Surviving as a Mage in a Magic Academy Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Yi-Han decided to show some consideration for Dolgyu.

"Indeed, this is a matter of honor and justice, so the term 'spy' does not suit. Dolgyu, you are an inside man."

"Uh... what?" Dolgyu was confused by the unfamiliar term. However, he didn't feel too bad about it, sensing that 'inside man' was somehow more noble and dignified than a spy.

"It seems alright, doesn't it?"

"Yes. From now on, as an inside man, it would be great if you could inform us about the conspiracies of the White Tiger Tower students."

"I will do so."

Yonaire, who was sitting beside them with her face resting on her palms, listened with curiosity. How did Yi-Han persuade this orc from the White Tiger to cooperate like this?

"Dolgyu, the reason I brought you here on a weekend morning is... to think of a way to sneak out of school."

"What?!"

Dolgyu was startled. Yi-Han remained calm, as he expected such a reaction. However, what followed was beyond Yi-Han's expectation.

"Yi-Han, were you planning to sneak out too?"

"...?!!"

—

Like all other tower students, those from the White Tiger also struggled with hunger.

One might ask if those from knightly families were not strong against hunger, but even knightly families were considered nobles of the empire. They rarely had to endure hunger. In fact, the bigger challenge was to endure hunger when they were used to eating well and being active.

-"We must hunt! Like Wardanaz from the Blue Dragon who caught a wild pig, we can catch one too!"-

-"Let's form teams and go hunting over the weekend. None of us here are inexperienced in hunting. We have the advantage!"-

-"Let's break the arrogance of those other towers who boast about their magic!"-

-"Quiet. Quiet, everyone."-

It was Jijel who managed to calm the chaotic atmosphere. With her innate leadership, she quickly gained control over the hungry students.

-"Hunting? Good idea. But think about it. Is hunting really that easy?"-

-"Wardanaz's family caught one..."-

-"That was a wild pig prepared by the Alchemy Professor. Think about it. How deep would we have to go to catch such a pig? We're not even familiar with the terrain here."-

-"..."-

-"..."-

The students were unconsciously convinced by Jijel's words. Indeed, hunting was not an easy task, especially in an unknown area. They were fearful of venturing too deep into unknown territories, where unknown monsters might lurk.

-"Then, Moradi. Do you have another way?"-

-"Yes."-

-"What is it?"-

-"It is to sneak out of the academy and head to a town outside."-

-"!!!"-

-"If we succeed, we won't have to worry about catching prey or not. We can bring back everything we need for the semester."-

-"Is that really possible?!"-

-"It sounds too far-fetched."-

-"I already have all the necessary plans in my head. If you want to follow me, you're welcome. I have no intention of monopolizing this. But... if you do follow, you must obey my commands. I won't tolerate any petty rebellion that spoils the mood or ruins the plan."-

-"Of course, Moradi!"-

-"Who would dare oppose you!"-

—

"Wait? Can I join too if I just follow the orders well?"

"Hey. Yi-Han."

"I guess not, right?"

Dolgyu looked at Yi-Han with disbelief. Whether Jijel would accept Yi-Han or not, Dolgyu couldn't know… But as a Wardanaz, he had his pride. How could he possibly join them?

Recalling the things Jijel had intended to do to Yi-Han, Dolgyu felt even more indignant.

"Think about what Jijel did."

"Indeed, she won't let us participate."

"No. That's not the issue."

While Dolgyu was dumbfounded, Yi-Han sank into thought. Jijel's words had complicated his thoughts. Originally, Yi-Han had planned to gather friends like Dolgyu and Nillia to slowly find an escape route. He never expected to find it on the first try. Considering what Professor Uregor had said, escaping wasn't going to be easy. But surprisingly, Jijel from the White Tiger asserted she had a ready plan. Was it just bravado?

‘No. Bravado wasn't in her character. She’s not Gainando after all.’

Though he hadn't had many conversations with Jijel of the Moradi family, he could guess what kind of person she was.

Cool-headed and strong-willed. When such a person declared something, it was clear they had some confidence in it.

"So, she won't let us participate..."

"No... you’re not being serious, aren’t you?"

"If that's the case, there's no helping it."

"Good. I'm glad you understand."

"We have no choice but to follow and unearth the truth."

"..."

Dolgyu was at a loss for where to begin his objection.

"Are you serious?"

"Is there a better way than following?"

"Doesn't it seem a bit... dishonorable?" Dolgyu hesitated. For someone like Yi-Han, who came from the Wardanaz family, a prominent family of the empire, keeping his honor should always come on top, even in mere fights.

"Think about it, Dolgyu. This is strategy."

"Hmm?"

"Knowing the enemy and oneself. That's strategy, isn't it?"

"...Is it?"

"It is."

Yi-Han looked straight at Dolgyu, speaking with unwavering conviction.

'The more nonsensical it is, the more confidently one must argue.'

The world often favored those with louder voices, for there was a reason behind it. No matter how absurd, speaking earnestly and soulfully lends a strange persuasiveness.

As Yi-Han of the Wardanaz family spoke seriously with his sculpted, cold face, Dolgyu began to wonder, 'Could it be?' It did sound like a strategy...

"It might be a... strategy."

"Exactly. It's strategy. We need to know what the enemy is planning, to prepare against it."

Although Jijel's plan for escaping the school wasn't intended to involve Yi-Han… Yi-Han subtly suggested that to thwart Jijel's evil plots, he needed to understand her escape plan.

"Dolgyu, your role is crucial. You must inform me about that Moradi fellow's escape plan."

"I understand. I'll try my best."

"Great! You're an honorable inside man. Others may not know, but I know your honor!"

"Thank you, Yi-Han."

"Right, right."

Yi-Han patted Dolgyu's shoulder, offering constant encouragement before sending him off.

"Whew. I originally intended for us to ponder over an escape plan, but things have changed. ...Why is everyone looking at me like that?"

Yonaire and Gainando looked at Yi-Han with strange expressions.

Gainando asked earnestly, "Did you learn any brainwashing spell before you entered the academy?"

"..."

—

On a Saturday evening, as the sun was setting. It was the time decided for Jijel of the Moradi family and the students of the White Tiger Tower to attempt their escape.

Having learned the time from Dolgyu, Yi-Han also began to move.

'I must confirm an escape route this time if possible.'

Jijel would never disclose the escape method to others. Moreover, once they succeeded for the first time, they would be more thorough in checking for anyone following them in the future. After all, that's what Yi-Han would have done! The best opportunity to uncover the escape route without being detected was during this first attempt today. The students of the White Tiger, too, would be too tense on this first try to notice anyone tailing them.

"Dolgyu. Gainando. Yonaire. Nillia."

Yi-Han addressed the friends gathered around him. These friends would be his companions in today's tracking.

"Thank you all for attending this meeting today to find a way out of the academy."

"...????"

Dark Elf Nillia was surprised, her ears perking up at the unheard-of proposal. She had come lightly thinking it might be a hunting trip...

"What, what?! We're leaving the academy!?"

"Yes."

"...Are you crazy?!?"

At Nillia's exclamation, Gainando felt a sense of relief without realizing it. There was at least one other person in this gathering who was sane, besides himself.

'Exactly! It's madness!'

Gainando, too, would like to go out to the town if it were possible. But it couldn't be that easy. He had followed Yi-Han thinking he must have some plan, but he was indeed scared.

"No, Nillia. It's not about escaping recklessly. There's a plan."

"!"

At Yi-Han's serious words, Nillia's eyes widened in surprise.

A plan already?

It had been only a week since they entered the academy. His expression didn't seem like he was lying.

'The Wardanaz family is truly... amazing...!'

Nilia swallowed her admiration inwardly. She had heard much about the Wardanaz family, but now she understood why, seeing Yi-Han's demeanor. He was different from the other freshmen.

Nillia asked with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, "What's the plan?"

"There's a student in the White Tiger who knows the way to escape. We're going to follow and copy their method."

"..."

The method Yi-Han described was indeed beyond Nillia's expectations. Far too much, in fact.

—

Following another dormitory student to copy their method was not the ideal school life Nilia had imagined. A deep, albeit brief, contemplation. Then a sigh. Yet, Nillia ultimately decided to participate.

"Yi-Han, it seems like Nillia doesn't want to join."

"But, Yonaire, we need Nillia's help. She's the most skilled at tracking here."

"But it's not right to force her to participate..."

"Is that so? If she really doesn't want to, we can't help it..."

"...I can't help it! If I'm the only one who can, then I'll have to assist!"

"Nillia!!"

Unable to refuse after hearing the conversation between Yi-Han and Yonaire, she felt compelled to join. Refusing out of fear and abandoning a friend was not the way of the <Shadow Patrol>. And… Frankly, Nillia was pleased that her abilities as a hunter were highly valued. Ironically, it was not her fellow tower students but Yi-Han of another tower who appreciated her hunting skills the most.

Dolgyu, unable to comprehend, muttered quietly, "That Dark Elf. I thought she would refuse. Why did she agree to participate?"

"I think I understand," Gainando spoke with confidence.

Hearing his words, Dolgyu also let out a small 'ah' of realization.

"I see."

Everyone had things they didn't want to do. The reasons varied. Fear. Anxiety. Selfishness. People overcame such reasons by calling upon virtues like honor and friendship. The reason the Dark Elf reluctantly agreed to participate must have been one.

It must have been because of the friendship among friends.

'It's good to see.'

Dolgyu smiled secretly to himself. Having joined for honor's sake himself, seeing friends who built friendships regardless of their families made him feel unexpectedly pleased.

"What? Choi, you realized it too?" Gainando asked

"Yes."

"She probably wants to go to the town just as much. I really want to go to the town too. Once we get there, sleeping in a fluffy bed... no, wait. Food first. I'm going to eat every sweet thing in the town. Candy, chocolate, pancakes, syrup..."

"..."

Dolgyu looked at Gainando with an incredulous expression.

'Why is this guy even here?'