Thesound of theexpensive carriage of the Drakhan family echoed through the cobblestone streets, a rhythmic tter that turned heads and hushed conversations. The wheels, crafted from the finest materials, rolled smoothly despite the uneven terrain, a testament to the wealth and power of my lineage.
Inside the carriage, I sat with an air of calm authority. The carriage was richly appointed, with plush seats upholstered in deep crimson velvet and dark wood ents that gleamed with polish. Golden tassels adorned the curtains, and intricate carvings decorated the interior panels, each depicting scenes of arcane mastery and mythical beasts.
Well, admiring the carriage could followter.
My mind now focused on the uing lecture at the Magic Tower University, Ilook at the leather baggiven by Alfredand take out the documents from inside. My sight went to thelecture''stopic title.
"Royal Senior Professor Draven: The Fundamental Concept of Magic and The Understanding of Mana"
Furthermore, the table of contents is as follows.
-Introduction to Arcane Theory: Magic and Mana
-Magic Circles and Their Branches
-Ley Lines and Magical Conduits
-The Nature and Essence of Mana
-Elementary Magic: Principles and Practices
I read them with total focus and soon got immersed in them. The prospects, the exnations, and the outlines were fascinating enough for me to realize that the lore and the depth of these documents were far more intricate and logical than anything I had created in the game. It was as if I were diving into a whole new world, one that was rich with potential and discovery.
As I studied the magic circles within the documents, analyzing theirplex structures andincantations, acertainphrase appeared in my field of view:
[Comprehension used. Mana -150]
I paused, feeling a slight drain on myenergy,but alsoa strange sense of rity.The intricate patterns and symbols of the magic circles that had seemed soplexbeforenow made perfect sense to me. It was as if the knowledge had been instantly absorbed and integrated into my understanding.
"So, the skill is real,"I murmuredto myself, fascinated by the implications. Comprehensionwasn''tjust a passive skill; it actively consumed mana to enhance my understanding of magical concepts. This realization opened up new possibilities. With this ability, I could learn and master magical theories and techniquesfarmore quickly than anyone else.
The carriagecame to a stop, and my attendant opened the door, bringing me back to reality."My lord, we have arrived,"he announced with a respectful bow.
I stepped out, taking a moment to survey the impressive facade of the Magic Tower University. With a deep breath, I collected my thoughts and began my ascent up the grand steps. As I entered the hall, a small figure blocked my way.
"G-Good morning, professor... T-This is what you asked for yesterday..."Theassistant''scute but rigid face was framed by wisps of dark hair, her eyes wide with nervousness as she handed me a thick stack of documents."Fortoday''slecture, p
"Do I know you?"I asked, caught off guard by her familiarity.
"P-Professor...?I''vebeen working as your assistant for a year?"Her body seemed to shrink as she uttered those words, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
"Iwas merely joking,"I smiled, attempting to ease her difort. But as I did, I felt a twist in my stomach, as if the rude and cold Draven within me disapproved of any friendly actions toward others.
I nced at the documents, realizing they were a detailed script for the lectures, extending several sses forward."I see..."
Draven was famous for his intelligence, but it wargelya facade. He was a mediocre genius, a failed prodigy. The curse that gued him hindered his ability to fullyprehend advanced mana usage, leading him to rely on his wealth to build his career through backstreet methods.Thisincluded asking the assistant professor towork tirelessly toprepare scripts for most of his lectures.
"Yes, professor?"she asked, her voice tinged witha mixture ofhope and apprehension.
"It''snothing. You did a great job. Take a rest before the ss,"I said, my tone gentle. Another twist of difort churned in my stomach, but I paid it no heed. This body may resist my actions, but I was in control now. There was no need to follow every whim ofDraven''singrained habits and desires.
As she nodded and turned to leave, I took a moment to review the script she had prepared. It wasthorough,andmeticulouslydetailed,and would serve as an excellent guide for the lecture.I made a few adjustments, infusing the material with my newfound understanding andtheinsightsgranted bymy skill, Comprehension.
The students began to fill the lecture hall, their faces a mix of anticipation and curiosity. I took my ce at the front, arranging the documentsneatlyon the podium. The familiar scent of parchment and ink filled the air, grounding me in this new reality.
"Attention"I began, my voice steady andmanding."I will now start the lecture,"
___
Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!
The sound ofDraven''sfootsteps echoed through the grand lecture hall, each step deliberate and precise,manding the attention of everyone present. He moved with a grace and authority that seemed almost otherworldly, his presence filling the room with an air of quiet power. Thestudents''conversations ceased as all eyes turned towards him, captivated by the spectacle of his approach.
Draven''severy motion exuded an effortless elegance, his stride fluid and measured. His back was straight, shoulders squared, and head held high, embodying the very essence of noble dignity. The long, tailored coat he wore flowed behind him like a cape, its intricate silver embroidery catching the light and adding to the aura of regality that surrounded him.
His boots, polished to a mirror-like shine, struck thepolishedmarble floor with rhythmic precision, each step a testament to his unwavering confidence.
His facial expressions were a study of control and refinement, each nce and movement conveying a subtle yet undeniable authority. His piercing emerald green eyes scanned the room, assessing the students with a keen intelligence that left no doubtas tohismand of the subject.
There were no ws or gaps in him. It was as if he had been sculptedby the godsthemselves, an embodiment of perfection and power. His appearance was so harmoniously proportioned, so meticulously crafted, that it seemed almost unreal, as if he were a living statue carved from the finest marble.
"That bastard..."
Amberine Polime, sitting at the back of the ss, could barely contain her contempt. Her eyes narrowed as she watched Dravenmake his way tothe podium, her lips curling into a sneer. To her, this disy of noble elegance was nothing more than a fa?ade, a mask worn by a man who had caused her and many others nothing but grief.
But even to those who harbored resentment or mistrust, there was no denying the sheer maism of his presence.Draven Arcanum von Drakhan was not just a man; he wasa spectacle, a force of nature that demanded attention and respect.As he reached the podium and turned to face the ss, the room fell into ahushedsilence, the students hanging on his every word.
Not just her words, but her actions were as bloody. Amberine Polime bit her lips as hard as she could until they bled, her gaze fixed intently on the man before her—the enemy of herte father. The taste of iron filled her mouth, a bitter reminder of the rage and grief that fueled her every thought.
Draven Arcanum von Drakhan, the man who had brought so much misery to her family.Just likeseveral other schrs who had been''eaten''by his ambition and treachery, her father was one of them. He had been a brilliant man, renowned for his groundbreaking research in the field of magic. His numerous papers and articles were a testament to his intellect and dedication.
Yet, hisgreatestwork, his magnum opus, had been stolen by the wretched man standing before her.
Her father had died in obscurity, hismasterpiece never recognized, his contributions buried under the weight ofDraven''sdeceit.Amberine''sheart burned with the injustice of it all, the memory of herfather''sunfulfilled dreams and his untimely death a constant torment.
"It''sfine, father. I will definitely avenge you..."Amberine muttered under her breath, her voice a whisper of resolve. As she watched Dravenmand theattention of the ss, an evil thought crossed her mind. A n began to form, dark and sinister, fueled by a desire for retribution.
She would bide her time, y the part of the diligent student, and wait for the perfect moment to strike. Draven might have the upper hand now, but she would ensurethat hisfall from grace would be as spectacr as his rise.Amberine''seyes narrowed, her mind already working through the details of her revenge. She would not let herfather''slegacybe tarnishedby this man any longer.
She would expose Draven for the fraud he was and reim herfather''sstolen glory.