Chapter III: Grid Matrix

Upon entering my room after my conversation with the headmistress, I found myself in the midst of a luxurious chamber. The bed was as opulent as the rest of the room, promising a night of comfort and respite. The soft glow of a chandelier cast a dim light, blending seamlessly with the colors of the sunset unfolding outside.

I settled in, feeling the plushness of the bed beneath me, and retrieved a pen and paper. With contemplation in my heart, I began to scribble down my plans. The future was a realm of uncertainty, and my path held both challenges and opportunities.

I needed to fulfill my role as a professor at the Arcanum Citadel for a year, saving enough resources to achieve my escape. In this process, I also harbored the intent to rewrite the narrative, to save some of the original characters who had met tragically unfair ends solely for the sake of the plot.

The room, with its subdued lighting and the promise of secrecy, became a sanctuary for my thoughts and ambitions. I fell asleep, trying to calm myself. The next morning, I needed to wake up tomorrow and begin with the first step of the plan: making a lesson plan.

The morning sun's gentle rays filtered through the window, stirring me from a night of contemplation and introspection. As I roused from sleep, I was met with a renewed sense of determination.

I knew that at the Arcanum Citadel, professors were not compensated through salaries but rather received payments on an hourly basis. The compensation was influenced by two key factors: the number of students attending their lectures and the ranking of those students. The academy's ranking system assessed students based on their ability, awarding them 'points' for their achievements or withdrawing points for instances of misconduct, all monitored by the faculty.

The student body at the Citadel was a diverse mix, representing various races and backgrounds. This diversity provided a unique opportunity for me to make a significant impact. My resolve was clear: I would strive to fill my lecture hall to capacity, ensuring that my teaching reached a wide and varied audience. My teaching plan would be unlike any other, and I would employ methods that would captivate and engage students, fostering an environment where knowledge flourished.

With a determination to set myself apart as a professor at the Arcanum Citadel, I conceived an ambitious plan. I would create an entirely new magic system, one that drew upon knowledge from the future. Armed with insights into magic theories, theses, and breakthroughs that had yet to occur in this world, I intended to craft a system that pushed the boundaries of traditional understanding.

To build this new magic system, I would leverage my unique perspective and knowledge, including references to arithmetic from Earth. The fusion of advanced concepts and the extraordinary talent inherited from Oliver would serve as the catalyst for this ambitious endeavor.

While I understood that the system wouldn't be perfected within a month, I aimed to create a foundation substantial enough to introduce in my early lectures. This, I believed, would garner attention and intrigue, drawing students to my classes and elevating my standing as a professor at the academy.

Over the course of the following month, I immersed myself in a world of endless study and experimentation. I had requested the Headmistress to excuse me from any meetings, explaining that I was devoted to crafting a comprehensive lesson plan. To my relief, she readily granted my request, allowing me to toil in solitude.

My days were marked by countless hours spent designing structures, making intricate calculations, and conducting experiments by the hundreds. The pursuit of a breakthrough in magic consumed my every moment. At last, I found myself holding a radiant creation in my hand—an intricate and glowing magic square.

Contrary to the prevailing belief that circles were the ideal shape for channeling magic, I had pursued a different path. I had designed a magic square that not only functioned but surpassed the existing system. It was a momentous achievement that could easily attract excessive attention.

However, I had my own plans to handle the curiosity and interest that would inevitably follow. The final piece of the puzzle lay in naming this innovative magic system, a task I had yet to undertake.

As I held the radiant magic square in my hand, I knew that I had accomplished something extraordinary. It was not merely the creation of a new magical system; it was the dawn of a profound shift in understanding. This square, breaking away from convention, was a testament to my innovation and resolve. 

With a sense of triumph and anticipation, I quietly uttered the name "Grid Matrix" in my mind. A smile, laced with excitement and determination, graced my lips. The groundwork had been laid, and I was ready to embark on my journey at the Arcanum Citadel.