I Will Carry as an Academy Veteran

37

Daisy von Schucross.

He was quite a peculiar fellow in many ways.

He was the darling of the Schucross family, a prominent figure in the East, and a complete antithesis to Reyna, who hails from the West.

A character in the magician class with a focus on production.

Also, Reyna is an ordinary student who has been a senior student for years.

She has been the top student in the Department of Magic since the first year, belonging to the student council, the center of power in Selenium.

Unlike Reyna, who has a deep understanding of all elemental magic and combat magic, Daisy von Schucross can only use her unique magic, ‘gemification,’ and no other magic.

She made up for this by entering school through ingenious magic tool production.

And unlike Reyna, who is relatively expressive, Schucross is so cold and blunt that emotions seem nonexistent.

A character who doesn’t show her inner thoughts, almost like a doll.

But.

Even she is a girl.

The faint smile she occasionally shows in events where she builds up likability was enough to captivate the hearts of many users.

Though not often, after breaking her route a couple of times, I realized something.

She had a complex about not being able to handle magic other than gemification.

In the original Schucross route as well, she creates magic tools to compensate for this weakness.

“…This is a magic tool developed for those who cannot use magic to easily use magic.”

Schucross stood at the lectern and showed the students the magic tool she had made.

A jewelry-type magic tool that can be used to cast spells by embedding gems inscribed with specific magic on rings or necklaces, requiring just a small amount of magic input.

I listened carefully to Schucross’s presentation, thinking,

‘The presentation content is the same as the original.’

In summary, the presentation stated that since it was in the form of inscribed specific magic, even those with little magic could use high-level magic, and it could save much more magic usage than widely used magic tools.

“…That concludes my presentation. Thank you.”

After finishing the presentation and coming down, thunderous applause erupted.

She walked down from the lectern with the same blunt expression, glanced at me, then returned to her seat.

Listening to the presentation brought back old memories.

In the large fan community specializing in the conquest of Selenium Saga, there was once a big controversy.

I was going to rule the world: Guys, isn’t the magic tool made by Schucross useless when you actually see it? Just looking at the price, it’s not something commoners can use.

Smile again for me, Schucross: Hey! Don’t badmouth. Our Schucross has been…

Well, roughly.

In essence, it was ‘Is the magic tool created by Schucross actually efficient?’.

As expected of those who love detailed settings, heated debates continued for days.

There was even a guy who didn’t eat or sleep for days, participating in the debate for 36 hours straight, fainting and being taken to the hospital by an ambulance to prove it.

Why on earth would you even prove that?

Anyway… from what aspects Schucross’s magic tool is good, what its shortcomings are, what items can complement it, to sending lengthy emails to the developers requesting the implementation of such items in the game…

There were truly many things happening.

“Well, then let’s hear Adrian’s presentation. What kind of tool has he brought!”

And.

By raising questions, adding wood, igniting flames, and sending perfectly fine users to the emergency room, ‘I was going to rule the world’ turned the peaceful community into a world of chaos and confusion…

That’s me.

It was truly an amusing experience.

“Student Adrian?”

It’s my turn.

Standing up from my seat, I straightened my tie and stepped up to the platform.

* * *

As I ascended the platform, all eyes were focused on me.

Not friendly gazes.

Rather, there were more eyes with different intentions.

Well, that’s to be expected.

I glanced around and began speaking.

“It’s Adrian. Let’s get straight to the point.”

Before projecting the hologram, I shifted my gaze to Schuros.

And in a calm voice, I spoke.

“By engraving magical symbols on gems, the magical accessories can be crafted, allowing for the convenient activation of magic by infusing a bit of the wearer’s mana… Schuros, did I understand correctly?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Nodding my head, Schuros remained expressionless, staring at me as if silently questioning.

There’s something important in these presentation competitions.

First, emphasize ‘I’ve listened to your presentation attentively’ through questions.

“However, this product has three major flaws.”

Through rebuttal, emphasize ‘but your presentation wasn’t that great.’

“Student Adrian, could you please explain in more detail? What are these flaws?”

The professor sharply questioned, and the murmurs of the students immediately turned towards me.

What flaws exist.

Speaking about them is a piece of cake.

“First, it’s the cost. If one can’t use the ‘gemification’ magic, they’ll have to pay a hefty price to obtain the gems. Eventually, even if it hits the market, it will inevitably be sold at a much higher price than the conventional magical accessories.”

The issue of cost.

“…!”

Schuros seemed to be taken aback by this.

It must have hit a nerve.

Just because you can use gemification magic doesn’t mean acquiring gems is easy.

Not everyone is in that position.

I continued my explanation.

“Secondly, it’s a matter of expertise. Even if there are high-quality gems, how will you find a skilled magician who can perfectly engrave magic on them? Will Daisy von Schuros spend hours personally carving magic into the gems?”

Schuros’s face was gradually turning red.

Even if the object is mana-friendly, directly engraving magic symbols on an item is a whole different story.

Regardless of the difficulty level, if there’s a failure in the engraving process, it’s not just a matter of losing the expensive gem.

“…That makes sense.”

“Nobles may easily buy them, but what about us commoners dreaming of such things?”

Whispers could be heard all around.

Many students nodded in agreement to my words.

With momentum, I continued speaking.

“Lastly, thirdly, one cannot pursue the diversity of magic. Only one magic can be carved into a gem. However, if one encounters a monster with the same attributes as the magic engraved on the magical tool…”

Everyone held their breath.

They were all focusing on my words.

Now is the time.

“The magical tool you believed in will not show any effects, and you will die as is.”

Perhaps recalling that situation, the students frowned.

And now, finally.

“Therefore, I present one solution, my own idea.”

“It’s my turn to show that ‘Your presentation is mediocre, but mine is great.'”

Pressing the button next to the podium, a hologram appeared along with a book.

“A book…?”

“Rather than a book… isn’t it more of a notebook?”

As I flicked my finger, the notebook unfolded with a rustle.

The professor examining it spoke with a sharp voice.

“Adrian, is what’s written in this notebook a magic circle?”

I nodded and looked around at the students.

“My principles align with Schucross’. The difference is that while Schucross’ magical tool contains and manifests magic, I use paper. Regardless of status or wealth, everyone can easily and conveniently use it. If I were to name this invention…”

I spoke clearly for everyone to hear.

“I would like to call it a ‘Scrollbook.'”

The students’ murmurs filled the classroom.

No one could have imagined I would bring such a magical tool.

Well, who would have thought that someone who was once a noble would talk about equality and such.

“To summarize the functions of the Scrollbook: ‘Use magic regardless of affinity or attribute.’ Each page of the Scrollbook contains paper imbued with magic and a magic circle. When you tear the paper, the engraved magic is activated.”

The Scrollbook in the hologram tore apart, and ‘Fire Arrow’ appeared and scattered in the air.

“A gem can store only one magic per item. However, this Scrollbook can contain all types of magic, regardless of attribute, attack, or support, in paper form, in a single book. Furthermore, it does not require the user’s magic power. Therefore, even those with little or rare magic power can use it comfortably.”

Once again, the classroom buzzed with excitement, and I glanced at Schucross.

Look at that, his face is all red and flustered.

Schucross raised his hand with a red face and asked a question.

“Presenter, then how do you plan to find advanced magicians who can carve magic into paper, which was the issue I presented?”

I responded with a look that said, “What can I do?”

“The theme of this presentation is solely about presenting a blueprint for ‘manufacturable’ magical tools. Any changes that may occur during actual production will be tackled by the researchers at Salenium University. And it seems there are still some crucial aspects that have not been grasped.”

Somewhere, Melwood’s crying could be heard, but I ignored it.

Intentionally, I shouted clearly to everyone.

“Even those with ‘incompatibility’ to certain attributes, or those who cannot use magic at all, can cast spells simply by tearing paper.”

Schucross fell silent again.

“Any more questions?”

There were none.

The professor, unable to continue, looked at the Scrollbook with teary eyes.

As far as I know, this professor is ‘incompetent’ in all elements, so he cannot use magic.

The reason this professor chose Elemental Magic Synthesis as his major was to research the flow of magic in his body, magic, and elemental magic in order to find a way to use magic despite his ‘incompetence.’

So, it’s understandable why there’s interest in him.

It’s congenital, not being able to use magic, so if someone suddenly says, ‘Even people without magic can use magic!’ it would obviously raise some eyebrows.

Are there no scroll books in this world at all?

They do exist.

But they’re rare and found only in the deep late-game.

They’re not really for casting spells but rather comedic items made for characters who are incompetent in magic.

Moreover, seeing that the paper inscribed with magic spells was all made from the wood of elves imbued with magic, it would be difficult to mass-produce.

So, in a way, this is a bit of a farce.

It’s not about contributing to social progress, but solely about breaking through Shucross.

And this lecture was set up to inform those listening that ‘the current Adrian is different from before.’

I drove the final nail.

“I believe. I hope for a time when even those without affinity for magic and elements can freely use magic, even if it’s not the scroll book I devised. That’s all.”

I lightly bowed my head.

Clap clap clap clap……

Clap clap clap clap clap……

Amidst tremendous cheers and applause, I returned to my seat.

The gazes on me were completely different from the beginning of the presentation.

“Um, that was truly… a remarkable pre…sentation. Um, today’s exam will end here…. You may go back….”

The professor said tearfully.

And so, all the midterm exams came to an end.

* * *

At the back of the lecture hall.

I lowered my head and said to Shucross standing in front of me, “The outcome is….”

“I-it’s already… been decided….”

No, already?

She, who was about to shrug her shoulders, soon lifted her head and began to cry like a child.

“Uhhuhuhu…. Uwahhh….”

This was her characteristic.

Even though she seemed dignified on the outside, she was just a crybaby when pushed.

While she was crying miserably, the world of competition is inherently cruel.

“Well then, state your wish.”

“O-Okay. My defeat, you are truly innocent. I understand. Whatever, whatever you command….”

“I will increase the number of wishes to five. That’s my wish.”

“Eh? What? Yes?”

I stated coldly.

Unjust? But as the loser, you must follow my words quietly. That’s because a deal is only made when both sides are equal.

Shucross, with tears streaming down, nodded her head.

I won’t protest that it’s too much.

Is this the pride of nobility?

There were many demands.

They should make magical tools for me, pass on some student council information, help me build a relationship with the student council president.

But among them, the first thing that needed to be done was…

“I will now state my first wish. If you grant this, you’ll have four more, right?”

“Please, tell me. But, ah, this disgrace is absolutely…!”

“Participate in the equestrian event at the Athletic Festival in my place.”

“Receive such an absurd order…?”

“Haven’t you heard? I’m telling you to participate in the equestrian event at the Athletic Festival in my place.”

No.

This is the first time in my life I’ve heard of substituting in the Athletic Festival being absurd.

What on earth is this guy thinking?