Illusion Sword Master

＜ Imperial War University (4) ﹥

As soon as I entered the classroom the next day, I felt my classmates’ cold gazes. It wasn’t just because of the commotion I caused with Professor Dars yesterday.

“That Ethan guy, did he finally snap?”

“Looks like it? Is he trying to act like a knight or something?”

It was because of the sword at my waist.

But why do they always have to make such a big deal about it?

“Does the Magic Department have a reaction type or something?”

The reaction itself was understandable.

Mages despise knights, and knights look down on mages.

It was the result of a long-standing nerve war between the two special classes that represented the empire’s national defense.

So, if a Magic Department student like me carries a sword, a symbol of the knights, it would look quite outrageous. And if that student dared to challenge a notoriously strict professor the day before, it would be even more so.

Of course, I didn’t mean to cause a scene, but to others, I must have looked like a complete lunatic.

“It’s already spilled milk.”

My plan to live quietly, graduate, and avoid drawing attention to myself had already gone awry.

Even if I got ostracized, it was better than getting kicked out.

“Today’s lecture will be a test with grades, as announced yesterday.”

Professor Dars entered the classroom, followed by a row of human-sized wooden dolls.

The mana emanating from Professor Dars seemed to be connected to the dolls like threads, making it seem like he was controlling them with telekinesis.

“The test method is to use telekinesis to deal significant damage to the dolls. Don’t think it’s easy; there’s a metal core inside each doll. Allen Gaddus, you’re first.”

The called student tried to push the doll with telekinesis, but no matter how hard they tried, the doll didn’t budge.

“The output of your mana is pathetic. Your utilization method is also one-dimensional. What did you learn in your family? Next.”

The subsequent students called up weren’t much different.

“This is ridiculous. Not worth discussing. Next.”

“Who taught you magic? Your parents? Good question. You almost insulted your family. Next.”

“This is astonishing. How can you disappoint someone like this? Next.”

Most of them couldn’t even move the doll an inch. Professor Dars left a harsh, biting remark for each of them.

Every time the students’ faces turned ashen, a subtle spark of excitement flickered in his eyes.

It was clear that I was enjoying this process.

Only three students had escaped criticism from Professor Dars.

“Flawless. There’s nothing to pick on.”

“I’m so grateful that Professor Dars, the master of magic, is praising me so highly.”

One of them was Sera Zephir.

The amount of mana she could handle was overwhelming.

Just by casting magic from top to bottom, the doll’s head was bowed down, its body crumbling.

The fact that I was outdone by a crazy, talented noblewoman made me feel depressed.

Next was our young master, Roem.

He simply pushed the doll with magic, but the strong force crushed the doll’s limbs against the wall.

Although his mana was inferior to Sera Zephir’s, his explosive power was impressive. It seemed to be in the realm of sense.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that the eldest son of the Karlen family is the most outstanding among his peers in the East. If only he didn’t have that stain on his uniform, I’d like to give him praise. Keep up the good work.”

“Ah! I’m sorry. The tomatoes I bought this morning were very fresh.”

I felt a sense of incongruity, even in the way he didn’t wash his hands after using the restroom, and it seemed that there was still a rough edge to him despite his refined face.

Last was Menka Admin, a female student who looked as gloomy as I did.

“She has a strong natural talent for magic. It’s an amazing gift, but she needs to practice controlling it urgently. Unless she wants to burn her fellow students to death.”

“I can handle it alone…”

Without exerting any effort, she used magic to break the doll’s ankle and made it kneel down. From there, she didn’t stop and used another spell to set the doll’s body on fire.

She seemed to be out of her mind, and I thought it was better not to get involved with her.

And then, it was my turn.

“Sword?”

Professor Dars asked with a colder face than when he spoke to the other students.

“Yes. That’s correct. You didn’t say anything about restricting the tools, so…”

I answered with the most humble expression I could make, trying not to offend him.

“That’s right. I expect a result that surpasses the discomfort I feel. If you can’t do it, there won’t be a next chance.”

I tried to ignore his threatening tone and drew my sword.

I had realized something while practicing magic with my sword all night.

“Magic is a technique to realize one’s imagination in the world.”

For the past ten years, I had been using my sword to survive, to live.

My determination to survive was my imagination, and the sword in my hand was my small world.

So, even if I was a half-baked magician who could only use magic with my sword, I could achieve better results than other magicians as long as I limited myself to the sword.

I had to do it.

“I have to tear that damn doll apart to survive.”

I felt the mana wrapping around my sword and threw it.

The sword that left my hand flew quickly and pierced the wooden doll’s neck.

“Tsk.”

I heard Professor Dars click his tongue.

“Not yet. You impatient guy.”

I strongly felt the connection between the mana, myself, and the sword, and executed my next move.

The sword that was stuck in the doll’s neck spun around in a circle, cleanly cutting off the target’s head.

After pulling out the sword and swinging it in the air, I split the wooden doll in two with a swift downward stroke. Neatly, vertically.

“Incredible. That level of magic control is insane.”

“Did you only practice magic after eating?”

The reaction team went wild.

Now, I just had to draw a beautiful curve with the sword and retrieve it with my hand.

“Ugh…”

Suddenly, a severe headache hit me because I forced myself to use an unfamiliar magic.

Tick.

As my focus broke, my connection to my mana was severed.

Oh no.

Shit.

This can’t be happening?

The sword that was supposed to land in my hand had deviated from its trajectory.

“Ahh!”

The reaction team let out a collective scream.

I wanted to scream too.

What a coincidence.

“Ha. Is this the spirit of a newcomer?”

The sword had fallen towards Professor Dars, thanks to my mistake.

Luckily, Professor Dars also used magic to deflect the sword, so it didn’t harm him.

No, it’s not that I was lucky; it’s just that the situation didn’t turn out worse.

Anyone could see that I was provoking him.

“To be honest, your skill is remarkable. In terms of magic control, you’re the best among all the students. However…”

Instead of getting scolded, I received a positive comment.

“I never thought a student would give me such a shock.”

As expected.

What’s said afterwards is what matters.

“I apologize, Professor. To be honest, I…”

I carefully chose my words, thinking about how to make up for the situation and gain his forgiveness.

“No, that’s enough. We can’t waste time on your explanation here. Come to my research lab after class.”

He handed me back the sword and said that.

It was the most polite death sentence I could imagine.

#

In front of Professor Dars’ research lab.

I stopped for a moment and simulated the possible consequences.

“Sign here. It’s your expulsion application.”

The worst-case scenario where I’d be expelled immediately.

“You tried to harm a professor. You’ll be judged not by school rules, but by imperial law.”

And it wouldn’t end there.

“You’re very handsome. If you become my secret friend, I’ll let this slide.”

Professor Dars was an unexpected pervert.

“No. This doesn’t need to be considered.”

What could I do in this situation?

No matter how I thought about it, there was only one way.

As soon as I opened the door, I would kneel down, admit that my previous actions were a mistake, and beg for forgiveness while proclaiming my admiration for Professor Dars.

“Okay.”

I thought about what I had to do and knocked on the door.

“Respected Professor Dars, it’s your humble student, Ethan.”

“Come in.”

The door opened before I even touched the doorknob.

It was a magical lock.

“A mage can’t win in close combat.”

As soon as I entered the laboratory, Professor Dars, who was sitting in a chair, suddenly let out a ridiculous remark.

Damn. I missed the timing to kneel down.

“A mage can’t fulfill their role if their safety isn’t guaranteed.”

“……Yes?”

“That’s why those knights, who don’t even recognize mana, believe they’re chosen by mana and call us ‘Sirs.’ It’s very humiliating.”

The professor didn’t wait for my response and continued speaking on his own.

“I found the answer in my youth, just like you did.”

Professor Dars spoke with a distant expression, as if he were a solo actor.

“Alchemy is the most pure form of magic manipulation. It’s the best method to eliminate risks in close combat through immediate and physical effects.”

He stood up.

“I obtained the title of Alchemy Master, but ultimately, my research failed. Alchemy lacks practicality. The immediate physical effects of magic on an opponent with magic resistance are just a waste.”

From his words, I could vaguely sense that he had some misunderstandings.

“Today was a huge shock. I didn’t expect a student like you to have the same thoughts as me. I couldn’t even imagine that you would come up with an alternative to my failed research.”

The current Dars was not an authoritative professor but a mad alchemy otaku.

“The combination of swordsmanship and alchemy. I finally saw the path that alchemy magic should take! It’s the development of an all-around combat technique to expand the tactical role of mages, limited to long-distance attacks!”

My survival sensor said.

The correct response here was not to restrain him or reveal the truth, but to nod enthusiastically with tearful eyes.

“Tell me. How did you come up with that idea?”

“Actually……”

I didn’t intend to, but I just wanted to become a knight. I didn’t think I had talent in magic, so I just wielded a sword for ten years, and it turned out like this.

It was like catching a mouse while backing away.

Of course, different words came out of my mouth.

“I thought that combining swordsmanship and alchemy could replace knights. That would be a sure way to prove the superiority of magic, wouldn’t it?”

“Indeed it would!”

It was a mistake that professors often made.

In reality, most things in the world happen by chance and are foolish, but people often mistakenly believe that everything is based on thorough calculations and theoretical backgrounds.

“What should we call your magic, which has reached the level of practical application? Sword magic? Sword art? No, a more comprehensive name would be better. How about ‘Masegusul’? It suits you well.”

I didn’t even have time to think, but Professor Dars had already gone too far…

I didn’t have the courage to defy the professor, who had the authority to decide my fate as an idol otaku.

Since things had already come to this, I decided to take it one step further.

“It’s an honor! If you permit me, I’d like to name it ‘Ethan-Dars-style Masegusul’, after the professor who laid the foundation for modern magic!”

“You’ve misunderstood me. I thought you were talented and arrogant, but it turns out you’re a great junior who respects your seniors.”

“Hahaha!”

“Hahaha!”

While some people consider honesty a virtue, there are times when it’s better not to reveal the truth.

I was adapting to the magic department, piling up one lie after another…

“However… since my name is attached to your magic, I can’t just let it go. As a professor and a magician, I have to say something.”

He smiled kindly, like a professor who cared about his students, but I could see the madness in his eyes.

“I’ll teach you the essence of magic privately for a year. Come to my research lab every day after your daily routine. It’s a secret, so don’t tell anyone else.”

He looked like a mad scientist who had discovered an interesting experiment subject.

＜ Royal War University (4) ﹥ End