Book 1 Chapter 331
“Exchange student?”
“Yes, to be precise, you can think of it as a short-term international student.”
He had heard about exchange students since his first year.
Teachers like Heridium of Seirun had shown continuous interest and sent him letters.
Of course, as the recent situation in Seirun had become a bit strange, the letters had decreased.
But he hadn’t expected Tina, who had no connection to Seirun, to bring up the topic of exchange students.
Even the Tina that Leo knew was an elf who was a little distant from ordinary elves.
'Well, maybe that’s why she can bring up the topic of exchange students.'
Indeed, from an elf's perspective, Tina was an elf who deserved to be called eccentric.
That’s why she had a flexible way of thinking.
It was enough to just watch Tina’s classes for a short time.
She conducted classes that could easily be called heresy among elves without hesitation.
That made Tina’s recommendation for an exchange student even more puzzling.
“Is there a specific reason you want to send me to Seirun as an exchange student? I don’t think I’ll be very welcomed there.”
At Leo’s words, Tina nodded.
“That’s probably true. Not just in Seirun, but in the elf magic academia, you’re not viewed very favorably.”
Leo’s unique magic, ‘Bible,’ was the greatest contributor to the ‘Introduction to Star Magic’ published by Ren this year.
In addition, he interpreted the ‘Flower Blooming Magic,’ which had long been undeciphered, and obtained ‘Polium’ as a conquest reward from Luna’s world, the progenitor of nebulae.
Even though he had no connection to Seirun, Leo was the one who had fulfilled several of the elf race’s long-cherished wishes.
Given such circumstances, many within Seirun judged Leo as challenging Seirun’s status and harbored hostile feelings.
Tina said, “The reason I want you to go to Seirun as an exchange student is not simply to study there. Frankly, unless it’s Rumel, I don’t think there’s anything for you to learn in Seirun.”
Tina shrugged.
“What do you mean?”
“Seirun’s ultimate goal is to give birth to a successor of Luna, the progenitor of nebulae. Just like our ancestor did.”
Stomp- stomp-
Tina walked to a mobile whiteboard on one side of the professor’s office.
When she removed the cloth covering the whiteboard, a complex magic circle appeared.
It was none other than the Flower Blooming Magic.
“The magic circle you interpreted is beautiful.”
Tina gazed at the magic circle of the Flower Blooming Magic with a somewhat dazed look in her eyes.
After admiring the magic circle, Tina said, “There are many narrow-minded fools in elf magic academia.”
Displeasure flickered across Tina’s face.
“That’s why there are idiots who deny this magic you interpreted.”
The magic circle of the ‘Flower Blooming Magic’ interpreted by Leo was the foundation of the star magic created by Luna.
It’s no exaggeration to say that all star magic derived from ‘Flower Blooming Magic’ because star magic was created to make this magic.
“It’s not unreasonable to think so. Even I find it absurd.”
The magic difficulty of Flower Blooming Magic is the most difficult among all magic, not to mention star magic.
The effect is simply to make a ‘flower bloom.’
However, the realm this magic operates in is the realm of a ‘god.’
Making a flower bloom from nothing… it’s literally creating something from nothing.
Compared to its effect, which could be considered unimpressive in a sense, the magic circle that constitutes the magic is unimaginably complex.
From the perspective of a mage who values efficiency, it is an exceedingly inefficient magic, appearing as a useless waste.
'Well, that’s why it’s the most Luna-like magic.'
The most genius mage since magic existed.
But also, a magic user who was equally eccentric and odd.
It was a being difficult for later generations to fully comprehend.
“Professor Tina, you seem confident that this magic was created by Luna.”
“Yes. It would be strange to think that a magic circle interpreted this perfectly is wrong… and I grew to like Luna more after seeing this magic.”
Tina smiled faintly.
“What can I say, it has romance, doesn’t it? And it’s been proven while conquering Luna’s world that Luna tried to create Flower Blooming Magic. Even if they stubbornly insist on other interpretations, those with closed minds are still denying it, aren’t they?”
Muttering, Tina said, “You’re the one who interpreted this magic, aren’t you? It’s no exaggeration to say you’ve already mastered star magic, so is there anything you can learn in Seirun?”
“It was luck.”
“There’s no luck in magic. Especially not with this kind of high-difficulty magic.”
Tina smiled faintly.
“My ancestor, even Tingel of Seirun, couldn’t achieve this feat, yet you have.”
Tina walked to a corner of the professor’s office, poured strong coffee into a mug, and took a sip.
Savoring the taste of the coffee, Tina said, “There’s a ‘Magic Academy’ being held in Seirun this time. It’s also where Assistant Professor Anna, Professor Ren’s subordinate, will present Professor Ren’s ‘Introduction to Star Magic’.”
At Tina’s words, Leo recalled Anna.
She had been preparing for the academic conference with an increasingly haggard appearance.
All of this was due to the pressure of presenting a paper on ‘Introduction to Star Magic,’ which numerous elf mages in Seirun, the very center of elf magic, would label as ‘heresy.’
According to Chloe and Chelsea, who frequently visited her office to help Anna, she cursed Professor Ren dozens of times a day.
“You, as a co-author, also have a deep understanding of that paper, right? I’d like you to help Assistant Professor Anna and attend the conference.”
“What should I do there?”
“What else? You’re supposed to smash the heads of those narrow-minded fools.”
At Tina’s words, Kirian, who was listening, widened his eyes.
- Should I just hit them with a thick grimoire?
“That sounds very appealing, but it would cause big trouble, so no.”
Tina said with a look of great regret.
“Student Leo, you will have a deep understanding of star magic. Perhaps deeper than I do.”
Tina looked directly into Leo’s eyes.
“I believe elven society needs change. The world is undergoing transformation. Student Leo, whether you like it or not, you are at the center of it.”
Tina sighed.
“If things continue like this, Seirun… no, the elf race might become obsolete. I believe a strong shock is necessary to prevent the elves from becoming obsolete.”
“But can I go as an exchange student just because you say so?”
Seeing Leo ask with a puzzled expression, Tina smiled faintly.
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of it.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Alright. Ah, and if you do go to Seirun, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask. It’s okay if you don’t do it.”
“What is it?”
“Would you teach magic to my nephew who enrolled this year?”
“I’ll consider it if it’s decided.”
“Thank you.”
***
After finishing his conversation with Tina, Leo headed to the party venue.
- Leo, you’re going, right? Huh? You’re going, right? You have to go.
Kirian clung to him from the side, whining.
“I’m going, so stop whining.”
- Yay!
Kirian shouted “Yay!” and flew around wildly.
‘He’s like a moth.’
Leo shook his head watching him, sent Kirian away, and entered the dormitory party venue.
“Oh? It’s Leo.”
As someone muttered upon seeing Leo, the party venue fell silent for a moment.
Amidst the silence, Leo spotted Reina at the party and looked surprised.
As Leo started walking, the silence in the party venue broke.
However, glances from the side, side-long glances at Leo, could not be hidden.
Especially the gazes of the parents looking at Leo were unusual.
“Mother, you’re here without contacting me. What brings you here?”
“It’s not like I can’t come, is it?”
Reina smiled faintly.
“I’ve been watching your exploits.”
“How was it?”
“Even though he’s my son, he was terrifying.”
As Leo watched Reina shake her head, he burst into laughter.
“Leo! Leo’s mother.”
Cal approached with a cheerful smile.
“Cal, who is that with you?”
“This is my older sister, Kiria Thomas. She runs an alchemy shop in the Kingdom of Moira.”
The woman who resembled Cal widened her eyes as she looked at Leo.
“Cal, you were really close friends with Leo Flob? I thought you had pathological lying.”
“What do you take this old woman for……”
“Old woman? Old woman?! You little brat!”
“Ehehehehe!”
Kiria glared and mercilessly pulled Cal’s cheek.
Then she smiled at Leo and greeted him.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Kiria Thomas, Cal’s older sister. Thank you for being friends with my pathetic brother.”
“I am Leo Flob. I always receive help from Cal.”
“Wow, you’re so mature. Hey, Cal, try to be half as good as your friend.”
“My child is like an old man, so I wish Leo would resemble Cal a little.”
Reina, who had been listening, burst into laughter.
Just then.
“Leo, Cal.”
This time, Nella approached.
A middle-aged man stood beside her.
“Father, let me introduce you. These friends are Leo Flob and Cal Thomas. They are classmates who have been my best friends since our first year.”
“I am Leo Flob.”
“I am Cal Thomas.”
“I am Nerion Kaven. My daughter is always indebted to you. It’s nice to meet you.”
Nerion, who bowed politely, turned his gaze to Reina.
“It’s been a while, Reina.”
“It has been a while, Senior Nerion.”
Nella’s eyes widened.
“Father, are you acquainted with Leo’s mother?”
“She was my junior.”
“Ah…”
Nella gasped.
“My daughter is as beautiful as you, Senior Nerion.”
“Thank you. Father, what were you like during your school days? You never talk about your school days.”
“Should I tell you honestly?”
“Ahem!”
Reina asked playfully, and Nerion coughed.
Then he said to Reina, “Reina, I have something I want to talk about. Shall we talk separately for a bit?”
“Yes, Leo. Mom will go talk to Senior Nerion for a bit.”
Reina left to talk with Nerion.
“Hey, guys!”
“You were all here?”
Then Iliana and Tate also approached with bright smiles.
“Dad, Leo Flob, Cal Thomas, Nella Kaven. They’re my closest friends since our first year! Guys, this is my father, Ireven Raden.”
“Hello.”
“My daughter is always indebted to you.”
“Hey guys, this is my father, Tadam Marcoa. Dad, these are my friends.”
“Nice to meet you.”
Iliana’s father and Tate’s father had already finished their introductions.
The ones who were closest in their first year were gathered.
“Where’s Chelsea?”
“Chelsea is busy greeting the people from Rodnell.”
Nella smiled faintly.
By this time, the parents were conversing amongst themselves.
“What do you think they’re talking about?”
Tate asked with a puzzled expression, and Iliana smiled meaningfully.
“Parents will be having adult conversations. Oh, by the way, class president, do you know you’re being called the Demon King by students from other dormitories right now?”
“What kind of nickname is that?”
“They’re calling you that because you were so scary during the exam.”
“Honestly, I was scared too.”
“You should have stopped at some point.”
Tate said, shaking his head, and Nella gave his characteristic languid smile.
Cal shook his head.
“Demon King Leo. It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”
Iliana stroked her chin.
Watching them chat, Kiria poked her brother’s side and said, “Wow. Zeidinger, Kaven, Raden, and Marcoa families… you’ve really made it big, haven’t you?”
“Hmph! Do you think this younger brother of yours is great now?”
“No, you’re unimpressive, but your connections are great.”
“Ugh!”
Cal bristled at his sister’s reaction.
Several people gathered around Leo.
“Student Leo, I saw your wonderful performance in the recent exam. I am from the Kingdom of Derond…”
“My son is staying in the same dormitory. Would you be willing to visit the Western Tower sometime?”
“I am…”
Cal was amazed by the crowd gathered around him.
“Is this reaction natural, I wonder?”
“It truly feels like our class president has become a big shot.”
Cal and Iliana exclaimed.
- May I have your attention, please.
Professor Sedgen, who ascended the party stage, began to speak.
Then everyone turned their attention to Sedgen.
- I would like to express my gratitude to the distinguished guests who have graced us with their presence. Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to announce that this event is to congratulate the second-year students who have successfully completed their difficult exams.
Hearing Sedgen’s words, Cal muttered, “Doesn’t this feel a bit ominous?”
“Huh? What are you talking about so suddenly?”
Iliana asked with a puzzled expression.
- Additionally, we will be distributing midterm grade reports to the parents. Therefore, all parents are requested to gather in front of the stage by dormitory.
At those words, the faces of most students began to turn ashen.
- To add, according to the newly established mentor system, there is no recommendation for withdrawal until the first semester of the second year. To inform you of how little you have studied, we will be distributing your first-year grade reports along with them.
“How can they do this!”
“This school is really!”
Iliana screamed, grabbing her hair, and Tate’s face turned pale.
The parents gathered around Leo’s eyes gleamed as they rushed to the stage.
Watching them, Cal muttered, “This school seems to get more malicious every day.”