SMMA 80

Episode 80

Fortunately, Professor Milley did not send Ihan away.

Shhik!

Two thick, heavy books appeared in midair. They were so thick they seemed suitable as weapons.

The well-bound book cover bore the title <Theoretical Foundations and Cases of Summoning Magic>.

“Both of you, sit down.”

Professor Milley possessed a stern gaze that made people nervous even without pointing a sword or waving a staff.

Gainanado also sat down with a slightly apprehensive expression.

“Professor, where are the other students?”

“They have returned after receiving instructions and collecting their assignments.”

“Assign…ments?”

Gainanado lifted his head. Adding assignments at this moment was a huge burden. He timidly protested.

“Professor, black magic doesn’t have assignments…”

Milley stared at Gainanado intently. Her gaze alone subdued him.

Does her gaze have a petrifying effect or something?

Ihan had encountered many strange professors, so suspicion was natural.

“Both of you open the books.”

The two obediently opened their books. Gainanado seemed dizzy from the densely written text and staggered slightly.

“Read the text, copy it, and solve the problems.”

Ihan looked at the book.

<Chapter 1: On the Summoning of Inanimate Objects>

-Inanimate object summoning is the foundational and core summoning magic that every summoner, even those only interested in other branches, must learn. The great summoner Boltzmann devised pedagogical and efficient magic circles for the next generation, and memorizing them has since become essential. Thus, young summoner, be thankful and diligent. Memorizing and understanding Boltzmann’s fundamental circles guarantees remarkable progress in summoning magic…

(First Magic Circle)
(Second Magic Circle)
(Third Magic Circle)
(Fourth Magic Circle)
…

-Young summoner, having learned interesting knowledge, it’s now time to apply it entertainingly. Answer the following riddle:

A rookie summoner, Cheorsu, was traveling the cold North when separated from his party due to an accident. Someone stole Cheorsu’s warm garments filled in his luggage, and a fierce wind shredded his remaining clothes. Which summoning magic circle could Cheorsu use most quickly to avoid freezing to death?

Summoning circles aside, shouldn’t we find the thief first?

Aside from the bizarre and forced riddle, the textbook was excellent.

Having been overwhelmed by difficult textbooks, Ihan recognized its quality.

Not all textbooks were approachable. Some kindly considered readers’ levels, while others seemed designed solely to waste readers’ time.

Most advanced textbooks leaned toward the latter.

…Even these professors’ materials leaned toward the latter.

Yet, the book Professor Milley provided was outstanding.

Read attentively and slowly, and one could easily memorize and comprehend the fundamental magic circles frequently used in summoning magic.

By itself, this made Ihan highly regard Professor Milley.

She is actually a good person.

Among countless magical books, she chose the most suitable for education.

Her spirit stood apart as a true educator incomparable to others.

Thank you, Professor.

Professor Milley was slightly taken aback by the sincere look Ihan gave her.

??

There were two reasons Milley had not taught summoning magic from the start.

First, without ample knowledge and preparation, accidents occurred easily. Even inanimate object summoning alone could seriously injure a caster.

Second, she wished to prevent reckless behavior.

Young students already saturated with pride and ego would cause trouble if taught summoning magic immediately.

She had them study hard—

Until their bodies twisted in frustration from the difficulty and tedium.

That was Milley’s philosophy.

It was better if students gave up on summoning mid-way—it meant they were unfit and indeed benefited from abandoning the course.

But…?

Milley was surprised by Ihan’s silent diligence writing texts and solving problems without complaint.

As the most talented student, he was expected to be the most arrogant.

Others soon yawned, squirmed, looked around, and planned their escape, but Ihan remained still, sitting like a statue, quietly scribbling with his quill.

“Ihan.”

“Yes?”

“I need to use the restroom.”

“Are you trying to run?”

“Wha… what?? No! I’m not!”

Gainanado protested vehemently. Ihan, who had asked casually, now confirmed his suspicion.

He was trying to escape.

At first, Ihan thought Gainanado might shift from black magic to summoning magic.

Now it seemed such worry was unnecessary.

“I want to see Professor Mortum…”

Gainanado muttered like a madman after returning from the restroom.

Still, if I study this hard, they might give me some practical tasks?

Gainanado’s hopes were crushed mercilessly.

Milley had them study until the end.

Ihan nodded with satisfaction.

There must be classes like this.

After so many dramatic lectures, this well-made theoretical study was a refreshing treat.

As Gainanado stood, he whispered,

“Do you understand this content?”

“I think it’s quite rich and even fun.”

“…?????!!”

Gainanado stared with a more horrified expression than when Ihan had subdued Rapadel.

He must be crazy!

“That’s all for today. Read and study this amount by next week.”

Milley put away the book and handed over thick stacks of papers. Gainanado accepted politely.

He won’t come next week.

He won’t come next week.

Ihan and Milley simultaneously predicted Gainanado’s future.

He clearly wouldn’t return.

“See you next week.”

Ihan bowed politely.

Generally, students should get along well with their professors, but even more so with those of good character.

They might help if Ihan ever ended up in a disciplinary cell.

“I apologize for misjudging you, Ihan.”

“Pardon?”

“Then we will meet again next week.”

Milley smiled faintly.

But to the clueless Ihan, it was a phrase full of countless interpretations.

What does that mean??

As the Spirit Worship Hall doors closed, Ihan was confused.

What had she misjudged?

Had Mortum discussed my future with the other professors? Am I to focus solely on black magic? Surely not with the Skull Headmaster…

He tossed and turned uneasily until sleep that night.

As the days passed, students grew more gaunt, yet the Skull Headmaster’s eyes shone increasingly bright.

Entering the <Basic Magic Conduct> class, the Skull Headmaster greeted them cheerfully.

Is everyone having a happy week?

“……”

“……”

If it had been the first week, some might have replied out of courtesy, but all four towers’ students remained silent.

The Skull Headmaster rattled his bones. Students’ necks nodded up and down as if forced—everyone except Ihan.

“……”

Ihan glanced around and nodded hurriedly. The Skull Headmaster looked at him with exasperation.

Does he copy him too…

Seeing the Wadanaz boy conjured an image of a lion in sheep’s clothing trying hard to befriend sheep.

If he had withstood the Skull Headmaster’s power alone, he’d have stood proudly and arrogantly.

Now, what was this pitiable sight?

Now, it was time for conduct education for young novice mages. Who remembers the homework I gave last week?

The students nodded.

Who could forget?

-Each tower’s students must bring the crest-engraved flag from the designated tower’s freshmen lounge by next class!

The Skull Headmaster’s assignment.

They were to bring flags stolen from other towers.

Though unrelated to conduct, the Skull Headmaster was proud of his choice.

Shall we check Black Turtle Tower? Have they brought the Phoenix Tower’s flag?

“Yes. We have…”

Black Turtle Tower students carefully produced their exchanged flags with Phoenix Tower.

Good. They brought them rightly.

“……”

“……”

The Skull Headmaster showed blatant indifference.

Since they already knew about the exchange, he was unsurprised.

Phoenix Tower likely managed their exchange well too?

“Yes.”

Well, now…

The Skull Headmaster floated joyfully to the White Tiger Tower students.

My honorable knights! Surely you too have brought the Blue Dragon Tower’s flag, right??

“……”

“……”

The Tiger Tower students’ faces flamed with humiliation and shame.

Even normally indifferent to others’ opinions, Ihan felt somewhat uncomfortable.

My neck burns sharply.

The White Tigers glared resentfully at Ihan.

Why aren’t they bringing it? Huh? Why? Could it be they actually didn’t bring the flag?

Stop it already…

Ihan prayed the Skull Headmaster would stop his ranting, but the rant continued.

When sufficiently entertained, the Skull Headmaster changed the topic.

As I said before, this class isn’t to make you fight. It aims for friendship, understanding, and harmony.

Nobody believed that.

I felt misunderstood, which is a pity. In that spirit, I’ll give you an easier assignment next time.

Ihan grew apprehensive.

What more did he intend?

There is a lake west of the main building. Someone might have seen it.

“……”

“…That was a lake?”

Students who had gone for a stroll reacted in surprise.

Because…

“I thought it was the ocean.”

“Why would there be an ocean inside the school?!”

“Well, given this school, I thought maybe there could be an ocean.”

…It was simply an enormous lake.

Just as there were steep mountains so vast their ends could not be seen, this magic school had a lake vast and deep beyond measuring.

There was an island on that lake. I hid the outing permission there.

“!”

“!!!”

The students’ eyes flickered like famished beasts.

Everyone cooperate and bring it to me.

“Understood!”

That was the most enthusiastic answer yet.

Oh, by the way, Phoenix Tower students should move with Black Turtle Tower students, and Blue Dragon Tower students with White Tiger Tower students. Like before, disobedience means failure…

The Skull Headmaster smiled slyly.

He assured that disobedience would mean failure.

The Blue Dragon Tower and White Tiger Tower students looked at each other, scowling.

They all thought the same thing.

Am I supposed to work with those bastards?