I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic Academy - Chapter 109

First Main Tower, Vice Principal’s Office.

Vice Principal Archie Hayden greeted the students before him with a warm, practiced smile.

Eisel, Selyen, and Flame. The promising young talents who boldly proclaimed their names as part of the rising stars of Stella.

Even for Stella, where the number of participants was limited to two from each academy, and where the rising stars were traditionally fixed at twelve, having three new names emerge this year was truly unprecedented.

It couldn't be anything other than exceptional.

Given the Mages’ Guild, the Mage Association, and the Tower Union’s unwavering standards, Flame’s thesis must have been impressive enough to pierce through their rigid scrutiny and win their approval.

"Flame, you’ve made me proud."

"Thank you..." Flame said, struggling to hide her embarrassment as she lowered her head.

‘I’m really doing this... I’m actually here…’

The Aslan Seminar was important… so important that it stood as one of the main events shaping the course of the future. Still, it wasn’t something Eisel couldn’t handle on her own.

And perhaps, it was better this way.

Given everything she had experienced so far, witnessing the event unfold with her own eyes felt reassuring. After all, no one could predict how the threads of fate might shift.

"Make sure to honor Stella’s name with your outstanding performance at the seminar."

"Yes."

Hearing Vice Principal Archie Hayden speak with such confidence, a faint, hollow laugh nearly escaped her lips.

For all his outward charm and authority, Archie Hayden was far from the benevolent figure he appeared to be.

He had remained quiet until now, but Flame, who was aware of how cruel his future actions would be, wasn't at ease when facing him.

In contrast to her, Eisel looked at Archie with admiration in her bright blue eyes.

A remarkable mage who, despite humble beginnings on the streets, had finally risen to the prestigious position of vice principal at Stella Academy.

That was Archie Hayden's background story.

Of course, most of it was nothing more than a carefully crafted illusion, and Eisel had fallen right into it.

"There are a few more students from this academy who have secured attendance rights. Are you aware?"

Hong Bi-Yeon of the Adolevit Royal family, and Jeremy of the Skalven Imperial family.

Several others had also earned fixed attendance rights for the Aslan Seminar.

Even Baek Yu-Seol, who had received special approval from Edmon Atalek, would be among the attendees.

"This year’s lineup of participants is unusually large. It’s likely to be remembered as a historic moment. You should all feel incredibly proud."

Archie's smile was warm and reassuring, but his inner feelings were not as pleasant.

Having an unexpected first-year student sneak into the Aslan Seminar was rather inconvenient.

His gaze flickered toward Selyen, who gave him a subtle nod.

Although Selyen was still in her second year, her knowledge and theory were nearly on par with those of a full-fledged professor.

She was undoubtedly a genius of theory, a title that could only be bestowed upon her.

Despite her nearly nonexistent chances of becoming a proper mage due to her severely limited mana capacity, Selyen was undeniably a genius when it came to theory.

Her task this time was straightforward.

Completely dismantle Baek Yu-Seol’s thesis during the Aslan Seminar and strip him of his attendance right for next year.

And if she could also prevent Eisel from rising to prominence, all the better.

The Aslan Seminar was truly an opportunity for mages, and if Eisel were to make a scene there, it could lead to quite a troublesome situation.

‘These little kids…’

Selyen’s lips curled into a confident smile. She had poured over both Eisel’s and Flame’s theses multiple times.

Without a doubt, their theses were remarkable discoveries, achievements that could leave a lasting impact on the academic world.

‘The more extraordinary the discovery, the more gratifying it is to tear it apart.’

It was an extraordinary discovery, indeed.

Selyen was a true prodigy in theory, capable of absorbing existing knowledge and refining it with her own insights.

But she lacked the gift to create something new. She could not weave her own spells nor craft original magic.

Because of this, she wanted to thoroughly crush the magic of these two girls who sought to possess everything—magic, mana, creativity.

Wasn't it a miracle that they dared to pursue even theory?

That was what she thought.

"The flier with the seminar schedule is here. Take it and make sure to read through it."

"Thank you."

"Sure. You’re dismissed. Until the day of the Aslan Seminar, do your best and keep striving."

"Yes!" Eisel replied energetically.

With those final words, the three girls left the conference room.

"It’s an honor to stand alongside my famous juniors. The professors are singing your praises, so we’re expecting impressive results from your theses, aren’t we?"

"Oh, yes... Of course,” Eisel replied with little enthusiasm, remembering Selyen’s earlier criticism, while Flame simply ignored it.

'What arrogant girls.'

Selyen turned her head and quickly disappeared down the hallway.

Left alone in the corridor, Eisel and Flame walked side by side.

Eisel stole a sideways glance. She had grown more attuned to social rumors lately, especially now that she had managed to form a few friendships.

‘Baek Yu-Seol and Flame are dating.’

That particular rumor had been spreading like wildfire over the past few days.

And it wasn’t entirely baseless… Flame herself had confirmed it.

"Okay, what is it?"

"Huh?"

"If you have something to say, say it quickly."

Flame couldn’t ignore the piercing look Eisel was giving her.

"Is... Is the rumor true?"

"Yeah. It's true. I’m actually on my way to a date right now."

"Ah... I see, then..." Eisel responded firmly, and her expression remained unchanged, leaving her thoughts unclear.

"Why? Is something bothering you?"

"Oh, no. There's nothing like that."

"But you seem so preoccupied."

"..."

Eisel, who had been gazing into empty space, was about to say something but opted to remain silent. After a while, she eventually spoke. "Um, I'm not sure. It's nothing, really." With that, she didn't say more and quickly walked down the corridor, putting some distance between them.

Watching Eisel from behind, Flame had a strange thought. If things had gone as originally planned, Eisel’s fate would have been linked to Ma Yu-Seong and a destined love would have bloomed between them.

However, since the interference of Baek Yu-Seol, who defied even the passage of time, many things had changed.

Eisel, who had once been fated to endure a lonely and grueling academy life, now enjoyed brighter days and even allowed herself the luxury of nurturing feelings for someone.

And yet, despite all his devotion, why didn’t Baek Yu-Seol feel the same way about her?

Flame frowned slightly. She wasn’t skilled at reading hidden truths in expressions or words, but the Baek Yu-Seol she remembered didn’t seem to be lying when he spoke with such sincerity.

'Sigh, I don't know...'

Worrying over meaningless thoughts like this would only lead to unnecessary stress.

Flame tried hard to push the thoughts of Baek Yu-Seol aside.

It wasn’t as easy as she hoped.

***

After the World Tree's Birth Festival ended, Florin immediately returned to lay low after completing all the additional tasks.

Perhaps it would take months, or even years, before she resurfaced. Leaving any trace of her presence in the outside world posed far too great a risk.

Hence, the key personnel in charge of the White Castle were all under the command and management of Orenha.

"Investigate Baek Yu-Seol, a freshman at Stella Academy."

"Understood."

Orenha handed the task of investigating Baek Yu-Seol to his intelligence unit.

Although they were technically Florin’s direct subordinates, not a single piece of information would ever reach her ears.

This secrecy was possible only because of the absolute trust Florin had placed in him.

Slightly betraying that trust was regrettable, but to gain her heart, it was an unavoidable task.

First, they needed to formulate a plan. It was certain that Baek Yu-Seol was the divine slayer who had taken Leafanel’s heart.

However, confirming the corruption of his soul right away was proving difficult.

'Difficult, but not impossible.'

The mystery of how dark mages managed to conceal their mana remained unsolved.

Yet, no matter how well they hid their mana, they could not completely mask the corruption that tainted their souls.

'Soul orb.'

Orenha turned his gaze to the small piece of white jade resting in his palm.

This object, categorized as a divine artifact of the world tree, possessed the unique ability to discern the soul of the possessor.

If the soul was pure, it would emit a bright white light. If the soul was corrupted, it would turn gray and the light would die out.

However, the condition for this ability was quite strict. It had to be worn by the target for over a month.

Had he managed to take it with him during the award ceremony, he could have passed it on somehow.

But back then, he had no idea the situation would turn out like that.

It would be strange for Orenha to personally gift the white jade to Baek Yu-Seol at this point.

Thus, he decided he would need someone else to deliver it for him.

Knock! Knock!

As someone knocked on the door of her reception room, Orenha placed the white jade back on the stand and said, "Come in."

The door opened, and a girl with pointed ears walked in.

Despite appearing to be in her late teens, her presence carried an air of authority that far exceeded her youthful appearance.

‘Jeliel, the only daughter of the Starcloud Trading Company’s president.’

Her reputation preceded her. From rumors of being the president’s illegitimate child to earning the recognition of the high elves at a remarkably young age, Jeliel had already carved out a name for herself.

She was even attending the prestigious magical academy, Astral Flower Academy.

"It's an honor to be summoned by you, Advisor Orenha."

"No, the honor is mine. To be able to personally meet the renowned Starcloud president’s daughter is a rare privilege. Please, have a seat."

Jeliel gracefully took a seat across from Orenha.

On the table, freshly brewed tea and pastries were prepared.

"May I ask why you called for me today?"

"I heard that this time your father couldn't secure the mining rights for the Dana Mine and is quite upset."

The Dana Mine contained a special stone known as dana crystal, which did not possess significant effects but could fetch a high price if used to make accessories.

Acquiring the mining rights was a matter that concerned merchants. There had to be a reason why the king's representative would bring it up.

"Yes, he's quite disappointed."

"But imagine how pleased he would be if you were the one to acquire those rights instead."

Jeliel’s expression softened ever so slightly, her interest piqued.

Orenha knew well that her father was her soft spot.

If he played his cards carefully, he could persuade her to handle this small request without suspicion.

'Hmm...'

Of course, Jeliel was no fool. She already suspected that Orenha wouldn’t bring up such an unrelated topic without expecting something in return.

But in the end, did it really matter?

If it meant pleasing her father, she would gladly fulfill a request or two from the king’s delegate.

"Are you saying you'll sell us the mining rights?"

"Yes. On one condition."

"What kind of condition?"

Orenha pushed a piece of white jade across the table to her.

"I heard that you'll be meeting with Baek Yu-Seol in a while."

Baek Yu-Seol had decided to hold an investor briefing exclusively for President Melian of Starcloud.

Supposedly, it was for the luxurification of items, and Jeliel was scheduled to attend.

"Yes, that's right."

"Use whatever method you prefer, but make sure this white jade remains in his possession for at least a month. That’s the condition."

"Sounds simple."

The trade felt comically unbalanced.

Exchanging the lucrative mining rights of the Dana Mine for such a trivial task seemed almost laughable.

If this was all it took, she wouldn’t hesitate to carry out the task a hundred times over.

And yet, something about it nagged at her.

'Is this... a soul orb?'

Why would an advisor to the elven king want Baek Yu-Seol to possess a soul orb?

She had a deep interest in Baek Yu-Seol as well. He was an extraordinary boy whose value couldn't even be determined by the [Value of All Things].

"Can you do it?"

"Absolutely."

Somehow, she had a feeling that this favor would turn out to be quite enjoyable and interesting.