural habit that manifested when he ate something extremely delicious.

Of course, Ian found it disgusting, so he avoided looking closely.

“This was specially procured by my father for you guys. As an apology.”

“An apology?”

“He had planned to invite you over, but then had to cancel because something came up, remember? He felt bad about just letting it slide…”

“Well, it was something unavoidable.”

“Exactly.”

Ian agreed with Milo.

On the day they were invited, a sudden outbreak of mass food poisoning occurred in the commercial district of the capital.

As a result, the hospital run by Edel’s father became filled with patients.

So, the invitation was canceled.

Any ordinary noble would have been upset, but Ian and Milo had characteristics that were not typical of nobles.

Instead, they supported Edel’s father.

It was the choice of someone who contributed to the kingdom.

“Hey, now that we’re on the topic, how about we have a simple dinner at my place tonight if it’s okay with you?”

“Isn’t that too sudden? I don’t want to impose.”

“Most of the hospitalized have been discharged, so he said tonight is fine. Oh! If you’re busy, it’s okay. I don’t want you to feel pressured.”

“I’m fine with it.”

As Ian accepted without hesitation, Milo, who was planning to act coy, twitched his lips.

“Then I guess I should go too. It only makes sense if the three of us are there, right?”

“Are you okay with your work?”

“Not really. There is a way to make things okay though…”

With a sinister grin, Milo grabbed Ian and Edel by the arm.

It was a chilling smile.

“If you both help, I can finish quickly. So don’t think of running away and roll up your sleeves! Ian, adjust the experimental device, and Edel, organize the result data!”

“He’s really a high-maintenance guy.”

“I don’t think you, Ian, can say that.”

In the end, Ian and Edel rolled up their sleeves and started helping Milo.

However, at that very moment, a broadcast came through the mana speaker.

― Attention all first-year students in the Department of Magic. The results of the midterm exams for the first semester have been posted on each bulletin board. There will be a one-week period for objections, so please check your scores. Once again, we inform you…

Ian, Milo, and Edel were shocked.

“The results are out already?”

“It seems to be limited to the first years?”

“Our scores must have been graded quickly since it’s a common test.”

The three of them stood up abruptly.

Milo moved a bit ahead.

He quickly opened the door and stepped into the hallway.

“Let’s go check! Hurry!”

“Does rushing there change your rank?”

“What a hurtful thing to say! It’s the moment to prove my excellence! Hahaha!”

Milo was quite excited.

* * *

A notice board had also been placed in front of the dormitory.

So, Ian and his friends moved to the board in front of the dormitory, where many students had already gathered.

“Move aside! Quickly! Those who can’t even make it to the top five should just quietly study in the dorm!”

Thanks to Milo’s efforts, Ian and Edel could easily check the results.

〈First Semester Regular Exams Midterm Results〉

1. Ian Oracle – 100 points

2. Zickhardt Telenium – 99 points

3. Ophelia Drias – 96 points

4. Sebastian Kent – 92 points

5. Edel Heinz – 91 points

6. Milo Vinettia – 90 points

“As expected, Ian is first!”

Edel shouted joyfully as if it were his own achievement.

Ian simply smiled calmly at his reaction.

Though he had expected such a result inwardly, seeing it confirmed like this brought a sense of relief.

It was the first time he had placed first in an official academy exam.

‘Is the mana measurement all that’s left now?’

Once the objection period ended, the freshman students would gather again at the auditorium for mana measurement.

At that time, Ian planned to show everything he had.

“That’s insane. How did he not get a single question wrong when it was so hard?”

“I heard the Oracle Family is renowned for their high-level theoretical mages… Their theory must be solid.”

“Did he surpass both Sebastian and Zickhardt?”

“He’s really a terrifying guy!”

Ian’s peers looked at him with eyes full of envy but Ian was lost in different thoughts.

‘Ophelia surpassed Sebastian. A gap of 4 points is quite significant…’

Ian turned his head.

Sebastian and Ophelia were looking at the notice board from one side, talking as they usually did.

‘Seems like his pride got hurt? Sebastian.’

Even amid his smile, Ian noticed Sebastian furrowing his brow. Occasionally, he even clenched his fists.

Just then, the two of them were having a conversation about Ian.

“Let’s stop talking about the heir of that lowly family. A gap of 6 points is an insurmountable difference, isn’t it?”

“Hahaha, what a disappointing remark. It was just a momentary lapse. Besides, the first semester comprehensive evaluation includes the final exam too. That guy can’t surpass me in practicals.”

Sebastian wore a greasy smile. However, internally, he was burning up.

‘It’s one thing if it’s about Ian, but Ophelia surpassing me?’

That was truly a shocking blow.

Since the time they had learned each other’s names, Sebastian had never lost to Ophelia.

He had always held the upper hand in every competition.

Yet, unexpectedly, he had taken a hit.

‘When did she study? She always said the academy was merely a diversion.’

Therefore, his trademark greasy smile now held a hidden spice not usually seen.

Ophelia, who observed it silently, wasn’t one to let it pass unnoticed.

“By the way, did our dear Sebastian not study this time? Ranking fourth, losing to both Ian and Zickhardt?”

Ophelia didn’t bother to mention that she herself had ranked one place higher.

But Sebastian clearly recognized her implication.

“Ah, well, everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Where there are climbs, there are also descents.”

“Whether it was a mistake or not will be determined by the next exam?”

“Naturally.”

At that moment, Ian sensed something odd.

Someone who should have been causing a commotion was nowhere in sight.

“Where is Milo?”

“Huh? Where did he go?”

Milo was nowhere to be found nearby.

Edel, who was looking around, pointed in a direction.

“He’s over there?”

In a secluded area, away from the notice board, Milo was sitting.

He gazed blankly at the sky with an empty look in his eyes.

“My father was right. Was I just a machine for creating failures? Even losing to Edel…”

He had a despairing expression.

Both Ian and Edel thought the same thing simultaneously.

They were glad they had given up all three peaches.