The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 14.1
Valic wore a perplexed expression; an expression that seemed to interpret my words as a joke.
However, upon seeing my indifferent gaze, he abruptly closed his mouth.
“…Are you serious?”
“Do I look like I’m joking?”
Valic bit his lip tightly.
“Fine. What kind of magic contest are you proposing?”
“Anything.”
“…What?”
“You can choose the domain yourself. I won’t lose in anything, so feel free.”
Valic furrowed his brow, clearly puzzled.
“You must have really lost your mind! Fine, let’s do ‘Butterfly War.’ You better be prepared!”
Unlike knights who measured their skills through combat duels, mages competed in various ways to showcase their abilities.
‘Butterfly War’ was one of those.
“The dueling arena is this way.”
Due to the widespread culture of dueling in the upper echelons of the society, the tavern even had a luxurious dueling arena set up on one side.
Surprisingly, you could enjoy your drinks while watching the spectacle.
Those indulging in their drinks became impromptu spectators, and their voices echoed.
“Professor Valic and Van Ecclesia in a magic showdown?”
“Does he even stand a chance? Van Ecclesia has mana insensitivity, right?”
“Still, he insulted the family. He can’t just stay silent! I saw Van Ecclesia in a new light today! I thought he was just a pitiful ugly piece of trash, but he was surprisingly formidable.”
“Even so, it’s a reckless challenge.”
“Well, we can just enjoy the show as spectators, right? Let’s place some bets. I’ll wager 300 penas on Professor Valic.”
“I’ll bet 500 penas on Professor Valic.”
“I’m with Professor Valic too. Anyone betting on Van Ecclesia? It won’t be much of a gamble without that, right?”
Placing bets on duels was a long-standing tradition.
Naturally, there was no one betting on my victory.
Then, a rough voice cut through their conversation.
It was Hans.
“1,000 penas on Master Van Ecclesia.”
“!!”
An amount equivalent to half a year’s living expenses for commoners.
‘…Hans, isn’t he unexpectedly poor? That’s almost his entire savings, isn’t it?’
But Hans didn’t stop there.
He addressed the owner of the tavern.
“I’ll wager my mage qualification certificate and take a loan from your tavern. I reckon 10,000 penas should be doable on the spot, right?”
The atmosphere in the tavern became lively.
“Is he insane?!”
“Betting over 10,000 penas on Van Ecclesia?!”
Hans provocatively smirked at everyone.
“You lot are all talk, afraid to put down more than pocket change. Open your eyes wide and witness the greatness of Master Van Ecclesia. Your money will soon be mine.”
“What nonsense is this? I’ll add another 1,000 penas on Professor Valic!”
“I’ll throw in an extra 2,000 penas!”
The stakes quickly escalated, and I wore a bewildered expression.
‘…That bald guy?’
Hans’ eyes were filled with greed!
It was the mischievous glint of someone eager to secure a solid share of the winnings, believing in my victory.
‘…Not a bad idea.’
I, too, directed my attention to the owner.
“I’ll bet on myself. So… I’ll wager 1,000 penas.”
This comprised my entire savings.
In other words, if I lose the bet, I’ll be left penniless.
“Haha! Are you truly mad? Betting money as well?”
Valic let out a mocking laugh as if amused.
I clenched my fist, and thanks to the charisma of the Dark Flame Dragon, I exuded an air of arrogance.
“Valic, seems like you lack confidence in winning.”
“What…?”
“I’m confident in my victory, and I’ve wagered my entire savings. What can you bet? Oh, do you not have anything to wager, being the penniless loser you are? If that’s the case, I’ll understand. Ask the Rapalt Duke for a raise in your allowance.”
“I’ll bet 10,000 penas!”
Bingo.
I had been worried about the high cost of living in the Free City, but it seemed I would be fine for a while.
What if I lose?
‘That won’t happen.’
I thought confidently.
“Prepare yourself.”
Valic activated his magic.
Fhuuuuu.
Butterflies made of mana materialized in the air.
“Butterfly War” involved these mana-created butterflies competing against each other, a contest showcasing the purity and skill in manipulating mana.
“Wow! Wasn’t Professor Valic a specialist in manipulation magic? He’s conjured such enormous butterflies? They’re as big as a palm!”
“It’s not just one! There are a grand total of five!”
I unleashed my magic as well.
Swiiiish.
A single butterfly emerged.
Compared to Valic’s giant butterflies, mine seemed embarrassingly small.
“…Van Ecclesia can create butterflies too.”
“But… it looks quite lacking.”
Valic sneered with a reddish tint.
“Van, you have improved somewhat since before. In the past, you would have failed at the butterfly sculpting stage. Now, if you admit defeat, you won’t have to face disgrace.”
“Enough with the noise. This isn’t a contest about chattering.”
“…Don’t regret this.”
The butterflies soared with fierce momentum.
My butterfly appeared like a candle standing against a storm.
However,
“Do you remember saying you couldn’t understand why I applied for the professorship exam?”
For the record, my personality is, for the most part, a typical mix of assertiveness and timidity.
If I thought I could win, I could stand tall.
With a face full of confidence, I declared,
“Experience it for yourself.”
<Winning Rate in the Magic Contest against the Clumsy Parachute Professor>
100%
Fwuuuush!
The wings of Valic’s butterfly that came into contact with mine were torn apart in an instant.
Like they had been sliced by a blade.
“W-What?!”
A reaction of disbelief from everyone.
This was just the beginning.
My butterfly gracefully soared through the air.
Valic’s giant butterfly tried to block it, but to no avail.
“Two.”
Swish!
My butterfly passed through, piercing the opponent’s chest. The butterfly with a gaping hole shivered before vanishing.
“Three.”
Swhoosh!
Once again, Valic’s butterfly wings were torn apart.
“T-This can’t be!!”
“Am I seeing things?”
The arena was engulfed in astonishment at the one-sided battle.
‘Of course. Valic wasn’t that talented to begin with.’
Valic was parachuted to the Ruby Academy by the Rapalt Duke.
So he can manipulate the school.
It was unrealistic for such a person to handle my Grand Practitioner’s ability.
“What kind of magic did you use?!”
Bzzap!
The remaining two butterflies became more agitated.
Valic was concentrating on his mana.
Nonetheless,
“Four, five.”
Swish!
The last two butterflies also disintegrated into pieces and vanished.
