Chapter14-Plagiarism

Nathan stood before the podium, eloquently discussing the insights once shared with him by his master, all the while keenly observing the reactions of his audience.

The crowd was captivated, some seemingly reaching moments of enlightenment, reminding Nathan of the days when he hung on every word of his mentor, Milo.

A surge of satisfaction filled him, confident that his teachings were of significant value to the maguses of level 3 and 4.

The thought of earning a substantial amount of academic credits invigorated him, leading him to explain with even greater detail and depth.

However, it was at this moment that he was startled by a furious roar.

Looking out, he saw Alex Clark making a dramatic entrance.

Alex appeared livid, bypassing the guards and barging straight into the classroom.

Following him was a young man with a stern face and an eye-shaped brooch pinned to his chest.

As soon as Alex entered, he pointed at Nathan and accused, 

"Nathan, you cur! You dare to publicize our family's arcane magic heritage under a different guise, thinking you can claim it as your own. Today, I will expose you!"

This scene sent Nathan reeling, especially upon seeing the young Inspector from the Inspectorate Department approaching him with a determined stride, ready to deal with the matter officially, sinking Nathan's heart.

Upon reflecting on Alex's accusation, Nathan's mind raced back to a past incident.

Initially, the "Pyroalchemy Primer" he had received as a reward from the system seemed cryptic, and he had passed it off as a spoil of war to Milo.

After a cursory review, Milo had offhandedly offered him some guidance.

Nathan had believed the "Pyroalchemy Primer" to be a product of the system, unaware that it was, in fact, a piece of arcane magic heritage from the Clark family.

At Nebula Academy, plagiarizing another's research was a grave violation of the academy's rules, with consequences ranging from academic penalties to outright expulsion.

However, upon further reflection, he reconsidered. 

The content he presented, though based on the propositions from the "Pyroalchemy Primer," were principles and insights imparted to him by his mentor, Milo Shulin. 

He couldn't believe that Alex could surpass his mentor.

Seeing Alex leading the personnel from the Inspectorate Department, he quickly grasped their intention and couldn't help but scoff internally, thinking it wouldn't be so easy to dock his academic credits!

Indeed, his participation in the Flame Research Society was primarily aimed at earning credits.

Within the academy, aside from magic class courses, joining clubs could also earn credits, and in more varied ways.

Firstly, active participation in club activities guaranteed a certain amount of credits;

Secondly, initiating and organizing club events, or stepping into a managerial role, could yield even more credits.

Compared to these, there was another way to earn even more credits—making significant contributions to the club!

While organization and management counted as contributions, more significant were the breakthrough achievements in research or practice.

Last week, Nathan shared some knowledge on fire magic in a small group and discussed it privately with senior Charlie.

Charlie was astounded by his theory, lavishing praise upon Nathan's talent.

Upon learning that Nathan planned to share this knowledge with the association's headquarters to exchange for more credits, Charlie, who was eager to boost his own popularity, became even more excited, leading to an immediate collaboration between the two.

However, for any academic knowledge to be valued and thus earn more credits, it must first gain wider recognition.

Otherwise, no matter how excellent your academic knowledge might be, if it goes unrecognized, it won't earn many credits.

Only by highlighting the value of this academic knowledge to more people, encouraging them to join the Flame Research Society, and exchange their credits for this knowledge, could Nathan gain a larger share of credits.

And Charlie, by uncovering this academic knowledge, would gain the attention of the association's higher-ups and potentially be promoted.

Over the week, Charlie meticulously prepared, sending invitations to many former members, all to announce Nathan's research findings at today's gathering.

That led to the scene just now, where he was explaining the theory of flames.

At that moment, upon hearing Alex's words, Nathan immediately bristled and sternly said, "Which grade are you in, classmate? You should speak with evidence, not spread unfounded claims."

"You should know that I can also report you to the Inspectorate Department for disturbing the club and slandering others like this, so I advise you to watch your words!"

Meanwhile, the crowd, which had been immersed in magical insights, frowned upon hearing Alex's rant, annoyed at their train of thought being interrupted and casting displeased looks towards Alex.

Some were even angered, exclaiming, "Who is this person barging into our society? Get out now, before we have to take action against you!"

"Out! Out!" others echoed.

"Ha! Asking me to leave?" Alex laughed contemptuously, "I don't care what you're researching, but if someone is plagiarizing our family's arcane magic and spreading it publicly, I have every right to intervene! If you don't believe me, just ask him."

Pointing at Nathan, he demanded in a stern voice, "Nathan! Dare you say that what you've been teaching isn't the flame arcane magic heritage of my Clark family?"

Seeing Nathan's silence, Alex felt even more justified and continued to accuse Nathan of framing the Clark family and the process of plundering, conveniently omitting any details unfavorable to the Clarks.

After his tirade, painting Nathan as a villain of the worst kind, he challenged, "For someone like this, you tell me, is it not right for me to expose him?"

A silence fell over the crowd.

Those who had initially believed Nathan were now in doubt, their gazes shifting towards him.

And those who hadn't had a favorable impression of Nathan to begin with, now whispered among themselves, fueled by the additional "insights" they had just heard.

At that moment, a young man in a white magic robe, with a clear and handsome appearance, stood out from the crowd.

"I can assure you that everything Alex Clark has said is true. Nathan is cunning and deceitful. I think it would be wise for Senior Charlie not to trust him so easily. The Inspectorate Department should also take a closer look at this person!"

Nathan followed the voice and was surprised to find it belonged to Baron Shulin, the third prince of Dracoria.

This Prince Baron, a sophomore due to his unique status and his generous and righteous nature, held high prestige within the academy.

Nathan couldn't recall ever offending this third prince, so his sudden intervention on Alex's behalf was puzzling, leaving Nathan with no choice but to observe for now.

But the reaction from others was different. 

If there had been any doubts initially, Baron's endorsement had effectively sealed Nathan's fate in their minds.

"This is outright exposure!"

"I knew Nathan couldn't be so knowledgeable without some catch. Turns out he plagiarized someone else's heritage and claimed it as his own."

"It's an eye-opener, really. How did such a person even get into the Flame Research Society?"

"This cannot stand. He must not remain in the Flame Research Society. If Senior Charlie doesn't act, I'll find an opportunity to report to the president myself."

Inside the classroom, many expressed their disdain for Nathan's character, voicing their discontent.

Outside the classroom, unbeknownst to them, a crowd of passing students had gathered. 

Initially, some had seen Alex and the inspector from the Inspectorate Department enter the Flame Research Society and came to see what was happening.

Later arrivals were drawn by the crowd inside the Flame Research Society, curious to join the spectacle.

At this time, coinciding with a college mission on this floating island, there was heavy foot traffic, quickly gathering dozens of people at the classroom entrance.

These newcomers were initially unclear about the situation, but after inquiring amongst themselves and understanding the unfolding events, they too began to discuss among themselves.

...

Seeing this turn of events, Charlie, who had just been warning Alex not to stir trouble, was now dumbfounded.

Although he was very dissatisfied with Alex's behavior, deep down, he found himself believing Alex's claims.

His well-laid plans, for which he had gone to great lengths to promote, had led to this outcome, darkening his expression instantly as he glared at Nathan without uttering a word.

Strangely enough, he noticed Nathan was smiling.

Nathan stepped aside to clear the blackboard and pointed at Alex, saying:

"Come on then, Alex, since you claim this is some arcane magic heritage from your family, why don't you enlighten us? Let's see who's plagiarizing whom, and then you can continue with your grand assertions."