Surviving As A Mage In A Magic Academy [EN]: Chapter 740

Lee Han whispered to Ardenarte, “We should be careful; Professor Zorzik seems quite mad.”

Ardenarte looked at him, raising an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

Ardenarte seemed puzzled by Lee Han’s whisper.

Having seen the professors of Einrogaard, Professor Zorzik didn’t strike her as particularly mad.

Besides, as a member of the Imperial Family, Ardenarte had grown up surrounded by many followers.

Usually, these followers were ambitious, hoping the royal they served would one day inherit the throne.

“He doesn’t seem that strange to me. Among my supporters,” Ardenarte explained, “there are people who are very… enthusiastic. People with big dreams, maybe a little strange.”

“Aha.” Lee Han nodded, listening to Ardenarte’s explanation.

It seemed there were quite a few people like Professor Zorzik among the Princess’s supporters, and Lee Han subtly stepped back, careful not to be noticed by Ardenarte.

“Professor Benmalfa, why on earth do you want to become the Headmaster of Einrogaard?”

“Professor, even so, can you really become Headmaster without the current Headmaster’s approval?”

While the two were talking, curious upperclassmen peppered Professor Zorzik with questions, hoping to learn something and also delay the lecture.

Despite the questions, which seemed rude, Professor Zorzik stroked his mustache, pleased.

“First, that’s a good question. Why do I want to become the Headmaster of Einrogaard? Let me ask you! Why don’t you want to be the Headmaster of Einrogaard?”

“…Well, I…” The upperclassman almost said, ‘Because I’m not crazy?’ but quickly changed his words, thinking it was too rude.

“I’m a wizard, so I’m not particularly interested in the position of Headmaster, Professor.”

“That thought is wrong! A wizard should naturally dream of being the Headmaster of Einrogaard!”

The lecture hall became very quiet, but Professor Zorzik kept talking, his voice full of excitement.

“The center of thousand-year-old magic, and the lord of Seonhyang. Doesn’t it excite you to think what kind of magic you could do with this power?”

“Well, the magic I research is possible even without the power of Einrogaard.” If you wanted bread, you’d buy it; not many would create new land to grow wheat.

“Furthermore, the position of Headmaster doesn’t end with magic! The honor of teaching the best wizards in the Empire and becoming someone they look up to. Does that still not excite you?”

“?” Not only the upperclassmen but also Lee Han and Ardenarte tilted their heads, lost in thought.

It sounded appealing when put that way. Einrogaard was the Empire’s best magical institution, and its wizards were exceptionally talented. A teacher respected by these talents would have great influence.

But no matter how much their minds thought so, their hearts couldn’t accept it. The image of the Skull Headmaster remained too strong.

“The Headmaster said he’d make enemies of his students.”

“I’m different! I will nurture my students with affection and care. My students will respect me and support me!” The students murmured among themselves.

It was hard to know if Professor Zorzik could become Headmaster, but it was an enticing story.

“I will support you in my heart, Professor!”

“We may not do anything actively, but we’ll cheer you on!”

“Thank you! And the second question. Can you become Headmaster without the current Headmaster’s approval? The answer is ‘You can’!”

“Why is that?”

“Because I asked the Headmaster.”

The students’ faces clouded over. Their expectations for Professor Zorzik had diminished.

What kind of idiot plans a coup and asks the target if it’s okay?

‘Wait. Isn’t this possible?’ Unlike the others, Lee Han felt a flicker of interest.

The Skull Headmaster wasn’t attached to the position. His relationship with the Emperor wasn’t based on trust. It was more like they were both in trouble, and each one was trying not to be the first to fail.

In this situation, if he answered ‘Do it if you can’ to Professor Zorzik’s question…

Professor Zorzik might really get the Emperor’s approval!

“This… it seems possible if the Professor gets His Majesty the Emperor’s approval.”

“…Isn’t that the most difficult thing?” Ardenarte looked at Lee Han with disbelief.

‘Well, she’s right.’ Passing the Dragon Standard might be harder than defeating the Skull Headmaster.

Professor Zorzik smiled knowingly, used to the students’ reactions.

“It doesn’t matter if you think my plan is crazy. That’s your freedom. But don’t give up on your dreams as being crazy. Dreamers have always changed the Empire!”

Lee Han was slightly moved. It was a better thing to say than he expected.

However, the expressions of the upperclassmen, who knew Einrogaard very well, didn’t change much.

“Dreamers usually can’t graduate from Einrogaard.”

“I submitted a research proposal, and the Headmaster threw it in my face, calling it absurd nonsense…”

“Now, shall we start the lecture!” Professor Zorzik, subtly changed the subject when it turned unfavorable.

“To your desired areas, each of you!”

The lecture, >Elemental Magic and Its Application<, was similar to Professor Verdus’s lecture in that students practiced on their own, but the situation was different. “Professor, I’m trying to change the fire element to maintain at least four swords. Maintaining the form is harder than I thought.” “Your problem is two things: shape-shifting and multiple manipulation. Trying to do both causes a problem. I would have you practice shape-shifting with the fire element first. Have you mastered the five forms of a famous magician named Bagni?” “Not yet…” “I understand. Bagni was an excellent fire elemental magician, but he was from hundreds of years ago, and even if you master all five forms, there’s not much use for them. Not many wizards have mastered them. But! For a wizard stuck on the shape-shifting part of the fire element, there’s no practice as helpful as these five forms. So, try practicing these five forms first.” “Professor, I need the dark element for this research, but even the basic sensing is too difficult. I asked Professor Mortum, and he said that if I go missing a few times in the dark underground caves of the mountains or in the land of the dead, I’ll get a feel for it. Is that really the only way?” “That’s a good method. But! That can now be said to be a method suitable for geniuses like Professor Mortum. If it were me, I would recommend safer methods. Here, do you see the dark elements I’ve summoned? Try placing them on your hand one by one in order, and sharpen your senses. Slowly! And don’t worry if you can’t feel the dark element. It’s something that can be solved by asking another wizard.” “…!” Lee Han and Ardenarte, watching the scene, were astonished. Ardenarte said in a trembling voice, “Did you see that? I can’t believe how easily he can handle the elements.” At the same time, Lee Han said in a trembling voice, “How can he be so kind when it’s the same lecture style as Professor Verdus?” “?” “?” The two looked at each other, puzzled. “…Isn’t elemental magic more amazing?” “Even the Headmaster can do that much. It’s more amazing that he’s so kind.” Lee Han felt he knew why some upperclassmen had left the evaluation, 'He's still better than some other professors,' for Professor Zorzik. 'Isn’t that too much of an underestimation!' While Ardenarte was looking at Lee Han with a slightly colder gaze, Professor Zorzik approached the two. The professor’s eyes sparkled with interest and ambition. “The only two students listening to my humble lecture!” “…Nice to meet you, Professor?” “Answer me if what I know about you two is correct. Student Ardenarte. The forty-third member of the Imperial Family, and supported by the Palm Tree Knights, the Showering Rain Magic Tower, the Imperial Western Union Merchants, the Cross Brothers Swordsmen, and the Olodo Party!” Ardenarte nodded, startled, like a rabbit. It was rare for an Einrogaard professor to have this much interest in a student, let alone outside. At that acknowledgment, Professor Zorzik’s eyes burned even more with ambition. Even though the other party wasn’t using telepathy magic, Lee Han could hear the voice, 'Become my student and support me!' “If I have any hobby at Einrogaard, it’s receiving the respect of talented students like you.” The Princess, overwhelmed by the professor’s spirit, quickly took refuge behind Lee Han. Regardless, Professor Zorzik said strongly, “Whenever you need help or guidance, come to Zorzik of the Benmalfa family!” “Understood.” “Good! And you…” 'No. Even me?' Lee Han was slightly off guard. He thought he could get through it easily since the other party was showing so much interest in Ardenarte. However, Professor Zorzik’s eyes were burning even more intensely. If Ardenarte was just lightly throwing bait, Lee Han had to be seen as jumping in with a net and big spear, determined to catch him no matter what. 'Did he use fire magic in his eyes or something?' Lee Han couldn’t believe how he could burn his eyes so fiercely with just ambition, without magic. “So, you’re ‘that’ student!” “…Did my upperclassmen or professors perhaps forget my name?” He was bothered by being called ‘that kid’ or ‘that one’ so often these days. It didn’t seem like a good sign. Professor Zorzik smiled so wide that his mouth almost reached his ears. “How could I? Student Wodanaz. From the Wodanaz family, taking lectures from all the schools.” “Yes…” “And also a student of the Headmaster.” “Yes?” Lee Han tried to deny it, but Professor Zorzik only said what he wanted to say. “Since you are receiving the affection of all the Einrogaard professors, Zorzik of the Benmalfa family cannot help but participate in that as well?” “I’m okay with…” “What magic are you struggling with? I may not be as specialized as someone like Master Yumidihus, but I can handle any elemental magic to some extent!” Professor Zorzik said in a humble way, but Lee Han knew how great that was. It was unusual to research only one water element to the extreme like Yumidihus, and just being able to handle all the various elements was enough to call Professor Zorzik an expert. 'Right. I came to listen to the lecture, so let’s focus on magic.' The other party was sending burdensome attention, but all the more reason to focus the topic on magic. Besides, unlike a certain professor, wasn’t the professor in front of him kind and enthusiastic about teaching? “I’m aiming to improve my overall skills.” “I see. You’re a sophomore. Then how about this? List the elements you’re not confident in and the elements you are confident in.” “First of all, I’m not confident in the fire element…” “Hmm.” “I’m relatively confident in lightning, cold, and darkness…” “……”