Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Porca, though known as the center of global diplomacy, was also the pinnacle of education. The professors here were living authorities, respected wherever they went across the continent.
“Welcome, everyone. I am Kennedy Clover.”
Kennedy Clover, the professor of Practical Combat Magic, was a 7th-rank high-level magician. In the hierarchy of magicians, the higher the rank, the stronger the power. The ranks ranged from 1st to 9th. Among them, 8th rank was the highest practical rank in existence.
The 9th rank no longer existed. The lineage had ended with the previous head of the Moretti family. Over time, with the advancement of science, the overall level of magic had declined, leaving the 8th rank as the highest attainable by humans.
Kennedy, with his hands clasped behind his back, scanned the students in the classroom and murmured to himself.
“Such young, vibrant students… I’m already excited.”
He licked his lips.
“…What the hell is wrong with that guy?”
Next to him, Valentina—Juananna—shivered.
It wasn’t a strange reaction. Crooked back, thin frame, greasy hair, half-crazed eyes—he looked completely abnormal. Yet, he was a Grand Magus.
“First, before we start the lesson, we will measure your potential… heh, I wonder how delectable these chicks are.”
“….”
“Everyone, from the front right seat, come forward one by one!”
His method of measuring potential wasn’t unusual.
“Place your palm on this specially crafted crystal sphere. Show your potential proudly.”
Students placed their hands on the translucent crystal sphere, and its glow reflected their magical potential. One by one, the students’ abilities were assessed.
“Hmm, ordinary.”
“You will need to work consistently.”
“Sorry, but I suggest finding another path.”
“Oh…! Excellent. Come see me later; there’s an assistant position open.”
Despite his strange appearance, Professor Kennedy was professional in evaluating students’ potential. He was strict, giving no mercy to those below average while praising those with talent.
“Valentina…! Come, place your hand here!”
It was Juananna’s turn. She eyed Kennedy warily and placed her hand on the crystal sphere.
A burst of light exploded like the sun, filling the classroom with blinding brilliance.
“Oooh…!!!”
Kennedy emitted a strange, awed sound.
“How can such talent exist…?”
Tears, as small as chicken droppings, even formed in his eyes as he marveled. Juananna quickly withdrew her hand and turned away.
“…Then I’ll be going now.”
“Wait! Miss Valentina, would you consider being my assistant? Even though you’re a first-year, I’ll make an exception…!”
“No. I want to focus on my studies right now.”
Juananna refused coldly.
“Don’t worry. I guarantee your score.”
“Professor, I said no.”
“Ah… I see. Can’t be helped. But if you ever change your mind, come to my lab.”
Juananna bowed and returned to me.
“…Really strange professor.”
Then it was my turn. I stepped forward to Kennedy’s crystal sphere.
“…Matthias Vinna Moretti. Moretti.”
“Professor…?”
“You know, your sister also took my classes.”
I was aware. Whenever my sister returned home during breaks, the staff fussed over her grades.
“Your sister… calling her a genius doesn’t even suffice. She was the brightest star I’ve ever seen.”
“…Indeed.”
“But I never managed to make her my assistant. What a pity. I should have done whatever it took…”
Kennedy’s gaze softened, nostalgic, as if remembering a lost perfect partner.
“Ah, Moretti. Matthias Vinna Moretti! Can I place my expectations on you? I can, right?”
No.
“You come from a bloodline of innate magical talent. Now, place your hand on the sphere, quickly!”
He urged me, nostrils flaring, his expectant gaze fixed. I placed my hand on the crystal sphere.
After class.
As we walked silently through the park, Juananna patted Matthias’ head gently.
“That sphere must be broken. No glow, that’s strange.”
“….”
“Don’t worry about it. And hey, is magic all that matters? What does it matter if your fiancée is a future Grand Magus?”
She smoothed his hair. Their height difference wasn’t much. Juananna’s expression was calm as she studied Matthias’ face. He didn’t look angry or disappointed, just… tense.
But Juananna knew.
‘He’s intimidated…’
Matthias rarely showed emotion. Yet everyone could see his feelings—like a mother reading her baby.
Earlier in class, Matthias’ hand on the sphere had shown no glow. No talent.
For the Moretti family, known for magical prowess, this was the greatest dishonor. His discouragement was natural.
‘…I might be disowned by the family.’
Juananna remembered a brief conversation with the head of the Moretti family, Servan, at the engagement.
‘He was very cold.’
Bloodless, emotionless, entirely devoted to the family’s interests.
‘…But it doesn’t matter.’
She watched Matthias’ somber grey eyes, deep in thought.
“Don’t worry, Matthias. At least I won’t abandon you.”
He turned, surprised, and met her gaze. Transparent grey met clear blue.
“Y-you don’t need to thank me. I don’t exactly want to be a fiancée either. That’s all.”
He nodded after a brief look.
‘Mukseong’s mana couldn’t be measured with the crystal sphere either.’
Mukseong’s mana was unusual. Not ordinary mana, so the sphere couldn’t detect it.
After two three-hour classes, it was evening. Street lamps glowed a soft orange.
“Um… want to have dinner together?”
Juananna asked carefully.
“My chef cooks very well. I’ll prepare traditional Hispania dishes for you.”
“Where are you going, Matthias?”
A voice called from behind. A beautiful grey-haired woman approached, her hair immaculate, each strand perfectly aligned.
Her presence seemed to straighten the air around her.
The Moretti family’s loyal butler, Quistian, shadowed her.
“I’ve prepared dinner for you too. Let’s go.”
Ophelienne approached Matthias, giving Juananna a brief glance.
“Hello, Juananna. I heard Professor Kennedy likes you?”
“…Sister. Matthias and I already had dinner plans first.”
“Oh, I feel bad. I made the reservation first.”
Ophelienne looked him over with her right leg cocked, still expressionless.
Juananna stared back.
“Sister.”
“Yes?”
“Wouldn’t it be better if we had this wonderful dinner with the crown prince instead?”
“….”
“Future couples, you know. Likewise, us future couples.”
Juananna boldly linked her arm with Matthias. Ophelienne’s right lip twitched faintly, still emotionless.
They locked eyes—grey and blue clashing fiercely.
Matthias took a step toward Ophelienne.
“Tonight, I’ll dine with my sister. We had plans first.”
Finally, Ophelienne smiled.
“So it’s settled. Sorry, Juananna. You can eat together later.”
“You….”
Juananna glared at him like an angry cat.
After an intense dinner with my sister.
“Shall we have regular dinners together from now on?”
She pulled wine from a high shelf, poured it into a glass, and sank into the plush sofa.
“No thanks.”
“Was tonight okay, then?”
“I had something I wanted to say.”
I didn’t want to refuse dinner with Juananna. Even more so, if it meant spending time with my sister.
“…So, you followed my request just to hear me out?”
“No.”
“Then what is it?”
She sipped the wine.
“About Professor Harssen.”
“Right, the basic mana class professor.”
“Yeah.”
“Why him?”
“…I thought something seemed off.”
She adjusted her posture, crossing her legs as she sat up straighter.
“The way he looked at me… it was… strange.”
The surest way to bring down Professor Harssen.
That person—my sister.
She remained silent and firm. After a long pause, she spoke.
“He was looking at you strangely.”
“Yeah…”
“That professor…”
I nodded timidly.
A chilling silence settled.
Not wrong. Harssen was not only a serial killer but also a pedophile.
Click.
After the silence, she set her glass on the table. I studied her reaction but saw nothing—completely unreadable.
After a moment, she patted my back and saw me off.
“Rest well.”
She waved, but her eyes weren’t smiling.