[Translator - Kiteretsu]
[Proofreader - Kyros]
Chapter 18
"Kaylen, this question..."
"I don't know."
Kaylen answered the teacher's question simply and returned his gaze to his book.
The teacher's face turned red and then pale.
"You didn't even look at the question! Why is your attitude so disrespectful?"
"I'm just answering honestly that I don't know."
Kaylen, with his eyes still fixed on the book titled Fundantals of Mana Suits: Structure and Understanding, let the teacher's scolding pass in one ear and out the other.
‘Human strength has weakened compared to the past, but mana suits make up for all of it.’
In a world with dwindling mana and the rampant spread of dungeons, the existence of mana suits alone was holding the chaos at bay.
‘I want to try handling one myself.’
No matter how much he read about them, nothing compared to hands-on experience.
‘But to do that, I’ll need to beco a ister first.’
"Kaylen! This question..."
"I don’t know."
"You don’t know even this basic question? I’ll have to deduct points for your poor attitude in class!"
"Sure, do as you wish."
"You... You insolent—!"
At the Magic Academy, point deductions were what students feared most.
The academy attracted prodigies from all over the region, and the grading scale was so competitive that even a single deduction could drastically lower a student’s rank.
But Kaylen didn’t care in the slightest whether his points were docked or not.
"This brat...!"
The teacher’s face turned crimson.
Using grades as leverage had always worked to keep students in line, but this one seed utterly unbothered.
After being asked by O’Connell to give Kaylen a hard ti, the teacher found himself only growing more frustrated.
This wasn’t just this teacher’s experience—every instructor, including O’Connell, faced the sa infuriating results.
Kaylen’s attitude was subtly provocative in a way that made them want to hit him, despite their professional restraint.
In contrast, Kaylen remained completely indifferent.
In fact...
‘This Magic Academy is surprisingly gentle.’
Kaylen recalled his days as a noble attending the Knight Academy in the past.
Back then, corporal punishnt and verbal abuse were routine.
In comparison, the Magic Academy, with its bookish instructors, felt remarkably peaceful.
And yet, they considered this kind of treatnt harassnt.
"I’m deducting points for you this ti!"
"Yes, understood."
Without even looking up, Kaylen nodded casually.
It didn’t matter to him how many points were deducted; his grades were irrelevant.
After all, Kaylen’s current academic standing was...
‘In the very bottom ranks.’
When Kaylen decided to pursue the path of becoming a ister and aim for promotion to the third year, this fact was already clear to him.
He could recall Kaylen’s academic performance.
In theory classes, Kaylen perford comparably to most average students. However, in practical assessnts, he was consistently among the lowest-ranked.
On a grading scale ranging from A to F, his overall average hovered close to a C. While this placed him roughly in the middle percentile in terms of raw scores, compared to the average grades of other Magic Academy students, his standing was considerably low.
‘Advancing to the third year requires more than just achieving the 3rd Circle.’
According to academy regulations, a student needed both mastery of the 3rd Circle and a cumulative average of at least a B grade to qualify for promotion.
For most students who reached the 3rd Circle, their practical skills were naturally strong enough to secure high marks, making this requirent essentially a formality.
However, in Kaylen’s case, eting this criterion was significantly more challenging.
‘Well, if I reveal I’ve achieved the 3rd Circle, I’ll qualify for additional training. That could provide the grades I need.’
There had been rare cases in the past of students in similar situations. Occasionally, a struggling 2nd Circle mage would make a breakthrough during the school break and ascend to the 3rd Circle.
Such students were often supported by their horoom teacher, who would guide them through supplentary training to adjust their grades and help them advance to the third year.
In these scenarios, the horoom teacher’s role was crucial.
Normally, the promotion of a 3rd Circle mage would be considered a cause for celebration, and the teacher would enthusiastically assist.
‘But O’Connell doesn’t seem like the type to do that.’
Even if he pretended to help, he’d likely demand to test Kaylen’s abilities under the guise of verification and then exploit him for information.
Kaylen had no intention of playing along with such sches.
Moreover, additional training would an endless hours of irrelevant coursework.
Much of the academy’s curriculum revolved around visualizing elental magic, sothing Kaylen already excelled at. Spending ti on such lessons felt like a waste.
Thus, advancing through the standard route wasn’t an option for him.
Fortunately, the academy had another way.
“...Class dismissed.”
The practical class in which Kaylen had just been penalized ca to an end.
Clatter.
As the students were getting ready to leave, their horoom teacher, O’Connell, entered and called out, “Everyone, stay seated for a mont.”
Reluctantly, the students returned to their seats.
“You’re all aware of the Superior Mage title, correct?”
“Yes.”
The Superior Mage was a prestigious title granted to only eight students in the academy.
Every year, candidates were chosen through a competitive selection tournant. Those who earned the title received nurous benefits within the academy.
“The Superior Mage selection tournant will be held soon.”
“Oh…”
The students’ responses were lukewarm.
The tournant was open to all students from the first to third years, but…
In reality, it was dominated by third-year students with at least 3rd Circle capabilities.
‘I’m already struggling to reach the 3rd Circle, and now there’s a tournant?’
‘Who has the ti for competitions when there’s so much studying to do?’
For second-year students focused on advancing, the tournant felt far removed from their priorities.
Even among the few who had achieved the 3rd Circle, interest was minimal.
‘Even if we participate, we’ll just end up as background props for the seniors.’
"This year, there are too many strong third-year seniors, so..."
O’Connell trailed off, watching the students’ lukewarm reactions.
Clearing his throat softly, he continued, “Ahem. Anyway, there’s been a notice encouraging participation from lower-year students since it’s always just the third-years who apply.”
With that, O’Connell scanned the classroom.
“Lina, it’s been a while since you reached the 3rd Circle. How about giving it a try?”
“Ah, teacher. I’m still lacking in so many ways… If I participate, it’ll just bring sha to our class.”
“Elid, what about you?”
“I’m in the sa position, sir. I only just advanced to the 3rd Circle…”
O’Connell asked each of the students in the class who had reached the 3rd Circle, but everyone declined.
“This is troubleso...”
He needed at least one or two participants, but none of the students were willing to volunteer.
O’Connell looked around at each of them, yet no one dared et his gaze—except for one person.
Kaylen.
With his usual relaxed deanor, he was calmly reading a book.
When he felt O’Connell’s eyes on him, Kaylen glanced up briefly and…
Let out a small chuckle.
‘...That brat, I can’t stand him.’
Kaylen ignored the other students as if they didn’t exist.
Despite being pressured from all sides by the teachers over his grades, his expression remained unbothered and composed.
Having taught for over ten years, O’Connell prided himself on being able to read people. He could tell when soone was bluffing.
But Kaylen’s attitude wasn’t an act.
‘Honestly, I’d rather just leave him be.’
However, the Superior Mage selection tournant was only open to students who had achieved the 3rd Circle.
Allowing soone unqualified to participate would only lead to trouble from above.
Resigned, O’Connell shifted his gaze elsewhere.
At that mont, Kaylen raised his hand.
“...What now?”
“I’ll apply.”
“What? You?”
O’Connell couldn’t hide his disbelief.
A re 2nd Circle mage applying for the tournant?
“Don’t be ridiculous. Put your hand down. Only students who’ve reached the 3rd Circle are eligible.”
“Then I qualify.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’ve reached the 3rd Circle. I’m eligible.”
Kaylen spoke calmly, his expression completely unchanging.
“Hah. What nonsense…”
O’Connell, who was well aware of Kaylen’s current skill level, mumbled in disbelief. But then Kaylen’s next words made his brow furrow.
“I’ll show you.”
“...What?”
"I’ll prove it by casting a 3rd Circle spell."
Kaylen’s confident attitude grated on O’Connell.
Already holding a negative view of Kaylen, O’Connell disliked his smug deanor even more.
'Does this brat think he’s special? What’s he up to now?'
The thought crossed O’Connell’s mind that this might sohow be related to the recent chain of “incidents.”
“How will you prove it?” he asked.
“I’ll demonstrate with magic.”
“...Fine. Let’s head to the training hall.”
The training hall was the only place in the academy where magic could be freely perford. All other areas, except for experintal zones, were protected by powerful anti-magic barrier spells.
Hearing O’Connell’s suggestion, Kaylen grinned.
“Let’s go, then.”
“Follow .”
Kaylen stood up abruptly and followed O’Connell out of the classroom.
As the two exited, the classroom erupted into chatter.
“Hey… do you think it’s true?”
“No way. Kaylen, a 3rd Circle mage? That’s impossible to believe.”
“Exactly. He’s never shown any talent before. How could soone like him suddenly beco 3rd Circle?”
“But still… he seed so confident about it.”
“Should we go check it out?”
The idea that Kaylen, who had always been firmly at the bottom of the rankings, was now claiming to have reached the 3rd Circle sparked disbelief.
Yet, curiosity got the better of so students, and they began heading to the training hall.
Among them was Lina, who thought to herself, 'Could it really be true?'
***
“Fireball.”
Arriving at the training hall, Kaylen cast one of the most emblematic 3rd Circle spells: Fireball.
However, the fireball was noticeably smaller than average—less than half the usual size.
Yet, despite its size, the energy contained within was potent.
'It’s not complete yet,' Kaylen mused.
To O’Connell, though, only the size caught his attention.
'He can actually use 3rd Circle magic… but how?'
O’Connell was struck with disbelief.
'Could this sohow be connected to the request Jane made?'
The information Jane had asked him to gather now resurfaced in his mind.
Up until just monts ago, O’Connell was convinced soone like Kaylen couldn’t possibly have any special abilities.
But seeing this spell made him waver.
'Does Kaylen really possess so extraordinary power?'
The image of the mana stone Jane had ntioned flashed through O’Connell’s mind.
O’Connell’s frustration reached its peak.
'If I can probe further here… I might be able to get my hands on the mana stone.'
Fueled by ambition, he made the worst possible decision.
“I cannot accept this as proof.”
Despite the fireball clearly being a legitimate 3rd Circle spell, O’Connell dismissed it.
“Why not?”
“It’s too small.”
“I reduced the size intentionally,” Kaylen countered.
O’Connell scoffed at the explanation.
Intentionally resizing a 3rd Circle spell? Such precise control was only possible for a mage of the 4th Circle or higher.
“Kaylen, stop lying. Cast it properly again if you want to believe you.”
Hoping to extract more information, O’Connell pushed Kaylen to try again.
But Kaylen simply shook his head.
“I wasn’t lying.”
“You little—! I’m giving you a chance here!”
“If you still don’t believe , perhaps you should test it yourself,” Kaylen replied, pointing a finger at O’Connell.
“Wouldn’t it be fitting for soone of your level to block my spell personally?”
“…What did you say?”
ntioning the 4th Circle struck a nerve.
O’Connell’s face darkened imdiately because his current level was only at the 3rd Circle.
The 4th Circle was O’Connell’s sore spot, an unattainable height no matter how much effort he poured in. If he had reached it, he wouldn’t have been stuck as an academy instructor despite his affiliation with the prestigious Red Tower.
“My mistake,” Kaylen continued with feigned contrition, “I didn’t expect a teacher to be at the sa Circle as a student.”
“You insolent—”
“Insolent? Oh, please. We’re equals, aren’t we? No need for harsh words,” Kaylen said, his smirk growing wider.
It wasn’t just a smirk—it was a blatant taunt.
O’Connell’s fury boiled over.
'How dare this brat mock for being a 3rd Circle mage?'
All composure was gone, replaced by a single, burning desire: to put this upstart in his place.
“Fine. Show what you’ve got!”
“Are you sure you want this?” Kaylen asked, his voice calm but laced with amusent.
“I’m sure. But you better prepare yourself—I’ll show you what a real 3rd Circle mage is capable of.”
The ntion of “attack and defense” implied that O’Connell planned to counter, not just block, Kaylen’s magic.
A teacher attacking a student—it was utterly inappropriate.
“S-Sir! You can’t seriously an that!”
The watching students, alard, tried to intervene.
Kaylen raised a hand to stop them, his smile unwavering.
“Let him. This could be fun.”
His tone was cheerful, yet his eyes glead with a sharpness that made O’Connell hesitate for a brief mont.
“Let’s do this properly, shall we?” Kaylen said, stepping forward confidently.
[Translator - Kiteretsu]
[Proofreader - Kyros]
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