‘It's not surprising at all.’
Instead of expressing astonishment, Yi-Han remarked, "Is that so? You're planning to shoot fireworks at the students."
Shooting fireworks at students, does that make sense? -> (X)
So, you're planning to shoot fireworks at the students! -> (O)
The idea of shooting fireworks at students seemed preposterous, but Yi-Han, who had already prepared himself, was not perturbed by such a notion.
'I must warn my friends to avoid the events organized by the skull principal.'
Even if the skull principal offered tempting snacks at this festival, following him could mean getting hit by fireworks.
Yi-Han's nonchalant response seemed to bore the skull principal. As one lives longer, the remaining pleasures diminish. The only joys left for the skull principal were delving into magic, running the academy, and tormenting his students - a life of austere simplicity, much like a monk's.
But with Yi-Han reacting this way, the skull principal couldn't help feeling disappointed.
“Isn’t it too cold to shoot fireworks at students?”
"No, it's possible you might," Yi-Han responded indifferently.
“...”
The skull principal realized once again that this new disciple was not to be underestimated. Of all the students he had taught and tormented, few were as unique as the one before him. Yi-Han's words were gentle like a willow, yet his resolve was firmer than any noble could imagine.
'Such a person should truly practice magic...'
The state of the empire deeply troubled the skull principal. What has become of the magic academy? In the past, a master and disciple would sit face-to-face, passing down all knowledge. Listening to the chatter of other mages only led to misguided aspirations. It was truly regrettable to take the long way when shortcuts existed.
Yi-Han followed the skull principal.
'Is this another professor's workshop?'
A tower with a unique appearance, located a bit away from the main building, hinted at belonging to another professor, as each had their own workshop.
Yi-Han was puzzled to see a forge and bellows, equipment usually found in blacksmith shops. 'A place like this in a magic academy?'
He recalled visiting such places while accompanying Knight Arlong. For knights, having a relationship with a skilled blacksmith was as vital as life itself.
The blacksmith shops Knight Arlong frequented were among the best in the empire.
'This place is just as impressive.'
The level of specialization was astonishing.
"Surprised, aren't you?" the skull principal asked subtly, noticing Yi-Han's astonishment. Some of the academy's facilities were built with funds obtained through the skull principal's pleas to the emperor, to which he was understandably attached.
"Yes, I am surprised. This is..." Yi-Han began.
“The Artifact Hall. Do you understand its purpose?”
"It's for making artifacts."
“Exactly. You're quick to catch on.”
Creating magic artifacts was not a task for just anyone. Without a mage, who would imbue the magic?
A skilled artifact creator was not only an excellent mage but also a master blacksmith, an experienced sculptor, and a talented artisan.
"Do you plan to sell artifacts at the festival for profit?"
“An interesting notion, but no.”
The skull principal was amused by Yi-Han's suggestion. While artifact sales were a major source of income for mages, few who knew how to make artifacts were keen on mass-producing them for wealth.
Mages obsessed with money and those who see it as their goal often struggle to reach higher realms of mastery.
Artifact sales were merely a means to support one's research, not the end goal.
'Why not sell them? There seem to be more outside visitors than expected.'
'Why is this guy so interested in money when he's not even managing the academy?'
Both the principal and the student found each other's perspectives peculiar.
Meanwhile, a professor emerged from inside the tower.
Yi-Han was taken aback by the professor's appearance.
'Incredibly... cute!'
Holding a hammer in one hand and a staff in the other, the professor was a beaver mixed-blood. Even to Yi-Han, who had seen various mixed-blood, this one was exceptionally cute.
"Why are you here?"
"I came for magic fireworks."
"Understood. I'll make some. Go."
"I've brought a student to help."
"No need for help."
The beaver professor looked quizzically at the skull principal, who then spoke earnestly.
“I'm concerned about you. You like to do everything alone without asking students for help. You might harm yourself.”
"Why should I involve students in something so enjoyable? I don't understand."
The beaver professor grumbled in dissatisfaction, but the skull principal was not easily swayed.
After all, wasn't the purpose of bringing Yi-Han to get him involved in the creation of magic fireworks? It would truly be sad for the skull principal if, after all the effort, Yi-Han just lazed around while the beaver professor did all the work.
“Ah! You'll hurt yourself if you keep going like this! As the principal, I order you to make them with this student!”
'He’s really persistent.'
Yi-Han wasn't fooled by the skull principal's supposedly caring words. There was only one reason for the skull principal's sudden display of kindness and gentleness: to make Yi-Han work!
It seemed that the beaver professor didn't like delegating work to students, and the emphasis was likely to ensure that Yi-Han wouldn't be left out.
"Okay, okay. We'll do it together."
“Good! I trust you. Now, Wardanaz. Make all the designated magic fireworks before I return.”
"Understood."
The skull principal reiterated his instructions several times before floating away, humming a tune.
Yi-Han was suddenly reminded of a fairy tale he had read in the past, about filling a leaky jar with water while the owner was away. The only difference now was that Yi-Han had no one to help him.
'I better get to work.'
Despite the cute appearance, Yi-Han remained vigilant.
What kind of person was this beaver professor?
"Professor?"
"Huh? Oh."
"...Professor?"
"Huh? Uh, oh. Yes. Right."
Professor Beavle Verduus, the beaver mixed-blood, turned out to be less intimidating than expected.
He wasn't the kind of professor who would hurl lightning at freshmen or send undead minions to attack them. Instead, Professor Beavle seemed to have little interest in his students.
To be precise, he seemed indifferent to anything other than his own magic.
"I heard you teach enchantment magic."
Thirty seconds into fiddling with glass and metal, Professor Beavle finally responded to Yi-Han.
"Uh-huh."
Enchantment magic.
A broad and highly demanded magic in the empire. It became a strengthening spell when cast on people and turned objects into artifacts.
Yi-Han was particularly interested and fond of this enchantment magic.
'It's a discipline as financially rewarding as alchemy.'
Although enchantment mages were often portrayed as indifferent to gold, pursuing only the noble path of scholarship, that wasn't Yi-Han's concern...
Learning how to make artifacts and selling them consistently could turn into a lucrative side business, couldn't it? Even a stable job as an imperial bureaucrat was uncertain in the future. Having a steady side income was not a bad idea.
'But with the professor behaving like this.'
"Um, just wait a moment."
"Yes."
In fact, the situation wasn't bad at all, except for the absence of the skull principal. If the professor had no interest in Yi-Han, he could just do his work and leave.
However, given the nature of the skull principal, it was unlikely he wouldn't ask about the work upon his return. And if Yi-Han hadn't done anything, he would probably face all sorts of pettiness.
After about 30 minutes, Professor Beavle completed his work. He dipped the finished metal plate into a large solution, cast a spell on it, and then started to walk toward another room.
"Professor!"
"Ah! What is it? How long have you been there?"
"I'm Yi-Han, here to help you make the magic fireworks."
"Ah, right. Sorry, I keep forgetting."
Approaching Yi-Han, Professor Beavle asked, "Which year are you in?"
"First year."
"..."
Professor Beavle paused and then repeated, "First year?"
"Yes."
"...Are you sure Gonadaltes didn't make a mistake?"
"It's not a mistake."
"Really? He must think you’re exceptionally talented?"
Yi-Han thought to himself, 'It feels more like malice than talent...'
"Making magic fireworks isn't particularly difficult. The challenge is in making them beautiful and varied. Especially for a freshman."
Professor Beavle rolled a thick paper into a cylinder, then cast a spell on it, sealing both ends.
Finally, he attached a string to the bottom, allowing it to be pulled.
"Magic is now imbued inside it. When you pull it, it bursts out."
"Sorry, but could you show me again?"
"What? Again?"
Professor Beavle was taken aback.
"Okay, just a moment."
He repeated the process: rolling the paper, imbuing magic, sealing the ends, and attaching the string.
Done!
"I'm really sorry, but could you do it slowly once more..."
"What? Again?"
"Yes. I apologize. I don't think I have a talent for enchantment magic."
"No, it's fine! Absolutely fine. A mage doesn't need to be good at every magic!"
Professor Beavle was a kind person.
Of course, that didn't necessarily mean he had outstanding abilities as an educator.
If he had been an excellent educator, he wouldn't have silently cast an enchantment magic spell in front of a freshman and then said, 'What? You don't understand? Maybe you lack talent!' That's just absurd!
Both the teaching Professor and the learning student were talking nonsense, but there was no one around to correct them.
Professor Beavle picked up his staff again.
"Now, so here..."
According to Professor Beavle's instruction (which was mostly self-taught by Yi-Han), the core magic for magic fireworks was the 2nd Circle magic, <Flame Enchantment> and <Light Enchantment>.
"So it's about bestowing fire and light onto paper."
"Yes. But that's too plain. A superior mage seeks artistry in this process."
Hungry, Professor Beavle took out a piece of bark and started munching on it while explaining.
"Do you know how to manipulate elemental shapes or maintain forms?"
"Yes."
It wasn't really a question meant for a freshman, but Professor Beavle had already forgotten that Yi-Han was a freshman.
Yi-Han responded without much thought.
"The principle is similar. But since it involves engraving into a material, more care is needed..."
In enchantment magic, not only the mage's skill was crucial, but also the material to be enchanted mattered significantly. The weaker the durability, the harder it was for the material to withstand magic and mana.
Fortunately, the paper used for scrolls and fireworks was not ordinary paper. It was made of a material resistant to mana.
Even so...
"Professor, I have a lot of mana. Do you think I can do it well?"
"If you can't, it can't be helped. You can always do other magic."
"Thank you for your kind words."
Yi-Han spoke sincerely.
Although he felt a bit disappointed, he thought it was nice to receive such a response. If it had been Professor Boladi, he might have said, 'I won't open the forge's door until you succeed'...
Thump!
After several trials and errors, Yi-Han finally completed his first light magic firework. He had restrained his mana as much as possible and aimed merely for functional operation, so the firework was far from being aesthetically pleasing or flashy.
'As long as it works, that's good enough.'
Yi-Han didn't expect much more.
If it worked as a magic firework when the string was pulled, that would be satisfactory.
"Shall we try pulling it then?"
Professor Beavle set down his piece of bark and picked up the firework. He pulled the string.
Bang!
A flash of light filled the room.
Professor Beavle was startled by the unexpectedly intense brightness of the light.
