Academy’s Undercover Professor-Chapter 212: Invitation of Dreams (1)

After withdrawing his mana, Ludger observed the reactions of those around him.

‘I went ahead and extracted as much ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) mana as I could to put on a show, but maybe I should’ve said it was 40 percent instead of 50.’

In truth, the mana he had released just now—excluding the portion sealed for control—was the maximum he could manage.

If you measured only the release, it was more than 90 percent of his total mana capacity.

But Ludger had deliberately downplayed it and claimed it was just 50 percent, to feign modesty.

‘Did calling it 50 percent make them think it was too little? But it’s awkward to correct myself now.’

At least the elixir provided by the School Alliance had increased his total mana capacity.

Thanks to that, he could wield more mana than before without drawing suspicion.

There was also the fact that he had acted a little boldly, delighted at having overcome his congenital mana deficiency.

Looking at their reactions now, he wondered if he might have overdone it.

‘In moments like this, it’s best to just play dumb and move on.’

At any rate, the first day had passed smoothly.

Given the prideful nature of the students gathered here, they wouldn’t rest even if told to. They’d likely try to manipulate their mana right away.

‘How long will it take, I wonder?’

In terms of raw talent, the students gathered here surpassed even Ludger himself.

The path he was on was one built by others, one he had merely followed skillfully.

But these applicants, walking their own original paths, were what one could truly call “genuine talent.”

‘I said one day, but it’ll likely be less than that.’

He was curious to see how long it would really take.

“Well then, that’s all for today.”

As soon as Ludger spoke those words, the observers, who had been fidgeting in their seats, jumped up.

They all wanted to question Ludger right away about his translation of Larsil and the origin of the mana suppressants.

Even though they knew he wouldn’t tell them.

Still, the thrill of discovery and intense curiosity made them like moths drawn to a flame.

That’s how captivating Ludger’s research was.

“Um, Instructor Ludger...!”

Just as one observer, a former mage of the Old Tower with a goatee like a goat’s beard, was about to speak, someone stepped in front of him.

It was Seorn’s Headmaster, Elisa Willow.

Her golden eyes curved like crescent moons as she smiled at the observers.

“Does someone from the Old Tower have business with Instructor Ludger?”

“W-Well, that is...”

“I believe I gave prior notice. As observers, you’re here to simply witness and later testify about what you saw during the presentation. That was the agreement, wasn’t it? Violating that would be a breach~.”

“But this discovery is just too monumental! If this isn’t made public, it would hinder the progress of magic itself!”

“Then for the sake of that progress, why don’t you start by opening the Old Tower’s secret vaults to the public? Surely you have mountains of spells, artifacts, and papers hoarded away.”

The observer’s brow twitched at the insult to his organization.

“Headmaster, that was uncalled for. Are you insulting the Old Tower?”

“Yes. And?”

The Headmaster’s tone was resolute, her demeanor unshakably proud.

“Wha...”

“And if you have no intention of honoring the contract, I’m considering expulsion.”

The mage from the Old Tower shut his mouth.

After all, he was only an observer.

They were permitted only to watch.

A little curiosity was acceptable, but overstepping bounds or pressing too much was not allowed.

He had been informed of this in advance, and so the mage could only bite his lip in frustration.

‘If the Headmaster’s defending Ludger Cherish this strongly, then it’s clear this isn’t ordinary. I saw it myself with my own eyes.’

He had to report this to the Tower immediately.

But even he found it hard to believe—how could those reading the report possibly believe it?

‘The Headmaster is openly shielding Ludger Cherish. If what he says about decoding Larsil and the mana suppressant’s effect on release volume turns out true...’

Then Seorn would be wielding an enormous sword.

‘This is madness. Am I supposed to just sit back and watch?’

To be honest, he didn’t have the nerve to defy the Headmaster.

And what about Ludger Cherish?

To be frank—

When Ludger released his mana just now, it had sent chills down his spine.

‘Even if the release amount was high, he generated actual mana mist. He’s far more powerful than the public knows.’

Not just in theory—his strength was also tremendous.

‘During the festival duel, I heard he didn’t even go this far. Did he hold back then too?’

To wield rare light-element magic and this overwhelming mana?

He couldn’t understand why a man like that would be working as a mere instructor.

He was young, and yet, in terms of mana alone, he was at an Elder’s level.

‘I have no choice but to retreat for now.’

The observer made a rational decision.

As he stepped away, the School Alliance observer also backed off, gauging the mood.

Only Lushek from the New Tower gave a polite bow to the Headmaster before leaving.

Left alone, the Headmaster relaxed her smile and shook her head.

‘Honestly. Even if it was for the sake of presentation, you showed too much, Instructor Ludger.’

Truthfully, she had been just as shocked.

Her natural poise and poker face had kept it from showing.

‘If you were going to go this far, you could’ve at least warned me first.’

Elisa glared at Ludger with a dissatisfied look.

Noticing the gaze, Ludger tilted his head in confusion.

‘What’s this?’

He had thought the first day went off without a hitch—was there something he missed?

‘I thought I showed everything I needed to.’

Not to mention, he had provided her the research material in advance.

She had read it, evaluated it, and stamped her approval.

‘Did she want something even more dramatic?’

If he’d known, maybe he should have said the release was only 20 percent of his total mana.

But it was already done—regret would change nothing. So Ludger humbly accepted his misstep.

“You worked hard.”

“I didn’t do much.”

He responded with a small nod.

“So, the suppressant’s effects are confirmed?”

“Yes.”

“In your opinion, how much increase in release volume do you expect?”

“That depends on the individual. Those born with massive mana reserves may see less of an effect.”

“So in other words, the less mana someone has, the greater the benefit.”

“That’s right.”

If someone with 100 mana went from using 10 to releasing 20, that’s only 20 percent.

But if someone with 50 mana went from using 5 to releasing 20, that’s 40 percent.

It doesn’t overturn their inherent mana quantity, but it levels the playing field.

It was the wisdom of ancient forebears, who sought to overcome the gap of birth.

“But if this method truly works, the old folks will lose their minds.”

“There’s no need to worry about that.”

“Huh? Why not?”

“For the same reason we selected only students as test subjects. This method—expanding output through the mana suppressant—only works on students.”

Elisa furrowed her delicate brow; apparently, even she hadn’t been told this.

“Is that true?”

“Yes. It only works on mages still in the midst of learning and growth. It’s useless for those who are already old.”

“Absolutely no effect?”

“As I said before, students can see significant change within a week. But for those over twenty, even six months won’t show results. Past that point, it’s virtually impossible.”

In other words, this would only help train future mages.

It had no bearing on existing mages.

“To think the effective target group is that narrow. That’s a bit disappointing.”

Though she said that, Elisa knew full well—

This method would still cause a massive stir in the world of magic.

Older mages might lament the fact, but if they could raise and support a student to become a stronger magician—

That alone would serve as a powerful tool in building influence.

“You were secretly hoping for this too, weren’t you, Headmaster?”

“There isn’t a mage alive who wouldn’t want to grow stronger.”

“Regretfully, Headmaster, I don’t think it will work for you.”

“What? Are you implying I’m too old?”

A crack formed in the Headmaster’s smiling expression.

Seeing that, Ludger broke into a cold sweat internally.

Now that he thought about it... how old was the Headmaster, really?

There was a possibility she was older than she looked.

“Ahem. I simply meant that someone of your caliber wouldn’t benefit much from this method.”

“...Hmph. Fine. Still, it’s encouraging that it works so clearly for the students.”

“Yes. However...”

“You can’t bestow the same grace on every student, right?”

“I personally don’t mind if it becomes public knowledge.”

At that, the Headmaster stared intently at Ludger.

She was trying to judge whether he said that out of modesty or if he truly meant it.

“...Do you really think that?”

“Granting special benefits to only a few is not something I feel comfortable with.”

“That’s understandable. But if this method were made public...”

“Yes. The backlash wouldn’t be insignificant.”

Even the herbs required to produce the mana suppressant were a problem in themselves.

A specific group might monopolize them, then use that monopoly to exert power.

There would never be a perfect world where everyone could receive equal benefit.

People have desires—it's inescapable.

And those desires would inevitably lead to results far worse than anyone anticipated.

“Though I too feel uneasy about revealing this method...”

“Then why go through with it?”

“Because I believe you, Headmaster, are someone I can trust.”

It was also a way of repaying the trust she had shown him.

Since Headmaster Elisa had decided not to pry into his identity, he was showing her something equivalent in return.

But perhaps those words were more unexpected than she anticipated, as her eyes went wide.

“Headmaster? Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s just... surprising. Well, now that I’ve been given such expectations, I suppose I’ll have to step up and deliver some real results too.”

“Feel free to do as you please. Even if you decide to use this a little for your own gain, I don’t intend to say anything.”

At that, the Headmaster shot Ludger a sharp look.

“I’m not like that, okay? What kind of person do you take me for?”

Ludger didn’t respond.

People have emotions and desires. Even if someone swears now that they won’t stray, there’s no guarantee they never will.

Some people don’t change.

But those people are exceedingly rare.

Fortunately—

Based on what he’d seen of Elisa Willow so far, Ludger didn’t believe she was the type to bring about the kind of disaster he feared.

At the very least, he trusted that she would act for the students’ sake.

“Regardless of all this, the credit for these results belongs entirely to you, Instructor Ludger. I have no intention of taking it away.”

“Still, you’ll be able to exert some influence, having helped it along.”

“Yes. For the sake of using this knowledge for good.”

On the surface, their relationship seemed cordial, even warm.

But the truth was different.

They didn’t trust each other based purely on emotion.

Being swept away by fleeting feelings and chasing only ideals and a bright future—those were the actions of fools.

Both Headmaster Elisa and Ludger knew that well.

What built trust between them was not heartfelt confessions or open conversations.

It was the simple act of placing a sword in the other’s hand.

Ludger had handed over the data.

Elisa had granted him authority.

That was it. That was all.

And it was enough.

A completely professional relationship devoid of sentiment.

Cold and governed by strict rules—

“Let’s work well together, shall we? Instructor Ludger Cherish. Or should I call you Director of Planning?”

Ludger took the hand she extended and shook it.

“Call me whatever you like, Headmaster.”

Because it was so clear-cut—

Because of that, they could trust each other.

* * *

Night fell quietly.

Ludger sat in his personal quarters, steadily working his pen across the pages, organizing his future research material in detail.

From beyond the crimson-lit lamp, the gentle sound of insects chirping filtered through the open window.

‘It’s already this late.’

The magical thesis was important, but he also needed to check the progress of his business ventures in Rederbelk.

By the time he finished everything, quite a bit of time had passed.

‘Still, not bad.’

The wind of change blowing through Rederbelk lately was quite promising.

What began in the slums had now completely transformed them. The slums had a new name:

[Royal Street]

True to that name, more and more people were flocking to the area, and with that came the good news that daily sales were soaring.

Satisfied, Ludger gently folded Hans’s report and burned it to ash.

It was then—

Bzzzzzt.

A ring on his desk began to tremble faintly.

It was the ring Zero Order had given him.

“...So it’s finally come.”

Ludger had always expected this day would arrive. He picked up the ring and slipped it onto his finger.

He extinguished all the lights in the room and sat down on the sofa, closing his eyes quietly.

The Order meeting of the Black Dawn.

An invitation sent through dreams.

Ludger accepted that invitation without hesitation.