[Episode 77: Adrias's Flower]

Everyone watched with curious expressions at the sudden reaction from Keshurn.

However, the situation became even more complicated with Diane joining.

"Adrias. Did you really create this?"

Even Diane was astonished by the flower bud I had created, and even the professor seemed to wonder if he had missed something as he carefully examined it.

And then, he slowly solidified his expression and asked me, "Adrias, have you taken any magical formation lectures before?"

Was there a time when I took magical formation lectures? I tried to recall, looking at the professor who seemed to suggest that I must have taken them.

Did I take magical formation lectures?

To be honest, the flower I just created drew from my experiences in the game, so whether I took the lectures or not didn't really matter. But eventually, I nodded my head.

"Yes, I took them in my first year."

"First year? The spells used and their forms seem more advanced than what is typically taught at that time..."

The students who couldn't understand why the professor was acting so surprised looked at us expectantly.

Then, Keshurn spoke first, "This flower may not look extraordinary, but it contains high-level spells. Implementing spells related to life into a magical formation is difficult, but with everyone here, anyone could create a simple flower like this."

The onlookers nodded in agreement with Keshurn's statement.

"But the flower Adrias made not only includes basic spells related to 'nature' and 'life' but also advanced elements like 'time,' 'rotation,' and 'reversal.'"

"Time?"

"Yes. It may appear to be just a single flower, but it's maintained in a state of reversal, and at the same time, spells related to time and rotation make it wither."

The students still looked puzzled by Keshurn's explanation.

Then Diane chimed in, "Put simply, it's withering while remaining in its vibrant state. By combining the simplest forms of spells, he created a 'paradox.'"

A paradox.

It is the most fundamental principle in magic, yet the more you delve into it, the more challenging it becomes. If one can handle or understand paradoxes, their magical skills will advance further.

Although it wasn't as grand as Keshurn's or as flashy as Diane's, the intent and form of the spell were undeniable.

"This is truly amazing. To imbue such meaning and intent into a simple flower bud. My magical formation was merely a useless, oversized mess."

At Keshurn's sudden self-deprecation, I intervened and waved my hand.

"No, it's not like that. I just made it thoughtlessly, but Keshurn and Diane elevated it so much. If you keep saying that, it puts me in a difficult position. And even if I imbue Keshurn's magical formation with a paradox, it will never compare to this flower."

"To imbue a paradox into my magical formation..."

Hearing my words, Keshurn immediately took out his parchment and fell into deep thought.

He was followed by Diane and other students who began to contemplate how they could add paradoxes or other meanings to their own creations.

"Yes. That's the kind of growth I hoped for. I hope they can each find their own direction and absorb it well."

The reason I made this flower bud was to inspire Keshurn and Diane. I hope they can grow and become helpful to me in the future.

For the past few days, Grace Meiren had experienced the worst days of her life.

"That bastard, that bastard!"

Since the incident with Adrias Cromwell, the students at the exchange meeting avoided her like the plague.

Their gazes were filled with mockery and contempt, which Grace couldn't bear.

"I am the owner of the Dawn Roar and the scourge of the Meiren Kingdom! How dare they disrespect me?"

All of this was because of Adrias Cromwell.

Moreover, the woman, Vivian, who was with him, was insufferable too.

If she had not eaten with her and become close from the beginning, none of this would have happened.

"How dare those two! I want to kill them all."

In addition to that, Adrias Cromwell had shown outstanding skills during the magical formation lecture with the students at the exchange meeting.

He was just a beginner magician, and yet he displayed such remarkable talent.

"Argh."

Unable to contain her anger, Grace stepped out of the luxurious dormitory that had been temporarily prepared for the exchange meeting students.

Although it was a bit chilly outside, the luxurious coat made of fine fabric kept her warm.

All Grace could think of now was returning to her home.

As she paced through the empty outdoors in the early morning, someone's voice echoed.

"Oh, you are Grace Meiren from the Mirko Academy, right?"

"Who's there!"

Startled by the appearance of an unknown figure, Grace quickly took out her staff.

The person raised both hands and smiled. "Oh, there's no need to be so wary. I am Antonio Holt from the Rodren Academy."

"Heh, I see. It's not like I'm surprised. It's just that I've become more cautious in unfamiliar territory, that's all."

"Yes, I understand. You must be cautious as a prince of the Meiren Kingdom."

"That aside, why are you talking to me out of the blue? How did you know that I am a prince?"

In response to Grace's question, Antonio smirked mysteriously and shrugged.

"I heard some rumors. That the prince of the Meiren royal family attended the exchange meeting. But it seems like you're involved in some unpleasant matters?"

Hearing Antonio's words, Grace's face turned red with anger.

How dare someone as insignificant as Antonio mock and taunt Grace Meiren, the third prince of the Meiren Kingdom!

"Are you mocking me, the scion of the Meiren royal family and the third prince, Grace Meiren?"

"No, not at all. I just wanted to introduce something good that could be of help to Prince Grace."

Antonio pulled out a potion bottle as he spoke.

Seeing it, Grace's breathing became ragged, and she asked, "What's that? What kind of potion is it?"

"This is an amazing potion that temporarily enhances the user's physical abilities and mana. I put a lot of effort into obtaining it."

"What did you say? I can't believe such a potion exists."

Of course, believing in it is up to you, Your Highness. However, I can confidently say that it is not a lie. How could I dare deceive you about such a matter?

Upon Antonio's words, Grace nodded her head. Though she didn't know if his name was really Antonio, at least the impression he gave off and the fact that he belonged to the Department of Magical Arts couldn't be faked.

"So, are you saying you'll sell me that potion?"

"Exactly. If you decide to make the purchase, I will give you a sample vial to try. What do you say?"

"Hmph! That meager amount of money is nothing. Consider it done, and I'll indulge in your little concoction."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Grace handed over the money and received the potion from Antonio. He smiled and bowed his head.

"It was a great deal indeed. Now, I'll take my leave."

"If this potion doesn't deliver the effects you mentioned, I'll come and give you a hard time."

"Of course."

With those words, Antonio slowly left. A mysterious smile lingered on his lips.

"After drinking this, you won't be able to find him even if you want to. Haha."

As Antonio disappeared, Grace immediately consumed the sample potion.

Instantly, the effects described by Antonio began to manifest.

"This is...!"

It was a revolution in potion-making.

How could such a potent force be contained within just a small sample like this?

"If I drink the entire vial...!"

Thoughts of Adrias flooded Grace's mind. With this newfound power, she felt like she was just a step away from defeating him.

As the events of the exchange with Antonio settled, Dienne, who was considering visiting the training room, was taken aback by an unexpected visitor.

"Vivian Vulcan."

The sudden appearance of Vivian made even Dienne, the "Flame Roar" owner and the heir to the Mayern Kingdom, tense up.

She couldn't understand why Vivian, who she hadn't had any contact with since the tournament, had come to see her.

"Dienne Alben."

"It's been a while. What brings you here?"

As Dienne and Vivian met, they drew considerable attention from those around them. The winner and runner-up of the tournament, both of whom were attractive, naturally caught people's eyes.

"I've heard everything."

Vivian's words piqued Dienne's curiosity.

"What do you mean you've heard everything?"

"That Adrias gave you a flower."

Wait, why is Adrias here?

However, upon hearing Vivian's words, Dienne quickly understood what she was referring to. It must be about the magic circle from the recent magic circle class.

"Yes, he gave it to me when I asked. What's the matter?"

"...Ugh."

Vivian's face suddenly contorted with anger, but she quickly lowered her head.

Biting her lips, her eyes seemed to fill with tears, making Dienne, who found it strange, sigh.

"I see. Can't I have it?"

"What? You mean Adrias's magic circle?"

"Yes."

Dienne couldn't fathom why a student from the Department of Knight Arts would want a magic circle. Was she planning to research it? No, the Department of Knight Arts didn't deal with magic circles, did they?

While Dienne struggled to understand Vivian's intentions, she opened the folded piece of paper containing Adrias's magic circle and infused it with mana.

Then, a blue flower bud gently bloomed.

"Wow."

Vivian's expression brightened instantly as she carefully received the paper that Dienne handed her.

But then someone else interjected.

"Uh, Dienne-senpai and Vivian-senpai!"

Lucia approached them with sleepy eyes.

With a smile on her lips, it was hard to tell if she was drowsy or laughing.

"Lucia."

"Oh? Is this, by any chance, what they're talking about? Adrias Cromwell's paradox?"

"That's right."

The streets had become quite crowded.

The presence of Lucia, who joined them, turned their journey into an impromptu gathering of famous people, and everyone was looking at them.

"Hey, this is missing something, isn't it?"

As Lucia admired the flower bud, she pointed out a slightly awkward part of the magic circle.

In fact, Dienne had already noticed that part, but she had assumed that it was intentionally designed by Adrias.

However, Lucia's comment made her reconsider.

"Is something missing?"

"Look here. This part seems a little awkward."

Lucia started rearranging the mana right then and there.

"If I smooth this part out and add the 'flow' spell around here..."

She modified Adrias's magic circle on the spot.

Then, the awkward gap disappeared, and the magic circle became smooth. New light emanated from the flower bud, and something hidden was revealed.

"Huh, huhuhu..."

"Liar! Adrias-senpai really did this?"

Dienne burst into laughter, Vivian was astonished, and the surrounding crowd couldn't help but gasp in awe.

The hidden wonderland of a fairy's flower garden was revealed.

Within the blooming flower bud, Adrias had hidden a dual magic circle.