I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic Academy - Chapter 81

Inside Crimson Eagle Club headquarters.

Edmon Atalek slumped into his vice president's seat, exhausted and powerless.

"Ah..."

He found himself mulling over how to accept his present predicament.

‘I... lost...?’

‘And in soul chess, too?’

‘How? How could I lose to a mere first-year freshman in soul chess?’

‘No, even before that…’

‘Did I really... have my qualification for Aslan Seminar... taken away by such a lowly commoner...?’

The magic pledge was absolute.

If one didn’t uphold it, not only would he be stripped of all their abilities as a mage, but they would also become a laughingstock in the magical world.

“Damn...!”

Bam!

Edmon struck the desk with his palm, the sharp sound echoing through the Crimson Eagle Club headquarters and jolting its members.

Though they belonged to Hong Bi-Yeon’s faction, their positions were precarious, as if treading a razor’s edge.

No one dared to act rashly.

A single misstep, even the slightest loss of his favor, would spell their immediate ruin.

Edmon brought his shaky hand to the telephone.

‘Should I explain it to Father? Should I let him know?’

He couldn't even finalize the contract for the item, and now he had lost the Aslan Seminar as well.

‘How on earth can I explain this?’

If things continued like this, the Atalek family would tread the path of ruin because of him.

The Alterisha Department possessed the technology that governed magical items. Not only had the entire Kingdom of Adolevit been thrown into turmoil because of his failure to secure the deal, but he had also given away his attendance ticket for the esteemed Aslan Seminar… an event that affirmed their status as a distinguished family of magic.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it!!"

Bam! Bam! Crash!

No matter how hard he slammed the desk or how loudly he shouted, his fury refused to subside.

He felt like his insides were about to explode. Anxiety over the uncertain future gnawed at him, and the lack of a solution only deepened his frustration.

To make matters worse, the thought of being unable to strike back at that insolent commoner who had provoked him fanned the flames of his rage even higher.

"Huff, huff...!"

While he gnashed his teeth, he reluctantly reached out his hand towards the telephone.

Clunk!

The door opened, and someone entered. Despite standing in a position devoid of sunlight, she seemed to radiate an aura that flowed with a shimmering haze.

"Bi-Yeon..."

"Senior."

Edmon struggled to muster his strength and speak, but in the end, all he could do was lower his head. The days when he could speak to her with disdain were now beyond his reach.

‘How does she see me now?’

Edmon was aware of it himself. He had been using his authority to oppress Hong Bi-Yeon all this time.

But now, a part of that authority had crumbled. The balance of power maintained between him and Hong Bi-Yeon had been shaken in an instant.

‘Hmm...’

Hong Bi-Yeon pondered as she looked at Edmon.

She couldn’t dispose of him yet. Although the Atalek family’s power had weakened slightly, she still needed them.

‘Aren’t all the students gathered here practically loyal followers of the Atalek family?’

But now, she was determined to take the lead.

Thanks to Baek Yu-Seol, many things were going to change.

No longer did she have to force herself to remain bound to the Atalek family.

No longer did she have to endure Edmon’s stifling insinuations about marriage.

Hong Bi-Yeon could now treat Edmon Atalek as her vassal and herself as his lord. 

"Senior."

When Edmon raised his head, Hong Bi-Yeon spoke in the calmest voice possible.

"I will try to persuade that commoner on your behalf."

"You mean..."

"I’ll ask him to cancel the statement he made about the trading rights and the Atalek family."

If that happened, at least within the Kingdom of Adolevit, the Atalek family's standing would no longer be shaken.

Edmon looked at Hong Bi-Yeon with trembling eyes.

"But how on earth..."

"That's..."

She made a troubled expression, but inwardly, she was smiling.

She had already concluded all the negotiations with Baek Yu-Seol. They had even stamped the contract.

At that moment, Baek Yu-Seol smiled and said, “It’s ridiculous for a single academy to stand against Adolevit. I only wished to weaken Atalek’s influence and lend my support to you.”

"Well, I suppose I'll have to pay a heavy price for it."

A heavy price. Hong Bi-Yeon deliberately said it to weigh down Edmon’s shoulders.

To make him fully realize the reality that he owed her.

"Thank you, Bi-Yeon. I'm really grateful."

"It's just something that needs to be done, of course."

As Hong Bi-Yeon turned around, she added one last remark. “I’m destined to be the Queen. It’s only natural for me to take care of my subjects.”

After saying that, Hong Bi-Yeon briskly walked away, the sound of her heels echoing down the halls.

Edmon, unable to close his mouth, stared at her back with a dazed expression.

'A... subject?'

Yes, from the beginning, their relationship had been similar to that of a queen and her subject. 

Edmon had used his authority to forcibly twist that dynamic, attempting to reshape it to his will.

But now, with the balance of power broken, they had reverted to their rightful roles.

"Ha. Hahaha..."

Slumping back into the chair, Edmon clutched his hair and sat in silence for what felt like an eternity.

The weight of loss bore down on him, heavier and more profound than when he had lost the invitation to the Aslan Seminar.

It was as though that commoner had stripped him of everything he once possessed.

***

Stella Academy had an actual phone booth, believe it or not.

Of course, not many people used it. It required that the other person also had a telephone to make a call.

"Thank you for granting my request."

— Of course. Who else would I do it for?

When Alterisha’s voice came through the receiver, Baek Yu-Seol burst into laughter.

Despite sounding exhausted, she sounded happy, for some reason.

Even though she was likely busy with research and development at the moment, he was grateful that she took the time to make a phone call.

— Anyway, you said you resolved the trade deal with the Adolevit royal family, right?

"Yes. Please postpone any transactions with the Adolevit market or companies for about a month. For the time being, it will only be distributed through the royal family."

During that month, Hong Bi-Yeon would exert a significant influence on her homeland.If she could claim sole control over the entire Adolevit market under her name, it would mark an extraordinary triumph.

In truth, she might not even need this kind of help.

Hong Bi-Yeon had the power to resist any influence or political manipulation.

She just didn’t realize it yet.

— Oh, and the response to the video you sent was really good. Honestly, it was your first time using that kind of magical tool, but I never imagined you could utilize it to 100… No, even 200%.

“I’m pretty good at it.”

Baek Yu-Seol couldn't say that he had already used many similar things before.

— In terms of individual performance, to be honest, they’re still falling a bit short. But thanks to you, we received an overwhelmingly positive response from sponsors. It looks like we’ll be able to speed up development significantly.

"Oh, that's good to hear."

— We might be able to produce those items you requested soon.

The thought of using items he had only seen in the game in real life made Baek Yu-seol's heart race.

— Um... Yu-Seol.

"Yes?"

— Thank you.

He was slightly taken aback by her unexpected expression of gratitude.

"It's actually me who should be thankful."

— Well, no. It's all thanks to you.

"Me?"

— I’m really happy these days.

Alterisha spoke in a tone unlike any she had used before… calm and measured, as though she were reciting a poem.

— I've always dreamed of having my own little research lab.

— Even if the performance wouldn’t be great, having my own experimental tools... I’ve waited and longed for the day when I could pursue any research I desired. I thought it was impossible. That dreams are just dreams. But now, that opportunity has finally come to me.

— I couldn't have imagined this in my wildest dreams. The best environment in the world, with brilliant professors... Able to use the best experimental tools and rare materials as I wish.

Who could have imagined it?

Who could have thought that she, who had been conducting research in a shabby store room with crude experimental tools, would suddenly become the world's greatest alchemist and conduct research in a fitting facility?

— Now, no one opposes whatever I do. Everyone respects my opinion and listens to what I say.

For someone who had always been overlooked, wasn’t this the greatest happiness she could ask for?

— These days, I feel more alive than ever. When I place my hand on my chest, I can feel it pounding. This... It's all because of you.

— It's the same this time too. Once again, someone tried to take away my precious children... and you stopped them, didn't you?

"Well, yes..."

— That's why I wanted to express my gratitude once again. Just... yeah, like that.

As her words came to a close, Baek Yu-Seol paused, carefully considering how to respond to the sincerity in her voice.

"Um..."

— Oh!

However, Alterisha, suddenly aware of the embarrassing feelings she had just confessed, was the first to react.

She quickly stammered and exclaimed, ‘I… Um… Dr. Halsecoden is looking for me! I have to go! I'm hanging up now!

"What? Wait, just a moment! Assistant Alterisha?"

Baek Yu-Seol was left staring at the silent dial tone.

Before he could say anything, Alterisha had ended the call, leaving behind a hollow feeling in his chest.

"Oh, really..."

After hanging up the phone, he leaned against the wall and absentmindedly stared out the window.

The sun was setting, but the sunlight was still dazzling.

"What a truly chaotic person..."

Imagining Alterisha getting worked up and blushing at that moment, Baek Yu-Seol chuckled and sighed.

Suddenly, the recent events played out in his mind like a panorama.

Soul Chess.

Honestly, he was a little nervous.

He wondered if the capabilities of the specs would hold up in real life. 

Perhaps it was limited to abilities based on the NPCs.

It was a small concern, given the specs’ performance.

But those worries proved to be unfounded, as the unassuming, cheap-looking specs displayed astonishing capabilities… utterly dismantling the so-called soul chess prodigy, Edmon Atalek.

How could a human defeat artificial intelligence?

‘Unless it’s Lee Sedol, the 9-dan player.’ (1)

Realizing that the Sentient Specs had surpassed all expectations was an unexpected but valuable gain.

‘By the way, obtaining a pass to the Aslan Seminar is great and all, but the problem is that it’s kinda useless.’

The main protagonists would naturally be among the twelve rising stars, so they wouldn't need it.

'Hmm, what to do…?'

While he was lost in thought, someone broke the silence.

"Commoner."

"Yeah?"

When Baek Yu-Seol turned to the side, he saw Hong Bi-Yeon leaning casually against the wall, her presence cloaked in an enigmatic aura.

The soft rays of the setting sun streamed through the window, cascading over her hair and making it shimmer like strands of stardust.

Although he had never seen a real fairy, she seemed more like a fairy than an actual one. Her crimson eyes, more mesmerizing than the sunset itself, gleamed with quiet satisfaction, and her smile radiated pure contentment.

"Why, is there another problem?"

He had already finalized the contract with Hong Bi-Yeon.

Was there any reason for her to find him again?

As Baek Yu-Seol pondered, she paused briefly, then brushed her hair back over her shoulder with a graceful motion.

“This time, I owe you greatly. Thank you."

‘Wow.’

‘To receive words of gratitude from her is…’

She looked at him intently and spoke cautiously.

"You said it before. That there was a price for helping me... If you tell me what that price is now, I'll try and give it to you immediately."

The price.

In truth, the price that Baek Yu-Seol desired was quite simple.

It was for her to stay untainted by evil and stand on the side of goodness, building a happy ending with him.

That was the only price Baek Yu-Seol wished for.

However, it would be inappropriate to outrightly say, “I hope you become a good person.”

Drawing from 29 years of experience, he provided the most appropriate and textbook response to the situation.

"Buy me a meal."

"What?"

"Just buy me a meal. I want to enjoy a hearty meal served by the Princess."

Hong Bi-Yeon blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting such a response from Baek Yu-Seol. Then, as if unable to hold it back, she suddenly burst into laughter and gave a small nod of approval.

"Sure. I can definitely treat you to a meal."

She motioned for him to follow. It might sound old-fashioned - even humorous - in this era, but Stella Academy had a parking lot.

Given the existence of cars in this world, it was only natural.

Though automobiles were far rarer than on Earth and primarily reserved for the wealthy elite, most of Stella’s students came from affluent families, leaving the parking lot brimming with luxurious vehicles.

Among them, Hong Bi-Yeon's car stood out prominently, clearly indicating its exorbitant price to anyone who saw it.

Originally, an escort mage should have been in the passenger seat, but they were not present.

The elderly driver respectfully opened the door, and Hong Bi-Yeon stepped inside with practiced grace, while Baek Yu-Seol followed a bit awkwardly. The car soon glided smoothly out of the lot.

Baek Yu-Seol was momentarily shocked, because the ride felt like those of modern cars.

Still, he couldn’t help but curl his lips into a faint smile at the thought of indulging in a luxurious meal.

‘Hehe, what should I eat?’

Though he had tasted black pork before, it somehow felt cheap to savor such a dish in front of the princess.

With her wealth, she could likely treat him to endless servings of the five delicacies of Aether until he was completely satisfied.

However, unbeknownst to him, Hong Bi-Yeon had already made up her mind about what to eat the moment she accepted the dinner proposal.

She didn’t know much about Baek Yu-Seol… only that he was a man shrouded in mystery, carrying countless secrets.

Her thoughts drifted back to the times when he had brushed aside sponsorship offers and invitations from the illustrious Magic Tower without a second thought.

At that time, she thought of him as an arrogant commoner, ignorant when it comes to the way of life.

He has a simple way of thinking.

But he plans ahead.

He didn't want to follow a predetermined path. 

He had his own path to pave.

Yesterday was despair, today was accepting that despair, and tomorrow he had to face another despair.

Baek Yu-Seol’s past, scarred and battered, now lay bare.

What was the most agonizing part of his memories? While others breathed oxygen to survive, he sustained himself by breathing pain.

What do people do when their emotions become too frayed, too desolate to bear?

They search for something beautiful and radiant within themselves.

To Baek Yu-Seol, no priceless jewels or lavish feasts held any meaning.

If there was one thing that had any value and could heal his torn and broken heart, it would be jjajangmyeon.

Perhaps there was no one else who understood that.

[Jjajangmyeon Restaurant]

They arrived at the place.

"Are you for real?"

"Yes."

Baek Yu-Seol looked at Hong Bi-Yeon and the shop alternately in disbelief, but she walked in with confidence.

He followed her with a desolate gaze.

‘Is this really it...?’

‘My foie gras entier? Caviar canapé? Black truffle cream risotto...?’

He, who had expected to taste all kinds of luxurious delicacies, weakly followed Hong Bi-Yeon into the restaurant.

"Welcome!"

Hong Bi-Yeon’s elegance was so striking that it could easily overwhelm ordinary people. The owner of the jjajangmyeon restaurant, who had been lazily yawning just moments ago, quickly approached with a startled expression.

"Menu."

"H-Here it is!"

She confidently sat down and stared at the menu intently.

She didn't know any of the dishes.

However, there was one thing she knew for sure: jjajangmyeon.

"I'll have this," Hong Bi-Yeon said as she placed her order.

She then looked at Baek Yu-Seol, who was sitting across from her.

He was also scanning the menu board, but his expression seemed far from pleased.

“Why?”

Baek Yu-Seol contemplated for a while, struggling to make his choice, and finally managed to utter, "Um, three bowls of jjamppong and one order of tangsuyuk."

"Huh?"

That order puzzled Hong Bi-Yeon.

"Why? Can't I have three bowls?"

"Well... It's not that... I..."

She hesitated and quickly shut her mouth before asking why he didn't order jjajangmyeon. Suddenly, she realized.

'Could it be...?'

Hong Bi-Yeon realized her mistake.

'Why did I think that he, a commoner, overcame his past...?'

Why did he write about his mother and jjajangmyeon in the assignment about his past?

Why were all those words so filled with sadness?

Baek Yu-Seol remained haunted by that past—the memory of his frail, thin mother, who scrimped and saved every penny she had just to buy him a single bowl of jjajangmyeon.

It was only as he grew older that Baek Yu-Seol came to understand the depth of her sacrifice.

However, it was already too late.

She had already left the world before he could show his filial piety.

He was clearly focused on the future. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to live so desperately.

But Baek Yu-Seol was still struggling, bound by the chains of the past.

When he was young, his favorite food was jjajangmyeon.

However, now the dish had become a symbol of regret for Baek Yu-Seol.

She realized this fact only now. Shame and guilt washed over her, causing her cheeks to flush red. Unable to meet his eyes, she lowered her head.

"I'm sorry. Treating you to a meal in a place like this."

"Huh? No, it's fine."

Hong Bi-Yeon lowered her head and fidgeted with her fingers.

‘What a strange person.’

But seeing her embarrassment, Baek Yu-seol thought it might be due to financial constraints and chomped down on some pickled radish.

‘No matter what, it should be okay to make an additional order since she’s a princess, right?’

With that thought in mind, Baek Yu-Seol shouted to the kitchen.

“Mister, an order of fried dumplings, please!”

“Fried dumplings are on the house, sir!”

"Oh."

Maybe Baek Yu-Seol’s luck today wasn’t bad at all.