Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Talent
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"Genius?"
"Yes, a once-in-a-generation genius."
Pelliana Miron was on friendly terms with Professor Rachel.
Not incredibly close, but they occasionally met for tea.
In truth, she didn't care much for so-called geniuses.
Born with lucky talent, they strutted around arrogantly, thinking the world was a pushover.
There were no exceptions. They were all swollen with self-esteem, looking down on others as a habit.
But Rachel was a little different.
Despite her outstanding talent, she knew how to show respect, wasn't lazy, and possessed tenacious perseverance.
Pelliana liked Rachel as a person.
'Rachel Arte, there won't be a better genius than you.'
So when Rachel brought up another 'genius', it didn't sit well with her. It felt like someone she cherished was being fooled.
"That's an exaggeration."
"No, this kid not only understood it but created an astonishing concept from scratch. He's a genius."
Rachel insisted.
It felt like concepts from another world forcibly pieced together.
The theory itself wasn't that complex, but calculating the 'value' was ridiculously difficult.
"...That impressive?"
At this point, even Pelliana couldn't help but grow interested.
She wanted to meet him once.
But...
"You'll meet him soon."
"Pardon?"
"That student got approved for a double major. He'll be taking your class too, Professor Pelliana."
"...I thought the application period for double majors hasn't started yet."
"The academy made an exception. It seems His Majesty the Emperor ordered it personally, so no choice."
It rubbed her the wrong way.
Her reason for teaching at Runia Academy was clear.
Because it was the closest thing to 'equality'.
She believed everyone deserved a fair chance.
Nobles or commoners, geniuses or mediocrities.
Equal starting lines, equal effort. That was Professor Pelliana's ideal.
Yet...
Special treatment?
Just because his head was a bit smarter?
She couldn't accept it.
"Professor Rachel seems to hold that student dear."
Pelliana said with her signature cold smile.
"But he won't shine in alchemy. Alchemy rewards effort over talent."
I shouldn't have come so early.
If I'd strolled in casually, I could've avoided this awkward conversation.
I'm always like this.
Always making the wrong choices.
But that's beside the point. Isn't warning a first-timer a bit much?
I had all sorts of complaints, but I couldn't voice them.
If the professor says so, then it is. Yeah.
"Understood."
"Good, take any empty seat."
Honestly, I wanted to bolt right back out. After that atmosphere, being alone with her? Ridiculous.
...Should I say I just came to drop my bag?
"This is gonna suck..."
No. That might paint an even worse image.
I ended up sitting down.
Now what? Can't really goof off...
Ah.
I pulled out my major textbook. Basic Alchemy. I'd planned to preview today's lecture.
Professor Pelliana glanced at me and snorted.
Haha.
Something funny, huh?
I gritted my teeth and started reading.
Even then, Professor Pelliana kept staring.
Not a very positive gaze.
"..."
Don't mind her.
I don't know why, but she sees me as a thorn in her side. The more she does, the more I need to shine.
To avoid giving her any openings.
I erased my presence. Already in the corner, so I wouldn't stand out.
The endless-seeming time flew by. As students trickled in, the heavy silence eased. Ironic. I usually prefer quiet, yet here I was hoping for noise.
Students entering showed no reaction to Professor Pelliana. As if it was routine.
Curiously, she always seemed to arrive first.
As the room filled, her piercing gaze lessened.
Once it vanished completely, she began preparing the lecture.
A moment later, the lecture started.
"Alchemy's necessity doesn't lag behind other disciplines. If mages and knights require 'talent', alchemy can be mastered by anyone with a modicum of brains."
My impression from her lecture was singular.
She's amazing.
I think Professors Rachel and Meriel give great lectures too.
But Professor Pelliana's felt a dimension above.
Perfectly tailored to the students' level.
Easy on the ears, simple to grasp. Anyone would stay focused.
Pelliana Miron gave lectures the polar opposite of her reputation.
"That concludes today's lecture."
I wanted to applaud.
But held back, fearing it'd draw aggro.
"Oh, and there's homework."
This professor.
How does she assign homework?
"Write a report on everything covered today. Five pages."
Pardon?
"Due... next class."
Pardon...?
I thought I'd misheard.
"Ugh... another nightmare..."
Hearing the sigh from the guy next to me, I hadn't.
"Ah."
I realized.
The source of her notoriety.
"And Rain Ortiz. See me after."
This situation feels familiar.
But Professor, I'm not in the mood to follow you right now.
She won't let it slide, though.
I'll go...
I packed up and approached Professor Pelliana.
"What is it...?"
"How was the lecture?"
Familiar question.
Meriel had asked the same.
I answered similarly.
"It was good."
"Easy?"
Objectively, it wasn't hard.
"Easy."
"I figured."
Professor Pelliana shot me a cold look.
At first, I wondered if I'd answered wrong...
"I prepare my lectures so everyone can follow easily. Even without geniuses like you, it'll be easy for all."
'Genius like you', huh.
She just plain dislikes me.
No, has some genius wronged you or something?
"Alchemy has no such thing as talent. Only effort. Remember that."
Even from a professor, this was getting annoying.
Unwarranted kindness is burdensome; unwarranted rudeness is infuriating.
I suppressed a furrowed brow.
"Understood."
Though my insides were burning.
"Good. You're dismissed."
"See you tomorrow."
I didn't bow. No need.
Instead, I asked inwardly.
'System, how advanced is alchemy currently?'
This worked out better.
Until now, I'd only shone unintentionally.
Stumbled into creating new concepts, forced into solving tough problems.
None of it was sought.
But now it's different.
I'd said it before.
Have to do it anyway.
No choice? Better with motivation.
Decided.
Use this emotion as fuel.
"Let's see who wins."
I lamented my situation but was secretly curious.
How far could this damn AI go?
Today, I'd test its limits.
The second day's first period was ironically alchemy again.
I don't buy into fate, but these coincidences make me flinch.
Whatever.
Fate or coincidence, fine by me.
A day later, Professor Pelliana's gaze remained.
Unfathomable malice and contempt.
Those eyes could stiffen anyone, but not today.
"Everyone's here, so let's begin."
Does excellence excuse contempt for others? Hardly. A professor shouldn't mix personal feelings with teaching students.
By my subjective judgment, Professor Pelliana lacks qualification.
That's why I'd resolved: make her see me differently.
"As you know, alchemy's pinnacle is the 'Healing Potion'."
Plan was set.
"Healing was once the 'privilege' of the talented few. Only those with exceptional gifts could mend wounds without surgery. Enter the Healing Potion—a consumable that heals cleanly without complex calculations. I dare call this invention the 'democratization of talent'—"
"Professor."
"...What is it? Rain Ortiz."
I stood, suppressing a smile.
"I have a question."