Chapter 360

July is the busiest time for the high school division of the academy.

After finishing the compilation of all third-year students’ grades, they prepare to apply for universities that align with their respective career paths.

The goal is to send every single student to university safely without leaving anyone behind.

Collaboration with the principals of various academies is essential for this purpose.

The reason the academy is so focused on external performances like competitions and national sports events is directly related to this.

The better the results, the more spots they can secure at prestigious universities.

“Ao, I can’t take this anymore. I don’t know how many meetings we’ve had already!”

During a discussion on how many applications to submit to the Department of Theoretical Magic at Korea University, six hours had passed without any conclusion.

Principal Park Tae-Seok of Busan Aspen Academy came out of the conference room, shaking his head.

“How about we just take a light half marathon today, hmm?”

His phone rang incessantly.

He checked the avalanche of messages in the group chat.

[Group Chat – Hamttakari (5)]

[Gu Onyu: What the hell, are you really going to send the child like that?]

[Gu Onyu: At the very least, you need to see them safely off at the train station, don’t you?!]

[Kim Woong: Dammit.]

[Kim Woong: Did you think they’d just splash around in the nearby valley? Who knew they’d be leaving right away?]

[Gu Onyu: Ugh, this frustrating guy! Did you just get old for nothing?]

[Kim Woong: Is Park Tae-Seok looking at this? Tell No Name to call me immediately when they meet.]

[Cheon Kyujin: I’ve told you before that it needs to be revamped someday, tsk. tsk.]

[Kim Woong: This system has been retrofit after retrofit for 28 years. If you don’t know, just keep quiet.]

[Park Tae-Seok: Wow~~~~^@ Hyeonnims, you all look lively on a good day,,,*^^*

Here’s some kimbap for you to fill up,,~~~!! Haha @)))))))]

[Gu Onyu: That crazy bastard…]

[Gu Onyu: Don’t ever give No Name a recommendation letter, got it?!]

“Haha, you really have talent. How did you manage to get through that solid wall?”

To welcome No Name, Park Tae-Seok decided to stay at the academy.

Since the principal stayed late, the vice principal had no choice but to stay as well.

The head teachers and homeroom teachers also could not leave the school.

If a crucial meeting is held while someone is absent, it can lead to serious problems.

Even students who had gone out on the precious weekend received orders to return.

Thus, the students of Aspen Academy spent the entire Sunday in self-study.

“None of the teachers are leaving today.”

“It seems the principal is still here. The meeting probably ended late.”

“Aww, I had a rare dinner appointment today.”

“r momentum is negative one over…” Ahhh, I just want to graduate already!”

“Huh? Who’s that over there?”

As complaints piled up, a glimmer of light came to relieve them.

“No Name!”

“Where, where?”

“Over there! It’s definitely No Name!”

“Are you just trying to get attention again?”

“I’m serious! Does anyone have a telescope?”

In boring high school life, a little lie is unavoidable.

But when the shrill sounds of the girls from the next class echoed, they realized their words weren’t a joke.

A few brave students escaped the class and made their way down to the central entrance.

“Hey you all! Where are you going in the middle of self-study?”

Ignoring the warning of the grade manager, they boldly executed their escape.

And there they met No Name on the first floor.

The girl was changing into guest slippers, her long twin tails swaying as they fell to the hem of her skirt.

Every time No Name blinked her bright, little eyes embedded in her small face, the students’ hearts sank.

“Excuse me, where is the principal’s office?”

With her baby-like voice that inspired protective instincts, the students couldn’t help but lose their focus collectively.

Even the grade manager, seemingly hypnotized, responded to her with a kind smile.

“Are you looking for the principal? He’s on the first floor in the main office. Want me to take you there?”

“Yes, you’re really kind. Thank you.”

“Oh, no problem! Now you all go back to your class and do your self-study properly! Understand?”

“Come on, teacher, that’s unfair!”

“Unfair? If you keep following me, I’ll give you demerit points, so go back before I say something harsher!”

The grade manager threatened them with a ruler in hand.

In the back, No Name secretly made a heart with her fingers and tossed it towards the students.

“Whoa!”

At the students’ thunderous cheers, the grade manager turned around in surprise.

“What? Why?”

No Name, with both hands hidden behind her back, asked innocently.

“Never mind, I was just wondering why they were acting like that all of a sudden.”

“Sometimes when all you do is study, you just want to yell.”

* * *

“Strike while the iron is hot.”

As soon as I received the recommendation letter, I headed to Busan without delay.

The Principal Park Tae-Seok I met was completely different from Kim Woong, who I met earlier.

“Wow, a superstar has appeared in our Busan! Can I give you a hug?”

“No.”

“Tsk. I see.”

I flatly rejected his request.

I was afraid that if I hugged him, he might rub his stubbly beard against my face.

“Did you go hiking or something?”

“No, this is actually my usual outfit, haha!”

“Oh, I see.”

In this world, you must be cautious of two types of people: those wearing modified hanboks and those wearing hiking clothes. Especially in a school setting.

The burly man welcomed me with a colorful outfit that was inappropriate for the occasion.

“So, my friend wants to become a high-ranking mage? I was shocked to hear it from Granny!”

“Granny?”

“You know, your principal.”

“That’s too much. I’ll be hearing about this at home.”

“Ahem, anyway, you’ve worked hard to come all the way here. To be honest, I’m not sure how to say this… Gu Onyu told me not to give you a recommendation letter under any circumstances.”

Principal Park Tae-Seok wickedly informed me.

“I actually know.”

“You know?”

“Yes, would I be going through this trouble of bothering you, flying from Gangneung to Busan otherwise? Still, I just want to prove my abilities. I want to be seen not just as a child in the media but as a proper mage.”

“I have a slightly different opinion. I think it’s a blessing for a child to be treated like a child.”

“I’m not saying I want to completely abandon that treatment. I will continue to attend the academy regularly as before—”

“You said you want to start a clan, right? Then do you think you can have an ordinary academy life like other students? You’re serious?”

Principal Park Tae-Seok retorted in a more serious tone.

“Sure, let’s assume you, No Name, actually become a clan leader. While some students are learning calculus at the academy, some will be clan leaders receiving performance evaluations from the government. Some will have to endure another nine years of tough studying to join a clan while others have already become clan leaders. How do you plan to resolve this gap? Can you truly understand the relative deprivation that those students might feel?”

“If I provide opportunities for my friends to advance—”

“Nope.”

Principal Park shook his head with his eyes closed.

“No, no. People’s hearts don’t work that way.”

“…”

“People only see their own world. The sun is just an insignificant star when viewed from the whole universe, but within our solar system, it’s the only star. When the sun is up in the day, we can’t see the distant stars at all. Do you understand what I’m saying, teacher?”

“Yes. I used to be a bit unsure, but I think I understand well now.”

I crossed my arms and crossed my legs.

“The fact that all of you have feelings of inferiority towards Hamcho-Rong.”

At those words, Principal Park Tae-Seok’s face stiffened.

A cool chill filled the principal’s office.

After tapping the desk twice with his fingers, he suddenly burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! That totally hit home! You’re right, especially Woong has always been a bit inferior. You’re quite something, No Name. You might be the only one in the world to talk about inferiority complex to us. I’m serious. I’m not being sarcastic; it’s really impressive.”

I opened my eyes wide at his unexpected reaction.

“Don’t you feel any discomfort?”

“Honestly, I do feel bad. But what can I do? If it’s the truth, I have to accept it. But let’s ask you this: what is it that our little friend wants to do by creating a clan?”

His question made me smile brightly.

Finally, someone was asking me the right question.

“I want to create a symbiosis.”

“Symbiosis?”

“Yes. Right now, all mages aim to create A-rank unique magic. However, I believe there are far more useful magics in this world that are not A-rank.”

“For example, what?”

Currently, the duties of mages belonging to a clan can be broadly classified into three categories.

First, researching and inventing new systems of magic.

Second, enhancing individual combat abilities.

Third, designing and maintaining magic used in industrial settings.

All of these contribute, directly and indirectly, to national development.

“But not everyone can understand new theories of magic, and not everyone works in advanced industry. In a world where magic has advanced so much, why are people still using crutches under their arms when they injure their legs? To be honest, I just don’t get it—how has magic developed so asymmetrically by the year 2052?”

“Are you dissatisfied that the benefits of magic are not distributed evenly?”

“Yes. I understand that magic is a difficult subject. That’s why only a few receive long-term specialized education in facilities like the academy. What I mean is, I’d like mages to be treated according to their abilities, but if possible, I wish for those abilities to be returned to society.”

“Hmmm, that’s a good thought. Good words… but how? How are you going to achieve that? Can you impose that on mages?”

Principal Park narrowed his eyes skeptically.

It seemed unrealistic. It was impossible in modern society.

He stared at me with that doubtful gaze.

I nodded calmly.

“You just have to become the strongest. If the top says it, everyone will follow. We’re just monkeys who can use a bit of magic, aren’t we?”

The order of things was twisted.

Rather than making the clan that helps others influential, it is the most influential clan that should help others.

* * *

“I just can’t believe these words are coming from a nine-year-old.”

“When we’re worried about making ends meet today, you’re looking at the world.”

“Maybe the world is too small for No Name.”

Principal Park Tae-Seok relayed the events that took place at the academy to Kim Woong.

Kim Woong eventually took a flight to Busan.

He surely must have met No Name, but there had been no contact at all.

“So where is No Name? Is she staying at the academy dorm?”

“No.”

“Then she must be staying at a hotel near Busan Station?”

“No. Not at all! Haha.”

“Tell me quickly, you jerk! I have a ton of things to ask! Like how she got through the national defense forces—”

“Right now, she’s probably at sea.”

“Sea? Where at, Haeundae?”

“Hmmm, no, no, much further. No Name went to Japan.”

“What the… Japan?! No, why? Is she alone? Did you tell her parents?”

“Oh, right. I forgot to mention! Lately, my mind has been a bit scattered.”

No Name boarded a boat from Busan Port heading to Japan.

Leaving only a message that she was going to the national exchange event.