Academy’s Genius Mage

“Then shouldn’t we first consider why that’s the case?”

Ian Oracle raised the condensed Lightning Spell above his head so everyone could see it clearly.

The Lightning Spell thrashed energetically in his hand as if trying to escape, but Ian’s right hand remained firm, perfectly controlling the current.

“This is the Lightning Spell that mages have used for hundreds of years. It’s a typical 1st circle attack spell.”

The once-silent lecture hall began to buzz with murmurs.

“That’s incredible mana!”

“Isn’t that unaltered? The hand gestures seem similar to the ones we use.”

“Right, it’s a bit different from that altered spell he used against Rahel.”

“What kind of magical potion did that guy take?”

“Nobody would believe his mana is only at 77!”

The peers, unaware of the truth, were engrossed in their own speculations.

‘As expected, my guess was right.’

Thinking this, Sebastian frowned, convinced Ian had not fully participated in the measurement.

He believed all of this was just a performance to attract attention.

“We inherited this magic through various writings. Or perhaps learned it from a mentor. So, how will this magic change in 10 years, or 100 years?”

The lightning disappeared from Ian’s hand.

He began forming runes again, tracing similar runes to the Lightning Spell he had just cast.

Sizzle!

Crackle!

Once again, currents gathered in Ian’s grasp, but this spell was on a completely different scale.

It made those who were nearby, flinch.

A more potent and brilliant Lightning spell was cast.

“Is that real lightning?”

“It’s much stronger than what we saw in the training grounds before!”

“That monstrous guy!”

It felt like pouring even more mana into it could call down storm clouds and strike lightning from the sky.

Even a mere 1st circle magic spell had inspired quite an awe.

Exceptional peers gleaned bright ideas, while ordinary ones simply watched the magic unfold with mouths agape.

With Lightning Spell in his grip, Ian raised his hand again.

“And this is the form Lightning Spell will take for decades, even centuries ahead. I was fortunate to discover a new spell form, but it’s likely not just this Lightning Spell that will change in the future.”

“Hahaha! How pitiful, Ian Oracle. Are you just showing off your magic?!”

Zickhardt mocked.

Ian smiled, looking at him.

“Not at all. I simply wanted to explain that pursuing only strength is a waste.”

“Tsk, tsk. That’s why those aspiring theorists have clear limitations. Disparaging strength as wasteful because they can’t become stronger! Why is it wasteful?”

“If it ends with just oneself becoming stronger, then nothing continues.”

With Ian’s words, the lecture hall that had been bustling fell silent.

Professor Frost, who had been observing neutrally, finally smiled.

“What sort of sophistry is that? Saying nothing continues. What exactly should be continued?”

“Magic itself.”

Ian clenched his hand, and simultaneously, the Lightning Spell dissolved into luminous dust, scattering into the air.

Saaaah―

Engulfed by the radiant dust, Ian continued speaking.

“If you are a student of the academy and a mage walking the path of magic, you must consider how your magic and knowledge will be passed down to future generations. Becoming stronger is good, yes, but the moment we entered this academy, we were given a duty. It’s about inheriting the knowledge of our predecessors and passing it down to those who come after us.”

“Such a bland story.”

“Well, if that’s how you see it, there’s nothing that can be done. That would be your limit.”

Zickhardt let out a chuckle.

“In accordance with the teachings of Lux the Sun King, who established the academy, we have a mission to develop magic in better ways. Naturally, as we follow this path, we will become stronger. For this reason, first-year students in the Department of Magic must take general education courses from all the majors. Absorbing the basics of all magic will become the nourishment for the creation of new forms of magic.”

“That’s an excellent answer, Ian Oracle. That is exactly the response I was looking for.”

However, Ian was not satisfied.

Instead, he decided to commit a slight act of rudeness.

“Professor, my explanation isn’t finished yet.”

“What?”

“What are you doing?”

His classmates were taken aback.

Professor Frost was just as surprised.

With a curious gaze, he permitted Ian to continue.

“Please go on.”

“Thank you. As magic becomes more complex, majors split, and students inevitably have to choose a specialization and focus on it. I believe there is a problem with this system.”

Everyone was beyond shocked; they were utterly astonished.

Ian’s single statement was akin to challenging the sanctity of the academy.

“Of course, this system naturally arose as each branch of magic deepened and research achievements accumulated. Just as practical mages know little about spirit magic.”

Ophelia, who aspired to study spirit magic, and Edel, who intended to pursue healing magic, looked at Ian.

Ian raised a finger.

“However, magic originally is one. Whether it’s general magic, practical magic, or spirit magic, everything comes from one root. Why are mages not taught about these roots, instead of being asked to choose one branch that stems from it?”

Only then did the students realize that Ian was not challenging the sanctity of the academy.

Ian held a very rational question.

Furthermore, it wasn’t merely a problem of the academy’s system.

Ian accurately pinpointed an issue within the current Magic Society, where multiple factions were forming.

“In the past… a very long time ago, those who mastered all magic were called this.”

Ian paused for a moment.

He saw the earnestness in the eyes of his classmates.

As the atmosphere reached its peak, Ian continued.

“All Master.”

Professor Frost nodded.

He had never imagined that the words he once shared with Ian would resurface in such a setting.

Yet, he didn’t feel bad.

Instead, he felt a sense of fulfillment as a professor.

“‘All Master.’ The one who governs all. I really like that title. Not just because it sounds cool, but because it somehow signifies a true mage.”

Ian turned to look at Zickhardt.

He averted his gaze.

But that didn’t stop Ian from explaining. After all, it was Zickhardt who had initially provoked him.

Ian thought there was no reason to shrink back.

“We do not simply take general courses from all schools to become stronger. There is no need for that. If one attains the level of an ‘All Master’, everything will be resolved. While it is a very challenging feat, I want to express that we should approach our lessons with such determination.”

“With that kind of determination, standard exams would be trivial.”

“I apologize for my impudence, Professor.”

“No, it was an excellent speech. You never fail to meet expectations, Ian Oracle.”

Ian gave a slight nod before taking his seat.

Milo nudged his side and gave a thumbs-up.

Edel nodded in agreement as well.

“I also somewhat agree with Ian’s opinion. If everything can be explained as one, there’d be no need for the hassle of dividing schools. However, the academy has its own unique rules. I think it might be good to consider how to hone your skills under these rules. Moreover, if such a mindset is applied to standard exams, I believe there will be good results.”

While Ian smiled, Zickhardt wore a bitter expression.

It was not simply because his opinion had been refuted.

The atmosphere in the lecture hall had completely changed.

Until now, it had been Ian and Sebastian at odds among the new students of the Department of Magic. However, in today’s class, the focus shifted from Sebastian to Zickhardt.

Yet, with Ian’s final remark, the balance tipped a little more towards Ian.

The title of ‘All Master’ was indeed remarkable.

“We need to address this briefly. Everyone is aware of the paper presented by Ian and Isera, correct?”

“Yes!”

Several students responded confidently.

“Raise your hand if you’ve learned the new Lightning Spell by reading the paper.”

The confident students raised their hands.

Among them were Sebastian and Ophelia.

One could not use magic just by mimicking runes.

The key was the management of mana.

Only when one correctly interpreted the aphorisms, constructed the spell formula, and found the precise path could magic manifest.

The runes merely illustrated that path.

Without knowing the destination, one could not find the way. Similarly, without enlightenment, magic could not be used properly.

“Zickhardt. Have you not managed yet? That’s unexpected.”

All eyes shifted towards him.

It was a humiliating moment.

Raising his hand felt like admitting defeat to Ian, while not raising it felt like acknowledging his incompetence.

Only then did Zickhardt, who had been resisting, reluctantly raise his hand.

“Hmm. Only about five people. I thought you’d Master a 1-circle spell quickly, but it seems to be a bit difficult. Ian Oracle.”

“Yes, Professor.”

“How about holding a special lecture after the standard exams? In this class, I mean.”

It was a truly groundbreaking proposal.

It made Ian’s peers gasp with astonishment.

The fact that Ian would give a special lecture implied that his level was akin to that of an academy professor.

Of course, this occasionally happened among upperclassmen.

There was the concept of ‘Lectures by the Author’ after all.

But it was highly unusual for a freshman to conduct a special lecture.

“What are you doing? Hurry and say you’ll do it.”

Milo urged, but Ian politely declined.

“I don’t want to waste your precious lecture time, Professor. Instead, I’d be happy to share my experiences whenever and wherever needed.”

“Does that mean it doesn’t necessarily have to be in the lecture hall?”

“Yes. Wouldn’t it be more comfortable that way? I think it would be nice to leisurely conduct magic research after class.”

Professor Frost burst into laughter.

“Hahaha. If you were a student of the Major in Theoretical Magic, I’d give you extra credit right here. You’ve shown a very exemplary attitude as a student of magic.”

“Your words are enough of a reward, Professor.”

“As you all know, the transmission of magic is a very personal matter. Before there were educational institutions like the academy, it was no different from a family secret. Of course, that culture still lingers even today.”

Only then did Ian’s peers grasp the difference between Ian and Zickhardt.

Zickhardt trained in magic secretly, not mingling with others, partly due to the secretive nature of the Telomian Count family.

But Ian was different.

The heir of the Oracle Family liked to explain things more openly.

The union of the family’s culture and his personal inclinations led to today’s outcome.

By declining the special lecture, Ian could win over the hearts of his peers.

“Then from this time forward, anyone interested in learning the new Lightning spell should approach Ian. Since exams are coming up soon, it would be best to do so afterward.”

“Yes!”

“That’s it for today’s class. Study hard and achieve good results.”

Professor Frost left the lecture hall with a satisfied smile.