Chapter3-The Academy's Predicament
Talent and bloodline essentially boil down to how easily one can engrave a magic pattern.
Magic patterns refer to the unique markings naturally inscribed in a person's body as they manipulate mana to cast spells. It's similar to how rivers carve out beds as they flow across the earth.
The formation of magic patterns inside a mage's body has always been considered a "natural phenomenon" that cannot be artificially influenced. The easier and more intricate these patterns form—the better the talent and the purer the bloodline of the mage—the more efficient their magical abilities become.
This, in turn, translates to greater power—more specifically, destructive power.
...
Now, Daniel's mastery of magical abilities far surpasses what any mage in this world can imagine.
And this is despite being hindered by the limited talent of his current body.
This body couldn't match the knowledge he possessed!
However, it wasn't entirely beyond remedy.
Daniel held his breath, focused, and channeled his mana to carefully examine his current body.
With mana tendrils weaving through him, the mysteries of the human body unfolded before his eyes.
"Fascinating... The principles behind how magic patterns form are surprisingly similar to the technological structures of many civilizations. In fact, it's almost identical to the circuit principles of some cultures..."
The more Daniel explored the intricacies of magic, and the more he aligned and merged it with his vast knowledge, the more confident he became that he could break free from the so-called limits of talent and bloodline!
After careful observation, he discovered that no matter how mana flows, it always passes through the heart.
So Daniel decided to engrave an intricate magic pattern directly on his heart!
By preparing this magic pattern in advance, it would activate naturally as mana flows through the heart. This way, even those with low bloodline concentration who are unable to inscribe magic patterns on their hearts could improve their magical abilities by practicing this method!
Talent would no longer be a barrier!
"I'll call it Mana Core Engraving!"
The magic pattern would connect directly through the heart!
Mana would flow freely without obstruction!
In fact, if Daniel wished, with his enormous reserve of mana stones, he could unleash a torrent of pure mana through his body into the real world without any need for skill!
Of course, he wouldn't do that.
Firstly, because such a mana flood could be apocalyptic.
Secondly, his current physical body wasn't strong enough to withstand it.
---
The next day.
Daniel convened an emergency meeting with the academy's leadership.
Though most of the teachers had resigned, a few remained.
They were mostly long-time employees who had served alongside Daniel's father and had a deep emotional connection to the academy—something money couldn't buy.
The meeting room was almost empty, with only four people seated.
Daniel surveyed the room.
Not bad.
The remaining few looked worried, like the end of the world was near, which showed they genuinely cared about the academy's fate.
"Everyone, given the current situation, what are your thoughts?" Daniel was the first to speak. "Don't hold back. Speak freely."
The vice headmaster, seated to Daniel's left, sighed.
"Forgive me, Daniel. I'm just deeply concerned," said Vice Headmaster Aldric, a white-haired elder. "We can cover for the teachers who left, but the departure of the three main lecturers has been hard for many students to accept."
In fact, this kind of collective resignation—essentially a mass defection—had never happened before.
When the old headmaster was alive, he treated everyone with sincerity and virtue, earning respect and fostering unity throughout the academy.
From the Academic Affairs Office to the staff and students, everyone regarded the academy as their home.
The departure of those three main lecturers wasn't just about disrupting classes. More importantly, it broke the hearts of everyone in this tight-knit family.
"Departure is a lesson in itself. The students have learned it now," Daniel said calmly. "What about you, Miss Isolde? It seems you have something to say."
Logistics Director Isolde, who was known for her fiery temper, was surprised by Daniel's demeanor.
Was this the same weak new headmaster?
"Headmaster, I think this situation is more complicated than it seems!"
"I personally witnessed the alchemy instructor secretly meeting with people from House Windwhisper multiple times."
"Yes, I noticed it too," Aldric chimed in. "As Miss Isolde mentioned, it seems the teachers left because they were offered better conditions elsewhere."
Compared to the hot-tempered Isolde, Aldric was much more composed.
He was someone who could solve problems and had been the old headmaster's most trusted right-hand man. After Daniel took over Crossbridge Academy, it was mainly Aldric who managed all affairs, given his competence and reliability.
"And as far as I know, it wasn't just House Windwhisper..." Aldric paused before continuing, "House Lunastone was also involved in this incident.
"They tried to lure other instructors as well, though they only succeeded with those three."
"Three isn't enough for you?!" Isolde slammed the table, furious at the three traitorous lecturers.
Daniel raised a hand, signaling her to calm down.
"Miss Isolde, getting angry won't solve anything. It will only make you ill."
"The situation is clear now."
"Let Aldric finish."
Although Daniel's talent was limited, earning him disdain for inheriting the headmaster role, within the academy, teachers and students still respected the new headmaster, the son of an archmage, who had a kind and gentle personality.
Isolde sat down, fuming.
Even though Daniel already knew the details, he didn't interrupt the vice headmaster.
As Aldric continued his analysis, it became apparent that among the three major powers in Riverside City, the magic academy had always clashed with House Windwhisper.
Even though both House Windwhisper and House Lunastone were involved in poaching the academy's staff, it was clear that House Windwhisper was leading the charge.
They saw an opportunity now that the old archmage had passed away, and Daniel, with his lack of talent, seemed like an easy target.
They planned to reshape the balance of power in Riverside City, reducing the three powers to two!
If House Windwhisper could gain an upper hand in this struggle, they could potentially become the dominant family in the city, or at the very least, it was a direction worth pursuing...
"Therefore," Aldric continued, "we need to restart teaching as soon as possible to stabilize the situation.
"Otherwise, not only will external forces increasingly challenge the academy, but it will also waste precious time for the students."
After finishing, Aldric glanced at Daniel, curious.
This new headmaster, who had once appeared unmotivated and incapable, now seemed... confident, even assured of victory.
"How many students are there currently at the academy?" Daniel suddenly asked.
Aldric was momentarily surprised, but he quickly answered, "We have 283 students.
"In the five main fields—Magic Theory, Alchemy, Magic Arrays, and Mana Forging—there are 283 students in total."
Speaking of the students, the Academic Affairs Officer raised his hand, and Daniel nodded for him to speak.
Mr. Rowan, the Academic Affairs Officer, was responsible for formulating the teaching plans, organizing academy activities, and other administrative tasks.
He also managed resource allocation, while Logistics Director Isolde handled distribution.
"One more thing, Daniel.
"As for the mana stones, magical metals, alchemy equipment, and the various rare items needed for drawing magic arrays during the students' training...
"I'll be blunt—we are in dire shortage!
"Even if we find replacements for the three lecturers, we'll still have trouble progressing with the lessons."
The Academic Affairs Officer was at his wit's end.
Educational plans couldn't be implemented!
They were running out of everything!
With the lecturers gone, perhaps the teaching assistants could step in temporarily. Even upperclassmen teaching underclassmen could suffice in a pinch.
But lacking teaching tools and resources was a real headache.
Even the best chef can't cook without ingredients!