Hearing the sudden, crisp voice, Dean Bruce froze in place, filled with confusion.
Was he hallucinating?
"Ding!"
As if responding to Dean Bruce's unspoken question, this time, not only did the voice ring out again, but a line of text also appeared before his eyes.
"System Notice: The host must make a decision soon. Do you wish to activate the Supreme Mage System?"
Dean Bruce's pupils contracted sharply, and a wave of elation surged through him. As a modern youth from Earth, he was naturally familiar with what a system was!
System, can you make me a Supreme Mage? Like the ones in movies? Dean Bruce quickly asked in his mind.
"Ding!"
"System Notice: You will be even stronger than the Supreme Mages in your understanding! Activation countdown: 5... 4..."
Seeing this prompt, Dean Bruce immediately chose to activate the system.
"Ding!"
"System Notice: Congratulations to the host for successfully activating the Supreme Mage System. When the host takes on apprentices or teaches students, as long as they learn magic, you will receive rewards!"
"Not only that, but the host will also gain ten times the comprehension and power of the magic learned by your apprentices and students!"
In an instant, Dean Bruce's breath quickened.
The rewards were too generous!
Notting Primary Magic Academy had over a thousand students, all of whom were technically his students. Plus, there were numerous instructors as well. How could they not learn magic?
Wouldn't that mean the system would shower him with rewards?
"Ding!"
"System Notice: The knowledge imparted by the host must enable the students to comprehend magic in order to receive rewards!"
Upon seeing this prompt, Dean Bruce's smile faltered.
With this limitation, the difficulty had just skyrocketed.
He knew nothing about this world's magic system—how was he supposed to teach anyone?
Earlier, he had bluffed Joan Michelle because he had never intended to actually teach her; he was just after the Dragonheart Pendant!
Teaching the other students magic and earning rewards would require careful consideration.
That would make bluffing much easier!
A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as Dean Bruce nodded and said, "You're not wrong, but that explanation is a bit too simplistic."
"Ritual magic requires the construction of a magic circle, communication with deities, and the offering of sacrifices to obtain the power you desire!" Dean Bruce's voice grew deeper. "But if I only construct a magic circle to gather mana and form a giant of pure magical energy, is that ritual magic or natural magic?"
Joan Michelle was stunned, left speechless, unsure of how to respond.
Seizing the opportunity, Dean Bruce continued, "If I draw upon the fire elements in the world to create a fireball, then use it as a conduit to pray to the fire god for its burning power, is that natural magic or ritual magic?"
Hearing this, Joan Michelle was filled with admiration. Despite still being partially undressed, she stood up and gave Dean Bruce a deep, respectful bow.
Straightening herself, Joan Michelle earnestly asked, "Then how many types of magic are there?"
Dean Bruce sighed and shook his head, "You've disappointed me. I just explained that magic is your understanding of this world, of the universe, and you completely missed the point!"
Joan Michelle was utterly shocked. What had she misunderstood?
Feigning exasperation, Dean Bruce said, "The question I asked earlier was flawed from the start. I only wanted to test if you had grasped the teachings."
After a pause, Dean Bruce continued, "The types of magic are endless! There's necromancy, which involves communicating with the dead; dark magic, which curses others; ritual magic, which draws power from deities; and shaping magic, which molds physical forms from energy..."
The more he spoke, the more far-fetched it became. Dean Bruce practically listed every magical system he had ever seen in novels and anime. Joan Michelle listened in rapt attention, her entire body trembling with excitement.
"You... you truly are a master!" Joan Michelle suddenly dropped to her knees, pressing her forehead against Dean Bruce's feet, her voice trembling with reverence. "To know so many kinds of magic—what level have you reached? Serving you is my greatest honor!"
Overwhelmed by the flood of information, Joan Michelle had begun to see Dean Bruce as a divine being.
Noticing her mental state, Dean Bruce finally let out a sigh of relief.
He had successfully bluffed his way through!
Now, he could casually teach her a few nonsense spells and let her experiment on her own.
When the agreed-upon time came and she failed to master any high-tier magic, the matter would naturally end.
And the Dragonheart Pendant would still be his!
If by some miracle she succeeded?
Even better—the system would trigger rewards. It was a win-win situation, no matter what!
With this thought, a bright smile spread across Dean Bruce's face as an idea formed in his mind.
Not just Joan Michelle, but he could also bluff the other students.
If they didn't succeed, it would just be a fun story for him. If they did, he'd receive system rewards—either way, he couldn't lose!