Academy’s Genius Mage

The standard exams were just a week away.

Ian tackled his backlog of assignments one by one.

Thanks to having an outstanding theoretical mage as his father, there were no difficult tasks in his magic theory assignments.

In terms of theory, Ian surpassed most graduates by a large margin.

Moreover, due to the incredibly neat notes from Edel, he quickly kept up with the course progress.

Ian made a leap to a new realm after forming a contract with a spirit.

Whether in theory or practical, there wasn’t a class he couldn’t handle yet, considering he was only a first-year student.

Nevertheless, Ian studied familiar material as if he were encountering it for the first time, cautiously absorbing the knowledge.

He understood better than anyone that revising was just as crucial as preparing in advance.

“Ugh! These exams are going to drain me dry! Alright, let’s see who outlasts who!”

“If someone hears you, they might actually think you study hard.”

“I’m telling you, this is studying really hard!”

Milo grumbled.

“That’s true.”

Ian had to admit it.

The fear of the standard exams was clear when even Milo, who seemed destined to never set foot in the Great Library, was frequenting it.

The three of them were now leaving the dormitory and heading to the lecture hall for Professor Frost’s class.

“By the way, who do you think will take the top rank this time? Is it the rising star, Ian Oracle, again?”

Just as Ian was about to say something, Milo waved his hand to stop him.

“Don’t! I know exactly what you’re going to say. You’ll probably say something like, ‘Milo, it’s not the scores that matter. It’s about what you learn in the process.'”

He mimicked Ian’s tone.

Edel, listening beside him, laughed in amusement.

Mimicking Ian was gradually becoming Milo’s hobby.

“Someone who knows that would do such a thing?”

“It’s just complaints. It’s not like I can complain to the professors, can I?”

“Try it. It’d be funny.”

“Are you trying to get me kicked out of the academy to raise your mana ranking?”

Come to think of it, he hadn’t mentioned something important.

He had reached the 4th circle.

The results measured with Professor Frost’s help showed a score of 1750.

He didn’t know how much progress Zickhardt had made, who had recorded 1482 and was currently in first place, but surely he hadn’t increased his mana score by over 300 in such a short period.

‘It’s nice not to have to manage my expression this time.’

During the last mana measurement, he had paid attention to his behavior to give the impression that he was hiding his strength.

But now, there was no need for that.

His control over magic and mana had found some balance.

If the upcoming magic conference ended successfully, Ian’s name would be more widely recognized.

Then, Milo, who was leading, suddenly stopped.

“That guy….”

Zickhardt was standing there.

This was the path leading from the dormitory to the lecture hall.

He was leaning against one side as if waiting for someone.

It was naturally suspicious.

Zickhardt usually moved alone and preferred to keep his whereabouts unknown.

Moreover, there was a lecture approaching. There was no reason for him to spend time here.

“Is he looking for us?”

As if answering the mumble, Zickhardt blocked their path with a faint smile.

“Ian Oracle. I heard you caused quite a stir this time, huh? You’re more impressive than I thought. Not just anywhere, you managed to wipe out the Hamel Trading Company in one go!”

Zickhardt slowly approached. It seemed he had business with Ian.

“Go ahead inside first.”

“Isn’t it better if we’re around?”

“Do you really think he’ll want to fight?”

“There are more crazy people in the academy than you might think. Those who think they can do anything by just throwing a handkerchief…”

“Are you talking about me?”

“Nope.”

“Don’t worry, just go.”

The two roommates were concerned for Ian. However, since Ian insisted he was fine, they reluctantly proceeded to the classroom.

Yet, Milo was known at the academy as the emperor of grudges.

He pretended to enter the lecture hall but stealthily peeked his head out to watch Ian.

Edel did the same.

“You seem to have gained quite a bit of trust from your friends.”

Without even turning around, Zickhardt seemed to sense the presence of Milo and Edel.

It was a remarkable skill.

“Well, it just happened. But I didn’t expect you to know the meaning of the word ‘friend’.”

“Friend, peer, colleague—all useless words. Friendship? Loyalty? They’re just messy emotions that tie you down when it’s important. I assure you, one day you’ll be caught by these worthless emotions. You might even lose your life because of them.”

Ian, arms crossed, smirked.

“It seems like friendship and loyalty are emotions you’ve never experienced, so isn’t it presumptuous to call them messy?”

“Just because one hasn’t experienced something doesn’t mean they don’t understand it.”

“It doesn’t seem like you’re here to congratulate me, but rather to confront me. I remember a merchant I met recently making the exact expression you’re wearing now.”

It was very much like the look of Hamel’s owner just before getting arrested.

Different form, but the same aura.

“No matter how I think about it, there’s no reason for you to appear before me at this time.”

It wasn’t merely an intuitive conclusion but a logical deduction.

Ian had no real connection with Zickhardt.

The only thing linking them, if one insisted on finding something, was being in the same Department of Magic.

Since enrolling, Zickhardt had treated Ian as if he didn’t exist. Even if they encountered each other on the street by chance, he wouldn’t spare him a glance.

It was the same for anyone else besides Ian.

He ignored Sebastian and Ophelia too.

Other peers couldn’t even approach him in the first place.

Yet, here he was, blocking Ian’s path.

And at such a peculiar time right after the collapse of the Hamel Trading Company.

“Is it because of the Hamel Trading Company?”

“That’s an interesting hypothesis.”

“When a company collapses, it’s not just the company’s people who suffer damage.”

Ian sneered lightly, mocking him.

“Whether they accepted bribes or whatever, the people who were sucking the honey offered by them would also have suffered. If a supply suddenly stops, it’s only natural to feel displeased. I expected that much.”

Ian stood directly in front of Zickhardt by then.

Soon, Ian’s hand reached out to fix Zickhardt’s crooked coat collar.

He spoke calmly, as if admonishing an errant child.

“But you’ve come to the wrong person. Shouldn’t someone like the head of the family come if they’re going to question me?”

“The head of the family? Hahaha. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Why should I care about money or power?”

The atmosphere shifted dramatically at that moment.

Zickhardt glared fiercely, thrusting his face close. His unpleasant breath swept over Ian’s face.

“… Thanks to you, the owner of the Hamel Trading Company experienced an indelible disgrace. He might never see the sunlight again in his life. There are things I personally need for him to repay for.”

“So, were you wronged by him too?”

“Rather the opposite.”

Zickhardt sneered.

The declaration of it being the opposite was truly unexpected.

It meant, rather than being wronged, he owed the owner a debt of gratitude.

Several nobles associated with the Hamel Trading Company had severed ties when the company collapsed.

They had to cover up their past wrongdoings.

However, it was the first time someone stepped forward claiming to repay a debt.

Ian’s eyes flashed sharply.

“If you say things like that, you might get dragged in for questioning by the intelligence bureau.”

“The intelligence bureau isn’t that stupid. Would they raid a count’s family with no decisive evidence? That would be foolish.”

Zickhardt seemed very confident as if he had calculated everything beforehand.

Ian paused to take a breath.

What kind of relationship with the head of the Hamel Trading Company would justify using a phrase like repaying a debt? Especially for someone as notoriously arrogant as Zickhardt.

There were countless unknowns.

“Well, Hamel should be grateful that he wasn’t executed. Although the underground prison is harsh, spending a lifetime reflecting isn’t the worst.”

“He’s a fool too. To be defeated by such a greenhorn.”

“Were you Hamel’s dog?”

“Hamel’s dog? A doggggg? Hahaha!”

The mad laughter.

Ian frowned.

He was genuinely angered.

“That’s the funniest story I’ve heard all year! Listen, kid. I am worlds apart from someone who was about to collapse under various influences. My family, strength, and abilities are all exceptional. Even looking objectively, don’t you think I’m too exceptional to be kept as someone’s pet?”

“Enough self-praise. I’m not impressed. My roommate is far better in that regard. So, what is it that you want to say?”

“I just thought I’d open the eyes and ears of our adorable underachiever.”

Zickhardt moved closer.

He whispered softly into Ian’s ear.

“Do you think the kingdom will become peaceful, and people happier, with the disappearance of the Hamel Trading Company? Given your limited insight, you might think so. But in the end, they are merely components.”

“The kingdom’s top company… merely components?”

“Tsk tsk! You still can’t see the forest for the trees. Surely you don’t believe that the kingdom of Sonokin is the one holding the continent’s supremacy?”

At that moment, a name arose in Ian’s mind.

‘The Empire!’

A vast nation occupying half the continent.

The kingdom of Sonokin was relatively strong among neighboring countries, but it couldn’t compare to the Empire.

The fact that several kingdoms had maintained peace in recent years was due to the Empire’s focus on other matters.

With extensive territory, the Empire’s main trading companies boasted enormous financial power. Additionally, they completely dominated the eastern coast, reaping astronomical profits from trade with other continents.

The use of the term ‘components’ by Zickhardt made sense if the Empire’s leading company was involved in this matter.

“Are you implying that the Empire is behind this?”

“Hey! Watch your mouth! If any passing nobles from the Empire heard that, there might be war!”

Feigning a fuss, he whispered once more.

“It’s merely one of the many companies in countless kingdoms that disappeared; why would they care? It’s nonsense.”

If the Hamel Trading Company and the Empire had been connected, some evidence should have emerged already in the raids and searches. However, the investigation concluded without significant findings.

“However.”

Zickhardt, with a sly expression, slightly turned his head back to make eye contact.

He wiggled one finger.

“It was enough of an incident for the name Ian Oracle to reach their ears. Even if I’m just a dog, they wouldn’t take kindly to someone harming a loyal and obedient one… To those with overwhelming power, there’s little difference in the value of an ordinary person or a dog, don’t you think? Hehehe… Hahahaha! I look forward to what’s to come, Ian Oracle.”

With those words, Zickhardt left.

‘I really should delve deeper into Zickhardt and Hamel. And also the Telomian family, and the Empire.’

Ian felt as if a giant storm was approaching.

But he walked with calm steps.

This was something he had undertaken knowing the risks.

If he was going to be scared, he would have quit the academy and secluded himself in his mansion by now.

Above all, as a mage, it was unacceptable.

‘The Empire.’

Ian recalled the hint Zickhardt had left. A smile spread across his face.

‘Things are about to get very interesting.’