Academy’s Genius Mage

“Firebolt.”

The most commonly used basic fire-based magic.

However, the Firebolt that had been modified with a new formula expanded greatly as soon as it formed on Ian’s staff.

‘It’s grown this much?’

It was the first time Ian used a spell after forming a contract with his spirit.

In a state where information on blood vessels and circle was unclear, casting a spell might prove risky.

But now, he recognized that there was no problem with his blood vessels.

On the contrary, he was able to cast stronger magic by harmonizing with his circle.

Confidence overflowed.

‘A bit bigger.’

Foosh!

What had been completed was so large that it was more fitting to call it a fireball rather than a firebolt.

It was about the size of an adult’s head.

Ian chose his target and pointed his staff at the wall.

Whoosh!

Boom!

The flying Firebolt hit the wall, causing a massive explosion.

Though the wall, covered in all kinds of anti-magic materials, didn’t budge, Ian felt that his magic had become much more powerful.

“Wow~ Not bad, human.”

The cat appeared.

But Ian did not have the time to respond. Another spell was cast, and this time, he demonstrated Lightning Spell.

Crackle!

Bang! Rumble! Bang!

Normally, the discharged current should scatter into the air, but Ian kept a firm grip on it, continually infusing it with power.

Sizzle!

Crack!

The current went wild.

Ian swung his right hand. Then the current whipped harshly against the right wall, like a whip.

Sizzle!

If something other than a wall had been there, it would have been charred by now.

‘With increased mana, I can apply magic in more diverse ways.’

In the past, even completing a spell was challenging.

As a result, he had to focus on spell runes.

Drawing spell runes accurately meant no wastage.

But now, things were different.

Even after several castings, he didn’t tire. Instead, he felt an itch to cast spells more quickly.

“Are you ignoring me?”

He was full of leisure.

Ian was able to play freely with the overflowing mana.

It was like building his own castle with sand on a vast beach.

‘Next, defensive magic.’

Ian’s hand elegantly cast a spell, and soon a blue light burst forth, completing the magic.

“Shield.”

Hush!

The flow of air changed.

Ian noticed the semi-transparent membrane surrounding him,

‘It used to be completely transparent, but now it looks a bit cloudy?’

This meant it had become thicker and stronger.

‘With this level, I can at least protect myself. I’ll need to experiment to know the exact strength.’

Ian pondered who might be good to experiment with as he fiddled with the surface of the shield. At that moment, the cat approached.

“Hmph, it seems you’re worried about those Hamel or Caramel fellows. It isn’t exactly the time to be honing defensive magic.”

“It’s not just my problem. A person has already died, and those around me are in dangerous situations.”

“Don’t worry, human. For I am a great spirit!”

As Ian turned back, the cat had a triumphant smile.

“I have an excellent skill. With it, you’ll rarely find yourself in danger!”

“Detection ability alone might be tough.”

“Huh! You knew about my ability?”

“Roughly? Being a cat, I thought you’d be good at sensing and hiding.”

The cat had turned sullen.

Until now, Ian had not asked what abilities it possessed.

For a cat that considered itself a formidable spirit, this was a hit to its pride.

It was enough to drive it to the brink of madness since the person it had contracted with had not asked with bated breath for its teachings.

However, the cat did not give up.

『Hmm, hmm! It would be troublesome if you became arrogant upon learning just one of my countless abilities.』

“I know you don’t really have many abilities.”

『W-what do you mean!』

The cat was taken aback.

Ian realized he had hit the nail on the head, even without asking.

“The more incompetent someone is, the more they boast about being extraordinary. There is a saying that ‘an empty can makes the most noise.'”

『I am not an empty can!』

“Then, you must be an empty spirit.”

『I am not an empty spirit!』

Only then did Ian lower his shield and made eye contact with the cat.

“If you are not an empty spirit, you need to prove what abilities you have, right?”

『Why should I?』

“The burden of proof lies with the claimant. It’s a basic principle of logic.”

The cat did not understand much about logic. Yet, the mention of logical principles provoked something within it.

『I have the ability to detect stealthy enemies. I can even see those who have melted into the shadows!』

“Melt into the shadows?”

It was hard to grasp. It wasn’t invisibility magic, so how could one melt into shadows?

『It’s a technique used by some dark mages or demons. Extremely dangerous.』

How likely was it to encounter demons?

In ancient times, humans and other races interacted with demons, but after the war with the demons, the union of humans and other races banished them to the demon level.

Though there were stories they occasionally reappeared, many considered it bard’s commercial exaggeration.

However, there was a fair chance of encountering dark mages, making the skill rather useful.

Dark mages occasionally lost to madness and caused havoc with undead, a regular event in every kingdom.

“Alright. And what else?”

『And…』

The cat was getting swept up in Ian’s pace but found itself unable to stop. It felt like Ian would mock it if it stopped now.

『I can fight too!』

“Do you need to materialize for that?”

『I do.』

Ian couldn’t help but remain skeptical.

Was it really possible for those soft, jelly-like paws and tiny, adorable punches to defeat an enemy?

“Let’s try a test.”

『I am strong in real combat.』

“Have you heard the saying ‘Practice as if it were real combat’?”

Ian looked around the area.

There stood a large scarecrow at one side.

Spaced adequately, and with anti-magic properties lingering around, it seemed to be meant for training.

Ian pointed his finger at the scarecrow.

“Try attacking it like it’s a real human.”

『Though a bit troublesome, I will move since you asked so earnestly.』

Ian snapped his fingers, materializing the cat.

With a swish, the cat confidently landed on the ground, then dashed and leapt towards the scarecrow in an instant.

Swish!

In a mere moment, blades seemed to protrude from the cat’s paws as the scarecrow’s straw was sliced sharp and clean.

Rustle…

Straw scattered through the torn fabric.

Ian approached and inspected the scarecrow closely.

The cut was particularly clean. When he inserted a finger, it went in quite deeply.

“This is quite impressive. It would suffice to distract the enemy or buy time.”

『Hehe. Of course. Lick!』

The cat licked a blade as long as a human finger with its tongue.

It was chilling to think that such a large blade could emerge from such a small paw.

“Put that away. Don’t take it out without my instruction while it’s materialized.”

『Even I know that. I’m a cultured cat.』

“You can match the rhyme too, huh.”

Ian tidied up the practice area and headed outside.

He didn’t know when he would be able to return to this place, but it had been a very beneficial time.

The cat hesitated to move.

『Leaving already?』

“It’s late. I have to get up early for class tomorrow. My assignments are piling up, thanks to someone.”

The cat seemed oblivious to the fact that Ian was referring to it. Ian had spent too much time on the spirit contract.

『Just do the assignments roughly! But why aren’t you asking more about my abilities? There’s still so much potential there!』

“Because I know that’s it.”

『Wh-what!』

“Tell me when you acquire a new ability next time. I’ll wait patiently.”

The cat trembled with humiliation but didn’t possess any abilities that particularly interested Ian. Its capacities amounted to only a few basic magic spells at best.

Stepping outside, fresh air filled Ian’s lungs.

“Whew.”

Ian took a deep breath.

Thanks to the mana potion given by Professor Frost, his heart and the circle in his abdomen were already filled with mana.

Of course, during the training session, his clothes and cloak had become a mess of sweat and dust. Nevertheless, Ian’s face radiated a joy that words couldn’t describe.

‘It feels like the world has completely changed.’

He was filled with a confidence that he could achieve anything.

Ian opened his right hand.

Despite how things had turned out, what kept him from becoming arrogant were the countless calluses embedded in that hand.

They weren’t just hardened skin.

They were the crystallization born from blood, tears, effort, and patience. They were also evidence of his life.

‘I’m still far from it. I’ve only taken one step forward as a mage.’

Ian found himself objectively contemplating his own changes. It was something impossible without tremendous self-control.

‘My magic has grown stronger, and my mana has increased.’

It wasn’t just about getting stronger.

With a new circle in place, his circulatory issues were resolved, and he didn’t get exhausted as easily when using magic.

In other words, his efficiency in utilizing mana had improved tremendously.

If casting a particular spell required 10 mana, the two detached circles now moved closely together, reducing the cost to less than half.

So there was no other way to describe it than improved efficiency.

Moreover, there was an even more significant event to note.

In terms of mana alone, Ian had reached the level of the 4th circle.

He had traversed from the 1st circle to the 4th circle in one go.

‘No matter how I think about it, it’s unbelievable.’

He wasn’t just at the beginning of the 4th circle but already in the middle of it.

Even within the same circle, the difference between beginning and mid-stage was immense.

Furthermore, the 4th circle itself was not a level that could be dreamed of easily.

Not all mages could reach that level.

One must be heralded as a genius within the kingdom to even try competing in the 3rd circle.

First-year colleagues, Zickhardt, Sebastian, and Ophelia had reached the 3rd circle. They had grown with the extensive support and backing from their families.

‘But there is someone more extraordinary.’

Jessica Hyard, who held both the distinguished title of ‘High One’ and the position of ‘Dean of the Department of Magic.’

She had astonished the world by entering the level of the 5th circle at the age of 20.

Ian was currently 19 years old. While he couldn’t claim to rival Dean Jessica, he stood in a position where the label of genius wasn’t misplaced.

Perhaps, he could be regarded even more highly than Jessica.

Unlike Dean Jessica, Ian also excelled in theoretical knowledge.

‘But at what circle level is Senior Isera?’

The question suddenly piqued his curiosity.

Isera was a mage of exceptional talent, but due to her background as a noble of a subordinate territory, she concealed her skills.

‘At the most, she might be at the 5th circle, and at the least, in the late 4th circle.’

Isera was 18 years old, one year younger than Ian.

If she had entered the 5th circle at 18, it would be a feat that would astonish the entire continent. It would mean she was a step ahead of Jessica.

However, Ian had a feeling that Isera was hiding that fact.

‘Now it’s my turn.’

All preparations were complete.

Ian’s eyes shone with a cold gleam.