Chapter 44

“Oracle? Ah, I heard the head of the Oracle Family had enrolled in the Department of Magic this time. Seems like it’s true.”

The dungeon monitoring system was one of the miracles brought about by magical engineering.

It was a convergence of magical engineering and various other academic fields, utilizing communication technology.

‘To comprehend such a complex technology at once!’

It was an impossible feat.

However, after hearing the name, horizon found it somewhat understandable.

Ian was a name currently creating waves among high-level mages.

Moreover, that very name was the reason Horizon had appeared here.

Originally, there was no plan to interact with students.

“Your insight is extraordinary! To grasp something not only in magical engineering but also in optics, which one can’t understand without a keen interest… and this monitoring system is a device that incorporates the latest magic technology. Unbelievable.”

Muttering this, horizon sighed.

He was a royal mage.

To become a royal mage, one had to graduate from the Academy with outstanding grades.

Even during his student days, he was a person of interest.

But Ian was only 19 this year.

Could he have understood the workings of this magical device at that age, just by seeing it once?

Horizon shook his head.

“I felt the core’s mana extending throughout the dungeon. Yet, interestingly, some of it returned. I thought that perhaps the returning mana could be utilized again, and then the mystery unraveled by itself.”

At Ian’s explanation, horizon burst out laughing.

“You mentioned lenses too. Have you studied optics?”

“Yes. I’m quite interested in optics as well. I’ve done some studies in natural sciences. The more I research the properties of light, the more interesting they become.”

Horizon genuinely wanted to praise Ian.

But he refrained.

Looking into Ian’s eyes, he realized Ian wasn’t seeking praise.

He was like a junior asking a senior, a student asking a professor for guidance.

Pure curiosity.

Thanks to that, horizon felt good. As if he was returning to his school days.

“A natural scholar, I see.”

“But nothing is better than magic. I studied natural sciences because their properties are similar to magic. I approached it as something that aids magic.”

“I’ve heard about you. Didn’t you submit a thesis to the Magic Society recently?”

“With the help of senior Isera. My contribution wasn’t significant.”

Horizon wasn’t fully aware of the thesis’s contents. It was still only known to the Council of the Sonokin’s Tower of Magic and Brussels.

“To possess such keen insight with humility. I look forward to your future endeavors, Ian Oracle.”

“I will do my best.”

Ian nodded politely.

Two friends who listened to this conversation realized anew how impressive Ian was.

How many students could discuss magic and academics openly with the royal mage?

Moreover, Milo, despite his interest in magic, couldn’t fully grasp the core’s functionalities.

He found the dungeon monitoring system intriguing but didn’t think about uncovering its principles.

Though he didn’t want to admit it, he constantly had to.

Nevertheless, Milo maintained a positive outlook.

He now had a reason to become closer.

“Ahem, as you’ve seen, there are many areas that needs improvement. Perhaps, during your studies at the Academy, this might be an issue you tackle as part of your assignments.”

Having said this much, horizon turned to look at Ian with a warm expression.

“Ian Oracle. I feel that you, sooner or later, will find a way to overcome this device’s shortcomings.”

“You flatter me. My studies are still lacking.”

“Study well, and knowledge will fill by itself over time. If I need your help in the future, I will contact you.”

“It is merely an honor to be regarded kindly.”

Unexpectedly, Ian formed a connection with a royal mage.

Though it might be mere formalities, it wasn’t a loss for Ian.

“Actually, I wasn’t supposed to meet with you. After your dungeon exploration, you would exit through the passageway over there, and I was to remain unseen.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Ian Oracle. You must come with me for a while.”

A momentary silence fell. That’s because Horizon had spoken to him rather sternly.

“The other two students are to return to the academy immediately. This is an order.”

The atmosphere was tense. Milo, standing nearby, cautiously asked.

“Is it because of the attempt to break the core? I was the one trying to break the core. Ian actually…”

“It’s not because of that. Breaking the core doesn’t matter. In fact, you probably made a good impression on Professor Frost. He’s an odd one, after all.”

“Oops.”

It was the moment when the bonus points vanished.

However, as long as Horizon is present, they couldn’t destroy the core. Orders to retreat had already been given.

“I’ll follow the orders. Milo, Edel, return first. Please organize the exploration data.”

“Come back alive!”

Milo left a meaningful remark and exited the dungeon with Edel.

There was a hidden exit in the room where the core was located.

Yet, horizon did not use that exit.

“We’re going this way.”

It seemed there was another secret passage near the core.

When Horizon pushed the wall, it spun around, taking both of them inside.

A blue magic array was drawn on the dark floor.

Ian was momentarily captivated by it.

“Have you seen it before? It’s a teleportation magic array. It connects to other arrays nearby. Your friends will have to walk a bit, though.”

Teleportation magic was still an imperfectly conquered field.

Manipulating time and space freely remained one of the difficult challenges.

At best, using magic arrays to teleport short distances was the limit.

If one exerted themselves casting spells, parts of their body could vanish, or they might end up in another dimension and never return.

A short-range teleport like a blink was acceptable, but for long-distance teleportation, one would have to risk their life.

However, using a magic array like in this case significantly increased stability.

There was no instance of failure when teleporting with a magic array.

It required very rare materials to enhance its stability.

This magic array was created with such materials.

“If you’re scared, you can walk. I’ll see you at the dungeon entrance.”

“No, it’s just fascinating as it’s my first time seeing it. I’ll follow.”

“Then, step on.”

Ian followed Horizon’s instructions with a tense expression.

Woo woo woo!

Horizon formed a rune and cast the spell.

The sound of wind could be heard and a mysterious light, like petals, flowed from the magic array.

Soon, the rune was completed.

『Teleport.』

Ping!

A bright surge of light exploded. Then both of them vanished without a trace.

* * *

“Earl, Ian Oracle requests an audience.”

“Let him in.”

The door opened, and Ian entered. The Earl, with his back turned, looked out the window.

Ian’s gaze naturally scanned the surroundings.

It was far from an ordinary dwelling.

‘It feels like a library, doesn’t it?’

Just as Milo often got distracted by beautiful women, Ian was frequently captivated by thick, old books.

This was one of those moments.

The Earl’s quarters were decorated with bookshelves all around.

There were no common ornaments or art pieces.

It gave the feeling of standing in the main hall of a Great Library.

More than anything, what mesmerized Ian was the scent of mana.

A warm and sweet scent, or as Milo would describe it, the fragrance of a mature woman, filled the air.

“Ian Oracle.”

“Ah, my apologies.”

Ian quickly bowed his head in embarrassment.

Even as a noble, meeting an Earl of the kingdom required a high level of etiquette and tension.

Yet, he had let his guard down inadvertently.

‘This voice… where have I heard it before?’

On the way to the manor, horizon hadn’t mentioned who had summoned me.

It might sound absurd to others, but their conversation was solely about magical theories.

‘I definitely heard a woman’s voice, but they called this person an Earl?’

In the kingdom of Sonokin, women could hold titles. However, it was typically to the level of a baron, at best.

To hold an Earldom was unheard of.

‘No, it’s not impossible. If it’s someone beyond the norm… could it be?’

There was one name that came to mind.

“Skip the formalities and take a seat here. This isn’t the academy.”

“Please forgive my discourtesy.”

“Didn’t I say to skip the formalities?”

Only then did Ian lift his head and look at the count.

Jessica Hyard, the head of the academy’s Department of Magic, known as the ‘High One,’ and a member of the council of the Sonokin’s Tower of Magic, crossed her legs as she gazed over at him.

Ian immediately knelt on one knee.

“I greet Your Excellency, the Earl.”

“Ah, seriously. Why is it that every time I tell kids to skip the formalities, they all end up kneeling? Can’t you take a hint from what I say?”

“That is because it is the law of the kingdom, Your Excellency.”

“Do you really think so?”

“The subjects of the kingdom must follow the laws set by His Majesty. There are no exceptions.”

Jessica smiled contentedly and moved to the sofa in the middle.

“Alright then, stand up now, Ian Oracle.”

“Thank you for your grace, Your Excellency.”

Finally, Ian sat down.

He still kept his head bowed, avoiding eye contact. It was a matter of etiquette.

“You came straight from the dungeon, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“You got out sooner than I thought. I expected you around tomorrow.”

Ian struggled to adapt.

He had first met Jessica in an academy auditorium.

More precisely, he had seen her at a mana measurement ceremony.

‘Back then, she seemed so strict.’

Now, she felt more like a laid-back older female friend from the viscount’s family next door.

Despite the age difference, Jessica appeared quite youthful.

That was because of mana.

The higher the purity and amount of mana, the more slowly aging occurs. Jessica had reached the level of a 5th-circle mage by the age of 20.

“How was it?”

“There were many difficult aspects, but with the help of my teammates, we successfully conquered it.”

“Did you see the core?”

“Yes.”

With a proud look, Jessica continued to question Ian.

“How were the golems?”

“We dealt with them using the surrounding terrain. Also, we collected mana circuits, converters, and mana stones.”

Jessica was surprised at his words.

“You collected a mana stone? Do you know how valuable that is?”

“But isn’t it the principle to divide loot among the subjugators?”

“Well, that’s true…”

Jessica sighed with a bitter taste.

Mana stones were incredibly valuable. Since they were the academy’s property, it was a complete loss.

“How do you plan to use them?”

“Regardless of the loot, I won’t sell them recklessly. I plan to use them for research purposes.”

“In that case, there’s nothing I can do.”

It wasn’t right for a dean to take back something meant for study.

Reluctantly, Jessica had to let Ian keep the mana stones.

“But, Your Excellency—”

“Don’t call me Your Excellency. It’s creepy. Just call me Dean. I’m not being an earl by choice.”

“Then, dean.”

“That’s right!”

Jessica nodded with a satisfied expression. Ian asked,

“It’s just that you seem very different from how you appeared in the auditorium. Is there something I’m not aware of…?”

“Oh, am I being too informal?”

“To be honest, yes.”

“I thought I was being considerate, but I guess it seemed sloppy. You’re feeling stressed out at this level?”

Jessica grinned.

“This is the real me.”

“……”

“Don’t you believe me?”

“How could I dare question my belief in you?”

“The position dean of the Department of Magic is like that. There are many times when I have to put on unnecessary airs. I don’t really like it, but one can’t only do what they want in life.”

“I see.”

Ian still had his doubts. Why had he been summoned here?

Likewise, Ian had no inkling that Jessica and Professor Frost were the ones who had been awaiting his admission to the academy.