Surviving as a Mage in a Magic Academy

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Several tents had been set up in the front yard, and people wearing religious clothes were handing out food and drinks to the students with kind smiles on their faces.

 

While he was bewildered, Yi-han received a cookie from one of the priests.
It was warm and smelled delicious, most likely fresh out of the oven.

 

He took a bite.
Not only was it crispy, but the cookie also contained jam inside, making it extremely sweet.

 

‘What’s all this about? Is the academy going under??’

 

The principal opened his mouth as if he had sensed Yi-han’s confusion.

 

On this fine weekend, we’ve invited priests from various temples all over the Empire.
Aren’t you all glad? Now, please welcome them!

 

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap-

 

Although the students continued to murmur, they clapped along for the time being, and the priests bowed to express their gratitude.

 

“Thank you, Principal Gonadaltes, for allowing us to hold such an event when you must be busy teaching all these talented mages of the Empire.”

 

Haha, the honor is mine.
Please remember to put in a good word for me when you meet His Majesty.
A lot of funds are required to uncover and research new ancient magic…

 

“W-we can’t give any promises, but we’ll try our best.”

 

Principal Skelly didn’t bother mincing his words, troubling the priests greatly.

 

For some reason, Yi-han felt nostalgic when he witnessed this scene.

 

‘Regardless of which world I’m in, I guess professors are at the mercy of their research funds.’

 

Even the most arrogant professor would behave meekly before their sponsors, and Principal Skelly, who probably feared no one, was no different.
His research funds were determined by the Emperor, which was why he was showing such a weak attitude.

 

The priests then addressed the students.

 

“Students of the academy, it is our honor to meet such talented individuals.
In the future, everyone present here will undoubtedly become splendid mages.
We are servants of gods representing various religious groups, and we’ve gathered you all here today to introduce ourselves.”

 

‘What a tremendous amount of mana…’

 

Yi-han was surprised by how much mana the priests had.
They were quite literally emanating mana from their bodies.

 

Clearly, they were at another level compared to the freshmen.

 

Also, their mana felt special.
There was something sacred and divine about it.

 

Fascinating, isn’t it?

 

“!”

 

Yi-han had the shivers.
Before he knew it, Principal Skelly had secretly crept up beside him.

 

It’s natural you feel that way.
There’s something unique about a priest’s mana, which is why they call it holy power.

 

“So I hear.
But this is my first time seeing it in person.”

 

So you do sense their mana.

 

‘Damn it.’

 

Yi-han realized his mistake.
The principal had been testing him!

 

Why hide it? You should be proud of your gift.
Out of all the Iron… I mean talents here, how many of them do you think are capable of detecting mana as accurately as you?

 

The principal couldn’t understand Yi-han’s reasoning.
In his mind, a mage shouldn’t shy away from flaunting their abilities.

 

This was so that they could be sponsored by rich nobles (and extract their wealth).
After all, studying powerful magic required a ton of resources…

 

Will he flip out if I say it’s because I don’t want anything to do with him?

 

Yi-han decided it was best to keep his thoughts to himself.

 

His goal was to build connections and graduate with good grades.
He had no intention whatsoever of delving deeper into the field of magic with the principal.

 

In the end, he had to come up with an excuse.

 

“There are others more talented than me in the academy.
It’s important to be humble.”

 

And I’m telling you that you’re wrong.
From now on, you should go around bragging about your talent.

 

‘What’s this madman saying?’

 

If he did as the principal said, his social circle would be left in shambles, and he’d only have Gainando left as his friend.

 

Fortunately, Principal Skelly wasn’t too invested in ruining his relationships, and he soon changed the topic.

 

I bet you aren’t all that familiar with priests.
After all, the Wardanaz Family doesn’t involve itself with religion.

 

“No, I’m not.”

 

A lot of religious groups existed inside the Empire, but magic and faith did not mix well together.

 

I’m not much of a believer myself.
I’m too smart to believe in gods.

 

‘…Thought you’d say that.’

 

In fact, most mages were atheists, though not many were as extreme as the principal in their stance.

 

The patriarch of the Wardanaz Family, Yi-han’s father, had once brought up the topic of religion during dinner time, and he had this to say about it:

 

– Holy power is simply another form of mana, mana that underwent a qualitative change as a result of the beliefs of a group of monkeys.
What they call holy magic isn’t some miracle; it’s just another branch of magic.
Why else would it have the word “magic” in it?

 

– In that case, what does the Patriarch think of studies involving holy magic?

 

– There’s nothing wrong with it, if you wish to waste your time, that is. Real magic is backed by theories and calculations.
Holy magic, on the other hand, was achieved through gibberish which those mindless idiots call the power of faith.

 

‘I should never reveal to the priests that I’m from the Wardanaz Family.’

 

That was the conclusion he reached after recalling his memories.
Even if the priests were saints, they would be pissed off if they heard what the patriarch said.

 

I’m sure Wardanaz would agree with me on this.
Those priests are fools I tell you.
What’s the point of having useless followers that converted after getting some treats? This entire event is a farce.

 

The principal droned on and on beside Yi-han, letting out all his complaints.

 

Yi-han, who had been listening, suddenly opened his mouth to speak.

 

“Esteemed principal.”

 

Yes?

 

“Are there any groups that you recommend?”

….

 

Principal Skelly stared at Yi-han in disbelief.
That one question had rendered their entire conversation meaningless.

 

‘Wait, groups?’

 

As in ‘groups’ with an ‘s’?