Magic Genius of the Fallen Dukedom - Chapter 2.1
Time Reversal Magic Circle
“…There are differences in the ignition, mana accumulation, shaping, and activation processes between spellcasting and advanced magic, but the ultimate difference lies in the shaping process. Unlike conventional spellcasting, which is immediately influenced by the caster’s consciousness and will, advanced magic circles…”
Sunlight tickled his lazy eyelids.
Blink— blink–
Aden closed his eyes a few times and opened them again.
As his focus returned, he saw the towering ceiling and marble pillars.
Afternoon sunlight poured through the glass window, covering one side entirely.
Hibernium Academy.
‘Did it succeed…’
More than half of it was a gamble.
‘The Time Reversal Magic Circle. It wasn’t just a fantasy. To think it could truly reverse time.’
The four legendary Time Reversal Magic Circles, known as ancient mysteries, consist of three 9th-circle level and one 10th-circle level spells.
While the diagrams were beautiful and intricate, there was nobody who believed they could actually be activated.
This was because there were no 10th circle mages themselves.
The most powerful mages in existence are 8th circle mages.
It’s a prevailing opinion that even the 9th circle mages recorded in historical texts from the early empire were actually skilled 8th circle mages, so the concept of a 10th magic mage is astonishing
It’s quite a charade, meticulously crafted by a remarkable genius.
That was the perception of the world regarding the Time Reversal Magic Circle. However, the evidence of reality lies here.
‘I was lucky.’
It was an imperfect awakening, disregarding the overload on the body. Without time to adapt, the magic circle was activated immediately, forcing an abnormal surge of mana.
It felt like success was within reach.
Perhaps his body there wasn’t even preserved in form.
Aden slowly surveyed his surroundings.
‘Is this around 15 years in the past?’
There were also limitations resulting from the transition of the 9th circle magic to the 10th circle, including the impossibility of specifying a time for regression.
Even returning only to before his master’s death was considered fortunate, but it turned out to be a whopping 15 years ago. It seems the amount of mana injected was beyond imagination.
Tap— Tap—
“Everyone, pay attention.”
A lean man at the lectern taps the podium sideways.
“Ignition – Mana Accumulation – Magic Power Charge – Activation. In other words, in advanced magic, the Ignition becomes the prelude to all processes. Shall we discuss the problems arising from this? What about you, Izein Caddock?”
Professor Platinum’s Magic Taxonomy Class. Of course, it had to be right as soon as he returned, that unfortunate face…
And there was also another face dearly missed.
The cold-faced blonde girl hesitated before answering the professor’s question.
“The first issue is the lack of responsiveness. Unlike spellcasting, which takes only a few seconds to minutes, runic magic assures that the formation process into design and schematics will be divided, and it requires a significant amount of time to do. While this may vary depending on the mage’s ability, it is significantly longer compared to casting.”
“And?”
“It’s the cost. Unlike spellcasting, which operates solely on the mage’s will and determination, magic circles require material costs to initiate. However, they offer the advantage of much more precise settings compared to spellcasting. Especially in terms of required mana, there’s a significant difference. Since it’s a meticulously prepared magic, there’s no wastage of mana, and depending on the conductivity of the medium, the operating mana is also reduced—”
“Can that be considered an advantage?”
The professor interrupted with a skeptical tone.
“I never mentioned it as an advantage, but since you insisted on answering, let’s discuss it. Why should the required mana be reduced?”
“Well, if the required mana is lower, even mages who couldn’t use that magic originally—”
“Ah, so it’s a spell optimized for less capable mages?”
The atmosphere in the lecture hall rapidly cooled at his words.
Magic Taxonomy Class.
It’s a general major course that anyone can apply for, but the majority of students currently attending this lecture are magic engineering students. While Professor Platinum’s two main talking points were ‘nobility’ and ‘the greatness of spellcasting’, it was considered an exaggerated expression.
“What do you mean by that…”
“Isn’t it true? How many circles is the highest-grade mage registered in the Magic Academy?”
“It’s four circles.”
“So, even the magic power of a four-circle spell would be advantageous for a mage who can’t handle it. Is that what you mean?”
Izein’s face hardened. Despite the question bordering on malice, she tried to respond rationally.
“The backbone of imperial mages consists of four to five-circle mages. Mages who settle in a region to practice everyday magic are usually only three-circle mages. Since high-ranking mages cannot be deployed for improving livelihoods where magic is essential…”
“Improving the standards of the Magic Academy would suffice.”
“…Even when creating magical tools, magic circles are utilized. As the proficiency of magic circles themselves develops…”
“Ah… Was this the Enchantment Department?”
Despite the professor’s mockery that seemed to deny the purpose of studying magic circles, the students became increasingly irritated, yet they couldn’t openly rebel.
In the halls of Hibernium, a single F grade could cause an entire semester to go to waste. Moreover, the status of advanced magic was indeed significantly lower compared to spellcasting, making it a situation where they were essentially being confronted with facts.
“Denying the significance of magic circles isn’t my intention. As Izein said, magic circles are essential as part of everyday magic or as assistants in enchantment. However, I wouldn’t call that an advantage. Just a minor convenience,” the professor argued.
Izein resisted one last time.
“Magic circles are still evolving. Currently, the highest reported rating is only 4 circles, but if 5th or 6th-circle arrays are in the process of development, thus—”
“Wouldn’t it be better to invest the same amount of resources and time into nurturing more 5th or 6th circle spellcasters instead? For a talented mage, especially one admitted to Hibernium, wouldn’t it be quicker to dedicate themselves to training to reach the 5th circle rather than spending decades developing a 5th circle magic array?”
The professor’s mocking gaze shifted to a corner of the classroom.
“Ah, it must be a different story for someone so untalented that even a lifetime of training wouldn’t reach the 3rd circle. Is that perhaps why you chose to study magic circles, Lord Duke?”
Aden wasn’t even in this discussion, but now, he was catching strays.
