Surviving As A Mage In A Magic Academy [EN]: Chapter 455

Some students believe magic is just about saying the right words. They think if they shout a spell loudly enough, problems disappear.

Lee Han could ask, “Like just saying ‘Gainando’?” to connect to the previous chapter (if Gainando is relevant). This is clearer and sets the scene better.

Knowledge is the heart of magic, not just the spells themselves. Imagine a wizard who only knows how to stack stones. He might use magic to hold them together for a time, like glue. But without knowing how to build properly, how long will his tower stand against the wind and rain? Magic alone is not enough.

The Headmaster continued, picking up a handful of sand. ‘You see this sand, Lee Han? It seems simple, but even earth is complex. There’s sand, gravel, clay… and different kinds of rock like granite and limestone.’

He pointed to a cracked stone wall. ‘To fix this properly with magic, you need to know what kind of stone it is, how much weight it can hold, and how to build it so it doesn’t fall again. Magic is not just waving your hand; it’s understanding the world.’

Lee Han, listening intently, asked, “So, will we actually use this today? It sounds like a lot for just one lesson.”

The Headmaster chuckled, a dry, rattling sound. “Patience, young wizard. You’ll learn all about ‘Basic Magical Architecture’ and ‘Magical Materials Science’ next year. But today… today is about understanding the basics. And maybe fixing a few things around here.”

Lee Han worked alongside the Headmaster, fixing cracks in stone walls and using tree magic to replace broken pier supports. He started to notice the Headmaster pointing out small details – “See how this stone is crumbling? You need to use a different spell for limestone.”

As they worked, Lee Han’s initial excitement faded. He looked around at the repaired buildings, the newly strong pier. *Is this it?* he thought. *Is this the whole lesson?*

He glanced at the Headmaster, who was surveying their work with a satisfied nod. Lee Han’s shoulders slumped slightly. “So,” he said, trying to keep his voice even, “we’re just… fixing things?” This shows his growing realization and disappointment more effectively.

“Don’t look so glum, Lee Han,” the Headmaster said, a hint of amusement in his voice. “You haven’t failed anything. Learning to shape the earth is a real skill.”

He paused, then added with a dry chuckle, “Though perhaps not as exciting as battling monsters, eh?” He waved a bony hand, and suddenly, barrels of honey wine and platters of steaming food appeared. “You’ve earned a reward. Take this back to your friends.”

Lee Han’s eyes widened at the feast. *Food from the Headmaster during exams? No way.* He smiled politely. “Thank you, Headmaster.” *Definitely not eating that.*

The Headmaster noticed Lee Han’s hesitation and raised an eyebrow. “Planning to keep it all to yourself, are we? Sharing is a virtue, even for powerful wizards.”

Lee Han grinned. “Don’t worry, Headmaster. I’ll share… if anyone can beat me in a game of wizard’s chess for a piece of cake.”

A Death Knight approached, its armor clanking softly. “Master,” it rasped. “The professors are ready for the exams.”

“Good,” the Headmaster replied. “Anything else?”

“Professor Inguldel is… troubled,” the Death Knight said, its voice flat. “He suggests offering gold as a reward to calm him.”

The Headmaster chuckled. “Gold? Knights and their old ways. Wizards want knowledge, not coins.”

Lee Han frowned, confused. The Death Knight continued, glancing at Lee Han. “It’s about… Lee Han’s exam. Professor Inguldel was upset that Lee Han fell into a trance and climbed back onto the ship during the water exam. He was trying to recreate the trance.”

Suddenly, the Headmaster threw back his head and laughed, a loud, echoing sound that startled the birds. “He did *what*?” The Headmaster gasped between laughs. “Inguldel tried to copy Lee Han’s trance? Oh, that’s rich! Poor Inguldel. Tell him not to worry so much. A little water never hurt anyone.”

Lee Han stared, a faint blush rising on his cheeks. *He’s laughing at me.* He clenched his fists. *Just ignore him, Lee Han. Ignore him.*

The Headmaster wiped a tear from his eye. “Sorry, sorry. It’s just… Professor Inguldel is so serious. I wish I’d seen it.” He grinned at Lee Han. “Perhaps next time, you can give Professor Inguldel a demonstration?”

Lee Han returned to the library, exhausted. As he lay down, the black book suddenly floated into the air, pages flipping open with a soft *whisper*. A strange, warm light spilled from the pages, illuminating the dark library. Lee Han groaned. “Not now,” he mumbled. “I need sleep.”

But the book ignored him. Words shimmered on the page: *’Gonadaltes’ Boiling Power’*. Lee Han recognized it – a dangerous Third Circle enhancement spell. *Enhancement magic?* He felt a knot of unease in his stomach. He knew these spells were risky, especially focused ones like this. *Break an arm, break a leg…*

He shivered, despite the warmth from the book. *Headmaster’s magic, though… maybe it’s different?* The book seemed to pulse with light, as if impatient. Lee Han sighed. “Fine,” he muttered, pushing himself up. “Let’s get this over with. One day, I’m going to get back at that Headmaster.”

Morning light crept into the library, pushing back the shadows. Lee Han stretched, his muscles aching from the night’s spell practice. *Boiling Power* indeed. He still felt phantom twinges of heat. *No more enhancement magic for me.*

He glanced at Gainando, still curled in his sleeping bag. “Gainando, breakfast!” he called. Usually, the word “breakfast” was enough to make Gainando leap up. But today, he didn’t even stir. Lee Han frowned. Something was wrong. He nudged Gainando with his foot. Still nothing.

With a sigh, Lee Han used his staff to gently roll Gainando over. Chocolate smeared his mouth. *Chocolate?* Lee Han remembered the Headmaster’s feast. *Chocolate cake…* He shook his head. “Hey! Everyone, wake up!” he called to his friends.

When they gathered, yawning, Lee Han pointed at Gainando. “Midnight snackers,” he announced. Salco grinned. “Caught red-handed! What’s the punishment, Wodanaz?”

“Hmm,” Lee Han pretended to think. “Maybe… extra chores for a week?”

“Chores?” Gainando groaned, finally waking up. “Anything but chores!”

Salco chuckled. “Don’t worry, Gainando. We’ll make sure you learn your lesson… and maybe share some of that chocolate next time.”

“Exams starting soon! Tanzuer’s leaving!” Friends shouted from the pier. Lee Han gathered his things. “Ready?” he asked.

“Almost,” someone replied. “Where’s Wodanaz?”

“He doesn’t have an exam this morning, does he?”

“Wodanaz? He’s always got exams,” another voice said.

Lee Han paused, a strange feeling in his chest. He walked towards the pier, and the chatter stopped. His friends looked at him, a mix of concern and respect in their eyes. “Let’s go,” Lee Han said, forcing a smile.

“Ready, Wodanaz?” Moradi asked gently. “You looked tired yesterday.”

Lee Han nodded, then, in a sudden burst of playful frustration, he lightly shoved Moradi towards the water. Moradi yelped as he stumbled, but caught himself just before falling in. “Whoops! Sorry, Moradi. Didn’t sleep well.”

Lee Han stepped onto the raft, his staff tapping lightly on the wood. Professor Voladi stood waiting, his face even more grim than usual. *He looks like he’s lost his favorite spellbook,* Lee Han thought. “Professor?” he asked cautiously.

Professor Voladi looked up, his eyes dark. “The midterm exam…” he began, his voice heavy. Lee Han’s stomach tightened. *What now?* “…is cancelled.”

“Cancelled?!” Lee Han exclaimed, surprised. “Really? Why?”

Professor Voladi sighed, a long, dramatic sigh. “Because,” he said, pointing around at the flooded academy, “have you *seen* the state of the dungeons?”

Lee Han blinked. He looked around at the waterlogged buildings, the overflowing canals. Then, a slow grin spread across his face. *Of course.* “Thank you, spirits of water,” he whispered. “Thank you.”