Book Eater

Chapter 20 - Outside the Academy (2)

Theo nodded at the irresistible offer, and Vince handed him the application form. The security for this event was so rigorous that everyone was required to clearly prove their identity. Theo spent a long time trying to recall the name of his great-grandfather on his mother's side. However, he eventually managed to fill in all the blanks.

Vince received the application form from Theo and nodded. "... Okay, this is fine. Last year, a magician misspelled the name of one of his family members and was dragged out by the guards. It's usually best to fill everything out if you can."

Theo remarked, "It's thorough."

Vince nodded. "The Annual Magic Contest is a symbol of the kingdom. This level of security is justified."

There were quite a few foreign spies and magicians who tried to pry into the affairs of the kingdom, so they had to be thorough. Theo checked the application form again to confirm that everything was in order. He was tired from spending nearly two hours on the application form, but the conversation wasn't over yet.

Vince smiled at him. "Theodore, do you know why I'm taking you to the Annual Magic Contest?"

Theo knew the obvious answer, but a frown creased his brow. Professor Vince wouldn't ask about obvious things. Perhaps there was something Theo didn't know or couldn't guess. Indeed, Professor Vince was satisfied by his reaction.

"It is important to distinguish between knowing and not knowing, but understanding what you don't know is the most important thing. You have a talent for the path of a magician."

"Thank you."

"Then I'll explain."

There was a thud as a thick book hit the desk. Theo wasn't overly familiar with this particular book, since it was the guidebook with all the rules of Bergen Academy. Theo had read the book once when he'd been admitted to the academy, and promptly stowed it away in his closet. There was no test on the book, so he had only skimmed it.

Vince laughed at Theo's bewildered expression.

"You must be wondering why I brought out this old book. Well, don't worry. I don't intend to teach a class on it."

He opened the book and pointed to the corner of one page. Theo's eyes chased his finger and found the entry for the recently revised Article 38, Clause 12. From the annotation, it had been changed approximately ten years ago.

[Section 38.12. Students of this academy are eligible for graduation after completing three and a half years of studying. However, an exception is awarded if the student wins a level 3 prize or higher at a contest organized by the Magic Society. The winners can obtain their diploma at any time.]

Theo didn't understand how this particular clause applied to him.

"Professor, this...?"

"You might have guessed already. In my opinion, I don't think you can obtain anything else from this academy."

"That..."

Theo stopped because he couldn't deny it. Vince's words accurately encapsulated the boredom he'd been feeling in class. In fact, Theodore's theoretical knowledge was already comparable to that of the professors. Matters were only made worse by the fact that this was the third time he was repeating the third grade, and he was getting tired of the material. He could only relieve his boredom with library books; however, he hadn't been able to find a single magic book over the 4th Circle.

"Additionally, you have become a controversial subject in this academy." Professor Vince had started to consider Theo as an adult magician. "Do you remember the professors who tried to expel you? They're the type who only live for the sake of their pride and authority. Those idiots will never regret their actions. They'll always just blame the other person."