Book 1 Chapter 331

331

"Exchange student?"

"Yes, to be exact, it might be easier to think of it as something like a short-term study abroad student?"

I had heard about exchange students since my first year.

In the case of Professor Herdium of Seirun, he had shown continuous interest and sent letters.

Of course, recently, as the situation in Seirun became a little strange, the letters decreased.

But I never expected Tina, who had no connection to Seirun, to bring up the topic of exchange students.

Moreover, the Tina Leo had seen was an elf slightly different from the usual elves.

'Well, maybe that's why she can bring up the topic of exchange students.'

Certainly, from an elf's perspective, Tina was an elf who could easily be called an eccentric.

That's why she was also an elf with a flexible way of thinking.

Just watching Tina's classes for a short time was enough to confirm that.

She unhesitatingly conducted classes that would not be strange to be called heretical among elves.

That's why Tina's recommendation for an exchange student was even more puzzling.

"Is there a reason you specifically want to send me to Seirun as an exchange student? I don't think I'd be very welcome in Seirun."

Tina nodded at Leo's words.

"That's right. Not just Seirun, but the elven magical community doesn't look favorably upon you."

The greatest contributor to the 'Introduction to Star Magic' that Len published this year was Leo's unique magic, 'Bible'.

In addition, Leo had interpreted the 'Flower Blooming Magic' which had remained uninterpreted for a long time, and obtained 'Folium' as a clear reward from the world of Luna, the progenitor of the nebula.

Even though he had no connection to Seirun, it was Leo who had fulfilled the long-cherished wish of the elf race several times.

Given this situation, many within Seirun judged Leo to be challenging Seirun's prestige and held hostile feelings towards him.

Tina said,

"The reason I want you to go to Seirun as an exchange student isn't simply for you to go there and study. Honestly, I don't think there's anything for you to learn in Seirun, let alone Lumerne."

Tina shrugged her shoulders.

"What do you mean?"

"Seirun's ultimate goal is to give birth to a successor to Luna, the progenitor of the nebula. Just as our ancestor did."

Thump- thump-

Tina walked over to a mobile whiteboard at one side of the professor's office.

When she removed the cloth covering the whiteboard, complex magical formulae appeared on it.

It was none other than the flower blooming magic.

"This formula you interpreted is beautiful."

Tina stared at the magical formula of the flower blooming magic with a somewhat dreamy, unfocused gaze.

Tina, who had been admiring the formula, said,

"There are many rigid-minded fools in the elven magical community."

A look of displeasure surfaced on Tina's face.

"That's why there are idiots who deny this magic you interpreted."

The magical formula of the 'Flower Blooming Magic' that Leo interpreted is the foundation of the star magic created by Luna.

It's no exaggeration to say that all star magic derived from the 'Flower Blooming Magic' because star magic was created to make this magic.

"It's not unreasonable for them to think that. Even to me, it's astonishing."

The difficulty of the flower blooming magic is the hardest among all magic, including star magic.

Its effect is simply to make 'flowers' bloom.

But the realm this magic touches is the realm of 'God'.

Making flowers bloom from nothing… it is literally magic that creates something out of nothing.

Compared to its effect, which could even be called plain in some sense, the formula composing the magic is unimaginably complex.

From the perspective of a wizard who values efficiency, it is an inefficient magic that seems like a useless waste.

'Well, that's why it's the most Luna-like magic.'

The most brilliant wizard since magic existed.

But also a wizard who was just as eccentric and quirky.

From the perspective of later generations, she was an existence difficult to fully understand.

"Professor Tina, it seems you are confident that this magic was created by Luna."

"Yes. It's strange to think that a formula interpreted this perfectly is wrong… and I liked Luna more after seeing this magic."

Tina smiled faintly.

"What should I say, there's a romance to it, isn't there? And the fact that Luna tried to create the flower blooming magic has been proven by conquering Luna's world. Even if those thick-headed fools insist vehemently that other interpretations exist, it only insults Luna, yet they deny it to the end, you know?"

Tina grumbled.

"You're the one who interpreted this kind of magic, aren't you? It's no exaggeration to say you've already mastered star magic, so is there anything for you to learn in Seirun?"

"It was luck."

"There's no such thing as luck in magic. Especially not with such high-level magic."

Tina smiled faintly.

"Ancestor, you have achieved a feat that even Seirun Tingel could not accomplish."

Tina went to one side of the professor's office, poured a cup of strong brewed coffee into a mug, and sipped it.

Tina, savoring the coffee, said,

"A 'Magic Society' is being held in Seirun this time. It's also where Professor Len's associate professor, Anna, will present Professor Len's 'Introduction to Star Magic'."

At Tina's words, Leo thought of Anna.

Recently, she had been preparing for the society meeting, looking notably exhausted.

All of this was due to the pressure of having to present the 'Introduction to Star Magic' paper, which many elf mages unanimously called 'heretical,' at the Magic Society held in Seirun, which could be considered the very center of elven magic.

According to Chloe and Chelsea, who frequently visited her office to help Anna, she cursed Professor Len dozens of times a day.

"You, as a co-author, deeply understand that paper, don't you? I'd like you to help Associate Professor Anna at the society."

"What should I do there?"

"What do you mean, what? I want you to smash the heads of those thick-headed fools."

At Tina's words, Kirian, who was listening to the conversation, widened his eyes.

-Should I just slam them all with a thick grimoire?

"That sounds very tempting, but it would cause a huge problem, so no."

Tina continued, looking very regretful.

"Leo, you probably understand star magic deeply. Probably deeper than I do."

Tina looked directly into Leo's eyes.

"I think elven society needs change. The world is undergoing a transformation. And Leo, whether you like it or not, you are at the center of it."

Tina sighed.

"Perhaps if things continue like this, Seirun… no, the elf race might become obsolete. I believe a strong shock is needed to prevent elves from becoming obsolete."

"But if I can go as an exchange student, can I just go?"

Seeing Leo ask with a puzzled face, Tina smiled faintly.

"Don't worry about that part. I'll handle it."

"I'll think about it."

"Alright. Oh, and if you do go to Seirun, there's one more thing I'd like to ask. You don't necessarily have to do it."

"What is it?"

"Would you teach magic to my niece, who enrolled this year?"

"I'll consider it once it's decided."

"Thank you."

***

Having finished his conversation with Tina, Leo headed to the party venue.

-Leo, are you going? Huh? You're going, right? You have to go.

Kirian whined, clinging to him from the side.

"I'm going, so stop whining."

-Yay!

Kirian cheered and flew around wildly.

'Like a moth.'

Shaking his head at the sight, Leo sent Kirian back and entered the dormitory party venue.

"Oh? It's Leo."

When someone discovered Leo and murmured, a momentary silence fell upon the party hall.

In the midst of it, Leo spotted Reina in the party hall and looked surprised.

As Leo moved, the silence in the party hall broke.

But the glances—glances—at Leo couldn't be hidden.

Especially the parents' gazes towards Leo were unusual.

"Mother, without any contact. What brings you here?"

"It's not like I've come to a place I shouldn't be, is it?"

Reina smiled faintly.

"I've been watching your achievements closely."

"How were they?"

"He's my son, but he's terrifying."

It was then that Leo burst into laughter, watching Reina shake her head.

"Leo! Leo's mother."

Kal approached, smiling warmly.

"Kal, who's that person there?"

"This is my sister, Kiria Thomas. She runs an alchemy shop in the Moira Kingdom."

The woman resembling Kal widened her eyes as she looked at Leo.

"Kal, you really are close friends with Leo Flobe? I thought you had a habit of exaggerating."

"This auntie, what do you take me for…"

"Auntie? Auntie?! You really!"

"Eek-eek-eek!"

Kiria, with eyes narrowed, mercilessly pulled Kal's cheek.

Then she smiled faintly and greeted Leo.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Kiria Thomas, Kal's sister. Thank you for being friends with my pathetic brother."

"I'm Leo Flobe. Kal always helps me."

"Wow, he's so mature. Hey, Kal. Try to be at least half as good as your friend."

"My son is like an old man, so I wish Leo were a bit more like Kal."

Reina, listening to the conversation, burst into laughter.

It was then.

"Leo, Kal."

This time, Nella approached.

Next to her stood a handsome middle-aged man.

"Father, let me introduce you. These are my friends, Leo Flobe and Kal Thomas. They've been my close classmates since first year."

"I'm Leo Flobe."

"I'm Kal Thomas."

"I'm Neruon Carbun. My daughter is always indebted to you. Nice to meet you."

Neruon, after a polite greeting, turned his gaze to Reina.

"Long time no see, Reina."

"Long time no see, Senior Neruon."

Nella's eyes widened.

"Father, do you know Leo's mother?"

"She was a junior."

"Ah…"

Nella gasped.

"Your daughter is as beautiful as Senior Neruon."

"Thank you. How was my father during his school days? He never talks about them."

"Should I be honest?"

"Ahem!"

Neruon coughed dryly as Reina playfully asked.

And he said to Reina,

"Reina, I have something to say. Shall we talk privately for a bit?"

"Yes, Leo. Mom will go talk with Senior for a moment."

Reina left to talk with Neruon.

"Everyone!"

"Were you all here?"

And Illiana and Teid also approached, smiling brightly.

"Dad, Leo Flobe, Kal Thomas, Nella Carbun. These are my closest friends since first year! Everyone, this is my father, Ireiven Laden."

"Hello."

"My daughter is always indebted to you."

"Everyone, this is my father, Tedam Marcoasher. Father, these are my friends."

"Nice to meet you."

Illiana's father and Teid's father had already finished their greetings.

Those who were closest in their first year had gathered.

"Where's Chelsea?"

"Chelsea is busy greeting the people from Rodnell."

Nella smiled faintly.

Before anyone knew it, the parents were talking among themselves.

"What are they talking about?"

When Teid made a puzzled face, Illiana smiled meaningfully.

"Adults are probably having adult conversations. Oh! By the way, class president. Do you know that the kids from other dorms are calling you the Demon King now?"

"What kind of nickname is that?"

"They're calling you that because your performance in the test was too scary."

"Honestly, I was scared too."

"You should have reined it in a bit, reined it in."

As Teid shook his head and spoke, Nella gave her characteristic languid smile.

Kal shook his head back and forth.

"Demon King Leo. The sound of it feels kind of catchy, doesn't it?"

Illiana stroked her chin.

Watching them banter, Kiria poked her brother's side and said,

"Wow. From Gerdinger to Carbun, Laden, and even the Marcoasher family… you've really moved up in the world, haven't you?"

"Heh! Does this little brother look great now?"

"No, you look pathetic, but your connections look great."

"Urgh!"

It was then that Kal bristled at his sister's reaction.

Several people gathered around Leo.

"Student Leo. I saw your wonderful performance in this test. I am from the Kingdom of Deronde…"

"My son is always indebted to you in the same dormitory. Won't you visit the Western Magic Tower sometime?"

"I am…"

Kal clicked his tongue, looking at the crowd gathered around.

"Is it a natural reaction, if it's natural?"

"It really hits me that the class president has become a big shot."

It was then that Kal and Illiana exclaimed in admiration.

-May I have your attention, please.

Professor Sedgen, who had ascended the platform at the party hall, spoke.

Then everyone's attention turned to Sedgen.

-I extend my gratitude to the esteemed guests who have graced this occasion. I also take this opportunity to inform you that this gathering is to celebrate the second-year students who have completed a challenging exam.

Kal muttered after hearing Sedgen's words.

"Doesn't this feel a bit off?"

"Huh? What are you talking about, out of nowhere?"

It was when Illiana made a puzzled face.

-Furthermore, we plan to distribute midterm report cards to the parents. Therefore, all parents are requested to gather in front of the platform by dormitory.

At those words, most of the students' faces began to turn pale.

-Additionally, I would like to inform you that, in accordance with the newly established mentor system, there is no recommendation for withdrawal until the first semester of the second year. To inform you how negligent you have been in your studies, these will be distributed along with your first-year report cards.

"Where is such a thing possible!"

"This darn school, really!"

Illiana grabbed her head and screamed, and Teid's face turned pale.

The parents around Leo's eyes glittered and they rushed to the front of the platform.

Seeing that, Kal muttered.

"Our school seems to get more malicious by the day."