I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic Academy-Chapter 427

Monday morning dawned brightly.

Hong Biyeon, who had been tirelessly attending the ball from the weekdays through the weekend, had returned to Stella. Eisel, maintaining her usual detached demeanor, also seemed to have gained something from the event and was expected to participate in her classes as usual.

Baek Yuseol, however, was not.

“Honored Mage Baek Yuseol? I noticed your recent paper on the principles of castingless spell theory, but Professor Brayburn has written a rebuttal...”

In the magical city of Uthina within the Skarven Empire, Baek Yuseol found himself at the 17th Uthina Conference, held at the prestigious Uthina Academy. Yet again, he was under attack, and he ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

Sigh. My wretched life.

Perhaps attending classes back at Stella would’ve been less trouble.

Elite schools like Stella often allowed exceptional students to attend external events if practical experience was deemed more beneficial than classroom instruction. For someone like Baek Yuseol, his outings weren’t just for practice—they were official activities as a mage. Stella even provided him with generous activity funds, seeing it as a way to bolster the academy’s reputation.

This particular outing had been arranged by Stella itself. The annual Uthina Conference was renowned for its high-level magical discourse, making it a coveted opportunity for any mage to attend at least once.

“...Thus, Mage Baek Yuseol, your theory remains just that—a theory. There is no evidence to suggest that chantless casting surpasses traditional spell-based magic.”

Baek Yuseol had looked forward to attending. Had he known his paper would be torn apart so harshly, he might have reconsidered.

Here we go again.

It wasn’t unusual.

In the world of magic, talent played a significant role. Yet many high-ranking mages refused to acknowledge this, firmly believing that their achievements were solely the result of their own hard work.

And then a teenage boy—barely old enough to shave—was granted the title of Honorary Mage by both the Mage Association and the academic circles? It was unthinkable.

They couldn’t accept Baek Yuseol’s abilities.

While no mage dared openly challenge the Association’s decision...

If they could crush him with their own prowess as mages?

This was not the first time a mage had attempted to undermine him.

Of course, Baek Yuseol had his own way of dealing with such situations.

“No, that’s incorrect. I do have evidence.”

“...What?”

“I wrote it clearly in the paper. The fact that you’re asking me to explain it again suggests that Professor Brayburn’s comprehension skills aren’t as sharp as his reputation implies.”

“You—how dare you spout such nonsense!”

“Well, since you’re struggling, I’ll explain it beautifully and thoroughly, step by step. Please sit down and listen attentively.”

And so, the same scenario unfolded yet again.

Baek Yuseol would dismantle the pompous mage’s criticism and counter with evidence, often using their own previous work to support his argument. He would leave them humiliated, unable to lift their heads.

For a mage to criticize a teenage Honorary Mage, only to be completely refuted and have their own published research invalidated—it was more embarrassment than most could bear.

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Baek Yuseol didn’t particularly enjoy these confrontations, but he had no choice. This was the only way to ensure he wouldn’t face the same nonsense again.

Not that it seems to help.

It appeared that news of his victories didn’t travel well across distant regions. Similar scenarios kept repeating.

Maybe it’s time to change tactics. Something more impactful.

Dismissing rebuttals with logic and counterarguments was satisfying at first, but after the sixth or seventh time, it lost its novelty—even its controversy.

Should I just punch someone in the face?

That would certainly cause a stir.

If word spread that opposing Baek Yuseol’s theories could get you decked, maybe mages would think twice before challenging him.

...Except I’d probably end up in jail.

So, as always, he stuck to words.

“Do you understand now, Professor Brayburn? I hope my explanation was clear.”

“You... you insolent brat!”

Having his signature paper dismantled in front of everyone, Professor Brayburn clenched his fists on the desk, his face red with humiliation. Some mages in the audience snickered, clearly not fond of him.

At this point, Brayburn had two options: swallow his pride and admit defeat, or lash out in a fit of rage.

Sometimes, the humiliated would choose a third option.

“How dare you insult the Brayburn family’s magic... This place is beneath me! I’m leaving!”

Declaring himself morally victorious, Brayburn stormed toward the exit, his heavy footsteps echoing through the hall. Staff members exchanged awkward glances and sought approval from the academy’s head.

“Let him go,” the head sighed, gesturing toward the door with a weary shake of his head.

The staff quickly opened the door, careful not to provoke Brayburn further.

And then it happened.

What the—

A sharp warning shot through Baek Yuseol’s senses. Danger.

Without hesitation, he dove toward the nearby assistants, pulling them to the floor.

BOOM!

The door exploded, flooding the hall with light and sound.

What now?

As the blast subsided, Baek Yuseol lifted his head. Smoke filled the room, but it didn’t obscure his vision.

The academy’s mana control field had activated, forming a shield that mitigated much of the explosion’s power. Still, most of the mages, being scholars rather than fighters, had been knocked unconscious.

Mages were, by nature, closer to academics than warriors. It was unusual for combat-specialized battle mages to attend such conferences.

An attack? How many combat-capable individuals are left?

The external guards were likely already eliminated. Inside the academy, there couldn’t be more than ten mages with combat training.

And even they probably hadn’t wielded their skills in years, rendering them ineffective in a crisis.

Baek Yuseol shook the shoulder of a female assistant who had fainted nearby.

“Hey, wake up.”

“W-what? What’s going on...?”

“Shh. Quiet. Wake the others and get them out of here. I think something’s infiltrated the academy. Can you handle that?”

The assistant nodded furiously and began crawling to wake the others.

Satisfied, Baek Yuseol drew his Teryphon Sword and climbed onto the lectern to gain a better view.

Skarven Empire, seriously. Who do you people have so much beef with?

“Who’s there? I can see the three of you lurking in the smoke. Come out now.”

From within the dark haze, three figures emerged.

And Baek Yuseol realized he’d underestimated the situation.

“...Black Mages?”

“Heh, so you recognize us.”

“Of course, it’s the great and mighty Baek Yuseol.”

Though they still appeared human, the ominous aura radiating from them left no doubt—they were brimming with dark magic.

Apparently, they saw no need to hide their true forms anymore. Their bodies twisted grotesquely as they transformed into their monstrous Black Mage appearances.

So this is my fault, huh?

Baek Yuseol frowned as one of the Black Mages let out a mocking laugh.

“Oh, you’ve been living quite a cushy life, haven’t you? What’s this? Do you seriously think that waving around some paper like this means a mere human can defeat a Black Mage?”

Rip! One of the Black Mages shredded the paper with its elongated claws.

While it was only a copy and held no real significance, it was still an act of blatant disrespect toward a mage. The sight of it made the other mages, who lay collapsed, clench their teeth in frustration.

Baek Yuseol narrowed his eyes, sizing up his opponents.

...All three are 7-Risks.

At that level, they were strong enough to dominate any battlefield, likely acting as leaders wherever they went.

Of course, they wouldn’t be impossible to defeat.

Victory was within reach.

The problem was...

Too many hostages.

Baek Yuseol’s priority was to protect the others, while his opponents wouldn’t hesitate to destroy everything around them. If anything, they’d revel in the chaos of annihilating human civilization, fighting with even greater ferocity.

Even without taking hostages directly, the surrounding area was effectively full of them.

As much as the Skarven Empire’s Uthina Academy’s reckless invitation annoyed him, the Black Mages were far more detestable.

I have to protect as much as I can.

But how?

This is going to be tough for me...

If he were capable of deploying a defensive shield, it might have been manageable. But Baek Yuseol’s skills were limited to close combat, slicing through enemies with precision.

As he studied the Black Mages with a blank expression, they misinterpreted his demeanor and burst into mocking laughter.

“What’s wrong? Why don’t you act all cocky like you usually do?”

“Didn’t expect three of us, huh?”

“You fool. We already know you’ve grown weaker.”

“...Weaker?” Baek Yuseol echoed.

“Indeed! The information came straight from Black Kingdom itself, so it must be reliable. That’s why elite forces like us were sent personally.”

Though their claim came out of nowhere, Baek Yuseol’s mind was already working rapidly.

Weaker...?

Of course, Baek Yuseol wasn’t weaker. There hadn’t been any events or circumstances that would lead to such a rumor. So why would it spread? And why only among Black Mages?

Black Kingdom...

The name was familiar.

The so-called right hand of the Black Demon King, a figure who effectively commanded the Black Mages and orchestrated their infiltration into the human world.

Even the Black Mages are divided into factions.

The Black Mage society was not a monolith. Like a fractured nation, it was divided into multiple ideological groups.

Radicals: Those who actively sought to destroy the human world.Traditionalists: Those who acknowledged human power and wished to hone their strength through time and patience.Moderates: Those who recognized human power but sought to infiltrate their society strategically.Intelligent Black Mages respect those above them. The fact they freely mentioned Black Kingdom means they’re from another faction.

It was highly likely they belonged to the Moonlit Church, or the Black Demon Cult, a faction that opposed the Black Demon King.

“If we kill you... we can finally start acting in earnest.”

“You have no idea how frustrating it’s been.”

“We’ve had enough waiting.”

In other words, these Black Mages had attacked Baek Yuseol based on false information.

“So, we’re both being used, huh? How unpleasant.”

The fact that he had to engage in this unnecessary battle, thanks to Black Kingdom’s schemes, was immensely irritating.

Avoiding the fight wasn’t an option.

Black Kingdom had orchestrated this confrontation knowing Baek Yuseol would inevitably kill all three Black Mages.

If that outcome was predetermined...

...Then I’ll turn the outcome into part of the process.

Baek Yuseol grinned slyly and slung the Teryphon Sword over his shoulder.

“Ah, right. Now I remember.”

“...What’s that supposed to mean?” one of the Black Mages asked.

“Well, you see, the information about me growing weaker? That was my doing. I spread that rumor. I love hunting Black Mages, but lately, they’ve been too scared to show themselves. So I asked for a little help spreading some bait.”

“...What? It was false information?”

“That’s right.” Baek Yuseol pointed to himself. “Black Kingdom. I asked him to help.”

“...What did you just say?”

The mention of Black Kingdom’s name visibly rattled the Black Mages.

“Oh, oops. I wasn’t supposed to say that. But it doesn’t matter—you’re all going to die anyway.”

“Wait! There’s no way Black Kingdom would take your request!”

“Huh? And how would you know that?”

“Because... we’re Black Mages!”

Humans assumed all Black Mages were united. Perhaps they thought exploiting that misconception would suffice, but Baek Yuseol wasn’t buying it.

“Really? Funny, because Black Kingdom’s Black Mages don’t act like you.”

“You... you know that much?”

“Of course. Black Kingdom... after decades of failing to subjugate the human world, seems to have grown disillusioned with the effort. Lately, he’s been working alongside humans. Which works well for me, since I can use it to lure out radicals like you.”

Theatrics complete, Baek Yuseol mentally prepared for his next move.

I won’t kill all three of them.

Two will die. One will survive.

The Black Mages snarled, their expressions twisting with rage.

“You expect us to believe that nonsense!”

“Well, if you don’t believe me, I’ll just have to show you. Let’s see if I’m really as weak as you think.”

With that, Baek Yuseol charged.

[Celestial Unity Activated.]

[Tai Ling Breathing Technique: Spirit’s Breath.]

He had drawn out the conversation long enough. With all his buffs in place, Baek Yuseol launched himself forward, taking advantage of their momentary confusion.

Slash!

With a single strike, he severed the head of one Black Mage.

The fight was laughably easy.