Everyone knew that Stella Academy was one of the top five magical institutions on the Aether continent.
To clarify, it was not merely a ‘magic academy,’ but a ‘magic institution.’
Stella Academy was home to 3,000 of the world’s most elite magic warriors, but that was not the sole reason it was renowned.
The academy grounds also hosted a vast magic tower and a magic knights’ order, employing tens of thousands of magic researchers. Beyond them, tens of thousands more students and magic researchers resided there, studying and working.
Stella had grown so large that calling it a ‘small nation’ wouldn’t be far off.
It became such a dominant power that, though external forces tried to keep it in check, Stella had evolved to the point where it could operate to a degree even without its principal present.
Elthman Elwin built Stella into this immense society and established a solid system to function in his absence.
The board, the council of elders, and other influential factions, with their own checks and balances, kept everything running at the top level.
While the board and council often tried to act independently, Elthman knew that thanks to them, he could roam freely without worry.
The board also understood that as long as they didn’t overreact, Elthman would not interfere.
However, this was the first time Elthman had been absent for such an extended period, prompting an emergency board meeting.
"When was the last news we received?"
"A month ago. He said he was heading to the Land of the Dead Giants."
“I heard he went himself to stop the Awakening...”
“This has caused us quite a headache. Not only did he take Stella’s mages, but he also requisitioned additional mages from the association. Messages keep pouring in, asking when they’ll be returned. We need to bring them back soon.”
“Is there no way to reach the Land of the Dead Giants?”
“Wherever the Twelve Divine Moons are, the mana flow is always unstable, making communication impossible.”
“Damn it...”
Many decisions required Elthman’s direct approval, and dozens of research projects couldn’t move forward without his involvement.
While the board was struggling to maintain stability, it appeared the council of elders had another idea.
“... Do you think the mighty Elthman would die out there?”
Farek Leman, a Class 8 mage and former Vice Principal, spoke up, drawing the attention of the other mages.
Farek was once a candidate for principal himself and held considerable power within Stella. Though that was thirty years ago.
Elthman’s exceptionally long tenure had left Farek as a permanent second-in-command, leading him eventually to step down as vice principal.
“Of course, the principal isn’t dead.”
“Yes, indeed. So I propose that, until he returns, we do a little ‘traffic control.’”
“Traffic control? That’s outrageous!”
“Come now. Don’t you all feel that Stella relies too heavily on Elthman Elwin alone? There are over a hundred thousand people living in this city and academy.”
“It’s only natural for him to have such authority—he built this city and academy!”
“Even the greatest founding king can’t govern every citizen by himself. In a well-organized society, he’d appoint lords to govern each region efficiently. But Elthman has centralized all power, plunging Stella into disarray.”
“When has Stella ever been in disarray?”
"Right now, of course. The moment Elthman Elwin disappears, you all act like lost dogs, restless and uneasy. Isn’t it laughable? Stella, the great institution? Does Stella mean nothing without Elthman?”
"Lost dogs, you say...!"
Despite Farek’s harsh language, the board members couldn’t respond. Because, in reality, he was right.
Elthman’s month-long absence had caused disruptions in several Stella institutions, making many question the stability of its system.
The thought loomed over them: ‘Would Stella crumble if Elthman Elwin disappeared?’
With a serious gaze, Farek addressed both the board and the council of elders.
“That’s why we need to prepare, to organize a system in case of Elthman Elwin’s absence...”
Meanwhile, about 100 meters away outside a window from the meeting room...
Perched on a broomstick while swinging her legs and munching on a hotdog, Scarlet clicked her tongue as she watched the scene.
“Ugh. I figured this would happen.”
Elthman surely knew that leaving his position for too long would encourage those below to start vying for power. Something serious must have happened to keep him away.
“... Are you thinking of stepping in yourself?”
“Hm? Why would I? He hates me.”
From the building’s rooftop, Vice-Principal Archie Hayden, who had climbed up to speak with her, looked at Scarlet with a complex expression.
Although they were nearly 100 meters apart, their conversation was clear.
“You’re staying here longer than expected, Witch King.”
“Oh~ I’m having a lot of fun here. Elthman’s not around, so it feels like my own little kingdom!”
Archie Hayden’s face hardened. Scarlet had practically forced her way into Stella with thinly veiled threats.
“Oh. I see.”
“Well, in the end, their choice was pointless.”
Over the past month, Professor Scarlet had become immensely popular, building a friendly rapport with the students and earning a reputation as Stella’s favorite instructor.
Suddenly, she canceled all her classes and abruptly left the academy.
Archie Hayden personally stepped forward to explain Professor Scarlet’s departure, but Flame had a good idea of the real reason.
‘The principal is back.’
Elthman Elwin, who had disappeared for a month, had reappeared today for the first time in a long while.
Considering the antagonistic relationship between him and Scarlet, it made sense that she’d hastily flee.
‘But... Why did she come here in the first place?’
In the original romance fantasy novel, there was barely any mention of Scarlet. She was depicted as a mysterious figure living in the mountains or clouds, a transcendent being who, if she interfered in the mortal world, could potentially overturn history with her immense power.
Since she never actively intervened in events in the original story, Flame knew almost nothing about her true nature.
“It’s a shame...”
“She was a good teacher. While I couldn’t discern her true intentions, her teachings were definitely valuable.”
As someone who constantly sought knowledge, Hae Won-Ryang learned everything he could from Scarlet. Even though he was cautious of her intentions.
"Flame, are you planning to apply for the exchange program?"
“For now, yeah. I’m curious about the elves' magic academy. Plus, they say everyone there is super attractive. How about you?”
“I’m not sure...”
“What? You’re not going?”
In the original story, Hae Won-Ryang was supposed to be one of the exchange students.
“I recently conceived a new spell. I want to work it out. Going far away to learn new things is good, but right now, I’d rather focus on perfecting this.”
“Oh. I see.”
So much had changed, but Flame accepted it calmly. It had been a long time since she had been able to trust the future she knew from the original story.
"Is Baek Yu-Seol going?"
“Yes, his name was on the list.”
Jeliel from Starcloud had once asked Flame for a favor: to convince Baek Yu-Seol to join the exchange program. So Flame had subtly tried to gauge Baek Yu-Seol’s interest and even joked about going together.
But all her efforts proved unnecessary.
‘Of course I'm going.’
Baek Yu-Seol had answered matter-of-factly, rendering her efforts pointless.
It appeared he had his own reasons, likely an incident at Astral Flower Magic Academy that he needed to address himself.
Still, what intrigued her more was Jeliel.
Why did she desire Baek Yu-Seol’s presence so intensely?
Flame vividly remembered the look in her eyes—a look not driven by ambition.
It was simply...
The look of someone with a deep, heartfelt wish.
Given that Jeliel, who was known for her usually stoic demeanor, was originally set to be the villainess in the [Astral Flower Magic Academy Exchange Student] arc, it was evident that she had already been captivated by Baek Yu-Seol.
‘So who’s going to be the villain?’
The arc was supposed to depict Jeliel’s harsh treatment of Eisel and Eisel’s growth as she overcame it.
But if there was no villain?
If both Hong Bi-Yeon and Jeliel took on kind-hearted roles?
‘Then... What will actually happen?’
Thinking about the unknown future, Flame felt her heart pound with strange feelings.
-------
Hello everyone!
I’m beyond excited (and a little emotional) to share that we’ve reached an incredible milestone: 300 chapters of Flashing Genius! When I first started translating this novel, it was just me, my laptop, and a passion for this story. Back then, I never imagined that this book would receive so much attention. Now, here we are—thanks to your support and love!
Translating these chapters has been quite a journey. When I first picked up this project, I was still a full-time student juggling classwork, late-night study sessions, and translation all in one go. Many of times, I found myself hunched over my laptop, half-asleep, debating whether to finish my homework first or translate just one more chapter.
Now, I’ve graduated (yay!) and can devote more time and energy. Along the way, your support through comments, encouragement, and even constructive criticism helped me refine the book.
To celebrate this milestone, I’m setting a Kofi goal for 20 bonus chapters of Flashing Genius. Once we reach our target, I’ll release these bonus chapters. Every tip, pledge, or share makes a difference.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, supporting, and coming along for all 300 /zenith677/goal?g=0
Your Beloved TranslatorZenith