I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic Academy - Chapter 84

In the middle of a primeval mountain range stood the ancient world tree, Cradle of the Heavenly Spirit Tree.

The elves and fairies guarded its name with reverence, holding tightly to the title, ‘Cradle of the Heavenly Spirit Tree.’

Among readers of the novel, there was a lighthearted saying about this mystical place.

If you plan to do business in the Cradle of the Heavenly Spirit Tree, exclude construction and real estate. Then you'll definitely succeed.

The reason was quite simple. The world tree itself grew branches and built houses for the spirits that came into its embrace.

In other words, the elves had no worries about housing.

However, to assume their dwellings were nothing more than crude nests woven from twigs would be a grave mistake.

"Wow..."

"This is a city shaped by the will of the World Tree?"

After arriving at the capital of the elven kingdom, the Heavenly Spirit Tree, also known as the Cloud Flower Cradle, the students were given some free time.

This was because they were scheduled to participate in the World Tree's Birth.

Of course, that was just an excuse.

Flame thought of this schedule as something similar to a university field trip.

Though drinking and partying were off the table, the academy had arranged this time to let students relax, explore the city, and unwind with their friends.

Splash!

Waterfalls cascaded from branches that seemed to hang from the heavens.

Where the streams split into twin currents stood a grand bridge, flanked by towering mansions that bore a resemblance to apartments.

The novel described the capital, Cloud Flower Cradle, like this: Hundreds of gigantic tree trunks filled the world. And every tree trunk bore houses like fruits. 

While human cities sprawled outward across flat plains, elven cities reached skyward, growing vertically in harmony with nature.

Naturally, this design resulted in a great number of staircases… not for the elves themselves, but to accommodate outsiders.

It was said that those with poor physical stamina found it challenging to tour the Cloud Flower Cradle.

Sigh!

A cabin window opened, and a young elf looked down.

Just as Stella's students marveled at the elven city, the locals were equally intrigued by their visitors.

Considering the fact that magic warriors were treated as heroes among civilians and didn’t appear often, it was a remarkable sight to see so many students from the world's top magical warrior academy gathered here.

Flame smiled warmly and waved at the children, causing them to shyly hide their faces.

"They're cute. Even elven children are adorable."

"Exactly, exactly!"

The girls chattered excitedly.

After all, how many times in their lives would they get the chance to visit the World Tree?

Even if they were nobles, such opportunities were rare.

"It feels refreshing..."

Everywhere was filled with homes, nature, and fortresses.

It was, without a doubt, a city befitting the elves… a realm of wonder and beauty.

Modern elves embraced intellectual pursuits, and thus, there was nothing lacking in this vibrant city. With the academy as its heart, Cloud Flower Cradle was lined with various shops… weapon stores, taverns, hair salons, cosmetic boutiques, nail art studios, artisan workshops, and sprawling flower gardens.

Even human culinary trends, such as barbecue and hot pot, had found their place among the elves.

The driving force behind this rapid embrace of foreign cultures was none other than Elthman Elwin, the principal of Stella Academy.

His achievements were so great that he could be considered a protagonist in a novel. He traded with dwarves, spreading matter manipulation magic and alchemical engineering to human society. In exchange for saving the second world tree, he initiated the first civilization exchange with the elves and learned light magic from the angels, laying the foundation for the current healing magic.

Though these feats had taken place more than a century ago, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that he had reached the peak of his glory during that era.

The reason why he suddenly left his role as a magical warrior and took on the position of principal at Stella Academy to educate future generations was still a question mark.

Regardless, the elves of the modern age had undoubtedly become far more open-minded.

"Hey, miss. How about a cup of plum tea with me?" A flirtatious elf called out on the street.

"Cheap! Cheap! A relic ball staff personally grown by an elf. Only 39,800 credits! 39,800!" Another elf was selling goods at a street stall.

"Hey, you! I was here first, wasn’t I?"

"Is this old man for real?!" There were even drunk elves fighting in broad daylight. 

Many modern elves coexisted in the city. The peculiar dance of commerce and desire made up the Heavenly Spirit Tree.

The city brimmed with excitement in anticipation of the World Tree’s Birth Festival. Outsiders and other races mingled freely with the elves, adding to the festive atmosphere. Among them were the students of Stella Academy.

"Flame, do you want to try that? They're selling something like skewers."

"Um... Well..."

Flame knew what it was.

In the novel, Eisel was attracted to the fragrant smell and spent a handful of money to purchase it, but it was described as a despairing experience due to the texture which made it feel like one was chewing tree bark.

"I'm not really interested..."

"Really? Then let's try it together!"

"Eisel, do you want to try it too?"

"Hmm... I guess so."

Watching them flock to the skewer merchant elf, she briefly contemplated telling them. But soon, she gave up. Even a bad experience was still an experience. Later, she could laugh and say, “I tried it once, and it was awful.”

Lost in thought while looking at the streets of Cloud Flower Cradle, Flame noticed a familiar figure in the distance.

Baek Yu-Seol was squatting at a street stall, looking at the cheap miscellaneous items with a serious expression.

‘Is he alone?’

He was always alone.

She knew the reasons why it had to be that way, but recently, she couldn't help but want to interfere.

Just as she took a step forward, preparing to approach him, someone abruptly passed in front of her.

Whizz!

“Huh?"

When her vision cleared again, Baek Yu-Seol had already disappeared from sight as he always did, like a ghost.

But amidst the bustling crowd, another figure caught her eye.

Jeremy Skalven was smiling and radiating a brilliant golden glow.

"Flame, hello."

"..."

In an instant, Flame’s expression began to crumble.

Jeremy strode toward her with unhurried steps, his eyes fixed directly on hers.

"What's the matter?"

"You're not showing me that face you had earlier?"

"What face?"

This situation made her very uncomfortable. She wanted to avoid getting involved with Jeremy, but how did it end up like this?

"..."

"..."

Jeremy stopped five steps away, grinning mischievously as if merely holding her gaze brought him endless amusement.

"What's the matter? Hurry up and tell me what you want to say."

"Ah."

Then, as if realizing something, he paused for a moment. After a moment of pondering, he hastily said, "The weather is nice today, isn't it?"

"No, it's damn gloomy."

The sky was clear without a single cloud.

"How about having a meal together? I know a place with a great view."

"I'm full, so I'll eat alone."

"How about a simple walk?"

"I don't want to."

"There's a pet cafe over there."

"I don't like cute things."

Impenetrable defense.

"Well then..."

Just as Jeremy opened his mouth to continue, someone stepped between them, cutting him off.

A sharp-looking boy with jet-black hair and captivating eyes.

"Hae Won-Ryang?"

"Crown Prince. Leave it at that. Are you aware that your actions are quite rude and overbearing?"

"Haha, what's with the sudden talk? Why don't you just butt out and quietly disappear?"

Jeremy spoke with a practiced smile, the kind that could unnerve most people and make them instinctively avert their gaze. But such intimidation held no sway over someone like Hae Won-Ryang… the heir to the Magic Tower and a figure who stood at the pinnacle of the magical world.

Crackle!

As the two boys locked eyes in a staring contest, Flame could only be caught in the middle.

'Damn, why are these lunatics acting like this?'

It felt like a scene straight out of a cheesy romance novel she used to read in elementary school.

'Did I ever do something weird to these guys? I can’t think of anything.’

Hae Won-Ryang had always seemed like the type to get along normally with everyone… boys, girls, it didn’t matter. Meanwhile, Jeremy’s attempts at conversation rarely yielded anything but insults and sarcastic retorts.

‘I don’t get it.’

Flame was a complete novice when it came to romance in the first place.

‘How am I supposed to handle this? Damn, this is driving me crazy!'

While Flame was tearing her hair out, Jeremy made the first move.

"Yeah, I was already planning to leave." He shrugged, flashing a smile. "Tried something new, but I guess it didn’t work out."

Then, with his usual casual air, Jeremy slipped into the crowd and disappeared.

"Hooh..." Relieved, she let out a breath and bumped into Hae Won-Ryang's back.

"Oof!"

"Hey! Why did you pick a fight with him? Even if you’re with the Magic Tower, messing with a Skalven can’t be worth it, right?"

"Flame."

Hae Won-Ryang looked back at Flame with a bewildered gaze, and she blinked her big eyes.

"Uh, why are you staring at me so awkwardly?"

"The Crown Prince is dangerous. If he wants something, he won't hesitate to do whatever it takes to get it. And you have become what he desires the most."

"No, well..."

She knew that guy was dangerous.

There was a part of her that believed that there were angels behind her and that no one could touch her.

Of course, that was a secret she couldn’t share with anyone. And so, she bit her lip and said nothing.

Hae Won-Ryang casually asked as he was about to walk away, “Do you trust him?"

"What? Who?"

"No, I'm sorry. I misspoke." Hae Won-Ryang furrowed his brow and grabbed his head.

"What's wrong? Do you have a headache?"

“I've been getting them recently, but they don’t affect my daily life."

"Come here. You know I'm an expert in that kind of thing."

For a brief moment, he was tempted to accept her offer. However, Hae Won-Ryang realized that this was not a physical issue but a mental one, so he couldn't do it.

"Maybe next time."

With a slight cold sweat and heavier breath, it was clear that something was wrong, but Hae Won-Ryang forcefully shook off Flame’s arm and quickly hurried away.

"Hey, wait!"

He felt Flame chasing after him, but he couldn't stop.

"Darn it…”

Hae Won-Ryang’s symptoms were growing worse. Despite convincing himself it would improve soon, he knew he couldn’t afford to stay in a hospital. Visiting the mental health department would cost him valuable study time, and if things deteriorated further, he risked being forced to take a leave of absence from the academy.

'I just have to hold on until the vacation...'

It would be okay to seek medical treatment at that time. There was someone he knew who was very proficient in this field. Slipping into a shadowy alley to avoid prying eyes, Hae Won-Ryang leaned against the cold wall, clutching the sweat-soaked fabric of his shirt.

"Haah... "

The pain began to recede, as it always did. It felt like monstrous insects were burrowing inside his skull, but if he endured it long enough, the torment eventually faded.

‘I’ll manage. I have to get through the Familiar Contract Ceremony somehow...’

"Oh my, who do we have here?"

"..."

A voice came from behind. It wasn't a familiar voice.

He had only heard it a few times when they crossed paths.

Hae Won-Ryang slowly turned his head to confirm the person.

"Professor Maizen?"

With half of her face covered by a black robe, her appearance was concealed in darkness, but Hae Won-Ryang could still recognize her clearly.

"I wondered where my seeds had gone, but here you are. Hoho, how lucky I am."

"What... are you talking about?"

"It's okay if you don't understand."

‘Ah.’ 

Hae Won-Ryang suddenly realized.

This woman was the culprit behind his headaches.

'It's dangerous. But it’s already too late.'

One step, two steps.

She approached, but Hae Won-Ryang couldn't move as if his legs were rooted to the ground.

“How convenient. The corruption process has already progressed this far…”

Maizen smirked, her eyes glinting as she studied him… trapped and helpless.

‘Perfect.’

It couldn't get any better than this. It felt as if a stage was being set just for them.

Caught in the ecstasy of the moment, she reached out her hand toward Hae Won-Ryang’s trembling form. His pupils were dilated, and his expression blank.

"Now, don't resist."

Her hand hovered over his head.

"Because you have already become a slave to emotions."

Hae Won-Ryang's consciousness went black.

***

The Cradle of the Heavenly Spirit Tree had a different atmosphere from the dwarven or human nations. Among the elves, those with the closest affinity to the world tree were called high elves and were treated similarly to nobles in human society. Among those high elves, there was a title bestowed upon the one who was closest to the world tree; the title of king.

The elven king did not rule over the people or engage in politics. They merely reigned from the highest position. The king's mere existence served as the vitality of all elves, connecting the world tree and the elves and acting as the source of life in this land.

Of course, it was an era where they couldn't completely avoid politics and diplomacy, so the Council of Elders took care of those aspects.

"Your Majesty, if you don't make an appearance even on this day, the Council of Elders will firmly take control."

"Sigh..."

Florin, the king of the elves and the pillar of the world tree, let out a deep sigh. 

Though she bore the title of king, Florin held no real power. The Council of Elders hoarded influence like dragons over treasure.

Their greed and scheming - shocking even among elves - made Florin’s position all the more difficult.

"Perhaps they're using this incident as an excuse to take control of the gate leading to the Garden of Divine Spirits. That place can only be accessed by Your Majesty, who supports the world tree. How dare they?!"

“It’s fine. Focus on your duty as a knight. Stay out of politics.”

“…I apologize for speaking out of turn.”

"No, you're already a great help with just your presence. I'm just... sorry for involving you in this dirty and sordid power struggle."

“Understood.”

As the voice of the knight faded away, Florin rose from her seat.

The chamber with barely any sunlight was strangely bright. It was as if light emanated from Florin herself.

"I suppose I should dress up..."

She can’t miss the festival. It was her duty as king.

Besides, other matters required her attention.

Until Stella's students finished their Familiar Contract Ceremony in the white palace, Florin had to remain in her position. Afterward, she planned to visit her long-time friend Leafanel, who had fallen asleep in the garden.

"Sigh." Florin let out a sigh mixed with concern as she swiftly removed her clothes.

She was androgynous.

Among elves, those untouched by love remained without gender.

Florin, too, had a feminine form, but she lacked secondary sexual characteristics that women typically possessed.

Suddenly, she found herself staring blankly at her reflection in the mirror.

A manifestation of beauty bestowed by the gods.

She was exquisite, graceful, alluring, and ethereal. Some described her as enchanting, others as refreshing, while some admired her radiance. However, her appearance meant nothing but shackles to her.

‘When was the last time I sat face-to-face with someone and shared a meal? When was the last time I looked into someone's eyes and engaged in a conversation? When last did I freely walk in the streets?’

‘The days when no one necessarily liked me but anyone could like me. Those days of fully enjoying freedom. Now, all I can do is hold on to fading memories that are melting away into the realm of forgetfulness as I do my best not to forget.’

Dark emotions were like ink. As soon as they fell into clear water, they tainted the whole bottle. Florin sensed a drop of ink in her heart.

Was it depression or loneliness?

“Pull yourself together. You can't afford to be like this at the event."

Florin steadied herself. Her emotions were tied to the forest, and if her heart grew heavy, the World Tree and all of elvenkind would suffer. She couldn’t allow that.

"What about the clothes...?"

Since she was cursed, she had always worn the same outfit. A pure white dress that tightly wrapped around her, not revealing any trace of skin. It could be considered more like a giant bag than a dress. In addition to that, she wore a mask and covered herself with a muslin cloth. Despite all this, she still felt uneasy.

During her last outing, even though she had tightly wrapped herself like this, there were numerous victims who suffered. No matter how much she covered her body, she couldn't be exposed to the sun for more than an hour.

Keeping that in mind, she closed her eyes and prayed.

"Please, let this time pass without any incident."