Chapter 48

After rumors spread that Ian had received the research grant, his name gradually became more famous.

If it had been said that a third-year, or even a second-year student at the academy received a research grant, it would have ended with just, “A rather excellent student.”

However, the rumor that a first-year, especially at the start of the semester, had received the research grant came as quite a significant shock.

Of course, not all the rumors were favorable.

There were whispers that the results were exaggerated due to someone’s malevolent influence.

Though it was clear who was spreading these stories, Ian did not concern himself with it much.

‘Once the patent certificate is issued, I can finally catch a breath.’

If that happened, Ian’s financial issues, the matter with the Hamel Trading Company, and his standing within the academy would all be resolved.

‘There’s a possibility it won’t go as planned, but at least it should be better than now, right?’

After finishing all his classes for the day, Ian resisted the temptations of his roommates and headed straight to the Great Library.

Poor Edel was dragged to the salon by the hand of Milo, who was whining about hunger.

Ian’s destination today was, once again, the ancient magic section.

No matter how much leeway he felt he had gained, Ian still faced the lifelong challenge ahead of him.

‘While it’s important to interpret the aphorisms anew, I must quickly find a clue to solve the Mana Concentration Disorder.’

Interpreting the aphorisms and finding a solution for the Mana Concentration Disorder were both tasks with uncertain outcomes.

Therefore, Ian chose to divide his time and study accordingly, rather than focusing solely on one area.

After all, a new perspective could reveal things previously unseen.

“Hey. You. You’re Ian Oracle, right?”

A student from the Department of Magic stopped him in the hallway.

Based on the staff he carried, Ian could tell he was a third-year senior.

His shabby clothes were barely covered by a cloak, and his face was worn with fatigue.

Dark circles were conspicuously set beneath his eyes.

Ian immediately recognized that this student was not ordinary.

So, he politely bowed his head.

“Hello, senior.”

“I heard you pulled off something big recently, didn’t you? The rumors are all over the place.”

“With much help from Professor Frost, I was able to achieve some results.”

“Huh? What are you talking about? I’m talking about the story of you sneaking out the magic stone.”

The student chuckled softly.

Not knowing if he referred to the potion patent or the paper on the lightning formula, Ian hesitated before replying, only to realize he’d misunderstood.

‘Right, this is the Department of Magic.’

Department of Martial Arts students didn’t regard magic stones as anything more than money. But for those researching magic, magic stones held a far more significant value.

Since magic stones weren’t always readily available, their value skyrocketed if one failed to acquire them at the right time.

Thus, stockpiling magic stones was a noble hobby among mages who walked the path of magic.

“Regardless of anything else, treating royal and academy-owned magic stones so casually as spoils of war takes some nerve. Weren’t the professors upset?”

“Not particularly. I told them it was for research purposes, and they told me to go ahead.”

“Wow! I’m jealous! This year’s freshmen are lucky in many ways. I mean, with those practicals in some educational dungeon or whatever. It feels like the country’s pushing them pretty hard.”

The muttering student nodded his head. Curious about his name, Ian cautiously asked.

“May I ask your name?”

“Why do you want to know? Going to report me to the higher-ups?”

“Nothing like that. It’s just that it feels like a connection since we’ve met, and I’d like to greet you more often.”

“Do I need a name for a greeting? Just bow your head when you see a senior student! Hehehe. Take care!”

The student passed Ian without looking back.

Ian made a mental note of his face.

‘He seems unusual. Who is he?’

As if hearing Ian’s thoughts, the student abruptly turned his head back.

“Curious about my name?”

“Ah, yes.”

“I’ll tell you if you hand over the magic stones. My future is to be a great person, you know! Think of it as an investment, how about it?”

Ian, smiling politely, bowed his head.

“I’ll greet you again next time. Take care on your way.”

“What a cheeky lad! Hahaha! You’ll regret it!”

Not much else mattered, but he could not give up the magic stone. It was not something he could decide alone.

Although the comment about regretting it weighed on his mind, Ian Oracle proceeded to the ancient magic section of the library.

Today, Isera Hebraim was sitting in what was almost considered her reserved spot, reading a book.

How many books did she read in a day?

“It feels somewhat empty here without you now.”

“You mentioned something good happened?”

“Did you hear too, senior? We obtained quite a large magic stone from the dungeon.”

“What are you talking about? Magic stone?”

When Isera looked at him with curiosity, Ian realized once again that he had misunderstood. This time, he was actually talking about a potion, it seemed.

“Well, I met someone strange on the way here.”

“And what was strange about them?”

“A senior in the third year who looked extremely exhausted, and was talking about magic stones. I thought they were talking about a potion project.”

Ian briefly explained what had happened in the educational dungeon.

They had defeated a golem and obtained a magic stone, which was mentioned by the senior in the third year.

“Gaus.”

“Pardon?”

“That’s the senior’s name. He’s the weirdest of weirdos. Perhaps it might have been better if you had handed over the magic stone.”

“Is he that remarkable?”

“Isn’t investment like that? Taking risks to gain something. In that sense, it’s not a bad investment.”

What Isera said piqued Ian’s curiosity. He thought he should find out more about Gaus later.

“Anyway, we’ve received a research grant this time. It seems things are going smoothly, thanks to you, senior.”

“What have I done to deserve such credit?”

“In that case, could I offer you a cup of tea?”

“No.”

Without a moment of hesitation, Isera declined.

He felt he should at least treat her to a meal to set his mind at ease, but it was a bit disappointing.

The sharpness that seemed to cut through was still intimidating. Yet, he felt it was still worth trying.

“You mentioned reading ancient manuscripts before.”

“I also mentioned that we weren’t accepting any new members.”

“Can’t you make room for just two spots?”

Not one spot but two?

It was only then Isera lifted her gaze from the book to Ian.

Under normal circumstances, she might have pretended not to notice, but this time Ian felt he should ask.

“Who is the other spot for?”

“My roommate, who is a commoner, just started studying ancient languages. I thought that participating in club activities might accelerate the learning process. There didn’t seem to be any suitable activities.”

“If they have to rely on club activities, wouldn’t it be better to leave the academy? The academy isn’t a playground. Wearing an ill-fitted garment is disrespectful not only to oneself but also to the garment.”

“That’s not it.”

Isera’s eyes narrowed slightly.

It was intimidating, but Ian continued to speak nonchalantly.

“Deciding to engage in club activities is not easy for someone from a commoner background. The mere decision to study ancient languages itself is quite challenging. Would one have had the courage to do so if they thought of it as a playground? I doubt it.”

“Hmm…”

It seemed the conversation was having an effect.

“Though that person won’t choose the scholarly route like you, senior, they’re dedicated to the country and that’s why they joined the academy. Isn’t it natural to want to help?”

“Is that so.”

Isera, with her chin resting on her hand, relaxed her expression. It seemed she had come to a conclusion.

“May I ask you just one thing?”

“Feel free to ask two questions. Three, four of them are also fine.”

“Are you helping your friend because of the nobles’ duty, that is, as a member of the kingdom, to guide the people onto the right path?”

“No.”

Ian replied confidently.

Isera waited, with an imperious expression, for him to continue.

“If my family were at least at the level of a Count family like yours, I might have been able to answer yes. But as you know, our family is too humble for the term ‘nobles’ duty’ to fit.”

“So?”

“It’s because we’re friends. I received some help while working on the potion this time. Of course, I compensated more than enough in return… but I felt that I should reward the willingness to help without expecting anything in return.”

“You seem to live at a loss.”

“I don’t really know about that. The only ones I can call friends are my roommates.”

Isera nodded slightly.

“The Ancient Literature Reading Club has an entrance exam.”

“… There’s a club with an entrance exam?”

“It was just instituted.”

This time, Isera continued speaking calmly, almost as if she was enacting some sort of revenge.

“I understand your intentions, but I can’t just accept subpar members. If you’re hoping to join, you’ll have to take the test I set. I believe I’ve been quite lenient with this proposal.”

“That doesn’t seem fair. If the test is created by you, the difficulty will likely be high, won’t it?”

“And why do you think so?”

“Well…”

Ian almost responded, ‘Because it seems like you wouldn’t bleed a drop even if stabbed.’

“Senior, aren’t you better at ancient languages than I am? Hence, the questions you create will naturally be of a different level.”

“I heard your friend hoping to join is a commoner, so I’ll adjust the difficulty accordingly. If they refuse, there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“Understood. We’ll take it.”

“Shouldn’t you ask him?”

“I think I already know the answer. That friend will definitely want to go for it.”

Isera could not understand.

A mere month’s acquaintance as roommates, yet such a confident response. It was fascinating.

So, she too became interested in confirming it.

“Then, I’ll prepare the questions. Let’s have the test here at this spot two weeks from now.”

“Yes, let’s do that. But do I have to take the test too?”

“…….”

Isera, who had been staring intently at Ian, averted her gaze slightly.

Ian stifled a laugh.

“… If you want to, then take it.”

“I will take it too. I don’t want people saying I joined thanks to my connection with a senior.”

“Anyway, I’m the only member in the club.”

“Still.”

Ian adjusted his glasses.

Moreover, it was a good opportunity.

Most noteworthy was that it was a perfect chance to test the potential of his glasses.

* * *

The anticipated day arrived.

Today was the day of Professor Frost’s lecture.

It was also the day when the reports they had submitted were to be evaluated.

“Whew, I was so nervous I couldn’t sleep!”

Milo mumbled.

Edel, seemingly feeling the same, nodded in agreement.

“What’s there to be nervous about when it’s my money on the line?”

“I hate the thought of Ophelia flaunting around smugly. And that greasy Sebastian is intolerable, too. Ugh, life isn’t easy.”

“That’s why I told you to go to the Faculty of Natural Sciences. The Martial Arts Faculty isn’t bad either.”

“You always say that, don’t you?”

Ian and his friends entered the lecture room and took their seats as the class began.

Professor Frost had locked himself in his research lab for two days to evaluate the reports with great enthusiasm.

As previously announced, today was the day the results were to be revealed.

As evidence, the evaluated reports were piled high in front of Professor Frost.

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading the reports you all submitted with such diligence. There were many intriguing ideas and also some exquisite work that was quite a pleasure to view. It gave me an opportunity to feel the impressiveness of this year’s freshmen.”

Professor Frost shared his thoughts with a smile.

Meanwhile, the students were tense.

It wasn’t just about the scores.

The Royal Knights and the Royal Magic Division had organized the recent dungeon expedition.

If done well, they could make a good impression on those in higher positions.

“Well then, let’s begin.”

Professor Frost picked up the report sitting at the very top of the pile.