Academy’s Genius Mage

‘Jessica Hyard.’

A mage known in the world by the title ‘The High One’.

At the age of 20, she astonished everyone by reaching the level of a five-circle mage, and now in her 30s, she was recognized as an archmage who had reached the realm of the seven-circle.

She was also a renowned practitioner of combat magic.

She had gained fame through numerous battles and became widely known during the war against the Kingdom of Roland.

Despite her beautiful appearance, she preferred to use rather aggressive magic.

The number of her defeated enemies alone exceeded the thousands.

And due to her contributions, she became a royal mage at a young age and she is currently serving as the Dean of the Department of Magic at the Royal Academy.

In terms of skill, she was one of the top five in the kingdom.

“Welcome to the Royal Academy. You must have enjoyed your time to reorganize yourselves sufficiently, right? With pleasure comes pain. From now on, we will conduct mana measurement. As you all know, mana measurement is the yardstick of strength. Whatever the number turns out to be, it will demonstrate the power that lies within you.”

Dean Jessica subtly incited a competitive spirit.

‘That’s the typical characteristic of battle mages.’

If only those aspiring to join the battle school were gathered here, they would all have rushed towards the Mana Meter, eyes ablaze.

“However, before you place your hand on the Mana Meter, relax as if you were meditating, so that you can achieve a state of emptiness. Only then will your true abilities emerge.”

That remark strangely made Ian feel sorry towards Dean Jessica. He had planned to hide his true capabilities.

“Those who are confident may step forward and begin the measurement.”

The method was intriguing.

Who would have the courage to step forward and measure first? All the students looked around.

Ian crossed his arms, choosing to observe the situation.

‘There must be experts in the Department of Magic I don’t know about. There’s no need to be the first. Let’s watch the situation unfold.’

The peers Ian had met at the training ground mostly showcased average skills.

However, Ian concluded that anyone with truly exceptional skills would not have wasted mana at such a place.

‘Instead, they will reveal their mana on an official stage.’

It would be wise to remember that individual’s name.

The day might come when one would have to exchange deadly magic.

“First-year magic student, Saruang Jade. Please conduct the test!”

“Oh, a brave student.”

Finally, the first volunteer emerged.

Once the first step is taken, others will likely rush to get measured. The student, named Saruang Jade, standing before the measuring device, did not appear particularly strong.

‘Is that where the numbers will appear?’

Ian focused on the screen placed above the platform.

That screen was no ordinary fabric.

It was linked to the Mana Meter, functioning on a principle that projected the measured score onto the screen. The Academy had intended to make everyone’s scores public from the beginning.

“Now, close your eyes and place your hand here.”

“Yes!”

The first volunteer closed his eyes with a determined expression.

Soon, a blue light shimmered, and the orb of the Mana Meter began to vibrate.

Mysterious mana filled the orb.

Ian, having experienced this once before, showed no change in expression, but there were quite a few gasps among the audience.

Soon, the measurement was completed.

The displayed score on the screen was 481. Simultaneously, a murmur filled the auditorium.

“Is that high?”

Milo asked, raising a question Ian also wanted to ask.

“I don’t know either. We’ll need to see a few more to get a sense.”

“Hmm.”

Milo seemed fairly tense.

Being confident in magic and measuring mana scores were two different matters altogether.

Then Dean Jessica’s voice resonated through the hall.

“You’re curious about how high this score is, right? Let me explain since you’re all wondering. Last year’s freshmen had an average measurement of 755. You all understand what the number 481 implies now, right?”

The courageous first student did not even manage to get the average. Although no one would outright laugh, ridicule and sneers were undoubtedly present.

“Who’s next?”

With a voice tinged with provocation, dean Jessica watched someone step forward.

Ian was taken aback.

The volunteer was none other than Milo.

‘As I expected. He’s exceptional.’

A normal student would have felt intimidated. After all, they had attracted the attention of Dean Jessica as well.

However, stepping forward despite that pressure meant he was confident in his abilities.

If it’s Milo, it’s possible.

He had undergone extensive training at a prestigious swordsmanship family. A field entirely unrelated to magic.

In such tense situations, he knew how to reveal his true worth.

“Name?”

“Milo Vinettia. Please proceed with the mana measurement.”

“Alright. Place your hand here.”

Following the professor’s instruction, Milo placed his hand on the orb. The measurement commenced.

Pop!

“Ooh!”

“This feels different from that previous guy, doesn’t it?”

“The light itself is different!”

The surrounding observers accurately grasped the situation. The Mana Meter was shining more brightly, and the amount of mana filling the orb was substantial. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the measurement to conclude.

Then the score appeared.

“982!”

‘Was the outcast of the Vinettia Family really at this level?’

“Wow!”

A score of 982 displayed. Surpassing the average for last year’s freshmen. This meant he was stronger than most new students. Of course, a mana score alone could not evaluate comprehensive abilities.

‘Milo is likely much stronger in reality. After all, he has mastered both swordsmanship and physical techniques.’

Being able to read an opponent’s movements in battle is a significant talent, especially in a fight with a knight.

He had confidence since he grew up being challenged by his older brothers.

However, Milo did not seem satisfied.

“Tsk! I wanted to reach four digits. Shouldn’t have given that potion to Edel.”

“Ah, aaah…….”

“Just kidding, you fool. I’m not someone who holds grudges!”

Yet, Edel awkwardly smiled, his shoulders slightly trembling. He still found Milo intimidating.

‘He seems like someone who holds grudges a lot.’

Ian muttered inwardly and shifted his gaze to the ongoing mana measurements.

With Milo’s measurement done, students now lined up, waiting for their turn.

Still, even when more than half were measured, Milo’s record remained unbeaten. Most scores were close to average or below the standard.

‘Their mana isn’t as strong as expected.’

It wasn’t something Ian, who was below the standard, could say, but circumstances were different for the moment.

“Would Milo end up being first among them?”

“Getting first will be tough.”

“Surprising, given that people called you a genius mage.”

Milo gestured with his chin toward someone. A noticeable young man had yet to join the line.

He possessed a tall stature with distinct features, but his pale face and bluish lips gave off a chilling impression. The young man stood somewhat apart from his peers.

“Who is he?”

“Zickhardt Telomian.”

Ian recognized the name.

He was the second son of Count Telomian, a prestigious family of mages, and was renowned for his innate talent, even being called the kingdom’s future.

At that moment, Zickhardt turned his head in their direction, unexpectedly meeting their gaze.

Displaying a previously expressionless face, he suddenly lifted the corners of his mouth into an unsettling smile.

“Not a pleasant impression.”

“Stay away. There’s a lot of bad rumors.”

“Such as?”

Milo whispered.

“I heard he has mental issues. A few of his subordinates have supposedly died. But it’s just hearsay.”

It isn’t uncommon for mages to develop mental issues. Immersing oneself deeply in research and magic can lead to madness.

“So, you think that guy is stronger than you?”

“For now. Rumor has it he surpassed the 3rd Circle, but who knows.”

“How about you?”

“Near the end of 2nd Circle.”

At the moment Ian Oracle nodded, Zickhardt suddenly stepped forward with a brisk stride.

“Move!”

“Hey!”

He pushed aside the waiting participant, taking the spot for himself.

The professor, with a look of amusement, encouraged the measurement.

“Zickhardt Telomian. I will measure now.”

“Place your hand.”

Woooong!

Even from a short distance away, Ian could feel the mana power in his skin.

‘Strong!’

Mana, even more brilliant than that of Milo Vinettia, began to fill the crystal sphere.

The professors observing the measurement couldn’t hide their astonishment.

‘If he’s reached the 3rd Circle, then somewhere in the mid-1000s?’

Ian thought there must be a certain logic to the numbers displayed on the screen.

The device assigning scores to mana power was created by mages, after all. There would likely be Circle standards corresponding to certain ranges.

‘In any case, that’s some incredible mana power. He’s almost filled up the measurement orb.’

There were some empty gaps, but no one measured before had reached this level. More importantly, the color was different—it signified purity.

The measurement concluded soon enough.

“Unbelievable!”

“Is that even humanly possible?”

Students were in shock as they confirmed the number on the screen.

1482.

It was the highest record of the day.

Compared to the average of last year’s new students, it was nearly double. It was about 500 points higher than Milo Vinettia.

“A monster beyond expectation.”

“Indeed. This won’t be easy.”

Milo sighed and glanced slyly at Ian.

“Do you have confidence? You seem much higher than me. Go knock that guy down a peg!”

“I told you before, I’m 1st Circle.”

“Who’s going to believe that? No one here would.”

“You’ll see.”

“When are you going to do it?”

“The very last one.”

As Zickhardt withdrew from the Mana Meter, his gaze locked with Ian’s again. Zickhardt, with a sly smile, left the auditorium.

‘Is he saying there’s nothing more to see? Arrogant.’

Ian calmly waited for his turn to arrive.

Milo’s record was quietly surpassed.

As they reached the latter part, descendants from prestigious families kept emerging. Aside from Zickhardt, there were even two more people who surpassed a thousand points, and quite a few who surpassed nine hundred.

“It seems we were just frogs in a well.”

Milo looked visibly disappointed, yet he tightened his grip on his staff, steeling his resolve.

“Will you get scolded by the count when you return home?”

“I’ve been scolded so much that I don’t even feel it anymore. As long as my family does not disown me, I’m fine. I’d be in trouble if they cut off my allowance. Damn!”

“Hang in there. Today isn’t the only day.”

Then, it was Edel’s turn. Edel nervously reached out for the measurement, resulting in a surprising outcome.

“221? That’s higher than I thought.”

“It’s the effects of the magic potion. Thanks to my help with your mana training.”

“We should celebrate with a feast at some fancy place. Heh heh!”

“Evil nobles exploiting commoners, huh.”

“That’s what nobles exist for, to exploit commoners.”

Unaware of this, Edel walked over gracefully and bowed his head in gratitude to his two roommates.

“So, seems like one person is left. Who’s still hiding?”

With the voice of Dean Jessica, Ian stepped forward.

Aside from Zickhardt, everyone else remained in the auditorium.

Rumors had already spread widely within the academy about Ian demonstrating a unique form of magic in the training grounds.

They all wanted to see it with their own eyes.

The extent of the power of Ian Oracle, the head of the illustrious Oracle Family of theoretical mages.

“Ian Oracle. Mana measurement will commence.”

Ian placed his hand on the orb.