Book 1 Chapter 650

650.

The dining hall of the Clock Tower dormitory.

Riina, seated at the head of the table where the professors of Lumen were gathered, looked at the students entering the dining hall and said.

"This is a welcoming event for the new students. Everyone, postpone any bullying of your juniors until tomorrow. Just welcome them today. Understand?"

"Yes."

"Of course!"

The upperclassmen replied with good-natured smiles.

Then they looked at the large dining tables laden with food.

"Hey. Look at the floor."

At someone's words, the students looked at the floor.

The floor was inlaid with emblems symbolizing each department.

And on top of that, luxurious food was arranged as a buffet.

"This is like telling us to socialize only within our departments, isn't it?"

As Celia muttered, Nella's face clouded over.

"You're right. It feels like we're being divided into factions, and it doesn't feel good."

"Hmph. You have a carefree way of thinking."

Durin scoffed.

"They are enemies to be defeated. Don't speak weakly. When the time comes to defeat them, just cut them down without mercy."

Chen Xia smiled sweetly at Durin's words, which were accompanied by his characteristic belligerent smile.

"So, you mean we should compete fiercely when we need to compete, and forget all about it and be friendly when we're being friendly?"

"Why would you interpret it that way?"

Durin frowned, but said no more.

"Don't you think Durin is subtly weak to Chen Xia? He's rough with other female students, but he seems to back down when talking to Chen Xia."

Iliana whispered as Nella scratched her cheek.

"Is that so?"

"Come to think of it, Nella, it's the same with you."

Iliana, with her arms crossed, tilted her head and then nodded.

"Aha! He's weak to older girls! He has a surprisingly cute side? Hohoho!"

At that remark, Celia made a look of pity.

"Rather than being weak to older girls, it's probably that he's less nagging to those who can handle things themselves."

"Huh? You're always telling me off."

"You can't handle things yourself."

At Celia's words, Iliana pouted.

"Come on, let's talk while we eat. I'm starving from moving around so much today."

Chen Xia pushed her friends along and headed towards the Knights' department area.

"Student Leo."

Tina approached Leo, who was watching the students dividing themselves by department.

"Professor Tina. Congratulations on becoming a full professor."

"Thank you."

Tina, hands in her lab coat pockets as always, stood next to Leo and asked.

"So, do you like the dormitory?"

"It's amazing."

The Clock Tower dormitory was, quite literally, the pinnacle of massive magical engineering.

It was a crystallization of high-level magic formations, so much so that even Leo was impressed.

"You recognize it, don't you?"

Tina grinned.

"This Clock Tower dormitory holds countless mysteries and secret passages."

Tina, with her hands in her pockets, flapped her robe as if it were wings.

"You can even sneak into other dormitories."

"My room even has a door that can randomly take me anywhere."

"Yes. That's the student council president's authority. Ah! You must not use it with any sinister intentions, okay?"

Leo said calmly, watching Tina speak in a deliberately stern voice.

"I won't."

"How boring. Students should have some fun causing trouble."

Leo shook his head as he watched Tina grumble.

Meanwhile, the welcome party for the new students began by department.

"You can't even put down your book at a place like this?"

Kal asked with an incredulous look at the Magic department table, and Chloe replied.

"I came up with some magical theory to use in a new unique magic. Want to hear it?"

Chloe's eyes sparkled.

Seeing Chloe like that, Kal waved his hand.

"Your magic theory is bound to be so complex it'll make my head explode. Even if you explained it to me, I wouldn't understand."

At Kal's words, Betty, who was playing with her fork nearby, looked up sharply.

"Senior Chloe! Please explain it to me!"

"Oh, I'm quite interested too."

Juen also expressed interest.

Currently, in Lumen, without a doubt, the strongest mage in the Magic department is Elena.

Even in her third year, she was considered one of the strongest along with Torua.

She is, in other words, the foremost genius mage in Lumen today.

However, even Elena would name Chloe as the best when asked who is the best in magic theory.

Chloe, who has already published numerous magical papers in the academic world, is known as the genius girl.

Upon hearing Chloe's words, those around her also lit up and focused on what she was saying.

"C, as expected, the idol of the magic world. Your juniors' eyes shine with every word you say. With such reliable juniors, I don't have to listen, do I?"

Kal gave a thumbs-up and then quickly ran away.

Seeing Kal leave, Chloe glared at him.

This was because Chloe's magic theories, once started, were endless.

"Senior, please tell me. Please? Please?"

Betty sat down right next to Chloe, her eyes sparkling.

Chloe nodded at her junior, who was her mentee, and opened her mouth.

"It's a magic theory I came up with because I wanted to utilize ice clones more deeply."

"Ice clones?"

Ice clones were one of Chloe's signature spells, specializing in ice magic.

They don't just serve to confuse the enemy as mere decoys.

They can deal damage to the enemy through self-destruction, and they can also cast magic.

Of course, each clone can only cast one spell and is only capable of simple combat, but they act as additional casters.

In other words, it meant that multiple incantations could be used, equal to the number of clones.

The ice clone itself was already a high-level spell, but Chloe had modified its magic circles to the point of near overhaul.

Thanks to that, Chloe's ice clones were on a level where they could be called unique magic in themselves.

The second-year students, as well as the third-year students listening nearby, wore bored expressions.

'Just listening to it makes me dizzy.'

It was understandable why Kal had fled in such a hurry.

"Ooh!"

"I'm curious about what kind of magic circles it will be!"

'This is Lumen!'

'To be able to hear Senior Chloe's explanation of magic theory!'

Only the freshmen, who hadn't grasped the situation yet, had sparkling eyes.

"Yes, first of all, the basic foundation of my new magic circles is based on the parallel world theory."

"Huh?"

"What did you say?"

The faces of the first-years went blank for a moment.

The second and third-year students clutched their heads.

Soon, as Chloe began to explain her new magic, all the freshmen in the Magic department put on serious expressions.

'What is she talking about?'

'I don't understand any of it.'

'She's explaining so enthusiastically, I can't say I don't understand.'

Although Chloe is usually called the "Ice Queen," her eyes sparkle when she talks about magic theory.

Her charm is so great that many people approach her to discuss magic theory.

Of course, later, they would show disappointed expressions when they couldn't understand anything, causing them immense guilt.

"What are you talking about so interestingly?"

"Ooh, Chelsea!"

"You're here just in time!"

The third-year students smiled brightly and brought Chelsea to Chloe's table and had her sit down.

"What is it? What's going on?"

"Yes, we were just talking about the theory that applies to the unique magic I've been conceptualizing."

Seeing Chloe smiling brightly, Chelsea started to get up.

"My brother called me…"

"I'll go get Abad."

"Coo! With Chelsea, a top student like Chloe, it's more exciting!"

The Magic department students pressed down on Chelsea's shoulders as she tried to get up, and some went to get Abad.

Chelsea glared and kicked her classmates' shins under the table.

Even Chelsea found it overwhelming to converse with Chloe when she started talking about magic theory in earnest.

Chelsea, who listened to Chloe's explanation, eventually wore a serious expression.

"How is it?"

"I kind of understand what you're saying, but…"

"Ooh! She understands!"

"As expected, Chelsea isn't human either!"

"Hey! What do you mean not human!"

Chelsea glared and crossed her arms.

"Are there any points to be improved?"

"Just understanding your magic theory is overwhelming for me, so I can't think of any points to improve."

"Really?"

It was at that moment that Chloe looked slightly disappointed.

"What are you talking about that makes the welcome party atmosphere so serious?"

"Leo."

"Big brother Leo."

Chloe and Chelsea looked at Leo.

Chelsea's eyes sparkled.

"Big brother Leo! Chloe has conceptualized new magic! Please listen to the magic theory."

"Yes, I'd like to hear Leo's opinion."

"What is it? Go ahead."

At Leo's words, Chloe began to explain the magic theory again.

As he listened, Leo nodded and let out exclamations of "Hoo?"

"How is it?"

Chloe asked cautiously after finishing her explanation.

"It's amazing."

'How does this guy come up with such ideas?'

Leo was speechless.

His friend came up with increasingly bizarre magic theories as time went on.

'It's no wonder Luna praised her so much.'

"Indeed, when you try to grant another ego to a clone, there's a clear limit to an ego created through magical engineering."

While it's possible to create ego weapons with magically engineered egos, there are clear limitations.

"So, to truly create another self, you're calling forth my reflection… that is, my parallel self."

It was unclear if it could be implemented, but it was certainly an interesting idea.

"Is there anything else that can be reinforced?"

Leo inwardly chuckled at Chloe's expectant gaze.

'I'm not Luna, after all.'

Luna would have gotten excited and let her imagination run wild, but unfortunately, Leo was a practical mage.

As he was about to shake his head, Leo's eyes met Chelsea's.

She was looking up at Leo with very sparkling eyes.

'Big brother Leo is a great hero! He'll be able to find areas for improvement!'

Feeling somewhat burdened by her gaze of boundless trust, Leo casually said.

"How about approaching it from a multiverse interpretation?"

"Multiverse interpretation?"

Chloe tilted her head.

"It's one of the theories about parallel worlds."

Leo told Chloe about something Lian had told him before.

Upon hearing that, Chloe's eyes widened, and she jumped up from her seat.

"I'm going to the library!"

Leo reached out and grabbed Chloe by the scruff of her neck as she looked like she would bolt out of the welcome party in excitement.

"Let's stop here for today."

"But Leo! That's a truly groundbreaking idea! Before someone else writes a paper and registers it, you need to write a paper under your name…!"

"Shh."

Leo covered Chloe's mouth with his finger.

Leo smiled faintly at Chloe, who had wide eyes, and said.

"First, calm down. Take a deep breath."

"Hoo. Haa."

After Chloe took a deep breath, Leo said.

"Does it matter who writes the paper? As long as it contributes to the advancement of magic, that's what's good. And it's not like I was the first to think of this concept."

"Who came up with such a brilliant idea?"

"Someone I know."

'I can't exactly say he's God.'

Leo shrugged.

Then he patted Chloe on the back.

"Anyway, focus on the welcome party today. There are many juniors who want to talk to you."

"Huh?"

"No matter what, you're the idol of the magic world, right?"

"Don't tease me!"

Leo chuckled as Chloe playfully hit his shoulder, her face flushed.

"Magic research is good, but rest when you need to rest."

"Luna also said something similar before," Chloe nodded, recalling last year.

Seeing that, Leo let out a wry smile.

'She must have already told her.'

***

After the welcome party ended.

Leo returned to his room and started organizing his belongings.

He opened his bag and put away his school uniform and casual clothes. Finally, he picked up the pitch-black cloak.

It was a cloak gifted to him by Lisinas long ago.

The original had long since turned to ashes and disappeared, but this was Kyle's cloak, realized through the Hero Record.

As Leo lifted the cloak and hung it on a hanger,

Thud! Ting! Whoosh!

"Huh?"

Something fell from the cloak.

With a perplexed expression, Leo hung the cloak on the hanger and walked towards the object that had fallen and rolled away.

"A ring?"

As Leo reached out to pick up the ring, which he had no memory of putting in his bag, he stopped.

"This is…?"

Leo's eyes widened slightly as he carefully picked up the ring.

It was a ring from his memory.

"Luna's ring?"