Surviving As A Mage In A Magic Academy [EN]: Chapter 805

One of the Death Knights, sounding genuinely puzzled, asked, “Isn’t it strange that he didn’t notice?”

Considering what they’d overheard, it was even stranger that anyone wouldn’t be suspicious.

“First, he shows an almost alarming level of interest, then claims not to know who Wodanaz is, and runs away every time we visit the club…”

Intarendal looked truly confused as he responded to the question.

“I expected someone far more… wicked and formidable.”

“Ah!”

“That explains it!”

The Death Knights immediately understood. Intarendal’s words made sense. If Headmaster Skull were to send them to find his successor, they, too, would likely start with wizards boasting three heads and six arms.

An ordinary-looking wizard was simply too… unsuitable!

Leehan cursed the Death Knights inwardly, thinking, ‘What on earth are they going on about?’ Such nonsense should be stopped, not agreed with.

“Wait. If you are Leehan of the Wodanaz family, why hide your identity?”

“Because I don’t particularly want to learn magic?”

“That’s preposterous! Don’t lie!”

Intarendal looked utterly disbelieving, displaying the most shocked expression he’d shown all day.

Several of the Death Knights also seemed taken aback.

“Does the heir… not want to learn magic sometimes?”

“Hmm. I suppose it depends on the person. Still, it’s surprising. After seeing him learn under Bibble, I thought anyone would jump at the chance.”

Thankfully, Leehan was too busy dealing with Intarendal to overhear the Death Knights’ conversation. Had he done so, he might have exploded with rage.

“Why is it a lie?”

“It’s the opportunity to learn from the Master! Think about it. You were born a prince of an insignificant kingdom. And yet, you became the one who destroyed the kingdom and melted the crown! Who but the Master of Destiny could accomplish such feats? And what an immense honor to learn from such a being!”

Intarendal’s voice was filled with genuine awe and conviction.

Leehan, instead of trying to persuade him, turned to the Death Knights.

“Did Headmaster destroy a kingdom and melt a crown?”

“Well… we each pledged our swords at different times…”

“Wasn’t there something about sewing kings together?”

“No, that didn’t destroy a kingdom or melt a crown.”

Leehan thought, ‘I shouldn’t have asked.’

In truth, it didn’t really matter if Headmaster Skull had titles like Kingdom Destroyer, Melter of Crowns, or Seamster of Kings.

The important thing was simply to refuse.

“No. I don’t want anything to do with crowns or kingdoms.”

“Is that really a reason?!”

“Your master teaches too harshly.”

“What?! Harshly? What utter nonsense! Leehan of the Wodanaz family! Where else on the continent will you find a grand mage so generous?”

One of the Death Knights, unable to watch any longer, interjected.

“Look, Intarendal. While you were… indisposed, magical education on the continent has become much more peaceful.”

“Killing students, as they used to do, is now punishable.”

Intarendal, a capable aide, was fanatical and blindly devoted, but not stupid.

He immediately understood what the Death Knights were implying.

“Such outrageous… does the depraved state of the modern world hinder the Master’s teachings?”

“Depraved… is it?”

“Hmm. These young knights do seem a bit… corrupted.”

Despite his shock, Intarendal quickly composed himself and spoke. His personal feelings were irrelevant; he had a job to do.

“Very well… Leehan of the Wodanaz family. Then let us negotiate.”

“Negotiate? Just so you know, don’t think you can sway me with gold. No matter how much gold you pour into the Black Magic School, I won’t be easily tempted. Understand? I’m not someone who’s so easily swayed by imperial gold…”

The Death Knights thought to themselves, ‘He’s becoming suspiciously talkative.’ A little more gold, and he might have succumbed to temptation!

“Leehan of the Wodanaz family, the reason I’ve been frequenting various clubs and offering patronage is to ensure you aren’t hindered by material concerns while learning magic from the Master.”

Intarendal spoke very sincerely. Contrary to what Leehan believed, Intarendal’s patronage wasn’t driven by malicious intent.

Of course, it was turning into a rather sinister form of support, but the intention was to free up Leehan’s time.

Wizards often had to devote time to research or magic they weren’t interested in, just to secure funding.

How tragic it would be if such wasted time reduced the time available to learn from Intarendal’s master.

“And I’m not sure what you mean by the Black Magic School.”

“Aren’t you patronizing the Black Magic School?”

“Yes, I am, but that’s not because of you, Leehan. It’s simply because it’s a school that carries on the Master’s magic.”

“…Oh, I see. Thank you. I appreciate your continued support.”

“Haha… I’m sure there are many other worthy patrons besides myself.”

At Intarendal’s words, the Death Knights and Leehan subtly avoided eye contact.

They couldn’t bring themselves to tell the truth about that.

“In any case, Leehan, I naturally assumed you would be filled with joy and excitement upon hearing that the Master was looking for you, but…”

Intarendal’s plan, like a good helper, was simple and perfect.

1. Enter the school during club week.

2. Support Leehan to free up his time.

3. Greet Leehan as he rushes over, overjoyed.

Leehan cursed inwardly, thinking, ‘What utter rubbish he speaks.’

“Didn’t that magical criminal, Antagondal, tell you I refused?”

He had clearly expressed his refusal to Antagondal, so this naive expectation was baffling.

Perhaps something had happened to prevent the message from being delivered.

“Antagondal? A magical criminal?”

Intarendal looked puzzled and thoughtful. Then, he replied.

“My master does not usually listen to people he thinks are unimportant. He chooses his words carefully, you understand.”

Lee Han stayed silent.

*I risked everything to get here, and this… this copy is just going to ignore me?* Lee Han thought, annoyed.

He almost felt sorry for Antagondalus. *Being a bad guy with magic must be hard work,* he thought to himself.

“Lee Han, let’s talk about what we can agree on,” Intarendalus said, adjusting his robes.

Intarendalus, who was like a manager for the Headmaster, quickly started to explain his plan.

“Things are different now, aren’t they? We need to change too.”

“First,” Intarendalus began, “you said my master’s lessons are… tough. So, how about this? For every week of training, if you die, we will bring you back to life up to three times.”

Lee Han said nothing, his face showing he was not impressed.

Intarendalus waited, but Lee Han still didn’t speak.

“Hmm,” Intarendalus said, looking thoughtful. “That’s not good enough, is it? Alright, let’s make it more interesting.”

Intarendalus, noticing Lee Han’s lack of reaction, started to improve his offer.

“Three resurrections… no, five resurrections… maybe even seven! Or… what about no death at all?”

“No ban on attacks, Lee Han! That’s impossible! How can you learn magic if you are never attacked?” Intarendalus exclaimed, surprised.

One Death Knight muttered, “Tsk, tsk. This is typical of old folks.”

Another added, quieter, “So set in their ways. Can’t bend at all.”

The Death Knights, who students often joked were ancient, were now complaining about someone even older.

Intarendalus sighed deeply, looking troubled.

“But… no attacks…” Intarendalus repeated, looking stressed. “Ugh, fine. I’ll tell him. But I don’t know what my master will say. I think he will say no.”

“If he says no, then he says no,” Lee Han said, shrugging like he didn’t care. *Actually, that would be perfect,* he thought to himself. *If that crazy copy says no, it’s even better for me.*

“What else should we ask for?” Lee Han continued. “Since we are talking about it, tell me.”

One Death Knight suggested, “Hmm, maybe training in a safe place? Like a place where no one can attack anyone else?”

Another added, “Or even better, teaching from far away! That would be much safer. We’d all feel much happier if you were just a face in a mirror.”

“Teaching from far away… magic item… talking from a distance… safe place…”

Intarendalus wrote quickly with his feather pen, making notes on a scroll.

“Is there anything else?” Lee Han asked.

One Death Knight spoke up, “Lee Han is very busy teaching his own classes, you know.”

Intarendalus scoffed, “Those classes are nothing compared to my master’s lessons!”

Another Death Knight cleared his throat loudly. “Ahem! There you go again! Are you going to keep insulting us?”

“Oh! Sorry, sorry,” Intarendalus said quickly. “Please, go on.”

The first Death Knight continued, “Yes, and Lee Han’s time is valuable. There should be something to thank him for his effort.”

When the Death Knights hinted about payment, Intarendalus looked worried for the first time.

“But… my master doesn’t want anything! He doesn’t care about kingdoms or money. All I have is… well, lots and lots of gold and jewels from the empire.”

Everyone was silent for a moment.

One Death Knight finally said quietly, “…That sounds good enough.”

“Oh, really? Just a small thing then,” Intarendalus said, sounding relieved. “I can agree to that myself, no problem.”

Lee Han started to wonder if Intarendalus was stealing a lot of gold from his master.

“Then, I will take your message back,” Intarendalus said seriously.

Even though he was tied up tightly by the Death Knights, Intarendalus tried to look like an important messenger. But being tied up made it a bit funny.

One Death Knight said, “Goodbye, Intarendalus. We met in a strange way because our masters are enemies, but it was good to meet someone old like you. Go back safely.”

“The pleasure was mine, Knights,” Intarendalus replied. “It’s not every day you meet knights who choose to keep working instead of resting forever, all for honor.”

The Death Knights waved goodbye as Intarendalus flew away towards the mountains in the distance.

As soon as he was gone, one Death Knight turned to the others. “Did you put it in him?”

“Yes,” another replied.

Lee Han looked confused. “?”

“Put what?” Lee Han asked, not understanding.

“Oh,” a Death Knight explained, “when we poked him with the sword, we put a Dark Scarab inside him. We’ll know right away if he comes near again.”

The Death Knights didn’t like to do things twice if they could do it once properly.

Next time Intarendalus tried to sneak into the main building, he would have a very unpleasant surprise waiting for him: many Dark Blades.

“…You guys are amazing!” Lee Han said, impressed.

Lee Han felt touched and hugged the Death Knights quickly. They nodded, looking happy and proud.

“Wait a minute,” Lee Han said, pulling back slightly. “You didn’t put one of those scarabs on me too, did you?”

One Death Knight chuckled, “That’s a very clever idea, something Wodanaz himself would think of! But even if we tried, it would die because of your strong magic. Actually, we were surprised you let him go. We could have just killed him, or locked him up forever.”

“I don’t think that would work for long,” Lee Han explained. “That crazy copy will just send someone else. It’s better to try and make him not want me anymore.”

The Death Knights looked at each other, exchanging quick glances.

*‘Do you think it will work?’* one thought.

*‘I don’t think he can find anyone better than Lee Han,’* another thought back.

*‘Yeah, I think so too,’* the first agreed.

“Also,” Lee Han continued, “isn’t he supposed to be very proud? If he gets a deal like this, he might be too proud to teach me out of spite.”

“Hmm. That could be true,” one Death Knight agreed.

“Right?” Lee Han asked, looking for confirmation.

“My… my mouth bones are old,” another Death Knight said with a small laugh. “Sometimes I don’t say things clearly. Haha.”

Hearing Lee Han’s idea, the Death Knights thought it was very likely to work.

*This boy from the Wodanaz family is really talented, but that master is also very proud.*

*Maybe he won’t want to teach someone who made such a rude offer…*

“Knights!”

Intarendalus rushed back in, just a few minutes later. The Death Knights jumped, grabbing their swords quickly.

*‘Did he find out?’* one thought, worried.

“My master said yes!” Intarendalus announced.

The Death Knights and Lee Han stared, surprised.