I Became a Genius Black Mage at the Holy Academy

With Kaina’s dark magic combat class finished, the morning classes were over. 

The first week had two classes in the morning, but from the following week, classes would be divided into morning and afternoon sessions.

“We only have two classes today, right?” Demona asked.

“… Yea.”

Roan nodded, glaring at him with a look that clearly said he didn’t even want to talk to him.

“Are you still mad?” 

“No.”

“Really?”

Despite Roan’s denial, Demona still looked skeptical.

‘Who should really be mad here!’

Though he couldn’t help but think this, he decided to let go of his antics in class for now. 

Surprisingly, being on good terms with Professor Kaina might not be a bad idea if he could avoid getting caught.

‘Besides, even if I stayed quiet, Harden would probably bring it up sooner or later.’

He briefly remembered the Holy Spirit, who might subtly hint to Kaina about the presence of a dark mage in the academy.

He was almost certain of it.

“Roan, I’m hungry.”

“What do you want me to do about it?”

“See? You are mad!” Demona shouted, as if he had proven his point.

Regardless, it was true that it was past lunchtime. Having had only a simple breakfast in the dormitory, it made sense for students their age to be hungry.

“I’m hungry too, Roan.”

“It is well past mealtime.”

Rafia and Hector agreed with Demona this time.

“Then let’s go to the commercial district.”

Roan suggested with a nod.

Akerandir was almost isolated in the Empire’s remote regions. Despite this, the resident population was very high, so there was a fairly large commercial district where students could buy school supplies, daily necessities, and meals.

“A commercial district? Really?” Demona’s face lit up with excitement.

In God and Devil, Demona was known as the commercial district addict because of how much he loved it. 

To find him, one had to go to the commercial district rather than the classroom or dormitory.

However, initially…

Hector scoffed. “But Demona, I wonder if there’s anything you can buy.”

“Huh? Why? I have plenty of gold coins! Are you underestimating the Wickron Family?” 

Demona retorted, his face turning red.

He must have taken Hector’s words as a challenge to the honor of the Wickron Family.

‘It would be nice if he thought about his family’s honor all the time.’

Roan looked at Demona with pity.

“Um… Demona. What Hector means is—”

Rafia tried to clarify, but Roan gently tapped her arm, signaling her to let it go. 

Rafia glanced at Roan and then nodded slightly.

Meanwhile, Hector looked at them and then exaggerated his tone. Though Demona didn’t notice at all.

“Wow, that’s impressive. You must have more gold coins than anyone else in the academy. Truly the Wickron Family.”

Though Demona couldn’t sense the sarcasm, Roan and Rafia exchanged knowing glances.

Most students didn’t bring a lot of money when they enrolled at Akerandir. 

As freshmen, they rarely had a reason to go out, and it was more convenient and economical to take care of things within the academy.

“Ha! The fanatics’ family is just like that. How can you live without gold coins? You should at least forcefully get some like me.” 

“Really enviable.”

“Hmph! I could lend you some if you’re desperate.”

“Sure. I’ll take you up on that. If I need it.”

Demona finally seemed pleased. He shrugged his shoulders and patted Hector’s shoulder.

“By the way, Roan. Do you know where this commercial district is?”

“… I’m a freshman too, you know.”

“Oh, right.”

Demona clapped his hands as if he had forgotten.

“Follow me.”

“… Wait, you knew where it was?” 

He was surprised as Roan took the lead.

At that moment, Rafia pointed to a signpost on the side of the road.

─ Ilonia Fountain Square (Commercial District) 1km ─

Of course, Roan hadn’t even looked at the signpost.

“… Ah! Let’s go together!”

* * *

Unlike the generally quiet atmosphere of other areas of Akerandir, the commercial district near Fountain Square was bustling almost year-round, including during vacations.

─ Come one, come all! This isn’t an opportunity that comes every day! Used textbooks at 30% off!

─ Holy symbol sale! Various offerings with great effects for sale!

There were many officially established shops, but external merchants also paid a fixed fee to set up stalls. Their solicitation was very lively.

‘It’s more impressive in person than I thought.’

But what drew more attention than the vendors were the students.

─ I’ll break this large rock with an enhanced holy spell!

─ Show with holy water and flaming hoops!

Mostly second and third-year students were performing various tricks at the entrance.

Demona asked in amazement, “Why are those seniors doing that?”

“They perform tricks to earn money.”

Rafia answered.

“Huh? Are they from commoner backgrounds? Or did they fall out of favor with their families?”

Demona seemed quite sympathetic. He couldn’t imagine having to play the role of a street performer to make money.

“Wait a minute!”

Demona quickly ran off, weaving through the crowd, and soon returned.

“What did you do?” Roan asked, and Demona replied with a slightly annoyed tone.

“I put a gold coin in their donation box.”

A gold coin was a large denomination that most commoners would never see in their lifetime.

‘The Wickron Family is indeed a great family.’

Giving away such a large sum made Roan realize where Demona came from. However, Demona kept grumbling, seemingly dissatisfied.

“But initially, they were really grateful, and then they got annoyed when they saw the gold coin. Can you believe that? Have they never seen a gold coin in their lives?”

“Apparently not.”

Roan clicked his tongue.

Just that was enough to make Demona feel better. He smiled cheerfully.

“They’re so eager over a piece of paper… This academy is a bit strange!”

But Roan couldn’t help but ask at that comment..

“Didn’t you bring the Dalants that Senior Beanin gave you?”

“Huh? Oh, I left them in my room. I wanted to save them since they were a gift. Besides, I have plenty of gold coins.”

Demona nodded immediately.

From what he said, it seemed he hadn’t even opened it.

‘Beanin would be so disappointed if he knew.’

He had spent those Dalants for the juniors, only to have such an oblivious junior in return.

Meanwhile, Rafia and Hector were a step behind, trying hard to stifle their laughter. Even their faces had turned red.

Even after entering the commercial district, the seniors’ performances continued for quite a while.

“Wow, fanatic! Look at that! Do they do that at your family too? Dragging rocks with their teeth?” 

“We don’t do that.”

‘So, do they do something similar?’

Roan wondered inwardly, feeling confused.

He then cautioned Demona.

“Demona, don’t openly mock them like that.”

“Huh? Why? It’s hilarious.”

“… The seniors might get offended.”

“Oh, really?”

Roan couldn’t bring himself to say, ‘Because that might be your future.’

As they approached the central fountain square, the number of street vendors and performers gradually decreased.

“What should we eat? Does anyone know a good place?”

Demona looked around expectantly.

Rafia answered brightly.

“Me! A senior told me about a place called ‘The Holy Forest.’ It’s supposed to be nice, though a bit pricey… How about it?”

“Oh, that place. I’ve heard about it too.”

Hector nodded.

Their gazes turned to Roan.

Roan had no objections. In fact, he was pleased.

‘I’m actually going there.’

‘The Holy Forest’ was a must-visit after enrollment.

It was like how university students often gather at trendy eateries to soak in the atmosphere.

Though a bit pricey, it was a place where freshmen visited to enjoy the early days of their new experience.

After that, visits became less frequent.

“I heard we need to go right from the square…”

Rafia hesitated, trying to get her bearings.

Even though it was a famous restaurant, she didn’t know the exact location since it was her first time.

“I know where it is.”

Roan left his confused friends behind and quickly walked ahead.

* * *

‘The Holy Forest’ was indeed like a forest.

Amidst ordinary brick buildings, trees marked the entrance.

Inside, it felt like a different world, so pleasant that one might forget the crowded streets outside.

‘It’s said to be one of the principal’s miracles…’

Akerandir was fundamentally a holy place, but with the added mystical influence of a thousand-year-old holy spirit, miracles frequently occurred and were maintained.

‘The Holy Forest’ was one such miracle.

Due to spatial distortion, the interior was incredibly vast, and the trees grew beautifully without any special care.

‘It’s truly impressive to see in person.’

Although he visited often while playing the game, seeing it in reality was far more astonishing.

Not only were the trees impressive, but the holy atmosphere allowed for occasional sightings of fairies and spirits, adding to the allure.

Roan and his friends were visibly excited at the entrance. They marveled at the sight.

However, a freshman girl was lingering at the entrance.

“Huh? What’s she doing here?”

Recognizing her, Rafia stopped in surprise.

“Why, Rafia? Do you know her?” 

Demona asked as his eyes danced between the two.

At that sound, the freshman turned to look at them.

“Gasp!”

Demona swallowed a surprised breath.

The freshman had long black hair, a tall and well-toned physique which indicated she was from a family of paladins. Her snow-white skin seemed to glisten in the sunlight. 

But it wasn’t just her appearance that startled Demona. 

She had an icy demeanor. It was as if she was sculpted from ice in the polar regions. She exuded an intimidating aura that made one hesitant to approach her, fearing that any words exchanged would lead to an immediate duel. No entertainer on the continent could elicit even a hint of a smile from her.

Step by step, she began to approach them.

“Is she trying to take our gold coins?”

“Does that even make sense, Demona?” 

While Demona’s absurd reaction was expected, even Hector appeared slightly tense, overwhelmed by her imposing presence.

Rafia, meanwhile, subtly hid behind Roan.

Roan wore a bewildered expression and asked her, “Isn’t she your roommate?”

“Yeah, she is… Wait, how do you know that?” 

Radia nodded and then widened her eyes in surprise.

By then, the mysterious girl had already stood in front of Roan.

“Gasp. Is she really challenging Roan to a duel? She’s ruthless!”

“Think before you speak, Demona.”

At that moment, Riel moved her lips.

“Nice to meet you. Shall we have a meal together?”

The words came out quickly and softly, almost like an incantation.

“You heard that, right? She’s demanding a duel right now! What did Roan do wrong?” 

Demona kept spouting nonsense, and even Hector seemed to waver slightly.

But to everyone’s surprise, Roan smiled. It was a rare sight.

Seeing Roan’s grin, Demona was taken aback.

“Roan isn’t holding back…!”

“Roan. Calm down!” 

Rafia exclaimed. With his stern appearance, Roan looked capable of pulling out a weapon from his coat at any moment.

Roan was amused. He turned to his friends and said, “What are you talking about? She was just greeting us.”

“????”

They seemed more shocked than the time Roan used his healing magic.

“It wasn’t a duel challenge?”

“If you want to duel so badly, why don’t you do it yourself?”

“No. That’s not it…” 

Demona was slightly disappointed. He shrank back under Roan’s sharp gaze.

“This is Riel Haylik. You all know the Haylik Family, right?”

Finally, their expressions relaxed a bit.

The Haylik Family was a well-known family of paladins. In fact, the current head was the leader of a major knight order.

‘Why’s Rafia only realizing this now?’

Seeing Roan’s incredulous gaze, Rafia stammered an explanation.

“Well… I only caught her name during introductions. And she seemed kind of scary…”

“How did you understand her, Roan?” 

Hector asked in astonishment.

‘It certainly is difficult.’

Roan understood their feelings. 

Riel Haylik. 

She was notorious for her lack of expression, no subtitles for her dialogue, and her in-game voice being absurdly quiet. 

If she weren’t essential for progressing through Sion’s storyline, Roan would have given up on her altogether. 

But Riel was practically Sion’s only friend early on, and her talents, apart from communication, were invaluable. 

Roan had gone to great lengths. He bought a soundbar to slow down and amplify her voice, capturing screen frames, and using specialized tools to decipher her expressions and actions. 

Learning that her dialogue actually existed and that her reactions were detailed down to pixel-level left him in shock. 

‘As painful as it was… It feels worth it now.’

He smiled because he could understand her relatively easily in real life. Her voice was unfiltered by speakers and it sounded as clear as a news anchor’s. 

But he kept those details to himself. 

“How did you understand her? It’s rude to ask that, Hector. Apologize. Riel just speaks a bit quietly and quickly.”

Roan chided.

“Oh, I see. I’m sorry, Haylik.”

“Sorry for the misunderstanding, Riel.”

Rafia bowed her head.

Despite their apologies, Riel remained motionless.

“You too.” 

Roan looked at Demona.

“Why me?”

“…”

“I-I’m sorry, Haylik!” 

Demona reluctantly apologized as well.

“No problem. I am used to it…” 

Riel’s lips moved again.

Roan interpreted it as her being overwhelmed by their apologies.

“It’s only natural to apologize when you’re wrong.”.

“Are you really understanding her?”

 Demona was skeptical.

Roan ignored his question.

“I’m glad. So you know Riel? That’s a relief.”

Rafia smiled brightly. She was pleased to have a reason to get closer to Riel.

Roan shook his head. “No, I just met her now.”

“…? Then how do you know her name?” 

The three of them looked baffled, but Roan changed the subject.

“Anyway, she asked if we could eat together. We’re planning to go there. Do you have enough Dalants?”

“A little from the family and seniors.” 

Riel nodded.

Only Roan could understand her subtle movements.

Roan nodded in satisfaction. 

‘Her expressions are much clearer now!’ 

He noticed Riel was quite happy that he understood her so well. Her joy was evident by the barely perceptible twitch of her left eyebrow and the slight upward curl of her right lip.

“Alright. Let’s go in.”

“So, no duel?” 

Demona asked, still puzzled.

“Riel says to be quiet.”

“…. But she didn’t say anything just now!” 

Ignoring Demona’s complaints, they walked into the forest, where stood a large log cabin restaurant. A sign greeted them.

─ ‘Forest of the Holy Spirit’ serves a single menu. Pre-paid. ─

─ Holy Spirit’s Set Menu, 15 Dalants ─

“Hey? Why isn’t the price listed in Imperial currency?” Demona asked naively.

“…”

The silence among her friends was ominous, making Demona feel uneasy.

“… Huh? Did Riel say something, Roan?”

“No, she didn’t.”

Roan replied, leading the way into the restaurant.

Demona hurried after him, chattering nervously. “We can still eat, right? I mean, I have gold coins!”

Hector replied, “Sure. Just tell that to the cashier.”

“Welcome, new students! The price is 15 Dalants per person!” 

The cashier greeted them warmly.

Roan, Rafia, Hector, and Riel each paid 15 Dalants and entered.

Meanwhile…

“I’d like to pay in Imperial currency!” 

“… Pardon?”

“I only have gold coins. Can you give me change?”

“Um…”

Demona jingled his purse, and the cashier looked troubled.

Sighing, Rafia tugged on Roan’s sleeve and mouthed. “Let’s pretend we don’t know him.”

Roan nodded in agreement.

“What? I said I have gold coins!”

“Sir, you see…”

“Gold coins. I am telling you!”