Academy’s Genius Mage

“So, that’s why you mentioned the cat back then.”

Milo scratched his cheek as he watched the white cat grooming itself with an air of sophistication.

“Eek! It’s so cute!”

“Stop screaming like a girl!”

“Eek! Eeek!”

Edel’s eyes sparkled like stars, and he seemed eager to hug the cat immediately.

Milo sighed and gave up trying to stop him.

“Ian, can I pet the cat?”

“Sure. Just be careful, it might scratch you.”

“It looks well-behaved though.”

Edel was an aspiring healer anyway.

A little scratch wouldn’t be a problem.

As Edel reached out and stroked its head, the cat meowed and lowered its body.

It was genuinely an endearing sight.

“I think the cat likes me!”

“It’s a mystical creature, so it probably recognizes people. Could it be sensing your good intentions towards helping others?”

“Really? That’s amazing!”

Edel went ahead and hugged the cat tightly.

Fortunately, neither Milo nor Edel disliked cats.

Ian had introduced the cat as a mystical creature. There would be no mage who would find it odd to have a mystical creature in the dormitory, unlike a common animal.

Simply observing their habits and feeling their power made for excellent study material.

Moreover, unlike ordinary animals, mystical creatures could communicate with their owners.

They wouldn’t cry out in the middle of the night or create a mess.

“Ah, just how lucky does one have to be for a significant experience to occur even while studying?”

“I told you before. If you truly desire something, the universe will help.”

“Does that even make sense? If it did, I wouldn’t be stuck in the dormitory lounging around on a day like today!”

Milo grumbled.

Today, classes were conveniently canceled, and moreover, the weather was clear and warm.

It was the perfect day for an outing.

There were many scenic spots around the Royal Academy. Even without going out, there were plenty of beautiful places to have a date with a lady.

Anyway, Milo envied Ian.

He mocked Ian for going to the library every day, calling him inflexible and saying he didn’t know how to have fun. Yet, Ian returned with a mystical creature as if it is nothing.

Mystical creatures aren’t just lying around.

By definition, a mystical creature resides in a sacred place.

Even for a mage, without fortunate encounters, one might never bond with a mystical creature in a lifetime.

Yet Ian had acquired one so easily, as if he had just adopted a cat from next door.

“Does a mystical creature also judge by appearance?”

In the end, Milo could only come to that conclusion.

After all, the only difference between Ian and him was appearance.

“That can’t be right. mystical creatures are fair to everyone! Hey, cat! Come here!”

“You shouldn’t handle it roughly, Milo!”

Edel tried to intervene, but Milo took the cat and lifted it with both hands.

However, something wasn’t right with the cat’s expression.

With a nonchalant gaze, it looked at Milo and began tapping his hands gently with its small paws.

“What, what is this? Are you asking to be put down?”

“Meow.”

The cat protested gracefully.

Startled, Milo set the cat back on the ground.

The cat glared at Milo briefly before returning to Edel’s embrace.

The cat abruptly changed from looking stern to appearing innocent.

“Does it dislike me?”

“So cute!”

Edel’s exclamation came at a rather coincidental moment.

Milo doubted him, but considered it a coincidence.

Nevertheless, he couldn’t help but feel frustrated.

Already discouraged because his approaches weren’t working on female classmates and seniors lately, now even a mystical creature is rejecting him.

“It’s just that it isn’t familiar with you yet. Try treating it gently instead of roughly. It could be startled.”

Ian offered some advice, thinking about it sincerely, but Milo listened with one ear.

Ian gestured to the cat.

“Meow!”

The cat leapt and landed on Ian’s arm. Moving as if they are of one mind, Edel was amazed by their harmony.

Ian gently stroked the cat’s back.

The cat smiled happily, but internally did not hold back harsh words.

『I don’t like that muscle-bound pig! Try not to leave me alone if you can help it.』

“He’s a gentle soul.”

Ian sent this thought, so Milo and Edel could not hear the conversation between the two beings.

『His magic seems quite strong, but he wouldn’t stand a chance against you.』

“Have you figured that out already?”

『You seem to be quite trustworthy, don’t you?』

Ian belatedly realized what that meant and chuckled.

The cat had given a compliment.

At least in front of Ian, Milo and Edel did not hide their magical powers. Therefore, when they touched the cat, the cat could gauge the mana of his two friends.

“The word ‘friend’ is quite unfamiliar, isn’t it?”

『What do you mean by that?』

“It just seems like you wouldn’t have friends.”

『Hmph! I am a great spirit. There’s no need to carry burdens around.』

“Sure.”

Ian set the cat down and asked Milo, who was feeling discouraged.

“Do you have free time today?”

“Free time, my foot! You know I’ve been summoned here and there recently, right? Since there’s a cancellation today, I figured I’d take it easy and have a nap for a change.”

Milo had been working under Professor Maxim of the Department of Natural Sciences on improving potion-making equipment.

Although it was a different department, participating in the experiment was a great honor.

Not only could he gain knowledge, but he could also network with academy high officials, including professors.

“Even so, learn as much as you can and don’t lose your temper and disrupt the experiment.”

Milo’s reputation was quite good. So much so that the famously eccentric Professor Maxim had seriously recommended him to transfer departments.

Despite being exhausted, Milo bragged about it.

“You think I wouldn’t know that? Why are you asking if I’m busy, anyway?”

“I have to go out for a bit.”

“Where to?”

“The Bahamut Trading Company.”

Milo’s eyes gleamed.

Edel had no idea, but Milo had some understanding of the Hamel Trading Company affairs.

“In that case, I suppose I should make some time.”

“Let’s leave right away.”

“Hold on. Let me grab my gear.”

Milo opened the wardrobe and strapped a rugged-looking iron sword to his waist.

He donned a Department of Magic cloak and gripped his staff tightly.

“Take care. I’ll be at the dormitory.”

Edel said, keeping his eyes fixed on Ian’s feet, where a white cat lay.

“This little guy is a bit anxious, so I need to take him along for now.”

“Huh? Oh, no! It’s nothing like that. Go safely.”

“You’re not being honest.”

Ian and Milo headed outside.

At that moment, the cat sent a thought.

『But it’s a bit strange, human.』

“What now?”

『That boy Edel, why is he with you?』

It was an odd question. However, Ian had an inkling of why the cat asked such a question.

“Of course, because we’re students in the same department. There’s no class distinction at the academy. Everyone is equal.”

『No, not that kind of story… never mind, it doesn’t matter.』

Ian exited the dormitory. At the same time, students’ attention started to focus more and more on them. To be precise, it was directed at the cat and not Ian or Milo.

* * *

As expected, the cat drew great interest as an ‘extraordinary creature.’

Most of the passing students went out of their way to change their destinations just to see the cat.

‘Soon enough, rumors will spread throughout the academy.’

Ian thought it was for the best.

A cute extraordinary creature discovered in the Great Library wouldn’t cause much controversy. Moreover, the decisive factor was that the spirit took the form of a cat.

Extraordinary creatures could take on inanimate forms or appear grotesque. However, since the cat only appeared cute without any special abilities, it wouldn’t be seen as more than a pet—except perhaps by skilled professors.

“You got this one from the Great Library?”

“Really? That’s unbelievable!”

“I should go to the library too!”

“Totally my type! Can I touch it a bit?”

Ian allowed the contact.

Milo was filled with indignation.

Though he hadn’t done anything, beautiful female students approached Ian on their own accord, initiating conversation, which was enough to stir such emotions.

It reinforced the belief that the world was indeed unfair.

At that moment, a group of male students shoved others aside to barge in.

Ian narrowed his eyes.

‘Department of Martial Arts guys?’

They wore uniforms and swords symbolizing the Department of Martial Arts.

They are freshmen, five in total, and all had familiar faces.

Ian’s sharp memory recalled the scene.

‘As I thought. Followers of Helios.’

The timing was not ideal.

Students who had been eagerly watching Goyang (the cat) took a step back, which included both freshmen and seniors.

Such was the imposing aura of Helios’s followers.

They approached arrogantly and tried to kick Goyang.

“Ha! Did this tiny thing dodge?”

Naturally, goyang evaded the attack.

Even if it were not a spirit but a mystical creature, the attack was clumsy enough to be avoided.

『Such a blasted bastard!』

“Hold back.”

『Why should I?』

“We agreed to do as I say, didn’t we?”

It bared sharp fangs and growled.

Goyang was not angered at the follower trying to kick it but was annoyed with Ian.

『This isn’t a fun and cool relationship!』

But Ian was its contractor.

Moreover, it was the condition upon which Ian had agreed to the contract: to trust and follow him.

He wasn’t demanding obedience as a familiar.

He wanted it to trust and follow him.

Thus, Goyang obediently accepted Ian’s words.

“Stand back.”

Goyang slinked back, while Ian smiled and greeted the unwelcome guests.

“What are you doing?”

“What do you think? I was just intrigued by an animal owned by an animal, so I wanted to take a look.”

“Puhahaha!”

“An animal owned by an animal! That’s too much! Hahaha!”

Ian snickered.

He placed his left hand inside his lapel.

The followers, wary, placed their hands on their waist, precisely on their swords, since Ian was a mage.

“If you’re laughing at me, you’re welcome to do so anytime, but since you tried to kick my cute Goyang, I can’t just let this go.”

“Have you gone mad from behaving like an attention seeker lately? Hahaha! What are you going to do? Ask for help from a passing senior like last time?”

“No, I don’t think I need to trouble a senior with this.”

Ian withdrew his left hand.

Simultaneously, the followers drew their swords, rousing their aura.

They assumed Ian was about to cast magic.

But what flew from Ian’s hand was not magic.

It was a finely embellished white handkerchief.

The handkerchief fluttered and fell before the followers.

For a moment, the surroundings fell silent.

“Is this… a duel challenge?”

Milo murmured. As if a signal had been given, the surroundings began to stir.

“Ian from the Department of Magic has challenged someone to a duel!”

“Who is the opponent?”

“Isn’t it one of those five?”

There was one thing that hadn’t changed from ancient times to now: the most entertaining spectacle in the world was a fight.

‘This is perfect. It’s a good opportunity to test this new magic I’ve gained.’

Ian grinned widely.

The followers, who hadn’t expected such aggressive action, hesitated.

Provocation and duels were unquestionably different.

A duel was something you’d stake your life on.

“Oh dear, the handkerchief fell. Don’t just stand there dumbfounded; someone pick it up unless you’re scared.”

“You filthy brat!”

Eventually, the closest follower from the Department of Martial Arts picked up the handkerchief.

The duel was thus established.