Episode 212
Episode 212
'Well, there's no helping it.'
Unaware of Lee Han's inner thoughts, the Skeleton Principal pondered to himself.
Ogonin wasn't the type of mage who would obediently impart teachings just because of threats or humiliation... Seeing him act like this...
It was clear that Lee Han's courteous behavior had genuinely moved his heart.
While it was regrettable that he couldn't humiliate Ogonin further, if this much concession was made, there was no helping it.
This wasn't just anything—it was direct instruction from a great mage like Ogonin himself.
Even the mages in this tower would find it difficult to obtain such a rare opportunity.
Tsk. Ogonin. Consider this debt repaid. Teach him well.
"I shall... do my best."
The Skeleton Principal floated out of the room.
It would be rude to remain present while another mage was imparting their teachings.
"Is this really alright?"
"Hmm?"
At Lee Han's question, Ogonin smiled faintly.
It seemed the boy was wondering if it was acceptable to receive one-on-one instruction from a great mage like Ogonin without any cost.
Given his youth, it was a natural reaction.
"It's fine. This isn't because of coercion or threats—I'm doing it because I want to. You needn't worry about it."
"That's not what I meant... I was concerned the Headmaster might torment the people outside..."
"...It'll, it'll be fine. Probably."
Ogonin was slightly taken aback by the extremely objective and practical demeanor of Gonadaltes's disciple.
...Is he really his disciple?
After hearing about the illusion magic Lee Han knew, Ogonin nodded and spoke.
"Pahait's Illusion Magic series. That friend Pahait is quite a decent illusion mage."
'That's a bit rude.'
Lee Han thought to himself, unaware of the relationship between Ogonin and Pahait.
"It's illusion magic based on the fire element, making it easy for beginners to learn and adapt. If I had to point out a flaw, its effectiveness diminishes in cold environments."
"Ah... but I cast it in a cold place, and it worked fine."
"Hmm? Ah, I see. That must be because of your immense mana."
Ogonin nodded as if he understood.
But Lee Han's gaze already held a faint trace of suspicion.
"Pahait's illusion magic is good, but I'll teach you a different one. It might have a slightly rough edge, but it's quite useful."
In truth, Ogonin was being excessively modest.
The magic he intended to teach was a secret art of his own creation.
Among other illusion mages, it was known as "Ogonin's Secret Illusion Magic," a revered arcane art!
Many illusion mages had marveled at its elegant structure, sharp conception, and outstanding effects, but Ogonin had never widely disseminated this secret magic.
This stood in stark contrast to his other self-developed illusion magics, which he had published in books.
There was one reason.
It was simply so difficult and demanding that he couldn't be certain it would be properly passed down unless he taught it directly.
'But this boy is worthy of learning it.'
It wasn't just because he had promised the Skeleton Principal to do his best.
Ogonin wasn't so devoid of pride that he would casually hand over his secret magic just to repay a debt.
He already knew Lee Han was a rare, courteous boy who considered others—evident from what had happened at the Magic School during the festival and today's duel.
And if he had enough magical talent to receive direct instruction from the Skeleton Principal...
Such a boy was worth teaching.
"What kind of magic is it?"
"Hmm. I never gave it a specific name... but since other mages call it Ogonin's Secret Illusion Magic, you may as well call it that too."
'I've never heard of it.'
Lee Han was inwardly puzzled.
Of course, the Empire's magical systems were vast, and it was only natural that there were unique magics he had never encountered.
But truthfully, a magic he had heard of inspired more confidence than one he hadn't—no matter how impressive it might be.
"...Is this really okay?"
'Hah. I'm being too negative.'
Lee Han calmly reflected.
After all, Ogonin didn't seem like a completely incompetent mage when he thought about it.
He was running this tower, receiving respect from other mages, had written various books...
...Sure, he'd shown some embarrassing moments in front of Lee Han, but it's natural for people's skills to rust after retiring from active duty.
Though his abilities had declined since retiring, it was clear he'd been a great mage in his prime.
Unaware of Lee Han's inner thoughts, Ogonin—who had never retired—continued speaking.
"Pahait excelled not only in illusion magic but also in fire element applications, developing several spells that combined both fields. As I mentioned earlier, these spells have clear advantages."
Imperial magic, like other disciplines, had progressed over time.
It was only natural that later generations of mages would study and refine the magic of their predecessors.
This progression primarily focused on convenience and efficiency.
If a spell required 100 units of effort to learn, they'd refine it to need only 10.
If a spell required 100 units of mana to cast, they'd modify it to require just 10.
When such refined spells emerged, they would replace the older inefficient ones and create new trends.
The illusion magic of Pahait that Lee Han had learned belonged to this category.
Being fire-element based, it was both easy to learn and apply, but...
"But where there are strengths, there are also weaknesses. Pahait's illusion magic isn't suitable for truly mastering illusion magic itself. All elemental-based illusion spells share this drawback in that regard."
Using fire, frost, or earth to create illusions might lower the learning curve, but it took practitioners further from the essence of true illusion magic.
Ogonin believed that to properly learn illusion magic, one had to take the difficult path from the beginning, no matter how challenging.
Lee Han, who had been diligently taking notes, asked:
"Then what method should be used to summon illusions?"
"With pure mana alone. It's hard to imagine and difficult to control, but it's the most direct path."
As he spoke, Ogonin gestured to a chair beside him. So naturally that it was almost imperceptible, a second Ogonin was now sitting there.
"Try touching it."
Lee Han reached out to the second Ogonin.
Surprisingly, the illusion didn't distort or disappear. It held firm with a solid sense of mass.
This was completely different from Pahait's illusions.
"It's an illusion that materializes the concept of 'myself.'"
"That's incredible."
Lee Han's admiration was genuine.
Even after retirement, his skills hadn't faded at all.
"You'll be able to learn it soon enough."
Ogonin said with a pleased expression, as if looking at a future archmage.
"But... what Circle is this spell?"
"...5th Circle..."
"......"
Under Lee Han's dumbfounded gaze, Ogonin belatedly realized his mistake.
Having spent so much time with the tower's mages, he'd forgotten the boy before him was just a freshman.
"Not that you need to learn this right now. Consider this something to master someday."
"Ah. Right. Of course."
Ogonin quickly backtracked. But Lee Han's gaze had turned slightly frosty.
"The spells I teach aren't all about creating difficult avatars. There are relatively easier ones too."
"I see. Wait—then why didn't you teach those first—"
Ogonin pretended not to hear Lee Han's question and changed the subject.
Creating an illusory avatar with its own physical substance was truly advanced magic, and illusion magic had far simpler spells to offer.
1st Circle Magic: <Ogonin's Emotion Perception>.
It was a spell that was practically essential for any illusionist—reading the emotions emitted by surrounding living beings.
The type of illusion magic used would vary depending on the target's emotions.
2nd-Circle spells: Ogonin's Rising Anxiety, Ogonin's Incoming Fear, Ogonin's Crushing Despair.
These were mental interference-type illusion spells that directly influenced the target's emotions.
To master higher-tier mental interference spells later on, one had to first grasp the fundamentals through these spells.
3rd-Circle spell: Ogonin's Thin Mist.
A spell that spread an illusory fog around the caster, disrupting the focus of external enemies and making it difficult for them to aim properly.
If successfully cast, it could protect allies within a fairly wide range from ranged attacks.
'...Something feels off.'
As Lee Han listened to the explanations one by one and practiced, he couldn't shake a strange sense of discomfort.
The spells were just...
Too difficult.
Even within the same circle, the difficulty of spells could vary drastically, but every single one Ogonin was teaching him now was overwhelmingly challenging—enough to make Lee Han feel something was amiss.
"Hmm. Still a bit tough, is it?"
Ogonin seemed to have picked up on Lee Han's thoughts and cautiously asked.
"Yes. Perhaps it's because I'm lacking, but none of them feel easy."
"It's not because you're lacking. These spells are inherently difficult."
"No, it must be my own shortcomings."
"No, really, they are difficult spells."
Seeing that Lee Han seemed to misunderstand, Ogonin kindly explained.
Just as he had earlier pointed out the flaws in Pahait's illusion magic, Ogonin did not favor mixing other elements into illusion magic.
He rejected all compromise or modification—only pure illusion magic!
The difficulty would naturally skyrocket, but in the long run, he believed that was the shortest path.
Naturally, Ogonin's arcane spells were all uncompromising, single-minded illusion magic with no concessions or modifications.
Even a spell like Ogonin's Emotion Perception—had it been another illusionist's creation—would have utilized factors like the target's pupils, muscle movements, or body temperature changes.
But Ogonin's Emotion Perception relied on just one thing:
Obsessively judging solely the target's soul.
No wonder it was difficult.
"......"
After hearing the explanation, Lee Han wore a somewhat awkward expression.
As expected of a retired mage who had been out of practice for a while—his teachings were a bit...
Did you learn well?
"I feel like I've barely dipped my toes in, given how difficult the teachings are."
Understandable. Ogonin is a purist, after all. But even in the Empire, there aren't many mages who adhere to pure classical illusion magic like Ogonin. Learning it well will be useful in many ways.
"I'll do my best."
Though he answered like that, Lee Han doubted whether he would delve deeply into the spells he had learned today.
He already had so many spells to master—did he really need to add such grueling ones to the list?
Still, you're lucky.
"?"
Ogonin clearly took a liking to you. He even offered to set aside time every week to teach you. Come visit him every weekend. I'll arrange the connection.
"......"
Lee Han's expression stiffened.
Even if learning magic on weekends is bothersome, endure it. This is genuinely a great opportunity—I'm not being unreasonable.
"I didn't say anything."
You were cursing with your eyes just now.
As Lee Han was about to board the carriage, illusionists came rushing out from the tower.
At the sight of them coming to bid farewell, the Skeleton Principal grimaced in disgust.
The display of camaraderie made him nauseous.
"Today's duel will be unforgettable. I shall pray for your great success."
"May your name one day resound in the dueling circles. Ah, by the way—what is your family and full name?"
"Lee Han of the Wardanaz family."
"Ah. Lee Han of the Wardanaz family. As expected of such an outstanding knight, your lineage must also be... Hm?"
The illusionists froze.
Huh?
Meanwhile, the Skeleton Principal shut the carriage door.
"W-Wait a moment, Your Excellency!"
Don't be a nuisance—scram. Before I whip you.
"You just said the Wardanaz family... Agh! To wield a whip over something like this!"
An Archmage does not lie. Get lost!