Chapter 189

189

The rumor that Leo had visited the Horticulture Club spread like wildfire throughout the entire club.

With the Ruse Tournament just around the corner, it was a sensitive time regarding budgeting.

Because of this, the atmosphere among the clubs was generally welcoming of Leo’s appearance.

Among them, a fair number of clubs intended to take advantage of the seemingly inexperienced first-year student council president to secure additional funding.

“This doesn’t look like it qualifies for additional budget allocation, does it?”

“Huh?!”

The head of the Department of Magic Engineering was startled upon hearing Leo’s words.

“Why? Why? Why! Why doesn’t it qualify?! I heard the Horticulture Club received funding!”

Jaime Deckter, the senior member and head of the Department of Magic Engineering, angrily questioned.

Then Leo spoke, gazing at Jaime.

“An extreme mana-conservation spell circle enabling dimensional transfer. Isn’t this the long-term project the Department of Magic Engineering has been conducting over the past two years?”

“Yeah! Once completed, it’s a research project that will bring in far more funds than what has been given so far!”

“Honestly, how complete does it seem to you?”

“It’s almost done!”

“Almost?”

Leo’s face remained expressionless.

Jaime faltered under Leo’s words before responding.

“Um, half.”

“Half?”

“We’ve solved all the difficult parts, so only the minor details remain!”

“You’re graduating next year as a senior, aren’t you? Who’s going to take over this project once the head of the Department of Magic Engineering graduates?”

“I’ve got competent and brilliant juniors!”

Jaime’s fellow members of the Department sighed upon hearing his words.

Jaime, who until now had often criticized others for not understanding things, had suddenly become confident in a desperate moment.

‘How come he’s so similar to the previous head?’

‘Well, we have to align our stories if we want the budget allocation.’

All members of the Department had invested significant time, at least on a half-yearly basis, into this magic research.

Therefore, they were eager to secure more funding.

“That’s right, Leo! We will continue this project after our seniors graduate!”

“Exactly! This is a project we’ve been working on since our seniors’ time, constantly improving!”

The juniors—first, second, and third-year students—emphasized the necessity of the project.

“Well, theoretically, it’s not impossible.”

Leo examined the magic spell circle.

Clearly, significant progress had been made.

However, it was still far from producing tangible results.

“Still, it doesn’t seem ready to be presented at the Ruse Tournament, does it? The supplemental budget is intended for that, after all.”

At Chen Sia’s comment, Jaime sighed heavily and leaned his hand against his forehead.

“This is why the Department of Knights won’t do. Magic research, even when ongoing, should still have presentable value. Our Department of Magic Engineering has been praised by Seirun professors every year at the Ruse Tournament!”

“Yes, and according to what’s written here, it also lagged behind in evaluations compared to the practical magic spell circles presented by the Department of Magic Engineering at Seirun.”

With her customary gentle smile, Chen Sia spoke, causing Jaime to flare up.

“Magic is a realm of exploration and creation! Don’t compare us to the utilitarian Seirun Department of Magic Engineering that seeks nothing but dreams!”

“Right! Exactly!”

“Our Department of Magic Engineering is going all-in to complete this magic. We will bring about revolution in the world!”

The Department students responded enthusiastically to Jaime’s speech.

“Alright, then let me explain why our Department needs supplemental funding! Chalkboard! Chalk!”

At Jaime’s command, the students brought in a portable chalkboard and chalk.

“Dimensional transfer magic, it’s about folding space and moving through it, right? To make the entrance reach a distant location, you have to necessarily fold a vast space, which requires a lot of energy. So! We fold the space small, multiple times! Like a spring! That way, we reduce the consumed mana…”

Jaime began a complicated explanation, making Chen Sia feel troubled as she glanced at Leo.

In any case, Chen Sia was a layman in magic. She couldn’t accurately assess such difficult explanations.

Meanwhile, Leo continued nodding as he listened to Jaime’s explanation, responding with occasional agreement.

Jaime inwardly smiled smugly with confidence.

‘The Professor Ren and Senior Toluah also praised our research!’

The reason the Department of Magic Engineering could receive considerable funding despite the lack of tangible results was largely due to the influence of Professor Ren and Senior Toluah, who adored novel attempts.

Their clout in the Department of Magic and additional support from the Vice Student Council President Toluah ensured no budgetary issues until now.

‘Leo Flove is a magician after all! He’ll recognize our research!’

Jaime confidently placed the chalk down.

“So? What do you think?”

“Incredible.”

“Right? So, how about the supplemental funding…?”

“Actually, with the current state, it may not only need no additional funding but also require next year’s budget to be cut.”

Crunch!

Jaime froze upon hearing Leo’s unexpected response.

“You! You didn’t understand my explanation, did you?”

“I understood it perfectly. Let me explain why it needs to be cut.”

Leo picked up the chalk and began pointing out parts of Jaime’s chalkboard lecture that needed correction.

Clack.

After putting down the chalk, Leo addressed Jaime, who was struggling to find words.

“You could save budget this way. So, it needs to be cut.”

Leo’s criticisms were points that Jaime himself was aware of, though he hadn’t mentioned them to get more funding.

However, Leo had precisely pointed them all out.

“But wait, we’re not just doing this dimensional transfer project, we have other researches…”

“You said you’re dedicating your Department’s honor to complete this and revolutionize the world. So, there’s no reason to worry about other researches; focus entirely on this one. Sia, check the budget cuts and report it to Senior Elena.”

“Understood, Lord Leo.”

“Huh? E, Elena?”

Hark, who usually handles practical affairs, didn’t show much interest in magic-related stuff; clearly, he would hand this over to Elena.

And Elena was also the Deputy Chairman.

She was the very source of the school budget.

“It’d be great to reduce unnecessary costs.”

Elena would surely ruthlessly cut the budget in this manner.

Their strong supporter, Toluah, was about to graduate.

And as for Ren:

“If Leo student said to cut the budget, then cutting it would be fine.”

That’s what it would surely come down to.

Ren’s efforts to get Leo into the Department of Magic were already famous.

In the end, Jaime had no choice but to cling to the hem of Leo’s pants and beg.

“Please, anything but a budget cut! No additional funding? Fine, but please!”

Other members of the Department also grabbed Leo’s legs and pleaded desperately.

In the end, the Department of Magic Engineering didn’t receive any additional budget.

Their next stop was “The Power,” the physical training club primarily led by students of the Department of Knights.

As Leo and Chen Sia observed the club members exercising their strength, they asked,

“Is it necessary to support this club with more funding?”

“Yes, we need it to buy supplements that help in strengthening our muscles.”

“Are they really helpful?”

“Of course! Look at these impressive biceps!”

d*ck Vickler, the club leader and a senior, flexed his muscular arms.

Impressed by the bulging muscles, Chen Sia expressed admiration.

“Leo! As you know, while mana and skills are essential, physical training is equally crucial in combat. We at The Power aim for higher realms through physical development! Look at this physique!”

With a grunt of effort, d*ck’s entire body bulged with muscles.

“Still, there’s no need to build muscles to that extent for actual combat. There will be no additional budget.”

“No, don’t decide so quickly. Could you at least give us a bit…? Maybe half? Or even a quarter of what we asked for…?”

d*ck pleaded with his juniors.

Most clubs that had tried to easily secure additional funding simply because Leo was a first-year were ending up getting their budgets not only denied but also slashed.

As a result, by evening, Leo had become regarded as a grim reaper among the club leaders.

“Welcome, Leo.”

Celia greeted Leo at the Art Club.

“The head of the Art Club…”

“Escaped because she was scared of you. The Art Club doesn’t need additional budgets, she said.”

Celia sighed quietly after hearing about the leader’s escape, who had only moments ago been enthusiastic about securing funds from Leo.

Upon hearing this, Leo tilted his head curiously.

“Escaped before I arrived? Hmm, maybe there’s something fishy going on?”

“No! Nothing fishy! Nothing at all!”

Miria Jullit, the president of the Art Club, burst out of the club’s storage and rushed to the scene in panic.

Breathless, she finally stabilized herself before speaking.

“W, welcome to the Art Club! Why don’t you take a look at the works we’re preparing for this year’s Ruse Tournament?”

“Yes.”

Leo nodded with satisfaction.

Guided by Miria, Leo and Chen Sia took a moment to view the works being crafted.

Among them, one work stood out—the image of a Phoenix.

“Wow, this is impressive. The portrayal of the flames is fantastic.”

“Isn’t it? That’s Celia’s work.”

“I see.”

Leo was impressed and turned to look at his cousin.

Celia, nonchalantly flicked her hair aside.

And there was also a sculpture that impressed as much as Celia’s painting.

Leo paused as he observed the sculpture.

It depicted none other than Luna with a compassionate smile.

‘How odd.’

He chuckled faintly before asking.

“Whose work is this?”

It was obvious that this wasn’t your ordinary piece.

“Warden.”

“Warden? Is he also part of the Art Club?”

“Yeah. He doesn’t come often, but his sculpting skills are top-notch.”

“I see.”

Leo was impressed and nodded.

Eventually, as they finished observing the works, Miria turned to ask Leo.

“What are your thoughts?”

“Fantastic.”

“Exactly! The Art Club has beaten Seirun’s art department in exhibitions every year!”

Miria stood confidently and puffed her chest out.

“Then, let’s talk about budget, shall we? Don’t you think the Art Club’s budget is too much?”

Miria collapsed onto the chair as if all strength had left her legs.

Terrified, she looked up at Leo imploringly.

“P-please, no cuts….”

“I’m joking.”

Leo laughed and left the Art Club.

As Celia, who came to see him off, narrowed her eyes, she said,

“Leo.”

“What is it?”

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, it’s fun.”

‘If this guy continues with the student council presidency, how terrifying will he be?’

Celia shook her head, imagining her cousin potentially leading with an iron fist.

That evening,

the annual banquet of Lumeran took place.

Every year, after the midterm exams of the second semester ended, the school of Lumeran held this grand dinner feast.

It was an event marking the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

And autumn was also the season when Kyle defeated Erebus.

“Even back then, we weren’t aware exactly that it was autumn.”

At the grand hall adjacent to the Hero’s Tower,

All the students were gathered and having dinner.

In the midst of the event, wind spirits floated through the grand hall, delivering gifts to the students, reminding them of a season of renewed hope.

It was also a time, when traditionally, adults gifted their children with things they usually desired.

Leo always received various gifts from his parents at this time every year.

However, this year felt a little different.

“…The amount of gifts is ridiculous.”

Leo frowned as wind spirits were busily delivering multiple gift boxes to him.

Kal confirmed the names on the gift boxes and clicked his tongue.

“High-ranking individuals from various nations and powers…they’ve probably heard you became the student council president and are trying to impress you with gifts.”

Rustle!

Leo opened a palm-sized box to check its contents.

A necklace appeared inside.

“Wow, this is an artifact from Deeden!”

Kal was impressed.

“You mean Chelsea’s favorite magic workshop?”

“Yeah. A place even a noble household would hesitate to approach.”

Kal inspected the necklace with widened eyes.

“A shield magic spell is on it. This thing’s of incredible value…and they’re gifting it? They must really want to make a good impression on you.”

Kal remarked, and Leo placed the necklace back inside.

“Don’t really need it.”

“It’s better than nothing.”

Kal chuckled while observing a few other gift boxes.

“This one doesn’t have a sender’s name?”

Indeed, as Kal said, a long package was wrapped simply in brown paper, with no name written.

“Items brought in from outside are safety-checked before entry, so it shouldn’t be dangerous…still, it feels suspicious.”

Chelsea, who was busy eating, suddenly chimed in while chewing her pasta.

Rip!

With a curious expression, Leo tore open the wrapping.

An old, smooth wooden box appeared.

Leo carefully opened the lid.

Click!

Inside was a plain-looking longsword accompanied by a letter.

“Longsword?”

“Huh? Looks ordinary.”

Both Chelsea and Kal raised an eyebrow, puzzled at the ordinary-looking longsword amidst all the luxurious gifts.

“Still, there’s a strange mana flowing from it…”

“Just a moment, I don’t recognize this material.”

Kal, as an alchemist’s family member, spoke in amazement.

Leo gently ran his hand over the surface of the longsword, muttering to himself.

“Dragon bone.”

“What?”

“Dragon Bone?!”

An astonished cry drew the attention of those nearby.

Leo scanned the contents of the note.

The handwriting was small but elegant.

– Congratulations on becoming the student council president. Please take good care of it.