Chapter 495

495.

Associate Professor Anna stood completely speechless as she observed the peculiar magical equation that Len had constructed.

‘This youth is without a doubt an absolute genius.’

Though he suffered from occasional mental episodes, observing him in his element as a sorcerer naturally commanded her profound respect.

Len, having engineered a magical blueprint so intricate that it caused even Associate Professor Anna—with her extensive mastery over mysticism—to feel lightheaded, was thoroughly relishing the moment.

‘Heh heh heh! With this, I shall conduct a most fascinating lecture.’

His enthusiasm and dedication as a master of the mystic arts were truly immense.

Len had spent the preceding days entirely absorbed in analyzing esoteric formulas, impatiently awaiting the pupils’ return from their field operations.

And on this very day.

At long last, the pupils made their return, and the curriculum recommenced.

Anna offered an involuntary smile as she witnessed Len exultantly presenting his newly minted equation to the assembled class.

And then…

“I believe the mathematical deduction in your formula is flawed, Professor.”

Hearing those words from the visiting Seirun scholar, Anna felt her vision swim.

Len directed his gaze toward Luna, who had raised her hand, with an intensity that made it seem as though beams of light were about to erupt from his pupils.

“Are you the visiting scholar hailing from Seirun?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Very well. In what manner do you claim this equation’s calculation is erroneous?”

“I believe the fundamental methodology applied to the initial phase of resolving the equation is flawed!”

Anna shrieked in the silence of her own mind.

The remaining pupils began whispering among themselves, casting their eyes back and forth between Len and Luna.

To any sorcerer, a magical blueprint represents their ultimate dignity.

Naturally, novel concepts and alternative viewpoints are always welcomed.

However, in the specific context of this esoteric matrix, it was a completely unprecedented framework engineered solely by Len’s own hand.

To declare that the core methodology of that unique framework was flawed constituted a direct assault on Len’s dignity as a master practitioner.

“The methodology of the initial phase is flawed? Fascinating.”

The edge of Len’s mouth curved upward.

“Visiting scholar, by what name are you called?”

“I am called Lu.”

“Are there any other pupils here who concur with student Lu’s perspective?”

In response to Len’s inquiry, Chloe tentatively elevated her hand.

“I am also under the impression that there is a minor miscalculation in the methodology of the equation.”

Clap— clap— clap—

“Splendid. Truly splendid.”

Len struck his palms together as though thoroughly gratified.

Associate Professor Anna, who had anticipated that Len would suffer one of his characteristic outbursts, instead appeared both relieved and utterly bewildered by his commendation.

“This particular matrix represents the primitive draft I initially formulated. Granted, it has undergone significant refinement by now. As you are all well aware, the birth of a novel spell does not occur within a single night. The framework I polished could ultimately prove entirely redundant. That is precisely why I intended to deliberate upon and perfect this initial concept alongside all of you. The power of collective intellect is vital, is it not? You may well detect variables that slipped past my own contemplation.”

Absorbing Len’s explanation, Luna began clapping with great fervor.

Following Luna’s initiative, the other pupils exchanged glances before joining in the applause.

Buoyed by their spirited approval, Len let out a sharp chuckle, “Heh.”

“Student Lu possesses a commendable demeanor for academic study.”

While Len maintained a gratified expression, Luna leaned over to speak with Leo.

“The mystical instruction at this institution is remarkably exceptional. That Professor Len is a genuinely proper academic, wouldn’t you say?”

“You appear to be thoroughly enjoying yourself.”

“Naturally I am enjoying myself! I could ascertain instantly the staggering degree to which sorcery has progressed in this modern epoch merely by analyzing that matrix!”

Luna’s pupils shone with excitement.

“You also perceived that the methodology of the matrix was flawed, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

Given that Luna had previously instructed Leo in the mystic arts, she was well acquainted with the depths of his capability.

“On another note, that young lady Chloe is quite remarkable as well. She is still at such a tender age.”

“She is a sorceress with a highly encouraging destiny ahead of her.”

“It brings joy to my heart. Observing youths who possess such radiant destinies.”

Luna rested her jaw upon her palm and cast her eyes across the lecture hall.

Leo and Luna had positioned themselves in the furthest row at the rear.

“You must witness this environment on a daily basis. What sensations arise within you as you watch these youths develop with each passing day?”

“It provides immense reassurance.”

“I imagined it would.”

Luna offered a gentle, maternal smile as she gazed upon the pupils destined to shape the future chronicles of sorcery.

“It is truly wonderful.”

Observing that subtly wistful expression on her face, Leo found himself unable to utter a word.

Once the lecture concluded, Leo and Luna lingered within the hall, remaining in their seats until every other pupil had departed.

As for Eiran and Chloe, they had already taken their leave, as Chloe had a midday dining engagement arranged with Chen Xia.

“Oh? Student Leo, Student Lu. Do you possess some query you wish to pose?”

Len, who was currently organizing his materials at the front of the hall, inquired with a welcoming smile.

Beholding Len, Luna gave a affirmative nod.

“Yes, I have an inquiry regarding the mystical equation you demonstrated to the class during this session, Professor Len.”

“The fair folk are typically entirely indifferent to any discipline outside of Star Magic! Your dedication to the broader mystic arts is truly magnificent!”

Len nodded his head in deep satisfaction.

“I was similarly moved by Professor Len’s dedication to the craft. Every single method you demonstrated today was an exceptionally brilliant concept.”

“It is a true pleasure to encounter a pupil with whom I can converse so seamlessly. Did you mention you were assigned to the lower tier? It appears Seirun fails to grasp your true worth in the slightest. Would you entertain the notion of resigning your position there and relocating to our institution?”

The two carried on a warm and amicable dialogue.

“Very well, what is it you desire to understand?”

“The magical framework you engineered is a mechanism designed for traversing into the future, is it not?”

Upon hearing Luna’s inquiry, Len’s frame gave a sudden jerk.

“In what manner… did you deduce that?”

Len had at no point disclosed to the pupils that the underlying motif of today’s equation revolved around the concept of ‘chronology’.

He had refrained from revealing this even to Associate Professor Anna.

This omission was deliberate, born of his conviction that the journey of deciphering the ultimate objective while analyzing the equation constituted a profound educational exercise in itself.

Yet he had never anticipated that during the very initial lecture, a student would flawlessly divine his underlying purpose.

“In truth, a comparable notion crossed my mind not long ago.”

“A comparable notion?”

“I pondered that it would be highly beneficial to possess a spell capable of journeying into the past.”

“What prompted such a thought?”

“I wished to rectify a certain error I committed during my earlier days.”

She harbored a desire to strike the back of her alternate self’s skull within the Hero’s World—a confession she had previously shared with Leo.

…It was an entirely preposterous motivation.

“I likewise constructed this matrix because I harbored a desire to witness my future self.”

Len was intensely curious to see how magnificently he would be celebrated as a legendary figure within the chronicles of sorcery.

The motivations of both individuals were completely bound to their personal whims and thoroughly self-centered, yet such was the very nature of magic.

Realizing a monumental breakthrough born from a completely trivial desire.

That was the essence of the mystic arts.

Naturally, it would be accurate to state that the probability of perfecting a spell enabling actual chronological transit was virtually nonexistent.

Even so, the conceptual pursuit itself was by no means a fool’s errand.

‘For it represents the advancement of magical knowledge.’

“Observing your framework, Professor, inspired a desire within me to deliberate upon and contrast it with the matrix I had formulated myself.”

“Oh ho.”

Len let out a low gasp of pure admiration.

He directed his gaze toward Luna as though she were a thoroughly commendable individual.

“Would you be so kind as to display it?”

At his invitation, Luna offered a nod and stepped forward to stand before the expansive chalkboard of the lecture hall.

She then produced a sharp snap of her digits.

Crack—!

The chalk resting by the board instantly dissolved into fine powder.

The delicate chalk particles, hovering like a cloud of vapor in midair, rapidly mapped out a complex magical blueprint across the dark surface.

Anna’s jaw dropped open the moment she beheld the sight.

Len stood frozen, staring blankly at the intricate matrix manifested upon the chalkboard.

‘Could this be… a literal masterpiece?’

Len’s entire frame began to quiver.

The magical equation manifested upon the board bore a striking resemblance to the ancient arrays recorded within primordial codices.

It was completely divorced from any contemporary methodology.

Yet, precisely due to that archaic nature, it exuded an invaluable worth and a depth that defied measurement.

‘This sensation… where have I encountered it before?’

Len’s eyes shifted toward Leo.

‘Indeed, I experienced this identical sensation during my initial encounter with student Leo.’

Leo’s mere existence had delivered a profound shock to Len’s senses.

He had perceived Leo as the absolute dawn of the academic magical community.

Yet the elven student standing before him now completely transcended even that standard.

‘What manner of entity is this elven youth?’

Len had crossed paths with uncounted prodigies of the craft throughout his life.

He regarded himself as an unrivaled genius among humankind.

Yet on this day, his entire perspective shattered.

The elven maiden before his eyes belonged, quite literally, to an entirely different ‘realm’.

Anna was absolutely certain that Len was on the verge of suffering a massive mental episode.

Contrary to her fears, Len remained perfectly composed.

“What manner of critique do you seek from me?”

“Are there areas requiring enhancement, or perhaps logical fallacies?”

“Hmm.”

Len folded his arms across his chest, locking his gaze onto the magical array.

After a moment, he offered his insights.

“I wonder if it might prove more effective to alter the secondary runic sequence slightly. Rather than permitting the mana to simply reverse its course, compel it to spiral in a counter-directional vortex. For the dimension of chronology is a reality that intersects across multiple planes of existence.”

“Ah.”

Luna struck her palms together.

“Of course, that is the missing link!”

Following that breakthrough, Luna and Len persisted in their intense academic discourse regarding the mystic arts.

Len found himself filled with profound admiration as Luna effortlessly integrated his suggestions, steering the equation toward a far superior configuration.

‘To possess such overwhelming genius and capability, yet maintain a disposition that eagerly embraces the insights of others! Is this not the very archetype of what a true sorcerer should be?!’

“Leo, what are your thoughts on this?”

“It is truly extraordinary.”

“Is it not?”

Luna wore a look of pure delight.

Gazing upon Luna, Leo allowed a quiet chuckle to escape him.

Luna Rubinance.

A practitioner who harbored an all-consuming devotion to the mystic arts.

An elf who derived her ultimate fulfillment from investigating and decoding magic, relentlessly hunting for esoteric truths.

To Luna, the act of magical experimentation was synonymous with pure bliss.

For that reason, he desired nothing more than to permit Luna to follow her heart’s desires wherever magic was concerned.

Observing their interaction, Len threw his head back toward the rafters and erupted into booming laughter.

“Heh heh heh. Heh heh heh heh heh!”

Hearing the abrupt outburst of laughter, Anna’s expression darkened with apprehension.

“Associate Professor Anna, in this very instant, I have glimpsed my ultimate purpose. I have discerned what shall stand as my crowning contribution to this mystical world.”

‘Is his madness manifesting now?’

She braced herself, fully anticipating that Len was about to experience a severe episode.

“Pupils, would the two of you kindly take a seat at the very front of the hall?”

Obeying his command, Leo and Luna assumed their seats, expressions of bewilderment clouding their features.

Anna glared at Len with a countenance that practically demanded, ‘What absurd stunt is this lunatic preparing to pull now?’

“I have realized today that these two exceptional pupils require a highly specialized piece of instruction.”

“A specialized instruction?”

“Precisely.”

“What is the subject of this lesson?”

“It is a comprehensive lecture detailing the process by which a male and a female conceive offspring.”

Upon hearing those utterly unforeseen words, Luna’s mind went entirely blank.

“This is an endeavor that student Leo and student Lu will inevitably need to execute in tandem during the days to come…”

“What depraved nonsense are you spouting to these youths! You absolute madman!”

Her face flushing a violent shade of crimson, Anna brought the attendance registry down with tremendous force against the back of Len’s cranium.

“What do you think you are doing!”

“That is my line! What in the name of sanity do you think you are doing, forcing these students to sit through such filth!”

Disregarding Anna’s furious reprimand, Len argued back with absolute conviction.

“Every bit of this is for the greater advancement of the magical community! Student Leo and Student Lu. Merely contemplate the caliber of progeny that would emerge from a union between these two individuals, both unparalleled prodigies of the craft! What a monumental windfall that would represent for the world of sorcery!”

“Student Leo! Student Lu! Vacate this room immediately! Do not subject yourselves to this degenerate’s babbling for another second!”

Heeding Anna’s urgent directive, Leo and Luna promptly exited the lecture hall exactly as they were.

“He is certainly an entertaining educator.”

Luna remarked, letting out a soft giggle.

“I find myself quite fond of this academy!”

“That is pleasant to hear. Toward what destination shall we venture next?”

Luna flashed a bright smile.

“The archives.”

Rumbleeeee—!

A torrent of immense, malevolent shadow energy erupted violently.

Shatter—!

Shortly thereafter, a female figure materialized, forcing her way up through the ruined flooring.

“A significant epoch has passed since we last met. Kinesi.”

“Hell Kaiser.”

The fiend characterized by translucent tresses and colorless gaze, Queen Kinesi of Mirrors, cast her eyes upon the Lich King.

“What developments have transpired?”

Beholding his ancient ally posing the query with a completely vacant countenance, the Lich King allowed the edge of his mouth to twist into a dark smile.

“I have restored you to life, utilizing the sovereign authority of a deity.”