"......"
"......"
Despite Principal Rich's praise, no one seemed particularly happy.
Yi Han felt as though he had just heard someone curse.
"The Blue Dragon Tower has always been the slowest to adapt."
But surprisingly, Principal Rich's praise was genuine.
Every year, new students entered the new dormitories, but those from the Blue Dragon Tower were always the slowest to adjust.
The fastest to adapt were the students from the Black Tortoise Tower.
Since they came from merchant, commoner, or even slum backgrounds, their adaptability was exceptional.
Next were the students from the White Tiger Tower.
Being mostly from knightly families, they had good physical abilities and could endure tough situations.
In contrast, the students from the Blue Dragon Tower were mostly from high noble families.
Having never experienced hardship, it was only natural that they adapted slowly.
But to think that within just a few days, they had managed to find food and take care of themselves.
Honestly, it was quite impressive.
'Is that kid the culprit?'
Principal Rich's piercing blue eyes locked onto Yi Han.
The intuition of a Grand Mage was never wrong.
If it ever was, he would make it right by force if necessary.
In that regard, Yi Han was fortunate.
Principal Rich's initial impression of him hadn't changed.
'A good mage's potential isn't determined solely by the amount of magical power...'
Principal Rich wasn't praising Yi Han just because of his magical power.
Of course, that was one factor, but the principal was more impressed by something else.
To think that such a free-spirited individual could come from the rigid Wardanaz family.
'Free thinking.
That is the companion that opens the path to becoming a mage.'
That was exactly what Principal Rich wanted to teach the students here.
Feeding them stale bread and cold rice was also meant to nurture that free thinking.
Of course, he enjoyed watching them struggle, but that was the original purpose.
'Why do I suddenly feel a chill down my spine?'
Yi Han suddenly felt a sense of foreboding.
The coolness in the air was unusual for spring weather.
"Principal, we understand that we need to fend for ourselves to grow as mages. But why do we have to attend this character education class?"
It was clear that the students from the Blue Dragon Tower had no fear.
Being from high noble families, they weren't afraid to speak their minds even in front of Principal Rich.
Principal Rich rattled his bones and spoke softly.
Well said.
Why do you think you need character education? You tell me.
"... I don't know."
It's because if you mages cause trouble outside, the damn Emperor will hold me responsible!!!
Principal Rich's booming voice made the freshmen cover their ears.
If your seniors hadn't caused trouble outside, we wouldn't be in this mess, you iron-headed fools!!
"......"
"......"
Why do we have character education?! So that when the Emperor's officials come asking about incidents, I can at least say we're teaching you character education to avoid getting you all punished together, you iron-headed fools!! Is that a sufficient answer?!
"Yes... yes!!"
The student who had asked the question was overwhelmed by Principal Rich's intensity and could only nod repeatedly.
Mages are basically unpredictable troublemakers.
Don't tell me you're not.
That kind of lie only makes me angry.
You'll see how much trouble mages cause once you're allowed outside.
Open your books! Read page one!!
"I will not use magic to threaten civilians!"
Again!
"I will not use magic to threaten civilians!"
Yi Han chanted along but thought to himself.
'Does this really work?'
It feels like this kind of education will only make mages cause more trouble...
All the students expected the character education lecture to be boring.
That expectation was wrong.
The character education lecture was much more boring than expected.
"This... this is a mandatory lecture?"
"I think I've read so much that my throat is sore."
Well, I hope today's lecture has planted a seed of kindness in your empty iron heads.
"Yes..."
"It really feels like it..."
And to assist with future lectures, I need two volunteers.
Any takers?
Principal Rich asked in a soft voice, which only made it more eerie.
"......"
"......"
The students avoided eye contact, rolling their eyes.
Principal Rich smiled contentedly.
If no one volunteers, it'll be even more painful.
Are you really not going to step forward?
"I'll do it."
Yi Han raised his hand.
Principal Rich looked disappointed, as if he hadn't had enough fun.
Ah, the iron-headed Wardanaz.
Do you enjoy working?
"Assisting a respected professor is an honor, isn't it?"
"Wardanaz...!"
"You really are something..."
The students from the Blue Dragon Tower looked at Yi Han with deep admiration.
Yesterday, he had filled their hungry stomachs with a twilight barbecue party, and today he was stepping forward for his dorm mates.
It was no empty praise that the Wardanaz family was a pillar of the empire.
Look at that sense of responsibility!
It's quite annoying when you say things you don't mean.
But fine.
Opportunities always come to those who are proactive.
Yi Han realized that Principal Rich had seen through his ulterior motive.
A lesson he had learned from Professor Thunderstep.
Helping a professor often came with unexpected benefits.
Especially in a closed environment like this, getting something from the professor was always a good idea.
Even if that professor was the mad skeleton, Rich.
"I'll do my best."
'And I'll get good grades too.'
"Yi... Yi Han, are you crazy?"
Gainando whispered in shock.
Another student who overheard said to Gainando.
"If no one had stepped forward, we all would have suffered. Wardanaz isn't crazy; he stepped forward for us."
"Th-that... Then I should too..."
Gainando hesitated, trying to stand up.
But his legs wouldn't move.
'Move, legs!'
To become noble, one had to be able to stand up in situations like this.
Besides, Yi Han wouldn't be waiting just for Gainando, would he?
'I have to help...'
Ah, the iron-headed Dalkard.
Well, the Dalkard family has always been good at paperwork.
"Thank you for the praise."
While Gainando was hesitating, a second volunteer stepped forward.
Asan Dalkard.
A member of the Dalkard family, the boy who had been sent flying by a violent mutated pig in alchemy class.
"?"
Yi Han looked at Asan in confusion.
Honestly, he hadn't expected Asan to step forward.
'Is he aiming for the same thing as me?'
Asan adjusted his glasses with dignity and spoke.
"Of course, Wardanaz, you must know why I stepped forward."
"... I don't?"
Yi Han replied, baffled.
How could he possibly know what Asan was thinking?
"What? Why?! Isn't it to repay the favor you did for me last time?!"
Asan looked even more baffled, as if asking what else it could be.
There was no other reason, right?
"Ah... Ah, that. Well, you didn't have to go that far."
"What are you talking about? The Dalkard family always repays its debts."
It was heartwarming to see the two iron-headed fools having a friendly conversation, but there was work to be done.
"?"
For the next lecture, copy these safety rules for each student to distribute to their friends.
"......"
"......"
At Principal Rich's words, Asan seemed to snap out of his daze.
"Principal."
Yes?
"I don't understand... With your magic, couldn't you easily copy these words onto the paper? Isn't it inefficient for us to copy them by hand?"
I know.
That's why I'm making you do it.
"......"
Yi Han saw it clearly.
The murderous intent rising in Asan's eyes!
"Sorry, Yi Han."
"I wish I could help..."
Yonera, Gainando, and the other students left apologetically.
They wanted to help, but Principal Rich had stopped them.
Two is enough! Get lost!
As a result, Yi Han and Asan Dalkard were left alone in an empty classroom, copying the rules.
"Unacceptable... Unacceptable... Making us do such inefficient work...!"
'Is he going to break down?'
Asan muttered angrily, his pen strokes filled with rage.
Yi Han was starting to worry.
He had a feeling he knew why the principal was making them do this.
'If you don't like it, learn magic and do it that way.'
The principal's insane actions were surprisingly easy to understand once you figured out his intentions.
...
The problem was that it was practically impossible.
They couldn't even properly cast <Light Creation> yet, let alone a spell for copying text.
'Is there any hint?'
Yi Han, trusting the last shred of Principal Rich's conscience, began rummaging through the empty classroom.
"Wardanaz? What are you doing?"
Asan asked, tilting his head as he watched Yi Han search every corner of the classroom.
"Just seeing if there's anything useful here."
"Is that allowed?"
"There's no rule against it."
"That's like stealing..."
"This is Principal Rich's classroom."
"... Sometimes stealing is okay."
Asan jumped up and ran to help Yi Han.
'People really break down fast.'
Whether they're from noble families or not, once they enter this school, people tend to...
"Find anything?"
"Hmm. There's some paper here. Let's take it in case we need it later. Wait, there's a key."
A jingling sound accompanied the appearance of a key.
Yi Han didn't know what it was for, but he took it anyway.
Asan asked curiously.
"Do you know what it's for?"
"No. But it's good to have it just in case."
"Indeed... That's logical."
Asan was impressed.
It was definitely logical.
Clack—
When they opened the last drawer, a voice accompanied by magical energy was heard.
If you've opened this drawer, it means you've decided to stop mindlessly copying and start thinking.
I hope it was as soon as possible! The longer you do this stupid labor, the more pitiful and pathetic you'll become.
"......"
"......"
Here is the 1st Circle spell <Minor Manipulation>.
Take it and learn it.
The faster you learn, the better.
Otherwise, you'll be handwriting for the entire semester.
The principal's hidden intention.
The students who realized his intention were moved... not.
"Wardanaz. I just can't understand. Why teach magic like this? There are so many more reasonable ways!"
Asan looked like he was about to explode.
In his mind, magic was taught by a great master who carefully explained everything, not thrown at you to survive.
What kind of method is this?!
Asan continued with a heated voice.
"Wardanaz. You understand, right? Let's protest to the principal together. If we both protest seriously, maybe even that principal will change his mind. ... Wardanaz??"
"Hmm?"
Yi Han turned his head.
Yi Han was already preparing to learn the magic.