Magic Academy's Genius Blinker - Chapter 106

Chapter 106

28. I Have a Lover (1)

After reaching my twenties and being battered by society, I sometimes had such thoughts.

‘Ah, I want to go back to those days.’

The carefree school days when I was with friends, free from worries.

Flame in her previous life had such thoughts too.

She didn’t know then.

That she would actually get to relive her school days. And in a world completely different from Earth.

‘This is hell…’

Once upon a time, in South Korea, all students were required to attend mandatory night self-study sessions, and Flame was one of those students.

Looking back now, those night self-study hours seemed like a happy time. Just sitting still and studying—what was so hard about that?
T h is wa s c o p i e d f r o m k in g m tl . o r g

This damn practice.

I don’t need to practice!

Stella’s schedule left no room to breathe, pushing the human race to its limits.

Of course, being in S-Class and having signed up for too many courses didn’t help… In any case, since the Familiar Contract Ceremony ended, Flame had been experiencing extreme conditions every day.

Despite that, she couldn’t stop thinking about the future.

T h i s was c o p i e d fr o m k i n g m t l .o rg
Many things had already deviated from the ‘original romantic fantasy’ storyline. But still, the main plot framework would continue.

One of the biggest upcoming events was the ‘Dark Mana Erosion Incident’ at the Seventh Main Tower.
T h i s w a s c op i e d f r o m k i n g m tl.or g

But even Flame didn’t know how that incident would unfold.

Maizen Tiren, who was supposed to occupy the Seventh Main Tower, died much earlier than expected.

‘But… there’s no way the Dark Mages would give up on that.’

The Dark Mages were currently putting on a show. They were causing incidents to deliberately project the image that they were mere barbaric fools.

Meanwhile, they were secretly infiltrating society, meticulously planning to slowly consume the magical world.

Even those cunning snakes were drawn to a certain ‘item’ sleeping in the Seventh Main Tower.

To claim that item, Maizen Tiren had turned to the dark side and occupied the place.

Even though Maizen Tiren died earlier than expected, the Dark Mages wouldn’t give up on that item.

We need to prepare, but…

Currently, approaching the Seventh Main Tower is completely impossible.

It’s not just a matter of the school’s prohibition; the Seventh Main Tower itself is treated as a mere rumor or ghost story.

So if I suddenly shout, ‘The Dark Mages are going to attack the Seventh Main Tower!’ no one would believe me, and they might think the rumors have just grown further exaggerated.

‘Well, that’s a matter for later…

Recently, despite being physically exhausted, the magical combat practice was quite fun, keeping my mind sane.

Honestly, Flame had no confidence in this practice. How many times do you get to fight in real life?

Yet, surprisingly, she discovered a talent for strategy and tactics within herself. While she might not excel in fistfights or hair-pulling brawls, using magic to gauge the psychological gaps and outthink the opponent came naturally.

“Ugh! I-I surrender!”

After binding one male student from A-Class with a firm vine and summoning three spheres of light in succession, he immediately signaled his surrender.

Flame wiped her cold sweat and smiled. Though she couldn’t shake off the feeling of fighting with kids, winning still felt good.

Having achieved an easy victory, she looked over to Baek Yu-seol, who was dueling another A-Class student in the corner.

Shwaa!!

“Crazy.”

A small wave approached, taking over the entire field. It looked impenetrable without a solid shield, but he sliced it in half with a sword.

‘Is he openly showing off now?’

Well, having hunted Maizen Tiren with Ma Yuseong, there’s no reason for him to hide his power anymore.

Anyway, what he’s really keeping secret isn’t his abilities but ‘knowledge of the future.’

Crash!!

While she was lost in thought, the sound of something breaking loudly drew her attention. A massive golden spear was embedded in the field.

“Wow…”

‘Crazy, what is that?’

Students murmured with admiration.

‘Golden Magic.’

A top-tier magic in this world, combining both offensive and defensive capabilities.

In the original romantic fantasy, it was described as the ‘most expensive-looking magic,’ a unique bloodline magic of Jeremie Scalven.

When the magic power depleted, the magical derivatives would naturally disappear, so one couldn’t take that gold and sell it. However, its perfect offensive and defensive capabilities, combined with its luxurious appearance, garnered a huge fanbase among readers.

Moreover, Jeremie Scalven, with his [Soul of the Artist] trait, would often decorate his golden magic with carvings and jewels, turning it into a form of decoration art.

Having easily defeated his opponent, Jeremie brushed back his golden hair that matched his magic. He noticed Flame and waved his hand enthusiastically.

‘Ugh!’

Jeremie’s greeting was so sincere that ignoring it would make one feel like garbage. Flame tried to turn her head and ignore him, but he approached her first.

“Flame. You finished already?”

“Yes. I’m leaving.”

“Wait… Could you spare a moment?”

“No.”

Th is w a s c o p i ed f r o m k i n g mtl . o r g
Flame coldly brushed off Jeremie and walked away quickly. She heard him chasing after her, but coincidentally, a professor entered the practice area at the perfect timing.

“Oh, Flame. There you are.”

“Yes? Were you looking for me?”

“Yes! Your recent paper on ‘The Impact of Radiant Magic on Plant Life’ has sparked significant interest in the academic community! Enhancing plant growth through photosynthesis—amazing! Even the Elven mages want to meet you.”

“…Really?”

Now that he mentioned it, she vaguely remembered writing something like that for a quiz.

“This is unprecedented! The ‘Twelve Rising Stars’ rule hasn’t changed in hundreds of years, but your remarkable paper may break that tradition! If things go well, you could become the thirteenth rising star!”

The professor’s excitement was palpable as he passionately explained to Flame.

While she knew that being one of the Twelve Rising Stars was a prerequisite to attend the Aslan seminar, she had never been particularly interested. However, thinking this was an opportunity to escape Jeremie, she quickly nodded.

“Wow! That’s exciting! Let’s go, Professor!”

“Yes, you seem happy! Haha, of course you are!”

Flame glanced back subtly. Jeremie was still looking in her direction with a gloomy expression.

* * *

T hi s w a s co p i e d f rom k i n gmt l .o rg
Scalven Club Room.

Jeremie returned to his private lounge and leaned back on his sofa, his expression cold and stiff. With no one around, he didn’t need to force his facial muscles into a smile.

He casually glanced at the bookshelf and flicked his finger. Magic activated without a staff.

Shwaa!

A golden blade emerged from the wall, slicing the expensive bookshelf in half and tearing the books.

Books all dealing with a common theme.

[17 Ways to Win a Woman’s Heart]

[Traits of an Attractive Person]

[Dr. Kim Palgu’s Introduction to Romance]

And so on…

He had made some mundane attempts to improve, despite being uncharacteristic of him, but they were all useless.

‘How can they all be so worthless?’

He had seriously pondered it but still didn’t understand.

He had always been able to win everyone’s favor just by being himself. The situation of having to win someone’s favor was foreign to him.
T hi s w a s c op i e d fr o m k i n g mt l . o r g

And gradually.

He grew irritated.

‘Hmm…’

Maybe it would be better to find another method. Flame had numerous connections in Stella, so she didn’t seem lonely, surrounded by many men, not needing to focus on just one person.

He thought of forcefully restraining her, but he liked the girl named Flame too much to ruin her recklessly.

Destroying something precious should be done only when it’s fully in one’s grasp to maximize the pleasure.

So…

Perhaps it would be better to manipulate the environment. Disrupting her connections without significantly harming her.

Making her look only at him out of necessity.

‘Hmm, sounds like a good idea.’

With a plan in mind, there was no need to hesitate.

Snap!

Jeremie snapped his fingers, summoning a second-year student, Verajane, who had been waiting in the club room.

“Yes, young master. What do you need?”

“Bring me a first-year girl who has some interactions with Flame.”

Though uneasy about what the scheming young master was planning, Verajane complied without question.

“Understood.”

Jeremie leaned back comfortably on the sofa.

He didn’t intend to ruin her before having her. But if he couldn’t have her perfectly, a little harm wouldn’t be too bad.

Such rationalization crossed his mind.

* * *

Late evening.

Flame rubbed her tired eyes and staggered back to the dormitory. The professor, overly excited, had gone on and on about the future schedule for the ‘Rising Star.’ Honestly, she thought about escaping countless times, finding it incredibly tiresome.

‘Damn, I thought I could finally rest a bit with the short class today.’

Returning to her room, she found her friends gathered and playing together. Though she was in S-Class, she lived with her friends, so seeing them hang out often happened.

“Ugh, a zombie.”

“Flame! We heard you might be chosen as a Rising Star?”

T h i s w a s cop i e d f r o m ki n g m t l . or g
“Ugh…”

Burying her face into her bed, she barely responded while the girls chatted excitedly amongst themselves.

‘Sigh, but I still need to wash up…’

Flame sluggishly got up, quickly splashed some water over herself, and came out. As she was about to put on her pajamas, she noticed a girl sitting beside her with an unusual expression.

“Hey, Lamilka. Why do you look so down?”

“Huh? Oh… It’s just…”

Lamilka fidgeted with the letter in her hand, looking slightly flustered.

“I was supposed to give this today, but… I missed the timing….”

T h i s w a s c o p i e d f ro m k i n gmt l .org
“What is it? A love letter for your boyfriend?”

“N-No, not a boyfriend! It’s not a love letter…”

“Is it for your crush? Or someone you’re seeing?”

“Something like that…”

“Young love~”

In Aether World, smartphones weren’t common, so love letters were a usual way of communication.

The content was also quite everyday. It wasn’t about writing poetry but just having ordinary conversations.

But the charm of teenage romance was in having those ordinary conversations secretly through letters.

T hi s w as c op i e d f r o m k i ng m t l . or g
“Just give it to him. No one is going to say anything.”
T hi s w a s c o p i e d f r om k i n gm t l . o r g

Romance wasn’t forbidden at Stella. Many nobles came to Stella to find marriage partners, and commoners sought to climb the social ladder.

So, while entering the dormitories of the opposite sex was officially forbidden, ‘romantic relationships’ were tacitly allowed to visit briefly.

Even Stella couldn’t prevent the marriage businesses of noble families.

“It’s just… embarrassing…”

“How did you usually give it?”

“I asked other friends to do it…”

“Did the recipient accept it?”

“Y-Yes? He accepted it.”

Lamilka seemed oddly flustered. Thinking it was just shyness, Flame gave a mischievous smile. Despite being tired, listening to love stories was a joy of life.

“That’s why… could you deliver this for me?”

“What? That’s a hassle.”

“P-Please! I have no one else to ask.”

“Ask them.”

Flame pointed to the friends gathered and snacking on the dorm floor, but Lamilka shook her head.

“I’ve asked them too much already… I feel guilty…”

“Sigh, fine.”

Though she wasn’t very close to Lamilka, she couldn’t coldly refuse such a pure request from the young girl.

Besides, the boys’ dorm was just across the central hall, so it wasn’t far. She threw on a cardigan over her pajamas and got up.

[S-109X]

‘Hmm, it’s an S-Class dorm?’

Not knowing who it was, Flame thought Lamilka must be quite capable to be interested in an S-Class boy. She casually found S-109 and knocked.

“Is anyone there?”

Then.

…Click!

The dorm door opened.

Standing there was Jeremie with his golden hair.

“Hey, Flame.”

He greeted her as if it were the most natural thing. Flame looked back and forth between the letter and Jeremie, dumbfounded.

‘Crazy, the guy she has a crush on is Jeremie?’

Well, since Jeremie was like an idol to the girls, it made sense. Considering his personality, he would have accepted such letters to maintain his image.

“Is that a letter for me?”

Jeremie, about to step out, asked. Sensing trouble, Flame quickly handed over the letter.

“No. A friend wanted me to give it to you. I’m leaving.”

She hated getting involved with him any further.

‘Ugh, what bad luck.’

With that thought, she quickly turned and headed back to her dorm.

“…Hmm…”

Looking at the letter Flame handed over, Jeremie smiled subtly.

Things were going well, just as he had planned from the first day, making him feel good. It was unfortunate that Flame left before he could speak to her, but it didn’t matter. This was enough to serve as evidence.

He quietly stepped outside the dorm and spoke towards a corner.

“You can come out now.”

“…Y-Yes.”

A male student who had been hiding behind a potted plant came out, handing Jeremie a ‘camera crystal.’ It was an expensive item that captured high-resolution images instantly.

Inside the camera’s film…

Was a clear shot of Flame at the boy’s dorm, talking to someone through the open door.

End of Chapter