I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic Academy - Chapter 68

First main tower 79th floor.

Vice Principal’s Office.

Vice Principal Archie Hayden tapped his fingers against the bookshelf and spoke.

"You failed, didn’t you?"

Across from him, Professor Raiden of the Divine Moon Department adjusted his monocle and nodded.

"Yes."

“Damn, the principal is going to throw a fit again.”

“I’m more concerned about the cult leader’s anger than the principal right now.”

“You’re too blunt. It’s unfortunate that it failed, but we still have other options.”

"…You’re thinking of driving Professor Maizen into a frenzy, aren’t you?"

"That's right."

Though there were other ways, the setback was still frustrating. Archie Hayden removed his glasses and rubbed his forehead.

The real reason for setting up the persona gate this time was straightforward… they needed to deal with a particular student highly likely to attend the Aslan Seminar.

The Aslan Seminar was an exclusive event reserved for the heirs of the world’s greatest magical families or those chosen as the Twelve Rising Stars each year.

The mages of Moon Shadow Church couldn’t allow Eisel Morph, the one blessed with the power of ice, to attend the seminar.

If Eisel Morph were to attend...

‘We'd lose another fixed seat.’

That would be a disaster.

To make matters worse, the Morph family itself was already a burden, so removing them quickly would have been ideal.

“It’s unfortunate we missed the chance to deal with three other troublesome students as well.”

"Hmm. Well, that's true too."

The god-sent boy and girl, and even the princess of Adolevit… were all highly likely to participate in the seminar.

"Oh, right. You don't need to worry about Baek Yu-Seol."

"Is that so?"

"He’s an idiot who refuses to use magic. Even the academic society doesn’t think highly of him. Getting him excluded from the list is no big deal."

"More importantly, the princess of Adolevit visited the board recently about the seminar."

"Hong Bi-Yeon... is not involved, I suppose?"

"No. That lunatic came. What on earth is she thinking? She’s old enough already, yet she’s still planning to attend? Ridiculous."

Each of this year’s incidents was like a bomb. The world’s greatest prodigies had entered the academy simultaneously, and right then, the cult leader’s plan began.

“The principal seems to have caught a whiff of something, and it’s driving me crazy. This is the worst. Is there anything else to report?”

"No, there isn't."

“Then, you may go.”

"Yes, sir."

Raiden bowed and left the vice principal’s office.

As he strolled down the corridor, he paused briefly and looked at the wall.

A mirror hung there.

He adjusted his monocle and tidied his slicked-back hair. Appearance was vital for a professor.

Suddenly, he stopped his busy hands at the sound of a voice coming from behind.

"Professor, long time no see. I almost didn't recognize you."

"..."

Raiden slowly turned around. It was a polite smile from a student welcoming him.

It was Ma Yu-Seong.

“…Young Master.”

"Wow, you seemed like a complete savage when I was a child. It’s almost like you’re a different person now."

"Well, that's how it turned out. I’ll be on my way if you have no business with me."

As Raiden turned to leave, Ma Yu-Seong said, "Professor, my friends almost got hurt this time. Was this… another one of that lazy old man’s schemes?"

At those words, Raiden turned to Ma Yu-Seong with a cold expression.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a prince. I cannot forgive any disrespect towards the cult leader.”

"Is that so?"

"And did you say ‘friends’? Aren’t you getting too comfortable living among mages?"

Ma Yu-Seong chuckled sarcastically.

"Comfortable? Well, I have to admit… I’m actually enjoying this life."

Raiden felt an eerie sensation… as though a heavy aura pressed down on him.

Not magical power.

Nor divine moon power.

It was pure intimidation.

With a calm smile, Ma Yu-Seong approached Raiden and whispered quietly in his ear, "Professor, the world has truly become wonderful, hasn't it? You can even blabber such arrogant nonsense in front of me."

A cold sweat trickled down Raiden’s cheek, his palms growing damp.

‘Majestic Aura.’

In this world, it was a trait that existed only in those who were born with the qualification to be kings.

He managed to avoid showing any signs of unease.

Perhaps it was because Ma Yu-Seong hadn’t fully embraced his kingly potential yet… or maybe because Raiden had survived countless brushes with death in the wilderness.

As if nothing had happened, Ma Yu-Seong backed away three steps, easing the tension.

"You’d be wise to tread carefully. For now, I’ll let things slide… but honestly, you’re all incredibly annoying."

With those parting words, Ma Yu-Seong strode down the corridor in the opposite direction.

Thud. Thud.

Even the sound of his footsteps echoed ominously in Raiden’s ears.

Despite the short distance, it felt as though centuries had passed before Ma Yu-Seong vanished from sight.

Finally, when Ma Yu-Seong disappeared from sight, Raiden calmly took a deep breath and looked at himself in the mirror.

Intellectual eyeglasses, neatly combed white hair, and a sarcastic smile that was sharp yet composed.

It didn’t suit him.

Yet somehow, it felt like it had always been part of him.

It was strange.

But it didn’t matter.

For the sake of the Moon Shadow Church, he could endure anything.

***

This weekend was scheduled for the members of the Gourmet Club to gather.

Just as Baek Yu-Seol had expected, it fell through.

Eisel locked herself in her dormitory, claiming she needed time to de-stress, and Ma Yu-Seong said he had other plans.

Most likely… he was off meeting with those guys to gossip behind Baek Yu-Seol’s back.

Baek Yu-Seol wasn’t too concerned about Eisel. She’d bounce back soon enough.

After all, Eisel was obsessed with money.

She’d received a hefty reward for conquering the gate this time, and the earnings had been distributed fairly.

After a long time, he went out to the Arcanium’s Rodeo Street and sat alone in a cafe, enjoying a cup of coffee.

It wasn't bad.

Though the streets were crowded with couples, their presence made his solitude all the more irritating.

‘This time, the harvest isn’t bad at all.’

As a reward for clearing the episode, he was promised another special gift. But one question lingered… what exactly made this episode special?

He had defeated the blade spider and even dealt a fatal blow to Duchess Aeron. Yet, in Baek Yu-Seol’s eyes, that hardly seemed worthy of a reward.

Even so, refusing it would have been foolish, so he accepted the offer without protest.

But what should he take?

His narrative power remained limited, but the list of skills and items he wanted was endless.

Just as he was mulling over his options, a message surfaced.

[The Artifact ‘Vengeance Branch’ has fully accumulated Resentment.]

Finally, the artifact that had allowed him to unleash devastating attacks on his enemies was fully charged.

It was a shame that it was a disposable item.

‘Wait, wasn’t there a consumable item that could add extra uses to limited-use items?’

But it felt wasteful to spend a special reward, which didn’t come around often, on a consumable. He felt like using this reward to boost his growth would be far more beneficial.

'Hmm, a single-use item…'

Concern stirred within him. Among the rewards available at his current level, an item that could act as life insurance crossed his mind.

"The Pendant of Marekan... Is it possible?"

[It is possible.]

"Hmm, well..."

It was more troubling when it was possible than when it wasn’t.

It was clear that his growth was important.

If he acquired a growth item right now, he could become much stronger in the future.

However, the main episodes were filled with all sorts of dangers.

Not to mention the upcoming eighth episode, where he would have to face the awakened Maizen Tyren.

Strength was important, but shouldn’t survival take priority?

"Sigh. I'll go with that."

He couldn’t help it.

Moreover, even the protagonist, Flame, made a wrong choice and ended up with a bad ending, suffering and dying.

Even Eisel and Hong Bi-Yeon, who were considered strong, didn’t escape the fate of death. The mighty Ma Yu-Seong constantly faced death flags in this wretched world.

As an extra, Baek Yu-Seol didn’t know when his turn would come.

He needed some form of insurance.

[Item received: Pendant of Marekan.]

The pendant fell gracefully onto his palm, and Baek Yu-Seol immediately checked its information.

[Pendant of Marekan]

[Grade: High]

[Description: A pendant crafted by Marekan, the future alchemic engineer, who processed a barrier to its limits in order to protect his own life.]

[Special Function:]

[A. Marekan Shield]

[Automatically defends against attacks of Class 6 or lower.]

[Usable once.]

This wasn’t too bad.

After all, he didn’t have any immediate plans to fight against monsters of Class 7 or higher.

It stung that it was a one-time use item, but if he had the condition for choosing an item without limitations, he would have had no choice but to settle for something quite mediocre.

Moreover, since this item couldn't be created with modern item technology, its value was even higher.

Carefully placing the pendant around his neck, he checked his overall stats.

[Absorbing the Enchanting Tree’s Petal increases mental strength by 65%.]

[Permanent resistance to temptation-type magic slightly increases.]

<Baek Yu-Seol>

• Stats

[Physical Strength: 2 Stars (73%)] 

[Senses: 2 Stars (57%)]

[Agility: 2 Stars (42%)]

[Stamina: 2 Stars (19%)]

[Endurance: 0 Stars (99%)]

[Mental Strength: 2 Stars (24%)]

[Magic Power: -]

The increase in mental strength was the best harvest he could have hoped for. He was planning to meet one of the divine moons, the Pink Spring Moon, and having a high mental strength stat would be crucial at that time.

Though two stars still fell on the lower side, it was a big improvement over one star.

Besides, most of his stats were nearing the threshold of three stars. Stats such as strength, agility, and stamina beyond three stars could be considered the realm of superhuman, a level that ordinary humans could never reach.

At that point, excluding special different races, there probably wouldn't be anyone with a stronger physique than him when compared to ordinary humans.

Of course, compared to protagonists who would likely have two sets of four-star stats by now, he was severely lacking, but he was progressing rapidly enough to be highly satisfied.

The creation of his subspace artifact is scheduled soon. Although he wanted to take a break for a while, unfortunately, the next [episode] was scheduled to progress soon.

‘The familiar contract ceremony.’

It was an episode held under the guise of a field trip in the capital of the Elf Kingdom, Sky Flower Cradle, at the root of the Heavenly Spirit tree. 

Coinciding with the Elves’ festival, the World Tree Birth Festival, the new students of Stella would participate briefly.

It would also mark the first appearance of the Elven king, Florin.

A woman whose beauty was said to rival that of a goddess, though she would remain completely veiled… making it nearly impossible to see her properly.

Not that Baek Yu-Seol cared. The odds of ever seeing her again were slim anyway.

For this episode, he planned to keep his distance from the main story. To do that, some preparation would be necessary.

He thought of asking Alterisha, who had been slowly preparing a few ‘items’ for him.

***

After the persona gate incident was resolved, the atmosphere on the academy became somewhat grim.

The seniors in the second and third years frequently encountered cases of students dying during their training, and it was quite common for them to quit halfway and transfer to the support department. 

But for the first-years, it was their first real brush with death… especially so early in the semester.

But as if nothing had happened, the atmosphere quickly recovered.

The academy’s gifted students had prepared for survival long before admission.

If they faltered over incidents like this, they would never have made it this far.

"Princess, I'm glad you're safe!"

"I heard it was an error on the academy’s part while creating the persona gate..."

The fact that the persona gate was real got buried. The professors strongly denied it, but above all, it was the principal's order.

At a quiet, upscale café on Arcanium Rodeo Street,

Members of the Crimson Eagle Club gathered and threw words of concern at Hong Bi-Yeon. She mostly brushed off their words since they lacked sincerity.

"Princess Hong Bi-Yeon."

The voice was one she couldn’t ignore. She turned her head to see the person who had called her name.

It was Edmon Atalek, a third-year senior and the president of the Crimson Eagle Club.

"Yes, senior."

"Haha. You don't have to address me so formally. It's a bit awkward for me to use informal language too."

"The academy enforces a strict hierarchy."

"Is that so?"

Edmon took a seat across from Hong Bi-Yeon, and the other club members quickly stepped aside.

Though Edmon was technically in her faction, his influence far outshone the others.

A genius among geniuses, Edmon had reached Class 4 magic at the age of nineteen. He was the heir to Duke Atalek, the strategic mind of the Adolevit Kingdom.

The Adolevit Kingdom had two towering pillars of power.

The Ducal Atalek family was one of them, rivaling even the Ducal Orkan family in strength.

Without their support, Hong Bi-Yeon couldn't possibly compete with Princess Hong Si-Hwa.

For that reason, Hong Bi-Yeon had no choice but to tread carefully. Their relationship was more of an uneasy alliance than one of trust.

In truth, the Atalek family’s connection to Hong Bi-Yeon was tenuous at best.

If one analyzed it, the Ataleks could be considered Hong Bi-Yeon's relatives, but that concept had practically dissipated in the present.

While they hadn’t openly sided with Hong Si-Hwa’s faction, the Ataleks kept enough distance that they could shift allegiance if it suited their interests.

Though unlikely, this precarious reality meant Hong Bi-Yeon had to cater to Edmon’s whims.

"You're not hurt, right? I was worried about what might happen to you."

The girls blushed as they listened to Edmon's gentle words. He was the full package… handsome, brilliant, and noble-born. Naturally, he was popular.

But Hong Bi-Yeon didn’t share their admiration.

‘What a sly snake…’

He was an outstanding strategist and politician, and he would not hesitate to use any means necessary to secure his position.

Edmon seemed unusually fixated on Hong Bi-Yeon, and his ultimate goal was probably to make her queen and marry her.

The thought of marrying a man like him made her skin crawl, but reality left her with few options.

If she failed to become queen, she would be subjected to a life of torment.

And without Edmon’s backing, her dream of ascending the throne was impossible.

Unless someone with enough power or someone with power rivaling that of Duke Atalek came by her side, marriage to him was inevitable.

"…I’m fine, so you don’t need to worry about me."

"That's a relief."

Edmon continued speaking, his tone light and casual, trying to warm up to her.

However, she only responded curtly, and Edmon eventually realized that this approach was not effective, so he changed the subject.

"Oh, right. Do you want to play soul chess? It's a brain sport for mages. There’ll be an academy tournament soon."

He had a particular fondness for soul chess. Not only had he easily defeated the president of the Soul Chess Club, but he had also achieved remarkable results in competitions, showcasing his exceptional skills.

Although Hong Bi-Yeon was absolutely terrible at Soul Chess, she nodded reluctantly because Edmund might take offense.

"Okay. I'll teach you a move today, so watch closely and learn."

She couldn't understand why she had to engage in this boring and unimpressive brain sport, but she had no choice but to comply to please Edmon.

As she moved the chess piece with her finger, she suddenly glanced out the window.

‘Baek Yu-Seol?’

She spotted Baek Yu-Seol walking past.

He yawned and half-sleepily blinked his eyes. Her gaze kept following him, but Baek Yu-Seol quickly moved out of her sight.

Suddenly, memories of their perilous encounter in the persona gate flooded her mind.

For some reason, the time spent in that dangerous place felt more thrilling and enjoyable than the present.

‘Why is that?’

She pondered the question, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t find the answer.