Episode 80
Episode 80
Fortunately, Professor Millay didn't expel Lee Han.
Whoosh!
Two thick books appeared in midair. They were so thick they could probably be used as blunt weapons.
The neatly bound covers read, Theoretical Foundations and Case Studies of Summoning Magic.
"Both of you, sit down."
Professor Millay was the kind of person whose stern gaze could make anyone tense, even without brandishing a sword or swinging a staff.
Even Gainando sat down with a slightly intimidated expression.
"Professor, where are the other students?"
"They received their instruction, took their assignments, and left."
"Assignments... you say?"
Gainando lifted his head.
In their current situation, additional assignments were an enormous burden. Gainando attempted a timid act of rebellion.
"Professor, Black Magic doesn't have assignm—"
Professor Millay stared directly at Gainando. Under that gaze, Gainando was instantly subdued.
'I hope his stare doesn't have a petrification effect or something.'
Given how many strange professors there were, it was hard not to be suspicious.
"Both of you, open your books."
The two obediently opened their books. The densely packed text made Gainando sway slightly, as if he were about to faint.
"Read, take notes, and then solve the problems."
Lee Han glanced at the book.
<Chapter 1. On Inanimate Object Summoning>
—Inanimate object summoning, the most fundamental and essential aspect of summoning magic, is something every summoner must learn, even those only interested in other branches of summoning. The great summoner Boltzmann designed educational and efficient magic circles for future generations, and memorizing these circles became the foundation of summoning magic. So, young summoner, be grateful and strive. Memorizing Boltzmann's basic magic circles and understanding their principles will guarantee remarkable achievements in summoning magic...
(Magic Circle 1)
(Magic Circle 2)
(Magic Circle 3)
(Magic Circle 4)
...
...
—Young summoner, now that you've learned something interesting, it's time to put that knowledge to fun use. Answer the following riddle:
Novice summoner John Doe was traveling through the cold northern regions when an accident separated him from his party, leaving him alone. To make matters worse, someone stole the bag containing his thick winter clothes, and the harsh winds tore apart the clothes he was wearing. Which summoning magic circle can John Doe use as quickly as possible to avoid freezing to death?
'Forget the magic circle—shouldn't we find the thief first?'
Aside from the absurd and forced nature of the problem, the textbook itself was excellent.
Having seen his fair share of complex and difficult academic books, Lee Han could tell just how well-made this one was.
Not all textbooks were this considerate.
Some books were thoughtfully designed with the reader's level in mind, while others seemed to say, I'm not here to teach you—I just want to make you waste your time pointlessly.
And most academic books tended to be the latter.
...Come to think of it, most professors here leaned toward the latter as well...
But the book Professor Millay had given them was outstanding.
By reading it slowly and carefully, one could easily memorize and understand the basic magic circle structures commonly used in summoning magic.
This alone made Lee Han think highly of Professor Millay.
'He's actually a good person.'
Out of countless magic books, he had chosen the one most suitable for teaching students.
It was the mindset of a true educator, incomparable to the other professors.
'Thank you, Professor.'
Professor Millay was slightly taken aback by Lee Han's moved expression.
'??'
There were two reasons Professor Millay hadn't taught summoning magic from the start.
First, summoning magic was prone to accidents without ample knowledge and preparation. Even simple inanimate object summoning could easily injure the caster.
Second, it was because she wanted to prevent students from acting rashly.
If she taught summoning magic right away to freshmen already brimming with pride and self-esteem, their hot-bloodedness and arrogance could lead to accidents.
So she made them study.
Until their bodies twisted and contorted from the difficulty and tedium.
That was Professor Milley's philosophy.
If a student couldn't endure it and gave up on summoning magic, that was actually for the best. Such students were better off not learning it at all.
'But...?'
Professor Milley was surprised to see Lee Han copying books and solving problems without a single complaint.
Given that he had shown the most outstanding talent among the students, she had expected him to be the most arrogant.
Other students would yawn, fidget, glance outside, and eventually try to sneak away when they thought no one was looking...
But astonishingly, Lee Han didn't move an inch. He sat as still as a statue, the only sound the scratching of his quill.
"Lee Han."
"What?"
"I need to go to the bathroom."
"Trying to run away?"
"Wh—what?? What? No! I mean—no!"
Gainando vehemently denied it. Lee Han, who had asked without much thought, was now convinced.
'This bastard was planning to escape.'
At first, Lee Han had wondered if Gainando was switching from black magic to summoning magic.
But now, it seemed he didn't need to worry about that.
"I miss Professor Mortum..."
Gainando, who had returned from the bathroom, was muttering like a madman.
'Still, if I study this hard, she'll teach me something, right?'
Gainando's expectations were mercilessly crushed.
Professor Milley made them study until the very end.
Lee Han nodded with a satisfied expression.
'Classes like this are necessary too.'
After attending so many turbulent lectures, this high-quality theoretical study felt refreshingly sweet.
Gainando stood up and whispered.
"Hey. Do you actually understand this stuff??"
"It's pretty substantial, isn't it? Kind of fun, too."
"...?????!!"
Gainando stared at him with even greater shock than when Lee Han had subdued Raphael.
This guy's actually insane!
"That's all for today. Read and study this much by next week."
Professor Milley put away the book and handed them a thick stack of papers. Gainando accepted it with a polite expression.
'He won't come.'
'He won't come.'
Lee Han and Professor Milley simultaneously predicted Gainando's future.
It was obvious—he probably wouldn't show up next week!
"See you next week."
Lee Han bowed politely.
It was true that he needed to stay on good terms with professors in general, but he had to be especially friendly with the decent ones.
After all, they might help him when he inevitably got dragged to the Punishment Room later.
"I apologize for misjudging you, Lee Han."
"Huh?"
"Then, I'll see you next week."
Professor Milley smiled faintly.
But to Lee Han, who had no idea what she meant, the words left room for endless speculation.
'What??'
As the door to the Spirit Offering Hall closed, Lee Han was bewildered.
What had she misjudged about him??
'Did she talk to Professor Mortum about my future? She didn't say I should focus only on black magic, right? Or worse—did she talk to the Skeleton Principal...?'
In the end, Lee Han agonized over it until he fell asleep that night.
While the students grew increasingly haggard, the Skeleton Principal's eyes seemed to grow brighter with each passing day.
Entering the <Basic Magic Character Education> classroom, the Skeleton Principal greeted them cheerfully.
"Has everyone been having a happy week?"
"......"
"......"
If this had been the first week, a few students might have answered out of courtesy. But now, all four tower students remained silent.
Unfazed, the Skeleton Principal rattled his bones. Immediately, the students' necks were forced to nod up and down.
Except for Lee Han.
"......"
Lee Han hastily looked around and then nodded his head. The Skeleton Principal stared at him with an expression that seemed to say, 'Are you serious?'
'He's actually copying them now...'
Looking at that boy from the Wardanaz family, one couldn't help but picture a lion wearing a sheep's disguise, desperately trying to blend in with the flock.
If he had truly withstood the Skeleton Principal's mana pressure alone, he should have stood tall and proud with his chest puffed out—what kind of pathetic display was this?
Well then. The time has come once again for your character education, my dear fledgling mages. I trust you all remember the assignment I gave you last week?
The students nodded their heads.
As if anyone could forget.
—"Students from each tower, bring me the flag hanging in the freshman lounge of the tower I designate by next class! The one with the emblem on it!"
The Skeleton Principal's assignment.
It was a task that required them to retrieve a flag from another tower.
No matter how generously one interpreted it, the assignment had nothing to do with character education—but the Skeleton Principal remained utterly shameless.
Now then, shall we start with the Black Turtle Tower? Did you manage to get the Phoenix Tower's flag?
"Yes. We—"
The Black Turtle Tower students cautiously began pulling out the flag they had brought.
It was the flag they had exchanged with the Phoenix Tower students.
Ah, so you brought it. Good job.
"......"
"......"
The Skeleton Principal made no effort to hide his disinterest.
Since he already knew they had exchanged flags, he couldn't care less.
I assume the Phoenix Tower handled their part just as well?
"Yes."
Good. Now then...
With the glee of someone who had finally been served a long-awaited meal, the Skeleton Principal floated over to the White Tiger Tower students.
My honorable students from knightly families! You must have, of course, brought the Blue Dragon Tower's flag, right?? Hmm??
"......"
"......"
The faces of the White Tiger Tower students burned with humiliation and shame.
Even Lee Han, who usually couldn't care less about what others thought, found the current situation slightly uncomfortable.
'My back is tingling like crazy.'
The White Tiger Tower students were glaring at Lee Han with eyes full of resentment.
Why aren't you taking it out?! Huh?! Why?! Don't tell me you failed to bring it?!
'Give it a rest already...'
Lee Han silently prayed for the Skeleton Principal to stop his nonsense. Of course, the Skeleton Principal did not stop.
Having thoroughly enjoyed himself, the Skeleton Principal finally changed the subject.
As I said last time, this class isn't about making you fight each other. The purpose of this class is to get to know one another, become friends, and foster harmony.
Not a single student believed him.
It saddens me that you seem to have misunderstood my intentions. In that spirit, I'll make the next assignment a little easier to understand.
Lee Han grew uneasy.
What more does he even want us to do?
If you head straight west from the main building, you'll find a lake. Some of you may have seen it before.
"......"
"...That was a lake?"
Students who had gone for walks nearby stammered in disbelief.
Because...
"I thought it was the sea."
"Why would there be a sea inside the school?!"
"W-well, given that this is this school, I thought maybe there was a sea."
...It was a disgustingly massive lake.
Just as there were mountain ranges so deep and rugged their ends were impossible to discern, this magic school also had its own lake.
On that lake, there is an island. I've hidden an Outing Pass there.
"!"
"!!!"
The students' eyes flashed like starving beasts.
Work together to bring it to me.
"Understood!"
It was the most enthusiastic response they had given so far.
Oh, one more thing. Phoenix Tower students, you'd do well to team up with the Black Turtle Tower students. Blue Dragon Tower students, same goes for you and the White Tiger Tower. You're free to ignore my advice like last time, but...
The Skeleton Principal grinned.
But I guarantee you'll never pass if you do.
The Blue Dragon Tower students and the White Tiger Tower students exchanged glances and scowled.
They were all thinking the same thing.
'Work with these bastards? Yeah, right.'