Meteor: Ice Magic (5)

TL/ED: Lolz

"Is this the Glesia School lecture hall?"

"Yes, come in. Today is an open lecture, so welcome."

"Wow, it really exists."

"Hasn't it started yet?"

 

Sometimes rumors spread frighteningly fast.

Sometimes rumors spread frighteningly fast. Those who clicked on the photos added to the schedule soon discovered that Vina's surname was 'Niflheim'.

It meant that she was a direct descendant of 'Milone Freyja de Niflheim', the head of the pure-blooded family and one of the Seven Sages.

Realizing that the target of the demonstration lecture was apprentices, everyone started moving.

 

"Can apprentices attend this too?"

"It shouldn't be a problem."

"How is Meteor Ice Magic?"

"Well, that's... "

 

The news rapidly spreading through the forum made Epsilon Hall uneasy.

Some people from other schools, driven by curiosity, also joined, making some stand at the back.

It seemed like I had done all I could to help.

 

As Vina waited no longer when the appointed time arrived, she started the lecture immediately.

Contrary to expectations of a detailed explanation of Meteor, she levitated small ice orbs.

 

"In the Magic Tower, there are seven schools and about a hundred families surrounding them."

 

Summoning, Alchemy, Elemental, Astrology, Elemental, Divine, and Haeju.

 

"The magical phenomenon I will explain in this lecture is a concept separate from the seasons of schools or families. Derived from elemental studies, it may seem simple, but if mastered, it can be applied to any field."

 

Extreme magic.

Introducing her topic, Vina moved one ice orb from her hand to the classroom ceiling.

The attention-grabbing orb soon made a cracking sound and began emitting tremendous heat and steam.

The manifestation of magic without the need for formulas or verbal commands indicated her excellent skills.

 

"By injecting a state at the extreme of one element, a new concept is established."

"This is... "

"Boiling ice, that's what I call it."

 

Originally, the essence of extreme magic was to solidify two incompatible properties.

Surely, if that were dropped from the sky, it would unleash destructive power akin to Meteor.

It also became evident that it was a considerably difficult spell.

 

Listening to Vina's explanation from the side, I realized I had seen this magic somewhere before.

During my time as an adventurer, I had once captured a dark magician who went by the name 'Mountain Burner'.

With a single gesture, he could turn nearby vegetation into ashes with his peculiar ability.

 

'Now that I think about it, that was also extreme magic.'

 

No matter how much water or sand was poured, the wildfire wouldn't extinguish.

It even hid within the mountain range, making it quite challenging to capture.

 

"As opposite properties exist as a single phenomenon, there should be no gaps in the combination of principles. The very idea itself is difficult, and most importantly, you must be able to thoroughly control magic in an unstable state, so shortcuts won't work."

"If it's a shortcut..."

"For example, in astrology, there's 'Imposing Scales', or in divine magic, there's 'Entreaty'. It refers to means such as allowing the elemental mage to handle part of the computation."

 

She continued with more specific explanations about the connections between magical principles.

The people gathered in the classroom were now paying close attention to every gesture and word from Vina.

Initially, I thought they might feel inferior, similar to an ice dispenser, but it seemed that the forum and real-life situations were different.

Regardless, I needed to ensure that my identity was never revealed.

 

While taking a step back and pondering other thoughts, she suddenly called me.

 

"I'll summarize the structure and theory up to this point. Before moving on to practical exercises, the assistant will demonstrate first."

"Yes?"

 

This was unexpected, and I felt bewildered.

As I stepped onto the platform, Vina extended her hand as if signaling me to stay.

 

"I can't use extreme magic."

"I'll assist with the calculations, so it's fine. Don't worry about combining principles; just get the feel for it."

 

It seemed the naive magician believed that anyone could immediately apply the theory once they understood the principles.

I reluctantly held her chilly hand. Fortunately, I felt confident that I could meet her expectations this time.

When I caught the dark magician known as 'Mountain Burner' during my adventures, my companion had unraveled a similar spell with a comparable principle.

 

'A friend who uses interesting magic. But without self-confidence, one can easily crumble.'

'Self-confidence?'

'Magic is essentially belief. To confidently claim that Meteor is ice magic, one must have enough self-assurance to overcome cognitive dissonance and withstand the phenomenon.'

 

Elements that make up fire are diverse: smoke, temperature, light.

If you expand the range to include vegetation and mountains, even more variables arise: the sound of trees burning, people's screams, the shadows of animals running around, the moment the wind changes.

 

'If one of those elements is mistakenly applied in an unconventional way, is it possible to believe that the mountain is burning?'

'That's right.'

'You're not listening at all, Clark.'

'Enough with the lecture. What do you want to say?'

'I want to extinguish the fire. Establish the same extreme state as the one on that mountain range right now.'

 

She was the most outstanding magician I knew, even before entering the Magic Tower, and that perception hadn't changed.

Although I didn't understand difficult words, I understood the meaning behind her smile.

 

'Even if it doesn't seem like it, you can hit the mark, right? Your spear aim is always impeccable.'

 

Recalling that moment, I took a deep breath and exhaled. As if extinguishing a candle.

 

"W-what!?"

"Eek!"

 

Simultaneously, all the lights in the classroom went out, and pitch-black darkness enveloped us.

 

At the same time, a message appeared on the Witch Note that I had never seen before.

 

====

[System: Dark mode activated.]

====

 

 

 

*

 

====

[Update!!!!!]

 

Dark mode just arrived. You can choose it in the settings tab right now.

 

— For real? That's awesome!

— I completely believed!! I completely believed!!

— I believed it!! I believed it!! I believed it!!

— Now I can browse the forum even at night... I can sleep comfortably...

ㄴ Maybe the reason I can't sleep at night is because I don't browse the forum?

====

====

[I apologize for doubting you...]

 

For a genuine forum addict who spends 20 hours a day on the gallery, using fictitious account for multiple projections and enjoying the chaos, but he was preparing such a gift.

 

I worship you, Goat.

 

— Suddenly, I feel deeply impressed by the administrator, who browses the gallery for 20 hours a day, even adds new features while getting up in the early morning, and more...

— But isn’t all of the above true? lol

====

====

[Using dark mode worsens eyesight]

 

According to a recent paper presented at a conference, using dark mode actually increases eye fatigue because the pupils expand to identify text better when the brightness is low.

Do you have any thoughts on using dark mode?

 

— Yeah, shut up. I'll use it even during the day.

— Whether it's about eyesight or whatever, I'll use it because I want to. lol

— My eyes are fine. I guess you have a bad relationship with your eyes lol.

====

====

[There was a brief power outage on the entire first floor a little while ago, or is it just me?]

 

It's not like a demon came in, right?

====

 

It might have been a bit late due to the lights going out in the classroom, but Vina's first lecture ended successfully.

Surprisingly, I, who claimed not to know extreme magic, succeeded in casting magic at once, making her appear as an excellent teacher.

Some bold individuals even asked her to hold hands for assistance, although Vina refused, saying it was something they had to do themselves.

 

 

Applause and cheers were heard, and while observing busy students adjusting their schedules, I also checked the new feature that was added.

Dark mode. It wasn't intended for such usage, but it was a meaningful harvest nonetheless.

 

"Interesting."

"Yes? Especially the saturation value that maximizes the cyan intensity, adjusting according to the user's eyesight..."

"You're talking about Supervisor's magic, right?"

"Ah."

 

As I walked out of the classroom and through the hallway with Vina, she talked about the extreme magic I showed.

Her eyes, like a calm lake, were filled with shallow ripples of curiosity.

 

"'Invisible Light'. It's intuitive and highly practical. It was thought out quite well in a short time."

"But I wouldn't have been able to do it alone. It was possible because you helped me, Vina."

"What matters is the idea. Proficiency can be gained through practice, but this kind of utilization is not written in books. Supervisor is fascinating."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. You know a lot of knowledge I don't, solve any problem easily, and even have a unique way of thinking. You're truly a rare specimen among magicians."

 

The gloved hand I held earlier tapped my cheek lightly as the magic elevator arrived.

The one with an exceptionally quick brain rotation, indicating what she had been thinking for so long, became apparent.

 

"Well then, I'll excuse myself."

"Supervisor."

"Yes?"

"I need a servant to work in my mansion on the Secret Garden floor."

 

Those who have mastered the extreme of magic often lack consideration for others and are immersed in their own worlds.

Understanding such nonsensical remarks from individuals like them is one of my few advantages.

 

"If that's the case, you can request suitable assistance from the living department. Or you can arrange a contract with an external company."

"They need to be proficient in magic, participate in research, and above all, I need someone I can trust."

"Then, since there's a labyrinth where graduate students live on the 1st basement floor, you could bring someone from there, right?"

"I've already found someone."

 

But I didn't expect a proposal like this.

 

"Supervisor, won’t you come with me?"

"...."

"Supervisor is still staying on the starting floors. This is undoubtedly an opportunity that will never come twice in a lifetime."

 

Vina waited for my response inside the elevator.

The very act of a pure-blood pressing a button for someone else was an unimaginable consideration.

Perhaps that's why the slightly raised chin and flushed cheeks seemed to carry a hint of self-confidence.

It was an expression of confidence that I wouldn't stay in the uncomfortable, outdated, and fictitious dormitory, dealing with inconvenient matters.

 

"Hmm...."

 

There was no need to ponder for long.

 

I closed the Witch Note that I had been watching all along throughout the time I spent with her.

And, I gave my answer to the proposal that no fool would never reject.

 

 

 

*

 

Dadohae (多圖海), the eighth stair of the Magic Tower known as the 50th floor.

Christina, standing on the stairs of the library where numerous scrolls poured like a waterfall, received a summons from the librarian.

It was because her friend had violated one of the two rules existing in this place.

 

"Even if you are Milone's successor, sleeping in the library is not allowed. This is a problem unrelated to climbing."

"Ha-ha, sorry...! This one seems a bit heart-broken..."

 

Looking at Vina, who had been lying on the desk, not moving for twenty hours, Christina gave a bitter smile.

Then, to get the librarian's forgiveness, she spilled the beans about the reason she had violated the rules.

 

"It seems she was rejected by a guy. She gathered courage for the first time, but he refused."

"What's the big deal? Every encounter has a parting. Like the content of this book."

"No, no! Listen! She asked him to stay next to her, offering a home and a job, but do you know what that guy said!?"

"What did he say?"

"Well, he said he couldn't come because he felt sorry for the ice dispenser he bought not long ago!"

 

Hidden behind the pages, the pupils, pale white, peeked out from behind her bangs.

Christina heaved a sigh of relief that 'Bookmark Reaper' hadn't driven them out of the 58th floor.

 

 

"Is the ice dispenser given priority?"

"Pushed back!"

"That's too bad."

"Right? So please forgive her just this once, please!"

 

Thanks to her friend's tearful shield, Vina was able to stay in Dadohae until her thoughts were organized.

It was a bonus to be recommended five romance novels carefully selected by the head librarian.

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