Thaad, who was casting photonization magic on Alpheas, was already sweating. Viltor Arcane was an annoying person, but the power of the magic he wielded was unimaginable. 'Wow. What a powerful mind control. It would work in this era, wouldn't it?' At first, Thaad thought it would be easy. Even though Arcane had been titled Archmage, 40 years had passed. Magic had evolved, and dark magic had been largely eradicated. But Abyss Nova was so complex that even Thaad, a beneficiary of advanced magic, couldn't fully analyze it. After 20 minutes, he finally felt light energy piercing through the core of darkness. Then, Thaad focused his mental strength to push the light forward. Slowly, the curtain of darkness lifted, and Alpheas's memories began to unfold brightly with the flow of light.
40 years ago. Capital Bashka. An unprecedented magic frenzy gripped Tormia Kingdom. King Adolf XII, unlike his predecessors who valued military force, was intelligent and benevolent. Upon ascending the throne, he made the magic department independent from military affairs and attracted many talents. People from both local areas and other countries came to Bashka to study, and the streets of the capital became alive with intellectual discussions. It wasn't unusual to see newly graduated mages gathering at a bar in the middle of the day, discussing magic. Gypsy-style outfits with bright primary colors were fashionable, and women wore short hair to reveal their necklines as a symbol of intelligence. Men wore their hair long, down to their waists. At the most famous tavern in Bashka, 'Home of the Old Gods,' over 200 tables filled the enormous hall. People often went up to the central podium to preach their magical philosophies. All sorts of voices clashed, discussing magic and gossiping about the nobility. It was a time of romance and excitement. Alpheas remembered those golden days of his youth.
"Oh my, boys! Come, come! Alpheas is here!" A woman's voice rang out at the bar's entrance, and the women at the tables turned to look.
"Hello, ladies! It's noisy as always here!" Alpheas, a handsome young man with blonde hair down to his waist, entered the tavern. A half-shaved young man, out of fashion, accompanied him—Rian's grandfather, Ogent Clump. Though Clump couldn't use invisibility magic, the women ignored him and surrounded Alpheas.
"I've been waiting, Alpheas-nim! What magic are you going to teach me today?"
"You have to moisten it first. My tongue gets stiff if it isn't wet."
"Knock-knock! That kid is funny. Alpheas is a real treat." Today's students might mock him, but back then, Alpheas was a popular figure who could say anything. He came from a first-class family, was a brilliant magic school graduate, and had a handsome, sophisticated appearance. What woman wouldn't be drawn to him? On the other hand, the men looked at Alpheas with disapproval. Even those who weren't petty enough to be jealous didn't look kindly on him. It was clear he had earned a great deal of resentment. The light of the Mirhi family was his official title, but among those who knew him, his nickname was different: Arrogant Alpheas.
Anyone familiar with the magical world would recognize that Alpheas is a person chosen by God. The problem, however, was that he often showcased his talents without regard for the time or place. Whenever an argument arose, it ended quickly, and if his opponent made even the smallest mistake, Alpheas would relentlessly point it out, seeking acknowledgment for his own abilities.
Only Clump understood that Alpheas didn't mean any harm by this behavior. It wasn't arrogance, just an overwhelming passion that often wore people out. In truth, Alpheas was someone who would readily admit his mistakes and congratulate his opponents when they won. The issue, however, was that this rarely happened.
As Alpheas walked around the table, mingling with others, it seemed like he was getting bored waiting for his beer. Clump watched him with concern, worried that Alpheas might cause another problem, but he just sighed, feeling too tired to intervene.
"Sarov! What are you doing here, drinking in broad daylight?" Alpheas called out, greeting Sarov warmly. Sarov, a local from the capital, was one of Alpheas' few rivals. Though he lost every argument to Alpheas, many believed he would be the top candidate for the Photon series, if it weren't for Alpheas. Sarov didn't exactly enjoy Alpheas' approach, but Alpheas went to him without hesitation.
"Oh, by the way, Sarov, did you submit your thesis to the royal castle this time? I read part of it, and it was really interesting."
"What? Why were you reading my thesis?" Sarov responded in surprise.
"Why wouldn't I? I'm also a photon major, and the royal librarian is one of my biggest fans. Well done, anyway."
"Really? What did you think of it?"
Among young mages, the highest honor was to have your dissertation accepted by the Magic Department under the Dragon Lorry. If your thesis was approved, it was considered the most prestigious achievement for a mage, providing full research funding and a private lab. Since Sarov had submitted his lifelong work a week ago, he was eager to know what his rival Alpheas thought.
"You did a great job highlighting the characteristics of light. It was flawless. The part about energy concentration, I must admit, was impressive."
Sarov's face lit up with pride, but Alpheas didn't stop there.
"However, there is one flaw. Your theory about the wave nature of light is simply wrong."
"What are you talking about? The wave theory has already been confirmed through experiments."
"Yes, but I have a different perspective. Recent experiments show too many phenomena that can't be explained by the wave theory alone. Maybe light is more like a particle."
"Really? Alpheas, now you're just stirring up trouble. Many critics have already pointed out flaws in the particle-based experiments! If light is a particle, how can we explain the wave nature? Those are two completely different concepts!"
Whether light is a particle or a wave was one of the most debated topics during Alpheas' time. While the wave theory was widely accepted, some scholars, including Alpheas, continuously raised objections.
"Do you actually trust the critics? I've seen the data pointing out flaws in the particle experiments, but that's not a scientific approach. Could that be the real issue?"
Sarov, now visibly frustrated, slammed his hand on the table. He had been losing sleep over his thesis, and now Alpheas was only making things worse.
"Fine! If you're so confident, why don't you write your own thesis? Let the world laugh at your absurd logic!"
"I'm only saying this out of concern. Even if you fail now, you'll need to revise it later. It's important to understand the truth, not just defend your thesis."
Sarov couldn't take it anymore. "Go away! I won't talk to you again!"
Alpheas simply smiled and returned to the table. He wasn't upset, believing that arguing with a rival in the same field was beneficial for both of them.
Clump, however, was still worried about Alpheas. Their first meeting had been at Bashka's inn, and since they were both studying abroad in Seoul, they had bonded over shared experiences. It had been a year since they had been spending time together like this.
To be honest, Clump wasn't sure how to deal with the situation. Even though he worked as a prosecutor, the rivalry between mages seemed more intense.
"Alpheas, what's wrong with you? If others can't do it, just accept it. Why do you always try to fix everything?"
"You're not even sleeping, are you? What's wrong must be corrected. That's the mark of intelligence."
"You know what people call you? Arrogant Alpheas. That's your nickname now."
"Haha! Is that a problem? I actually prefer it to Mirhi's nickname. It's a bit more exciting."
Magic is a realm of talent, and Alpheas was overflowing with it. No matter how hard he tried to hide it, humility seemed like a mere act to him, as he believed that true talent would always shine through in the end.
"This is just the fate of a genius. Now, don't worry too much, let's have a drink. Hey, Raphne, keep the snacks coming. This guy eats more than a bear!"
"Ho-ho-ho! If Alpheas-nim wants it, I'll give him as much as he wants!"
Raphne, the bar's server, looked at Alpheas with adoration. It was clear that she had a soft spot for him. Alpheas' flirtatious attitude toward every woman made Clump feel uneasy. It wasn't that he was in a serious relationship with anyone; many men had missed their chances by only flirting on the surface, and Alpheas seemed to be the public enemy of the men at the bar.
"Raphne, really? You need to get a proper relationship. What are you thinking?"
"Ah, as you know, I'm everyone's lover. And it's not about work. My smile melts everyone."
Alpheas touched his chin and smiled. It was the kind of look that would make any woman fall in love with him.
"Do you really think that smile works?" Clump, who had little experience with women, tried to imitate the smile.
"How about this? If I do this, will I get a killer smile?"
"Oh yes! Is that a real killer smile? Haha!"
"Wanna die?" Alpheas teased.
"Ha ha ha! Just kidding! But seriously, it was pretty close. Make sure you wear that smile later at the party; women won't be able to resist it."
"Party? Do I really have to go? I'm not even a mage."
Tonight, the Bastard family is hosting a party called Young Mages' Night. Even though the family doesn't have any special ties to magic, these types of events, named after the stars, were one way for the nobility to show off their power.
"Is there a way to limit the guests to just mages? Everyone from all walks of life is invited, so it's a great opportunity to network. Skills are important, but connections are just as valuable."
"Funny, hearing that from you."
"What can I say? To spread your influence, you have to reach higher places. Besides, you might meet your future partner there."
Clump, focused on his swordsmanship, wasn't interested in making connections. But Alpheas's last words made him pause and think.
As Alpheas said, who knows? Maybe a simple country prosecutor could fall in love with a sophisticated city girl?
Clump cleared his throat, suddenly feeling awkward.
"Hmmm! So, where do we go to check it out?"
The mansion of the Bastard family, one of the wealthiest families in the capital, was extravagantly luxurious—almost crossing the line that forbids noble buildings from being more opulent than the royal castle.
The hall's ceiling was adorned with 300 crystal chandeliers, and tables inlaid with gold leaf were filled with delicacies from around the world.
Nobles danced to the music, while older politicians engaged in conversations over wine.
"Hey there! It's Ogent Clump! Did you come alone?"
"Kyaaak!"
The moment the woman saw Clump, she screamed and ran away. It's no surprise—who wouldn't be shocked by a man who looks like a rugged thief, flashing a grin that could kill? Clump froze in embarrassment, while Alpheas laughed and patted him on the back.
"Puhahaha! Did you really think that would work? Oh, what a disaster."
"Damn it! I'm an idiot for believing you. Anyway, where did you just come from?"
"The beautiful women over there were talking so much. I came from the other side to talk to you."
Clump looked in the direction Alpheas pointed. Women from the city, dressed elegantly, glanced over at Alpheas, blushing.
"Damn it. I think your back looks better than my front. Everyone's staring at you."
"Haha! Don't worry about it. They're all like that. Anyway, since we're here, let's eat until we're full."
The food was a real treat—things Clump had never seen in the countryside. Alpheas laughed as he walked to the table, thinking that his friend, simple but positive, would enjoy it.
As Clump eagerly stuffed his face, Alpheas was busy fending off nobles who approached him every few minutes. When he finally spoke with the head of the Bastard family, all eyes in the room were on Alpheas.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. You're the rising star, Alpheas."
"I'm honored you recognized me. What a wonderful party. Thank you for inviting me."
"Chuck! It's my pleasure to associate with such young intellects. I hope to see you often."
"Yes. I'd be happy to attend any time you call me."
The conversation was brief, but the fact that the head of the Bastard family spoke so warmly to a young mage like Alpheas was a strong sign of goodwill.
Turning around, Alpheas couldn't help but laugh as he saw Clump still stuffing his face. It was clear his friend was trying to satisfy his hunger in the most carefree way.
"Isn't your jaw getting tired? Where does all that food go?"
Clump, chewing away, pointed to his biceps. Alpheas shook his head and turned around. He felt the stares of several women but was too bored to care. His lips were pouting in disappointment when something caught his eye—a woman running between tables.
"Huh?"
At first glance, Alpheas could tell she wasn't a mage. Her simple dress wasn't flashy like the gypsy-style outfits worn by the highborn, and most notably, her long black hair hung down to her waist, not the short, sharp style common for the intellectuals. She was carrying a plate and fork, which seemed out of place in such a formal setting.
"What? Who is that? Isn't she the eldest daughter of the head of the family?"
Alpheas, intrigued, barely turned his head to ask, "The eldest daughter?"
"Didn't you know? You really are a clueless guy."
"I didn't know. Now, explain."
"Her name is Erina Bastard. She's 19 and the only troublemaker in the family."
"Troublemaker? Haha, is it because she's a tomboy?"
"No. She's... not very bright."
Only then did Alpheas glance back at Clump. It seemed like his friend might actually be onto something. After all, the bear-like Clump wasn't exactly known for making jokes.