I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic Academy - Chapter 75

Stella's Student Council President, Mi Ro-Yun.

He was a second-year student, ranked 19th, and a student of Class S.

Hailing from the prestigious Count Alekteran family - renowned as elites among elites - he had followed a path of excellence to secure his position.

Yet, none of it had been by his own will.

"Ah… What now?”

Mi Ro-Yun looked at Ban Di-Yeon, who had come to find him, with an evident expression of annoyance.

"You're as messy as your surroundings."

Ban Di-Yeon seated herself on a large sofa and curiously examined the fireplace tucked into a corner of the student council room.

A fireplace in a high-rise tower with no chimney… it was an unusual sight.

"Calling it messy is an insult to the other student council members."

"I phrased it mildly because others are around. You should be thankful."

"Thankful? For an insult...?"

Yawning, Mi Ro-Yun sat in front of Ban Di-Yeon.

"I have a lot of work to handle, so get to the point quickly."

"Special training for underclassmen."

“Hmm?"

Mi Ro-Yun, who was sipping his coffee, opened his eyes slightly as if he had heard unfamiliar words.

Of course, since his eyes were usually half-closed, it didn’t make much of a difference.

"Grant permission for it. The target is Baek Yu-Seol from the first year of Class S."

"Hmm… Didn't you dislike stuff like this? No, rather, you seemed to absolutely detest them."

"That's right. There have been more than a few times when I wanted to kill all the seniors."

"Then why now?"

"Because I hate it."

Mi Ro-Yun couldn’t make sense of her reasoning, but Ban Di-Yeon stated it plainly.

Among the many forms of hazing, the special training for underclassmen was the worst.

Under the pretext of educating underclassmen, there were cases where self-esteem was thoroughly trampled in front of peers and everyone else, to the point where they couldn't recover.

No first-year could hope to defeat a second-year.

The gap created by experience wasn’t something mere talent could bridge.

However…

'That kid might be different.'

Baek Yu-Seol had a surprisingly rich experience for his young age.

Even the first-years of Class S acknowledged his strategies and insights, hinting at something remarkable about him.

Moreover, his skills…

He seemed untouched by the boundaries of class distinction.

The magic sword he wielded was no more than a weapon fit for commoners. Cheap magic swords couldn’t even pierce a Class 1 shield. At best, they could leave faint scratches on Class 2 or Class 3 shields.

However, Baek Yu-Seol single-handedly stabbed and killed a Class 5 necromancer with a magic sword.

How?

That question had lingered on her mind for a long time.

From the start, he was an anomaly… freely wielding Flash, one of the most uncontrollable magics, and walking the path of chivalry without relying on spells.

Rather than understanding him, she chose to accept him.

That was why Ban Di-Yeon decided to use Baek Yu-Seol. It wouldn't be too bad for him either.

Baek Yu-Seol seemed intent on dismantling the tradition of hazing. Expanding that scope and punishing those who reveled in cruelty might be worthwhile.

'In the underclassmen training, a first-year defeats a second-year.'

While it wouldn’t erase hazing entirely, it was a promising start.

"Fine. I’ll approve it. I’m not sure what you’re planning, but do your best."

"Thank you. Here. A token of my gratitude."

Mi Ro-Yun accepted the coupon Ban Di-Yeon handed him.

[Killer Ultra-Hot Pork Cutlet Restaurant]

[Squid Rice Bowl Coupon]

‘Where on earth is this killer pork cutlet restaurant, and why - of all things - a squid rice bowl coupon?’

After handing it over, Ban Di-Yeon coolly disappeared, and Mi Ro-Yun let out a long sigh.

A mountain of work still awaited him, and precious time had slipped away. Just as he was about to tackle his pile of tasks, another visitor appeared.

It was Professor Gerald, who had become the supervisor for the first-year exams.

"Oh, Mi Ro-Yun. Are you busy right now?"

"Yes."

"Perfect. Take this."

He completely disregarded the mention of being busy.

"Huh, what is it?"

"It's a student paper submission report."

"You found another paper worthy of the conference this semester?"

Stella's exams were extremely difficult, and in order to solve them, students would often write explanations and solutions at the level of a thesis.

Some students even bypassed papers altogether, opting instead to discover new principles or formulas.

It seemed this year had another such standout.

"Yes, Baek Yu-Seol. You’ve heard of him, right?"

Of course, he had.

They’d just been talking about him.

"Baek Yu-Seol again? What is it this time?"

"Take a look at this."

Mi Ro-Yun accepted the documents Gerald handed over.

[Prokitex’s Stacked Circuit Design]

Magic circuits, which were frequently included in the exams for first-year students, were interpreted by students in their own ways each year, but it was rare for something outstanding enough to be considered a thesis to come out.

"Hmm..."

Mi Ro-Yun’s tired eyes slowly scanned the paper, and before long, they widened.

"This is... amazing? He managed to reduce the equation for the inverse design chain by half. And with a very simple formula!"

One word echoed in Mi Ro-Yun’s mind: genius.

There was no other explanation.

The stacked circuit design had been honed by countless scholars.

While true perfection didn’t exist in magic, the formula was considered nearly flawless.

But to push that formula even further...

Could a student achieve that on their own?

"With this level, he might even be able to participate in the Aslan Seminar!"

"Wow..."

Mi Ro-Yun was at a loss for words at the professor's remark.

'He's even more extraordinary than I thought.'

The name Baek Yu-Seol was certainly familiar. Despite being a first-year, he had made waves with his exploits and exceptional talents.

But to reach this level...

‘Hmm... the special training for underclassmen.’ 

Mi Ro-Yun normally avoided such tedious matters, but with Baek Yu-Seol involved, it might be worth attending.

***

The second round of exams had ended.

Like everyone else, Baek Yu-Seol struggled.

Despite his rigorous physical training, it didn’t contribute to his grades, leaving his motivation lagging.

After the second round of exams, the rankings would change. Those who believed rankings only reflected combat power were in for a rude awakening.

Grades factored in assignments, attendance, and attitude, creating a composite measure of combat ability.

Even Ma Yu-Seong, famed for his raw strength, could fall in rank at any moment.

Flame or Eisel were contenders for the top spot.

[419th place - Class S, Baek Yu-Seol]

It was quite impressive in many ways.

Despite getting a perfect score on the written exam and ranking highest in the practical exam, he was 419th.

He frequently skipped class, never turned in assignments, and racked up so many absences that his penalty points had reached alarming levels.

At the last moment, just before receiving an academic warning, he managed to scrape by… submitting a handful of assignments and barely fulfilling the minimum attendance requirements.

He had been teetering on the edge of expulsion.

But honestly, the situation felt a little absurd.

How was he supposed to stay awake when someone stood at the podium, rambling in an alien language that made no sense, all while using a voice so soothing it practically lulled him to sleep?

He had even restructured his daily routine, cutting down on sleep during regular hours just to use class time as his personal nap period.

No matter how much effort he put in, it wasn’t as though his ranking would climb much higher.

Perhaps if he put more effort into his assignments, he might gain a slight boost, but higher rankings only meant a marginally better scholarship… and to him, that hardly seemed worthwhile.

In fact, considering that his goal was 600th, this was already more than enough, if not excessive.

"Hey, what's your rank?"

"I barely managed to stay in the top 800 this time."

"Man, I envy you. I dropped even lower. Ugh, I should’ve tried harder."

"Ugh, I feel like dying!"

The class bulletin board buzzed with noise.

Students gathered around, shouting out their rankings, their voices a mix of frustration and relief.

It was a familiar scene.

No doubt the bulletin boards for the second- and third-year classes had similar energy.

Baek Yu-Seol looked at the topmost section.

[1st place - Class S, Ma Yu-Seong]

[2nd place - Class S, Flame]

[3rd place - Class S, Eisel]

[4th place - Class S, Hae Won-Ryang]

[5th place - Class S, Hong Bi-Yeon]

The top ranks were flooded with Class S students. There was nothing particularly surprising about that ranking, but he found something that bothered him.

Hae Won-Ryang, who was in 2nd place in the previous semester, had dropped to 4th place.

'Hmm…'

Was it because Eisel, who was originally expected to drop in rank, ended up walking a steady path in a stable environment, unlike the story?

He couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason. But it didn’t seem like a major issue.

Since he had taken the Jecky dark mage route, the dark mage paths for both Hae Won-Ryang and Arshaung had likely been erased.

While pondering, he sensed someone approaching.

It was Hong Bi-Yeon.

Shuffle!

Students parted instantly, clearing a path for her.

‘Is this what the miracle of Moses looked like?’

No one dared block the path of the notoriously sharp-tempered princess of Adolevit.

She stood before the board, scanning the rankings.

Though her name would undoubtedly be among the top five, she lingered, rolling her eyes as though searching for something… or someone.

Finally, her gaze landed on Baek Yu-Seol.

"Are you trying to adjust your ranking? I think it's already quite noticeable," she said.

‘What nonsense.’

"Judging by the fact that you deliberately aimed for the top 600, I’m guessing you intend to participate in the interschool competition."

The interschool competition. An event where a few students were selected to compete against other prestigious magic schools.

Baek Yu-Seol didn’t deny it.

After that, she stood by his side in silence for a while. It was quite cute how she seemed hesitant and fidgety as if she wanted to say something, but since it was getting a bit frustrating, he spoke first. "What is it? Do you have something to say?"

Startled, Hong Bi-Yeon’s eyebrows shot up.

Then she tightly closed her eyes, let out a deep sigh, and began to speak. "I heard you've been going through a lot lately."

"Well, I've had a bit of a hard time."

Baek Yu-Seol sprained his shoulder muscles the day before and it still was properly sore. 

‘I wonder if I should get a massage…’

"Why did you... ask Edmon about that?"

"Huh?"

"Why did you confront Senior Edmon Atalek?"

‘Ah, so that’s what this is about.’

No wonder she looked so tense.

That was not like her.

"Senior Edmon has a lot of influence… even among the third-years. He could easily stir up trouble for the second-years... You do realize this means seniors might keep coming after you until you graduate, right? Do you really think you can handle that?"

There was no need to hesitate.

"Honestly? Probably not."

‘Rather than being harassed by those blue-eyed brats who are ten years younger than me, I'd rather crush them all and get expelled.’

She looked at him with eyes resembling rubies and asked, "Then, why...?"

‘What should I say?’ 

Being honest was a bit tricky, so he tried to evade the answer subtly, "You know why."

In response to his answer, her eyes widened, and she bit her lips.

He was right.

"You don’t stand to gain anything from me. You’re a commoner who isn’t after wealth or power."

That wasn’t true.

Money and power were some of the best things in this world…

“Well... I don't necessarily have anything to gain from you except money and power. You’re Hong Bi-Yeon before you’re the princess of Adolevit.”

"What...?"

"You're right. I'm not helping you for free. I have something I want from you, so that's why I'm doing this. After this is over, you just have to sign a contract with me for the item."

Silence fell between them.

Her expression grew puzzled as though she couldn’t figure out what he could possibly want… someone like her, who only had money and influence.

"What's the price?"

"The terms will be specified in the contract—"

"Not that! You said there's something you want from me. What is it?"

He stared intently at her face.

The truth was, there were so many reasons.

It would be advantageous for the Alterisha Department for political reasons, and if even one death flag for Hong Bi-Yeon was erased through this, that would also be a gain.

Plus, it could be an opportunity to gain recognition among influential figures.

But saying he was trying to save her and secure a happy ending felt… awkward.

"Well, I'll tell you later."

She nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer.

"Well... what about underclassmen training?"

‘Right. That’s another issue. How did I end up involved in underclassmen special training? Completely unplanned. Even I’m surprised.’

"I guess you don't have to hold back."

"What?"

‘Hold back? Is she telling me to scream if I get hit?’

"Just fight the seniors with your full strength… within reason."

"Oh, okay..." 

‘Thanks for the vote of confidence, but… why does she sound like my victory is already guaranteed?’