The training progressed with remarkable smoothness, benefiting both the Fighter Crew and Kevin alike. At this pace, the Fighter Crew was on track to nurture new recruits within a year, while Kevin's growth as a warlock seemed destined to be trouble-free.
Kevin's inherent aptitude for understanding and sensibility allowed him to grasp new concepts effortlessly. It was no surprise, considering he was already a Master in the Magic Tower.
Moreover, there was more good news: the training at the Magic Tower proceeded even more seamlessly than anticipated.
"I think I've got it now!"
A young woman in her early twenties, adorned with freckles and orange hair, beamed with excitement.
She was a student from the Alchemy School who had decided to retake Kevin's "Magic Combat Basic" class. While Oliver took over as her instructor due to her lack of foundational knowledge, this time, she diligently persevered in following Oliver's guidance.
As Oliver observed the students in the training room sitting in a row, each honing their mana flow techniques, he couldn't help but think, ‘She's not the only one.'
These diligent students dedicatedly embraced Oliver's teachings, sweating through their practice of sequential mana flow. While many encountered challenges along the way, they remained steadfast in their efforts, and Oliver readily assisted those who struggled to find their way.
"Excuse me for a moment."
As Oliver addressed a student from the Gaia faction, he gently placed his palms on the student's back. To add flair, he furrowed his brow, pretending to experience some discomfort. In reality, he wasn't fatigued at all and could have achieved the same effect with a simple touch of his fingers. However, he deliberately put on this show, claiming it was a technique from the far eastern desert, all to create an impressive spectacle.
"……! It's working. It works!!" the student exclaimed with surprise, satisfaction, and joy upon receiving Oliver's intentionally non-technique technique.
Initially, everyone had their doubts, but as reactions like this multiplied, doubts turned into belief. They began to accept the supposed authenticity of the technique.
Of course, there were some challenges.
"Excuse me… Could you help me too?" a student from the Mjolnir faction requested.
Unlike the others, this student had joined during the current semester and felt dissatisfied for not having received Oliver's assistance.
"Um… I'm sorry, but could you practice a little more?" Oliver politely declined.
It wasn't because he didn't want to help, but rather because he believed there was still room for the student to develop and grow independently. Oliver wanted to encourage self-reliance and progress through individual effort.
Lately, Oliver had been teaching a considerable number of students, which allowed him to assess their potential for independent growth with just a glance. In the case of the Mjolnir faction student, Oliver believed he had the capability to improve on his own, but the student had chosen not to.
When Oliver explained this, the Mjolnir faction student openly displayed his dissatisfaction, both in his facial expression and emotions.
"Why are you discriminating?" the student questioned.
"Pardon?" Oliver replied, taken aback by the accusation.
"I've noticed it since the last time. You always seem to help the retaking students. Why are you discriminating? I paid a lot to take this class."
"Oh… I'm truly sorry if you feel that way. However, Mr. Edwin doesn't require assistance just yet," Oliver explained calmly.
Addressing the student by his name, as he had done with the Fighter Crew and the Joseph family, Oliver made an effort to remember the names of all his students. He believed it was a simple gesture to show respect and dedication.
"I do need help. I've been struggling for days. Or are you implying I'm not trying hard enough?" Edwin retorted.
"Yes," Oliver replied firmly, surprising the onlookers with his polite yet resolute demeanor. His response seemed paradoxical, yet it felt natural.
"What did you say?"
"I said Mr. Edwin isn't practicing properly……. No, I mean, I just asked you to practice a little more."
"On what basis-"
"-You keep losing your strength at the last part of the sequential mana flow taught by Professor Kevin. It seemed like your concentration was dropping, so, I'm sorry, but could you please concentrate till the end, just once? If you don't fully exert yourself until the end, there's no point in me helping. If you still can't do it after trying, then I will help."
Confidently and accurately, Oliver pointed out the specific problem Edwin was facing in his mana flow. The other students watching could sense that Oliver's observation was spot on.
An awkward silence enveloped the room.
Edwin, feeling exposed, remained speechless for a few seconds, realizing the accuracy of Oliver's assessment.
The Magic Tower students who witnessed the exchange intuitively recognized Oliver's adeptness in identifying and addressing the issue.
Before Edwin could respond, someone entered the training room – it was Kevin.
"Is the class still in session here?" Kevin's voice carried a hint of mana, causing everyone to flinch.
As one of the professors known for his intimidating presence at the Magic Tower, Kevin's arrival surprised Edwin and the others.
Only Oliver greeted him normally. "Hello, Professor… What brings you here?"
"I came to find you because you hadn't left even after the class ended," Kevin explained.
Checking the clock, Oliver realized that about five minutes had passed beyond the designated class time. He had been so engrossed in the lesson that he hadn't noticed.
Oliver offered his apologies to Kevin and promptly concluded the class.
"You all worked hard. We'll end today's lesson here, and I'll see you again tomorrow. And Mr. Edwin?"
"Yes? Yes?!"
"As soon as we start the class tomorrow, I'll take a look at Mr. Edwin and those who are taking this class for the first time. I might not be able to provide immediate assistance, but I'll give you some guidance on what to focus on. I apologize for not paying attention until now."
Edwin nodded in response to Oliver's considerate words, slightly overwhelmed by the situation with Kevin's presence.
As the students dispersed like receding tides, Oliver efficiently retrieved cleaning tools from a toolbox and swiftly began cleaning the training room, completing the task in just five minutes.
"That's impressive," Kevin remarked as he had waited instead of leaving first.
"I suppose I've become adept at it from cleaning every day."
"That's not what I meant," Kevin clarified, noticing Oliver's subtle pride.
"Oh, then what do you mean?"
"You've been consistently coming here even though the semester has been ongoing for quite some time."
"Ah…" Oliver understood what Kevin was referring to.
Typically, by this point, Oliver would have taken a break to work as a Solver. Thus, Kevin's comment was not unwarranted.
"Is it possible that you're unable to handle your work on the Solver side?"
Kevin inquired as he accompanied Oliver back to the lab.
"No, that's not the case. There's no problem with the Solver's work."
"Of course. You successfully solved a major case in Landa this year and took down the living legend of Landa."
Kevin was alluding to the ABC investment company case and the Shamus case.
Though not long ago, it felt like ages since Oliver had heard about it. Thanks to these cases, Oliver's reputation had skyrocketed more than he had anticipated.
In fact, the value of the name "Shamus" exceeded his expectations. Forrest had even suggested that if things continued this way, Oliver could become one of the leading solvers representing Landa.
"Or did you encounter issues with the Moirai faction?"
"No, that matter was also resolved smoothly."
This was indeed the case.
While there was a bit of a problem with the Moirai faction due to Oliver's unilateral release of Eve, it had been neatly resolved through reports and several meetings.
"Could it be that your reputation has increased so much that it's becoming difficult to handle?"
This time, Oliver shook his head in response.
Oliver's rapidly rising reputation posed a potential danger, like a jagged stone, but Forrest reassured him that he didn't see any imminent issues. Landa's political system, with its checks and balances, along with unofficial alliances with the city and support provided to the Fighter Crew, played a role in managing the complexities.
"For now, time is the remedy. As time passes, the strong impressions will naturally fade, and the jagged stone-like situation will subside, becoming an integral part of this city," Oliver explained.
"Hmm… that could happen," Kevin agreed.
"As for taking a break, there's nothing particularly special about it. I earned quite a bit of money from my last job, and I'm also working at the tower, so I just wanted some rest."
"You're diligent yet laid-back. Well, it's your job, and it's none of my business… By the way, how many students do you think will pass the test this week?"
Oliver replied, "About three."
The test was an exam that the students in Oliver's class took every Friday. It assessed whether they were ready to proceed to Kevin's class. Last semester, only Felix moved up, but this semester, more than eight students had already advanced—a remarkable achievement.
"If things continue to progress well, all the students in this class will be able to join my class directly," Kevin noted.
"It's a bit surprising that there are no problems despite the smooth progress."
"The Magic Tower is a place where all sorts of things happen—both challenging and relaxing. If there were any issues, people would have already… Huh?" Kevin's words trailed off as he noticed Derick anxiously waiting in front of the his office.
Derick, who had passed the interview with Felix and became Kevin's research assistant, hurried over as soon as he spotted Kevin and Oliver returning.
"Professor."
"What's the matter?"
Noticing a difference in the atmosphere, Kevin promptly inquired, and Derick, following Kevin's rhythm, got straight to the point without using courtesy language.
"A guest has arrived."
Oliver was taken aback, wondering if someone from the administration had been sent due to their discussion about the previous class.
Kevin asked, "From where?"
"A representative from the School of Life Magic."
***
The mention of the School of Life Magic brought back memories for Oliver. It had been a while since the incident at the Mountain Pace Research institute, but the name still carried significance.
His interactions with the Life School had been subtle, but the memories lingered vividly.
"……."
While Oliver recollected his encounters with the Life School, Kevin directed his attention to Derick and Felix, who were waiting outside.
"Do you know why someone from the Life School was sent?"
"Well, I'm not entirely sure," Derick replied, surprisingly taking the lead in answering. "The Life School does interact with other schools quite often due to its academic nature, but it's still somewhat surprising they came here. Your skin color, Professor…"
Derick trailed off cautiously, and Oliver immediately grasped what he meant.
Within the Magic Tower, eugenics held a place of significance, with the Life School being particularly strict. Therefore, it seemed unusual that they would visit Kevin, who is a red skin.
Felix added with unease, "And the person who came is…"
"…? Who is it?" Oliver asked, urging Felix to continue.
Just as Felix was about to speak, the door of the professor's office opened, and a man emerged.
To Oliver's surprise, it was a face he had seen before.
It was Carl, the grandson of the Grand Master of the Life School and the person in charge at Mattel Lab.
