Surviving as a Mage in a Magic Academy - Chapter 87

What Perkunthra had tried to attempt was elemental transmutation. 

 

Elemental transmutation was something spirits commonly used to demonstrate their power. 

 

The method was simple:

 

Converting one element into another.

 

While it sounded simple, it was no easy feat.

 

Turning fire into ice.

 

Ice into lightning.

 

Lightning into darkness.

 

Skilled mages understood how shocking it was to directly alter elements already in existence into others.

 

It was easier to conjure entirely new elements; tampering with and changing elements already present raised the difficulty drastically.

 

Moreover, these were elements summoned by a mage.

 

Pulling this off meant it was also possible to freely turn that fireball the mage had launched into an icy spear and reflect it back.

 

In other words, directly interfering with the elemental composition of magic – proof of tremendous power…

 

……

 

But having failed, all Perkunthra’s talk of proof went out the window. Yi-Han and Yonaire were seriously whispering about what Perkunthra had attempted to do just now.

 

“Was he trying to show us lightning?”

 

“Lightning…? While that was impressive lightning, what does that have to do with summoning a fire element?”

 

“Maybe he wanted to highlight the lightning’s power in contrast? Striking lightning down on the flame would make the flames scatter…”

 

“Is that what he was going for? Doesn’t seem very effective though.”

 

…Did you see? That bolt of lightning is proof of my power.

 

Perkunthra hastily changed his wording.

 

He still had his pride to uphold – he could not admit to his failure before mere young mages after all.

 

At the spirit’s words, Yi-Han and Yonaire nodded.

 

“So you were just trying to show lightning.”

 

“But calling out flames doesn’t seem a very effective lead-in.”

 

“Shh. A spirit’s sensibilities might be a bit different.”

 

Perkunthra grinded his teeth.

 

The two young mages’ sincere consideration only made the powerful spirit feel more humiliated.

 

‘Just why…’

 

Perkunthra looked upon the rippling flames.

 

Originally, Perkunthra could snatch away and freely convert even magic elements summoned by far more experienced mages than the young one in front of him.

 

Yet he could not steal away this single flame summoned by a mere apprentice mage!

 

‘!’

 

Only now did Perkunthra sense something off about the flames Yi-Han had called forth.

 

While it looked like ordinary flames on the surface, seething and condensed magic power on the verge of erupting lay dormant within it.

 

It seemed akin to a dragon’s flames, capable of transforming according to the mage’s will.

 

Perkunthra felt a rare chill run down his spine.

 

Young mages tended to make frequent mistakes and accidents.

 

Even when using simple fire spells, there were common errors like raising the heat of the flames to the point where even the caster could not endure it, losing control of their shape, or letting them burst uncontrollably.

 

Despite these slips and mishaps, young mages were r relatively safe due to how little magic power they poured into their spells in the first place.

 

With such low amounts, even if the magic went berserk, it would not end up too dangerous.

 

But this young mage in front of him was different.

 

What if this young mage accidentally lost control and made the flames run rampant now?

 

There was a high chance this sealed punishment room and the two young mages inside would instantly melt down!

 

‘To recklessly do such a thing…’

 

As Perkunthra inwardly cursed, it soon realized the true culprit…

 

…The culprit was himself.

 

He was the one who had urged Yi-Han to gather magical power and convert it into a destructive element.

 

Naturally, following the spirit’s instructions, the young mage pulled together as much power as he could and created the most destructive flames possible.

 

On top of that, Perkunthra had even tried to seize control!

 

When someone tried taking away their hold over magic, mages instinctively gripped down harder.

 

Due to that, the explosive surge in magic power invested was surely subconscious.

 

‘I made a mistake…! I should have accounted for his level of magical power!’

 

Preserving face no longer mattered to Perkunthra now.

 

He had to think of a way to dispel those flames without startling the young mage into losing control.

 

You’ve… You’ve witnessed the might of my thunder.

 

“Yes. It truly was impressive. So if you could open the path now…”

 

Yi-Han’s words were only half sincere.

 

The other half was just flattery because he desperately wanted to get out quickly.

 

Perkunthra wanted to curse, but with that fiery sphere still flickering before Yi-Han, he could not afford to.

 

Cursing -> Young mage becomes emotionally shaken or enraged -> Anger influences the flames -> Flames grow out of control!

 

Wait! I’ll open the path, I promise, on my honor.

 

“Really?”

 

Yi-Han was puzzled.

 

The spirit seemed kinder than expected.

 

He had expected more stubbornness…

 

‘Oh right, he’s not a professor.’

 

Maybe Yi-Han had thought too poorly of the spirit.

 

So don’t panic. Stay calm. Don’t freak out no matter what. Got it? Say “got it” if you understand.

 

“…??”

 

“???”

 

Perkunthra was not very eloquent. Yonaire and Yi-Han sensed something was off right away.

 

‘What’s up with him?’

 

“Is something wrong?”

 

Nothing’s wrong! I said nothing’s wrong!!

 

Yi-Han tilted his head and waved his wand, moving the flame aside.

 

Perkunthra was so surprised he nearly screamed. He barely managed to hold back.

 

Do…not…wave that wand around.

 

“??”

 

Yi-Han was puzzled. Was it because of the tree spirit in the wand? He held it up to inspect it.

 

Don’t wave it arou…nd! I said…don’t!!

 

Perkunthra fought back the urge to scream, thinking that if Yi-Han got startled, things would become even more dangerous.

 

“Why not?”

 

Perkunthra was truly frustrated. It wanted so badly to explain how dangerous these flames were.

 

But that could cause the young mages to panic and cause an even bigger accident.

 

I…don’t like it when you wave the wand around in front of me.

 

“….”

 

“….”

 

Yonaire and Yi-Han looked bemused. Yi-Han could tell what Perkunthra was thinking.

 

He thought the two mages were creepy and weird!

 

No time to worry about that.

 

The longer those flames were left out, the more likely they would rage out of control. You had to get rid of them immediately, by any means necessary.

 

‘But how?’

 

No matter how hard Perkunthra racked his brains, he could not come up with anything.

 

If it told Yi-Han to cancel the spell…

 

The young mage will ask why -> He will become emotional -> That’ll affect the flames -> The flames will rage out of control!

 

I’ve changed my mind.

 

“……”

 

Yi-Han was starting to really doubt this spirit’s mental state.

 

‘Is he bipolar?’

 

Of course, now wasn’t the time for Yi-Han to be picky about that. But he did not really want to get too friendly with an emotionally unstable spirit either.

 

“May I ask why?”

 

Perkunthra really wanted to strike him with lightning.

 

How ungrateful can you get?! – He thought.

 

But there was no time. He had to convince these young mages no matter what.

 

I saw infinite potential in you!

 

“Huh? What potential are you tal…”

 

Perkunthra’s awkward compliment only made him more suspicious.

 

Even the redhead looked doubtful.

 

“Seems fishy…”

 

“Right? We’ve only been talking for a short while.”

 

Your magical power! The amount you have is monstrous, beyond what most mages can achieve. You know that, don’t you?!

 

“But just now, you said you wouldn’t make a contract just because of the level of magical power. With someone you don’t know well…”

 

That was before I didn’t know back then! But now I see! Hurry! Come make a pact with me quickly!

 

Perkunthra yelled anxiously. Fearing the flames could rage out of control any minute.

 

‘He really might be bipolar…’

 

Yi-Han pondered.

 

While he was somewhat doubtful of the spirit’s mental state, he was admittedly tempted by the chance to make a contract with a spirit.

 

If Pharakis recommended him, he must be exceptionally skilled.

 

Yi-Han did not know why his attitude suddenly changed from reluctant to eager…

 

This could be an opportunity.

 

This might be the only time this eccentric spirit would soften up.

 

“…Alright! I will make the contract.”

 

Good choice. Open up your soul and accept me!

 

Perkunthra sent his oath to Yi-Han’s soul.

 

At that moment, Yi-Han could see the spirit’s actual name.

 

Perkunthra, The Spirit of Lightning

 

That was the name of his counterpart.

 

‘Ah, so you’re the Spirit of Lightning. Is that why you seem so unstable?’

 

– Now that we have a pact, I can sense your suspicion too! Knock it off!

 

‘Whoops.’

 

Their souls became intertwined with the pact’s seal.

 

– I acknowledge you as my companion, Yi-Han. You have the right to summon me. But remember, I am not your servant, and you are not my master.

 

“I had no such thoughts.”

 

– Good. Be careful when you summon me. Even summoning part of me will drain your magical power…

 

Perkunthra stopped mid-sentence. Upon reflection, magical power was not really an issue.

 

– …Don’t summon me thoughtlessly, or you might not be able to when you really need me.

 

Just because a spirit was contracted with a mage, it did not mean that the spirit could be summoned anytime out of boredom.

 

Both parties were expected to respect each other.

 

Especially a mighty spirit like Perkunthra, he had too much pride to be summoned frequently. He would not tolerate it.

 

“Don’t worry. I really won’t summon you unless it’s necessary.”

 

Yi-Han did not really want to deal with an emotionally unstable spirit too often, either.

 

Sensing his feelings, Perkunthra almost cussed him out but held back.

 

Something else took priority.

 

Now that our pact is complete, I will show you my power!

 

“What are you going to do?”

 

This!

 

With a roar, Perkunthra possessed Yi-Han’s arm.

 

And then he controlled the flame with all his might.

 

Hurry up and dispel that flame! Cancel it!

 

“??”

 

Despite Perkunthra’s worries, Yi-Han easily dispersed his magical power and then canceled the flame.

 

Only then could Perkunthra breathe a sigh of relief.

 

Mage, do you…do you have any idea how dangerous that was?! You foolish little shit!

 

Perkunthra’s bold anger left the two young mages bewildered.

 

Amidst the confusion, Yonaire hit the nail on the head with her question.

 

“But… you were the one who urged him to gather magic and convert it to the most destructive element?”

 

……

 

‘Got him.’

 

‘Totally speechless.’

 

Yonaire and Yi-Han could tell he had no rebuttal.

 

Never do that again! It was extremely dangerous!! The entire room could have melted!

 

Perkunthra’s warning held genuine concern.

 

Yi-Han could now feel from his sincerity how dangerous the situation had been.

 

Professor Garsia was right to warn me that fire magic might still be too early. – Thought Yi-Han.

 

‘I nearly went to the afterlife.’

 

Professor Garsia hadn’t warned him for nothing. Uncontrolled fire magic could kill the caster.

 

Yi-Han swore never to imbue his magical power so recklessly again.

 

Do you understand now? No matter how gifted you are, letting your talent rule you benefits no one…

 

“Wait. Nothing dangerous would have happened if you hadn’t told me to gather magic like that in the first place.”

 

Yi-Han pointed out again.

 

They would have been safe if Perkunthra had not ordered him to do that.

 

He tried to gloss over the question subtly, but Yi-Han would not let him.

 

“Since we’ve made a contract, let me ask one thing. Why did you tell me to gather magic and convert the element like that?”

 

I’ll open the way out for you! Look! Here’s the exit! What do you think? Huh?

 

The wall opened, and a new staircase appeared, but Yi-Han was unswayed.

 

Yi-Han was too curious.

 

In a concerned state, Perkunthra blurted out whatever came to mind first.

 

You two young mages! Dawn is breaking outside. Will you not attend class?!

 

“!”

 

They had a class on <Fundamentals of Imperial Geometry and Arithmetic> on Friday morning!

–
Translator: Kaiser | Editor: Gleru