saiki

93

Ch. 93.1 - Maizen Tyren(2)

With the sudden appearance of the dark mage, the students started to retreat hesitantly.

Despite receiving education to face dark mages, there were hardly any students in the first year with practical combat experience.

Moreover, the opponent was a dark mage estimated to be at least level 5 or 6. And to make matters worse, it was a fallen dark mage who used to teach them.

"Professor, why...?"

When a student trembled and asked, Maizen smiled faintly.

"... Do I still look like a professor to you? It's truly a regrettable perception."

Maizen slowly scanned the students with a penetrating gaze.

They were still young and weak, but in a few decades, or even a few years, they would surpass his own achievements and possess talent to rise higher.

Does that make sense?

'How much effort did I put in...?'

He, too, polished his magic skills, studied, and trained every day.

However, despite his efforts, the ultimate achievement he could reach in terms of talent was around the Class 4.

He aimed for higher grounds. He wanted to become someone superior and surpass everyone with a stronger power.

That was why Maizen reluctantly chose the path of alchemy, as there were clear limits to magic.

He hoped to excel as an alchemist by solving the Delta Augmentation Formula he was most confident in.

But even his talent in alchemy was mediocre at best.

It was fortunate in a way.

Maizen had a natural talent for the art of flattery, which reached a high level and it could ingratiate him with those of high status and cater to the whims of those in power.

So, Maizen managed to become a professor at Stella Academy based more on his connections than his skills.

Nonetheless, he considered himself a decent alchemist.

He had written quite remarkable papers, participated in significant research, and had become a professor at Stella, after all.

With his proficiency in both magic and alchemy, he had established himself as an authority in academia.

Now, wouldn't it be okay for him to aim even higher?

… That thought shattered into pieces shortly after entering Stella.

Eisel Morph, who showcased alchemy skills superior to his own, and Baek Yu-Seol, who had exceptional ideas; not to mention Alterisha, who always surpassed him in everything.

He couldn't understand.

Why did they have to be better?

He had thought that he had studied diligently enough.

Why should he fall behind those younger individuals?

That sense of inferiority...

That jealousy.

All emotions converge into one.

He had become the current Maizen Tyren.

"Ha...."

Now it was okay.

In front of him, geniuses with the qualities of archmages were gathered.

There was no need to envy that talent anymore.