Magic Academy's Genius Blinker - Chapter 114
Chapter 114
29. Item Presentation (5)
Clap, clap, clap—
As Alterisha stepped onto the stage, the applause continued without any sign of dying down for a while. That brief moment was enough to calm her nerves, feeling sweet as honey.
After taking a deep breath and stepping forward, the applause gradually subsided. The sudden silence felt quite jarring, making the audience focus intently on Alterisha.
Today, her fashion was simple: jeans, a plain white t-shirt, and a white lab coat. Originally, several coordinators wanted to enhance her beautiful appearance even more, but Alterisha vehemently refused.
She wanted the world’s attention solely on the ‘item,’ without any distractions.
Click-clack!
The eyes of over ten thousand audience members were fixed on her.
However, Alterisha did not move to the center of the stage; she stood slightly to the side. Some might think she was nervous, but it was actually an intentional move.
It was to avoid blocking the screen located at the center of the stage.
She quietly stared at the still-empty screen, secretly swallowing dryly before opening her lips slightly.
They say the beginning is the hardest.
While planning the presentation, Alterisha painfully realized why such a saying exists.
The first words.
T h i s wa s c o p i e d f ro m k i n g m t l . or g
How should she start?
‘Hello? I’m Alterisha.’
Too plain.
‘I completed the Random Aeration Cross Formula and am developing items…’
T hi s w a s c o pi e d f r o m k i n gm t l . o rg
This isn’t a self-introduction session.
‘Hello! I’m Alterisha from the Alchemy Department of Stella Academy!’
Seems too nervous.
She worried endlessly for a long time.
How should she begin?
How should she introduce herself?
Then, she changed her thinking.
‘…Today is the day to reveal the items anyway.’
There’s no need for a self-introduction. Everyone here already knows who I am.
T h i s wa s c opied fr o m k i ngmtl . or g
In that case, let’s erase the introduction of ‘myself’ and start naturally as if continuing a conversation.
“…Since the beginning of the history of magic, technological revolutions have brought great changes to magical society.”
T h i s w a s c o p i e d f r o m k i n g m tl .or g
The screen changed.
Magical Engineering.
“With the discovery of mana lines, even those who couldn’t use magic could enjoy the benefits of magic.”
Lighting that glows with mana, doors that open automatically by detecting life, hovering buildings, and numerous inventions flashed by, ending with trains and airships displayed on the screen.
“With the development of warp holes, the concept of space was dramatically reduced, allowing people to move freely without the constraints of distance.”
This time, a giant warp hole photograph appeared alongside a world map. All the connected warp hole points were marked, showcasing the movement of thousands of people per day through graphics.
“Every time revolutionary technology revealed itself to the world, humanity’s way of life changed its course.”
The screen turned black, drawing the audience’s attention back to Alterisha.
She paused briefly and then slowly spoke.
“…And today, I can confidently say that another transformation in human life is about to occur.”
Finally, the screen lit up again. But the image was completely different from what everyone expected.
There was no flashy PowerPoint, no magic circles or formulas.
Just a single word.
[Item]
That was all.
“I present to you the technology that will bring a revolution to the world, the ‘Item.’”
* * *
While Alterisha’s presentation was ongoing, Baek Yu-seol moved to a different location to entertain Melian and Zeliel.
‘I didn’t expect to meet her like this…’
Villainess Zeliel. To be honest, he didn’t have good feelings towards her. She was utterly vile in the original game, tormenting the player horribly.
T hi s w as co pi e d fr o m k i n g m t l .o r g
Of course, Hong Bi-yeon had almost reformed (?), and the game content was just a game, but… the situation was quite different.
Hong Bi-yeon had a tragic backstory that led her to an inevitable path of villainy, but Zeliel chose the path of evil herself.
All for the sake of profit.
Zeliel, who would do anything to pursue her gains, didn’t directly torment the player but constantly irritated them throughout the storyline, like a mosquito in the summer.
‘What’s her purpose?’
There’s no particular reason for her to come all the way here. It’s enough to discuss branded items with Melian. Since she is the type to pursue efficiency to the extreme, she would eliminate unnecessary movements.
So for her to come all the way here and meet him… it must be something important.
“I apologize for the sudden visit.”
“…No.”
Unconsciously, his tone almost dripped with tension.
[Red Spring March’s Tea]
But the next moment.
His heart settled calmly… allowing him to observe the situation more objectively.
“It’s an honor to meet the famous chairman’s daughter. You are as beautiful as rumored.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
Baek Yu-seol quickly prepared tea. It was ‘Rilt Tea,’ which Eltemon Eltrine recently started circulating in small quantities, subtly becoming trendy.
Melian leisurely sipped the Rilt Tea, savoring its aroma, but Zeliel’s expression slowly hardened, seemingly unable to appreciate it.
Understandably.
The smell must be terrible, right?
“Oh… indeed, as expected from the one who provided the Rilt Tea recipe to the principal of Stella, your tea-making skills are excellent.”
“You’re quick with the news.”
“Haha… it’s not exactly news; the principal is boasting about it everywhere.”
Baek Yu-seol briefly imagined a young grand mage running around spreading word of the Rilt Tea and shook his head to dispel the thought.
Putting down his cup, Melian spoke with his characteristic relaxed smile.
“Well then, shall we take a look at what’s been created?”
After clearing the teacups, Baek Yu-seol took out a black bag prepared on the table. Also known as the 007 bag, it was itself a product of item technology.
Click! Psssh…!
Pressing a button, the bag split open from the sides, forming compartments like a staircase, resembling a small dressing table.
“Oh…”
A magic circle’s light shimmered in the air, checking the system.
“This bag charges the mana of the items stored inside, checks for broken parts, and repairs or restores damaged areas. And this…”
He took out a bracelet from the bag.
“This is a staff.”
“…That’s a staff?”
“Yes. Staff-type staves are usually so large that they are difficult to store and quite cumbersome to carry around. But this, you just wear it on your arm…”
Click!
The bracelet transformed, turning into a long rod in an instant.
“You can equip the staff anytime, anywhere, at your convenience.”
“Oh…”
Melian observed it with great interest.
“Can you explain how it differs from the products available on the market?”
“Besides the performance and design, first of all…”
Baek Yu-seol calmly persuaded Melian. His voice had a strangely soothing power, and even his logic was convincing enough from the perspective of an expert in magical engineering.
Marketability?
No question about it.
‘This is definitely a hit.’
Zeliel, who was quietly listening to the explanation, was convinced.
So.
…Her father’s mistake was quite troublesome.
‘Why did he make such a mistake?’
Luxury branding of the item?
Ridiculous.
They should have monopolized the item’s technology itself through Starcloud Trading Company by any means necessary.
But why did her father nod his head at the absurd idea of luxury branding?
Zeliel checked above Baek Yu-seol’s head once more.
“????”
Still, no numbers were displayed. It meant she couldn’t ascertain his value with her eyes.
It wasn’t because Baek Yu-seol was the developer of the item; Alterisha’s value was clearly visible.
So she couldn’t understand.
‘What’s the reason?’
Love?
T hi s w as c op i e d from k i ngm tl.org
Absolutely not. Falling for someone at first sight isn’t rational or logical.
Besides, Zeliel lacked the emotion of ‘love.’
The closest thing to ‘love-like feelings’ she could muster up was all directed at her father.
There was only one hypothesis left.
Baek Yu-seol’s value was so immense that even her insight couldn’t fathom it.
There was no other explanation.
Zeliel looked at Baek Yu-seol with trembling eyes. Her trait [Value of All Things] didn’t just assign numbers; it comprehended all components, connections, origins, and existence to penetrate the ‘essence’ of the subject.
In other words, Baek Yu-seol in front of her was an existence whose essence she couldn’t grasp even with her analytical ability.
‘Is that … even possible?’
It was unacceptable.
An existence she couldn’t understand with her eyes and mind.
And he was just a seventeen-year-old high school student!
Zeliel clenched her fists tightly and faced Baek Yu-seol directly.
Wearing a mask on her face was familiar. Her smiling face looked dazzling and beautiful with no awkwardness.
“It’s quite a good idea. However, it’s just an item with slightly better performance. Will that really have value as a ‘luxury brand’? If it’s just treated as a higher-end product priced a bit more, there’s no reason for us to handle it as a brand.”
Contrary to Melian’s favorable reaction, Zeliel voiced a negative opinion, causing Baek Yu-seol to ponder for a moment before taking out a pen.
“This is how you do it.”
Then, he drew a line on the bracelet.
“What is that?”
T h is w as co p ie d fr o m ki n g m tl . o rg
“It’s the boundary line separating an ordinary product from a ‘luxury brand’.”
“…What are you talking about?”
Zeliel couldn’t even think of continuing her words, finding it too absurd.
“There’s more. Now that the item has a line, it will be priced ten times, or maybe even a hundred times higher than other products.”
“…Do you think that makes sense?”
“Yes. If it has a mark different from others and that mark proves it’s ‘expensive,’ then it’s already a luxury brand. Moreover, if rare materials are used, and the performance is excellent, there’s no room for doubt. Oh, and if we add ‘handcrafted by a master,’ it would be perfect.”
“…You completely consider consumers fools.”
“Isn’t that what you usually do?”
Flinch, Zeliel’s eyebrows twitched slightly, but she quickly composed her expression.
‘What does he know…’
Th is w a s c o pie d f r o m ki n gmtl. o r g
A mere high school student couldn’t possibly grasp everything about Starcloud, so it must be just idle talk. No need to be swayed.
“Anyway, we will use slightly different technology for the ‘branded items.’ There won’t be much difference, but… how would consumers know? It will be kept secret at the corporate level.”
T h i s w a s c o p i e d f r o m k i ng m t l.o r g
“You sound like you’ve done this before.”
Her sharp question probed.
“Hmm… well, I’ve seen similar things a lot in my hometown.”
Baek Yu-seol deftly dodged like an eel.
It was obviously a lie. She had investigated him and confirmed he was from a rural mountain village.
He must be aware that everyone knows about his hometown.
So that lie was…
‘He’s trying to mess with me.’
If she retorted, ‘Your hometown isn’t like that,’ it would lead to an unfavorable situation where he might ask, ‘How do you know about my hometown?’
‘…Suspicious.’
Even after that, Zeliel threw out probing remarks at Baek Yu-seol, but he defended himself against all her attacks.
Zeliel prided herself on her ‘mask’. Hiding her emotions and acting as someone else’s mask. However, Baek Yu-seol seemed even more adept at wearing his mask than she was.
She couldn’t read any emotions, couldn’t grasp his true intentions.
She had accomplished much at a young age, building knowledge and experience beyond her years with pride, but…
The boy in front of her was looking down at her from an far higher place.
‘Did I misunderstand?’
She thought his high value was just because of the item.
It was a misconception.
Monopoly rights of the item? Technology?
T h i s w a s c o pi e d f rom k i ng m t l . or g
Those weren’t the problems.
Baek Yu-seol.
That boy himself had value. The item was just one of many elements that made him shine.
‘Father made a mistake.’
He didn’t make a mistake by failing to secure the item’s monopoly rights…
The mistake was neglecting the boy who held true value. That was the decisive mistake her father made.
“What’s wrong?”
Baek Yu-seol asked, but Zeliel didn’t answer.
An existence with unknown value.
If he became her chess piece, she could polish him into a brilliant gem and use him for a long time… but…
‘He’s already slipped from my grasp.’
He was no longer a chess piece or a gem.
He was just an unknown threat.
‘I can’t let him be.’
Her dream was to plant the flag of Starcloud across the world. She had been running towards that goal since the moment she was born.
There was nothing to hesitate about.
No obstacles.
But now, for the first time, an existence blocking her path had appeared. Zeliel was intelligent but still young, and having never experienced this, she had no choice but to make a very simple and straightforward decision.
‘…If I can’t make him my chess piece, I’ll eliminate him.’
A faint frost settled in her eyes.
End of Chapter
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
LilyAllucard
Iiiiih tomara que morra pra deixar de ser besta