Academy’s Genius Mage

The place was a special lecture room designed to conduct both theoretical lectures and practical exercises simultaneously.

In the Department of Magic, practice inevitably required the casting of magic.

While weapons could easily limit their attack range, magic was different.

If the calculation of the spell matrix was incorrect or unexpected situations occurred, the magic could fly off in an unintended direction.

In such cases, major accidents could happen.

“Nice to meet you all. I am Frost, the one assigned to this lecture. Some may know me, and some may not. I hope this time together will be fruitful for us all!”

Professor Frost introduced himself simply, scanning the students with his eyes.

The students were nervous.

No matter how theoretical a mage might be, becoming a professor at the Royal Academy wasn’t an easy feat. It spoke volumes about his skills.

Of course, Ian Oracle and his two roommates, who had already become acquainted with him, could attend the class with somewhat relaxed minds.

“I hope you’re not too tense. As you all know, this lecture focuses more on practice than theory. Since we will be using magic, let’s not be tense and proceed as comfortably as you’re used to.”

“Yes!”

“Then, are there any volunteers for a few questions?”

Professor Frost’s teaching method was unique. Instead of arbitrarily picking students like most professors, he would invite volunteers.

The children from noble families naturally wanted to show off.

However, they chose their time and place wisely.

The atmosphere at the academy at the start of the semester was intense.

There were few who would risk embarrassment by stepping forward unnecessarily.

While no one courageously stepped up, Milo Vinettia raised his hand high.

“I’ll do it.”

“That’s the spirit. Milo, what do you think is the purpose of this lecture?”

“I understood it as being about the efficient use of magic.”

“What does using it efficiently mean?”

“It means not wasting it.”

His answer was straightforward.

Smiling, Professor Frost nodded approvingly, validating Milo’s response.

“A talent from the Vinettia Family, I see. I thought they excelled only in swordsmanship, but it seems they have a deep understanding of magic as well.”

“Thank you. I will definitely convey this to my family.”

When Professor Frost praised Milo, the surrounding students snapped to attention. They realized how crucial showing courage in evaluations was.

“Is that really such an important question?”

A sharp voice resounded.

The owner of the voice was Ophelia.

With arms crossed, Professor Frost focused on her.

“What is the point of your question?”

“Is asking what efficient magic is and answering that it’s about not wasting it such a great matter? Oh, I don’t mean to criticize you, Professor. I’m just curious.”

Indeed, it was Ophelia. It seemed she regarded Milo as an adversary too.

‘What a troublesome way to live. She seems to be setting everyone who’s noticed as her enemy.’

Ian Oracle couldn’t understand Ophelia.

She didn’t seem pleasant.

Her tone was rude. She should have been more polite.

However, Professor Frost took her question seriously.

“It’s a good question. It can be seen that way. I have been teaching students at the academy for years. And every time, the first question I ask in class is this: what is efficient magic? Very few answered directly, and even if they did, their answers were often off the mark. But Milo’s answer was outstanding enough to make me forget all of their previous answers.”

Presenting his experience, Professor Frost left Ophelia without room to argue further.

‘Truly a remarkable person.’

Ian Oracle felt a surge of admiration.

The academy had quite a few peculiar professors.

In a good way, they were called eccentrics, but many had problematic personalities.

Some even considered student questions to be impudent, but Frost was different.

“Professor, I have a question.”

This time, Ian Oracle raised his hand. Professor Frost, as expected, nodded to allow the question.

“If you’ve asked about efficient magic at the beginning of your courses so far, it must mean it’s quite important for you or the students. However, there are times when strong magic is necessary. Do you believe that efficient magic is better than strong magic?”

“Hmm. That’s equally a good question. However, Ian, your question is getting ahead of itself. That question will be naturally resolved by the end of the class.”

“My apologies.”

Subsequent rounds of questions and answers transpired, and finally, the class officially commenced.

“Shuaaah!”

Professor Frost moved his hands, beginning to form runes.

The students, who were observing the scene, couldn’t help but marvel unconsciously.

“It seems as if it’s alive and moving!”

It wasn’t as if Professor Frost was moving his hands; rather, it appeared as though his hands had become an independent, lively entity.

“I’ve never seen such beautiful runes before!”

“It looks like a stream of flowing water.”

“Is this what sets an academy professor apart?”

As the murmurs continued, the spellcasting came to an end.

Suddenly, a small orb hovered above Professor Frost’s hand. It was a condensed sphere of water—one of the basic first-level spells, “Water Bolt.”

Currently, it was just a sphere because it lacked velocity, but if it gained speed, it would shoot out thinly like an arrow.

“As you all know, this spell is Water Bolt. By slightly altering the incantation, you can adapt it to Ice Bolt. I assume there aren’t many among you who can’t perform this spell. I will accept volunteers once again.”

“Professor!”

This time, Sebastian was quicker. When he was called upon after raising his hand, he stood up with a sly grin.

“Sebastian. Can you handle the Fire Bolt spell?”

“I can do it with my eyes closed.”

“I’m not asking if you can cast it. I’m asking if you can handle it properly.”

Sebastian finally grasped the subtle nuance in the words. Biting his lip, he humbly responded.

“I am confident I can handle it well.”

“Good. Cast it.”

He felt the focus of everyone’s attention on him, which was the ultimate thrill for Sebastian, who loved being in the spotlight.

“Saaah!”

“Weeng!”

The hand imbued with blue mana began to slice through the air.

Though clumsy compared to Professor Frost, the scene was still impressive to the students’ eyes.

“It’s not just about having a high magic level, is it?”

Ian Oracle also focused intently on that scene. It seemed that Sebastian had undergone substantial training.

“Flare!”

Soon, a Fire Bolt, about the size of two fists, formed.

Sebastian held the Fire Bolt above his palm, awaiting Professor Frost’s command.

“Before we delve into the lesson, we had this discussion: What is efficient magic? It’s about not wasting anything… This proposition implies several things. It includes not only conserving mana but also devising countermeasures according to attributes.”

Professor Frost paused, then drew his Water Bolt towards his chest.

“When my Water Bolt collides with Sebastian’s Fire Bolt, which will prevail?”

“Obviously the Water Bolt.”

A student confidently answered with a raised hand.

“And why is that?”

“Because the caster of the Water Bolt is you, Professor. Which fearless student would dare to overcome the Professor’s magic?”

“Hahaha!”

Both Professor Frost and the students laughed heartily. It was a witty answer.

At that moment, Professor Frost tossed the Water Bolt toward the ceiling as if throwing a ball overhead.

The quivering water orb settled calmly in mid-air.

“Sebastian, can you hit that water orb?”

“I can.”

Sebastian channeled magic into the hand holding the Fire Bolt, and soon, with a lively sound, the Fire Bolt shot out.

“Whoosh!”

The Fire Bolt flew straight and struck the water orb accurately.

“Thud!”

“Sizzle!”

The white steam rose as the water orb completely evaporated, the remaining fireball crashing against the rear wall and disappearing.

“Excellent control. Well done.”

“Thank you.”

However, it seemed that was not the end as Professor Frost began forming hand signs once more.

Whirr!

Again, the Water Bolt spell unfolded.

But that was not all. The Water Bolt in his hand suddenly began to tremble slightly.

Splosh! Splosh!

It made a loud noise and started to grow in size, akin to a slime.

Soon, the Water Bolt spell enlarged to the point where it completely covered Professor Frost’s face.

“Sebastian. Fire a Fire Bolt right over here now.”

“What? But…”

“I appreciate your concern, but I’m not as weak as you think.”

Sebastian, who subconsciously acknowledged him as a theoretical mage, conjured a much stronger Fire Bolt than before and launched it.

Whoosh!

The Fire Bolt flew fiercely.

Several students, unable to contain their nervousness, stood up abruptly.

Sssssss…

However, the feared outcome did not transpire.

The Fire Bolt Sebastian launched did not pierce through the Water Bolt.

Likewise, the Water Bolt could not withstand the Fire Bolt. The two elemental spells evaporated simultaneously.

‘Truly, perfect calculation!’

Ian could not help but admire.

If even a trace of Professor Frost’s Water Bolt spell had remained, he would not have been so impressed.

Many students were unable to grasp the situation, but Ian understood just how precisely Professor Frost managed his mana.

Not only was the absolute amount of mana the same, but he also took into account the classroom’s internal environment, including temperature and pressure, to make the two spells cancel each other out.

‘Is this the answer to the question I asked before?’

Finally, Ian understood the premise of “not wasting” on a deeper level.

On one hand, he was able to completely erase the slight arrogance he felt after restoring ancient basic magic.

“Water and fire are quintessential opposing elements. Sometimes fire overcomes water, but once a certain level of power is established, the opposition reverses. The same goes for earth and wind. Finding that optimal point is the basis of efficient magic usage.”

“But it’s too dangerous.”

This remark came from Sebastian, who had just cast the Fire Bolt. He sought a bit more attention.

“If you even slightly miscalculated the array and failed to supply enough mana, my Fire Bolt magic could have pierced through the Water Bolt and harmed you, Professor.”

“If I couldn’t manage such calculations, could I even call myself a mage?”

Such composure was only possible due to genius.

Sebastian pursed his lips but couldn’t keep his face from turning red with embarrassment.

“Let’s assume there’s an enemy in front of you. A Level 2—no, perhaps a Level 3 mage should suffice. Sebastian, how would you handle it?”

“Since they’re on a level similar to mine or slightly higher, I would time my decisive magic attack to hit them. The battle must end with a single strike.”

“Good. That magic was a success. The enemy is fallen, peace returns. But suddenly, you hear a rustling from the nearby bushes. Oh no! In focusing on the enemy, you failed to detect another foe.”

“I would have to fight again. I would give it my all once more…”

“You cannot fight. You’re already out of mana.”

Sebastian’s expression was disgruntled.

“With all due respect, Professor, this example is overly extreme.”

“Indeed, it’s an extreme example. Nevertheless, there are mages who have lost their lives in such situations. Out of one hundred glasses of wine, one contains lethal poison. Can you easily and comfortably reach for a glass?”

Though humiliated, he could not answer that question. Claiming he could would only make him feel more miserable.

“Strong magic seems to solve problems quickly, but it depletes mana rapidly and makes dynamic responses to crises impossible. Of course, not everyone supports this view. But at least in this lecture, do not forget this mindset.”

“Yes!”

The students, having gained a small realization, responded in unison.

It was right at that moment.

A foreboding smile appeared on Professor Frost’s face.

“In that spirit, I’ll be assigning you a task. It’s going to be a fascinating one.”