<h4>Chapter 51: Imperial Pce (1)</h4>
The Head Professor’s office was deathly quiet. Deculein focused intently on the scroll without saying a word. The scroll was covered with various lines and circles. Epherene swallowed hard and clenched her fists, watching Deculein with tense anticipation. Her heart pounded, cold sweat trickling down her temples as her breath grew ragged.
“The knots connecting the magic circle are loose,” Deculein said, still examining the scroll. Behind him, a fountain pen floated up. “These sections here.”
The pen marked eight different spots, and he soon instructed, “Observe the difference between a secure connection and a loose one.
Sylviapared the marked and unmarked areas with her eyes. The differences were subtle but noticeable. Epherene, for once, took his advice seriously.
“The remainder of the work meets satisfactory standards,” Deculein noted with a nod.
At that moment, Epherene felt a surge of joy rising from deep within her chest. His remark that the rest of the work was satisfactory meant he hadn’t detected her trap.
“... <i>Hmm</i>~”
In truth, it was only natural. Catalyst Magic involved inscribing runes onto the catalyst itself, dedicating 70% of the spell''s power to the catalyst and only 30% to the caster. It was a burden-relief technique, with 70% of the spell concealed within the catalyst.
“Proceed as you have been,” Deculein said, unaware of the trap.
Epherene couldn''t help but burst intoughter and said, “<i>Aha-ha.</i>”
Deculein looked back at her, and she responded with a beaming smile, “Thank you, Professor. I feel so relieved now.”
“If everything isplete, you may all leave,” he said.
“Yes, sir!” Epherene eximed, jumping to her feet, her face lighting up with a broad smile.
Sylvia cast a narrow-eyed re at her, but the five of them soon left together. Once outside Deculein’s room, Sylvia muttered, “Arrogant Epherene.”
“Sorry, sorry,” Epherene replied with augh.
The team took the elevator down to the study room in the lower levels of the Mage Tower. Thanks to Sylvia, the room was spacious and tidy. Epherene spread the scroll out on therge table.
“<i>Wow</i>, the Professor is incredible. The work isn’t even half-finished, and he spotted the issue immediately,” Eurozan said.
“Yeah, I only noticed what was wrong after he pointed it out,” Daine added.
“Actually, this is pretty fun. I thought it would just be difficult, but it feels like I’m being able to see the world through magic,” Eurozan said.
Sylvia inwardly scoffed at their words about seeing the world through magic. They were so out of their depth, it was almost pathetic. It felt like an eagle watching caterpirs boast about their tiny feelers.
“Nope,” Epherene said confidently, shaking her head. “Deculein was wrong this time.”
"Arrogant Epherene," Sylvia said, frowning as her eyebrows twitched with irritation.
“Sylvia, remember our bet?” Epherene said with a small smile as she pulled a mana stone from her pocket.
“You guys made a bet? What was it about?” Eurozan asked.
Last week, during an argument at the mansion, Epherene and Sylvia made a bet about Deculein''s skills.
"Look at this," Epherene said, taking out the mana stone she had received as a reward from Deculein in a previous ss. She had divided it into four parts for practical use and had inscribed a circuit on one of them.
“Remember what I told you before,” Epherene said, cing the mana stone on the scroll and infusing it with mana. The catalyst reacted with the intricate runes on the scroll. “He didn’t even catch my trap—”
<i>St—!</i>
Before she could finish, a liquid burst out, covering Epherene’s face.
“He... didn’t even... notice my trap...” she said, her words trailing off slowly.
She stumbled back, and the team blinked at her in surprise. Sticky ck ink clung to her teeth and gums, coating her face entirely.
“<i>Ah... Ah... Aaah!</i>” she screamed as the burning sensation hit. Thrashing around, she caused her teammates to burst intoughter. “<i>Aaaaaah!</i>”
“Why are you, <i>haha... </i>like that, Epherene?”
“<i>Aaah, gaaah!</i>”
Only Sylvia turned her head away. She didn’t want tough, so she avoided looking, but her nostrils and lips kept twitching.
“<i>Aaah</i>, it burns!” Epherene gasped, hastily making a bowl from whatever she could find to douse her face with water.
<i>Gurgle gurgle—</i>
After a while, the burning sensation subsided, and she lifted her head. Her lips were swollen, and her eyelids were red as she moaned, “<i>Ah... Ah...</i> I’m going to die...”
Sylvia smirked and said, “Arrogant Epherene, look at this.”
Epherene struggled to open her eyes and looked where Sylvia was pointing. A glowing blue message hovered above the scroll.
<strong>Your ingenuity is deserving ofmendation, albeit modest.</strong>
“<i>Oh</i> damn it, it’s burning again...” Epherene groaned, plunging her face back into the water.
Meanwhile, Sylvia calmly resumed her corrections. This time, she exercised more caution. Catalyst Magic was a secretive art, revealing only parts of itself.
Predicting the circuits the opponent inscribed was crucial. It required not only magical ability but also a creative and mathematical mind. To dismantle, steal, and transform an entire spell, Professor Deculein was proving to be more of a genius than Sylvia had anticipated.
***
Three dayster, my butler Roy brought me the auction results.
[82,145,005?]
Even after deducting taxes andbor costs, weted over eighty million. Because we hosted the auction after acquiring the appraisal office, there were no fees. I transferred twenty million elne to the Hadecaine family ount, hoping Yeriel would make good use of it.
"Close to one billion."
There are still plenty of items to sell, so we can likely earn at least another one billion elne. The effectiveness of the <i>Wealthy Magnate</i> attribute is undeniable. Feeling satisfied, I sat down in my study and picked up the grimoires again. One massive, thick tome was titled <i>Metal Enhancement.</i>
This was part of my effort to upgrade <i>Telekinesis</i>. Previously, Icked the necessary knowledge and mana to understand the <i>Metal Enhancement</i> spell. The mana consumption for <i>Comprehension </i>is based on my level of magical knowledge.
For example, solving calculus with elementary-level knowledge required extreme mana consumption, but with high school-level knowledge, it was somewhat reduced. <i>Metal Enhancement</i> was a mid-level spell that demanded enormous mana and intricate spells. It was incredibly heavy andplex, often used for fortifying massive castle walls.
Despite its simple name, it''s akin to an ultimate siege weapon. In the past, I couldn''t <i>Comprehend </i>the core circuits of this spell, even if I poured all my mana into it, nor did I see the need.
However, thanks to my consistent reading and magical studies, my knowledge has improved enough to partially decode the enhancement aspects of this spell. It’s a supplementary form of <i>Metal Enhancement</i>,posed entirely of curves without any straight lines.
Now, I n to integrate this circuit into my <i>Telekinesis</i>. Naturally, I can''t replicate the original scale and performance of <i>Metal Enhancement</i>. Instead, I will significantly reduce its output, apply it only when <i>Telekinesis </i>grasps an object to minimize risk, and inscribe parts of the <i>Metal Enhancement</i> spell onto my Wood Steel shurikens.
"... In a way, I suppose I owe Epherene my gratitude."
The inspiration came from her challenge three days ago, involving a Catalyst Magic that reduces my mana burden.
<i>Scratch—scratch—</i>
I engraved the circuit onto the Wood Steel shurikens. It took only thirty minutes toplete all twenty. After enhancing them with <i>Metal Enhancement</i>, I nned to work on <i>Basic Restoration</i>. This spell would grant <i>Telekinesis </i>the ability to restore, allowing objects manipted by <i>Telekinesis </i>to recover on their own.
Such a versatile form of <i>Telekinesis </i>likely didn''t exist in this world. Then again, I was creating it bybining various techniques. With both <i>Enhancement </i>and <i>Basic Restoration</i>, it would be much more than just Telekinesis.
"... Restoration magic?"
A sudden thought struck me. I retrieved a pendant from my drawer. It held a photo of Epherene and her father, but his face had been erased. If I could find an expert in restoration magic, repairing this torn part would be easy. Of course, fixing it wouldn’t change much...
"It is better than doing nothing."
***
The Mage Tower of the Imperial University, the tallest structure on the continent, stands at 101 floors. The floors above the 80th, referred to as the upper levels, manage the Mage Tower''s most confidential matters. ess to these levels is restricted based on a Mage Tower professor''s rank.
"Alright! Let us nowmence the executive meeting of the Mage Tower of the Imperial University!"
On the 91st floor, one of the Mage Tower of the University''s highest levels, a vast meeting room upied the entire space. Today, numerous professors had assembled for the Mage Tower''s biannual meeting.
“But first, let us celebrate some good news! Congrattions to Professor Deculein on being selected as an Imperial Pce Instructor Mage! Please join me in giving him a round of apuse!”
The Chairwoman apuded while looking at me. In this tiered meeting room, she upied the highest seat, with me seated just below her.
<i>p p p p—</i>
The other professors joined in the apuse, and I acknowledged them with a nod.
“Starting tomorrow, correct?! This is a great honor for our Mage Tower! Of course, someone named Louina from some kingdom was also selected, but moving on to our first agenda item, the final exams!”
Whereas the Mage Tower’s midterm exams were theoretical, the final exams were practical. Consequently, all non-elective courses required students to ovee scenarios or demonstrate their magical skills.
“As you are aware, the passing of the previous Emperor has dyed our schedule, leaving us pressed for time. If you need to book locations for exams, please submit your applications promptly!”
It served as a reminder for us to begin preparing for the exams.
“And next, you are all aware of the agenda passed in Berhert, correct? Our Mage Tower is required to support the Demon Purification. They have requested our Mage Tower for assistance, specifically asking for Head Professor Deculein!”
I looked at the Chairwoman without saying a word. She smiled slyly and asked, “You can manage this, correct?”
[Side Quest: Support the Demon Purification]
◆ Store Currency +2
“Yes,” I responded, offering no furtherment.
Refusing would draw attention, and besides, handling demons was far easier for me than dealing with demonic beasts, unlike most mages.
“And we have decided to reopen the Mountain of Darkness, which has been closed until now. There is a directive for this! Additionally, the Marik Opening willmence next week!”
The professors murmured quietly. The conservative ones seemed uneasy about the current situation, but there was no avoiding it. The Empress was a radical, possessing the heart of a lion and a soul wrapped in mystery. Depending on one''s perspective, she could be seen as either an antagonist or a protagonist.
"And we’ve reviewed the professors'' research projects and papers, assessing them financially based on their expenses and ie!"
The meeting, or rather the Chairwoman’s monologue, continued. Various charts floated in the air. Professors like Relin, Ren, Siare, Fiorenz, and Rokan, who led dozens of mages, struggled financially. The newly hired professors weren’t even present at this meeting due to their lower ranks.
"With the exception of Professor Deculein, who hasn’t conducted research for three years, the rest of you have shown poor financial performance. They say that half the battle is simply showing up."
For three years, Deculein had focused solely on lecturing. Half of the lecture fees were his, while the other half went to the Mage Tower. This arrangement generated far more revenue than any other professor''s work.
"Chairwoman, with all due respect, our research is purely academic. Therefore, evaluating it solely based on financial terms is..."
Ren’s cautious defense was valid. The Mage Tower professors like Relin, Ren, and Siare, despite asionally being dismissed by me, had made and continued to make significant academic contributions. However, the cost of magic stones and the sries of their subordinates were substantial.
“Nonsense! Are you saying pure academic pursuits don’t generate revenue?! Professor Deculein’s midterm exam, although purely academic, brought in a significant amount of money!” the Chairwoman retorted.
I quietly nodded in agreement.
“To tackle this problem, we have decided to reopen the nning and Coordination Office after five years. We now need to appoint a director for this office. Are there any rmendations—”
I promptly raised my hand and dered, “I will assume this responsibility.”
“You are volunteering for this position, Professor Deculein?”
“Yes.”
The nning and Coordination Office primarily handles nning and budgeting, but my ambitions extend far beyond that.
“I asked for rmendations. Are you rmending yourself?”
“I rmend Deculein von Grahan-Yukline.”
“How shameless!”
"The charts clearly indicate that I am the most suitable candidate."
The Deputy Minister of the nning and Coordination Office wields considerable authority. However, my ultimate goal is to be the Chairman of the Mage Tower of the University. Adrienne will be promoted to Archmage within a year at most.
Such a powerful figure won''t remain at the Mage Tower for long. Once she leaves, I aim to take her position, whiches with substantial bonuses, including up to 1,000 mana points.
"Are there any other rmendations from the professors?!"
I fixed the professors with a menacing re, daring any of them to challenge me. None did.
“... But if you haven’t conducted research for three years, how can you evaluate others’ research nning?”
“I understand practical research of all kinds. Moreover, this might not qualify as research, but...” I paused, surveying the room. “To my embarrassment, I’ve been deeply engrossed in problem-solving, particrly focusing on the Symposium problem.”
“Wait, Symposium problem?”
“Yes.”
“So, you’ve been neglecting your research because of that?”
I sighed lightly and nodded, replying, “Not entirely, but my attention was somewhat diverted. However, that problem is now nearly resolved.”
The Chairwoman regarded me with a look of curiosity.
“<i>Hmm!</i> If you achieve such academic value and aplishments with the Symposium, even if it’s not the Millennium, then you certainly deserve to be the Deputy Minister of the nning and Coordination Office! But if you fail, the shame will be entirely yours!”
***
“... There have been such rumors circting in the Mage Tower,” the eunuch Jng reported to Sophien in the imperial pce study.
“Could he be the next chairman? His actions seem openly directed toward that goal,” Sophien mused.
“It seems possible, Your Majesty, but his research is currently at a standstill...” Jng’s information was extensive and precise. Unlike a knight, he spoke freely, making him a convenient toy.
“If he solves the Symposium problem and leverages Yukline’s prestige, bing Deputy Minister would be easy. However, bing chairman is a different matter entirely. He would need Your Majesty’s approval,” Jng added.
Sophien nodded and suddenly stood, leaning against the library’s windowsill. From there, she could see the Path of Humility leading to the imperial pce. It was nearly time.
“<i>Hmm</i>.”
At that moment, a woman approached. Her long, dark green hair seemed to absorb the surrounding light. With sharp features and tightly pressed lips, her firmly sped robe coat reflected her resolute nature, appearing quite beautiful even to the Empress.
“Louina von Schlott McQueen!” the Empress’s voice rang out. Startled, Louina looked up at her. “Greetings!”
At the Empress’s hearty greeting, Louina quickly knelt on one knee and bowed her head, disying utmost reverence. She remained motionless like a statue, waiting for the Empress’s gaze to shift away. Shortly after, another man appeared behind her.
The Empress called out once again, “Deculein von Grahan-Yukline!”
Deculein met Sophien’s gaze without hesitation or fear. He performed a graceful, respectful bow but did not kneel.
Sophien whispered to the eunuch behind her, “Why does he not kneel?”
“Traditionally, an instructor mage and the Empress are regarded aspanions for six months to a year. While they observe proper etiquette, they do not disy the extreme reverence of a subject to a sovereign, Your Majesty.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. However, that''s merely tradition. In reality, he is rather insolent.”
Sophien twisted her lips at the eunuch’s ttery, then descended from the windowsill and returned to her chair. Her expression turned cold and emotionless, like a lifeless doll.
“I have chosen two of them, yet it feels bothersome. The thought of them droning on about their magic...” Sophien murmured.
“Your Majesty, we could dy their audience or turn them away at the door. It might prove to be a valuable lesson—”
“That’s enough. I have already greeted them.”
The Empress nced at her desk, where a chessboard gleamed. She smirked and said, “I am overwhelmed by the burdens of work and have no interest in mypanions'' tedious lessons today. Instead, let us y chess...”