Infinite Mage

Chapter 42

Shirone was speechless. Nade gave a sheepish smile and explained the situation.

Sorry. Actually, our research group has a bit of notoriety. Its a bit difficult to reveal our members.

Now Shirone understood why Yiruki was close to Nade, but aside from that, his confusion stemmed from the fact that Yiruki was in the Supernatural Psychic Science.

Considering that Yiruki followed and praised logic, him being in an unscientific group was extremely surprising for Shirone.

You mean Yiruki is interested in stuff like this?

Nade shook his head.

No, its actually the opposite. Hes approaching it from the opposite side. He believes that theres nothing illogical in this world. So what better group could there be to join than this one?

Even amidst Nades and Shirones conversation, Yiurki murmured something as if he hadnt noticed anything.

Then after looking Nades way, he noticed Shirone. His face brightened.

Shirone!

He approached without even giving Shirone time to say hello and shook his shoulders.

You came just in time. I just came up with something great! That great thing is Splitting the smallest matter! You might think how splitting the smallest is possible. Thats exactly what Im saying. If you split the smallest matter, its no longer a substance! So then, what the hell is it? Ive been doing the math for three days, and to my surprise, my god! It contains tremendous energy! What if this whole thing is possible? Hm? What do you think will happen? Quickly, tell me.

Yiruki spoke so fast Shirone couldnt clearly understand, but seeing as how Yirukis eyes were burning with passion, he felt like he had to say something.

U-Um, well? The energy will be released?

An enormous explosion! An unimaginable explosion! An explosion that can blow up an entire city! Can you imagine it? Huh? If its you, you might be able to imagine it!

Shirone was dumbfounded.

Of course, he could imagine, but it was terrifying to even think about.

If that happens, a lot of people will die.

What do you mean? Im telling you, its an explosion! An explosion! The city will be completely blown away!

Thats what Im saying! What will happen to the people living in the city if an explosion of that magnitude were to occur?

Huh? The people living there?

Yiruki tilted his head, unable to understand what Shirone was saying. Shirone finally realized something and asked again.

You Youve never thought about that, have you?

Of course not. Whats of importance is how big the explosion can be. Do I have to bother thinking about things like that?

Shirone got goosebumps.

How could you? Does it make sense that a mage doesnt even consider the ramifications of his magic?

You talk foolishly, Shirone. Leave those things for anthropologists to ponder over. It is the duty of a genius to breakthrough. Its not that other mages don't do it even though they can. Its simply because they cant. The genius-ness given to us only exists so that we do something with it.

Genius or not, I dont care! Id rather be a fool than be a genius who chooses to harm people.

Yiruki did not back down either.

Handful geniuses lead the majority that are fools. History proves it. Its also the unwanted reality in which we belong, Shirone, you should know how much I hate rubbing idealism in someones face.

No, your logic is derived from defeatism, not reality. Ideals can come true.

An ideal is only that. Something that we WISH could be.

Considering how heated their debate had gotten, Nade finally decided to break them apart.

Now, now, stop it. Discussions and debates are all good, but emotional fights are a no-no. Lets sit down and talk calmly.

No, I have nothing to say. Nade, Im leaving.

Shirone opened the door and left.

Seeing the benignant Shirone leave so coldly meant he was really angry.

H-Hey Shirone, wait up! How are you going to find your way out alone?

Leave him. Its not like the structure has changed. He should have at least memorized the way to get here. If he cant even do that, then hes really stupid.

By the time Nade opened the door and left the room, Shirone was already walking out of the building.

Returning back to their hideout, Nade frowned and asked.

Why did you do that? You could have said it in a more acceptable way.

I dont know why I did that either. Ill admit, I was a little aggressive. After all, he is my rival.

Whaaat?

It was extremely rare for the word rival to leave Yirukis mouth. Not because he was arrogant, but more so because Nade knew his friend wasnt interested in competition.

Its not just a competition to him.

Relationship with the opposite sex, wealth, fame. Nothing could move him.

The only thing Yiruki was crazy about was the mathematical expression he considered the most beautiful in the world.

Shirone is your rival? Are you serious about that?

Yiruki smirked and sat down on the sofa, causing a cloud of dust to fume into the air.

Shirones early promotion exam. Did you see it?

I saw it. Thats why hes our classmate.

Do you know how fast a person who first learned teleportation must think to pass level 10? And the Dragons Labyrinth at that?

While Nade kept quiet, Yiruki tapped his head.

Its impossible without an enormous division of time. According to my calculations, Shirone must have made his decisions in a ten-thousandth of a second.

A ten-thousandth of a second

As Nade tried to imagine that, Yiruki let out a shrill laugh and cackled.

Thats the mystery of insight. Faster than effort while also being more accurate than knowledge. Any conscious calculations will be slower than intuition. But, say, Nade.

Yirukis eyes gleamed.

What if it was me?

Shirones insight versus Yirukis calculation speed, the question was which of the two would be faster.

The question remained unanswered.

Like a showdown between different species of animals from different myths, Nade's blood rushed just thinking about it.

* * *

* * *

After being called out by Siena, Shirone followed her into the teachers lounge.

She spoke as she set down the teacup.

Now, since I was treated last time, its my turn this time.

Haha, thank you.

He seems to be faring much better than when he was in Class 7.

She heard that Shirone had grown a bit bolder and even joked around with his classmates.

Why did you call me over?

I saw your report card and noticed that youve been consistently growing. Im particularly happy that the subject I teach, chemistry, is your highest grade.

Hehe. Its still only by one point.

In Sienas point of view, that single point was enough to build up her pride.

Honestly, I didnt expect him to last this long.

No matter how much of a genius one was, once one reached a certain point, their talents and weaknesses in certain fields would show.

However, Shirone maintained an average of 45 points for all subjects.

That means Shirones limits are higher than I expected.

Siena, who came to a conclusion, said.

If you continue like this, youll be able to make it to the upper-middle ranks starting next month. The academy will also start paying attention to your way of studying.

Ah, I wasnt trying to attract attention to myself.

Of course, I know. Thats why I called you, to make a proposal.

A proposal?

Did you know that there is a practical evaluation every two months? After looking into it, there is a targeting exam at the end of this month. Do you know what that is?

Yes, I saw it while Amy was still in Class 4. Its a test where you hit a target within a certain amount of time. Amy in particular was very fast because shes a target type. It was amazing.

Shirones eyes were shining.

Siena felt that his strong suit was that he was unconcerned with superiority and inferiority.

Thats right. Amy seems to have adjusted well to the Advanced class. You must be sad to be separated from your girlfriend.

The Advanced class and the Intermediate class were far apart, and they also had different curricula, so there were nearly no opportunities to meet.

They could go on a date on the weekends, but they werent actually dating, and Shirone didnt want to disturb her either.

Its enough that I know shes working hard. I have to support her as her boyfriend.

Siena smiled

At first, she was concerned, but if their relationship stayed like this, she would rather encourage it.

Its rare to see a couple like you guys. Alrighty, lets get down to business. The reason I called you today is because of the practical evaluation. Besides teleportation, have you learned any other magic?

No. As you can see from my grades, I havent met the standard yet Oh! Thats right!

Shirone realized belatedly.

I have to use active magic during the practical evaluation.

There was no need to insist on attack magic, but the only magic that Shirone could use was teleportation, which was a passive magic. Passive magics were magics that affected the caster.

On the other hand, active magics were magics that affected the world itself. There were various types, such as Fire, Windcutter, Healing, Ice Sword, Lightning Bold, and Atomic Bomb.

What should I do? I have to know at least one active magic to be able to attack the targets, but I totally forgot about learning one because I was busy studying.

Nothing to worry about. Since youve mastered the Rainbow Drop, a simple active magic should be nothing.

But my average theory grade is 45 points. You said that the minimum in order to cast active magic is 60.

Usually, it is. But you have something going for you Your knowledge that nearly reaches 100 points.

Yes?

Shirone blinked once and shouted.

AH! The Photonization theory!

Thats right. There are also several different types of photons. Since youve studied enough theory, youll be able to apply that.

Right! Thank you, Ms. Siena.

As your supervising instructor, its something I have to do. If you face any difficulties in the future, consult me anytime.

Okay, then Ill consult you right now. What kind of active magic can I develop from the photonization theory?

Siena smiled at the key question.

Have you ever heard of photon output?

I read it in a book. Is it the shooting of photons outward?

It was a phenomenon called photon emission.

Of course, due to the nature of photons, shooting them outwards didnt mean something special would occur.

If one were lost in the mountains, it would be easier to cast lighting magic to light up the surroundings than to light the surroundings through photon emission.

Even the theory of photonization, which was called the great discovery, varied in efficiency depending on how it was used.

Shirone asked.

I can take the test itself, but is it really efficient to study for it? Wouldnt it be a waste of time?

Sienas thoughts were different.

In terms of the present, yes. However in the advanced magic society, for example, in the Ivory Tower, some view photon output as the future of mankind.

Shirone listened carefully.

It is often overlooked, but the really important thing is that there is no matter faster than light. Besides, collimation is easy to control. It is viewed that way because, due to the way photons work, it can lead to innovations in the field of information and communication in the future.

Ah, I see.

The future of photon output is bright. It wouldnt be a bad idea to master it in advance.

Shirone nodded.

Yes. Its fine as long as I dont waste any time. As you said, I will start practicing today.

In any case, the only magic he could learn immediately for the exam was photon emission.

After the consultation, Shirone headed to the training grounds.

There was not much time left until the practical evaluation, so he was on a tight schedule.

Alright, lets do this!

Shirone held out his hand and focused.

Magical action.

Magical action referred to a mage taking a special action or posture to strengthen his omnipotence.

Here goes!

No light shot out.

Darn!

While his omniscience was perfect, he couldnt reach the omnipotence required for photon emission.

Teleportation was easy though

Shirone was more inclined towards defensive and passive magics rather than offensive magics, which was what photon output was mainly used for.

Switching to an offensive type means I have to give up a lot of Spirit Zone area. Even so

Does that mean I cant cast photon output in its entirety?

No way. Even students with a smaller Spirit Zone than me can use simple active magic.

Suddenly, Ethellas words regarding Spirit Zone strengthening came to Shirones mind.

There must be a special method. What could it be?

Shirone, who was thinking hard, noticed an inconsistency.

Spirit Zone is the most sensitive state of mind. How can I strengthen it?

On his first day, questions mounted high in heaps.