Magic Academy's Genius Blinker - Chapter 54

Chapter 54

Starcloud Trading Company (2)

The world’s top trading company, Starcloud.

Certainly, an exclusive contract with Starcloud is a good thing. Partnering with them to produce items would earn more money than one could spend in a lifetime.

However, that should not be the case.

‘Monopoly on item business.’

While Melian’s business acumen is outstanding, he has a strong tendency to never let go of what he owns.

Melian is the type of person who could instantly bring thousands of tons of gold if it meant securing exclusive rights to the technology.

What happens if the technology is tied to him?

First, mass production of only well-selling items would limit the overall diversity, individuality, and performance of items.

Moreover, excessive monopolization would prevent many mages who actually need the equipment from using it, skewing technological development towards business and allowing Dark Mages to catch up.

In fact, I’ve seen players go bankrupt by following this path, even earning money only to face a [Bad Ending].

“May I ask the reason?”

Despite the sudden refusal, Melian asked without a hint of surprise. I calmly faced him.

The first thought that struck me was how handsome he was.

Even though he was in his fifties, Melian looked incredibly young and handsome, a trait attributed to being an elf.

Moreover, being wealthy added to his popularity as a conquest target, despite having a daughter.

However, the real reason for Melian’s popularity as a conquest target wasn’t his looks or wealth.

Honestly, a relationship with a 30-year age gap is not exactly romantic from a pure ‘dating’ perspective.

Maybe if the age gap was something like 300 to 3,000 years, people would have romanticized it as ‘a transcendent being dating a human.’

Ultimately, the reason players were thrilled about the Melian route was because his daughter, ‘High Elf Zelliel,’ was a villainess.

Villainess Zelliel.
Th i s w a s co p i e d f r om ki n gmt l . or g

Throughout the episodes, she constantly tormented the protagonist, committing violent and cruel acts that infuriated the players. They eventually discovered ways to mess with Zelliel as much as possible.

The ultimate method was to conquer her father, Melian, marry him, and ruin her household.

…It sounds like a joke, but it’s true.

It might seem like a ridiculous plot twist, like something out of a love-war drama.

But players around the world, especially Koreans, were crazy about this melodramatic plotline. Looking back, it’s quite amusing.

Anyway, I pretended to ponder for a long time, and Melian patiently waited. Internally, he must be quite anxious, but his patience was remarkable.

“Of course, there’s a reason.”

“Do you find the terms unsatisfactory? If there’s anything lacking, I can add it immediately.”

“No. The terms are fine. I just don’t want an ‘exclusive contract.’”

Melian’s expression hardened slightly. He wanted to own this technology exclusively, no doubt.

But it would be a shame to break the contract with the immense support from Starcloud Trading Company. I intended to negotiate with him as much as possible.

“In fact, this technology that merges magic engineering and alchemy will significantly impact not just our daily lives but also the production of mages’ equipment. During the development of this formula, my assistant and I created various designs.”

“I see. But what does that have to do with not wanting an exclusive contract?”

“We want more mages to use these new ‘items.’ Consider it a small contribution towards making this world, plagued by Dark Mages, more peaceful.”

“Your dreams and ambitions are high and broad. It’s good to have grand aspirations. However, to achieve noble dreams, money is essential.”

“Yes, that’s true. I’ve been discussing this with numerous investors. One of them is you, Chairman Melian.”

“…So, you want to sign contracts with all those people while also signing with me? That would mean cutting out many of the terms I offered.”

“Yes. However, I do find those terms appealing.”

Melian displayed an amused expression, as if asking what I planned to do. He probably thought I wouldn’t be easily persuaded.

I presented a straightforward solution.

“Not everyone can use the same items, even if everyone uses items. The ‘luxury branding’ of items. That’s my proposal.”

“Oh…!”

At that moment, even Alterisha, who had been watching anxiously, seemed to realize something and exclaimed. Melian also straightened his posture, showing interest. He no longer looked at me as a child.

“Luxury branding…”

“Yes. There are countless rare materials in this world. One of them is the ‘Veil Iron’ exclusively held by Starcloud Trading Company. What if we refine that ore using the technique of ‘Alchemy Magic Engineering’?”

“…A very fine product would be born.”

“Exactly. While we promote the widespread use of items, we will exclusively contract with Starcloud Trading Company for the production of luxury items that are difficult to make. In other words, it’s a brand.”

Melian slightly raised the corners of his mouth and nodded.

“Good. But… how can I be sure that these ‘luxury items’ are not just your empty fantasies? My motto is ‘never make a losing deal,’ especially in transactions.”

Despite his words, his tone wasn’t entirely negative. He wanted me to prove that the items could be called luxury.

“Yes. So I’m not asking you to sign a contract right now. Give me half a year. Within that time, I’ll hold an investor presentation exclusively for you, Chairman Melian.”

“Oh…”

I already had a few ideas in mind. Even if I didn’t think about it, Alterisha would come up with something.

“If you like the products presented at that time, please sign an exclusive brand contract with us.”

“That is…”

Melian deliberated for a moment, then nodded.

“Cool.”

Cool. That was an exclamation Melian only used when he genuinely liked something.

“Fine. Here, take this ‘Messenger Paper.’”

Messenger Paper is an advanced form of carrier pigeon communication. It allows messages written on paper to unerringly reach their intended recipient.
T his w a s c o pie d f ro m kin g m t l . or g

T h i s w a s c o p i e d f r o m k i ngm t l . or g
Although phones are developed enough now to make it almost obsolete, it still held significant meaning as major institutions (kingdoms, magic towers, nobles, companies, etc.) were already sufficiently connected by phone networks.

But giving it had symbolic importance.

Messenger Paper, protected by numerous security spells, was expensive and could reach anyone, signifying trust.

Th i s was co p ie d f r o m ki n g m t l . o r g
Understanding its significance, Alterisha’s eyes widened as she hurriedly accepted it.

“Th-thank you!”

“And here’s my phone number. I have a personal phone, but I assume you’ll have one soon too. If needed, you can contact me using Stella’s public phone.”

Having finished his business, Melian stood up, placing his bowler hat on his head.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave. Have a pleasant time.”

Watching Melian leave as swiftly as he had arrived, I let out a breath I had been holding.

“Phew, I thought I was going to die from the tension.”

Alterisha asked incredulously.

“That was someone who’s nervous?”

“I was completely nervous.”

“…Incredible. You can smile like that even when you’re nervous.”

“Pardon?”

“Nothing!”

Smiling brightly at me, Alterisha leaned her head against the window. Maybe because the tension had finally released, I felt strangely exhausted.

‘I should get some sleep…’

* * *

Southern Continent, Haoya Plains.

Someone once called this land, ‘The land flowing with milk and honey.’

It’s no wonder, as seven rivers run through the Haoya Plains, containing all sorts of rare divine beasts, plants, and ore veins.

However, a traveler once said this in melancholy while traversing the plains.

‘Watching the vast, rugged grasslands spread out, anyone would yearn for freedom. Even if they were already free.’

The Land of Freedom, Haoya Plains.
T hi s was co p i e d fr om k i n g mtl .o rg

At the center of the plains stood an unusually tall green stalk, with a giant pink lotus flower blooming at the top.

On that lotus flower stood the beautiful ‘Lotus Inn,’ which had a very special guest today.

Melian’s only daughter, the High Elf Zelliel.

Despite her father Melian being a regular elf, Zelliel inherited an abundant amount of the World Tree’s energy, earning her the ‘High Elf’ status at a young age.

Even so, she rejected the World Tree’s invitation and ran out into the world, wanting to explore it with her father. Now, she gazed at the seemingly endless blue plains with a bored expression.

People said they cried upon seeing this sight, some were so captivated by the beauty that they couldn’t leave, and one painter reportedly spent his life painting this scenery until he went blind.

However, Zelliel saw no such beauty. In her world, everything had value.

[Value of All Things]

This special trait allowed Zelliel to see the value of everything, be it humans, animals, or objects, as numbers.

The lowest value is 0.
Th i s w as co p i e d f ro m ki n g mtl .or g

The highest value is 100.

‘The land value is rising…’

Seeing the value, not the beauty, of Haoya Plains made her smile slightly. She had invested heavily there, so it would soon become fertile land teeming with money.

“L-Lady Zelliel…”

As she blankly admired the Haoya Plains, a man kneeling behind her spoke cautiously.

“Who said you could call my name so freely?”

Whack! As she dismissed him, her bodyguard ruthlessly stomped on the man’s head.

“Ugh…!”

With a sigh, Zelliel turned around and sat down. The man, with tears, snot, and blood mixing, looked pitiful, and the number 3 floating above his head made him even more so.

A value similar to a street stone.

“P-please… show mercy…”

“Why did you go bankrupt? If you had just continued with your work, this wouldn’t have happened. Didn’t I warn you not to expand unnecessary businesses?”

The man bit his lip and lowered his head.

Her words weren’t wrong. That business would’ve succeeded. It was nearly successful.

But she ruined it.

The reason? Obvious.

It was more profitable this way.

T h i s w as c op ied f r o m ki n g mt l .o rg
By completely ruining the man’s business, the resulting scraps held more ‘value’ in Zelliel’s eyes.

However, there was no evidence. No proof that Zelliel had interfered. It was obvious to anyone that she had, but this cunning woman left no trace.

So, the man could only beg for his life. She could make anything happen in this world.

“Do you want to live?”

Nodding vigorously, the man agreed. Zelliel smiled.

There was no reason to spare him.

However, she thought of a good way to kill time in this dull moment.

“Oh, right, didn’t you say you could play ‘Soul Chess’?”

The man, with a puzzled expression, hurriedly nodded.

T h i s w a s c op ie d f ro m k ing m t l . o rg
“Good. Shall we play a game of ‘Soul Chess’? If you win… I’ll do anything you want.”

Soul Chess.

Known as the mage’s brain sport, it starts by choosing 20 pieces from over 200 types and placing them on the board.

Each piece had abilities like ‘shoot flames 3 squares forward, then rest for 5 turns’ or ‘protect allied pieces for 2 turns,’ and the goal was to capture the opponent’s king.

Complicated? You understood correctly. Soul Chess was several times more difficult than regular chess, even entering it was challenging.

And Zelliel was a Soul Chess professional with the ‘Grand Master’ rank.

‘I see.’

In other words, it meant she had no intention of sparing him.

But not wanting to give up hope, the man forced himself up and sat in front of Zelliel.

And the game of Soul Chess… ended far too quickly.

He was no match for her.

‘…Boring.’

A man without value even in Soul Chess.

“Bury him.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Zelliel’s bodyguard, Seong Tae-won, nodded slightly and left the room, gagging the man. She disliked it when people screamed their last desperate cries.

“Mmmph! Mmmph!”

As expected, the man struggled, but he couldn’t resist Seong Tae-won’s strength.

‘Haa, it’d be more fun to play alone…’

There was no one left who could challenge her in Soul Chess.

Although she had never defeated the Archmage ‘Doaron Karcest,’ she was confident there was no one else she couldn’t beat.

So, she grew anxious.

The reason Zelliel learned Soul Chess was simple, to defeat the ancient being, ‘Karmensete,’ and receive the ‘Eternal Light’ as a reward.

Only a few in the world knew that the ancient myth, considered merely a legend, was actually true.

Now that she had enough skill, she only needed to find the relic of Karmensete and win at Soul Chess.

‘Where on earth is the relic…’

She was burning with impatience but knew rushing wouldn’t help. So she exercised restraint.

“Miss. The matter is handled.”

“Good. Well done.”

She burned the papers related to the man and threw them in the trash. Just then, there was a knock.

“Who is it?”

– It’s Dad.

“Oh…”

A rare smile bloomed on her face.

“Come in.”

As the door opened, the first thing she saw was not a number, but a ‘?’. That was Melian’s value.

Despite Zelliel’s ability to see the value of everything, there were two exceptions to her valuation.

When the subject was someone she loved.

When the subject possessed an unknown value beyond her analytical abilities.

But there’s no one in this world with an unknown value. Also, the only person Zelliel loved was her father, so there was no situation where she couldn’t measure value.

“Did you have a good trip?”

“My dear daughter, you must have had a hard time without me. Shall we return home?”

“Yes. I’m tired of this place.”

“Ha ha, I never get tired of it, no matter how often I see it.”

That’s because… her father still had ’emotions.’ Haoya Plains are indeed beautiful.

Zelliel hurriedly spoke.

“I didn’t get tired of it either.”

To hide the fact that her heart was dry from her father. With a kind smile, Melian patted Zelliel’s head.

“Oh right, did you successfully close the deal?”

“Yes and no.”

“What?”

Melian pulled out a piece of paper from his coat. It was undoubtedly the ‘Messenger Paper’ for contacting Alterisha, the alchemist.

‘57’

A Messenger Paper for contacting someone named Alterisha held that much value. How valuable must that person be?

‘My father’s judgment is spot on.’

As Zelliel fiddled with the paper, Melian spoke.

“Oh, I should have given a paper to that boy too.”

“That boy?”

“Yes. He was quite interesting. The co-author of the Random Aeration Cross Formula, a student at Stella.”

“…Really?”

She knew there was a co-author for the Random Aeration Cross Formula, but hadn’t expected it to be a student.

“He’s probably a year younger than you. There are some impressive kids out there. We’ll have to wait and see, but his business acumen was quite something for his age.”

T h i s w a s c o p i e d f r om k in g m tl . or g
“What was his name?”

“Baek Yu-seol. Remember that name.”

There was never a name her father told her to remember that wasn’t important. So Zelliel tucked away the name Baek Yu-seol in her memory.

‘Solved a three-hundred-year-old problem at seventeen…’

It was impressive, but not enough to spark her interest. She didn’t know what her father saw in that boy, but he was just a pawn.

‘If I can use him to make money, that would be good.’

She thought so and tucked the name Baek Yu-seol into a corner of her memory. Whether Melian knew her thoughts or not, he still showed a keen interest in Baek Yu-seol.

“Since he’s a student at Stella, you might meet him someday, Zelliel.”

Zelliel was attending the elven magic school, ‘Starflower Tree Academy.’

All the magic schools frequently hosted exchange students and inter-school competitions, so they might meet someday.
Th is w a s c op i ed f ro m ki n g m tl.o rg

However, the name Baek Yu-seol was soon tucked away in a corner of her memory. She just wanted to enjoy this time with her father.

“Dad, shall we play a game of Soul Chess before we go back?”

Today and tomorrow.

As long as she was with her father, she could do anything.

Even if it meant falling into hell.

End of Chapter