Chapter 23

Not long after Yujin met with the President of the Mage Association, chaos erupted within the association once again.

The reason? A certain mage named Yujin had declared he would deliver a lecture on his re-establishment of Space-Time Magic.

With unwavering confidence from the president, the association immediately prepared to host the lecture and spread the news nationwide.

At first, most people thought it was exaggerated hearsay.

“Space-Time Magic, huh? It’s probably just another case of Transcendents recovering a tiny fragment of their knowledge like usual.”

Space-Time Magic didn’t exist as of now. To be precise, Time Series Magic wasn’t even acknowledged to exist, and Spatial Magic only consisted of a few rare spells.

But according to the news spread by the Mage Association, Yujin had not only developed Spatial Magic further but had established it into an entire school of thought—a massive and well-structured concept.

Needless to say, this was hard to believe. What exactly were “space” and “time”? These were lofty concepts that even the mighty Transcendents could barely interfere with.

Even existing Spatial Magic spells such as Pocket Spaces, Teleportation, and Spatial Expansion/Contraction were considered remnants of Dragon knowledge—abilities crafted by the progenitors of magic themselves. Only the greatest of mages could properly wield these.

And now someone claimed they’d formalized an entire school out of this?! The dream and lifelong aspiration of all mages…just like that?

Most dismissed it as another overhyped discovery, thinking it was merely another localized spatial manipulation spell.

“Still, even that would be impressive. Definitely worth checking out. Though it’s impossible for them to have truly cracked Time Magic…”

Their doubts soon turned to shock when the president’s declaration and the published paper came to light.

“This is the paper submitted by the mage in question. It contains partial knowledge of the newly established Space-Time Magic.”

The president’s firm conviction and the contents of the paper spread nationwide, leaving mages, scholars—even powerful figures—in awe. They twisted and turned to secure attendance at the lecture.

Thus, a few days later, the lecture hall hosted by the Mage Association was packed.

“Is it true? The author of the Space-Time Magic paper is going to lecture here personally?”

“Yes! The president himself invited them!”

“And they’re offering the lecture for free!”

“Incredible! The president’s influence is unmatched!”

“But is this really true? Can Space-Time Magic truly be formalized?”

“Ho ho, you’re behind on the news. The magic circles have already been verified. It’s the real deal.”

“So who exactly formalized Space-Time Magic?”

“I heard they’re from the East…”

“What?! The East has no connection to magic, right?”

“Maybe there’s some hidden enlightenment about space-time over there…”

“The secrets of Space-Time Magic are finally being revealed…!”

Murmurs filled the lecture hall as attendees buzzed with excitement.

Seated in the audience were countless renowned mages, heroes, scholars, and even influential figures. Their conversations revolved around two topics: the newly established Space-Time Magic and its author.

An existence capable of meddling with the transcendent concept of space-time.

Amidst rampant speculation…

“Here we are, President.”

“Good.”

A sharp-looking woman with short purple hair guided a regally seated red-haired beauty to one of the upper VIP seats.

Her crimson eyes and voluptuous figure drew attention, but what stood out most were her reptilian-like vertical slit pupils glowing ominously.

These piercing eyes scanned the lecture hall below.

“Professor Reina.”

“Yes, what is it?”

Reina Sahart, who stood respectfully beside her, was none other than Hugo Party’s former examiner and investigator into Yujin’s background.

And the woman she served was none other than…

“If your report is correct, there’s a possibility the one who formalized Space-Time Magic is a Dark Sorcerer?”

“That’s right, President.”

“Hmm…”

Ines Karandar, President of the Academy and descendant of Dragon bloodlines, also known as the Great Witch, sat among the crowd.

Curious about the individual who had accomplished what even she couldn’t—formalizing Space-Time Magic—she was surprised when Reina delivered her urgent report. “…Yujin, you said?”

“Yes.”

Reina bowed slightly. After meeting Hugo’s party, she conducted thorough investigations into Yujin. However, his past was suspiciously clean—as if he had appeared out of nowhere.

This fueled her suspicions, especially when news broke that Yujin had shaken up the Mage Association with his Space-Time Magic paper. She rushed to inform the president.

Dark Sorcerers and Demons were serious matters at the Academy. The second princess of the Arsedium Empire, a student there, was secretly being eroded by a demon—and Dark Sorcerers were targeting her.

As a president who cherished her students dearly, Ines couldn’t ignore this situation. Moreover, the fact that a suspected Dark Sorcerer was lecturing on something she herself hadn’t mastered added extra intrigue.

“A Space-Time Magic-formalizing Dark Sorcerer… Even if it’s not confirmed, I should investigate this person.”

Meanwhile, at the back of the lecture hall, Yujin glanced toward the direction where he faintly sensed a mana presence similar to a Dragon’s.

“…Hmm?”

“Hm? Is something wrong, fellow Yujin?”

“No, nothing.”

He had noticed the subtle yet familiar energy. Elsewhere, Tiamat also picked up on it…

『Wait, this aura…』

She felt an odd sense of familiarity…

『No way… Could it be YOU, Karandar…?!』

Though incorporeal, Tiamat blushed furiously and began sweating cold beads.

‘Tiamat-sama, did you sense it too?’

『H-Huh?』

‘A faint Dragon-like energy… though it seems to be emanating from a human.’

Tiamat’s face turned redder.

『Y-Yes…』

‘Hmm? Tiamat-sama, I sense embarrassment… Do you know something?’

『N-No! I don’t know anything! Yes! Nothing at all!』

‘…I see.’

Though Yujin felt Tiamat knew more, her denial led him to drop the matter and focus on his conversation with the president.

Meanwhile, Tiamat muttered to herself…

『Karandar… How could you possibly… with a human…!?』

She hung her head in shame, unable to believe one of her own kind had engaged in ‘that sort of act.’

On the other hand, Yujin finished speaking with the president.

“Fellow Yujin, everything is ready…”

“Yes. I should head up soon.”

“Please do your best.”

The president shook Yujin’s hand repeatedly, bowing deeply.

‘Your humility makes me feel somewhat guilty.’

Though moved by the president’s humble attitude, Yujin had no intention of canceling the lecture and simply felt a twinge of regret.

Anyway, leaving the president behind, Yujin stepped toward the podium.

Thud. Thud.

Each step echoed through the hall.

…

Despite the soft sound, the audience fell silent, captivated by the presence in each step.

Thud. Thud.

All eyes turned toward the podium. Some swallowed nervously; others stared intently at the figure ascending the stage.

Unlike his usual appearance, Yujin’s neatly combed hair showed his effort to dress appropriately for the occasion.

Dressed sharply in a suit, he looked more like a renowned musician from the entertainment world than a mage. His gentle smile exuded an irresistible charm.

Thud. Thud…

The echoing footsteps ceased, and the man spoke.

“Hello everyone. I am Yujin, the author of the Space-Time Magic paper.”

His magically amplified voice resonated throughout the hall as he smiled warmly.