Chapter 14

◈ Chapter 14: Source Code (1)

At my words, the students held their breath.

Some didn't know what a source code was.

Others were shocked by the appearance of a new kind of magic.

Some were...

And some were...

But I knew that the object they were all looking at was the same, and that all their emotions were not hostile.

'Well, from their perspective, it's really something to be amazed at.'

Even though science has advanced, this world is roughly equivalent to the 19th century on Earth.

Although magic, rather than science, has been the main focus, leading to a much more rapid development than the history I know.

Still, from the perspective of someone who lived in the 21st century, there are many shortcomings.

Especially the lack of a computer system.

'The source code is a kind of blueprint that outputs a predetermined result as soon as the input value is entered. I created it by integrating it with magic.'

Of course, I didn't create this alone.

To be precise, I came up with the idea, but the actual construction and completion were only possible with the help of my teacher who taught me magic.

Still, since I have a stake in what I created, there should be no problem teaching it to the students.

'Given his personality, he wouldn't say anything about this. But the problem would be what I'd face once I met him.'

Returning to the main topic.

This spell, the source code, is a groundbreaking method of manifesting magic based on my memories of Earth.

For students who don't know about algorithms, hardware, software, programs, inputs, and outputs, it must seem unbelievable.

Most importantly, wizards have become stagnant due to excessive elitism and confidence, and there was a widespread attitude of looking down on science.

They wouldn't easily accept a method that emphasizes a scientific approach to manifesting magic.

They would probably exclaim, 'This isn't magic!'

But compared to them, my way of thinking is more flexible.

'Of course, it was doubtful when I first came up with the idea.'

To make the source code work, you need a hardware body, a program, and data.

Here, the hardware refers to a wand capable of casting magic, or the wizard themselves.

The program is the spell formula you've set up, and the data is the mana required to realize it.

In the end, the source code is a spell that encapsulates the entire process of consuming mana as data, following the spell formula as a program, and manifesting magic as software, all through the biological hardware of a human.

With this source code, even complex spell formulas can be completed by just infusing a little mana.

To put it simply, while others would carefully draw each line of the spell formula, I can just stamp it like a seal.

It's easy to understand if you think about the difference in speed between handwriting and printing.

No matter how fast a person can write, they can't match the speed of someone using metal printing.

Moreover, a person is more likely to make mistakes when they're in a hurry.

If the spell formula is off, or the finishing touches are wrong, or the flow of mana is tangled, or the order is incorrect.

Naturally, the magic would lose its mysterious power and fail to manifest.

Or, in some cases, the mana could backfire, putting one's life in danger.

But with the programmed source code, none of that exists.

It always produces a definite result, no matter the situation.

The speed is something other wizards can't match.

'Of course, wizards of the 6th tier and above would be faster than this.'

They are superhumans with supercomputers in their heads, so they are excluded from the start.

For the students of Seorin Academy, who haven't fully matured yet, this source code must be a truly remarkable revolution.

'It's not without flaws, though. The limit is 3rd tier magic. Beyond that, the mana capacity causes an overload. And creating this source code is so complex and difficult that it makes you want to vomit.'

It's not for nothing that computer programmers diversify all kinds of patterns and go through testing to debug.

I racked my brain to create just one of these.

However, once it's made, it can be used repeatedly, which is very convenient.

Especially for 3rd tier and below magic, you don't have to go through the trouble of creating the spell formula each time.

In the end, this source code is an invention designed to help those without talent catch up to those with talent as much as possible.

It's somewhat sad that even with all this, I can't become a top-tier wizard.

But what can I do?

To survive as a teacher in this academy, where only geniuses gather, for two years, I have to pull out all the stops and teach like this.

Well, if I do this, at least I won't be laughed at, right?

I hope so.

* * *

The students all fell silent at the appearance of this groundbreaking method of manifesting magic, the source code.

The silence that settled over the lecture hall was intense.

Especially the freshmen, who looked like they could shoot lasers from their eyes.

Some chose this class half-heartedly, thinking it might be decent, but to witness something like this...

Some students felt a chill run down their spines.

'If, at that moment, I couldn't resist the impulse and made a different choice...'

'If I didn't attend this class today...'

A spell formula for the sake of a spell formula.

A new method of manifesting magic that transcends common sense.

To miss the opportunity to witness its debut and to be deprived of the chance to learn it.

For students aspiring to become wizards, it would be a terrifying nightmare that would send a chill through their bones and make their stomachs churn just to imagine.

...It's really fortunate.

All the students gathered here felt the same way.

And they saw Ludger in a new light.

His first impression was indeed very serious, deep, and intense, different from what they expected.

Still, what ultimately matters for a magic academy teacher is magical skill.

Just repeating what others have said won't earn the students' respect.

But now.

The students who saw the new magic all felt a sense of reverence for Ludger, beyond mere respect.

Most importantly, Ludger's actions are astonishing.

Despite demonstrating a new method that could be called a discovery of the century in front of everyone, his expression showed no sign of excitement.

This naturalness made the students suddenly think:

Perhaps to this man, this groundbreaking magic was just something he could naturally demonstrate in front of everyone.

Maybe.

There are other trump cards he hasn't shown yet.

If he can invent something like this and still react so indifferently, there must be something else truly remarkable.

At that moment.

A spark ignited in the hearts of the 80 students of the magic academy in the lecture hall.

If they could learn this magic.

If they could make his teachings their own.

'I can develop further!'

The intense will was evident in their eyes, and the heated atmosphere intensified as they directed their gaze at Ludger.

Ludger, with his half-open eyes, seemed unimpressed, but his back, hidden under his clothes, was drenched in cold sweat.

'Why are their eyes like that?'

For Ludger, who had only hoped for a decent reaction, the students' response was beyond his imagination.

Eyes hotter than lava bursting through the earth's crust.

Feeling that, Ludger whipped himself mentally, composed himself, and maintained a poker face.

At least for now, with this trump card, things should be fine.

But he couldn't rely on this forever.

To avoid being exposed as a fraud at the academy, to avoid being exposed as a fake in the secret society.

He had to prepare more.

'Let's see this through to the end.'

To survive.

First, he had to deal with this duke's daughter standing on the podium.

"Flora Lumos."

Startled.

Flora, who had been distracted by Ludger's source code magic, finally came to her senses.

Ludger's cold, sharp eyes were fixed on her.

It felt like his gaze was a cold blade piercing her heart.

'Just who is this person...?'

She thought she was a genius.

And she had the talent to match.

No one doubted her. She had personally demonstrated her skills to those who did.

Even the academy teachers stumbled in front of her.

No matter how much older they were, how much longer they had studied magic, or how much harder they worked.

She was always ahead of them.

But this man is different.

He doesn't show off or boast about himself, and he doesn't let others sway him.

It's like looking at a steel pillar deeply embedded in the ground, standing tall.

It doesn't rust or wear down, no matter how much storms, rain, or snow come.

Even if I try to find a flaw, it doesn't leave a mark.

'Just who is this person to be a new teacher? Source code? I've never even heard of such magic.'

The pressure was so intense that even Flora, who had met royalty several times, felt compelled to yield.

Even the noble princess was wide-eyed at Ludger's appearance.

"An innovative method to shorten spell formulas. Has your curiosity finally been satisfied?"

"...Yes."

Flora, trying to maintain her composure, answered.

She kept her posture straight and tried to steady her trembling voice, repeating to herself not to waver.

Was her behavior so amusing?

There was a faint smile on Ludger's lips, as if he saw through her desperate attempt to appear strong.

"Flora Lumos."

"...Yes, sir."

"You couldn't overcome your own narrow-mindedness and asked a question without my permission. Do you admit it?"

Flora bit her lip.

It was a blow to her pride, but there was no room for argument.

With her delicate hands clenched into fists, Flora, who had never made a mistake, finally moved her lips.

"Yes... I admit it."

A bone-deep sense of defeat she had never felt before.

The admiring gazes of the students, which usually made her feel good, now hurt her.

Suddenly, a memory from her childhood, which she had wanted to forget, surfaced.

Her father's cold gaze looking down on her. Her goal to be recognized, driven by youthful arrogance.

She tried desperately to hold back her tears.

She couldn't break down here.

"As I said. However, your actions were a clear challenge to my authority. I won't let this slide, as I warned you."

"...Yes."

"Flora Lumos. I'm giving you 10 demerit points."

Demerit points.

It wasn't particularly surprising, but it was different when the recipient was Flora.

Seorin's genius, who had never made a single mistake.

She had never been associated with demerit points, and it seemed she never would be.

Even 10 points, which were not a large number, felt enormous.

A minor flaw on a perfect craft.

That's why it felt so big and painful.

"Do you have any complaints?"

"...No. I think it's fair."

Flora bit her lip.

"Wow."

"That Flora..."

The other students were also surprised that Flora had received demerit points.

Moreover, it was a reasonable punishment that even she had to admit.

Flora, with weak steps, descended from the podium and returned to her seat.

At that moment, Ludger's voice stopped her.

"But the spell formula for the [Dancing Flame] you showed was more perfect than anything I've seen before."

She stopped and turned to look at the podium.

Ludger was looking at her with the same unwavering, straight gaze he always had.

"I don't dislike students with talent. So, Flora Lumos, 10 merit points."

10 merit points.

This effectively nullified the 10 demerit points she had received.

Some students who admired her thought it was fortunate, while others who envied her felt disappointed.

However, Flora herself felt unprecedented shame.

Even though the demerit points were erased, the memory of receiving them would remain.

It was something she wouldn't forget even after 10 years, or perhaps her entire life.

But suddenly, merit points.

Flora interpreted the meaning of the merit points Ludger gave her like this:

It was the mercy of a victor to a foolish student who dared to challenge him. Even the praise was just a deception.

This, in turn, left an indelible wound on Flora's pride.

"Thank you..."

But.

That was all she could say.

When she returned to her seat, Cheryl, who had been anxiously watching the entire situation, asked with a worried voice.

"Flora, are you okay?"

Cheryl knew how strong Flora's pride was. She knew it was because of the experiences she had as a child.

It was hard to imagine how humiliating it must have been for Flora to be reprimanded by a new teacher in front of everyone.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Flora smiled and answered. Her composed demeanor was no different from usual, and she didn't look like someone who had been hurt.

'Ah, she's fine. Yeah, Flora would be able to shake this off quickly.'

Cheryl felt relieved.

She thought it was foolish to worry that her friend might go in a bad direction.

Even now, Flora was looking at the podium with the same face as usual, preparing to listen to the lecture.

But Cheryl didn't see it. No one in the lecture hall knew.

The burning flames in Flora's eyes, ready to consume everything.

* * *

I observed Flora's state as she returned to her seat.

I belatedly remembered that the Lumos family is a famous ducal family in the empire. That means this girl is a duke's daughter.

Would she use her family's influence to pressure me over what just happened? Would she tell her father when she gets home?

Even though this is Seorin, the students are still young, so I can't rule out the possibility.

However, Flora's expression was calm. She was having a natural conversation with her friend next to her, and there was nothing unusual.

Hmm. Yeah.

She seems to be a smart and clever girl, so she probably won't hold a grudge over something like this.

After all, giving her merit points was a gesture to avoid conflict and encourage her to do better in the future, a kind of reconciliation.

I'm really glad she accepted it.

"Then, let's start the first class."