Chapter 93 — Why Only Me

1

A day repeats itself, and within it, new incidents arise.

It may seem like an infinitely repeating day, but everything is progressing, little by little.

This progression creates history and brings forth great magic.

And today, amidst countless days, another event unfolded, pushing things forward.

It was early in the morning.

The pale gray darkness still veiled the morning light like a blanket.

The Chairman and the professors from each class gathered, intensely scrutinizing someone’s test paper.

“How old is he this year?”

“Sixteen.”

“Haha—.”

The professors clicked their tongues in amazement at the new magic created by Caesar Manus.

They reflected on what they had accomplished at sixteen.

These were individuals who had made a name for themselves with a single spell.

Not only that, they were exceptional enough to teach the children of the most prominent families.

Yet here they were, astonished by the talent of a student.

The student who had such overwhelming talent that it stirred complex emotions among them was none other than Manus.

“Innovative. I’ve thought of something similar, but never like this.”

“What’s more impressive is how he crafted the magic circle to be so efficient with mana. The power might not be much, but—”

“If a quick-casting mage uses it, it could certainly be worth a life. Haha.”

Manus had created a new spell.

In truth, it wasn’t particularly difficult.

On the Rox Continent, countless spells are created and discarded all the time.

But the remarkable thing was that he had created such a practical and versatile spell at such a young age.

To design a new magic circle is a process built on countless trials and errors.

Creating such a versatile spell within a few hours, with the knowledge he possessed, would be challenging even for the current professors.

Perhaps because they knew too much, had too many considerations, and had too much ambition regarding magic—but still.

“This is worth researching.”

“If we increase the class level and proceed with research, even mages could find a way to use it.”

“Then it’s certainly worth a perfect score.”

“Indeed, haha—.”

The professors didn’t hold back their praise.

Moreover, there was talk of inviting him to the upcoming symposium.

It was a gathering where countless talents from various magic towers shared the spells they had been researching.

Caesar’s magic tower would likely send representatives to add prestige to the event.

The academy’s mages were also required to attend the symposium.

Occasionally, it was the professors’ duty to bring along exceptional students as assistants to gain experience.

With his level of knowledge, understanding, and design skills—.

“That won’t happen.”

The lively atmosphere was abruptly interrupted.

The owner of the voice that crushed the cheerful mood was none other than Jennifer Hess, the professor of Martial Arts Magic.

She looked around at the other professors and spoke firmly.

She still had unfinished business with Manus.

They should have had their discussion yesterday, but it was postponed due to an unfortunate incident.

Since the students hadn’t arrived yet, she would wait a little longer.

She couldn’t let another professor snatch him away before she had even had a proper conversation with him.

—Absolutely not.

“I’ve already marked him as mine. He doesn’t even have time to learn martial arts, and now you want to take him to a symposium? I’ll let him go next year.”

“Isn’t Manus a major in elemental studies?”

“No matter how you look at it—”

“That’s something we don’t know yet. I only plan to take him for one year, so let’s decide after that.”

Faced with her adamant words, the professors had no choice but to nod.

Professors Trail and Chandler chuckled and agreed.

They had mentored countless students who had grown into outstanding mages.

Students would often seek them out, or rather, they could choose from among the best.

But Jennifer was in a slightly different position.

Martial Arts Magic was a discipline that truly required ‘talent.’

She didn’t want to miss out on a rare talent she had discovered.

“One year. How far do you think the boy will progress in Martial Arts Magic?”

“I don’t know. But he’s definitely not ordinary.”

“It’s been a while since we’ve had such an opportunity. It wouldn’t be fair for us to take it away. Honestly, even I feel a bit greedy when I see Manus.”

“Just give me one year. I don’t care what he chooses to major in afterward. But he needs to experience various things and broaden his options.”

All the professors nodded in agreement.

They had seen it too.

The exhilarating blow created by the perfect combination of elemental magic and martial arts.

Usually, students who study elemental magic focus solely on crafting magic circles.

However, the mana manipulation required in Martial Arts Magic was entirely different.

Elemental magic uses mana externally, while Martial Arts Magic uses it to explode from within.

In truth, learning both at the same time was akin to learning both swordsmanship and magic simultaneously.

“For a student like Manus, gaining experience wouldn’t hurt.”

“There are concerns, though. I worry it might hinder his progress on the path he’s already on—.”

“I’m a mage too, you know? I’ve lived at least twice as long as you have. Trust me, and wait just one year.”

Jennifer gave a sly smile as she left the conference room.

The professors were left speechless, unable to say anything.

What she had said was entirely true.

She was a woman known as the legend of the Imperial Palace.

Though she maintained a youthful appearance, rumors suggested she was over seventy.

Her experience, knowledge, and strength were overwhelming.

Since she had taken an interest in him, something would surely come of it.

“It’s a pity he won’t be able to attend the symposium, though.”

“Hmm, perhaps I’ll try to persuade him gently.”

“Shall we?”

Professors Trail and Chandler chuckled.

The professors’ desires for Manus were beginning to surface in earnest.

---

#2

The subject of their desires, Manus, entered the academy courtyard, once again under countless gazes.

Somehow, today the gazes felt even more blatant.

What was going on?

Since he had purposely taken his time arriving, more students were around than usual.

He hadn’t done anything particularly attention-grabbing recently, so why was this happening?

Even now, after becoming somewhat accustomed to Caesar’s mindset, these stares were still hard to get used to.

It felt like being a monkey in a zoo.

‘This is quite unpleasant.’

As he stepped into the main building’s lobby, he quickly realized the reason.

A large banner hung there, with the words, 『Caesar Manus! Come to my office! —Martial Arts Magic Professor—』 written on it.

Sigh—.

He had expected various things to happen since the professor was known for eccentric behavior in the original story, but…

“So this is why.”

He could hear whispers.

They thought they were being discreet, but unfortunately, every word reached his ears clearly.

What was this called again… Right.

‘Public humiliation, huh. Just wait and see.’

Manus forced himself to maintain a neutral expression as he continued walking.

Those who made eye contact with him immediately flinched and looked away.

The deeper look in his eyes, which had intensified overnight, evoked primal fear in those who met his gaze.

Passing through the students who parted like the Red Sea, Manus headed to where the Martial Arts Magic professor resided.

With a small sense of vengeance tucked away in his heart.

Knock knock.

“It’s Manus.”

“Come in.”

The room was far from elegant.

Stiff, metallic furniture was scattered around.

It wasn’t so much an interior design as it was just placing things within arm’s reach.

On one side, there were metal training dummies; on the other, gauntlets and greaves hung like decorations.

Even the desk wasn’t made of elegant wood but was a cold, hard, metallic one.

“You’re here. Nothing unusual happened last night, I assume?”

“No.”

“You came because of the banner? I knew it was a good idea to put it up.”

Good idea, my foot.

She could have just sent one of her assistants or maids to call for him, but she had to go and do something so embarrassing.

He had many things he wanted to say, but he held them back.

Manus remained silent, waiting for her to speak.

Her unusually excited expression suggested that she had high expectations of him.

He could roughly guess what she was going to propose.

The issue was how to find the time to train in Martial Arts Magic, which would start in the second semester.

“Have you considered becoming my disciple?”

“I think it’s too early for me to become someone’s disciple.”

“Haha, I knew you’d say that. It makes no sense for a tyrant to serve under someone, does it?”

Even the professor was calling him a tyrant now.

Pushing past his embarrassment, he continued to wait patiently.

Professor Jennifer wasn’t one to talk unnecessarily, but she was a character who explained everything clearly.

She rarely said anything that would leave one curious, which was why her lectures were described as being quite popular.

Her motto was that if you paid attention in her class, you could easily score full marks.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Jennifer spoke again.

“Three hours after school. Just invest that much time, and I’ll teach you everything I can. That way, you won’t have to wait until the second semester.”

“I have a question.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“Why are you willing to teach me everything without asking for anything in return?”

Jennifer gave a warm smile.

Though she looked young, her smile somehow reminded him of the deep wrinkles of a grandmother.

“I’m not interested in having someone carry on my legacy or anything like that. I just want the study of Martial Arts Magic to continue.”

Martial Arts Magic was a relatively new discipline.

Furthermore, it was a non-mainstream art that only a very few could master.

Jennifer, who had reached the pinnacle of this art, couldn’t help but lament.

“Martial Arts Magic is a study of talent. It’s difficult to master, and few even try. But now that such talent has appeared, it’s only natural to be greedy.”

“I understand. I did want to address my weaknesses.”

“Weaknesses? You have weaknesses?”

“A mage’s inherent problem, something even the greatest genius must deal with.”

Jennifer saw something in Manus’ eyes that made her momentarily think of someone else.

Just as she was about to express her thoughts, she sensed someone outside the door.

Were they in a hurry?

Jennifer waved her hand, opening the door with a flick.

A head with pink hair, raised for a knock, flinched in surprise.

A female student, standing there in a daze, cautiously peeked inside.

“Um, excuse me—.”

“Come in. Did you hear from the assistant? You’re Melanie from the Harry family, right?”

“Yes, I’m Harry Melanie.”

Melanie hesitantly stepped inside.

Jennifer looked back and forth between the two of them and spoke.

“From now on, you two will come to the training grounds after school. I will be teaching you Martial Arts Magic.”

It was an extremely unilateral decision, driven by her personal desires.

She knew it wasn’t fair to the other students.

But Jennifer was prepared to face any criticism that came her way.

–TL Notes–
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