Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Moved to Tears by the Ruse!

"Teacher, what exactly is shaping magic? We understand elemental magic, but what's shaping magic?"

Soon, a curious student voiced the question.

Dean Bruce was delighted by this. To truly pull off his ruse, he needed to implant his way of thinking and his concepts into their minds.

The types of magic and the ideas behind them were foundational. Only by establishing a solid foundation and getting them to accept this framework could he succeed in his deception.

A slight smile tugged at his lips as Dean Bruce solemnly explained, "As the name suggests, shaping magic refers to the ability to mold magic into specific forms. It's not just about casting basic fireballs, ice arrows, or causing elemental waves that are naturally triggered. Instead, shaping magic gives those elements a particular shape."

"The way magic is categorized today is still too simplistic. What I'm sharing with you... is my own understanding."

As his words hung in the air, the students became visibly excited, their eyes shining with admiration for Dean Bruce.

"Teacher, you are truly incredible! So many people refuse to teach even their disciples their true skills, yet here we are, just students attending your class, and you're sharing your unique insights with us!"

"I'm so moved, teacher. Is there anything you need? I swear I'll make sure my father gives you a grand gift!"

"Me too! My father is the vice president of the Notting City Magic Guild. Teacher, whatever you need, just say the word!"

"..."

As these declarations poured out from various students, Dean Bruce couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, silently marveling to himself: [I was so focused on deceiving them that I completely overlooked the unspoken rule of this world—not passing on magic lightly! Gaining their admiration also means gaining their parents' favor, doesn't it?

If I ever encounter any trouble, their parents might just become my allies!]

His mind raced with excitement, but outwardly, Dean Bruce put on an expression of sternness. With a dramatic flourish of his magical robe, he declared seriously, "I don't know how other teachers operate, but I, Dean Bruce, will never withhold knowledge from my students! Nor do I have any ulterior motives!"

"Your words—do you think so little of me? My only goal in teaching you is to help you go further and reach greater heights on the path of magic!"

When Dean Bruce said these words, the students were overwhelmed with guilt, causing many of them to lower their heads in shame. But soon after, that guilt transformed into deep gratitude, and some students even found their eyes welling up with tears.

Even Nicholas William, who had already given Dean Bruce a considerable amount of gold coins and a valuable treasure just yesterday, felt deeply moved and awed by Dean Bruce's words. Though he had given those gifts as part of becoming a disciple, he realized that Dean Bruce's relationship with the other students was entirely different.

"I only seek to act with a clear conscience and hope you won't do anything rash that would put me in a position of dishonor.

André Maxwell was momentarily taken aback. Dean Bruce's explanation was reasonable and well-founded, leaving little room for doubt.

After scrutinizing Dean Bruce for a while longer and not finding anything suspicious, André Maxwell finally set aside his concerns and spoke, "Since you've learned magic, I want you to keep progressing. In two months, the Saint Laurent Advanced Magic Academy will be recruiting both students and faculty."

Pausing for a moment, André Maxwell's expression grew serious, "As someone who cares for you like family, I want to see you become a mentor at an advanced magic academy. I want you to step out of this small town of Notting. Your parents always hoped to leave here someday."

Dean Bruce remained silent. For him, the location was irrelevant; what mattered most was strengthening his abilities.

As long as he had enough power, he could go anywhere on Meze.

André Maxwell continued, "With my letter of recommendation, they may ease some of the requirements for the practical assessment, but you will still need to pass the theoretical exam on your own. So, in the coming days, don't focus solely on your students. Try to immerse yourself in more magical theory, especially ancient texts!"

"Alright," Dean Bruce agreed, though inwardly he dismissed the idea.

What a joke—those students were his tools for becoming stronger. How could he possibly neglect them?

To Dean Bruce, even if he never went to the Saint Laurent Advanced Magic Academy, he couldn't abandon his disciples and students.

"Good, just remember what I said. And don't tell anyone else about this; we don't want to stir up jealousy or have someone report it to the Nine Provinces Alliance."

"Prepare well! I'll be heading back now."

With that, André Maxwell didn't wait for Dean Bruce to respond and swiftly walked away.

After all, he was a busy headmaster, and finding time to check in on Dean Bruce was no small feat.

Watching André Maxwell's figure disappear into the distance, Dean Bruce let out a long sigh, thinking to himself, [Who would have thought that after the system awakened, so many things would happen one after another! Tomorrow night, I have to attend Sophia's farewell gathering.

Then I need to continue guiding Joan Michelle and Nicholas William, manage over a hundred students, and still find time to study for the Saint Laurent Advanced Magic Academy's exams...]

[I need to come up with a plan. If I keep trying to juggle everything at once, something's bound to go wrong!]

[If Nicholas William still can't grasp that phrase, maybe I should teach him shaping magic or transformation magic? I'm well-versed in those, so I wouldn't worry about him asking questions.]

[Using lines from classics or anime to fool them—it's all the same!]