I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic Academy - Chapter 79

Edmon leisurely opened the newspaper. There was no need to question the source of the commotion.

His gaze landed on a striking headline that dominated every page, demanding attention.

[Alchemist Alterisha Develops New Future Magic Engineering Technology]

Indeed, it was an extraordinary revelation… enough to make any reader's heart race with excitement.

Beyond scrolls and potions designed to store magic, there were also enigmatic artifacts capable of drastically amplifying the performance of every staff created thus far.

Alterisha’s magic engineering stood as the embodiment of all the futuristic wonders once confined to imagination.

“To think it would be this much….”

At a glance, he was aware of the remarkable aspects of Alchemical Engineering Cross Technique. The impossible combination of these two streams possessed value beyond imagination.

To the uninitiated, it was nearly impossible to comprehend the true magnitude of its significance.

But Edmon understood it perfectly.

And with that realization, he felt a sense of reassurance settle over him.

'It’s no big deal. Father will be moving quickly anyway.’

Introducing such advanced technology into the nation was no trivial matter. Countless enterprises, guilds, and magic towers were undoubtedly already stirring into action.

Should the Atalek family succeed in establishing these items under their name in Adolevit, their family’s foundation would be firmly secured.

'Come to think of it, that commoner uttered something presumptuous back then.’

The idea that the Atalek family would refuse to supply items to the Adolevit Kingdom?

It was laughable… utterly absurd.

Even now, the mere thought of it brought a grin to his face.

Such nonsense could only come from someone utterly ignorant of politics and societal order.

Even if the department head arrived, bowing low and pleading, "Please buy our products," it still wouldn’t be enough… yet some foolish commoner dared to believe the balance of power had shifted.

‘That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all year.’

There was no corner of Alchemy Castle untouched by Duke Atalek’s influence. Moreover, most of the alchemists at Stella Academy shared strong connections with Adolevit.

Alchemy Castle might have seemed like sacred, untouchable ground, but that was nothing more than an illusion.

Yet, if all the alchemists stood together, if the mysterious co-author raised their voice, or even if the renowned Golden Alchemist took a stand… then, perhaps, the tides could shift.

But in the end, the idle words of a mere commoner could never spark such change.

That was the undeniable truth.

Ring!

At that moment, the telephone in the office inside the club building rang.

"Young Master, there's a call for you."

"I'll take it."

It was fairly typical for students destined to inherit their family legacies to have small, private offices within Stella.

However, Edmon - heir to the Atalek family and leader of the esteemed Crimson Eagle Club - boasted a considerably larger office.

Thanks to this, despite still being a student, Edmon Atalek had a telephone installed in his office.

Considering how rare telephones were, it was nothing short of remarkable. While phones weren’t uncommon in Stella, having one in something as trivial as a club room was almost unheard of.

With composed elegance, Edmon strode forward and lifted the receiver.

"Edmon Atalek speaking."

— Son.

The voice that came from the other end of the receiver was none other than his father. It was rare for Edmon to receive a phone call directly, so he was slightly surprised.

"What's the matter?"

— Just now, I received a call from Alchemy Castle.

"Oh, as expected, Father. You're quick on your feet—"

— They refused my request, and the alchemists belonging to the Alterisha Department have stopped supplying items to the country. By any chance, do you know anything about this?

"What?"

He was struck speechless in an instant. The words his father had just spoken sounded eerily familiar, as if he had heard them somewhere before.

His mind went blank, a dull numbness spreading through his head.

It was utterly unbelievable.

"H-Haha... Father, even as a joke, why would I say something like that to the Alterisha Department?"

— But it’s true. The statement came directly from the co-author of the Alchemical Engineering Cross Technique.

"What?"

The co-author.

He had never even met that person.

Then a sudden thought struck him.

‘Could it be, Baek Yu-Seol?’

His heart started pounding.

A chill ran down his spine, and cold sweat formed on his forehead.

"No… That… I..."

His words faltered, leaving him grasping at nothing.

For what felt like an eternity, he stumbled in silence before finally seizing a faint glimmer of hope.

"Well, even so, it's unimaginable for them to dare to refuse the Adolevit Kingdom... It doesn't make sense."

— Yes. The Fire Kingdom of Adolevit is an influence even to Stella Academy.

"Yes, so—"

— But! That's a story limited to the realm of magic. Son, do you know where most of our country's technology comes from?

"Well, of course..."

For magic engineering, it was the Black Iron Empire.

For alchemy, it was Alchemy Castle.

Having realized that much, Edmon closed his mouth.

"But... Father, you know how much influence we can have on Alchemy Ca—"

— Sigh… Duke Atalek’s sigh cut Edmon off.

— It seems like you still don't fully understand the situation. I trusted your exceptional mind, but what good is it?

Edmon found it hard to breathe as he listened to his father's words.

— Son, it's a technological revolution.

"Yes?"

— It's a new technology that has never existed before. It's the ability to create objects comparable to ancient artifacts.

"Ah, did you say artifacts...?"

— That's right! Even now, many alchemists are joining the Alterisha Department. Even Golden Alchemist Halsecoden is conducting joint research with Alterisha.

"Ah...?"

‘Halsecoden?’

‘The Golden Alchemist? Really?’

'What is this…?'

‘It's even bigger than I thought.’

— Yes. Your words are true. No matter how revolutionary the technology is, in the end, they cannot refuse Adolevit. We’re the Adolevit Kingdom, the strongest nation in the world. If we set our minds to it, we can easily shake Alchemy Castle. However, that would entail significant political and diplomatic repercussions. That's why our country, at present, wants to find a peaceful compromise. Perhaps Alchemy Castle also knew that Adolevit would do this, so they didn't hesitate to take such bold actions. They wanted to demonstrate their power. In other words, the Atalek family is merely being used as a political tool in Alchemy Castle.

— You must bow your head first, my son. Even if you choose to stand still, it won’t be long before our nation reopens trade with Alchemy Castle. But when that path to success and prosperity unfolds, the name of the Atalek family will be nowhere to be found.

Edmon didn't say anything. He couldn't say anything.

— Son, let me ask you again. Are you involved in this incident?

Edmon couldn’t answer.

His father lingered in silence for a moment before finally leaving a few parting words and hanging up the phone.

— This is on you, so figure out how to handle it. I need to talk to the others about this.

Click!

Hearing the beep sound, Edmon blankly stared at the receiver.

"No, wait, what is this…?"

‘Let me organize my thoughts.’

But there was nothing to organize.

Edmon pressed his lips together and drove his forehead hard against the wall.

'I must meet Baek Yu-seol.'

To make Alchemy Castle retract those words, he needed to meet Baek Yu-seol and speak with him directly.

Yet, he had already caused Baek Yu-seol far too much trouble.

He simply couldn’t bring himself to do it.

In the first place, the act of compromising his pride for such trivial matters with commoners was unacceptable.

With trembling eyes, he glanced at Hong Bi-Yeon. Whether she was aware of the phone conversation or not, she remained seated, savoring her tea as calmly as before.

“Bi-Yeon."

"Yes, senior."

Hong Bi-Yeon responded with a slightly stiff expression. She, too, had begun to sense that something about the current situation was amiss.

Edmon’s lips quivered as he forced himself to speak that loathsome, detested name.

“Can you arrange a meeting with Baek Yu-Seol?”

At his request, Hong Bi-Yeon silently studied his face for a long moment, as if weighing her thoughts.

Finally, after gathering her composure, she gave a slow nod.

“Yes, I’ll try to arrange a meeting.”

***

In a café located in Stella’s Star Tower.

Although it was not a place Baek Yu-Seol frequented since he had few friends and rarely had any studying to do, it was a cost-effective café that attracted quite a number of students who were either commoners or from wealthy households.

Hong Bi-Yeon selected the meeting place, a spot bustling with students who were either studying or chatting loudly, seemingly eager to draw attention to themselves.

When Baek Yu-Seol and Hong Bi-Yeon - an unexpected and unlikely pair - sat down at a table, it was only natural that the students' curious gazes began to gravitate toward them.

"Hey, those are the magic combat department kids."

"They're in the S-Class of the first year..."

"That's Princess Hong Bi-Yeon, right?"

"Yeah, what's a commoner like him doing with her?"

While they chattered and whispered, Hong Bi-Yeon absentmindedly gazed out the window.

"Are you not going to order coffee?"

“I will."

No matter what kind of coffee or tea was prepared, it wouldn't suit her taste. However, he knew what kind of coffee Hong Bi-Yeon liked.

Baek Yu-Seol got up from his seat and called the waiter over to the counter to place the coffee order.

"One iced americano, and..."

"Yes, and?"

“A demitasse cup quickly preheated for five seconds with a crystal magic coffee machine, using high mountain rainforest Arabica beans roasted French atalbica style and filtered within 30 seconds.”

“Excuse me?"

"Should I repeat it? With the crystal magic coffee machine—"

“Oh, no, wait. It’s not that I need you to repeat it, the order is just, um… Too detailed…”

"It's not possible?"

"Well, um... It’s possible."

The waiter heaved a deep sigh and shook his head, clearly unimpressed by the minimal profit they stood to gain from such a bothersome process.

Baek Yu-Seol was well aware that he was being troublesome and causing unnecessary hassle.

But what choice did he have?

That was how the princess preferred things.

“Half a teaspoon of sugar.”

With a look of exasperation, the barista busied himself, fiddling with the tools as he prepared the drinks.

After a short wait, he returned with an iced Americano and an espresso, his expression still sour.

Baek Yu-Seol took the cups and carried them back to the table, handing one to Hong Bi-Yeon, who blinked in surprise.

The quality of the coffee was surely far below the standards she was accustomed to in the palace. Yet, since it was a blend she favored, it was no surprise that she appeared content.

She closed her eyes, savoring each sip with a look of quiet satisfaction. Though the coffee cost no more than 8,000 credits at most, the elegance and grace with which she drank it made it seem as if she were enjoying a million-credit masterpiece.

'Hmm, it's almost time.'

Afternoon, 1:29 PM. One minute before the appointed time.

Right on time, the door of the cafe opened, and Edmon walked in.

"..."

"You've arrived, senior."

He looked ten years older than when Baek Yu-Seol last saw him, and as their eyes met, he gave him a hateful glare.

He quickly forced a smile, trying to change his expression. The lackey that was always around him was nowhere to be seen.

Edmon cautiously approached with careful steps and surveyed the surroundings. He didn't like crowded places like this, but since Baek Yu-Seol chose this location, he had no choice but to follow.

"I ordered one americanos and espresso. Oh, by the way, it's your treat. Pay up now."

"What?"

"You're not going to pay?"

As Baek Yu-Seol reached out his hand and urged him, Edmon took out a 10,000-credit note and handed it over.

What a windfall.

The drinks only cost 5,000 credits.

Baek Yu-Seol made a profit.

He sat down across from Baek Yu-Seol and remained silent, his head bowed for a long moment.

Meanwhile, Baek Yu-Seol casually pierced the lid of his Americano with a straw and took a loud sip.

Sip! Slurp!

The coffee quickly disappeared, and he intentionally checked his wristwatch.

"Well, since you called me, say something. I've finished my coffee, so I’ll be leaving soon."

"About what happened back then..."

Finally, as if feeling impatient, Edmon opened his lips.

"I apologize."

The heir of the esteemed Duke Atalek, a lineage boasting a thousand years of history, had lowered himself to apologize to a mere commoner.

By all accounts, the commoner should feel satisfied.

That was how things were meant to be.

It was more than enough - more than deserved - and ought to be accepted without question.

‘Maybe that's why you apologize so casually and carelessly, thinking that's enough?’

Baek Yu-Seol said in a somber tone. "Is that it?"

"What?"

"Is that all? I'm leaving."

"Wait, what do you want from me?"

Urgently, Edmon looked around the room. All eyes were on him.

"Why are you asking me that?"

"You!"

Edmon quickly composed himself before speaking again. "I'm sorry! I sincerely apologize. I deeply regret looking down on you because you are a commoner. So can you please retract your statement?"

Murmurs arose.

Students began whispering in hushed tones. Given how widely the rumor of Edmon’s hostility toward Baek Yu-Seol had spread across campus, this situation left them bewildered.

Baek Yu-Seol didn’t need to push things this far.

At least, not under normal circumstances.

He wasn’t the type to take satisfaction in forced submission. He had already achieved his goal and could have left it at that.

But the real reason for taking things further was to defuse the death flag looming over Hong Bi-Yeon… one triggered by Edmon.

Edmon wasn’t some invincible, untouchable figure. True, reaching Class 4 at the age of nineteen was an impressive feat, but his potential ended there.

His growth would eventually stall, and his future seemed destined for politics rather than magic.

In other words, the threat emanating from Edmon was not a physical threat but a political one.

And so, Baek Yu-Seol intended to steadily dismantle that political power.

Bringing down someone who bore the prestigious name of Duke Atalek couldn’t be done overnight.

However, the day would come when his value diminished and Hong Bi-Yeon could stand tall on her own.

When that moment arrived, Edmon would crumble beneath the weight of his own insignificance.

That was the endgame.

Baek Yu-Seol didn’t care about any influence or backing. All he cared about was gradually stripping Edmon down, piece by piece, until Hong Bi-Yeon was strong enough to devour him whole.

Nothing more, nothing less.

"Well, what about doing it like this?"

He took out a piece of paper from his pocket. It was not an ordinary paper but a magical paper, a mysterious paper on which anything could be manifested just by drawing.

Although the words sounded grand, it was just a common paper that one could buy at a local stationery store.

However, the content written on it was a little different.

"A pledge...?"

Reading the content Baek Yu-Seol had prepared in advance, Edmon muttered in surprise.

Yes.

It was a pledge.

Moreover, it was a magical pledge. 

"Let’s make a bet. With a game of Soul Chess. If I lose, I’ll retract my earlier statement and ensure that all items are exclusively supplied to the Adolevit Kingdom through the Atalek family."

Edmon’s eyes sparkled at his words.

"However, if I win..."

He regained his senses belatedly and read the rest.

"Grant me the permanent attendance pass for Aslan Seminar."

"W-What...! Do you really think that makes any sense?"

"If you don't want to, forget it."

"Wait a moment!"

The Aslan Seminar… a prestigious public gathering where members of long-established magical families convened for scholarly debates.

Only true aristocrats from magical lineages were permitted to attend. Those deemed unworthy were barred from entry, and even participants risked expulsion mid-discussion if found lacking. It was an intensely competitive and unforgiving seminar.

There were three conditions for attending the Aslan Seminar:

'Having attended and presented an excellent paper the previous year.'

‘Possessing a paper worthy of presentation and receiving an invitation.'

'Or being one of the twelve rising stars of the year.'

In the first place, the term ‘permanent attendance pass’ didn’t even exist.

What seemed like a permanent attendance pass was, in reality, a carefully earned privilege. Families secured their spots year after year by presenting exceptional theses, ensuring their eligibility for the following seminar. This cycle had been upheld for decades.

As a result, the same families continued to participate annually. Although twelve promising novice mages were admitted each year, most failed to endure even a single year and were ultimately expelled.

But did that make earning a spot among the twelve any easier?

Not in the slightest.

Even if it was just for one year, geniuses from all over the world competed to participate in the Aslan Seminar, considering it a great honor.

Only twelve individuals were chosen, spanning all races… elves, giants, angels, dwarves, and humans alike.

For those who managed to maintain their qualifications year after year, preserving their place in this elite gathering of the world’s most brilliant mages became more than an honor… it became a symbol of power.

Why?

Because if they failed to demonstrate magical abilities at the Aslan Seminar, they would be immediately expelled and could never attend again.

Thus, maintaining consistent attendance at the seminar was more than enough to solidify one’s reputation as a prestigious magical family.

The Atalek family had attended the Aslan Seminar for decades, and this longstanding presence served as a cornerstone of their power.

So he planned to target that.

Of course, it was by no means a fair or reasonable deal.

Even if it involved the item, what was truly at stake was the qualification to participate in the Aslan Seminar.

It was absurd.

However, there was an important point here.

'Soul Chess... Interesting.'

Edmon’s skill in Soul Chess was outstanding to the point where there was no one on campus who could rival him. He even participated in world championships, showcasing his exceptional abilities.

He would never consider the possibility of losing.

"Alright. I'll sign the contract."

Finally, Edmon Atalek raised his finger with a confident smile. If he signed the contract with his own blood, the magical pledge would be fulfilled.

"You know what happens if you break the pledge, right?"

"Of course, I know. The moment the pledge is broken, we lose all mana. That applies to you as well."

"Naturally."

Although Baek Yu-Seol said that, the truth was, he didn't have any mana to begin with, so breaking the oath wouldn't really change anything for him.

But that didn’t mean he had any intention of losing.