Chapter 331
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Offer
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“An exchange student?”
“Yes. To be precise, it’s more like a short-term study abroad program.”
I’d heard about the exchange student program since my first year.
Professor Herdium from Seirun, for instance, had shown continued interest, sending letters from time to time.
Of course, the letters had dwindled recently as things in Seirun had gotten a bit strange.
But I never expected Tina, who had no connection to Seirun, to bring up the topic of an exchange student.
Moreover, the Tina I knew was a bit different from the average elf.
*'Then again, maybe that's why she's the one bringing it up.'*
From an elven perspective, Tina was undoubtedly what you'd call an eccentric.
That's why she was also an elf with a flexible way of thinking.
Just observing her class for a short time was enough to see that.
She unhesitatingly conducted lessons that could easily have been branded heretical among elves.
That made Tina's suggestion of an exchange student program all the more puzzling.
“Is there a particular reason you want to send me to Seirun as an exchange student? I don't think I'd be very welcome there.”
Tina nodded at my words.
“That's true. Not just Seirun, but the entire elven magical academic community doesn't look upon you very kindly.”
After all, my unique magic, 'Bible,' was the biggest contribution to Ren's 'Introduction to Star Magic,' published this year.
On top of that, I'd deciphered the 'Flower-Blooming Magic' that had remained unsolved for so long and obtained 'Folium' as a reward from the world of Luna, the Progenitor of the Nebula.
Despite having no ties to Seirun, it was I, Leo, who had fulfilled the long-held wishes of the elven race several times over.
Because of this, many in Seirun saw me as a challenge to their prestige and held hostile feelings toward me.
Tina said.
“The reason I want you to go to Seirun as an exchange student isn't simply for you to study there. Honestly, while you might learn something at Lumerne, I don't think there's anything for you to learn at Seirun.”
Tina shrugged.
“What do you mean?”
“Seirun's ultimate goal is to produce an heir to Lady Luna, the Progenitor of the Nebula. Just like our ancestor did.”
*Clack— Clack—*
Tina walked over to a movable blackboard on one side of her office.
She pulled back the cloth covering it, revealing a complex magical formula.
It was none other than the Flower-Blooming Magic.
“This formula you deciphered... it's beautiful.”
Tina gazed at the magical formula for the Flower-Blooming Magic, her eyes somewhat hazy and unfocused.
As she admired the formula, Tina spoke.
“The elven magical academic community is full of thick-headed fools.”
A look of displeasure crossed Tina's face.
“That's why there are idiots who deny this magic you've deciphered.”
The magical formula for the 'Flower-Blooming Magic' that I had deciphered was the foundation of the Star Magic created by Luna.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that all Star Magic derived from the 'Flower-Blooming Magic,' as Star Magic was created for the sole purpose of casting this spell.
“It's not unreasonable for them to think that way. Even I find it absurd.”
The difficulty of the Flower-Blooming Magic is the highest not just among Star Magic, but among all magic.
Its effect is simply to make a 'flower' bloom.
But the domain this magic touches upon is that of the 'gods'.
To make a flower bloom from nothing... it's literally magic that creates something from nothing.
Compared to its effect, which could be considered unimpressive in some ways, the formula that constitutes the magic is unimaginably complex.
From the perspective of a mage who values efficiency, it's an incredibly inefficient spell, appearing to be nothing but a pointless waste.
*'Well, that's what makes it the most Luna-like magic, though.'*
The most genius mage since the dawn of magic.
But also an equally eccentric and quirky one.
From the perspective of later generations, she was a being difficult to fully comprehend.
“Professor Tina, you seem convinced that Lady Luna created this magic.”
“Yes. It would be strange to think a formula this perfectly deciphered is wrong... and besides, seeing this magic made me like Lady Luna even more.”
Tina smiled brightly.
“It's... romantic, isn't it? And the fact that Lady Luna was trying to create the Flower-Blooming Magic was proven when her world was conquered. Insisting that another interpretation exists is just an insult to Lady Luna, but those thick-skulled idiots keep denying it.”
Tina grumbled, then said.
“You're the one who deciphered a spell like this, aren't you? It's no exaggeration to say you've already mastered Star Magic. Is there really anything for you to learn at Seirun?”
“It was a fluke.”
“There are no flukes in magic. Especially not with a spell of this difficulty.”
Tina grinned.
“You've accomplished a feat that even our ancestor, Seirun Tingel, couldn't manage.”
Tina went to the side of her office, poured some strong coffee into a mug, and took a sip.
After savoring the coffee, Tina spoke.
“There's a 'Magical Conference' being held at Seirun soon. It's also where Professor Ren's assistant professor, Anna, will be presenting his 'Introduction to Star Magic'.”
At Tina's words, Leo thought of Anna.
Lately, she'd been preparing for the conference, looking utterly exhausted.
It was all due to the pressure of having to present the 'Introduction to Star Magic'—a paper that many elven mages decried as 'heresy'—at a conference held in Seirun, the very heart of elven magic.
According to Chloe and Chelsea, who often visited her office to help, she was cursing Professor Ren dozens of times a day.
“As a co-author, you have a deep understanding of that paper too, right? I want you to go to the conference and help Assistant Professor Anna.”
“And what should I do there?”
“What do you mean, 'what'? I want you to smash the skulls of all those thick-headed fools.”
Hearing Tina's words, Kiruan's eyes widened.
-*So I just have to bash them all with a thick grimoire?*
“As tempting as that sounds, it would cause a huge problem, so no.”
Tina continued, her expression one of deep regret.
“Leo, you must have a deep understanding of Star Magic. Probably even deeper than mine.”
Tina looked me straight in the eye.
“I believe elven society needs to change. The world is undergoing a transformation. And whether you like it or not, Leo, you're at the center of it.”
Tina sighed.
“If things continue like this, Seirun... no, the entire elven race might fall behind. I believe a strong shock is needed to prevent the elves from being left behind.”
“But can I really go just because I want to?”
Seeing my puzzled expression, Tina smiled brightly.
“Don't worry about that part. I'll take care of it.”
“I'll think about it.”
“Alright. Oh, and if you do go to Seirun, there's one more thing I'd like to ask. It's fine if you don't do it, though.”
“What is it?”
“Would you mind teaching my niece, who enrolled this year, a little magic?”
“I'll consider it if I decide to go.”
“Thank you.”
***
After finishing my conversation with Tina, I headed to the party hall.
-*Leo, you're gonna go, right? Huh? You're going, right? You have to!*
Kiruan whined, practically clinging to my side.
“I'll go, so stop whining.”
-*Yahoo!*
Kiruan cheered, flying around like a madman.
*'Like a moth.'*
Shaking my head at the sight, I sent Kiruan away and entered the dormitory party hall.
“Oh? It's Leo.”
As someone spotted me and muttered, a momentary silence fell over the party.
Amidst it all, I was surprised to see Reina in the hall.
As I started walking, the silence in the party hall broke.
But the furtive glances in my direction couldn't be hidden.
The gazes from the parents, in particular, were intense.
“Mother, you didn't say you were coming. What brings you here?”
“It's not like I'm not allowed to be here, am I?”
Reina smiled brightly.
“I watched your performance.”
“What did you think?”
“Even though you're my son, it was terrifying.”
As Reina shook her head, I burst out laughing.
“Leo! Leo's mother.”
Karl approached with a happy smile.
“Karl, who's that with you?”
“This is my older sister, Kiria Thomas. She runs an alchemy shop in the Moira Kingdom.”
The woman, who resembled Karl, stared at me with wide eyes.
“Karl, you really are close with Leo Flove? I thought you were a pathological liar.”
“This old hag, what do you take me for...”
“Old hag? Old hag?! You little brat!”
“Aghhh!”
Her eyes blazing, Kiria mercilessly pinched Karl's cheek.
Then she turned to me with a bright smile and greeted me.
“It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Karl's sister, Kiria Thomas. Thank you for being friends with my pathetic little brother.”
“I'm Leo Flove. Karl has always been a great help to me.”
“Wow, you're so mature. Hey, Karl. Try to be at least half as mature as your friend.”
“My boy is so much like an old man, I wish he'd be a bit more like Karl.”
Hearing this, Reina burst out laughing.
Just then.
“Leo, Karl.”
This time, Nella approached.
A handsome middle-aged man stood beside her.
“Father, let me introduce you. These are my friends, Leo Flove and Karl Thomas. They've been my closest classmates since our first year.”
“I'm Leo Flove.”
“Karl Thomas.”
“Nereon Kaven. My daughter is always in your debt. It's a pleasure to meet you.”
After a polite greeting, Nereon's gaze shifted to Reina.
“It's been a while, Reina.”
“It has been a long time, Nereon.”
Nella's eyes widened.
“Father, you know Leo's mother?”
“She was my junior.”
“Ah...”
Nella let out a small gasp.
“Your daughter is beautiful, just like you, Nereon.”
“Thank you. What was my father like in his school days? He never talks about them.”
“Should I be honest?”
“*Ahem!*”
Nereon cleared his throat as Reina asked playfully.
Then he said to Reina.
“Reina, I have something to discuss. Could we speak privately for a moment?”
“Alright. Leo, I'm going to have a word with Nereon. I'll be right back.”
Reina left with Nereon to talk.
“Hey, guys!”
“You were all here?”
Iliana and Tiede also approached with bright smiles.
“Dad, this is Leo Flove, Karl Thomas, and Nella Kaven. They're my closest friends from my first year! Guys, this is my father, Ireven Raden.”
“Hello.”
“So you're the ones my daughter is always indebted to.”
“Guys, this is my father, Tedam Marcoasher. Dad, these are my friends.”
“A pleasure to meet you.”
Iliana's and Tiede's fathers had already greeted each other.
The closest friends from the first year were gathered together.
“Where's Chelsea?”
“Chelsea is busy greeting people from Rodnell.”
Nella smiled brightly.
Before we knew it, the parents were all talking amongst themselves.
“What do you think they're talking about?”
As Tiede looked puzzled, Iliana gave a meaningful smile.
“Adults having adult conversations, I suppose. Oh! By the way, Class Rep. Did you know the students from the other dorms are calling you the Demon King?”
“What kind of nickname is that?”
“They're calling you that because you were so scary during the exam.”
“Honestly, I was scared too.”
“You should've held back a little.”
As Tiede shook his head, Nella gave her characteristic languid smile.
Karl shook his head back and forth.
“Demon King Leo. It's got a nice ring to it, doesn't it?”
Iliana stroked her chin.
Watching them banter, Kiria poked her brother in the ribs and said.
“Wow. Jerdinger, Kaven, Raden, and even the Marcoa family... You've really made it, haven't you?”
“Hmph! Does your little brother seem great now?”
“No, you're still unimpressive, but your connections are great.”
“Hey!”
Just as Karl bristled at his sister's response.
A crowd of people gathered around me.
“Student Leo. I saw your wonderful performance in the recent exam. I am from the Kingdom of Deronde...”
“My son is in your debt in the same dormitory. Would you consider visiting the Western Magic Tower sometime?”
“I am...”
Watching the crowd gather, Karl clicked his tongue in amazement.
“I guess this is to be expected, huh?”
“It's really hitting me how much of a big shot our Class Rep has become.”
Just as Karl and Iliana were expressing their admiration.
-*May I have your attention, please.*
Professor Sedzen stepped onto the stage in the party hall and began to speak.
Everyone turned their attention to Sedzen.
-*I would like to extend my gratitude to all the distinguished guests who have graced us with their presence. I would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that this gathering is to celebrate the second-year students who have just completed their difficult exams.*
Hearing Sedzen's words, Karl muttered.
“Doesn't this feel a little ominous?”
“Huh? What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
Iliana looked puzzled.
-*Furthermore, we will now be distributing the midterm report cards to the parents. We ask that all parents please gather by dormitory in front of the stage.*
At those words, the faces of most students began to turn pale.
-*I should also add that, in order to show you how much your children have neglected their studies—taking advantage of the fact that expulsion recommendations are suspended until the end of the first semester of the second year under the new mentor system—we will be distributing their first-year report cards as well.*
“How is that fair!”
“This damn school!”
Iliana grabbed her head and screamed, while Tiede's face went white.
The parents who had been around me rushed toward the stage, their eyes gleaming.
Watching the scene unfold, Karl muttered.
“This school gets more vicious every day.”