Chapter 131: Aslan Seminar (5)

Chapter 131: Aslan Seminar (5)

After Eisel finished her presentation and stepped down from the podium, a small commotion arose.

"A unique magic circle..."

"This is a revolution in magic!"

"If one aligns the form with the inherent patterns of attributes in the magic circle and revamps it, without a doubt, the level of magic will advance several steps."

As there were many magic scholars and warriors present at the Aslan Seminar, they directly analyzed exceptional magical abilities of geniuses. They knew well the remarkable value of the thesis presented by Eisel.

Thanks to this, those attendees who had needlessly criticized Eisel earlier could only blush in embarrassment.

The commotion didn't settle for a while.

The moderator and the conference chairman didn't intervene.

Since such remarkable magic had been presented, it was only proper to allow them a bit of excited chatter time.

Hong Bi-Yeon didn't quite fancy this atmosphere, so she slipped away from her seat.

Since the Aslan Seminar didn't have designated break times, it was a common practice to utilize the brief gaps between presenters as a break time.

The commotion would likely take around thirty minutes, so she decided to step out and grab a quick coffee.

"Hey, you don't seem too well today. What's wrong?"

"... Thank you."

"No, the issue isn't about being thankful..."

While walking quietly along the corridor, a familiar voice could be heard in the distance.

Peeking around the corner, she found Eisel leaning against the wall and Baek Yu-Seol calming her down.

*What's going on?*

Hong Bi-Yeon hid behind the corner and discreetly eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Its just... I had to spend a lot of mana and mental strength before."

"What happened?"

Eisel hesitated and looked at Baek Yu-Seol.

*'The story about accessing the Star Archive... should probably remain a secret for now. After all, delving into someone else's past without permission...'*

Moreover, Principal Eltman mentioned that ordinary people were unlikely to understand the term Star Archive.

Unless one belonged to the Twelve Disciples' lineage or possessed abilities related to the Star Archive, it was better not to talk about it as it might not be comprehensible to most.

"... I can't talk about it. Anyway, my mana recovered quickly after just one night in the hospital, but it seems my mental strength didn't bounce back as fast."

Mana recovered well after a good night's sleep, but the issue lay with the mental strength.

Mental strength was a significant factor for magic warriors. In any situation, they must calmly think of the numbers and form the magic spell, which was quite challenging with low mental strength.

Baek Yu-Seol was confident that Eisel had a high level of mental strength, so he thought she wouldn't have any problem with the presentation and debate this time...

He would never have imagined that the aftermath of that incident would still linger.

"Well, it's a relief that you're okay."

"Yes. I'm really grateful for today."

"Yeah. Buy me a meal sometime."

"Sure. I'll take my leave now."

As Eisel briskly tidied up and rose to leave, Baek Yu-Seol also disappeared in the opposite direction.

*Hmm... if it's something that requires mana and mental strength... then it couldnt have been...?*

While Hong Bi-Yeon was speculating something based on Eisels words, a familiar woman's voice echoed from behind.

"Oh my, little sister! What are you doing here? Hmm? Enjoying the view?"

The first princess of Adolveit and a rival to Hong Bi-Yeon.

It was Princess Hong Si-hwa.

Intentionally, she turned around the corner of the hallway, and deliberately made a loud and cheerful sound.

She might have been thinking of picking on Hong Bi-Yeon, who was secretly spying, but unfortunately, the people involved had already left.

"Ugh, how boring."

....

Ignoring her, as Hong Bi-Yeon tried to turn away, Hong Si-hwa suddenly jumped up, blocking her way.

"Sister! Why are you so mean~"

"Get to the point."

"Just curious~"

Fluttering like a butterfly, Hong Si-hwa spoke as if she was trying to appease Hong Bi-Yeon, who was standing still.

"Is our sister's first Aslan going well? I wonder if your thesis preparation is going well?"

"By any chance, you havent finished your thesis yet? Surely not! Adolveits princess wouldn't do that!"

"Is that all you have to say?"

"No?"

Leaning in closer, Hong Si-hwa spoke with a slightly dry voice.

"No matter what... you dont want to face embarrassment in your first Aslan, do you, little sister? If you're desperate... How about getting a little help from your older sister? Since you're my little sister, I could help with one thesis, right? Hmm?"

Was that the purpose?

Hong Bi-Yeon felt somewhat disappointed and let out a hollow laugh.

She thought that the reason behind the deliberate destruction of the thesis was to diminish her value as a rival. After all, it would completely break her during the Aslan seminar...

*'Seems like they're trying to turn me into a puppet.'*

Well, maybe that would be better.

There were still three years left until the succession to the throne, and if the rivalry ended prematurely, there wouldnt be a 'dramatic succession to the throne.'

She dared to boast that her content could rival Eisels groundbreaking thesis on imbuing original forms of attributes into the magic circle itself.

Just as doubts began to surface about the magic, Hong Bi-Yeon began her explanation of this spell very slowly.

"Throughout history, humans have strived to control fire, ultimately shaping flames into forms they desired."

"These shapes are truly diverseflame arrows, spears, crosses, shields, hammers, and countless others... The list is practically endless. But all these forms are fake. Today... I will show you the true form of fire."

-

"Wow...?"

Hong Si-hwa opened her eyes wide as Hong Bi-Yeon began presenting something groundbreaking in magic.

"What is that...?"

She was familiar with the original thesis prepared by Hong Bi-Yeon.

As it was the case with the other families who regularly attended the Aslan Seminars, including the Twelve Disciples' family, the thesis by Hong Bi-Yeon was just a patchwork of exceptional scholars brought in from various places.

It was a kind of convention: 'You do it, I do it, let's pretend we don't know each other.'

However, Hong Si-hwa intended to touch upon that aspect sensitively. After all, she had attended the Aslan Seminar consistently for a decade, displayed her excellence, and then retired.

Wasn't there no need to fuss about it anymore?

Moreover, if Hong Bi-Yeon fell for the bait, she could easily have her completely under her control without making a fuss about it.

But.

Her younger sister Hong Bi-Yeon didn't take the bait. Instead, she appeared extremely confident.

That couldn't possibly be the case.

*Mm, it's quite impressive.*

Even with her negative thoughts, she found herself strangely captivated by Hong Bi-Yeons fireworks show.

If Eisels magic was cold and artistically beautiful, then Hong Bi-Yeons magic had an explosive charm which could ignite a fire in peoples hearts.

It was admirable to have prepared a thesis of that level and presented it.

Even Hong Si-hwa felt compelled to stand up and applaud right then and there.

*But then again, if that's really your magic.*

Hong Si-hwa smiled bitterly.

She knew her younger sister's worst flaw was her lack of creativity.

That was probably why she seemed to have been simultaneously training and exploring creativity recently, but...

Even so, how could she prepare such diverse magic in such a short time?

It was unbelievable.

Therefore, if you maintain the natural form of the flames

Hong Bi-Yeons presentation was reaching its climax, and the expressions of the spectators were filled with excitement.

What was even more astonishing was that unlike before, no one took advantage of the 'intellectual opportunity'; they were just mesmerized, and listened intently.

The second revolutionary magic had already appeared at the Aslan Seminar.

This momentum was undoubtedly greater than

Hong Si-hwas first presentation.

It touched a different realm.

But it was alright.

This kind of atmosphere was also a great stage for Hong Si-hwa.

When that momentum reached its peak.

That would be the perfect moment to completely take down Hong Bi-Yeon.

I'll conclude the presentation..."

Just as Hong Bi-Yeon was about to successfully wrap up her presentation.

**Beep!**

Hong Si-hwa pressed the button to utilize the 'intellectual opportunity.

"... I have a question for you."

As she spoke, the hall fell silent.

It was obvious that the one using the intellectual opportunity was none other than Hong Si-hwa, the rival contending with Hong Bi-Yeon for the throne.

The atmosphere became strange.

"For student Hong Bi-Yeon?"

"... Yes."

Hong Si-hwa's usual lively and cheerful demeanor was gone. Sporting a bright smile, she gracefully opened her mouth.

"I heard news that your previous thesis was omitted. Perhaps... it was merely a patchwork of other professors' thesis put together hastily, wasn't it?

As she directed questions towards the thesis evaluation and review committee, some members nodded.

They were under Hong Si-hwas influence.

"So, it's a question."

She inquired, "Is that magic... really yours?"

The build-up was over.

From now on, she would just watch quietly as Hong Bi-Yeon scrambled and fell apart.

*Well, what are you going to do now, little sister?*

Thinking this, she locked eyes with Hong Bi-Yeon, and...

Huh?

For some reason, contrary to her expectations, she found Hong Bi-Yeon looking back at her with a playful smile.",