Surviving as a Mage in a Magic Academy

"Can we forget our misunderstandings and work together for a better future?"

"I'd rather dream of the academy falling apart." One of the White Tiger students replied like that. Yi-Han, considering this, mused that it wouldn't be so bad.

“Of all people, Wardanaz, you speaking of cooperation!” To some White Tiger Tower, Yi-Han was already an evil great mage. “Because of you seizing that flag, we lost our chance to score well in this <Basic Magic Character Education> class!”

“That seems to be a misunderstanding. An F isn't certain yet,” Yi-Han logically attempted to persuade the students, hoping to convince these obstinate knights of the benefits of cooperation.

“Though, the chances of getting an F are probably 95%!”

“Ha ha! An F!”

“...”

Of course, there was no guarantee that his friends from the Blue Dragon would be of any help. Asan and Gainando tried to intervene on Yi-Han's behalf, only to shrink back under his murderous glare.

‘Did we do something wrong?’ Asan wondered, confused.

‘We just wanted to help…’ Gainando thought, feeling disheartened.

“Think about it. The principal holds this <Basic Magic Character Education> class for our education. Do you really think one mistake on an assignment warrants an F?” Though Yi-Han believed it possible, he didn't show it. “Giving up over one mistake might be the real reason to deserve an F. If we work hard from now, everyone can earn an A by the end of the term. Plus, the outside world is a paradise, I’ve been there. No early risings, eat whatever you want.”

‘Barring the principal’s traps,’ he thought, considering the challenges they faced.

The White Tiger students, despite trying to ignore him, found themselves intrigued. Some began to ponder, ‘Should we cooperate this time?’ Yet, things didn’t resolve easily. Jijel stepped forward. “Really? Do you think so?”

“Moradi, I know you bear a grudge against me, but my sincerity…” Yi-Han struggled to sow discord. His influence with the White Tiger students paled in comparison to Jijel. Jijel, with a neutral yet sharp aura, drew everyone's attention. “Has anything good ever come from being involved with Wardanaz?”

“Moradi, you ordered your men to attack me. Everyone, don't be deceived. Moradi’s…”

“What about those who ended up in the punishment room because of Wardanaz?”

“That's a misunderstanding. The principal took them.”

“And who attacked the lounge last time?”

“That too, the principal’s doing…” Despite Yi-Han's best efforts to defend himself, the mood had already shifted.

Thud-

Yonaire shook her head disapprovingly, grasping Yi-Han’s shoulder, indicating there was no further recourse.

‘Damn it.’ Yi-Han thought, frustrated. Pretending to be virtuous had its limits due to his past actions. He sighed. Is there no other way?

“Dolgyu. Come here.”

“?”

Dolgyu, the orc of the knightly Choi family, hesitated when his friends cautioned him against approaching Yi-Han. “Yi-Han is not that kind of friend.” Silence lingered. Not that kind of friend?

Despite his friends' dissuasion, Dolgyu approached. “I’m here, Yi-Han. What’s the matter?”

As Dolgyu neared, Yi-Han grabbed him and shouted fiercely, “If you don't cooperate, I can't guarantee Dolgyu's life. I'll take him to the lake, use him, and then dump him at the bottom!”

"...That bastard, for real!!!" The White Tiger students were aghast. So, this was Wardanaz's true nature!

Dolgyu looked flustered but soon realized the situation. ‘Yi-Han is doing this to mediate between the two towers.’ he thought.

“Save me, please.” Dolgyu spoke with a pitiful, sad expression, and some White Tiger students felt their hearts tearing.

Raphael burst out, “Stop it, you Wardanaz! We’ll cooperate! Just let Dolgyu go!!”

“Right. We’ll cooperate, so release Dolgyu!!” The White Tiger students unanimously cried out to Yi-Han.

“On your honor?”

“On our honor!”

“Fine. I’ll let him go. But be careful in the future.” Yi-Han released Dolgyu.

Jijel looked at Yi-Han with a shocked expression, as if he were insane. “If only you had agreed to cooperate earlier, it would have been easier for both sides.”

“You… You’re more evil than I am, Wardanaz. Feel proud. I’ve never seen someone like you.”

“You would think that.” Yi-Han retorted brusquely to Jijel's comment and turned away.

Gainando nodded in agreement, then hesitated upon making eye contact with Yi-Han. "You're not thinking what I think you are, right?"

“Oh, no! I was just stretching my neck!”

Although a challenging assignment came up in <Basic Magic Character Education>, Yi-Han and his friends couldn't focus on it. Not because of the cooperation with White Tiger students, but...

“So, when are you going to act, Mr. Yi-Han of the Wardanaz family?” Priestess Siana asked.

“I am still considering.”

At Yi-Han's response, Yonaire whispered in confusion. “But why are you speaking formally to Priestess Siana? You didn’t use to.”

“...Did I do that?”

Yi-Han realized then he had unknowingly been overwhelmed by Priestess Siana’s madness. It wasn’t really Yi-Han’s fault. Anyone would feel daunted if told, ‘We need potions, so let’s raid the professor’s workshop.’

“What’s the matter with you two?”

“Ha ha. It’s nothing... I mean, nothing.”

Yonaire, seemingly catching on to Yi-Han’s thoughts, defended him. “The Flameng Order often resorts to any means for alchemy.”

‘Yonaire is not cut out for promoting the order.’ Yi-Han thought, reflecting on her statement.

The real issue wasn’t Priestess Siana’s or the Flameng Order’s madness. It was crucial to decide when to raid the workshop. If he opened the door to the workshop and made eye contact with Professor Uregor inside, he would have nightmares for a month.

‘The timing should be in the evening or at night. But which day? Should we do it on a weekday or the weekend?’ Yi-Han pondered, trying to figure out the best time.

Yi-Han couldn’t accurately pin down Professor Uregor’s schedule. He knew the times they met at the cabin, but not what the professor did otherwise. Asking Professor Uregor might later make him a suspect...

“Wardanaz, no need to come to the cabin today.” Professor Bungaegor, descending for the <Basic Riding Training> class, informed Yi-Han.

Yi-Han had been learning various training techniques for flying mounts after finishing chores at the cabin. “Is there a problem, Professor?”

"I'm thinking of taking my nephew to the market. There are things I need to buy."

"Ah, I see." Yi-Han managed his expression as best as he could and spoke with all his effort to hide any awkwardness in his voice.

"When will you be going?"

"I'll head out after today's lecture and return by tomorrow. It's unfortunate that I can only take my nephew with me." Professor Bungaegor sincerely apologized. Honestly, she felt that hardworking students like the boy from the Wardanaz family deserved to be taken along, given how industriously he worked, almost like an ox...

"It's alright, Professor. The academy rules apply equally to everyone, don't they?"

"Did Gonadaltes threaten you? Anyway, I understand. I'll bring you some beer candy when I return." Dwarf snacks were a bit unusual, but Yi-Han chose not to comment. Any gift was appreciated.

And then... 'Tonight!' Opportunity had suddenly presented itself. Yi-Han discreetly called his friends together.

"Tonight."

"...!"

"Tonight...!"

His friends wore surprised expressions at the abrupt plan, but none backed out. "Better this way. We can rest all weekend."

"Tonight, I was waiting for it." Asan extended his hand with a determined expression, saying, "For a comfortable semester without assignments."

"For a comfortable semester without assignments!"

"...?"

Yi-Han was puzzled. When did you guys come up with this slogan?

"Stop chatting and take your positions. Now, everyone should be getting friendly with their horses. Some feed and groom their horses from early dawn, while others lazily pet them."

Gainando flinched.

"I won't say anything. This academy leads students to the water, but doesn't force them to drink. It's up to you to decide."

'It seems more like throwing us in the water to start...' thought one of the students, uneasy about the challenge.

"Are we riding horses today?" One student asked nervously. They were still too unfamiliar with the horses to perform complex equestrian skills.

"No. It would take a whole semester of devotion to become that close. Today, you'll learn how to handle a different kind of monster." Professor Bungaegor put her finger to her lips and whistled sharply. A fiery puppy bounded out from behind, hopping around.

The students, accustomed to seeing all sorts of crazy beings, naturally gasped in awe. But Yi-Han tensed up. In this magic academy, cute creatures might be more dangerous. But that didn’t mean the ferocious-looking ones were any safer...

"Those who thought it was cute and liked it are disqualified. Before admiring its cuteness, you should have noticed the flames. The moment this puppy charges, half of you would be dead." The burning puppy panted and rolled around playfully. Professor Bungaegor scratched its belly approvingly.

"Mages are generally good with elements, but that's true for those who have survived various accidents. Why do you think the empire believes mages are adept at elements? Because the foolish ones die before they become well-known. There are too many mages who've tried to tame fire-attribute monsters and died to list their names."

The students involuntarily stepped back, having moved several meters from their original positions.

"Today, we will learn to handle monsters with a fire attribute. Be thankful it's only a puppy. If it were as big as a horse, you'd be worrying about getting trampled to death before even burning. Wardanaz."

It was customary for the star pupil to step forward first in such situations. Yi-Han, holding back a sigh, walked to the front.

"You'll demonstrate. Drink this." Professor Bungaegor threw him a potion for fire resistance. Yi-Han felt slightly relieved.

'So, I won't have to touch it barehanded.' he thought. Thinking that Professor Bungaegor would have been outraged had she heard Yi-Han's thoughts, 'What do you take me for?!', Yi-Han drank the potion. It burned his throat like strong alcohol. Breathing in, he caught a slightly acrid smell.

"Finished it? Well done. Now, try to mingle with that puppy for as long as you can."

"How long does the potion's effect last?"

"That's for you to figure out."

"..."

Yi-Han hesitated. 'So, I’m supposed to realize the dangerous moment and get out on my own?' he thought, recognizing the challenge of the task. It was training to hone a mage's instinct towards danger, not just relying on elemental resistance spells or potions...

Convincing himself of that wasn't easy. 'Damn it. It seems like being last is advantageous.' he thought, considering the benefit of gauging the timing of the potion's effects on others.

Yi-Han focused. He readied his mana to cast a spell at a moment's notice, in case of an emergency. Then, with a gentle smile, he approached the fiery puppy. The burning puppy made a pained noise, its expression scared.

"Don't be scared!!" Yi-Han reassured.

"I didn’t even do anything..."