Academy’s Genius Mage

“It’s an honor to be under your guidance. Though I may be lacking, I look forward to learning from you.”

“You can take your time with the pleasantries. The real mentor-mentee relationship begins only after you have chosen your specific major.”

“That may be true, but there is something I would like to ask of you.”

A look of interest spread across Professor Frost’s face.

It had been a while since a student sought him out just to introduce themselves right after being admitted, and now they had a request as well.

“Ian Oracle.”

“Yes, Professor.”

“You are not yet an academy student. The induction ceremony has not started, and you have not received the King’s blessing. You must be aware that since the Sun King founded the academy, receiving the King’s blessing has become a tradition. I am a professor of the academy. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate for you to come tomorrow about the matters related to the academy?”

“You are right.”

Ian sensed a strong adherence to principles in Professor Frost.

However, this was only one aspect of the professor.

With a composed expression, Ian continued.

“Then how about this: I would like to make my request not to Professor Frost, but to Mage Frost.”

“What an interesting young man.”

Professor Frost stood up and motioned for Ian to take a seat with a gesture.

“I do owe Lefevre a favor from the past. Take a seat.”

“Thank you.”

The two of them sat down.

This was the real beginning.

Ian steeled himself. Failing to persuade would leave him cornered.

He had a promise to keep with Felix.

“Before I tell you my request, may I first explain what I wish to do?”

“I don’t see how that would change anything, but suit yourself.”

“I have always been interested in potion-making. Thanks to my parents, who were both theoretical mages, I had early exposure to herbalism, alchemy, and potion-making techniques.”

“Indeed. Your parents were both outstanding in those fields.”

Professor Frost nodded once.

Ian suddenly thought this conversation might have been difficult if Professor Frost had not known about his parents.

“As a result, I saw many shortcomings. As you know from using potions, the quality varies greatly depending on the place of production. Many can’t even be trusted unless they come from renowned workshops.”

“Hmm, that’s true.”

“There are issues with the raw materials and with the methods of preparation. Among these, I am particularly interested in the lack of standardization in potion production.”

“Hmm.”

Professor Frost smiled subtly.

It was unclear whether it was a positive or negative reaction, but Ian had no choice but to continue.

“Potions are essential in everyday life, and also very important consumables in wartime. Hence, a certain amount is stockpiled every year. However, the inconsistency of the quality often leads to problems. Depending on the storage location and environment, the efficacy of potions can rapidly deteriorate or be lost entirely. This is a particularly sensitive issue within the knights’ order.”

Professor Frost was momentarily reminded of his student days.

It felt like attending a lecture.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a student so passionate about potions. I understand the issues you are pointing out. So, what is your main point?”

“I would like to start a potion business at the academy.”

“At the academy?”

That was wholly unexpected.

As Milo had mentioned, making potions is a complex task.

This is because it’s closer to the work of a craftsman than that of a mage.

Except for the final step of infusing magic to mature it, gathering ingredients or mixing them is something anyone with skill can do.

“A potion business at the academy…”

Ian was not the first to express interest in potions. Other students had done so as well.

But they ended at research or writing papers.

Ian was the first to talk about starting a business. At least, since Professor Frost had been at the academy.

“Is it to standardize production that you wish to do it at the academy? Using the Royal Family’s name, no less?”

“Indeed, you are truly a professor. You assessed it correctly.”

Ian interjected appropriately to keep the conversation flowing.

“Standardizing processes across the entire continent would be difficult. But what if we limit it to the Kingdom of Sonokin? I don’t think it’s impossible.”

“Whether it can be done or not, there will be significant resistance.”

“Isn’t it natural for people to seek methods that are easy and convenient? If a gap in skill develops, everyone will try to learn the new techniques.”

“You mean you won’t force it? Well…”

“I plan to start with a pilot project within the campus and deliver a small quantity to the knights’ order. By evaluating the feasibility this way, we can gradually scale up. I believe this will also provide a great platform for students to participate in practice and research. What is your opinion, Professor?”

Only then did Professor Frost realize that Ian hadn’t just come for idle chit-chat.

He straightened up on the sofa, sitting seriously.

“Ian Oracle.”

“Yes, Professor.”

“Let’s clarify one thing. For your proposal to be viable, a premise is necessary. You must have an innovative manufacturing formula in your head that will change the history of sluggish potion-making.”

“I do have an idea.”

To hear such a confident reply was unexpected.

Professor Frost smiled and extended his hand.

“Let’s hear it then.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t divulge it here. If it comes to that, I’d rather drop out of the academy and pursue business elsewhere.”

It was true that Ian had an idea concerning potions. After his parents disappeared, he delved into all the books and research notes from their library.

During this process, countless ideas flowed into his mind.

Of course, it wasn’t merely riding on his parents’ legacy.

His parents’ research provided a starting point, but it wasn’t complete. Their research laid down the theoretical groundwork.

Ian then added his own intuition and insights, leading to the birth of brilliant ideas.

The idea for the potion also came recently, inspired by his parents’ research but developed independently by Ian.

‘Though I haven’t experimented yet, I’m confident it will work.’

Ian was certain.

“For the head of the Oracle Family to speak of dropping out.”

“I apologize. I will be more careful with my words and actions in the future.”

“Did something happen to the family?”

The question was soft, making it feel even more sincere.

Ian sensed that Professor Frost’s heart had opened a bit more.

“The difficulties of my family are well-known even to children passing by. Now I am alone. I cannot continue living luxuriously at the academy.”

“We are meeting here for the first time today. I understand that you may be wary. You probably can’t trust me yet. That’s not an issue of character but of time.”

Their eyes met.

“You sought me out to ask for my help. While the process was interesting, you never told me the reason. If you truly think that you need my help, tell me why you came. Trust always begins with one side showing courage.”

“It’s an embarrassing matter…”

“More embarrassing than leaving this lab empty-handed?”

“No. To be honest, my family has debts. I’m trying to start a business to repay them.”

“Just as I thought.”

Professor Frost nodded, an understanding expression on his face.

He also found it quite admirable.

Usually, when faced with debts, one would create more debt elsewhere to resolve it. But the young mage before him proposed a rational solution.

Professor Frost nodded once more.

“Having debts is not a shameful thing, Ian Oracle. Being ashamed of it is what’s shameful. You came to me with a rational solution. I don’t see what’s embarrassing about that.”

“Thank you for saying that, Professor.”

“I understand what you want to do, and my guess is you want me to be your supervising professor, correct?”

“That’s correct.”

In order to proceed with a research project at the academy, supervision from a professor was required.

Right now, the only person Ian could rely on for guidance was Professor Frost, his advisor.

“Creating potions requires a lot of work. More than you might think. It would be difficult to do it alone; do you have any companions willing to help?”

“I was fortunate with my dorm assignment. I plan to ask my roommates for assistance.”

“I see.”

Milo was very interested in enchantment.

Ian could ask him to handle the tool-making and request herbs from Edel, who aspired to join the Major in Healing Magic.

‘Edel, in particular, would be a big help. Although I haven’t heard his side of the story yet, being admitted through a special selection process means he must have some special skills.’

It was certain that these skills were related to healing.

Tonight, after the induction ceremony, once they return to the dormitory, something might come up if he conducted an investigation.

Healing skills and potion-making were closely related.

After all, healers were the ones who most frequently dealt with potions, often making them themselves.

“Good. If you’ve planned that far, there shouldn’t be any major issues. But so far, everything you’ve said is merely hypothetical. You still need to prove it.”

Professor Frost stood up and grabbed a pen.

He began to write busily on a piece of paper.

Once he finished his notes, he handed the paper to Ian.

“By next week, produce a stamina recovery potion. You must use only the ingredients listed on this paper. These are the ingredients used in low-grade recovery potions supplied to the knights. The potion’s effectiveness should be at least double.”

“If you don’t mind, I have a suggestion, professor.”

“Go ahead.”

“I would like to invite you to the dormitory to observe the manufacturing process directly. Just bringing the finished product wouldn’t be sufficient proof.”

Nodding with satisfaction, Professor Frost spoke.

“Indeed. You are worthy of the Oracle Family name. I look forward to next week, Ian Oracle.”

“Thank you very much for accommodating my request.”

“I should be the first to express gratitude. I’ve heard the story. Thanks to you, the experiment went smoothly.”

Professor Frost gestured to one side of the room.

There, the experimental tool that Ian had reassembled earlier was neatly displayed.

* * *

‘I should thank Mareng later.’

Although Mareng had modestly declined the credit, Ian believed that because Mareng had relayed his story, Professor Frost had shown interest.

No matter how he looked at it, the potion project seemed somewhat far-fetched.

‘But I am confident I can make it work. That method will definitely work.’

As Ian stepped outside the building, he heard a commotion nearby.

His attention naturally shifted in that direction.

‘Has it already begun?’

In the short time he had been conversing, a crowd of freshmen in academy uniforms had gathered.

However, the atmosphere was not very pleasant.

There was a clear divide between those wearing cloaks and those clad in armor. Numerous freshmen from the Department of Martial Arts were surrounding a smaller number from the Magic Department.

“Pathetic wimps. This is supposed to be the kingdom’s future? Ha! Even a passing dog would laugh.”

“Don’t just glare; why don’t you come at us, huh?”

“Be careful, or you’ll get caught fighting.”

“Fight? They wouldn’t dare, they’re too scared to even try!”

“Hahaha!”

The provocation from the Martial Arts freshmen had begun. They were aggressive enough that the future of the kingdom seemed secure, at least from their perspective.

‘Is this the power struggle Milo was talking about?’

Ian thought it was unproductive.

But since it was said to be a traditional occurrence with historical significance, there was no choice but to observe.

‘Wait. Who is that?’

There was one student who particularly stood out.

A noble-looking young man with fiery red hair.

His physique suited the armor, and his eyes, like molten gold, signified his noble lineage.

‘Could it be Helios?’