Chapter 80

Fortunately, Professor Milei did not send Li Han away.

Swoosh!

Two thick books appeared in mid-air. They were so thick that they could almost be used as weapons.

The well-bound books had "Theoretical Foundations and Case Studies of Summoning Magic" written on their covers.

"Both of you, sit down."

Professor Milei had a stern gaze that could make people tense without even drawing a sword or waving a staff.

Gai Nando sat down with a slightly frightened expression.

"Professor, where are the other students?"

"They received their lessons and assignments and went back."

"R-really... assignments?"

Gai Nando lifted his head.

In the current situation, the addition of an assignment was a huge burden. Gai Nando attempted a timid rebellion.

"Professor, black magic doesn't have—"

Professor Milei stared intently at Gai Nando. Under that gaze, Gai Nando was completely subdued.

‘Does she have a petrification effect in her gaze or something?’

Given how many strange professors there were, he had his doubts.

"Both of you, open the books."

They obediently opened the books. The densely written text made Gai Nando feel dizzy and sway.

"Read, copy, and solve the problems."

Li Han looked at the book.

Chapter 1: On the Summoning of Inanimate Objects

-Summoning inanimate objects is the most basic and core aspect of summoning magic. Even summoners who are only interested in other areas of summoning must learn this. The great summoner Boltzmann created educational and efficient magic circles for future generations, and memorizing these magic circles became fundamental in summoning magic. So, young summoner, be grateful and strive. Memorizing and understanding the principles of Boltzmann's basic magic circles will guarantee remarkable achievements in summoning magic...

(Magic Circle 1)

(Magic Circle 2)

(Magic Circle 3)

(Magic Circle 4)

...

...

-Young summoner, now that you've learned some interesting knowledge, it's time to use it more interestingly. Answer the following riddle.

The novice summoner Chersu was traveling in the cold north when an accident separated him from his companions. Unfortunately, someone stole the luggage containing Chersu's thick clothes, and the fierce wind tore the clothes he was wearing to shreds. What is the summoning magic circle Chersu can use as quickly as possible to avoid freezing to death?

‘The summoning magic circle is a magic circle, but shouldn’t he find the culprit first?’

Apart from the absurd and forced nature of the question, the textbook was excellent.

Having seen countless complex and difficult professional books, Li Han could tell how good this book was.

Not all textbooks were considerate.

Some books were considerate of the reader's level, while others seemed to be designed to make the reader waste time meaninglessly.

And usually, professional books fell into the latter category.

...Even the professors here, if we were to be picky, were closer to the latter...

However, the book Professor Milei gave was excellent.

By reading it slowly and focusing, one could easily memorize and understand the basic magic circles commonly used in summoning magic.

For this reason alone, Li Han highly regarded Professor Milei.

‘She’s actually a good person.’

She had chosen the most suitable book for education from among countless magic books for the students.

It was a true educator's mindset, incomparable to other professors.

‘Thank you, Professor.’

Professor Milei was slightly taken aback by the moved look in Li Han's eyes.

‘??’

There were two reasons why Professor Milei did not start teaching summoning magic immediately.

First, summoning magic can easily lead to accidents without sufficient knowledge and preparation. Even simple summoning of inanimate objects can harm the caster.

Second, she wanted to prevent students from acting rashly.

Teaching summoning magic to freshmen, who are already full of pride and self-esteem, could lead to accidents due to their enthusiasm and arrogance.

She only taught.

Until the students' bodies twisted and contorted from the difficulty and boredom.

That was Professor Milei's philosophy.

If a student couldn't bear it and gave up on summoning magic, it was actually better for them.

‘But...?’

Professor Milei was surprised by Li Han, who copied the book and solved the problems without a single complaint.

Given his exceptional talent, she thought he would be the most arrogant.

Other students would yawn, fidget, glance outside, and try to escape after a short while...

Surprisingly, Li Han's posture didn't change at all. He sat like a statue, diligently copying and solving problems.

"Li Han."

"What?"

"I need to go to the bathroom."

"Trying to escape?"

"W-What? What? No! No, I'm not!"

Gai Nando vehemently denied it. Li Han, who had asked out of curiosity, was now certain.

‘He was trying to escape, this guy.’

At first, Li Han thought Gai Nando might switch from black magic to summoning magic.

But now, it seemed he didn't need to worry about that.

"I miss Professor Mortem..."

Gai Nando muttered like a madman after returning from the bathroom.

* * *

Gai Nando's hope that such diligent study would earn him some favor was cruelly shattered.

Professor Milei only made them study until the end.

Li Han nodded in satisfaction.

‘Classes like this are necessary too.’

After experiencing so many tumultuous lectures, this high-quality theoretical study felt refreshing.

As Gai Nando stood up, he whispered,

"Hey, do you understand this content?"

"It's quite substantial, isn't it? And it's interesting."

"...?????!!"

Gai Nando looked at Li Han with a more shocked expression than when he saw him subdue Lafadel.

He must be crazy!

"Today's session ends here. Study this amount by next week."

Professor Milei put away the books and handed them a thick stack of paper. Gai Nando received it with a polite expression.

‘He won’t come next week.’

‘He won’t come next week.’

Li Han and Professor Milei simultaneously foresaw Gai Nando's future.

It was obvious he wouldn't come next week!

"I'll see you next week."

Li Han bowed politely.

While it was true that he needed to get along with the professors, he needed to be closer to those with integrity.

They might help him if he was dragged to the punishment room later.

"I apologize if I saw something wrong, Li Han."

"Huh?"

"Then I'll see you next week."

Professor Milei smiled faintly.

But to Li Han, who didn't understand, it was a statement open to many interpretations.

‘What’s this??’

When the door of the lecture hall closed, Li Han was confused.

What did she mean by seeing something wrong??

‘Did she talk about my future with Professor Mortem? Did she say I should focus only on black magic? Surely not with the skull principal...’

Li Han tossed and turned all night.

* * *

The students were getting thinner day by day, while the skull principal's eyes seemed to shine brighter.

The skull principal entered the <Basic Magic and Character Education> lecture hall and greeted them with a cheerful voice.

Are you all having a happy week?

"......"

"......"

If it were the first week, a few students might have answered out of politeness, but all the students from the four towers remained silent.

The skull principal rattled his skull, causing the students' heads to nod involuntarily.

Except for Li Han.

"......"

Li Han looked around and hurriedly nodded. The skull principal looked at him with a bewildered expression.

‘Is he following again...’

Seeing the young man from the Wodanaz family reminded him of a lion wearing a sheep's mask, trying to befriend the sheep.

If he had resisted the skull principal's magic, he should have been proud and arrogant, not this meek.

Well, it's time for the character education of you young mages. Do you remember the assignment I gave you last week?

The students nodded.

Who could forget?

-Each tower's students must bring the flag hanging in the designated tower's freshmen lounge by the next class. The flag with the emblem!

The skull principal's assignment.

It was to bring the flag from another tower.

Even if we were generous, it had nothing to do with character, but the skull principal was confident.

Let's check the Black Turtle Tower first. Did you get the Phoenix Tower flag?

"Yes, we... "

The Black Turtle Tower students carefully took out the flag they had exchanged with the Phoenix Tower students.

Good, you brought it.

"......"

"......"

The skull principal wore an openly uninterested expression.

Since he already knew they had exchanged, he wasn't particularly interested.

I'm sure the Phoenix Tower students took care of it too?

"Yes."

Good. Now...

The skull principal floated over to the White Tiger Tower students with the joy of someone finally getting their long-awaited meal.

My noble knight students! You must have brought the Blue Dragon Tower flag, right? Right??

"......"

"......"

The faces of the White Tiger Tower students were flushed with humiliation and shame.

Even Li Han, who usually didn't care what others thought, felt a bit uncomfortable in this situation.

‘My back is tingling.’

The White Tiger Tower students glared at Li Han with resentful eyes.

Why aren't you taking it out?! Hmm?! Why?! Could it be that you didn't bring it?!

‘Calm down...’

Li Han wished the skull principal would stop his nonsense. Of course, the skull principal didn't stop.

The skull principal, who had enjoyed himself, changed the topic.

As I said last time, this class is not about fighting each other. The purpose of this class is to understand each other, become friends, and work together.

No one believed him.

I'm sad that you misunderstand my intentions. To make it clearer, the next assignment will be more understandable.

Li Han felt uneasy.

What more could he do?

If you go straight west from the main building, there's a lake. You might have seen it.

"......"

"...That was a lake?"

Students who had seen it during a walk were confused.

Because...

"I thought it was an ocean."

"Why is there an ocean in the school?!"

"Well, I thought this school might have an ocean."

...It was an incredibly large lake.

Like the deep and rugged mountains that were hard to see the end of, this magic school had a lake.

There's an island on the lake. I've hidden an outing permit there.

"!"

"!!!"

The students' eyes sparkled like those of hungry beasts.

Work together and bring it to me.

"Understood!"

It was the most enthusiastic response so far.

By the way, it would be best if the Phoenix Tower students work with the Black Turtle Tower students, and the Blue Dragon Tower students with the White Tiger Tower students. You are free to act as you please, but...

The skull principal grinned.

If you don't, I guarantee you won't pass.

The Blue Dragon Tower and White Tiger Tower students glared at each other and frowned.

They all had the same thought.

‘Work with these guys? I don’t think so.’