Research Life of a New Professor at Magic University

It was natural for Arien to be so shocked.
After all, Professor Atwell hadn’t spoken much about his research until then.

Arien wasn’t a spellcraft major, so she knew little about the latest trends in the field.
She had been putting off reading the papers published by Atwell for later.
However, given his age and status as a professor, she could infer that he was quite influential in the field of spellcraft.

‘But to be an individual whose name will be mentioned in class and recorded in history…’

Even the students majoring in spellcraft were admiring the floating sphere in the air, seemingly fascinated by it.
Professor Caulry even took the time to rotate the spell formation so that everyone could see it clearly.

Then, a student who had asked about the next stage of spell formation voiced another question.

“Does that thing really work?”

“Of course! It works, which is why we call it a spell formation. Attempts to deviate from the circular shape of spell formations have been made. You all know about polygonal and radial spell formations, right? You must have learned about them.”

Arien hadn’t learned about them, but everyone else knew, as they were part of the required courses for spellcraft majors.

“Other than that, there were many peculiar shapes. However, they didn’t work, so they were nothing more than doodles instead of spell formations. They had no scholarly value, so you didn’t learn about them.

Professor Atwell is acclaimed not only for his innovative ideas but also for following through with research, theoretically organizing it, and then proving it.

Arien also raised her hand and asked a question.

“What advantages does that spell formation have?”

“It’s unclear. Professor Atwell’s paper only presents a few possibilities. So, in some cases, it can extend the duration; in others, it can increase mana efficiency; and in others, it can maximize firepower. It’s not consistent enough to say definitively.”

Arien felt somewhat disappointed that she didn’t get the answer she wanted.
The students were also dissatisfied with the vague response.

“In three-dimensional spellcraft, it’s possible to arrange formations that weren’t possible with planar spellcraft, and existing spell components also interact in various ways. Just as the concept of overlapping spell formations in mid-air made it possible to combine countless spells, three-dimensional spell formations also challenge the limits of existing spells. In fact, Professor Atwell’s demonstration showed its potential.”

Therefore, Professor Caulry provided an easily understandable example.

“As you know, sustaining flame-type magic for a long time has always been difficult. You either need to pour in a huge amount of mana from the beginning, or the spellcaster needs to keep holding it. However, the fire spell Professor Atwell cast with a sphere spell formation smaller than a human head was said to have lasted for three hours without any additional mana infusion. With the same amount of mana and a similar-sized planar spell formation, it would be difficult to maintain it for even 5 minutes, one-twelfth of an hour.”

Listening to the explanation, one of the students, whose eyes had lit up with excitement, asked in a hopeful voice.

“Then can you demonstrate it?”

This time, Professor Caulry disappointed their expectations.

“No, that’s not possible. I can’t do it. So far, no one besides Professor Atwell has succeeded in designing and manifesting three-dimensional spell formations.”

“What about the spell formation you’re showing us now?”

“It’s drawn precisely according to the diagrams and schematics in Professor Atwell’s paper. But in its current state, it doesn’t manifest.

As I mentioned earlier, three-dimensional spell formations require consideration of many factors compared to traditional planar spell formations. Although Professor Atwell systematized and organized them, most of them still remain in the realm of the unknown.”

In reality, you couldn’t even read the paper unless you were a doctoral-level spellcaster.

“The paper hasn’t been out for more than a year. Even prominent figures in the field of spellcraft took several months to fully understand it. But even those who thought they understood it failed to design and use it themselves. As far as I know, no one has succeeded in replicating it—at least not yet. Maybe Professor Atwell deliberately omitted some parts? I wouldn’t be too surprised, as that is the norm with magical research.”

“Then, is it something only Professor Atwell can do?”

The student’s point was valid.
Magical spells that only a tiny fraction of individuals with a unique disposition can use.
Many wizards create spells solely for themselves.

However, such things are not recognized in academia.
Because no one besides the inventor knows whether they are right or wrong.
And besides, no one can use it even if it’s published in a paper.

That’s why concealing the core of the research is essential to publishing a paper.
Most magical papers are written to outline only the main points and the most important details while omitting the specifics.

Other wizards who understand the paper to some extent can attempt to replicate it, and the inventor can maintain their superiority.
It’s common for wizards to hide their research and only partially disclose it.

But what if other wizards can’t even implement it?

It becomes a phenomenon unique to individuals.
Blaming others’ ignorance is useless.
If people don’t understand, it’s the researcher’s fault.
The researcher’s job is to provide enough information for others to understand and explain it in detail.

“That’s not the case. Strangely, for a spellcraft paper, Professor Atwell’s paper didn’t have any anti-replication magic on it. Thanks to that, talented replication magic users could showcase Professor Atwell’s spell formations as they were.”

“Does that mean it worked at the time?”

“Surprisingly, yes. It worked perfectly fine, consumed minimal mana as described by Professor Atwell, and lasted for a long time. But any adjustments, such as adding strokes or enlarging it, caused it to stop altogether.

We had no choice but to acknowledge it because Professor Atwell revealed his secret spell formation for everyone to see.

In the end, by disclosing the spell formation that everyone else would’ve kept hidden, Atwell could conceal the essence of his research.

The person who knows the most about three-dimensional spell formations is Professor Atwell, and even he may not know everything. It would be a monumental event for a lecture on three-dimensional spell formations to be held.

The magical community hopes that Professor Atwell will further develop this research. While his research is ongoing, some speculate that Professor Atwell has completed the theory.”

Upon hearing this, Arien had a slight misunderstanding.

‘Professor Atwell said he was doing different magical research from mine… Could it be?’

“However, unfortunately, that’s not the truth. The best place to research spell formations is the capital of the Empire. For some reason, there’s a rumor that Professor Atwell, who presented the theory, disappeared for about six months. During those six months, there was no progress in three-dimensional spell research.

Perhaps he lost interest. Dr. Atwell has never held on to one research topic for so long.”

‘He said he couldn’t help if he wasn’t a magical expert.’

“I wish someone would steal the research data for us to see.”

In response to the student’s complaint, Professor Caulry laughed as if he had heard a strange joke.

“Hahaha! That can’t happen! Atwell may have become known as an authority in spell formations now, but didn’t he have quite a reputation even before? It’s not just because he’s young. He’s also a master of security magic.”

At this point, Arien was even more surprised than before.

The arrogant and self-centered young professor, Atwell, seemed quite fitting for the impression of a genius of the century.
It was just unexpected to this extent.

However, it was completely different from the image of a meticulous and perfect security expert.

In Arien’s view, Atwell was someone who didn’t even properly patrol his laboratory.
If Arien had wanted, stealing his research notes would have been a piece of cake.

This unsettling lack of security and safety complacency was really worrying.

“He may have changed his location now, but his skills haven’t diminished. Those who try to steal Professor Atwell’s research data must be prepared to risk their lives.”

Upon hearing this, some students were even tense, but not Arien.

‘I could just open the door and walk in!’

However, if such doubts were revealed, they would be known to everyone in this classroom.
Arien felt a mixture of awe and pity toward Atwell.

***

Arien, who had attended the class, looked at me with a very subtle expression.

“Is there something else?”

“Professor, you are really amazing, aren’t you?”

“…No, what’s going on?”

Why was Arien treating me like this?
There was simply no respect for the professor.
Could it be because I’m young?
Just because you’re over 200 years old, could I consider you an old fogey?
How rude for someone a bit older than me.

Even though the words were spoken like that, there was never a pure expression of respect.
Warmly smiling with a slightly pitying expression, it felt like she heard gossip or slander about my glorious deeds from somewhere.

Where on earth did she hear such things?

There are too many suspects.
I have a strained relationship with nobles and generally with people in academia.

I’ve even been officially criticized by the Magisterium, not to mention the Church.

“Did you hear about me from somewhere?”

“Yes. I found out what research you wanted to conduct without me, and I also understand why you didn’t tell me.”

Ah, the grimoire? So she’s only just heard about it now.
The incident where I tracked and raided a wizard’s hideout during my vacation and annihilated them is still a hot topic in society.
It would be pretty surprising to see the other side of the professor who was thought to only deal with deskwork.

I thought they would talk about spell theory in ‘Advanced Spellcraft’…

It seems like the instructor is interested in odd things.

“I wasn’t originally deeply interested in magic spells. Elves are more familiar with summoning magic than spells. But now that I know about the research you’re doing, I want to help, too.”

“Help with my research?”

Research on deciphering grimoires? Not trying to dissuade, but offering to help?
No, before that, did she become interested in spellcraft because of that?
Because of rituals where people draw blood, harvest souls, and summon demons?

“It seems like there’s been a misunderstanding. Spellcraft isn’t about such studies.”

“Yes. But soon it will be.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Isn’t it about helping people? With your research alone, you could bring relief to the countless suffering people!”

“……”

“If we continue to advance that research, maybe even the forsaken elves in the woods could be saved! The answer to the path I’ve been hoping and dreaming of might be in that research. I may be lacking now, but please let me help later.”

“……”

Perhaps I’m raising an unbearable monster.

Am I teaching the human heart to this mad elf to save the world?
Preaching about morals, ethics, and human dignity.
It’s a task that doesn’t suit me at all.

“Oh, and please pay more attention to security around the lab.”

I felt a chill go down my spine.

“Be especially careful at night.”

I couldn’t fathom what this elf was thinking.

“Lab security…”

There’s probably no need to worry about my research’s security being compromised.
There’s no need to even bother.

‘…But I should check it just in case.’

Pushing aside the complicated thoughts, I called out to Arien.

“Well, since today’s class is over, shall we start the experiment?”

I have a research assistant who might eventually try to destroy the world.
What should I do with this cruel and wicked-minded research assistant?

There’s only one answer.

Keep her busy.
To the extent that she couldn’t do anything other than the research I had assigned.

There’s no other way.