The branch manager called Yurik not for any major issue, but to express his gratitude for the treatment method Yurik had opened up. He ensured that Yurik could use all the branch’s facilities while staying in the capital. He also asked if Yurik could give a few lectures.
“There are many mages who want to hear explanations directly from you,” he said.
“Of course, I would be glad to do so.”
Sharing knowledge was a very welcome thing for Yurik. He himself had gained much knowledge by attending lectures at the Mage Tower!
Just as he thought, he considered giving public lectures, not only to mages affiliated with the tower but also to wandering mages. This was something he had always wanted to do. When he shared this idea with the branch manager, after some consideration, the manager agreed.
From the perspective of a slightly shrewd merchant, the branch manager thought that by promoting this way, he could significantly increase the store’s revenue, which had been lacking until now. At the same time, he could gain more support from noble mages.
In fact, the capital branch did not have a generous operating budget. Reducing or cutting research funds due to insufficient operating costs was a painful matter for the branch manager, a fellow mage. He felt guilty, thinking that the lack of money was due to his poor management of the branch.
Thus, the branch manager started searching for venues and began promoting the public lecture. He widely announced the lecture on the corridor bulletin board, the square bulletin board, and the mercenary guild bulletin board.
As expected, wandering mages were eager to attend the public lecture. For them, obtaining new knowledge was extremely difficult. Naturally, if an opportunity arose, they would do anything to attend and obtain even a little bit. This could strengthen their magic, which would translate into skill and money.
News of the public lecture also spread among noble mages. They were curious about the abilities of Yurik, a rising figure in the magical community these days. Surprisingly, the lecture consisted of eight parts, scheduled over a month with one session every three days.
The topics were diverse: circuitry from parts 1 to 4, alchemy in part 5, and history from parts 6 to 8. People were concerned about the broad range of topics, but the plan remained unchanged.
Yuric thoroughly prepared for the excellent lecture, simulating the process several times.
The Duke of the Royal Court of Kreuzvaldt, who had previously attended a lecture at the manor, eagerly applauded Yuri’s lecture.
“Wonderful. Truly wonderful. Hearing your explanation, I realized how narrow-minded my thoughts had been.”
“Your praise is too generous.”
“Haha, don’t let my appearance fool you; I am quite stingy with compliments. Even during my time as a court mage, I was known for being tough.”
“Don’t say that. Your Grace is so generous and merciful. Thanks to you, I’ve received great help.”
“Haha, this person.”
The duke, who had long experienced palace politics, felt that Yuri was no ordinary person.
Beyond his magical talent, his social skills were terrifyingly impressive. If he chose to use this ability, he could control all the factions within the palace.
However, knowing that Yuri was genuinely striving for humanity’s leap rather than power, the duke found himself drawn to him despite having grown weary of politics.
Could this person truly achieve such a leap with sincerity and belief?
Of course, the shrewd duke occasionally struggled to suppress his impulse for power. He imagined marrying Yuri to his granddaughter, making him the court mage, and overturning the political landscape. He believed Yuri could earn the emperor’s unlimited trust.
But Yuri was not the type to wield power recklessly, even if he gained the emperor’s trust. The duke already sensed this. Still, he asked his granddaughter her thoughts on Yuri.
“…”
She blushed and couldn’t speak, but her silence was a clear answer.
While the duke drifted in the sea of contemplation, Yuri’s preparation for the two-week public lecture was complete.
Early in the morning, after bathing and dressing, Yuri had breakfast with the duke and headed to the Mage Tower’s capital branch together. The officials warmly greeted the Duke of the Royal Court of Kreuzvaldt and welcomed him inside.
A line had formed outside the corridor leading to the lecture hall, stretching far beyond. It seemed to be over a hundred people. The branch manager estimated that the hall could accommodate around three hundred, but it might still fall short.
Mages affiliated with the tower and noble mages filled the front seats first, followed by wandering mages. As expected, the number exceeded expectations. They requested not to be turned away even if they had to stand. For them, studying was paramount, regardless of the conditions.
Finally, they squeezed together and filled every gap, even setting up chairs at the back. Only then did the arrangement conclude.
And finally, the main character of this public lecture appeared. The murmurs instantly ceased.
Yuri went up to the podium and greeted everyone who came to see him.
“Hello, esteemed seniors and juniors. I am Mage Yurik, who will be conducting this public lecture.”
When the Duke of Kreuzvaldt clapped from the front row, applause rippled through the crowd.
After the applause died down, Yuri swept his gaze over the participants and snapped his fingers. Mana surged across the wide blackboard like lightning. “Let’s start with the history of circuits,” he said.
Thus, Yuri’s first public lecture began.
*
Having ample experience in presentations, Yuri meticulously planned the lecture, balancing difficulty levels organically. Too easy, and experts would find it boring; too hard, and beginners would feel lost. He interspersed high-level problems and challenges with seemingly simple concepts to keep mages’ attention.
He occasionally added interesting historical events to explain circuits, discussing why they emerged and how they evolved to the present day.
Yuri’s knowledge was so deep and rich that even authoritative circuitry experts here didn’t know everything about its origins. He knew the history and applications of hundreds of runes, and could break them down and reassemble them into new circuits on the spot.
During breaks in the explanation, Yuri generously provided ample time for questions. Countless hands shot up, and he asked for understanding since he couldn’t address everyone. He promised to answer questions the next day in the lecture hall, yet there were still many questions.
Some questions were trivial, but others warranted deeper thought. Yuri would applaud good questions and explain them clearly.
After laying the theoretical foundation, Yuri delved into circuit explanations.
His circuit explanations were groundbreaking and original. He analyzed and decomposed ancient circuits, reconstructing them in modern ways. Experts couldn’t remain idle, frantically taking notes of his remarkable reconstruction techniques.
Even though it seemed like a simple lecture, each step of reconstructing ancient circuits could have been a paper on its own.
Mage Tower-affiliated mages and noble mages, who had some circuit knowledge, were nearly overwhelmed. Circuits appeared in various fields like barriers, attacks, defenses, transformations, and gravity. To mages seeking higher efficiency, this was revolutionary.
Wandering mages, unfamiliar with circuits, couldn’t fully grasp the value of the rapidly changing circuits on the blackboard, but they sensed its importance.
Thus, the first part of the lecture concluded. Yuri briefly mentioned the topic for the second part.
“The second part of the lecture in three days will analyze the barrier magic I modified for the southern front. Due to the massive circuit diagram, it will take considerable time.”
Then, he straightened his clothes and stood before the participants.
“That concludes today’s lecture. Questions will be answered tomorrow in this lecture hall. Thank you all for your hard work.”
After the lecture, the magical community in the capital buzzed with excitement.
Mage Yurik’s public lecture offered more learning opportunities than anyone had imagined. Mages’ attitudes changed completely before and after the lecture; they felt they mustn’t miss it.
… And many began coveting Yurik.
