Chapter 195: The Grand Festival — Interlude (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 195: The Grand Festival — Interlude (2)
Stomach acid burned my throat as I retched, pouring the vomit into a bag I’d prepared in advance.
My body shivered, a crushing fatigue swept over me, and my head throbbed with a dull ache. This was the definition of overexertion.
“I’m actually going to die at this rate.”
I tied off the bag and gulped down some water.
One more time.
Ignoring the visceral revulsion screaming through my nerves, I threw myself back into training 7-star elemental magic.
Lately, I had become public enemy number one among the male students.
It was all because of what White and Dorothy had said during the contest. The old rumor that “Isaac is a playboy” had been dragged back into the spotlight.
Since it was a dishonorable rumor for Princess White, people seemed to be holding back on the gossip involving her. However, the rumors about Dorothy and me were spreading like wildfire.
The members of Dorothy’s fan club glared at me with murderous intent. I challenged them to a duel if they had such a problem with me, but not a single one of those cowards actually stepped up.
Instead, my challenges were accepted by people like Tristan Humphrey—who couldn't care less about my love life—or those who just wanted an excuse to fight for the hell of it.
It looked like I’d have to endure the uncomfortable stares for a while. My plan was to keep my head down until the rumors died out.
Suddenly, a high-pitched ringing echoed in my head, and a strange, sickening sensation surged through my body.
The moment I sensed trouble, a sharp pain struck me, sending me writhing on the ground in agony.
“Ugh…! Aaagh…!”
It was a symptom of mana rebound, brought on by the reckless overuse of my reserves.
The pain flared across my entire body, feeling as if my very flesh was being shredded from the bone. I slammed my fist against my chest several times, trying to shock my system back into order. Eventually, the sensation began to fade.
I caught my breath, lying sprawled on the cold floor.
I really felt like I was on the verge of death.
*
“Is my approach wrong? It doesn’t feel quite right…”
“…”
Lately, 7-star magic had become the sole focus of my daily routine.
In the library, I occupied half of a massive table, surrounded by a fortress of research books. Behind me, Luce stood on her tiptoes, resting her chin comfortably on my shoulder.
At first, her presence was a distraction, but since she started helping me with magic circle construction and formula modification, I found myself relying on her.
If someone asked why she was sticking to me like glue, I honestly wouldn't have an answer. She just started appearing beside me at some point. It felt like her ability to erase her presence was getting more refined by the day.
Since it wasn't exam season and the aftermath of the Grand Festival was still lingering, the library was emptier than usual. Occupying half a table wasn't exactly a nuisance, but my conscience still drove me to the most isolated corner I could find.
“That’s Senior Isaac.”
“Can he even read like that?”
“Looks like he’s just showing off.”
Occasionally, students would whisper as they passed, eyeing the mountain of books on my table.
Thirteen books in total. Elemental Studies, Intermediate Elemental Specifics, Advanced Theory, and several higher-level texts.
I had them all open, speed-reading through the necessary sections to assist in formula composition. Without a perfectly constructed formula, the magic simply wouldn't manifest.
That was my life now.
First, I had to familiarize my senses. To handle 7-star magic, I needed to practice harmonizing the sensations of multiple spells simultaneously. It was the essential groundwork. It felt like my brain and mana circuits were going to explode, but I repeated the grueling process countless times on the training grounds every day.
Second was the construction of the formulas themselves. From 7-star magic onwards, the specific condition of my mana circuits had to be factored into the equations. That was difficult enough, but the process of devising and mastering the foundational formulas was a nightmare.
I spent hours drawing magic circles and calculating complex formulas on stacks of parchment. Given the sheer volume of references I needed, it wasn't a task I could do while sitting comfortably.
Since the library only allowed three books to be checked out at a time, I had to do my work here. I wanted to master 7-star magic as quickly as possible.
It was all for the sake of defeating the Evil God and surviving.
I couldn't afford to care about what a few students thought of me.
“Is it hard?”
“It’s going to take a while to figure this out on my own. Mastering it is a whole different story.”
It was one of those moments where the guidance of a mentor became crucial—like someone trying to pass a professional certification by only watching online lectures.
There were many reasons talented individuals attended academies: the stimulation of competition, networking, or the prestige of a diploma.
But among those reasons was the pure pursuit of learning the most efficient methods of mana usage and spellcasting. That was exactly why I was so focused on my classes.
I had gained a lot by learning the operational methods for each element, acquiring crucial magical knowledge. Self-teaching often led to bad habits that could waste a person's potential.
However, this was where the academy’s drawback became apparent. Students of a certain level received the same standardized education. This was the primary reason for the divide between those who favored private tutoring and those who supported the academy. The only real solution seemed to be seeking out private lessons during the breaks.
Even the elite Class A currently followed a curriculum specialized in 5 and 6-star magic.
My current situation was like a high schooler who did well on a basic social studies test suddenly deciding to sit for the bar exam. No, it was even more absurd than that.
But if I could just grasp the core direction of the operation…
With my maxed-out [Magic Training Efficiency] and [Learning Efficiency], I was confident I could handle the rest on my own.
Luce lifted her chin from my shoulder, looked at my parchment, and let out a soft sigh.
“If only I had the ice element, I could be more helpful. I’m sorry I’m not much use here.”
“You’ve been a huge help. Sorry to ask, but stay by my side a little longer. I’ll repay you for this later.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
Luce smiled gently, then fell into deep thought.
After a moment, she spoke up.
“Isaac.”
“Hmm?”
“I just had a good idea.”
*
Crash!
“Ugh?!”
Luce barged into the professor’s office in Orphin Hall, dragging me along behind her.
As the door flew open, we were met by what looked like a zombie. No, it wasn't a zombie—it was Marco, the graduate student.
I was shocked by his haggard appearance, but he seemed just as startled, nearly flipping over in his chair.
Luce ignored the fallen Marco, maintaining her usual poker face as she uttered just two words.
“Professor. Location.”
“Wha—?”
“The location.”
“T-the inner office…”
Overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the second-year top student, Marco pointed toward the back of the room with a face full of terror.
Luce, still gripping my wrist, marched toward the inner office.
She didn't even bother knocking. Disregarding all etiquette, she swung the door open.
Professor Fernando Frost, a handsome man with silver hair, was busy reviewing documents at his desk. He looked up as we entered.
“Luce Eltania? And… Isaac, I see.”
Without so much as a greeting, Luce dragged me right up to his desk. She looked Professor Fernando in the eye and got straight to the point.
“I need a teacher.”
She was still lacking in manners, but this was significant progress for her.
This was the same Luce who used to avoid even the slightest conversation unless it was strictly official. For her to act like this was a massive leap forward.
The method was a bit radical, but it was a bittersweet development nonetheless.
“So, Luce Eltania, you’re telling me you barged into my office without permission because you wanted to see me, your teacher?”
“Just a moment.”
I had to step in. Manners still mattered, and this was a bit too brash. It was time for me to smooth things over.
The plan Luce had suggested would be incredibly beneficial if it worked out. Now that we were here, I couldn't let her take the fall for the rudeness.
I stepped in front of Luce, pushed up my glasses, and offered a friendly smile.
“Professor, it’s been a while since I became a second-year. Have you been well?”
“Unfortunately, it’s too late for formalities. State your business.”
Professor Fernando remained calm, but through [Psychological Insight], I could tell he was genuinely annoyed.
I needed to be direct.
“I would like to meet Aria Lilias, the Tower Master of the Hegel Magic Tower.”
Aria Lilias.
She was Professor Fernando Frost’s mentor, a person who was normally impossible to reach. However, she always made time for the professor.
I knew this from my knowledge of ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, and Luce had mentioned she’d found out by chance during her internship at the magic tower.
Professor Fernando frowned.
“Why?”
“Because, to my knowledge, she is the most proficient magic theorist on this island, and she specializes in the ice element.”
To be precise, she specialized in both ice and water.
“Who told you that?”
When I subtly gestured toward Luce, who had apprenticed at Hegel’s Tower, Professor Fernando quickly put the pieces together.
“I want to master 7-star magic. I’m having trouble finding the right direction and was hoping for your assistance. Could you possibly help me, just this once, as a favor to your former Class D student?”
“…”
Most students graduate from Märchen Academy having mastered up to 5-star magic.
While they are taught 6-star theory, very few actually master it before graduation. 7-star magic was something only the elite third-year seniors in Class A barely managed to grasp in theory.
In the real world, those proficient in handling and teaching 7-star magic were in such high demand that they wouldn't settle for being mere academy professors.
However, Aria Lilias was a different story.
Her mana mastery was unparalleled. Moreover, it was rare to find a Tower Master who couldn't handle 7-star magic or higher, even in a smaller-scale tower like Hegel’s.
“Last year, you were a struggling student in Class D, and now you want to learn 7-star magic—something even elite wizards might only master after thirty years of study? Have you lost your mind?”
Professor Fernando let out a dry chuckle of disbelief and leaned back in his chair.
He was well aware that I was considered a genius now—someone whose talent had blossomed late due to circumstances. Because of that, no one at the academy, including him, doubted my potential anymore.
“Privately providing unequal educational opportunities is something I, as a professor, could be censured for. Were you aware of that when you came seeking my help?”
“Isn’t it the duty of a professor to extend educational opportunities to students who wish to pursue deeper knowledge?”
It wasn't like I was asking to become a graduate student.
“I apologize for barging in and being so blunt. But I truly do need your help, Professor Fernando.”
I bowed deeply. Luce looked taken aback for a second, but after I nudged her, she followed suit and bowed her head as well.
Though Professor Fernando might seem indifferent, he was actually quite generous and took pride in seeing his students grow. There was a real chance he would help.
Professor Fernando let out a long sigh.
“That comment wasn't meant to spark a debate about my professional responsibilities.”
He tapped his pen against the desk.
“Why go to such lengths? You’ve already achieved so much in such a short time. With your growth rate, you’ll master 7-star magic much faster than most. Wouldn't it be better to hone your skills to the 6-star level according to the curriculum first?”
His point was valid.
For example, knowing how to use [Frost Explosion] didn't mean I had mastered every nuance of it. 5-star spells had countless applications and forms. Mastering everything from 1-star to 6-star was the mark of a truly great wizard.
The problem was the enemy I had to defeat. I had to face the Evil God. Within the three years—actually, less than three years—of my time at the academy, I had to reach a much higher realm.
“Well, my reasons are…”
I straightened up and met Professor Fernando’s gaze.
“…I aspire to reach an even higher realm, Professor.”
There was no better excuse than the simple desire for self-improvement.
After a long moment of eye contact, Professor Fernando blinked slowly and turned his gaze back to his documents.
“In that case—”
Bang!
[It’s not a bad idea.]
Suddenly, a small magic tool—a messenger—flew out from under the wardrobe.
Given its ornate decorations, it clearly belonged to someone of high status.
When Aria Lilias’s voice rang out, Professor Fernando was the one most shocked. His poker face shattered as his eyes widened.
“Teacher?”
[Student, bring these children to me in one week.]
“More importantly, why did your messenger pop out from under there? This is basically stalking…”
[There is no need to ask such useless questions.]
I remembered from the lore of ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ that Aria Lilias deeply cherished all the students she had ever taught.
But this… as Professor Fernando said, it was basically stalking. She had been eavesdropping on his office this whole time.
[Student, your name?]
The messenger tool hovered right in front of my face.
“I am Isaac.”
[If you wish to become my student, passing a test is mandatory. Everything else comes after. In one week, I will test whether you have the capability to be my disciple. Be prepared. You as well.]
The messenger glanced at Luce before speaking.
Wait, why her too?
With a click, the transmission ended, and the messenger tool scurried back under the wardrobe.
Professor Fernando stood up abruptly and conjured an ice rod using [Ice Generation]. He reached under the wardrobe, hooked the messenger, and marched toward the window.
The messenger activated one last time, a voice flowing out.
[Ungrateful brat! Do you dare cast me aside so disrespectfully? Cease this instant and reconsider…!]
Whoosh.
Thud.
Professor Fernando hurled the messenger out the window and slammed the frame shut.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he returned to his seat.
“…Is she always like that?”
“Haa. It’s nothing new.”
Professor Fernando’s weary sigh filled the room.