Chapter 5 of the Genius Tamer at the Academy (5/252)

Chapter 5 of the Genius Tamer at the Academy

"Are you really going to do that?"

"What are you thinking?"

"Rather, it would be better to take Engineering. It seems like an even more foolish choice."

"Why... why...?"

Murmurs spread among the students as they reacted to Hansiha's choice.

Selen, the assistant professor standing at the back of the lecture hall, frowned.

'What is he thinking?'

After much deliberation, Hansiha chose two subjects: Basic Taming and Monster Anatomy.

Both subjects were part of the Taming series in the Magic Department.

After the second-year opening exam, all students choose their majors.

Therefore, it was common for students to select subjects related to their desired major for the opening exam.

Ardel Academy offers four majors: Magic, Necromancy, Theology, and Natural Science.

Among these, the Magic Department teaches elemental magic, taming, and various other white magic.

"Out of the blue?"

Although Hansiha had initially aimed to be a Tamer, everyone knew he had no talent for it.

His basic evil tendencies made monsters panic and flee whenever he tried to tame them.

So, perhaps he had struggled to learn dark magic out of frustration.

If he had chosen subjects from the Necromancy Department, it would have been understandable, but no one expected him to boldly select Taming, his known weakness.

Hansiha was far from being a Tamer.

That's why it was even more puzzling.

'Is he planning to major in that?'

Now?

Or, more importantly, can he even pass the opening exam?

Selen looked at Hansiha with a puzzled expression.

"..."

Hansiha maintained a calm demeanor despite the commotion.

It was unclear whether he had a hidden card or was simply clueless.

Professor Grindt slowly stroked his chin and spoke.

"Both subjects are in the Taming series. You seem quite confident."

Though it was a calm remark, laughter erupted from the students.

"Haha. The guy who made slimes explode, what taming...?"

In the middle of the lecture hall, filled with ridicule, Hansiha, who had been maintaining an inscrutable gaze, looked up at Professor Grindt's words. His expression remained unreadable.

Professor Grindt clearly enjoys students who challenge themselves.

However, if the outcome of that challenge is poor,

he is merciless in his rejection.

Despite this, Professor Grindt looked at Hansiha with interest.

Regardless of the outcome, Hansiha's actions were enough to pique his curiosity.

Even if the result is somewhat predictable, there's no need to criticize the challenge itself.

That can be done after the results are in.

With a firm but oddly excited voice, Professor Grindt said,

"Can I expect something from you, Hansiha?"

The professor's calm provocation.

Hansiha smiled and opened his mouth.

A single word silenced the noisy lecture hall.

"Yes, it seems worth a try."

* * *

Rustle, rustle—

In the chaotic library of Ardel Academy, where a moment's distraction could result in a book cover hitting your head,

Hansiha reached up to a high bookshelf and pulled out a book.

"This doesn't look easy just by the cover."

The students weren't wrong to mock him. The thickness alone was daunting, and the complex mathematical symbols made it clear this wasn't a book for a 15-year-old.

...Though the trap is that I'm not 15.

Honestly, the content is quite simple.

"This is about high school-level math."

He nodded and smiled contentedly.

It's just a detailed explanation of magical formulas, which fundamentally follow the mathematical formulas we know.

For example, a 2nd-class welcoming spell integrates particles in the air to form a visible medium.

Latte was quite skilled in math.

It's been... ten years, so it's a bit hazy, but...

"Calculus is a piece of cake."

Moreover, the exam seems to be of a manageable difficulty, so there's no need to worry too much.

Indeed, it was a wise choice.

"Let's start with this."

Satisfied, he closed the book and turned his attention to the other two books.

These were the Tamer textbooks he had studied intensively for hours.

He had heard all sorts of insults for choosing these.

He chuckled, recalling Professor Grindt's feigned shocked expression.

"This is my major, after all."

It's his first time with monsters.

"Ku?"

The creature in his bag, seemingly understanding his words, poked its head out.

It must have been cramped in there all day.

I feel a bit guilty.

"Kuuu!"

"Want to come out?"

The creature flapped its wings and tried to leap out of the bag.

Despite being a hatchling, the dragon's strength was impressive. He almost dropped the bag and quickly shook his head.

No, there are too many people here.

Hansiha, known for not being able to handle even a slime, would look strange if he brought out a dragon.

If the time comes to reveal the creature, it would be better to do it then.

But not now.

"Wait a bit longer."

He took a piece of cheese from his pocket and put it in the bag. It's better than having it chew through the lock.

"..."

Sure enough, it quickly became quiet.

Munch, munch.

Seeing the creature tear into the cheese with such seriousness, as if hunting a monster, made him laugh.

He slung the bag over his shoulder and muttered,

"Let's go practice in the field."

Now that he had covered the theory.

It's time to let the dragon out.

* * *

Red lighting dimly illuminated the area.

Unlike the noisy library, this side seemed rarely visited.

Descending to the third basement floor, a long corridor stretched to the opposite end.

"..."

This was Ardel Academy's outdoor practice field.

In simpler terms, a training dungeon.

Designed for training, it had various dungeons of different levels, making it the perfect place to practice real magic.

While he had studied the theory diligently, theory alone wouldn't suffice for the practical exam.

He had come down to practice with the creature and get used to it.

Since only staff members would be here, there was no problem as long as he didn't run into any classmates.

He let the creature out, which had been cramped.

"Let's go."

"Kuuu!"

He led the creature forward.

Clomp, clomp.

The sound of water dripping from the brick crevices echoed from the ceiling.

Without hesitation, he headed to the desk on the left.

The attendant smiled and spoke softly.

"Are you here to use the practice field?"

"Yes."

"Which area will you enter?"

Like the dungeons, which are divided by difficulty, the practice field, which simulates dungeons, had a similar system.

After a quick look around, he said,

"Give me a ticket for the beginner's practice area."

This dungeon is beyond my current level.

The attendant hesitated for a moment, glancing at the dragon.

It was obvious what he was thinking.

Why bring a dragon to a beginner's practice area?

But, considering his duty, the attendant didn't ask questions and continued formally.

"Yes, up to two people can enter, and one person is currently inside. This way."

"Okay."

He followed the attendant down the echoing corridor.

A large wooden door on the right caught his eye.

Beginner's Practice Area.

He looked at the red letters and took out a practice wand and shield from the basket.

"A beginner's slime dungeon..."

It's a simple dungeon where only a few slimes might appear.

Even though it's designed to be safe for students, the attendant, who usually quickly recites the safety instructions, didn't move.

Instead, he smiled and looked at him.

"Just go in."

"Ah."

"Your name?"

"Second-year Hansiha."

"The dragon friend?"

Right.

I haven't named it yet.

"What should I call it?"

"Kuu?"

He lifted the creature and asked with a smile.

"Calling it a dragon is too common, how about 'Agar'?"

"Ku..."

The creature gave him a fierce look.

That's harsh, I brought you here.

It seems to understand human speech quite well.

The attendant looked at him with a bewildered expression.

Like he was looking at a madman.

Sorry, I've been doing this for a while, so it's become a habit.

Now, I'm even having conversations with dragons.

"Ah, are you having a conversation?"

"Yes, we're deciding on a name."

Agar seems too harsh.

"Basillus?"

Does this sound better?

He offered a fancy-sounding word, and the creature's eyes changed.

"Kuuu!"

Seeing the creature flap its wings, it seemed the name wasn't bad. The small hatchling, trying to look brave, made him laugh.

He wrote the name on the paper the attendant handed him.

"I'll call it Basillus."

"Understood."

The attendant nodded and slightly pushed the wooden door. A chill immediately rushed in from the other side.

Even though it's a beginner's dungeon, it's my first time in a dungeon in this life.

He took a deep breath and grabbed the doorknob.

Creak.

The wooden door swung open with a groan.

"I'm entering."

He stepped forward.

* * *

A magnificent scene unfolded before him.

He couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

"Wow."

It was hard to believe he was still indoors.

An open landscape and a cave so high that the ceiling was invisible greeted him.

The chill he had felt earlier was due to this.

He took a step on the damp ground and took a deep breath.

The cave walls were densely covered with vines, and he pushed through them, walking forward.

Light from the ceiling illuminated the grassy area across the swamp, and nearby...

"Hold on."

Thump, thump.

He had been wondering what was bouncing around like a spring.

Square slimes were gathered together.

It's a beginner's slime dungeon.

Only low-level monsters were present.

These monsters seemed easy enough to fight.

They looked so harmless, like green candies rolling on the ground.

However, even in a beginner's practice area, caution was necessary. This was Basillus's and his first time in a dungeon.

He focused.

Carefully and boldly.

He needed to get stronger in the limited time he had.

Now, it's time for the real thing.

"Hmm."

He lifted Basillus slightly and pointed at the slimes with his wand.

"See those cute friends over there?"

"Kuuu!"

Nod, nod.

The creature's reaction was different after getting a new name.

Unexpected loyalty.

Basillus's large eyes were filled with the sight of the slimes.

"Kuu... kuu..."

He stroked the creature's head as it seriously watched the bouncing slimes.

Before being a Tamer, thinking about his past life,

I'm not sure if I should say this.

"We're going to burst them."

"..."