Chapter 20: Moved to Tears by the Ruse!

"Teacher, what exactly is shaping magic? We understand elemental magic, but what's shaping magic?"

Soon, a curious student voiced the question.

Dean Bruce was delighted by this. To truly pull off his ruse, he needed to implant his way of thinking and his concepts into their minds.

The types of magic and the ideas behind them were foundational. Only by establishing a solid foundation and getting them to accept this framework could he succeed in his deception.

A slight smile tugged at his lips as Dean Bruce solemnly explained, "As the name suggests, shaping magic refers to the ability to mold magic into specific forms. It's not just about casting basic fireballs, ice arrows, or causing elemental waves that are naturally triggered. Instead, shaping magic gives those elements a particular shape."

"The way magic is categorized today is still too simplistic. What I'm sharing with you... is my own understanding."

As his words hung in the air, the students became visibly excited, their eyes shining with admiration for Dean Bruce.

"Teacher, you are truly incredible! So many people refuse to teach even their disciples their true skills, yet here we are, just students attending your class, and you're sharing your unique insights with us!"

"I'm so moved, teacher. Is there anything you need? I swear I'll make sure my father gives you a grand gift!"

"Me too! My father is the vice president of the Notting City Magic Guild. Teacher, whatever you need, just say the word!"

"..."

As these declarations poured out from various students, Dean Bruce couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, silently marveling to himself: [I was so focused on deceiving them that I completely overlooked the unspoken rule of this world—not passing on magic lightly! Gaining their admiration also means gaining their parents' favor, doesn't it? If I ever encounter any trouble, their parents might just become my allies!]

His mind raced with excitement, but outwardly, Dean Bruce put on an expression of sternness. With a dramatic flourish of his magical robe, he declared seriously, "I don't know how other teachers operate, but I, Dean Bruce, will never withhold knowledge from my students! Nor do I have any ulterior motives!"

"Your words—do you think so little of me? My only goal in teaching you is to help you go further and reach greater heights on the path of magic!"

When Dean Bruce said these words, the students were overwhelmed with guilt, causing many of them to lower their heads in shame. But soon after, that guilt transformed into deep gratitude, and some students even found their eyes welling up with tears.

Even Nicholas William, who had already given Dean Bruce a considerable amount of gold coins and a valuable treasure just yesterday, felt deeply moved and awed by Dean Bruce's words. Though he had given those gifts as part of becoming a disciple, he realized that Dean Bruce's relationship with the other students was entirely different.

"I only seek to act with a clear conscience and hope you won't do anything rash that would put me in a position of dishonor. Now, let's continue with the lesson." After a brief pause, Dean Bruce began to share the system and theories he had meticulously organized the night before: "In my view, beyond the various elemental magics and shaping magic, there are also celestial magic, mental magic, armor magic…"

The introduction of so many novel types of magic captivated the students, leaving them utterly entranced and solidifying their belief in Dean Bruce's prowess.

After all, how could anyone conceive such profound theories without a deep understanding of magic and years of dedicated study?

What they didn't know was that the magic types and theories Dean Bruce spoke of were all borrowed from different novels and anime, cleverly woven together into a cohesive whole!

When the class finally ended, even though Dean Bruce hadn't taught any specific spells, the students were still full of praise, expressing their admiration non-stop.

"Dean Bruce has such a deep understanding of magic. Why had we never heard of him at the academy before?"

"Yeah, if it weren't for his display of instant casting during the recent trial and his use of a powerful advanced spell, we might have been fooled by his usual low profile."

"He possesses such great power but never boasts about it. He teaches us profound magical concepts without expecting anything in return. Dean Bruce is truly admirable!"

"..."

Listening to the students' praise, Dean Bruce was elated on the inside but maintained a calm demeanor as he left the classroom.

As soon as he stepped out, a familiar figure caught his eye, causing him to pause mid-step. He quickly approached and respectfully greeted, "Headmaster, what brings you here?"

André Maxwell did not immediately respond, his eyes fixed on Dean Bruce as he studied him from head to toe, a curious and somewhat puzzled expression in his gaze.

Dean Bruce, though a transmigrant, had been in this world long enough and had a close relationship with André Maxwell. He wasn't afraid of the headmaster discovering anything unusual about him.

After a long silence, during which several passing students and teachers glanced curiously at the two, André Maxwell finally spoke, "You've changed quite a bit these past few days. I wonder if you'd be willing to chat with this old man for a bit?"

Dean Bruce nodded respectfully, "You were a friend of my parents, so you are like a mentor to me. It's only right that I spend time talking with you."

Regardless of the differences in status or power, Dean Bruce maintained a polite demeanor towards André Maxwell.

André Maxwell turned and walked toward the small grove within the academy grounds, with Dean Bruce quickly following. Once they were away from the crowd, André Maxwell's voice broke the silence, "What exactly has happened to you these past few days? Your changes have been quite dramatic."

Of course, Dean Bruce wouldn't reveal the existence of his system. Smiling, he replied, "Previously, I didn't know any magic, so I had to keep a low profile to avoid giving anyone leverage that could be used against me, possibly even leading to repercussions from the Nine Provinces Alliance. I didn't want to cause any trouble for you. But now that I've learned magic and have the capability, it's only fitting that I fulfill my duties as a mentor."

André Maxwell was momentarily taken aback. Dean Bruce's explanation was reasonable and well-founded, leaving little room for doubt.

After scrutinizing Dean Bruce for a while longer and not finding anything suspicious, André Maxwell finally set aside his concerns and spoke, "Since you've learned magic, I want you to keep progressing. In two months, the Saint Laurent Advanced Magic Academy will be recruiting both students and faculty."

Pausing for a moment, André Maxwell's expression grew serious, "As someone who cares for you like family, I want to see you become a mentor at an advanced magic academy. I want you to step out of this small town of Notting. Your parents always hoped to leave here someday."

Dean Bruce remained silent. For him, the location was irrelevant; what mattered most was strengthening his abilities.

As long as he had enough power, he could go anywhere on Meze.

André Maxwell continued, "With my letter of recommendation, they may ease some of the requirements for the practical assessment, but you will still need to pass the theoretical exam on your own. So, in the coming days, don't focus solely on your students. Try to immerse yourself in more magical theory, especially ancient texts!"

"Alright," Dean Bruce agreed, though inwardly he dismissed the idea.

What a joke—those students were his tools for becoming stronger. How could he possibly neglect them?

To Dean Bruce, even if he never went to the Saint Laurent Advanced Magic Academy, he couldn't abandon his disciples and students.

"Good, just remember what I said. And don't tell anyone else about this; we don't want to stir up jealousy or have someone report it to the Nine Provinces Alliance."

"Prepare well! I'll be heading back now."

With that, André Maxwell didn't wait for Dean Bruce to respond and swiftly walked away.

After all, he was a busy headmaster, and finding time to check in on Dean Bruce was no small feat.

Watching André Maxwell's figure disappear into the distance, Dean Bruce let out a long sigh, thinking to himself, [Who would have thought that after the system awakened, so many things would happen one after another! Tomorrow night, I have to attend Sophia's farewell gathering. Then I need to continue guiding Joan Michelle and Nicholas William, manage over a hundred students, and still find time to study for the Saint Laurent Advanced Magic Academy's exams…]

[I need to come up with a plan. If I keep trying to juggle everything at once, something's bound to go wrong!]

[If Nicholas William still can't grasp that phrase, maybe I should teach him shaping magic or transformation magic? I'm well-versed in those, so I wouldn't worry about him asking questions.]

[Using lines from classics or anime to fool them—it's all the same!]