Academy (3)
"This definitely needs a different approach."
"Yeah. I've been thinking about that too."
Im Sol and I sipped our coffee while discussing the magic circles.
We had to explain the concepts we'd discovered in a way others could understand, and that wasn't easy.
"How about explaining it based on mana flow? Mana does concentrate a bit in the core circuits, right?"
"Ordinary people can't sense that."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Only geniuses can feel it."
"Like you, Professor?"
"You're the same. Hehe."
Talking magic with Im Sol really clicked. It was like why academy classes felt so boring— they dragged out what I could grasp in five minutes over a full hour. Chatting with her was comfortable. We were both geniuses, after all. Sure, mine came with a little cheat code, but if no one catches the theft, it's not a crime.
Fortunately, Im Sol seemed to enjoy our talks too. Her face lit up beautifully.
"Or should we just tell them to memorize it?"
"That'd be easiest. Calling it 'irregular' makes it an invincible shield."
We were the weird ones obsessing over rules in irregular magic circles. Any average mage would've moved on, but Im Sol had to perfect everything.
That's why her research never ends.
Approaching every magic circle like this would stall progress forever.
"Check this one next."
Im Sol handed me another magic circle. It depicted an explosion, with the core circuit at the final mana convergence point.
"This is an explosion, right?"
"Yeah. Explosion spell, but the core circuit's in an odd spot."
"Ah... yeah. But this seems to generate the blast purely from pressure."
"Huh? Really?"
"Yes. So this..."
We dove into magic and papers, ignoring our cooling coffee. After about an hour, Im Sol finally cracked all the circles she was studying. She crossed her legs, flashing a satisfied smile.
"Having you here speeds things up. Visit more often."
"I come plenty. Wasn't today too much for someone who just got discharged?"
"Sorry."
She apologized, but a smile lingered on her lips—the kind that appears when she's truly in her element.
"Professor, you know something?"
"What?"
Im Sol paused her organized sorting of the decoded circles, raising an eyebrow.
"Your face lights up whenever we talk magic. You're really passionate about it."
"Mmm... yeah. Nothing shameful about loving magic, right?"
"I meant it as a compliment. You've got pride in it."
"Damn right. And talking with you brings it out."
"Me?"
"Yeah. You're the only one I can discuss magic with for over an hour."
"Really?"
"Why do you think I get the whole second floor to myself? I can't even chat with the other professors, so they gave it to me for solo research."
Im Sol's expression turned bittersweet as she tidied her desk.
"Makes sense..."
The entire second floor of the 17-story Magic Tower was her lab. With 3-4 professors per other floor on average, it was massive favoritism. She was that respected in magic—but it also meant loneliness. No peers on her level.
"Like I said... meeting you was a blessing. Thanks to you, we wrote this high-level paper."
She fluttered the paper we'd co-authored. Content was done; just polishing left.
"I feel the same. You've helped me a ton."
Having connections at the academy was huge. Her network filled my gaps, aiding with awards and public opinion.
"Why bring it up now...? Oh, right. Magic Expo schedule's set."
Im Sol pulled tickets from her pocket.
"Next week?"
The expo ran all next week weekdays. We'd pick a day to go together.
"Yeah. Earliest slot."
"Got it. I'll clear that day."
We'd planned it around my perfect midterms bet, but only now confirming. I checked my smartwatch: 7:30 PM. Late for meeting Ellis at home, especially after student council and Im Sol.
I downed the dregs of my mix coffee and prepped to leave.
"I should head out. Got plans."
"With Ayoung?"
Im Sol glanced up from her desk.
Baek Ayoung out of nowhere?
"Nah, just a classmate."
"Ah... good. Have fun."
"Why ask?"
"Nothing. Wait, is this friend a girl?"
Questions galore today. No need to lie—too many fibs lately made me feel like a villain.
"Yeah. She's a girl."
"... You've helped a lot today, so time for a reward."
"Huh?"
"You assisted with research. Gotta do it today too."
Im Sol rose from the sofa, approaching me. She balled her hand into a circle and pumped it up and down. Incredibly lewd gesture.
"Uh... I'm down, but wasn't the vibe off today?"
We'd had a nice chat, affinity seemed up—I was enjoying it.
"Nope. Need my sugar fix."
...Her face looked kinda scary.
What's with her suddenly?
Current State: Once... no, twice? That should drain some energy.
Affinity's up, as expected. What does she want my energy for? Testing me?
While I checked the status, Im Sol grabbed my pants and tugged them down.
"Professor. Hold on. Uh... got it."
Her intense gaze unnerved me, so I quietly lowered them. She knelt under the sofa for easy access, hands on my thighs, teasing my groin before taking my erect cock into her mouth.
"Hmph. Slurp. Suck. Chomp."
Her wet inner cheeks enveloped me. Pure bliss.
"Professor... today your teeth are grazing. Ow, hurts."
"Mmph. Mm! Slurp."
"...Okay. I'll stay quiet."
Today's fellatio felt... more passionate than usual.
* Ellis's mansion.
Ellis checked herself in the mirror, fussing with her hair, then glanced at the time. 7 PM. Sun nearly set.
"...Why isn't he here?"
Academy classes ended ages ago. She'd overheard him mentioning student council and Im Sol to Lucy and Lumi.
Just say hi and leave. How long does it take?
Ellis paced impatiently, waiting for Lee Ho-yeon.
Knock knock.
"Come in."
Sebas Chan entered at her call.
"Miss. Preparations are ready. ...Are you sure about this?"
"I'm fine. You think I'd get scammed? Effects are already proven."
Mana massage talk. Sebas had fretted when she mentioned Ho-yeon's massages.
"Hmm, not a scam, but... I'm worried. My age makes me conservative."
"Don't worry. It won't be what you think."
Sebas minced words, but she got it. Still, what choice? It was treatment.
Treatment process. Yeah...
Ellis nodded inwardly and continued.
"Ahem, Dad say anything?"
"No. He's still at HQ."
"...That centaur?"
"Yes. Government's requesting full guild support, so Master's all in."
"He ignores calls during work... Got it."
Iris Guild Master cut off all non-work contact for perfect focus. Knowing this, Ellis stretched.
"Leave the prep. I told him to come."
"Understood."
Sebas bowed and left. Ellis flopped onto the bed.
"...Should I message?"
Ask his ETA? Fair for a contract.
Urging wouldn't make her seem desperate. Big money involved...
"Student council, Im Sol Professor..."
His stops. Im Sol aside, student council meant Moon Sulin.
"So many women."
Lucy-Lumi twins cohabiting, Baek Ayoung, Im Sol, Moon Sulin. Even her capable father hadn't juggled six at that age.
"Playing with others, ignoring our contract..."
Ellis soured. Other women? Fine. But not at her contract's expense.
I'll chew him out when he messages.
Yeah. Give him hell.
Ding!
Her smartwatch chimed—Ho-yeon's tone.
"He's coming."
She paused mid-reply.
"No instant response. He'd think I was waiting."
She set the watch down, staring at the wall.
"Scarlett?"
"Yes, Miss."
Scarlett dropped silently from the ceiling.
"...Ceiling perch?"
"Yes. What is it?"
"Hm, Ho-yeon's coming soon? Send Sebas away."
"Uh... I'll handle it."
Scarlett got it without details—handy.
"Thanks."
Scarlett vanished. Ellis grabbed her watch again.
"...Now's fine for a reply."
Perfect. Casual, no desperation. Ellis smiled, spritzing perfume in anticipation.