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Chapter 47
Kwagwagwang!
“Uh, u-uhhh. T-this is, uh…”
On stage, a student who had just lost control of the flames he summoned stood frozen with panic written all over his face.
Kwagwang!
“Uwaagh!”
Soon after, safety personnel rushed up to the stage, rescuing the failed demonstrator and trying to contain the situation.
“The Nigel Royal Academy is still rather lacking, it seems.”
“Still, the research itself wasn’t all that bad. The demonstration was just a little weak, though.”
“I heard rumors that if the academy fails to produce results this time, the Nigel Kingdom might shut down the academy’s Magic Association entirely.”
While the distinguished guests whispered among themselves, Professor Pellen secretly chuckled, feeling a small sense of relief.
Heh, at least thanks to Nigel Academy’s blunder, any embarrassment today won’t land solely on me.
But then.
Wait, why am I even relieved about this?
Remembering his own predicament, he grimaced, gritting his teeth.
That bastard… where the hell is he hiding?
His fury toward the still-missing Camon Bade flared again—until a voice interrupted.
“Professor Pellen, just asking out of caution, but… is there anything we ought to be worried about?”
“Haha, what do you mean, Headmaster? Worry? There’s nothing to worry about.”
Headmaster Elmon kept his faint smile as he pointed toward the stage.
His finger indicated the grand banner hanging above the stage where the failed student had just stood.
[23rd Magic Association Seminar: Nigel Royal Academy, Flinez Imperial Academy, Jason Magic Research Institute, Vincent School of Magic, Carcerian Joint Research Institute, Seladin Public Academy]
The banner proudly displayed the names of all academies attending the seminar.
“As I’ve said many times, the essence of these associations is research. Without results, there’s no point in pomp and pageantry. And don’t forget, the Tower Master himself is attending this time.”
What? Is this bastard Elmon picking a fight with me right now?
Elmon had already threatened that if this seminar produced no tangible results, he would dissolve the association altogether. Pellen wanted to lash out immediately.
But—
No. If I can just see this seminar through to the end successfully, my reputation will echo across the empire.
He was certain that their research results would win praise from the nobles and scholars here.
A failed demonstration? I can smooth it over. After all the bribes they’ve taken, they owe me that much.
Pellen steadied his thoughts, glaring at Elmon.
Once this seminar ends, I’ll crush that smug face of yours and take the headmaster’s seat for myself.
Forcing a faint smile, he opened his mouth again.
“No need to worry. Everything we’ve prepared is perfectly in ord—”
But at that moment—
“Oh? The final presentation involves ‘Nine Rings of Fire’? Isn’t that far too advanced a spell for a freshman to perform?”
What the hell? Who just blurted that out?
Turning toward the voice, Pellen froze.
“S-Saviel, sir?”
It was none other than Saviel Partizan, one of the Seven at the Table and Tower Master of Glagos, peering curiously at the seminar’s program.
“Nine Rings of Fire? Isn’t that high-tier magic?”
“The final presentation? Ah yes, that was Flinez Imperial Academy’s slot, wasn’t it? A simplification of that high-tier spell, demonstrated by a first-year? So that’s why a freshman will be performing it?”
“Even so, asking a first-year to demonstrate it?”
“Well, if it’s the Imperial Academy, I suppose they must have confidence. Surely they wouldn’t set it up otherwise.”
Then Headmaster Elmon smiled faintly and murmured.
“If the ‘Nine Rings of Fire’ is truly that powerful and outstanding a spell, then even showing a fragment of it would be impressive. All the more so if done by a freshman.”
“You’re right, Headmaster Elmon. I’ll be looking forward to it myself,” Saviel said with a nod.
Pellen’s face went deathly pale.
“W-wait, hold on! This is suddenly…?”
“What is it, Professor Pellen? Is there a problem?” Elmon asked, feigning innocence.
“T-that’s… no, no, nothing at all. Hahaha.”
Damn it. Is this really happening?
The demonstration had only ever been intended as a small add-on at the end of the presentation—little more than a formality.
But now, thanks to the Tower Master’s casual remark, everyone’s eyes were riveted to it.
If we fail to produce a student for the demonstration now…
With the Tower Master watching, his rivals would seize the chance to ruin him.
What might have been a minor embarrassment before could now—
…completely bury me in the academic world.
The weight of the “Seven at the Table” was immense.
And then Elmon’s face appeared in his mind, smirking cruelly, as if taunting him:
It seems your student ran away under the pressure. Didn’t I warn you this research was reckless? Now, how will you take responsibility? Our academy’s honor is in tatters. Dissolution alone won’t be enough…
The vision was so vivid it made Pellen break into a cold sweat.
Should I admit it now? No—it’s too late. Any excuse now will bring all the blame on me. The association will be dissolved instantly.
His years of effort flashed before his eyes, on the verge of collapse. He gazed blankly at the still-closed entrance doors.
Damn it, where the hell are you, Camon Badeee?!
Kwa-bang! Shhhhhh!
“Fireworks magic? What was their research topic again?”
A burst of colorful sparks filled the stage.
The presenter quickly moved his hands, altering the spell.
Fwoooosh!
“The sparks are merging!”
“…What’s that shape?”
“Is that… a dragon?”
The sparks fused into the form of a massive red dragon.
Then, with another flourish of his hands—
Fwooosh! Bwaaaah! Pa-pa-pa-pow!
The dragon opened its maw, releasing another volley of fireworks.
“It’s illusion magic!”
“This fits perfectly with Vincent Academy’s research theme: ‘Applications of Combined Magic.’”
“Fireworks magic, shape-transformation magic, and illusions for the finishing touch? Very clever.”
The audience buzzed with excitement, their evaluation overwhelmingly positive.
Even Tower Master Saviel nodded, smiling in approval.
“Haha, I’m glad I came today. This is truly fascinating.”
“Indeed, it rekindles my admiration for the world of magic.”
But the more enthusiastic they became—
Clack, clack!
—Professor Pellen’s expression grew darker, his teeth unconsciously chattering.
Shit. Shiiiit. What do I do? What do I do?
Trembling, he could only watch as the seminar advanced rapidly.
“Next up, Jason Magic Research Institute. Please begin.”
And so the order crept closer to the end.
“Now, the final presentation: Flinez Imperial Academy. Please prepare.”
Pellen bolted from his seat, rushing backstage.
“….”
Headmaster Elmon, noticing, rose quietly and followed him.
“Professor Pellen, are you ready? The last demonstration is ours. You know the Seven Table Master is expecting great things—hm?”
“M-must tell… no… it’s over… this seminar is ruined…”
“What? Professor Pellen, what’s the matter?”
“….”
But Pellen only bowed his head, unresponsive.
“Pellen?”
“I’m finished. It’s over for me.”
When he finally raised his head, his face was drained of color, a lifeless husk of despair.
“What are you saying? Professor Pellen, pull yourself together—”
Elmon was about to press further when—
“Ladies and gentlemen! Did you enjoy the show so far? We have one final presentation remaining. Please welcome Flinez Imperial Academy with warm applause!”
The announcer’s voice boomed, signaling the final act.
All eyes sharpened, awaiting the Imperial Academy’s stage. Suspicion, jealousy, and wariness burned in their gazes.
The Tower Master is interested…
Why Pellen’s research of all things?
‘Nine Rings of Fire’? Ridiculous. If it works, his prestige will skyrocket.
Already, Pellen’s influence was growing. With the Tower Master’s interest, it could triple overnight.
But then—
“Hm?”
“Why isn’t anyone coming out?”
The stage remained empty.
“This is Flinez Imperial Academy’s turn! Please, step forward!”
The announcer called again, but no one appeared.
Time dragged on.
“What’s going on?”
“Did something happen backstage?”
The audience muttered in confusion.
Meanwhile, backstage, the mastermind himself—Professor Pellen—was muttering in a daze.
“Hehehe… it’s over. I’m ruined.”
His eyes were vacant, his voice hollow.
“Professor Pellen! What are you doing? You have to get out there, now!” Elmon grabbed at him desperately.
But then—
Bang! Screeeech!
The hall doors slammed open with a thunderous noise.
“What was that?”
Everyone turned toward the sound.
Light spilled through the open entrance.
And in that light, a lone figure stood.
Panting heavily, chest rising and falling, he stepped into the hall.
“Haa… haahh… whew. I’m not late, am I?”
As the blinding silhouette cleared—
There stood a boy, clutching a milky-white orb in his hand.
