A vast black circle emanated from the skull principal, transforming the space within into a realm entirely distinct from the outside world. This was a unique domain where the natural laws of sunrise and sunset, of the waxing and waning moon, were defied.
‘Unique World!’
Magic in the Empire was commonly categorized into circles, based on the number of steps a mage required to cast a spell. This circle magic, widely used across the vast Empire due to its convenience, had a unique feature: a spell crafted by one mage could be used by another. This was indeed a remarkable phenomenon.
Magic, an act that shakes the world's order with a mage's will, could vary greatly due to individual imaginations and emotions. Yet, it was possible for mages to use each other's spells because they shared underlying principles and rules.
However, there existed magic beyond these rules of circle magic, spells that only the creator could wield. These were spells that expanded the mage's inner imagery to create a separate world, known in the Empire as Unique Worlds.
Upon witnessing the skull principal redefine the world's order to his own will, Yi-Han couldn't help but shudder in awe. ‘Amazing...!’ Even though the principal’s intention was to provoke a confrontation in another's tower, the sheer level of the magic made him forget his original purpose.
Flap!
A bird flying into this world instantly transformed into an undead, unaware of its own transformation, it continued to fly. Plants growing in the mountain range below morphed into bizarre forms.
As every being within the realm accepted a peaceful death over their painful lives, the skull principal smiled at the beautiful spectacle of nirvana.
"Wait. Why are you unaffected?"
"Eh?"
The skull principal was startled to see Yi-Han, still in the carriage, unaffected while every other living being had turned into undead, staring blankly at him.
"Did you exclude me on purpose, Principal?"
“That couldn't be. The experience of becoming undead was too instructive to miss.”
"..."
Yi-Han, who almost felt grateful for the skull principal's consideration, looked down on him.
The boy indeed had massive mana
The skull principal quickly realized the reason. The amount of mana, especially in world-altering spells, could create unpredictable situations even for mages. Like the young boy from the Wardanaz family, sitting there unaffected amidst changing world rules, looking as if asking, "What's happening?"
"It's not my fault I have so much mana..."
"Be quiet. Here comes the illusion mage."
The skull principal pointed forward. The door of a towering tower opened, and mages with bewildered expressions hurried out.
In the Empire, reputable, skilled, and sociable mages often formed groups or clubs for interaction. Magic, being a boundless field, was challenging to grasp, even for geniuses. Having trustworthy comrades was a rare comfort.
The Illusion Mages' Club, Dream Projection, led by Ogonin, consisted of diverse mages. From novices just stepping into illusion magic to skilled practitioners and renowned illusion mages capable of publishing papers at the Imperial Society, the club's membership was varied.
If there was one commonality among them, it was their deep respect for Ogonin. Ogonin had been developing various illusion magics since his youth and paved the way for other illusion mages of the Empire. It was impossible for the junior illusion mages not to admire him.
When Ogonin made the following announcement, the illusion mages were taken aback.
-I failed in my attempt to steal Gonadaltes' treasure... I apologize to everyone. I've tarnished even your reputations.-
-No, it's not your fault! It's Gonadaltes' provocation that's wrong.-
-We bought it at the auction, fair and square. It's wrong to insult someone like this!-
-It's not Ogonin's fault!-
-The main issue isn't that right now. Retribution might be coming, so avoid visiting this tower and steer clear of the area.-
-You're worrying too much. As mischievous and playful as Mr. Gonadaltes might be, would such a respected Great Mage of the Empire and the Principal of the Einroguard Magic Academy, truly stoop to petty revenge?-
-Exactly. He must realize that he made the childish insult first and will just let it go.-
-...You don't know Gonadaltes well enough.-
The illusion mages were baffled. Surely, a great mage like Gonadaltes wouldn't stoop to retaliate over such trivial disputes. That would be too... petty, wouldn't it?
“Hahahahaha”
“...”
“...”
Their thoughts vanished at the sight of a skull floating in the air, laughing heartily.
The newly transformed undead illusion mages, disoriented by the unfamiliar sensation of their bodies, protested.
"Gonadaltes! What have you done?!"
"Why here of all places??"
“I only used magic to impart a lesson to you mages.”
'Incredibly shameless.'
Yi-Han bowed his head inside the carriage. He didn't want to be recognized as the skull principal's apprentice by the illusion mages below.
But the skull principal boldly declared,
“How about it? Isn't it beautiful?”
"Ah... It is beautiful, but..."
"Please undo the magic!"
The illusion mages protested, clacking their skeletal forms together.
While the Unique World magic was indeed mesmerizing enough to lose oneself, it was a different story when it happened to them. How could they accept being undead?
“Hurry up and call Ogonin. Come out and fix this mess you've created at the festival. Festival Ruiner, Firework Destroyer, Artifact Thief Ogonin! Come out!”
The skull principal had a knack for attaching disgraceful titles to others.
Soon enough, Ogonin rushed out of the tower.
"What is this... Gonadaltes. It was my mistake, why torment the other mages?!"
“Then why did you torment my fireworks, my festival, and my students for my mistake?”
'It's more like saving the students, strictly speaking,' Yi-Han added in his mind.
If Ogonin hadn't acted, the students would have had to dodge the flying fireworks, running here and there.
However, Ogonin was too naive to argue that point.
"I'm, I'm sorry. I will apologize."
“Hmph. As if an apology can bring back the ruined festival or heal the students' hurt feelings. Here, take this.”
The skull principal threw a packaged book at him.
It was rude to gift a book suitable for beginners, but Ogonin, too flustered, accepted it gratefully.
"Thank you for the gift."
“...”
The skull principal seemed slightly disappointed by the reaction.
“Hey. Come out.”
“...”
“You're not pretending not to hear me, are you?”
"Of course not."
With a look of utmost reluctance, Yi-Han slowly opened the carriage door as if he were about to do the thing he least wanted in the world.
The eyes of the illusion mages, who had gathered below, were all fixated on Yi-Han.
“You are...”
Ogonin recognized Yi-Han's face.
Wasn't he the first-year student who had brought despair to Ogonin last time?
"I've brought here my young, inexperienced, and naive apprentice. I wanted him to test his skills against your disciples who serve you."
"No... Principal."
Yi-Han was serious.
He had thought the skull principal would just sneak in to set fire to the tower or steal treasures, but this was a different story. This wasn't just dipping a toe in; it was plunging in headfirst!
And aside from that, this was a dangerously high-stakes confrontation.
How could Yi-Han possibly defeat those experienced illusion mages?
"I don't feel confident."
“Really? I am confident.”
“...”
The skull principal was already certain.
This boy from the Wardanaz family was the bane of all illusion mages.
Illusion magic was divided into spells cast directly on an opponent and those cast on the surroundings.
The former often comprised more advanced and powerful techniques.
As a mage's skill increased, they became more adept and perceptive of illusions and deceptions, making direct casting almost a necessity.
But what if such techniques were all countered by an unknown mage?
Especially if that mage was a first-year student?
"I'm already too happy."
The skull principal grinned widely.
Unaware of such a sinister scheme, the naive illusion mages were emboldened.
"Alright! We might not be bold or arrogant enough to claim ourselves as Ogonin's disciples, but we're not so magnanimous as to let a challenger who comes to Ogonin's tower go untested. We'll gladly take up the challenge."
"No... Wait..."
Ogonin, panicked, tried to stop the illusion mages.
He was well aware of Yi-Han's unique constitution, having encountered it before at the magic academy.
"It's alright! Trust us, Mr. Ogonin!"
"We might not be as skilled as you, but we won't lose."
Yi-Han thought to himself, 'This Ogonin seems to have a good reputation, even if his skills are a bit lacking.'
The illusion mages would have grabbed him by the collar if they had heard that.
“Right, Ogonin! Surely you trust the mages who have gathered here for you? You do, don't you?”
Ogonin really wanted to hit the skull principal.
If only he could speak up...
"...Very well. Everyone, come inside."
Ogonin's shoulders looked particularly narrow as he opened the door to the tower and went inside.
Klvik, one of the tower's illusion mages, was the first to step forward.
Klvik.
Although he was modest and never admitted it himself, if anyone were to choose the most passionate and energetic among Ogonin's disciples, it would be Klvik.
He was infuriated by the skull principal's rude and arrogant proposal.
It was one thing to be underestimated, but this was too much!
"Did you hear? A first-year student. A first-year! Even if Einroguard is a cradle for the Empire's geniuses, this is too much!"
"I agree."
"Perhaps that's exactly what they're banking on?"
"What do you mean?"
"Look. If it's a first-year student, they're bound to lose, right? Then they'll mock us for going all out against a first-year."
The illusion mages, unaware of Yi-Han's constitution, could only interpret the skull principal's proposal in this way.
Otherwise, there would be no reason for that cunning great mage to make such a proposal first.
"Indeed... Don't worry. It's shameful to use full strength against a first-year. I'll subdue him lightly and return."
"We trust you!"
Klvik stepped forward.
On one side of the expansive hall's corridor stood Yi-Han, and on the other, the tower's illusion mages. In the center were the skull principal and Ogonin.
“The rules are simple. The tower's mages would use only illusion magic, while my disciple can use any other form of magic to overpower the opponent.”
The rule was in Yi-Han's favor, but none of the illusion mages complained. Considering that their opponent was a first-year student, it seemed fair even if they were metaphorically tied up and blindfolded.
Klvik looked at Yi-Han and suddenly felt a surge of sympathy.
Wasn't this first-year student, dragged alone into enemy territory, stiffening his face with tension?
'I had some respect for Mr. Gonadaltes, but to be this ruthless! It's too much for a young sapling!'
“Begin!”
In that moment, Klvik saw it.
He witnessed the boy in front of him moving with incredible speed!
