“I think I misheard you. Could you repeat that?”

“I’m a fan!”

After taking a deep breath, Rushek shouted the words.

Ludger stared at him blankly, then shifted his gaze to the other New Mage Tower mages standing behind him.

A moment ago, they had all looked solemn—but now that he took a closer look, their expressions were just stiff with extreme nervousness.

“......”

Ludger cautiously took the piece of paper.

“A pen...”

“Here!”

Another mage, apparently prepared for this moment, immediately offered one.

Taking the pen, Ludger scribbled his name onto the page in a fluid, elegant hand.

Everyone stared at the sight, holding their breath.

Scratch, scratch.

Despite there being nearly twenty people standing in the hallway, only the sound of the pen on paper echoed in the silence.

...This is suffocating.

Ludger seriously wondered if this counted as a new form of torture.

“...Here.”

“Th-Thank you so much!”

Rushek swiftly slipped the autograph into a frame he had clearly prepared ahead of time.

Some of the others clapped in congratulations, while the rest stared at Rushek with jealousy in their eyes.

Judging by the lack of movement from anyone else, it seemed they had agreed beforehand that Rushek would be the one to get the autograph.

Rushek, unable to contain his excitement, finally seemed to remember whom he was standing in front of. He cleared his throat to shift the mood.

“Hm-hm. Thank you for giving us your valuable time. And congratulations on your victory—it was truly spectacular.”

A spectacular victory? You couldn’t have seen anything through that blinding light...

But their expressions weren’t just polite—they were sincere.

In fact, the way they looked at him was so intense it was starting to make Ludger feel queasy.

Still... I expected mages from the Mage Tower to be proud and arrogant. This is unexpected.

The title of “Mage Tower mage” didn’t carry a great reputation.

The general impression was one of stuffy, elitist snobs obsessed with hierarchy and authority.

But the New Mage Tower was different.

Formed by those disillusioned with outdated customs and rigid traditions, it stood apart.

Mages from the New Tower were known for rejecting authoritarianism and pushing toward new ideals—dreamers and seekers chasing after progress and magic’s future.

Even so, this level of reverence is a bit much.

Rushek scratched his head awkwardly and smiled.

“We’re all Seorn graduates, actually.”

“Ah.”

At that, Ludger understood the reason for their behavior.

Most of the New Mage Tower’s members had graduated from Seorn.

And Ludger wasn’t just a Seorn instructor—he had created a new magic system called “Source Code,” something that had never existed before.

It wasn’t strange at all for them to revere him like this.

“The magic you created—Source Code—we saw it. It was incredible. I can’t even imagine how one comes up with a spell structure like that!”

“...It’s really not worth that much praise.”

From Ludger’s perspective, Source Code magic wasn’t revolutionary at all.

All he had done was adapt traces of programming knowledge from Earth into a magical framework.

To others, it might have seemed like a creation from barren soil. But to Ludger, it was just mimicry.

Is it something to be praised for—simply walking down a path someone else had already paved?

It wasn’t something he pioneered, nor something he refined through struggle.

Could he really puff out his chest and accept applause for simply treading it well?

—Of course not.

This was why Ludger never truly thought of himself as great.

“No, Professor Ludger! How could you say that? You should take pride in your accomplishments!”

To the mages—unaware of the truth—Ludger’s humility could only seem like modesty.

Besides, the spell that warped space itself was something ordinary mages couldn’t even attempt.

Ludger decided there was no point explaining further. They wouldn’t understand.

He just nodded.

“Here’s my business card. I’d love to have a serious discussion about magic with you sometime. Please feel free to visit the New Mage Tower—we’ll always welcome you.”

“Thank you.”

And with that, the mages of the New Mage Tower dispersed.

For all the noise they made, they hadn’t said much.

All he did was sign an autograph and accept a business card.

Still, while they were a bit odd, they didn’t seem like bad people.

The New Mage Tower, huh...

If the Old Mage Tower’s headquarters was a literal, towering spire that scraped the sky, the New Tower was entirely different.

Very different.

What they called a "tower" was really a tower in name only—it couldn’t even be called one in form.

I visited once a long time ago... It’s been a while, so things have likely changed. Maybe I should stop by sometime.

He worried that more nobles might chase after him to strike up conversation, but fortunately, no one else came.

Peeking around the corner, Ludger saw Headmaster Elisa enthusiastically holding other people in conversation.

At that moment, their eyes met, and she winked at him.

She’s buying me time.

Grateful for the opening, Ludger immediately slipped away.

Just then, he sensed someone approaching from behind—too quickly to be casual.

He nearly reacted on reflex but stopped himself and slowly turned around.

“Flora Lumos?”

Hair of deep navy tied into half-twin-tails.

A proud air and sharp, hawkish eyes.

Flora was trying to calm her startled breath as she addressed Ludger, half-accusing:

“Y-You scared me. Don’t just suddenly back up like that!”

“If I startled you, I apologize. But what brings you here?”

“Nothing really... I just... congrats on your win.”

Though she spoke shyly, Ludger knew full well that she hadn’t come here just to congratulate him.

He recalled one of the nobles who had visited the infirmary earlier.

A man in his mid-thirties with a cold, aloof expression.

His wavy hair, long enough to brush his neck, was the same deep navy blue as Flora’s.

So that’s it.

Ludger had a good idea why Flora was here.

“Did you come to see your father?”

“W-What?!”

“The head of your house is speaking with the Headmaster right now. It’d be better to wait a little before going over.”

“Wait a second! That’s not why I’m here!”

Flora’s retort was sharp—but it was also exactly how someone reacts when hit squarely in the truth.

“Then what brings you here?”

“What do you mean? I just, just...”

She couldn’t finish the sentence.

She had come to see her father, but couldn’t bring herself to say it outright.

Ludger sensed a strange dissonance in her response.

She’s conflicted about her father. There’s both fear and some kind of expectation.

Ludger recalled the image of Cayden Lumos.

The kind of man who wouldn’t bleed even if pricked with a needle. Taciturn. Other nobles avoided him.

He must be extremely strict with his children as well.

“By the way, Flora. Your father really is over there.”

“I know. If it’s hard for you, I can ask him on your behalf—”

“No! Please don’t! Absolutely not!”

Flora’s flustered response was surprisingly uncharacteristic of her.

She came to see him but doesn’t want to face him directly. Is there trouble in the family?

That was the most Ludger could deduce from her reaction.

But he was half-sure he was right.

“Flora. Are things not good between you and your father?”

“Why would you suddenly ask that?”

“Let’s just say it’s a teacher’s instinct.”

“Well... it’s not bad. But it’s not good either.”

“Is he hard to be around?”

“......”

“I figured as much. Duke Cayden does come off as overly cold and rigid. I imagine he’s not the easiest person to talk to.”

Flora stared at Ludger with wide eyes, like she couldn’t believe what she’d just heard.

“Isn’t that... a bit hypocritical coming from you, Professor?”

“What do you mean?”

“...Never mind. If you don’t know, then forget it.”

She seemed like she was mustering the courage to say something, but in the end, she gave up and slumped her shoulders.

“...Anyway, congratulations again on the win. I’ll be going. I have another match coming up.”

“You’re in the next duel?”

Now that the instructor duels were over, the next event was naturally the students’ turn.

Flora Lumos was a student whose magical talent was unparalleled even among second-years.

If she entered the competition, her victory was practically ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) guaranteed.

“So what?”

“I see. With your ability, you’ll win for sure.”

The completely unexpected encouragement made Flora blink in confusion—then she smirked with a little scoff.

“Obviously. I don’t plan on losing, no matter who the opponent is.”

Snorting confidently, Flora spoke with pride.

Seeing how quickly she reacted to a few kind words, Ludger was reminded—she was still just a student.

“Then... will you come watch?”

“You mean me?”

“Yes, well. I mean, honestly, if you’re busy, you don’t have to. Yeah. I definitely won’t be disappointed or anything.”

Pretending not to care, but making her thoughts plainly obvious.

Ludger paused and made a show of considering it.

That made Flora visibly anxious as she waited for his reply.

Even if she acted aloof, she clearly wanted Ludger to see her match.

At last, Ludger opened his mouth.

“Well, I’ve got some time after this. I suppose I’ll drop by. I’ve been curious to see how well the students handle their magic.”

At that, Flora’s face lit up with delight—only for her to quickly cover it up and clear her throat.

“Hm-hm. You won’t regret that choice. Well then, see you.”

She disappeared with a far lighter step than when she had approached.

Ludger let out a small sigh—being a teacher and managing student egos was no easy task.

Still, she seems to have regained her energy. That’s good.

Ludger recalled Cayden Lumos.

The head of House Lumos and Flora’s father. But Ludger couldn’t shake the unpleasant feeling he got from the man.

The moment he laid eyes on him, Ludger had a strong sense that they would never get along.

Still, he doubted they’d have much to do with one another, so he shook off the thought.

I suppose that wraps up today’s schedule. Finally, some free time.

But just because he had free time didn’t mean he could relax.

There were only three days left until Esmeralda of the First Order made her move.

He had to figure out what to do about her by then.

A fight was inevitable.

And if there would be a fight, the question became: how would he deal with it?

Knowing the extent of her powers, finding a proper countermeasure wasn’t optional—it was necessary.

To do that, first—

I can’t do this alone.

Ludger left the arena and headed toward the ongoing festival outside.

Most visitors were gathered around the dueling grounds, so the outside was unexpectedly quiet.

Ludger wandered through the festival tents.

When he reached the promised meeting spot by the fountain—

“Let’s go see that! Come on, let’s go!”

“Hey! What are you doing? Didn’t I tell you to stay right here?!”

“That doesn’t matter! There’s a new golem activation happening right now!”

Hearing the loud back-and-forth, Ludger shook his head in exasperation and headed toward the voices.

In front of the beautifully sculpted marble fountain stood Hans and Seridan. Hans was trying desperately to block Seridan from running off somewhere.

Seridan squirmed and struggled to break free from him.

Onlookers smiled at the scene, assuming they were a bickering father and daughter.

Just as Ludger felt his receding headache threaten to return, he stepped between them.

“You got here early.”

“Oh, you’re here?”

“Ah! Good to see you, sir!”

Seridan and Hans.

Ludger had summoned the two personally in case anything happened.

With Seorn’s festival underway and the front gates wide open, it had been easy for them to enter.

“Let’s talk while we walk. Is there anywhere you want to go?”

“Not for me.”

“I do! I do! They’re unveiling a new golem over there! Let’s go see it!”

Eyes sparkling, Seridan pointed eagerly. Ludger turned to Hans for his opinion.

Hans just shrugged.

“Well, if that’s what she wants, I suppose.”

“You were the one stopping me the most! Just wait ‘til we get back—I’ll stab you with a rat fang in your sleep!”

“Hey, I was just following orders! He told us to wait here! Why are you mad at me?!”

“You two still get along well, I see. Alright, since Seridan wants to go, let’s head that way.”

With Ludger’s approval, Seridan beamed and cheerfully led the way.

The three of them soon arrived at the golem unveiling grounds.

Just as the ceremony to launch a ship into the sea is called a christening, the act of activating a golem was referred to as a “starting ceremony.”

Several people had gathered at the site—mostly children excited to see the golems, accompanied by their parents.

In the children’s hands were toy golems, made with basic clockwork structures.

“Doesn’t look like that many people,” Hans muttered as he scanned the crowd.

“Golemology’s not exactly the most popular field.”

“Huh? Really? But aren’t golems essential in modern industry and redevelopment sites?”

“They are, in labor-heavy environments. But at Seorn Academy, the focus is on magic.”

“Aren’t golems magic?”

“Technically, they’re a fusion of magic and machinery. In fact, there was a lot of debate over whether golems counted as part of Summoning at all.”

Since the prototype of the golem appeared, the debate had continued—should golems be considered part of [Summoning]?

Unlike other summons, golems were built, not conjured.

That led many to argue they should be classified more as technology than magic.

However, the core power source of golems was the magic stone. And only mages could use those stones to command and operate them.

These days, even non-mages could operate golems if they had enough skill—but they could only issue basic commands or pilot them directly.

For complex movements or advanced behaviors, only mages could manage that.

“Hm. So that’s why it’s not that popular.”

“It’s starting!”

Just then, someone took the stage at the demonstration grounds.

It was none other than Brino, the newly appointed first-year golemology instructor who had arrived at Seorn alongside Ludger.

Though plump, his warm and approachable expression—unlike Hugo’s—put the audience at ease.

“Nice to meet you all. I’m Brino, the first-year golemology instructor at Seorn. Thank you for coming to the activation ceremony of our newly developed golem. Let’s begin the event right away.”

Clearly eager to show off the product, Brino wasted no time getting to the main event.

“Now, feast your eyes on Seorn’s latest golem: the DT-3000!”

With that, Brino pulled away the large curtain that had been hiding the machine.

And before them, the massive frame of a golem was revealed.