The head professor’s office was deathly silent.
Deculein focused his gaze on the scroll without a word. The unfurled scroll was filled with all manner of formulas, lines and circles among them.
“······.”
Epherene swallowed and clenched her fists tightly. Tense to the utmost, she watched Deculein.
Her heart pounded. Cold sweat trickled down her temples. Her breathing grew rough.
“The knots where the magic circle connects are loose.”
Behind Deculein, who had been peering into the formulas, a fountain pen floated up with a whoosh.
“These parts.”
The fountain pen marked a total of eight spots.
“Feel for yourself the difference between a secure seam and a loose one.”
Sylvia compared the places he had marked with the ones he had not.
There was a subtle but definite difference. Even Epherene, at least in that moment, took his advice seriously.
“The rest of the completion is not bad.”
Deculein said so and nodded. In that instant, Epherene felt a certain thrill surge up from the depths of her chest.
The rest of the completion is not bad.
In other words, he had failed to catch her trap.
“······Ahem.”
In truth, from one perspective, it was only natural. Catalyst magic was, from the very beginning, “magic that engraves that formula onto a catalyst.”
A kind of burden-reducing technique that allotted seventy percent of the formula to the catalyst, leaving the caster to handle only the remaining thirty percent. In other words, a magic formula with seventy percent of its workings hidden.
“It seems you may continue on like this.”
Deculein failed to grasp the existence of that trap until the very end. Epherene burst into laughter before she realized it.
“Ahaha.”
At that laugh, Deculein turned to look at her. Epherene answered with a broad grin.
“Thank you, Professor. I feel like everything’s been cleared up.”
“If you are done, leave.”
“Yes!”
Epherene sprang to her feet. Her face was filled with a smiling expression so bright her eyes were nearly closed. Sylvia narrowed her eyes at Epherene, and soon the five of them stepped outside together.
“Impudent Epherene.”
“Sorry, sorry.”
Even at Sylvia’s words, Epherene merely smiled.
The team members took the elevator down to a study room on the lower floors of the Magic Tower. Thanks to the name Sylvia, the inside of the study room was extremely spacious and clean.
Epherene first spread the scroll out on the large table.
“But the Professor really is amazing. It’s not even half finished yet, so how did he see it and know right away?”
“Right. The moment he pointed out these seams, I finally understood.”
Those were Eurozan and Dane, respectively.
“Hey, this is surprisingly fun. At first I thought it’d just be difficult. It kind of feels like we’re really seeing the world magically?”
At their words, Sylvia snorted inwardly.
It kind of feels like we’re really seeing the world magically?
The difference in level was so great it was almost cute. Was this how an eagle felt while watching caterpillars boast about their antennae?
“No.”
But then Epherene suddenly shook her head with confidence.
“Deculein, that man was wrong this time.”
“Impudent Epherene.”
Sylvia furrowed her brow. Her eyebrows twitched with hostility.
“Sylvia, we made a bet, didn’t we?”
Epherene smiled faintly. Then she took a mana stone from her pocket.
Eurozan asked,
“A bet? What bet?”
“There was something like that.”
Last week, while arguing at the mansion, Epherene and Sylvia had made a certain bet. It was a bet concerning Deculein’s skill.
“Look.”
Epherene took out the mana stone Deculein had given her as a reward in a previous class. She had divided it into four and had been using the pieces well, and she had engraved a circuit onto one of them.
“I told you last time, didn’t I?”
Epherene placed the mana stone on the scroll and infused it with mana. That mana-stone catalyst and a certain cunning formula on the scroll combined, causing a reaction.
“That man doesn’t even know my trap—”
It was the moment she was about to continue.
Puuuuuuuu—!
Some liquid shot up and covered Epherene’s face.
“Trap, or, any, thing······.”
Her words slowly broke off. Epherene staggered backward. The group members also blinked as they looked at her.
Sticky ink clung to her face, including her teeth and gums.
“······Ah!”
Then a sharp, spicy sensation rose. Epherene flailed while breathing roughly, and her teammates burst into laughter.
“Ah······ ah······ aaagh!”
“Khehehe. Why, what’s wrong, Eph, khehehehe······.”
“Haa, haa, haa······.”
Only Sylvia turned her head. She did not look at anything because she did not want to laugh, but her nostrils and lips kept twitching.
“Guaaaah, it burns— it burns—!”
Epherene placed any random vessel on the floor, created water, and plunged her face into it.
Bubble, bubble—
She remained like that for quite a while, then raised her head when the burning began to subside.
“Ah······ ah······ I’m dying······.”
Looking at her swollen lips and reddened eyelids, Sylvia let out a mocking “hmph.”
“Impudent Epherene. Look here.”
Epherene barely opened her eyes and looked in the direction Sylvia indicated. In the air above the scroll, a certain sentence floated in blue.
[ That ingenuity is worthy of praise, if only by the width of a fingernail. ]
“Ah, damn it all— ah, it’s burning again······.”
Epherene, her face twisted into an ugly grimace, shoved it back into the water, and Sylvia resumed the correction work.
However, this time, even Sylvia was a little wary.
“Catalyst arts” were secretive magic in which only a portion was revealed. One had to predict what kind of circuit the opponent had engraved in order to respond.
It required not only magical ability, but also a genius, mathematical mind.
In that respect, Professor Deculein was a little more of a genius than Sylvia had expected······.
* * *
Three days later.
I received the auction results from the butler, Roy.
[ 82,145,005 Ε ]
Even after taxes and labor costs, I had made a net profit of over eighty million. Since it was an auction held after acquiring the appraisal shop, there had been no commission fee either.
Of that, I transferred twenty million elne to the Hadekain family account, hoping Yeriel would put it to good use.
“Roughly one billion, then.”
There were still many items left to sell, so it seemed I could earn at least another billion. The performance of 「Tycoon」 was this certain.
Satisfied, I sat in the chair in my study and looked at the magic tome again.
Large and thick, as if three or four ordinary books had been combined, its title was── 「Metal Reinforcement」.
It was one of my efforts to upgrade 「Psychokinesis」.
Previously, I had lacked the knowledge and mana to understand the magic called 「Metal Reinforcement」. That was because the mana consumption of 「Comprehension」 was determined by my magical knowledge and foundation.
For example, if one tried to solve calculus with the knowledge level of an elementary school student, it would consume an enormous amount of mana, but with the knowledge level of a high school student, there would be a certain degree of “discount.”
In that respect, this 「Metal Reinforcement」 was a medium-scale magic that required tremendous mana and formulas to cast. As it was a type of 「Enchant」 magic, it was already exceedingly heavy and complex, and 「Metal Reinforcement」 was ordinarily used on things such as enormous fortress walls.
Contrary to its rather simple-sounding name, it was on the level of an “ultimate anti-siege weapon.”
For that reason, even if I poured in all my mana, it had been impossible for me to 「Comprehend」 the core circuit of this magic, and I had not even felt the need to do so.
However, thanks to my steady reading and study of magic in the meantime, my level of knowledge had improved to some degree, and I had also succeeded in partially interpreting the portion of this magic responsible for 「Reinforcement」.
The support-type 「Metal Reinforcement」, composed of no straight lines and only curves.
From now on, I would transplant this circuit into the 「Psychokinesis」 of my body.
Of course, I could not reproduce the original scale and performance of 「Metal Reinforcement」 as they were.
I would greatly reduce its output, reduce the risk by making it apply only at the moment 「Psychokinesis」 grasped an object, and engrave part of the 「Metal Reinforcement」 formula onto woodsteel.
“······In a way, I suppose this is thanks to Epherene.”
It was the inspiration I had gained from Epherene’s challenge three days ago: “catalyst arts,” which eased my mana burden.
Scratch— scratch—
I engraved circuits onto the woodsteel shuriken. Thirty minutes was enough for all twenty of them.
After this 「Metal Reinforcement」, I was thinking of 「Basic Restoration」.
It was a formula that would grant restorative power to 「Psychokinesis」 itself, allowing objects handled by 「Psychokinesis」 to recover on their own.
There probably had never been such a versatile 「Psychokinesis」 in this world either.
Well, I was making it by cobbling things together without any foundation. Once 「Reinforcement」 and 「Basic Restoration」 were added, it would be difficult to even call it psychokinesis anymore.
“······Restoration magic?”
A thought suddenly occurred to me.
I took a pendant out of the drawer.
A photograph of Epherene and Epherene’s father together. However, the father’s face itself had been erased.
If it were an expert in restoration magic, restoring this torn portion should not be difficult.
Of course, restoring this would not change anything, but······.
“It would be better than doing nothing.”
* * *
······The Imperial University Magic Tower of the Empire was 101 floors above ground, boasting the greatest height on the continent.
Even within it, the floors above the 80th in particular were called the “upper levels” and handled the Magic Tower’s confidential affairs; even among professors of the same Magic Tower, entry authority differed according to rank.
─Good! Now, we will begin the executive meeting of the Imperial University Magic Tower!
The 91st floor of the University Magic Tower, a floor that could be called the highest even among those upper levels.
On this floor, the entirety of which was used as a conference room, numerous professors had been summoned today. It was the Magic Tower’s regular meeting, held every half term.
─But before that, let’s start by celebrating some good news! Professor Deculein’s selection as an Imperial Palace instructional mage! Congratulations!
The Chairwoman looked at me and clapped. This conference room was unusually tiered according to rank, so the Chairwoman occupied the highest seat, and I was directly below her.
Clap, clap, clap, clap—
The other professors also responded with applause. I merely answered with a nod.
─You begin work tomorrow, don’t you?! This is an honor for our Magic Tower as well! Of course, some person named Luina from some kingdom or other was also selected with you, but, well! Anyway, let’s move on to the first agenda item! As expected, it’s the final exam questions!
If the Magic Tower’s midterm exams were theoretical, the final exams were practical.
Therefore, the exams for all courses other than the liberal arts mainly consisted of “overcoming a situation” or “proving magical ability.”
─As you know, so very sadly, with the former Emperor’s passing, the schedule was delayed quite a lot······. So time is very tight! If you need preparations such as renting a location, you must apply quickly!
It meant we were to begin preparing the exams from now.
─And next, you know the agenda that was passed in Bercht this time, right?! Now the Magic Tower has to send support for “demon purification”······ and our Magic Tower received a request for support as well! Perhaps because it is a somewhat urgent matter, the cathedral specifically requested Chief Professor Deculein!
“······.”
I looked at the Chairwoman without a word. The Chairwoman smiled brightly.
─That should be all right, yes?
[ Side Quest: Support Demon Purification ]
◆ Shop Currency +2
“Yes.”
I agreed without saying anything more.
Refusing here would look bad, and from the beginning, demons were far easier for me than magical beasts. Most mages would likely be the opposite.
─And the “Mountain of Darkness,” which had been closed until now, will be reopened! The directive has come down! Ah, the “opening of Marik” begins next week as well!
The professors let out low murmurs.
Conservative as they were, they seemed somewhat burdened by the current situation, but it could not be helped.
The Emperor was radical, a lionhearted soul with a bold spirit. Also, a secretive soul wrapped in a veil.
Contradictory as she was, she could become a villain or a virtuous figure depending on the player’s tendencies.
─Also, this time, we tried financially evaluating the professors’ research projects, thesis work, and so on, divided into expenditures and income?!
The meeting—no, the Chairwoman’s words—continued one-sidedly, and numerous charts floated in the air.
Lellin, Letran, Siare, Firenz, Lokan, and so on······ the financial results of the professors, each of whom had dozens of mages under them, were not very good.
For reference, the newer professors lacked the rank to participate in this meeting.
─Except for Professor Deculein, whose research has been stagnant for three years, the results are really quite poor. I suppose this is what they mean when they say you can get halfway there by doing nothing!
Deculein had only lectured for three years.
Half of the lecture fees were paid to Deculein, while the remaining half was donated to the Magic Tower; the profits far surpassed those of the other professors.
─Um, Chairwoman. Forgive me for saying this, but our research is purely academic in nature, so judging it by simple finances is…
Rethran’s cautious excuse was certainly correct. The Magic Tower professors such as Lellin, Rethran, and Siare had, though I occasionally ignored them, achieved and were still achieving great scholarly accomplishments.
It was just that the magic stones they consumed and the labor costs of the mages under them were far too enormous.
─Whatever the case! Does pure scholarship not make money?! Professor Deculein’s midterm exam papers were pure scholarship too, but they made a ridiculous amount of money!
The chairwoman retorted.
I quietly nodded.
─So! In order to overcome this situation! We’ve decided to reopen a department called the “Planning and Coordination Office” for the first time in five years! We need to appoint its director, so if anyone has a recommendation…
The moment I heard that, I raised my hand.
“I will take the position.”
─Professor Deculein, you?
“Yes.”
The Planning and Coordination Office. Simply put, it was a position that managed planning and budgets, but I was looking somewhere higher than that.
─I said a recommendation. Are you recommending yourself?
“I recommend Deculein von Grahan Yukline.”
─How shameless!
“By the chart as well, I am the most suitable.”
The authority of the head of the Planning and Coordination Office—in other words, the director of planning and coordination—was, of course, immense.
However, my ultimate goal was to become the “chairman” of the University Magic Tower.
At this point in time, Adrienne would have her status elevated to Archmage within a year at the longest. A being as tremendous as an Archmage would likely feel awkward remaining in a mere Magic Tower.
After she left, if I ascended to the position of chairman, I would be able to obtain what was called an “occupational bonus”—a number of stats, including a staggering 「1,000」 mana.
─Hmm… Do the other professors have no opinions?
At that moment, I glared at the professors. I opened my eyes as frighteningly as possible and glared at them. I glared as if I would kill them.
None of the professors stepped forward.
─…But you haven’t had any research for three years, so how could you judge other people’s research plans?
“I can understand anything if it is practical research. Also, I am not sure whether this can be called research, but.”
I looked around the conference room and continued speaking.
“Though I am ashamed to say it, during that time, I was more engrossed in resolving a problem than in conducting research, and had been immersed in the matter of the ‘Symposium.’”
─Huh? The Symposium?
“Yes.”
─Then you’re saying you haven’t done any research all this time because of that?
I let out a faint sigh and nodded.
“That is not exactly the case, but it was because my attention wandered for a time. However, that matter is now on the verge of being resolved.”
At that, the chairwoman looked down at me with a subtle expression.
─Hmmm! Then, fine! It’s not the Millennium but the Symposium, but still! If Professor Deculein accomplishes such scholarly value and achievement, then it would be only natural to give you the position of planning director! But if you fail to solve the problem, the embarrassment is yours!
* * *
“…There were such rumors in the Magic Tower.”
In the study of the Imperial Palace, Sophien received a report from the eunuch “Jolang.”
“Could he become the next chairman? Judging by his actions, he seems to be blatantly aiming for it.”
“It is not impossible, Your Majesty, but his research is currently stagnant…”
The eunuch’s ears were broad in range and detailed. Furthermore, depending on the other party, his mouth was loose, and he did not spare his words like a knight, so he was perfect as a convenient toy.
“If resolving the Symposium problem is combined with Yukline’s prestige, becoming the director of planning and coordination would be easy. However, the chairmanship is another matter. It would also require Your Majesty’s permission.”
Sophien nodded. Then she abruptly rose and leaned against the windowsill of the study.
It was a spot from which the “Path of Humility” leading to the Imperial Palace could be seen at a glance.
The time was almost upon them.
“Mm.”
Just then, a woman was approaching.
Long dark-green hair, as though it contained a shadowed forest. Sharp features and tightly pressed lips. Her robe coat, buttoned up firmly as if revealing her unyielding nature, was quite beautiful even in the Emperor’s eyes.
“Ruina, von Schlot McQueen!”
The Emperor shouted thus. Startled, Ruina lifted her eyes and looked at her.
“Welcome!”
At that spirited cry, Ruina hurriedly knelt on one knee and bowed her head. It was the utmost courtesy.
As if she intended not to move until the Emperor’s gaze was withdrawn, she remained like a statue.
Soon after, another man appeared behind her.
The Emperor shouted once more.
“Deculein, von Grahan Yukline!”
Deculein looked into Sophien’s eyes. There was neither trembling nor fear in that gaze.
He observed etiquette with dignity and sincerity, but he did not kneel.
Sophien asked the eunuch behind her in a quiet voice.
“Why is that bastard not kneeling?”
“By tradition, a teaching mage and the Emperor are companions who spend half a year, or perhaps a year, together. Of course, they observe propriety, but they do not show the utmost reverence as a subject does to a sovereign.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. However, that is merely according to tradition. That man truly is insolent.”
At the eunuch’s fawning, Sophien twisted her lips. Then she stepped down from the windowsill and sat back in her chair. Before she knew it, her expression had become like that of a rotten fish.
“I did choose two of them in the end, but how bothersome. Imagining them prattling on about uninteresting magic in front of me…”
“It would be perfectly fine to postpone it for a while. Or turning them away at the door would not be bad either. Training them that way would also—”
“Enough. I have already greeted them, have I not?”
The Emperor looked at her desk. On top of it, a chessboard was gleaming.
She let out a small derisive chuckle.
“I am so plagued by heavy duties that I am sick of it, and today is, in any case, the first lesson with those ‘companions.’ Good. Let us play chess…”