Yi-Han was taken aback.
This was a reaction that was unlike any other among the reactions of professors that Yi-Han knew.
'What did I do wrong?'
But no matter how much he pondered, there seemed to be no mistake on Yi-Han's part.
'Is it because of my excessive mana?'
Yi-Han cautiously inquired.
"Is it difficult for me to learn illusion magic because of my excessive mana?"
"No?"
"Then, is it because my control is lacking?"
"No. That's sufficient. Well... Alright. I should tell you."
Professor Kirmin, after some contemplation, decided to confide in Yi-Han.
"Wardanaz. Right now, you have..."
Yi-Han tensed up.
When the professor spoke so seriously, it usually indicated a serious issue.
Like when Professor Garcia diagnosed Yi-Han with incurable mana overflow upon his admission...
"There are too many professors interested in you."
"..."
Yi-Han was dumbfounded.
He knew about mana overflow, but was there such a thing as professor overflow?
'The latter seems much more critical.'
While one could somehow live with the former, the latter seemed life-threatening.
"Why would that be..."
"Think about it. It would be too hard for you to learn illusion magic while at the same time studying under all those professors, wouldn't it?"
'Ah.'
Yi-Han understood Professor Kirmin's point.
And he was moved.
With those words, Professor Kirmin could claim a place among the top 1% of professors at the academy in terms of character.
He seemed worthy of a position next to Professor Garcia.
"No, I cannot."
Yi-Han spoke firmly.
He couldn't miss attending lectures by such a professor, even if it meant avoiding other magic subjects.
He must forge a connection now!
Failing to attend now could lead to regret later, should unforeseen circumstances arise.
Even the kindest professor is still a professor.
Approaching later with 'Professor, I wish to attend your class now' could be met with 'Sorry, there's no room left.'
"I can attend, Professor. I am prepared."
Yi-Han's eyes blazed with passion. Professor Kirmin was taken aback by his resolute expression.
He hadn't expected such fervor.
His sculpted face shone with determination, casting an even stronger impression.
"It will be tough."
"It's alright."
"Alright then. Join from the next session."
Professor Kirmin patted Yi-Han's shoulder.
A passionate student always brought joy to a teacher.
With talent like Wardanaz, it was even better.
"Be careful, it will be tough."
"Yes. And don't worry too much. If I don't increase my classes further, it should be manageable, right?"
"..."
Professor Kirmin looked at Yi-Han with a complex expression.
His gaze was like that of a mage foreseeing a tragic fate, but unfortunately, Yi-Han failed to notice.
As Professor Kirmin concluded the class and left, the students prepared to rise from their seats.
During the week's lectures, only the angel, or rather, troll mixed-blood, Professor Garcia, didn't torment the students with assignments.
However, with a regretful expression, Professor Garcia announced.
"Everyone, please wait. There's a test this week."
"..."
"..."
The students looked at Professor Garcia as if they were hurt and betrayed, but Garcia, though apologetic, stood firm.
"So, everyone had better be prepared."
"What will be on the exam?"
At a student's question, Professor Garcia nodded and responded.
For a month, we learned the basics of magic and explored various fields of magic. I intend to ask how well you have learned about these."
"Ah... but Professor! I don't know much about dark magic..."
"Will you also ask about summoning magic?"
The students murmured among themselves.
Most students who had joined here had clear preferences.
Those who had a specific type of magic in mind often showed little interest in other areas.
Professor Garcia reassured them, as if to calm their worries.
"Everyone, relax. The questions will be tailored to each student. I won't ask about areas that don't align with your aptitudes or interests."
Sighs of relief escaped from various corners.
Yi-Han, who had been relaxing with his friends, suddenly paused.
'Wait a minute.'
Upon reflection, Yi-Han realized he had participated in all the fields of magic covered in Professor Garcia's lectures.
...Wait?
Does that mean...
'Do I have to prepare for everything?'
For the first time since entering the academy, Yi-Han tasted true fear.
Tuesday.
The <Basic Riding Training> lecture was held in a field a bit farther than usual.
Professor Bungaegor, with a lit pipe, awaited the students.
"Look at that!"
"So cute!"
Exclamations burst among the students.
Behind Professor Bungaegor were baby bears.
Their round and adorable appearance made them look so cute that one could forget how they'd look when fully grown.
The students, worn out from classes, showed age-appropriate expressions upon seeing the baby bears.
"Professor really thought about us."
"Yeah. We deserve a break like this."
After weeks of assignments and lectures, and now a test.
It seemed fair to spend at least one lecture rolling around in the fields without punishment.
And unlike the previous burning puppies, these baby bears looked completely harmless. A definite break.
"Are you all here?"
"Yes!"
The students responded in unison, their voices twice as bright and cheerful as usual.
"Good. Now that you're here, let's have a test. Bring your horses."
"?"
"????"
The students were bewildered by Professor Bungaegor's words.
"What about the baby bears?"
"The baby bears?"
Professor Bungaegor removed her pipe and turned her head back, then spoke as if realizing something.
"Ah. Those baby bears aren't for today's lecture. A friend asked me to look after them for a while."
"..."
The students felt more disappointed than when they met the skull principal. Professor Bungaegor laughed heartily.
"If you want to play with baby bears, wait a few decades until you retire. Now, bring your horses! Let's see how well you've bonded with them!"
"But we're not ready yet, can we do it next time..."
"Beasts don't wait for you. Will you ask a hungry beast attacking you to wait while you prepare? Move!"
The students proceeded with anxious and uneasy expressions.
Those who rarely visited the stable were naturally nervous, but even those who frequented it felt the same.
“Will it be okay?”
“Last time, my horse didn't listen and tried to run away…”
The horses in the stable were fierce and temperamental.
Even students who thought they had bonded with their horses couldn't be sure how they would react when let loose.
And Yi-Han was no exception.
'Hmm.'
It might have been his imagination, but Yi-Han thought the white horse he was responsible for seemed to have the worst temper in the stable.
The largest and most physically fit horse, its temperament was incomparable to the others.
At times, it made one wonder if it was really a horse.
'Did Professor Uregor feed it some potion?'
But if the white horse had wildness, Yi-Han had intelligence. He had found his own way to handle it.
"There."
Yi-Han immediately equipped the white horse with a mana-absorbing metal bracelet and belt. The horse snorted in displeasure, but Yi-Han was persistent.
Without them, there was no telling how the white horse might betray him.
-Puff-huff. Huff.
The white horse was cunning and intelligent.
Realizing brute strength wouldn't work against this mad freshman, it resorted to pitiful looks with its sad eyes.
However, Yi-Han was more merciless than the white horse.
"Sorry. No threat or plea can change my mind."
-Puff-huff-huff!
The white horse glared at Yi-Han, but the artifacts already strapped to its body were draining its mana.
With its energy diminished, the horse obediently followed as Yi-Han pulled the reins.
Someday, it would have its revenge!
"Amazing...!"
"That wild horse!"
Students from the White Tiger murmured as they saw Yi-Han leading out the white horse.
Initially, when Yi-Han was assigned the most ferocious horse in the stable, everyone mocked him, thinking he couldn't tame it.
But now, the white horse was unbelievably docile, following Yi-Han as if it had been with him for a long time.
The noble bearing of the white horse suited the boy of the Wardanaz family.
Anglago unwittingly spoke.
"Wardanaz really is remarkable."
"...Has Anglago lost his mind?? Why suddenly?"
"Was he enchanted by some magic on the island?"
"No, no. It's not about liking that Wardanaz guy, just acknowledging his abilities!"
Anglago hastily explained as his friends looked at him in shock.
"Anglago, you're weird. Not even badmouthing Wardanaz."
"Maybe Wardanaz really did something to him..."
"I said no! I dislike Wardanaz! I do!"
Meanwhile, not only Yi-Han but also other students cautiously started leading their horses outside.
It seemed that students from the Black Tortoise, who had diligently cared for their horses, were numerous.
There were quite a few from the Immortal Phoenix and the White Tiger as well...
The Blue Dragon students were the fewest.
Yi-Han felt embarrassed for his friends.
'Such lazy fellows.'
No wonder the Tutanta family's Salko despised the nobles.
Their laziness deserved as much scorn.
Professor Bungaegor placed a sundial on a rock and announced.
"If you've brought out your horse, follow the path. You'll come across a river; water the horses there and return for a pass."
Covered in mud, Gainando whispered.
"Couldn't we just water them at the well and return without her knowing?"
"Listen. If someone lies about watering their horse at the river, I'll throw them into the river."
"..."
Gainando quietly shook the mud off his hair.
"Alright, then start!"
Professor Bungaegor tapped her pipe and shouted.
The students, scattered disorderly across the field, began leading their horses down the path.
The princess elegantly mounted her horse, followed slowly by her admirers.
A few other students, having grown quite close to their horses, also rode them along the path. Their peers looked on enviously.
Yonaire could have mounted a horse too. But instead of doing so, she looked at Yi-Han.
Yi-Han was about to lead his horse by the reins.
"Aren't you riding?"
"I might get tired if I do."
-Puff!
Instead of appreciating Yi-Han's consideration, the white horse whinnied in protest, pleading for the removal of its bracelet and belt.
Yi-Han ignored it.
'Walking is safer.'
While absorbing its mana calmed the horse, it also risked weakening its stamina.
If he rode it and the horse collapsed, it would be a disaster. Yi-Han decided to walk alongside it.
Yonaire shrugged and grasped her horse's reins.
"Yonaire. You could ride if you want."
"I'm also worried the horse might get tired."
Yonaire's dark-haired horse nuzzled her with a grateful whinny.
Yonaire laughed, tickled by the affection. Yi-Han suddenly felt a bit sad.
'Why can't I bond with spirits or horses...'
"And we're friends, right?"
"Thank you."
Yi-Han spoke sincerely.
Bang!
Behind them, Gainando was catapulted out of the stable and rolled on the ground. He had been flung by a horse he wasn't close to, trying to force it out.
Mud-covered Gainando shouted.
"Guys! Wait! You'll wait for me, right? We're friends!"
"Shall we start?"
"Yes."
Yi-Han and Yonaire departed without hesitation.
Friendship meant sharing stable chores in the morning.
