Surviving as a Mage in a Magic Academy Chapter 1094

Chapter 1094

‘What a truly unpleasant kind of trust.’

Yi-Han thought so inwardly.

Though both the young prince and the skull principal placed their trust in him, the details differed significantly.

Honestly, the trust the skull principal displayed left an unpleasant feeling.

How was that any different from a curse telling him to go meet evil god worshippers?!

“I thought you were mentioning it because of the possibility that I might approach Professor Bagrak.”

“If Professor Boladi approaches them, maybe. But them approaching, that’s…”

The skull principal was skeptical.

Of course, it was hard to predict those evil god worshippers who seemed to carry madness and straw inside their heads instead of brains.

Still, if one were to hazard a guess, the possibility of them approaching Professor Boladi didn’t seem high.

There was nothing the evil god worshippers would want from Professor Boladi.

Though there was a deep, bloody grudge between them, evil god worshippers were the type to spend time spreading their faith rather than exacting revenge.

In fact, it would be Professor Boladi who had many things he wanted from the evil god worshippers.

‘Mainly what’s on top of their necks, I suppose.’

Honestly, the skull principal would have liked to lock up both Yi-Han and Professor Boladi if possible.

He had even seriously considered confining Professor Boladi if not feasible to do so with Yi-Han.

But knowing Professor Boladi’s personality, if confined, there was no chance he would say, ‘You’re worrying about me, so I’ll calmly stay in the punishment room.’ He’d more likely break free and run rampant.

Forcing it could ruin the entire plan. It would be better to at least put a rein on him.

If he placed him next to the beloved disciple he cared about, maybe he would think twice, or half a thought, or a quarter of a thought, before doing something reckless…

The problem was the misfortune following that disciple.

Considering the recent events Yi-Han had experienced, it wouldn’t be strange at all if evil god worshippers made a move.

It was just a vague hunch, more akin to intuition or a premonition, but a skilled mage never ignored such signs.

“Still, this feels too vague.”

“You want a more plausible reason? You’re from a great noble family, possess more mana than a dragon, and have contracted with a dragon, so you’re bound to attract the interest of evil god worshippers. There aren’t many prey in the Empire as enticing as you.”

‘It was better when he was talking vaguely.’

Yi-Han grumbled inwardly.

When the skull principal spoke logically it made him feel even worse.

“Looks like you’ve accepted it. Keep it in mind.”

“Yes. If I see anyone suspicious, I’ll be sure to doubt them first.”

“Don’t forget to doubt Professor Boladi if he looks suspicious too.”

“…Yes…”

"Then take this one and train him. Klzenberg?"

-Yes!-

The death knight bowed politely.

“This knight will escort you outside the academy this semester.”

“Professor Bagrak will be accompanying me, so the knights will come too?”

“Of course. As I said, Professor Boladi might beat you and slip away.”

“...”

“Pick the most perceptive knights and prepare for the escort.”

-Will do so.-

The skull principal was meticulous.

Even if he let both disciples loose, he would not let his guard down.

If Professor Boladi watched the evil god worshippers, the death knights watched the evil god worshippers, and Wardanaz watched Professor Boladi, then there would be no gaps.

-Didn't you misspeak at end?-

"I spoke properly though?"

-......-

Telling Yi-Han to watch the professor more closely than the evil god worshippers left the knights baffled.

Ignoring them, the skull principal waved his hand dismissively.

“Off you go. I have matters to discuss with the professors. The accidents your Seniors caused won’t hide themselves… Wait.”

"?"

Yi-Han, who was about to turn and leave, paused as the skull principal called him again.

What was it now?

‘Did he hear me cursing him inwardly?’

“Never mind. Go on.”

“Yes.”

After Yi-Han left completely, the skull principal spoke to the knights remaining there.

"Why is he wearing Evangelion?"

-W-well. Perhaps he heard the location from the Doppelganger of Honor?-

  *

“If you need to approach vile mercenaries or thieves, please leave it to me.”

Ibinta bowed and flattered him.

Any pride in having once owned the underground fortress had long since shattered to dust.

Now he wanted only one thing:

To survive this mission without offending the fearsome mage from the Wardanaz family.

No matter how eccentric this mage might be, could he be scarier than the eldest one?

“I have no plans to approach anyone like that.”

“Pardon?”

“I said there’s no need to approach them.”

Yi-Han kindly explained to the former thief, who looked confused.

Despite the skull principal’s nasty predictions, Yi-Han had no intention of going out so actively this semester.

He had already secured supplies, and besides, now that the skull principal had said those words, he felt annoyed and no longer wanted to go out.

‘If I only take requests that I can handle inside the academy, the skull principal’s curse will be meaningless.’

“Wardanaz.”

Jijel, who had been walking with a sword slung over her shoulder, called out to Yi-Han from behind.

Honestly, she hadn’t wanted to call out to her friend in front of death knights and a thief, but she had some news to deliver.

“Here. A letter from the Family Head.”

"??"

Yi-Han tilted his head, not understanding why Jijel handed him a letter.

Jijel looked at him with even more disbelief.

“Why so surprised? It’s a letter of request.”

“What request?”

“…Did you overwork yourself during the break and lose your memory? You asked for requests last year, remember?”

Jijel stared at Yi-Han as if he were ridiculous.

-How about asking the Principal and then sending a formal request to Einroguard?-

-Yes. I'll be waiting.-

"..."

As he recalled their conversation from last winter break, Yi-Han’s face stiffened.

He had even excitedly talked about taking on a request with Jijel and splitting the earnings.

'Oops.'

He had thought it would be a great opportunity back then and accepted it without hesitation, but to think it would come back like this.

[To the esteemed guest Wardanaz.

Your previous insightful conversation provided much inspiration to our family. You advised that we not release the apprentice knights who visited our domain and instead train them harshly. Thanks to that advice, the apprentice knights have greatly improved…]

Respect rarely seen was shown in the letter sent by Jijel's father and Moradi family head.

The family head who was always cold and followed efficiency rarely showed such goodwill to people.

There were several reasons but one was advice Yi-Han gave last time.

When apprentice knights came to visit, don’t let them roam freely. Instead, ban them from going out, just like Einroguard did!

That advice must have been very effective beyond expectations as the family head was expressing satisfaction in the letter.

‘That’s good news. I’m glad it helped the knights improve.’

When Yi-Han smiled Jijel wondered.

What could the letter say to make him smile so warmly?

“What is it? Something besides the request written in there?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Last time, the Family Head listened to my advice, and it worked out well.”

"What advice?"

“I said that to improve the apprentice knights’ skills, they should be treated like Einroguard students.”

"...?!!!"

So you were the culprit!!

Jijel was horrified.

They had reshuffled the towers in the territory, kept watch on the apprentice knights, and prevented them from having fun, so she had wondered if the skull principal had said something. But it turned out the culprit was right here.

While the apprentice knights’ skills had indeed improved, it was unclear whether they would be grateful for it.

Given the murderous gleam in their eyes, they probably wouldn’t feel thankful.

“…When you visit the territory, don’t ever say that it was your idea.”

“Why not? Thanks to my advice, their skills improved, didn’t they?”

‘This bastard. He’s becoming more like the principal every day.’

Jijel cursed her friend inwardly.

He’d spent too much time around professors during the break. His sense of normalcy seemed off.

Was he really okay?

[…As promised last year, I sent a formal request to Your Excellency. I look forward to your lively ideas this year as well.

Jiderpra Moradi]

"..."

After reading the entire letter, Yi-Han fell silent.

Apparently, the Family Head remembered how Yi-Han had said “Just entrust it to me” last year and assumed he would definitely accept.

‘I’ve dug my own grave.’

Yi-Han reflected.

No matter how good an opportunity seemed, he should think twice before accepting it so carelessly.

Who knew the situation would turn out like this…

‘No choice. I’ll just accept this one.’

Yi-Han spoke with resolve.

“I’ll accept the request, Moradi.”

“You accepted it last year already… What’s wrong with you today?”

Jijel looked at her friend with concern.

Normally, she wouldn’t give him such a look, but today Wardanaz was making people worry.

After Jijel left, having delivered her message, Yi-Han turned back to Ibinta.

“If I just visit the Moradi family’s territory, I’ll have hardly any reason to go out beyond that.”

“Yi-Han. Here’s a letter.”

“...”

Yi-Han turned around abruptly. Yonaire’s voice had never sounded this intimidating before.

“…What letter?”

“A letter from my older sister. Here.”

As he opened the elegant white stationery that smelled of alchemical reagents, large, scrawled letters came into view.

[To Yonaire's friend

I’m not sure if you remember what we worked on in the workshop last time. Actually, I’ve heard rumors that you received a request from the Moradi Family Head this semester. They say some students avoid going out to focus on their studies, but I’m relieved that Mr. Wardanaz isn’t like that. After all, someone as active as you wouldn’t do such a thing.

I’m preparing a new research project and need the help of outstanding students. It would make me very happy if you could come with Yonaire to help. Ah right. Don't take what Yonaire says too seriously. Little sister tends to exaggerate...]

Yi-Han shuddered.

‘They should ban communication between noble families by imperial law.’

Whenever noble families exchanged letters, they only conspired with sinister plots that did nothing good for the Empire.

For the news of Moradi’s request to reach Yoanen’s ears so quickly!

“Another request?”

Yonaire guessed without needing to hear more. Yi-Han nodded weakly.

“It’s best not to accept it. If you go this time, you won’t get any sleep and will work non-stop.”

"Lady Maykin said the exact same thing, telling me not to trust them."

"..."

Yonaire's face turned pale.

She never imagined her older sister would predict her actions so precisely.

“Wh-what I just said is a secret.”

“Don’t worry. More importantly, she asked you to come along as well.”

"What?!"

Yonaire snatched the letter from Yi-Han’s hand and read it frantically.

As she read, she kept muttering as if she couldn’t believe it.

“For alchemy requests, you can handle them inside the academy, so why specifically summon people outside… That means they’re really going to work us hard…”

“…I can hear you.”

After finishing the letter, Yonaire grew sullen.

Unlike Yi-Han, if her older sister called, she had to go.

“No choice… I have to go…”

“…Yonaire. Think positively; the rewards should be good.”

“I guess… If I collapse from exhaustion, I can use the money to build a coffin…”

“By the way, it says we can bring along other students. How about Gainando?”

Yonaire’s face brightened a bit at that suggestion. Seeing this, Yi-Han became bolder.

“What about some Seniors or professors who annoyed us?”

“That’s insane.”

“Actually, I think so too.”

Yi-Han quickly retracted his idea. If he brought Seniors or professors, he might be the one to suffer.

‘Still, going to just two places might be manageable.’

He would visit the Moradi family’s territory, go to Yoanen’s workshop, and then refrain from going out again.

“Senior, there’s a letter!”

“Yi-Han, here’s another letter…”

“A letter flew onto the roof!”

“Wardanaz! Paper birds are flying into your room! Hurry and check before anything falls over!”

"..."

Before Yi-Han could even finish thinking, letters poured in from all directions, making his face stiffen like stone.