Chapter 28
Hum—Hum—
Nuxes shimred above the students’ hands, spaced evenly.
As expected of those who’d mastered basic magic, they quickly created Nuxes.
But the challenge ca next.
Hum—Hum…
The Nuxes didn’t last long.
“Ugh… how many tis is this?”
“I’ve redone it over ten tis, and it’s not working.”
The students shook their empty hands in frustration.
Their faces were already full of complaints as they refocused on mana practice.
“Why make a Nux just to sustain it?”
A loud grumble ca from the upper-class students.
It was quite rude.
But I understood their reaction.
‘They’ve only practiced using a Nux imdiately, never sustaining it or seeing the need.’
The upper-class students, pre-trained in 1- and 2-star spells for the entrance exam, focused on instant spell success for years.
Nux training was the sa.
Their frustration was natural, as the class diverged from their training and expectations.
Regardless, ti passed, and the class neared its end.
Fred ended it slightly early, announcing sothing to dispel the students’ boredom.
“I’m assigning a task related to this class.”
‘A task?’
“It cos with bonus points for the midterm.”
The ntion of bonus points instantly grabbed the students’ attention.
Grades were impossible to ignore.
Fred explained the task to the attentive students.
“Find and utilize the existence around us that most enhances mana, and write a report on the process and results. Submit it to my office by this ti in two weeks.”
***
Most first-years who received the task headed to the library.
They sought basic magical texts like Advanced Mana Practice or Natural Mana Studies.
They paraphrased the texts’ content and began writing reports.
It was the opposite of the task’s nature: finding and utilizing sothing and docunting the process.
But the students had a reason.
Fred’s task seed so obvious it didn’t require experintation.
“Sothing that enhances mana? Magic potions or elixirs co to mind first.”
“But those aren’t ‘around us.’ A potion from a tower like Pasquier costs more than a commoner’s house.”
“Then it’s natural objects. The only mana source we can absorb around us is from nature.”
“Right. This task is simpler than I thought. The library’s full of books on converting natural mana to magical energy.”
“Yeah, the report will be easy. No need for two weeks—I could submit it today.”
With that thought, students flocked to the library, piecing together reports.
I watched Marcel, contemplating the library, and fell into thought.
‘Will Kirhausen’s current heir grasp the task’s true aning?’
***
“Eddie, go to the library and find materials on mana practice and natural mana,” Marcel ordered as soon as we reached the dorm.
My expression subtly hardened.
‘He reached the sa obvious conclusion as the others.’
But I quickly relaxed and nodded.
“Yes, Young Master. But the library’s crowded, so it might take ti.”
“No matter. Just bring proper materials, even if it takes a while.”
“Understood.”
With his curt order, Marcel went to our room, and I turned to leave the dorm.
Of course, the library wasn’t my destination.
***
Step, step, step—
At dusk, with red sunlight bathing the academy grounds, I arrived at a building.
The faculty research building, housing all professors’ offices except the dean’s.
I ca to et Fred alone, taking advantage of rare free ti.
Climbing the stairs to his office, I recalled Leodimir’s letters.
[As you instructed, I told Fred only that Eddie Sumrson is your reincarnation, without ntioning Clode or the wine glass story.]
[That’s enough for now. Revealing too much at once would be harmful.]
[Are you sure? Fred’s sharp. He won’t easily trust a boy without proof. He might think I’ve been deceived by an imposter.]
[If he’s as sharp as you say, he should be skeptical. A disciple who decides based on hearsay isn’t a needed ally.]
I had deliberately limited the information and observed Fred for days.
He showed enough patience and caution.
He didn’t approach rashly or give unnecessary signals in class.
He didn’t reveal his hand until the other side moved first.
A deanor fitting a mage who explores danger.
‘Even hearing it from his revered teacher, he’ll make his own judgnt. Excellent.’
Fred’s judgnt warranted showing my cards first.
So, I knocked without hesitation on the door labeled “Arno.”
***
“…”
“…”
Two cold cups of tea sat before us.
We’d been here a while, silently staring at each other.
“Your room feels more like a lab than an office. I see why Leo said you’re like his younger self.”
“…!”
I broke the silence, revealing my identity candidly.
Fred’s gaze sharpened at my claim to be his teacher’s master.
If I was an imposter sent by Kirhausen to deceive his teacher, he had to uncover it.
‘I can’t share key information until I’m sure he’s Edmund.’
With that thought, Fred gave surface-level responses.
“Haha—did the dean say that? Well, his office is still a ss.”
“…”
My eyes softened slightly.
His gaze, which gave an odd feeling just by looking, seed to warm.
Unaware it might be pride in a well-grown disciple’s disciple, Fred t my stare.
‘I can’t read his intentions.’
Then—
Gulp, gulp—
I drained the teacup in one go and set it down.
“…!”
My eyes glowed golden, brighter than the sunset.
The sudden shift startled Fred.
My voice, however, was low.
“I won’t show Clode, as recognizing it isn’t your role. But I want to thank you.”
“For what…”
“For being so wary of . It shows how much you care for your teacher, Leo.”
“…!”
“So, I’ll show sincerity in proving my identity.”
With that, my eyes closed slowly.
The next mont—
Fwoosh—!
“Gasp…!”
Fred’s shocked breath accompanied mories flooding his mind.
My first eting with Leodimir.
The mont Leodimir solved my riddle and beca my disciple.
Founding Palades and training disciples at the academy.
Our final conversation before my death.
The scenes flashed through Fred’s mind like a montage.
Illusion Veil.
A ntal spell sharing mories, one of Edmund von Kirhausen’s lost unique magics.
As I finished, the golden light faded from my eyes.
Fred’s eyes filled with awe, not suspicion or tension.
Scrape—
He stood, straightening, and looked at with trembling eyes, mirroring Leodimir’s reaction.
“An honor to et you, Lord Edmund.”
He bowed respectfully.
…
With trust established, our conversation flowed quickly.
Fred said he’d do anything for his teacher, who endured all pressures alone.
He showed willingness to support fully.
But I declined, explaining why.
“Your role as a first-year professor is most important now. We’ll have many chances to connect, so keeping distance is wiser.”
“You’re right… long-term, that makes sense. I’ll follow your guidance.”
I nodded, satisfied.
“By the way, your teaching style is intriguing. The task you gave the students—making them think about mana enhancent’s essence—was excellent.”
“As expected, you saw through my intent. But how many first-years will grasp it…”
“If even one does, they’re worth watching.”
I nodded, arms crossed, at Fred’s question.
Rebuilding Palades and beyond required talent scouting, and this task was a perfect opportunity.
“I already have one student in mind.”
“Already? Who…”
Fred trailed off, ntioning a na.
I gave a cryptic smile in response.
***
A week after Fred assigned the task—
His office was piled with reports from most students.
They were mostly patched together from library texts, nearly identical in content and length.
“Up we go.”
A student, Fred’s fourth-year assistant, lifted the stack of reports.
She brought them to his classroom, checking each and listing the submitters.
“95… 96… 97. Three haven’t submitted.”
She noted the three nas on a mo and left.
Hours later, Fred entered, saw the nas, and gave a subtle smile, like mine days ago.
“It’s true.”
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