The thoughts of those seeing the person on the podium for the first time were all the same.
“Huh… this young?”
No matter how generously you estimate, the youth standing there looked no older than mid-20s.
What’s more, he didn’t look like a Mage so much as some handsome guy who’d wander into high-class pleasure quarters. In fact, if you judged solely by looks, most decently attractive men couldn’t hold a candle to this guy on the podium.
Indeed, the women present couldn’t help but stare blankly at him with dazed expressions.
After a brief moment of silence, Yujin, the man on the podium, smiled as if reading the atmosphere.
“Surprised that I’m younger than you expected?”
…
Silence continued. Though no one answered, the heavy silence spoke volumes.
Yujin seemed to understand and continued speaking.
“Some of you might think I’m here as a proxy for the author or even just the moderator… but that’s not the case. You’re looking at the actual author of the paper.”
As Yujin said this, someone in the audience raised their hand and began speaking without waiting for permission.
“How do we know you’re really the author?”
“Hmm… proof, you say?”
“That’s right.”
“Alright then. Let me ask you something.”
Yujin smiled slyly at the man who had questioned him.
“Why should I prove it?”
“Wha…?”
“If you can explain why I should prove it, and if I find your reasoning convincing, I’ll comply.”
“Well, obviously! Everyone here came to listen to a lecture on Space-Time Magic! If the actual writer isn’t here, how are we supposed to believe and learn anything?”
“So that’s why I’m asking.”
With a still-smiling face, Yujin continued.
“Why should I be the one teaching or convincing you?”
“Huh…?”
The man faltered, his mouth hanging open. Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
“What…?”
“Isn’t the point of coming here to teach?”
“What is this guy even saying?”
The commotion grew louder, confusion spreading. Just as some people started getting up to confront Yujin…
*Snap!*
“Could we have some silence, please?”
…
At the sound of Yujin lightly clapping and speaking, everyone unconsciously shut their mouths and refocused their attention on him.
Having effortlessly captured everyone’s attention with that simple gesture, Yujin glanced around with a smile and spoke again.
“I understand. It would be frustrating to come such a long way to hear a lecture on Space-Time Magic only to find out the speaker doesn’t intend to teach. Yes, I get it.”
“Yeah, exactly! So…”
“But everyone, you’re making a big mistake.”
Saying this, Yujin turned slightly and began pacing slowly on the podium.
“I have no obligation—or intention—to teach any of you. I didn’t come here to teach you anything.”
“Huh…?”
“What does that mean? You didn’t come here to teach?”
“Exactly. I’m not here to give a lecture on Space-Time Magic.”
After saying this, Yujin subtly glanced toward the upper seats where the stunned President of the Mage Association sat.
Seeing him, Yujin smirked lightly before pulling something from a Space Pocket.
“What… is that?”
“Is it paperwork?”
“No way…”
It was a stack of papers that looked like official documents.
As people began whispering speculations about its nature, the most likely guess was…
“It’s probably what you’re expecting. Yes, this is not the ‘partial’ content released publicly but the ‘complete paper.’ In short, all the information regarding my research on Space-Time Magic is contained here.”
When Yujin waved the stack of papers, everyone’s eyes widened impossibly.
The complete, unreleased paper on Space-Time Magic!
Greed flickered in the eyes of those who saw it. With this alone, they could unlock everything about Space-Time Magic!
“How much? How much will you take!”
“I’ll pay whatever it takes for the paper!”
“Move aside! I’ll buy it! Name your price!”
*Swoosh!*
…
!!
But as people scrambled to purchase the paper, Yujin simply smiled and burned it to ashes.
Everyone stared helplessly at the now-charred remains while Yujin shook off his hands and spoke.
“This is my answer.”
“Wha… what…”
Unable to bear witnessing this, the President used Spatial Travel to appear in front of Yujin, clutching the charred remains of the paper.
“What is the meaning of this?! If we could harness Space-Time Magic, humanity could reach a greater level of greatness!”
Smiling at the President who had dropped formalities and spoken casually, Yujin replied.
“President, did you read the paper I’ve already published?”
“Huh…?”
“The Space-Time Magic research I’ve already made public—if interpreted correctly—can lead current Mages to uncover it to some extent. Sure, it might be weak and incomplete in its early stages, but isn’t that how humanity grows?”
Saying this, Yujin continued addressing the bewildered President.
“What good is learning magic you can’t interpret on your own? Are you planning to use it merely to satisfy your superficial vanity?”
“What… what do you mean by that?”
“I’m well aware of the problems within the Association.”
Continuing his slow stroll across the podium, Yujin added.
“You talk about humanity reaching greatness, but no. Instead, it’ll be an era where only the Mages within the Association delude themselves into thinking they’re great. Isn’t that what the current state of the Association represents? Discrimination between Mages and non-Mages, disadvantages for unaffiliated Mages, corruption born from entitlement…”
“…”
“Fascinating. Is this truly the image of a leap towards greatness? Frankly, I don’t know.”
“What… what are you trying to say?”
“Simple. It’s too early. Too early for the Association to handle this knowledge. At the very least, Mages should seek knowledge and truth rather than indulge in vanity, shouldn’t they?”
*Snap!*
As Yujin snapped his fingers…
*Whoosh!*
The scattered ash reassembled itself into the original paper in Yujin’s hand, as if time had reversed.
Everyone’s eyes bulged at the sight.
Real, genuine Time Magic. And not just any kind—it was Time Reversal Magic.
This was something anyone would covet!
“I… impossible…”
“Th-that’s real…”
“Unbelievable…”
While the audience gasped in awe, the President reached out for the paper in Yujin’s hand.
*Whoosh!*
And Yujin mockingly burned it again.
“A-aah…”
“President, Space-Time Magic is far too advanced for you folks.”
Now kneeling in front of the seated President, Yujin grinned and continued.
“So recognize your place and start exploring on your own.”
“…Y-you…!”
The President was nearly foaming at the mouth, despite having been previously dominated by Yujin. The burning rage in his chest refused to subside.
“Aaaargh!”
Just as the President unknowingly extended his hand to cast a spell…
*Snap!*
Yujin snapped his fingers again.
Instantly, the colors around the President turned gray, and his movements froze as if time itself had stopped.
…
Could he really stop a Great Mage like the President so easily? The audience gasped once more in astonishment.
Walking forward calmly, Yujin addressed the crowd.
“Therefore, I’ve determined that Space-Time Magic is too advanced for the current generation of Mages. That’s why I’m here—to deliver this message.”
“…”
“Of course, if I outright refused to release it, there’d likely be backlash. I understand. Personally, I believe knowledge gains meaning when shared with the public. So…”
Yujin pulled another stack of documents from his Space Pocket, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Has everyone here reviewed the paper I initially released to the Association?”
Most people nodded, though some hadn’t yet seen it.
“As I mentioned to the President, interpreting this paper correctly could reveal the secrets of Space-Time Magic. Unfortunately, it seems the Association hasn’t managed to crack it. However, I plan to impart my knowledge to whoever provides the correct interpretation.”
“!!!”
“Mages should derive their worth from exploration. Those who seek only to inflate their egos instead of genuinely exploring aren’t necessary to me.”
Yujin finished with a grin.
“That’s all.”
***
Having completed what was written as a lecture but read as pure showmanship, Yujin exited the hall and began walking leisurely toward an inn.
On the way, he spoke to Tiamat.
“Think it went well? Pretty satisfying, wasn’t it?”
*“Hehe, absolutely. That was quite entertaining.”*
Tiamat agreed with a laugh. Mages who flaunted their privilege but failed to explore their craft deserved a lesson.
“And with the false announcement of a Space-Time Magic lecture and the Association’s wounded pride, they won’t dare touch me anytime soon—not if they value the knowledge of Space-Time Magic. Hence, they’ll leave me alone.”
*“True, that was part of the plan. Still, it was fun regardless.”*
“Haha, glad you enjoyed it.”
*“By the way, was that serious? About teaching someone who interprets your paper?”*
“Oh, that? Honestly, I doubt it’ll happen. Without prior knowledge, deciphering it would be practically impossible.”
While Yujin didn’t expect much, it wasn’t entirely untrue.
*“So it was a lie?”*
“Not exactly. There was a purpose to weed out those who’d blindly throw money at me. But if someone truly seeks to explore, I’m open to sharing knowledge.”
Yujin believed in teaching purely to those genuinely eager to learn, though he wondered how many such individuals existed.
“Anyway, did you notice?”
At this, Tiamat hesitated briefly.
*“Uh… yeah.”*
“A little while ago, there was someone with Dragon energy nearby, along with another person following us.”
*“Ugh… Yujin? I noticed too, but… can we just ignore them?”*
“Hmm? Why’s that?”
*“W-well…”*
Tiamat fidgeted awkwardly, unable to meet his gaze. After a moment of curiosity, Yujin finally turned around when they got closer.
“Shall we step out now? There’s no one else around.”
“…You’re sharp.”
Two women emerged from the alley Yujin had faced.
“Hmph… as expected.”
One was a striking beauty with sharp features, short violet hair, and purple eyes. The other was a red-haired woman with golden eyes.
Recognizing them immediately, Yujin internally nodded.
He had encountered these women before in the Maze Academy game.
The red-haired woman was Ines Karandar, the President of Labyrinth Academy.
Known as the Great Witch, she was considered one of the strongest mortals alive and rumored to possess Dragon blood. Yujin had confirmed her presence during the lecture but felt a renewed sense upon seeing her up close.
Beside her was Reina Sahart.
A Magic Studies Professor at the Academy and Ines’ assistant.
Ines spoke first.
“Great lecture. Truly impressive.”
“Not exactly actions worthy of such praise.”
Fully turning to face them, Yujin greeted politely.
“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Yujin, an ordinary mage.”
“Ordinary mage… you flatter yourself. The one who redefined Space-Time Magic.”
“Hahaha, is that so? Anyway, may I inquire why you followed me? Especially someone of your stature as the Academy President.”
The Great Witch, Ines Karandar, was well-known among mortals. Not recognizing her would be unnatural, so Yujin addressed her directly.
To which Ines responded.
“That… fair enough. I dislike beating around the bush too. Let’s cut to the chase.”
Saying this, Ines extended her hand.
“Would you consider taking a position as a professor at the Academy?”
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