Academy’s Genius Mage

As expected, it couldn’t be interpreted.’

Ian Oracle set down the ancient magic tome he held in his hands.

Ever since confirming the special ability of his glasses, he would occasionally visit the Ancient Magic section of the Great Library to read books written in the ancient language.

There were far more texts that couldn’t be translated compared to those that could.

However, it wasn’t as if there were no results at all.

‘There is a certain pattern to what can be seen.’

In fact, he had the intuition that there was a pattern when he had discovered new spells for Lightning Spell and Firebolt Spell.

Now, through an inductive method, he had identified the patterns visible.

‘In Basic Spells, only the ancient script of early-stage spells, first or second-level can be translated.’

Anything beyond that would not translate into modern language, even when using the glasses.

It wasn’t just that.

Ian also checked ancient scripts unrelated to spells just in case. However, it couldn’t even translate simple sentences and words.

‘In other words, this artifact selectively reacts only to ancient languages related to spell and only to short and easy incantations.’

It was a truly mysterious principle.

Essentially, the incantations for ancient spells grow significantly longer and more complex as the spell becomes more advanced.

In the case of the well-known “Hellfire Spell”, an 8-circle magic, it’s said that the incantation fills an entire book.

Naturally, as incantations grow longer, accurate translation becomes more difficult since the ancient language resembles hieroglyphs.

Thus, even upon reaching the level of 8-circle magic, fully mastering Hellfire requires not only understanding the incantation but also achieving enlightenment and applying it to the spell.

Teaching oneself advanced magic is nearly impossible. One must inherit the magic from a Master.

It’s transferred in the form of a Master sharing the understanding of the incantation with their disciple.

‘There’s no need to be discouraged. This in itself is a major achievement.’

If one can distinguish between what is and isn’t visible, they can drastically reduce wasted time.

By focusing on learning new incantations of basic magic and creating new spells based on them, the efficiency of magic can be greatly improved.

For Ian, who could only use lower-level magic due to mana concentration disorder, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Moreover, if he were to publish related papers, he could make a name for himself in society.

With the patent for potion manufacturing, making a living was no longer an issue. Now it was time to raise his family’s name and reap practical benefits.

Ian removed the glasses.

Before putting them away, he stared at them and thought.

‘A day will surely come when I can interpret higher-level incantations. I don’t know the method yet… but someday, I will.’

This thought wasn’t based on any particular evidence.

But his intuition told him that these glasses would grow alongside him as he developed.

‘To do that, reaching the 2nd circle is the first step.’

Only then did Ian place the glasses into his pocket.

Slowly, his mind began to form plans for the first semester.

‘Interpret all the basic magic incantations, and then focus on adding circles. Once the first-circle level is mastered to an ancient level, clues to the next step will appear.’

Ian returned the book to its shelf and continued walking.

He hadn’t taken many steps before he stopped.

Although the area was empty when he arrived, at some point, Isera Hebraim was seated at her usual spot, reading a book.

“You’re here.”

He suddenly recalled the counseling session they had not long ago.

He wondered how heavy the weight of destiny must be on those small, fragile shoulders.

Ian sat facing her.

“Actually, I had an interview with Lord Cage recently. It was related to the Helios incident.”

“So?”

“He asked about the nature of our relationship.”

He had expected Isera to show a hint of agitation.

However, she continued to leisurely turn the pages, reading the next section with ease.

“Did I say something unnecessary?”

“You seem well aware. There’s no need to report every single detail.”

“I just thought it’d be good to keep you informed.”

“That’s not my job. It’s yours. I haven’t undergone any investigation.”

Isera firmly drew the line.

Looking at her, the word ‘solitude’ came to mind. And that was a feeling Ian couldn’t shake for over ten years.

Thus, he understood what kind of heart Isera had when she was pushing away.

“I’m fine. After all, my family is so insignificant they don’t even notice us. Unless we had some estate, perhaps. We have to do things like this to get an audience with the Count.”

“You’re quite optimistic.”

“I hear that often these days.”

The conversation paused.

Ian thought about getting up but suddenly remembered something and asked Isera, “By the way, senior, what club activities are you involved in?”

“I don’t understand the intention of your question.”

“I’m just curious.”

“It’ll only make things more bothersome if you find out.”

Her comment had a mysterious tone.

It reminded Ian of the threats Sebastian made in class a while ago.

‘Well, considering Sebastian too, there must be quite a few guys who ask her all sorts of questions.’

However, Ian wasn’t approaching her with any romantic interest.

If he had to join a club, he wanted to do it with her. It seemed beneficial in many ways.

“Still, I would like to become closer to you, senior.”

“You already said there’s nothing good about getting close. If you don’t want another interview with the Count, you better be cautious.”

“We’re conducting a joint research, aren’t we?”

When Ian played his trump card, Isera fell silent.

“It’s because I have a lot to learn from you. Please just think of it as academic curiosity. Before, you corrected me when I misinterpreted the Lightning Spell incantation, remember?”

“It was a coincidence, nothing more.”

“When coincidences repeat, they become inevitable.”

Isera let out a small sigh.

“Honestly, I was worried even while writing the paper. Having my name alongside yours isn’t exactly great in many ways.”

“If the Royal Family were to arrest me for such unreasonable reasons, the Magic Society wouldn’t remain silent. It’s a paper that holds that much value, don’t you think? We will continue to do so.”

Isera finally lifted her head and stared intently at Ian.

To the average person, her gaze was beautiful enough to make them shyly look away.

But Ian did not evade her gaze.

“The Ancient Literature Reading Club.”

When she gave the desired answer, Ian smiled.

“Is it a group for reading ancient literature?”

“It’s a club that studies various languages including ancient ones and researches ancient scripts from different regions—in theory.”

“It sounds more like a scholarly society than a club.”

“No, it isn’t.”

What could she mean? Ian was about to ask for clarification, but Isera explained first.

“Because the only member is me.”

“Alone…?”

“There aren’t many students willing to study even after school.”

Ian nodded in understanding. Even Milo was busy exploring social gatherings at the moment.

“What are the admission requirements?”

“We don’t accept new members.”

“Then it’s not club activity.”

“The president decides those matters.”

It seemed that getting close was not going to be easy. Having achieved what he wanted for now, Ian took a step back.

“Understood, senior. I’ll be off then.”

Isera did not respond further. Ian left the Great Library.

Interestingly, once Ian’s presence was completely gone, Isera raised her head.

She stared intently at the place where he had disappeared.

* * *

“Finally, it’s Professor Frost’s class. The first practical training, isn’t it?”

“I’ve been looking forward to it a lot, too!”

Milo and Edel were very excited.

The success of the potion project seemed to have raised their fondness for Professor Frost.

Also, the fact that it was a practical class added to the excitement.

Theoretical classes only involved reading books.

But practical classes allowed actual use of magic.

Of course, as Milo would put it, there could only be a difference in the level of fun, or the “feel” as he liked to describe it.

“By the way, it’s awfully noisy today. Did you all become friends already?”

Behind them, preparations for the student council election were in full swing.

As Ian had predicted, Sebastian and Ophelia were running for student council president and vice president, respectively.

“Once this election is over, I’m planning to throw a splendid party at my family’s mansion.”

“Oh, really? Then will we have the honor of meeting the Marquis himself?”

“Hehe, naturally. You are my friends helping me out; father would surely do at least that.”

As expected, Sebastian cleverly used the powerful background of the Kent Marquisate. It was a situation where the outcome was clear even without voting.

Ian nudged Milo.

“Aren’t you running?”

“Ahem! Ahem! Do I have a cold? My throat feels scratchy.”

Milo feigned ignorance. Ian, guessing the reason, chuckled.

“I understand. Weren’t you bragging big once?”

“My father always said, knowing you’ll lose but charging in isn’t admirable, it’s foolish. True warriors save their strength and return twice the power.”

“Ah, is that so? Wise teachings indeed.”

“If only those two weren’t there, I could’ve given it a shot!”

Milo was unfortunate.

If Neither Sebastian nor Ophelia ran, he might have managed to compete. But now, it was a situation where the Kent Marquisate and the Drias Marquisate had joined forces. Charging in recklessly out of pride could spread conflict beyond the academy.

“Ian Oracle.”

Sebastian stood before Ian, accompanied by Ophelia.

“You’ve heard, right? About this student council election.”

“I’m aware.”

“Are you running too?”

Sebastian asked with a slick voice, making the question quite amusing.

“Not really interested.”

“That’s surprising. I thought you were someone driven by ambition.”

His tone had a hint of mockery. However, the dignity he acquired growing up in the marquis family skillfully masked that mockery.

“Don’t worry. I also think you’re fit to be president.”

“That’s even more surprising. Anyway, great. Let’s have a grand party after the election. You’ll come if invited, right?”

“I’ll think about it.”

With those words, both Sebastian and Ophelia’s faces slightly darkened.

Considering Ian was invited by the eldest of the marquis family, pondering over attendance seemed absurd.

Ophelia almost said if he was out of his mind, but Sebastian swiftly intervened.

“Hahaha! The heir of the Oracle Family is indeed unique. Still afraid of making a debut in society?”

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

Ian’s retort quieted the surroundings as more eyes began to focus on them.

“I’ve never accepted anyone’s invitation till now. If, as you say, this is a debut stage, shouldn’t I choose carefully where to attend?”

“Are you saying… our family’s party doesn’t meet your standards?”

“It’s not just about the scale, is it? Isn’t it about who will be there that matters more?”

A shadow crossed Sebastian’s face, but it passed in an instant. Sebastian patted Ian’s shoulder with his slick demeanor once again.

“You’re right. It’s most enjoyable to be with people you get along with. Like a party without drinks and music is dull. Anyway, I’ll send an invitation, so think about it. If you come, it would be delightful.”

Sebastian and Ophelia retreated without further protest.

At that moment, Milo whispered quietly into Ian’s ear.

“I’ve always wondered, are you really an introverted recluse? How are you so good at speaking? Honestly, I thought you were a stutterer.”

“That’s why experts are caught off guard, unaware of how many hidden masters there are.”

“I shouldn’t have asked.”

Just then, the front door opened, and Professor Frost entered. As he did, he began manipulating a device attached to the wall.

Thunk! Vroom!

As he pulled the lever, machinery noises filled the room, and the platform along with various objects descended to the floor.

The much-anticipated first practical lesson was about to begin.