Chapter 31
Chapter 31
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: An Academic Exchange
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A few days later.
The delegation from the Schwerin Magic Tower arrived at Union Academy.
As Schwerin was effectively ruled by its Magic Tower, Union treated the tower's envoys as state guests.
Loan stood alongside Headmaster Gregor, Magic Dean Arthur, and Academic Affairs Head Daphne, watching the mages from Schwerin ascend the stairs, escorted by Union members.
The ten mages were clad in robes with a subtle violet hue.
Peculiarly, they all had their mouths covered by the pleated muffler sections of their robes.
"Welcome."
Arthur, who had been waiting for the right moment, stepped forward to greet them.
A man from the Schwerin side also stepped forward, revealing his face.
"Dean Arthur. It's been a long time."
"Bert, is that you? Haha, you must be tired from your long journey."
Seemingly old acquaintances, the two greeted each other warmly, clasping each other's arms.
Loan observed the others who had lowered their mufflers.
*None of them are my age.*
He had wondered, but most were middle-aged, with three young men who looked to be in their mid-to-late twenties among them.
The dazzling halos of mana around each of them suggested they possessed considerable magical power.
Arthur asked.
"Are those the young men?"
He was asking if they were the ones participating in the exchange.
Bert replied.
"These three junior scholars were so eager to receive your teachings, Dean, that it was difficult to dissuade them."
The event was meant to be an occasion for exploring truth together by exchanging understanding and perspectives.
Although they had been notified in advance that only Loan would be participating, Schwerin's intentions were quite clear in bringing forth three young men.
They wanted to give the impression that even if they lagged behind Union in military might, Schwerin's mages were still formidable.
It was a show of strength in its own way, but Arthur was completely at ease.
In fact, this was even better.
"What could I possibly have to offer them, ho ho."
Arthur let out a hearty laugh, glanced briefly at Loan, and continued.
"Though we call it an exchange, Union Academy's resources are meager. I apologize that we have only one student who can meet your level."
"Not at all. If he was taught by you, Dean Arthur, he must be a match for a hundred men. Our expectations are high."
All eyes turned to Loan at once.
Some were genuinely impressed by Loan's appearance, while others felt a sense of self-reproach, wondering if they had really come all this way for an exchange with such a young boy.
Loan remained unfazed, offering a bright smile. At that, some of them averted their gaze for no reason.
"Well, then. Why don't you all rest from your journey for now, and we'll see you at the venue this afternoon."
"Of course. Yes, yes."
The mages from Schwerin cast sidelong glances at Loan as they reluctantly departed.
A few hours later, the auditorium of Union Academy was abuzz with noise.
In honor of the special event being held there, all afternoon classes had been made optional, and students were permitted to spectate.
Students from all years—those with even a slight interest in magic, those interested in Loan, or those simply interested in skipping class—had flocked to the auditorium.
In contrast, the stage where the main event would take place was quite simple.
Two large blackboards stood side by side, with desks and chairs placed in front of them, and that was all.
The only difference was that the Union Academy side had seating for one person, while the Schwerin side had three.
"Is Loan going up against three people by himself?"
"How... What if he gets hurt?"
Girls holding signs with phrases like 'Milky-White Loan,' 'Charming Eyes Loan,' and 'Loan! We're Cheering for You!' voiced their concerns.
There were many pure fans of Loan like this, watching without knowing the nature of the event.
Lucas, who had been watching the stage with his arms crossed, turned to the girls with a bored expression.
"Juniors. This isn't a duel where someone gets hurt. It's more like a magical debate, where smart people use words and writing."
At that, a girl with her hair in pigtails pouted and said.
"Lucas. A war of words is still a war. If Loan hears harsh words and his feelings get hurt, that's getting hurt too."
"You know me?"
"You're always sticking by Loan's side, how could we not know you?"
"Uh..."
Lucas awkwardly scratched the back of his head and said.
"Well, anyway. Whether it's magic or a war of words, you can assume no one can beat Loan, so stop worrying."
"Who doesn't know that?"
Even though he tried to speak gently, the girls seemed to be ignoring him.
Embarrassed, Lucas raised his hand to his head again, but Sophie, sitting next to him, poked him in the side.
"It's not like you to get involved..."
Just as Sophie was looking at Lucas with disdain.
"Alright, we will now begin the magical academic exchange. We ask everyone in the hall to please settle down."
Following the announcement from Academic Affairs Head Daphne, who was serving as the moderator, the worried murmurs gradually subsided.
"This event was arranged to reflect upon the current state of magical studies pursued and taught by Schwerin and Union Academy, and to deeply investigate its logic and principles. While interpretations, understanding, and related views on formulas and magic circles may be freely exchanged, we ask that you please refrain from the actual implementation of magic as much as possible to adhere to the original purpose of this academic exchange. Now then..."
Just as sighs of boredom were about to follow the difficult words, the four participants appeared from both sides of the stage.
At the same time.
The cheers were directed entirely at Loan. It was an ovation that clearly showed his standing within Union Academy.
In the front row, dignitaries like Headmaster Gregor and Bureau Director Lazarus turned around in surprise.
They felt a renewed sense of pride that Loan, whom they cherished, was so highly regarded.
"Before we begin the formal debate, I will explain the procedure."
As Loan and the three mages from Schwerin took their seats, Daphne explained the format.
"...The three mages from Schwerin and Union Academy's representative, student Loan, will now take turns presenting a topic, writing the corresponding magical formula, and engaging in a question-and-answer session. The first debaters are Uli Marco of Schwerin and our school's representative, Loan."
When Loan looked toward the Schwerin side, a man with sharp eyes gave him a slight nod.
"Loan will present the first topic."
All eyes gathered on Loan once more.
Loan said calmly.
"I am Loan, a third-year at Union Academy. The first topic I will present is Telekinesis."
Immediately, the young men from Schwerin on the stage and the Schwerin dignitaries in the audience stared at each other with blank faces.
The first turn was significant. It was common practice to seize the momentum by boldly showcasing the achievements of one's institution.
But to choose Telekinesis, a 1st-Class magic that barely had a formula to speak of...
The people from Schwerin whispered lowly to their delegation leader, Bert.
"This... The rumors must have been exaggerated, don't you think?"
"I'm so dumbfounded I'm speechless. To think we came all this way to see something of this level."
On the other hand, there was no particular stir from the Union Academy side.
In fact, not only the teachers but also the students looked quite serious.
The debater, Uli, who had been momentarily flustered, looked at Daphne and raised his hand slightly.
"Telekinesis...? I'm sorry, but that doesn't seem appropriate for the dignity of this academic conference. I must ask if student Loan is trying to mock us."
Instead of answering, Daphne looked at Loan.
Loan said.
"I would never mock you, senior. I simply wanted to discuss the profound intricacies hidden within Telekinesis, a spell many mages neglect as basic magic."
"Intricacies in Telekinesis? I'm not even curious. Even if there are, it's still just Telekinesis. Isn't this a waste of time?"
The debate seemed to be starting in earnest, albeit unintentionally.
Loan tilted his head and asked back.
"Isn't it only natural to devote time and effort to exploring the principles and truths of the world?"
"My point is, what part of Telekinesis is there for us to explore? I'm questioning the topic itself."
"Hmm. I don't quite understand what you mean, senior, but if you truly feel that way... excuse me, but may I ask what topic you had in mind for your turn?"
"Well. I didn't have anything specific in mind, but given the level of today's debate, I suppose Fireball would be appropriate."
"So Fireball is acceptable to you?"
"Of course, for someone of your age, Loan, even that won't be easy. Still, since today is about discussing formulas, not implementation, perhaps you could try wringing out some of your wisdom."
It was easy to see he was hiding his true intentions.
He had heard the rumor that Loan had implemented Fireball with a unique formula and intended to verify it.
Loan smiled brightly and said.
"I see. In that case, why don't we just cover both Telekinesis and Fireball from the start?"
"Cover the topics together?"
"Yes. I think it would be meaningful to discuss a combination of the two spells' formulas. As you said, senior, it would also save time."
"No, what I mean is, what on earth do you mean by 'combination'..."
Literally, Telekinesis was Telekinesis, and Fireball was Fireball. They were two separate spells.
From Uli's perspective, Loan's words were incomprehensible.
Loan said.
"It's just a hypothesis on my part as well. In short, there must be various propositions that can be created by combining these two topics. Why don't we try converting those propositions into formulas and discuss them?"
Then, with a bright smile, as if delighted to be starting a very fun game, he looked at the blackboard.
Immediately, a piece of chalk floated into the air and began to glide across the blackboard.
The same word escaped from the Schwerin side simultaneously.
"Chantless?"
Even for a 1st-Class spell, chantless casting was a different story entirely.
The Schwerin dignitaries had no choice but to fall silent and focus their attention on the blackboard.
Daphne spoke as if commentating.
"It seems Loan is using Telekinesis to write the formula. We did ask participants to refrain from implementing magic, but that was a minimum safety measure to prevent harm to others. Since the first topic is Telekinesis, this should be fine."
*Scritch— Scritch—*
As Loan wrote out the formula, Uli, who had been staring at him blankly, quickly muttered a few words himself.
It was the incantation for Telekinesis.
On the right blackboard, a piece of chalk also floated up and began to write out a formula.
Before long, both sides had finished writing their formulas, and a commotion arose once more.
On Uli's blackboard, the formulas for Telekinesis and Fireball were written separately in tiny letters.
It was only natural. The schools of magic were different, and their properties were different.
There was no need to waste any thought on some nonsense about a 'combination' spouted by a mere child.
In contrast.
On Loan's blackboard, a single, dense formula was written. In terms of length, it was shorter than the two formulas combined.
"What is that?"
"I have no idea..."
The Schwerin dignitaries couldn't comprehend the formula Loan had written at all.
It was difficult to even tell what he had written, but if that was indeed a combination of the two spells, created on the spot, it would be astounding.
Of course, that was impossible.
"Now, both sides will explain their respective formulas, followed by a Q&A. Shall we start with the Schwerin side?"
Uli sighed and said.
"As you can see, these are the formulas for Telekinesis and Fireball. They are standard spells, firmly established since the era of the Archmages, with no room for further disassembly or combination."
He narrowed his eyes and looked at Loan.
He had glanced at the formula on the blackboard, but it was impossible to even interpret.
Daphne said.
"That was a firm and clear statement. Now, let's hear Loan's interpretation."
Loan rose from his seat and walked slowly to the center of the stage.
After a great cheer and applause, his pleasant voice continued calmly.
"The implementation of Telekinesis is, in fact, close to a basic skill that anyone who can wield mana can perform. A significant part of its formula involves transferring the caster's magical power to the target and synchronizing it with their will. Of course, its over-reliance on raw magical power is a drawback, if you can call it that. That's the part I initially wanted to discuss with you, senior..."
Loan continued speaking, twirling the piece of chalk that was floating above his hand.
"However, I drew some inspiration from Uli's suggestion and tried combining two propositions with the spells Telekinesis and Fireball. The first is 'to control a Fireball with Telekinesis,' and the other is 'to transform an object controlled by Telekinesis into a Fireball.'"
In that instant, the chalk began to rotate violently around a central point, and soon, it started to transform into crimson flames.
"Insane..."
Uli breathed out.