I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic Academy-Chapter 467

Meanwhile, as Baek Yuseol wandered the wilderness in search of the Green Core, life at Stella Academy continued as planned with the "Practical Additional Exam."

Not just Stella Academy—

This exam, conducted jointly by the five prestigious magical schools of the floating city Arcanium, was an annual event that drew significant attention within the magical community.

By this time of year, prodigies had already made their mark.

The next question to answer was, "Are these prodigies equally exceptional in real-life scenarios?"

By their second year, students were expected to take on practical assignments. The "joint practical" was essentially no different from an actual mission.

Although safety measures were thoroughly considered, the monsters in the exam were real.

Students could get injured if caught in traps or even lose their lives if struck by a monster.

Of course, no such incidents had occurred thus far. The exam's difficulty level was carefully calibrated to a 3-Risk standard, accounting for the students' capabilities.

In reality, the idea of 18-year-olds clearing dungeons of that level was already absurd. But the students of these prestigious schools were far from ordinary.

Seven Stadium

A satellite city of Arcanium, the Seven Stadium was a floating city built exclusively for this annual joint practical. Every winter, it bustled with people.

What feats would the geniuses from the five prestigious schools showcase this year?

Even high-ranking magicians who had little interest in the prodigies' academic papers or dissertations earlier in the year began to pay attention during this period, filling the city with an unusual number of visitors.

"Ugh, how boring..."

Watching the crowds gather, Hong Biyeon propped her chin on her hand and sighed.

"Why on earth do I have to go to a 3-Risk dungeon?"

Her frustration was understandable.

Hong Biyeon, Full Frame, and Eisel were far beyond the level of ordinary second-years.

The exam was too easy—boringly so. With their skills already surpassing 6-Class and approaching 7-Class, it wouldn’t have been surprising to see them hold positions in one of the magic towers.

Yet they were being tested in a mere 3-Risk dungeon. It was no wonder they found it dull.

Of course, they could have opted out.

However, every event like this ultimately contributed to Hong Biyeon’s career. She couldn’t afford to skip important milestones.

"Princess,"

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As Hong Biyeon idly stared at the clouds through the airship’s window, her attendant, Yetarin, handed her a file.

"His Majesty has instructed you to handle this personally. It must be reviewed and mailed by tomorrow morning."

"Hmm..."

Tomorrow morning was not an option. They would arrive at the Seven Stadium shortly, and after a brief wait, the practical exam would begin immediately.

Looking through the documents, they were related to royal affairs—tasks that could be completed comfortably within the given time.

“They assigned me this knowing I don’t have time right now?”

It was clearly intentional.

While appearing to give Hong Biyeon leeway, they were fully aware of her tight schedule. If she failed to complete the tasks, they could accuse her of neglecting her royal duties.

Still, she didn’t feel upset.

It wasn’t that she enjoyed being burdened like this, but the fact that they kept giving her such trials was evidence that she was being recognized as the proper successor to the throne.

"Are you alright?"

Even Yetarin, understanding the situation, looked uneasy. But for Hong Biyeon, this was nothing.

"I’ll just finish it here. Wait a moment."

"Excuse me? But there’s quite a lot to go through..."

Despite Yetarin’s concern, Hong Biyeon had already pulled out the documents, creating a floating stack in midair with magic.

Quill pens and papers hovered as if they had a will of their own, fluttering through the air. Hong Biyeon’s eyes darted rapidly, faster than light.

Her speed-reading ability, combined with her exceptional memory, was one of the talents that made her a genius.

Recalling the prodigy who memorized all magic without creating anything new, Yetarin finally let out a sigh of relief.

"By the way, how is Hong Sihwa?"

Hong Biyeon’s sudden question came as she worked through the papers. Yetarin, who had already investigated the matter, replied without hesitation.

"Public opinion isn’t favorable. Since the last ball, more nobles have been stepping forward to expose Princess Hong Sihwa’s corruption. But there’s something peculiar..."

"Peculiar?"

"Yes. Investigating those nobles revealed... that Lady Eisel Morph seems to be involved."

Hong Biyeon’s quill froze.

"Eisel...?"

Come to think of it, she hadn’t seen Eisel outside of class for the past few months.

Eisel had been disappearing every afternoon and weekend, heading somewhere unknown.

"After digging deeper, it seems she had already made connections with nobles linked to Hong Sihwa’s scandals during the ball and has been dismantling their networks one by one."

"...Impressive execution."

"However, a few of those nobles have disappeared or been found dead. Some are concerned that her methods may be too extreme."

"Who cares if a few rotten scoundrels die? The world will be cleaner for it."

"Your Highness, as the future queen, you must embrace everyone, even those like them."

"No thanks. Once I’m queen, I’ll cut them all off myself. If Eisel is taking care of it for me, I’m actually grateful."

"...I see."

Eisel was also participating in the joint practical exam.

By day, she played the role of an elite at Stella. By night, she prowled the darkness of Adolevit.

"You should still be cautious."

"Of what?"

"Do you think Princess Hong Sihwa will stay quiet? She’s been unusually silent lately... She could be preparing something big."

"That’s obvious."

Hong Sihwa wasn’t the type to give up the throne easily.

Her once-solid support base would only grow weaker as public opinion turned against her, but she might strike back with something monumental.

If not that, she might...

"Half-kill me to force the people to choose her."

If it came to that, Hong Biyeon wouldn’t sit idly by.

"In that case... maybe supporting Eisel’s efforts isn’t such a bad idea after all."

"Excuse me? But, Your Highness, that’s illegal. You shouldn’t dirty your hands."

"Hong Sihwa’s hands are already soaked in blood. If I keep pretending to be pure, I won’t accomplish anything. This works out perfectly. Eisel’s actions will be helpful to me."

Even Eisel would eventually hit her limits.

She couldn’t have all the information, nor could she account for the increasing rumors among the nobles about attacks from unknown assailants.

Eisel would need Hong Biyeon’s support sooner or later.

***

Meanwhile, Eisel sat slumped in the furthest corner of the airship, her face drained of all energy.

“I’ve barely slept these past few days...”

“Have you been studying that hard?!”

Her friends, squatting nearby, patted her on the back and made a fuss.

“Well, I’ve been doing something... similar to studying.”

“Are you going to be okay today? It’s the joint practical exam.”

“...I’m not going to die or anything.”

Her beautiful sky-blue hair, usually immaculate, now looked dry and disheveled, sticking out in every direction. It was pitiful to see her in such a state.

Normally, no matter how much she studied, Eisel never showed signs of exhaustion. What could have happened to her? Since she refused to answer, there was no way of knowing.

“We’re not participating, so it doesn’t concern us, but... I am a bit worried.”

“She doesn’t look great, but it’s Eisel. She’ll manage somehow, right?”

“Yeah, she’s always pulled through, no matter what.”

Despite her friends’ concern, the exhausted Eisel wasn’t particularly worried.

Though she kept her abilities mostly hidden at school, Eisel was a 6-Class mage. No matter how tired she was, a mere 3-Risk dungeon wouldn’t give her any trouble.

The reason for her somber mood lay elsewhere.

‘Things aren’t going as well as I’d hoped.’

She needed to secure crucial evidence about the incident Hong Sihwa caused ten years ago. However, the path forward was blocked by impenetrable walls, making further progress difficult.

She had uncovered other scandals involving Hong Sihwa in the process of stirring up the nobles, but she hadn’t been able to obtain what she truly wanted. It was frustrating.

“Well, somehow... things will work out.”

Even amidst her exhaustion, Eisel responded to her friends’ questions, passing the time. While they chatted, a man draped in a tattered cloak stumbled past the seats where they were sitting.

The other girls moved away, complaining about the smell, but Eisel didn’t bother to do so. As the man passed her, he whispered quietly.

“I know what you’re looking for.”

Startled, Eisel turned. His voice had been so quick and subtle that no one else noticed, but she had heard it clearly.

Looking down, she saw a piece of paper on the floor nearby. At some point, it had been dropped there.

[30 minutes later, at the bow.]

The bow of the ship wasn’t a good place for secret discussions.

Did that mean this wasn’t something that needed to be kept secret?

‘What I’m looking for?’

If it was something Eisel was searching for, it had to be related to Hong Sihwa.

She quickly looked toward the direction the man had disappeared, but he was already gone.

‘No need to rush.’

Thirty minutes wasn’t a long time. She {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} could just meet him and find out.

“I’m going to step out for some fresh air.”

“Alright! Go clear your head a bit!”

Leaving her friends behind, Eisel made her way to the bow of the airship.

Strangely, a place that usually had a fair number of people was completely deserted. It was as if someone had deliberately cleared the area.

Now standing alone at the bow, Eisel let her hair flutter in the wind for thirty minutes.

“You’re early, Eisel Morph.”

Exactly thirty minutes later, the cloaked man appeared.

Eisel frowned and asked, “You said you know what I’m looking for. What is it?”

“To demand everything from the start... such a greedy young lady.”

“You’re the one who called me here.”

“True, true. But if you want information from me... you’ll have to help me a little first.”

Of course, he wanted something.

“Speak.”

“During the joint practical exam... an incident will occur.”

“Yes?”

“When it happens, do nothing. Stay out of it. If you can do that... I’ll give you crucial information about your father.”

“Wait, hold on!”

Before she could press further, the man leaped from the airship.

She quickly leaned over the edge to look down, but he had already vanished.

“An incident will occur...”

And if she did nothing when it happened, he promised to give her the critical information she sought.

“What is going on...?”

Eisel’s mind was in turmoil.