The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 241
Inner Magic.
Exactly.
That was the true intent behind the exam I designed.
‘If one overcomes their inner magics well, it can become a catalyst for explosive growth.’
Of course, that’s only if they overcome it successfully.
On the contrary, they might fall into an inescapable swamp, or in the worst case, lose their achievements, but there was no need to worry too much about that.
‘There aren’t any students who can delve into the problem to the level that Professor Burnstein mentioned.’
The students faced with this problem will be divided into four groups.
First, the students who feel it’s just reasonably doable. The vast majority will fall into this category.
Second, the students who realize the hidden intent of the problem and feel a barrier. The top-tier students will fall here.
Third, the very few brilliant students who notice the cruel hints I’ve hidden and struggle to solve it somehow.
And lastly.
The students who eventually understand all the answers and fall into their inner magic.
‘Only the protagonists are capable of reaching the final stage.’
Soon after, the scene I intended began to unfold in the academy courtyard.
At first, there weren’t many students deeply engrossed in my problem.
Exams were conducted in multiple subjects simultaneously.
They would look at it sporadically when they had time.
Then, a week later.
A remarkable scene unfolded in the library.
Numerous students were engrossed in solving the problems I had set.
“Isn’t this passage representing the vector of the star’s stroke?”
“Senior Camille, who is a top student in the second year, said that part symbolizes the contrast between swordsmanship and magic.”
“No, our club’s third-year senior mentioned it seemed to discuss mental philosophy.”
“But, do we not need to study for our other subjects?”
“Oh, who cares? Are other subjects even an issue right now?”
“Right! This problem encapsulates Professor Van’s insights! From a member of the Ten Seats no less! This is a rare opportunity we can get as Ruby students!”
“I gained an achievement that will soon elevate me to the 3-star rank while studying Professor Van’s problem.”
“Really? Me too. If I solve this whole problem, I might advance to mid-3-star rank.”
Everyone realized it.
Diving into my problem could yield significant achievements.
‘I designed it so even students with less talent could benefit.’
Do you know the Mona Lisa?
The Mona Lisa appears to have different expressions to each observer.
My problem was similar.
Depending on each student’s achievements and talents, the problem was designed to resonate differently, allowing anyone to gain some form of accomplishment if they delved into it.
However, the euphoria was limited to the average students; the higher-ranking students, especially those at the top, had a different atmosphere.
“This problem is diabolical.”
“Professor Van is a devil.”
“It feels impossible to solve, yet I can’t stop myself from trying.”
Their eyes were bloodshot as they stayed up all night engrossed in my problem.
It was a delightful sight.
After all, I wasn’t the one studying.
‘Is this the joy of being a professor? Maybe this job is quite good after all.’
Especially Catherine and Libel looked the most exhausted.
“Damn it. This problem is seriously garbage.”
“You… you better show some respect to the professor. I’ll kill you.”
“What are you talking about? That was a compliment.”
Even Yulia was no less worn out than the two of them. I had a feeling Yulia might also fall into the inner magic I had intended.
Another surprising case was the Massacrist Mage.
In truth, I hadn’t considered the Massacrist Mage much for this exam.
Originally, the Massacrist Mage was a unique existence, separate from the other students.
Though she had reached nearly Level 7 through questionable means, her path was different.
Yet here she was.
“Are you alright?”
“…….”
Her eyes were blank and muddled.
She was the quickest to fall into the inner magic.
‘Well, her situation was chaotic to begin with.’
Though suppressing her hatred for humans and focusing on alchemy, it was clear her insides were burning with turmoil.
In that state, she encountered my exam question and fell right into her inner demons.
‘She looks pretty serious; I might need to help her out.’
However,
“Professor, the second poetry question. The phrase, ‘the moon reflected in the lake,’ it’s referring to my scars, isn’t it?”
“…Yes, it is.”
Although the question wasn’t specifically aimed at the Massacrist Mage, it did prompt individuals to reflect on their past.
“And in the first question, the burning sun in the painting is meant to symbolize covering those scars, right?”
“……”
That wasn’t the case.
The sun in the first question represents the desires each person has while solving the problem.
In other words, Sylphin’s desire was for such comfort.
Sylphin couldn’t accept this truth and fell into her inner demons.
She bit her lip hard and then vanished in a flash.
‘…I hope she overcomes it well.’
Inner demons must be overcome by oneself.
Still, I wished her success.
I hoped Sylphin would meet an ending different from the original scenario.
Things were fine up to this point, but then the situation started to take an unexpected turn.
“Did Professor Van the Legend create this problem? It’s famous for containing profound insights.”
“Hmm. Is it really that remarkable?”
Not only within Ruby Academy but also from other places, interest in my problem started to grow!
This was due to my high reputation.
Especially recently, as I had rapidly become stronger and was now considered one of the Ten Seats.
It became a sudden trend to challenge my exam questions.
“Gah! Inner magic…”
“Professor Van’s problem is no different from an evil grimoire!”
“My whole life feels invalidated…”
“……”
A large number of high-level individuals, who usually walked around with confidence, had collectively fallen into their inner magic.
‘…If they have the capacity to delve that deeply into my problem, they should be able to find a way to overcome their inner demons as well.’
I thought, feeling somewhat conflicted.
Anyway, a brief period of peace followed.
While students and other magicians struggled with the problem I had set, I leisurely went around enjoying delicious meals with Mari.
However, a few issues arose along the way, the first being:
“…You solved it?”
“Yes, this is the answer I’ve come up with.”
Catherine proudly submitted her answers.
‘…She really did solve it.’
This was fine.
The problem was:
‘…Why didn’t she fall into her inner magic?’
Yulia and Libel were already struggling with the inner magic as I had intended.
From what I heard, Joanna and other protagonists who had tried to solve the problem from afar were in similar predicaments.
Yet, Catherine remained remarkably unscathed.
‘It’s because of Catherine’s heroic trait. It prevents her from easily falling into inner magic.’
I wore a troubled expression.
While it was an excellent trait, encountering their own inner magic was the fastest way to grow, and she hadn’t benefited from it.
There was also another issue.
“Are you really okay?”
“……”
Sylphin looked at me with eyes sunken in deep blackness.
The inner magic had come on too strongly.
‘This isn’t just because of my problem. It must have triggered an underlying issue she already had.’
“Hey, master. I feel so drained. Is it because I’ve been holding back from killing for too long?”
“…That’s not it.”
“Heh heh, I think if I could just kill ten people, no more, no less, I’d feel so much better.”
I broke into a cold sweat.
‘I need to find a solution.’
Just then, unexpected news arrived.
“Van, what are you doing?”
“…You?”
“It’s Balas! You’re pretending not to remember me on purpose, aren’t you?! I was once the prodigy of the magical academia…! Though I’m no match for you, now that you’re one of the Ten Seats.”
Balas looked at me with a resentful gaze.
“Why are you here?”
“Aren’t you getting ready to leave?”
“Leave for what?”
“The professor qualification exam is in a few days! Get your head in the game.”
Oh.
I had been so busy that I forgot.
‘It’s kind of ridiculous to take this exam at this point.’
In fact, if I requested an exemption, they’d probably grant it.
Given the many accomplishments I’ve accumulated, there’s no real need to push for an exemption.
‘I’ll just take it easy. There’s no chance of failing anyway.’
When Renius was leveraging his power within the Department of Education, there was always a risk of some plot, but now, there didn’t seem to be any such factor.
Even the Emperor, whom I had worried about, was quiet.
“Mari, we’re getting tired of the restaurants in the Free City, so let’s explore the eateries in the capital.”
Meeat, meeat!!
With a Van-vacation attitude, I set off for the exam.
Flicker.
The color of my monocle changed.
Yellow.
‘What’s this now?’
It’s a warning indicating a 20% chance of death.
I can’t just dismiss this as not too high.
Right now, I possess enough power to hold my own against most Level 8 transcenders.
If I’m at risk of dying, it means something huge is about to go down.
‘…Let’s go anyway and see what happens.’
The exam was as uneventful as expected.
The professor qualification exam is typically a formal test for those already designated as full professors at their respective academies, so it’s rare for anyone to fail.
“Hey, is that Van the Legend over there?”
“Have you tried solving the devilish problem set by Van the Legend?”
“They say solving it makes you fall into your inner demons.”
“As expected, he’s truly one of the Ten Seats, Van the Darkness Legend.”
Other professors taking the exam whispered among themselves, filled with respect for me. But it wasn’t until the last part of the exam that a problem arose.
“Next, we have the dungeon exploration exam. You will accompany two students and explore the listed dungeons, then submit a report.”
This exam tests two main aspects:
The ability to explore dungeons as a magician.
Additionally, the ability to lead students.
Since it’s an exam, the dungeons listed weren’t supposed to be particularly dangerous.
However, I had a bad feeling about this.
‘Is it possible that something might go wrong during this dungeon exploration?’
I subtly touched my monocle.
This legendary magical artifact could foresee fortune and misfortune.
I used the clairvoyant ability of my monocle on the first dungeon listed.
Predicting the fortune and misfortune of exploring Seagull Volcano Island! Great Misfortune!! Exploring this dungeon will cause you to miss the chance to save the world, leading to its destruction!
‘…What?’
I couldn’t believe my eyes.
What was with this sudden, extreme warning?
I tried it on the second dungeon as well.
The same result.
Great Misfortune!! Exploring this dungeon will cause you to miss the chance to save the world, leading to its destruction!
‘What is this? Is it broken?’
There were 15 dungeons in total on the list.
I used the clairvoyance ability on each one from top to bottom, and the same prediction came up every time.
Finally, the last one.
Predicting the fortune and misfortune of exploring the Ruins of the Eight Heroes, Obelisk. Great Fortune!! Super Lucky!! This is the only way to avoid the world’s destruction!
“…….”
I was silent.
By now, my monocle was flashing red, indicating an 80% chance of death.
I felt like rebelling against fate.
T/N: ‘Inner Magic’ is also called ‘Inner Demons’. The translation of that part has 心 (heart or inner) then 魔 (demon or magic.)
