“I have a dream.”
Rather sudden words.
However, for some reason, those already focused on Yujin were drawn into his statement.
“That dream is rooted deeply in my beliefs and your noble endeavors.”
Yujin glanced around the room, speaking with an uncharacteristically sincere tone.
“I have a dream. A dream where someday, the children taught by me and our esteemed senior professors will lead humanity’s future.”
Though these words might sound overly grandiose at first, they carried an undeniable conviction that stirred the hearts of those present, boosting the professors’ pride.
“I have a dream. A dream where one day, humanity, having grown so much, can prove to the great celestial gods that we are not mere pitiable beings needing care but fully capable entities standing on our own.”
– …!!!
This was a revolutionary statement.
What are gods? The Transcendents who triumphed in the Great War and now protect humanity. Essentially, Yujin was declaring humanity’s worth directly to them.
“I have a dream. One where someday, the gods recognize us and we demonstrate the beauty and freedom of human life right here on earth.”
– …
“I have a dream. The hope that humanity will truly become great one day.”
A heartfelt appeal.
Even in modern Earth, this kind of speech would move people—akin to Martin Luther King Jr.’s legendary address, skillfully reimagined by Yujin.
The professors were gradually captivated.
“This is humanity’s hope as well. This belief I wish to instill while teaching students seeking knowledge. With this belief, we can surely realize this hope.”
“Let’s spread this hope across the land. Let’s pray it reaches the great gods. Let’s show those who deny this hope the potential of humanity!”
“Our lives are far from insignificant. They can be free and beautiful. Let’s awaken this truth in many!”
“I have a dream!”
“A dream to prove on this earth that gods protect us not out of pity but because we are worthy!”
Even professors specializing in theology were entranced.
They felt a desire rising within them—a desire to prove their value to the gods.
“I have a dream!”
Thus ended the intense and powerful speech. Bowing to the professors, Yujin said:
“Thank you for listening. I am Han Yujin, the new Magic Studies professor.”
And then… silence.
For a moment, the meeting hall was filled only with stillness.
No one spoke. The silence felt almost cold, but it was more like the calm before a storm—or rather, the quiet before a volcano erupts.
…Clap.
Someone started clapping. That was the beginning.
Clap, clap-clap.
Clap-clap-clap-clap.
Clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap!
The small applause grew louder, echoing throughout the hall. People, dazed, began clapping toward Yujin.
Regardless of age or gender, everyone seemed hypnotized, clapping mechanically.
“What… is this?”
Professor Reina Sahart felt goosebumps.
The professors gathered here were all renowned experts in their respective fields.
With strong egos, they didn’t easily admire others, yet they were now mesmerized and applauding after just one speech.
Of course, the fact that he was a Space-Time Magic authority might play a role…
“To sway hearts so thoroughly with just a speech? Incredible…”
If Reina didn’t know better, she might have been clapping along with them. It was that moving and inspiring.
“Dangerous. Truly dangerous…”
Regardless of skills or power, someone who could enchant others purely through words was exceptionally dangerous.
Reina felt her guard toward Yujin rise even further.
Meanwhile, the President, looking bewildered, spoke up.
“…Well, that was a magnificent speech, Professor Yujin.”
“Not at all, President.”
“Hmm… Anyway, it seems we’ve finished introducing Professor Yujin. Though we hadn’t planned to hire a professor during this period, given the urgency of his appointment, I thought we should create an opportunity to introduce him. So, any questions for Professor Yujin?”
At this, about ten professors raised their hands, then hesitated upon seeing others do the same.
Yujin pointed to an elderly professor who had raised his hand first.
“Yes, the distinguished-looking professor on the right, do you have something to say?”
“Cough… Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bern Cantorna, professor of Swordsmanship Studies.”
“Ah, Professor Cantorna. I’ve heard of your work establishing part of the Knight Kingdom Leonhardt’s swordsmanship system.”
The elder professor smiled faintly.
“Thank you for recognizing an old man’s achievements. Ah, by the way, are you older than you look?”
It was common knowledge among most professors that Yujin likely held a position higher than the Mage Association president and might even be a Great Mage who’d returned to his prime.
Yet Yujin smiled enigmatically.
“Haha, let imagination run wild. But feel free to speak your mind. I’m officially a newcomer here.”
“Is that so? Then I’ll speak freely. You mentioned believing our students will truly lead humanity, but what exactly do you plan to teach? I hear you declared at the Mage Association lecture hall that your established Space-Time Magic is too advanced for current mages, and thus refused to teach it.”
“Good question. I didn’t come here to teach the Space-Time Magic I established.”
“Then?”
“I’m here to guide the direction. Unfortunately, many mages, including those in the association, seem unable to grasp the concepts and theories outlined in my papers.”
At this, other Magic Studies professors slightly bowed their heads in embarrassment. Yujin continued.
“So, I intend to impart foundational knowledge to the students, enabling them to understand the concepts and theories I’ve written about, even if just a little.”
“Isn’t that the same as teaching Space-Time Magic?”
“Slightly different, Professor. For example… let’s use a tree analogy.”
“A tree?”
“Yes, a tree.”
Saying this, Yujin manipulated the floating mana in the air. He avoided using Dragon mana since it would be too conspicuous.
Blue particles gathered, forming the shape of a tree.
“Hooh…”
“Such precise and skilled mana control.”
The Magic Studies professors quietly marveled at the delicate form. Yujin asked:
“Can you see the roots?”
“I see them.”
“These roots represent the foundational knowledge I aim to impart to the students. When combined, they form a large trunk.”
“Hmm…”
“The trunk shares common theories and concepts. However, it branches off into dozens of limbs, creating new ideas. Leaves, flowers bloom, and eventually fruit forms. Some of these branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits are parts of the Space-Time Magic formulas I created.”
“In other words…”
“Yes, discovering Space-Time Magic is the seeker’s responsibility. I’ll reveal the roots and guide them to find the trunk, hoping they discover new concepts themselves. In the process, entirely new magic might be born—magic I couldn’t or didn’t create.”
Smiling gently, Yujin continued.
“That’s what I want. Genuine exploration. Currently, others are digging barren ground without a tree. That’s not true exploration.”
“…I see. Understood.”
Bern Cantorna nodded satisfactorily and sat down.
Seeing this, Yujin looked around and asked:
“Anyone else have questions? Ah, the young professor over there, please go ahead.”
“Yes, I’m Haizen Schneider. Professor, may I ask…”
As Yujin smoothly answered each subsequent question,
“…”
Reina watched silently for a moment, then raised her hand.
“Yes, Professor Reina Sahart. Please proceed.”
Caught off guard momentarily when Reina was called last, Yujin nonetheless maintained his composure and addressed her.
Reina began.
“First, I’d like to commend Professor Yujin for the excellent speech as an educator.”
“Haha, thank you.”
“While we’re at it, I have one question. Despite the somewhat odd timing of your appointment, separate from your speech, I wonder if you’re currently ready to conduct lectures.”
“Regrettably, due to being appointed at such an odd time, I currently don’t have any lectures assigned. Thus, I’ll focus on administrative duties as a faculty member this semester.”
“I see. So, you do intend to teach eventually?”
“Yes… Is there something specific you’d like to discuss about that?”
Yujin asked, sensing a strange foreboding. Reina responded:
“Professor Yujin, you’ve been appointed as the head of the Magic Studies department, correct? As the head, personally, I’d like to conduct joint lectures with you for the time being. Would that be acceptable?”
“…”
An open assertion of her authority as the department head, with a gaze indicating no refusal would be tolerated.
Realizing once again that he’d been marked, Yujin opened his mouth…
