A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 54

Chapter 54: Quickening (1)

Epherene and Sylvia, exhausted from their attempts at Category Alignment, were drenched in sweat. Sylvia managed to succeed, but Epherene fell short.

"Beck. Lucia. Step forward."

I asked other Debutants to attempt Category Alignment. They struggled as well, drawing circuits haphazardly. Their spells lacked any logical structure, relying purely on intuition.

"... Enough."

I switched off the crystal orb that powered the transformed classroom. As the barrier dissolved, the room reverted to its regular lecture hall form.

"Your abilities are still inadequate. It seems I overestimated you. Sit down."

The Debutants returned to their seats, their nerves evident in every step.

"I intended to teach you to perceive magic through logic rather than intuition. Without a solid theoretical framework, intuition alone will fail."

Of course, this method was unfamiliar to them. That’s why it wasn’t easy; it frustrated them and eventually brought them back to square one. I never slacked in my efforts to teach. There likely wasn't a more dedicated professor than me. I had studied and translated various methodologies, game systems, and even ancient texts from the magical era of the theocracy.

In the distant past, logic was paramount, and I believed in its systematic correctness. However, only about five or six students genuinely grasped this teaching. In simpler terms, it was a moment of clarity.

"Let me explain this in detail once again."

In the game, various bonus systems existed—attribute bonuses, category bonuses, combination bonuses, harmony bonuses, and more. Attribute bonuses enhanced performance and reduced mana consumption when using spells aligned with a character's talent, similar to category bonuses.

However, harmony bonuses were more complex. Mastery of spells required more than just acquiring a grimoire; it demanded practical skill and the process of internalization, known as Comprehension. Harmony bonuses activated when Comprehension and practical mastery were perfectly aligned. I aimed to teach the Debutants about these harmony bonuses.

"Observe the structure of the Will-o'-the-Wisp spell."

Using Telekinesis, I picked up a piece of chalk. On one part of the board, I drew the Will-o'-the-Wisp spell. Then, I illustrated the supportive category spell, detailing how to connect them. This was an analog approach.

"When Will-o'-the-Wisp is applied within a supportive category, it generates special effects. Memorize the entire structure and circuit connection."

If understanding was difficult, the first step was to memorize. For Debutants admitted to the Mage Tower of the Empire, comprehension would naturally follow memorization.

"When the Thundercloud is applied to the destruction category, it exhibits special effects. Commit this to memory as well."

I demonstrated the logic of integrating each Pure Element into its proper category. Six pieces of chalk moved simultaneously across the board, illustrating the process. To enhance readability, I used different colors for the core circuits, hoping the students would appreciate the attention to detail.

"Handling metal like a blade, Metal Leaves manifests special effects when applied to the summoning category. Though its full depth remains beyond your current understanding, focus on memorizing it."

I wrote continuously, filling the blackboard with the application of eight different magic categories. It became covered in thousands of lines and circles, forming intricate and almost indecipherable geometric patterns. The lecture lasted 150 minutes.

"That concludes today's lesson."

There was no response. Half the class appeared drained, while the other half continued scribbling notes. I glanced at the scene behind me. The enormous five-meter-high blackboard was completely covered with spell structures.

"Feel the helplessness of relying solely on intuition. You must experience this to grasp its necessity."

Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. After that, perspectives change. I continued coldly.

"We'll have a simple test next week. Be prepared."

The clock read 6:00 and 11 seconds. The slight delay was immensely irritating as I exited the lecture hall.

***

As soon as the class ended, Epherene made her way to the library. Deculein’s lecture today had been especially complex and challenging.

Logical application of Will-o'-the-Wisp in supportive categories

Logical application of Thundercloud in destructive categories

Logical application of Metal Leaves in summoning categories

★IMPORTANT★ Effort required to perceive the logic as magical

“... Logic.”

Deculein always insisted that in magic, logic paved the way, and intuition followed. Relying solely on intuition could lead one astray, deceived by appearances. Simple spells and problems might be solved intuitively, perhaps even more efficiently due to accumulated knowledge aiding insight.

However, when confronted with difficult magic or new magical phenomena, logic became an essential tool for problem-solving.

“... It’s difficult.”

The reasoning was sound and persuasive, but the difficulty level was the issue. It began with basic arithmetic, but before long, the blackboard was filled with geometric circuits, each requiring complex mathematical calculations to understand.

“How does Deculein manage to...”

No matter how much she pondered, too many contradictions with her father's letters remained. It was possible that Deculein possessed some theoretical prowess. Perhaps he had learned from her father, or maybe he had hired someone else to fill her father's role.

"... Well, I should just focus on studying."

Learn, practice, and try again later. Professor Deculein welcomed challenges, after all. Before she knew it, midnight had passed. Epherene packed her thick notebook into her bag and stood up.

Plod, plod—

Trudging back to the dormitory, she passed through a deserted alley. She instinctively hid when she spotted someone. It was Relin, accompanied by a slender figure—Professor Siare. The two were whispering quietly.

"... So, Louina has gone missing? Professor Siare, is that true?"

"Yes, that's correct. After her lesson with the Empress, she was last seen getting into her car, and her whereabouts since then are unknown," Siare confirmed.

"Why has she disappeared so suddenly...? Could it be that Professor Deculein is involved?!"

"Shh. Shh-shh," Siare said, hurriedly.

Epherene's eyes widened.

"Further details will be addressed at the Mage Council. For now, her disappearance remains confidential to prevent any unrest within the Mage Tower."

"Understood. However, the timing is quite curious, especially with the opposition's signatures due soon..."

Holding her breath, Epherene waited until they left before exhaling and wondered, "... Kidnapping? Gone missing?"

Epherene knew of Louina. Her name had appeared in her father's letters, and she was considered one of the special talents of the current era in the Magical Realm. The idea that Deculein might have done something to her crossed Epherene's mind.

"No way."

Not all gossip among professors was true, and she had her own problems to worry about. Her current bank balance was a concern. At the beginning of the semester, she had received 100,000 elne in support.

Of that, 85,000 elne had been spent on grimoires, specialized writing instruments for mages, and departmental event fees, with the remaining 5,000 elne going towards food. Now, she had only 10,000 elne left...

“Miss Luna?” the dorm supervisor called, as Epherene reached the dormitory.

“Yes?” Epherene replied, approaching her.

The supervisor adjusted her pointed glasses. Despite her stern appearance, she was the most reliable person in the dormitory. Handing over the letters, she said, "You have several letters. I didn’t want to leave them in your mailbox; the other students might tear them up."

“Oh, thank you so much.”

“Take care.”

As she climbed the stairs, Epherene sorted through the letters. One was from her hometown, but the other... Her eyes widened in surprise. It was a sponsorship certificate. She tore it open to find another donation of 100,000 elne.

“Wow...”

The certificate gleamed like gold, and Epherene's eyes sparkled with delight. Perhaps the sponsor had heard about her second-place finish in the midterms and intended to continue supporting her if she maintained her grades.

Smiling brightly, she tucked the certificate into her pocket and opened the letter from her hometown. Upon reading it, she immediately turned and ran to the administration office.

“Ex-excuse me!” Epherene shouted as she burst through the door, her voice trembling with urgency.

The night duty officer looked at her with a weary expression and said, "Yes?"

"I received a sponsorship certificate earlier today..."

Her grandmother’s letter mentioned that 300,000 elne had been deposited into their account as sponsorship funds. Her family expressed their deep gratitude, crediting Epherene’s efforts for this blessing, and reassured her not to worry about them.

“Is it anonymous again?”

“Yes, it’s anonymous,” the officer replied with a nod, stifling a yawn.

Epherene quickly interjected, “But isn’t there a way—”

“Just accept it. Your situation isn't the best, right? No sponsor would reveal their name.”

Though harsh, it was true. The rumors about the so-called Crazy Commoner Epherene were widespread.

Seeing her downcast, the officer added, “If it troubles you, why not write a letter?”

“... A letter?”

“Yes, even with anonymous donations, letters can be delivered. Maybe if you’re lucky, they might reply. You’ve already received 200,000 elne in support. That’s a considerable amount.”

“Oh... You’re right. I’ll do that!” Epherene agreed after a moment’s thought, nodding.

If the sponsor disliked receiving letters, they simply wouldn’t respond. Sending a letter wouldn’t do any harm.

Epherene widened her eyes and asked, “Excuse me, but do you provide stationery?”

"... You need to get that yourself. We only handle the sending and receiving of letters. With the sponsorship funds, you should be able to afford it, right?"

"Ah... I see. Thank you."

***

The next day, the Mage Tower of the University was bustling with festivities and parties.

?????~ ?????~

The faint sound of parade music drifted in from outside. His recent work on the relationship between runes and circuits was nearly complete—a precise analysis.

The runes used in the sixth Symposium problem totaled fourteen characters, but only three could function as circuits. With this research, solving the Symposium problem seemed within reach. He sealed the documents with magic and placed them in his briefcase.

“... Hmm.”

Suddenly, a notebook caught my eye in the corner of the drawer. It was untitled and didn’t resemble anything related to Wealthy Magnate or Villain’s Fate. It was a mysterious and unidentifiable notebook.

“This is...”

I picked up the notebook and examined the cover closely before flipping it open. The pages were blank. I couldn’t just keep wondering about it.

“Let’s see what it is.”

After taking a deep breath, I carefully infused it with mana...

“... You persist in disappointing me.”

A stern voice echoed in my ears. I looked up to see a man who resembled Kim Woo-Jin, an older version of myself. His eyes gleamed with deep disdain.

“... This is your final opportunity,” the voice had said. It was my father’s voice. No, it wasn’t. It was Deculein’s father. But in my reconstructed memory, his father resembled mine...

Thud—

“Oh, sorry,” he mumbled before walking away with that meager apology.

“Oh, would you like to see the play? We still have tickets available,” a student asked as they handed me a ticket.

“Please take your seats! Portrait of a Sad Day is about to begin!”

“Ugh... Sniff...”

“... Sniff.”

“Ugh...”

“Oh? Ah, th-thank you... sniff...” Epherene said, wiping her tears before handing the handkerchief back to me.

I finally caught a line of the dialogue. I didn’t know the full story, but it seemed to be a revenge drama, and the actress’s performance was excellent. Even from an Aesthetic Sense perspective, it was superb. During the intermission, Epherene, with red, puffy eyes, ran off but returned right after the second act started.