Episode 401. American Dream (3)

“Yes.”

“You are still beautiful. I’m really looking forward to what you will show at this conference.”

“Thank you.”

“By the way, what do you think about the meal I mentioned last time?”

“…A meal? Did I say something like that?”

I watched the two of them converse.

Professor Im Sol was acting as usual.

Short answers that cut off further conversation, like when someone uninterested is spoken to.

Having known the professor for a long time, I could tell immediately.

‘It’s not a deep connection after all.’

I wondered if it was a connection I didn’t know about, but it didn’t seem like it.

You can tell the relationship just by looking.

This man, who was interested in Professor Im Sol, must have hit on her every time there was a conference.

Our professor has no interest in anything but magic, so she probably didn’t accept him.

He gave a wry smile at the professor’s reaction, then soon looked at me and spoke.

“Ah… Is this the genius mage, Lee Hoyeon-gun? Debuting at the conference at 20 years old, Mage Im Sol-nim must have had a lot of trouble.”

“…”

The unpleasantness could be felt from his tone alone.

It’s quite a talent to speak so sinisterly while smiling on your face.

I looked indifferently at the man with the cheerful smile, then turned my head.

I know well how to deal with people like this.

“Professor. Do you know him?”

“We only know each other by face. He’s a candidate for the next conference chairman. So his name is… Evan?”

“…It’s Aiden Miller.”

“Aha. Nice to meet you, Evan-ssi. I am Mage Lee Hoyeon, disciple of Professor Im Sol.”

I looked at Aiden’s face and gave him the same smile.

Looking me up and down was a bonus.

Sorry, but I don’t lose when it comes to sinister vibes either.

“…Nice to meet you. I’m Aiden Miller.”

“Yes.”

“…”

I nodded while maintaining my smile, looking at Aiden who extended his hand.

Not bowing, just a nod.

If you measure by angle, maybe about 5 degrees.

The man named Aiden’s lips twitched.

Seeing him manage his image, he still doesn’t know Professor Im Sol.

Our professor doesn’t care what anyone does as long as they’re good at magic.

I lost interest in Aiden, who retracted his hand, and spoke to Professor Im Sol.

“Professor. If you’re done with the meal, shall we go sightseeing together? This person here doesn’t seem to have any particular business either.”

“Shall we? Then I’ll go take care of the bill.”

Professor Im Sol stood up as soon as she finished her dessert.

She didn’t pay any attention to Aiden, who was still at the table.

If that happened to me, my pride would be hurt, but Aiden continued speaking resolutely.

“Ah, Mage Im Sol-nim. A meal with me…”

“I don’t know if he’s dense or doing this on purpose.”

“…What did you say?”

And then I let out a deep sigh, as if pitying him.

Should I respect that kind of passion?

Or should I curse his audacity for staring at a mountain he can’t climb?

“It’s best to give up early on things that won’t work out, Aiden-ssi. I’m giving you sincere advice.”

I chose the latter.

Anyway, if I’ve decided he’s someone to kill, it’s better to be openly hostile.

I wasn’t planning on becoming friends with a guy anyway.

As soon as Aiden heard my words, he looked around.

The professor was quite far away to pay the bill, and once Aiden confirmed that, he immediately dropped his smile and glared at me fiercely.

“You’re still wet behind the ears and talking too much nonsense.”

“As expected, there are no nice guys among handsome men.”

Seeing him reveal his true colors as soon as the professor disappeared, he really is someone to kill.

My instincts haven’t died.

“Mage Im Sol has been cooped up in her room for so long that her judgment has really worsened. To take someone like this as a disciple.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m sure you think so. Tsk.”

I shook my head and clicked my tongue.

There was a possibility he was a passionate guy genuinely devoted to Professor Im Sol, but judging by how he speaks, it doesn’t seem like he really likes her either.

Perhaps the professor’s magic is his goal. Or maybe the professor’s name is his goal.

“Do you really think you can handle the position next to Mage Im Sol? It would be better for you to give up while I’m speaking nicely.”

“Thank you so much for the advice.”

I ignored Aiden’s words and walked towards the professor.

Coming to the Mage Conference, another weirdo latches onto me.

The life of a protagonist is truly tough.

Just then, Aiden blocked my path.

“…My name is Aiden Miller. I’m a candidate for the next conference chairman. You will regret the attitude you showed me today for the rest of your life.”

Aiden was radiating magic power.

He looked like he was about to summon a magic circle any second.

It certainly didn’t seem like a lie that he was a candidate for the next chairman; although weaker than Professor Im Sol, he was exuding an aura a little stronger than mine.

But I didn’t get scared and chuckled.

“So, are you going to fight here?”

“…”

Professor Im Sol is right here?

Aiden glanced at Professor Im Sol, frowned, and then stomped away in the opposite direction.

I let out a hollow laugh watching his retreating back.

‘There are all sorts of weirdos.’

Maybe that guy is Chairman Arthur’s political rival.

Judging by his behavior, I have a feeling he is.

I walked towards the professor with a disgusted expression.

“That was a delicious meal. Professor.”

“Yeah. Is there anywhere you want to see?”

“…Shall we go see the Statue of Liberty? I’ve never seen it in person.”

“The area around it doesn’t really have much, actually. Then let’s go there.”

Professor Im Sol had already forgotten about Aiden and was thinking about where to guide me.

A little pitiful.

She doesn’t even remember him, even though he’s so sincere.

‘Of course, it’s none of my business.’

I followed behind the professor who was walking ahead.

It’s been a while since a date.

*

Tuesday.

Today is the second day since arriving in America.

On the first day, after the meal, we walked around the tourist spots in New York, but there was really nothing special.

The novelty only lasts the first time.

Nowadays, there are many amazing buildings in our country too.

Since magic became widespread, truly magnificent structures have increased.

At least it was nice walking around with the pretty Professor Im Sol by my side, but the real fun of traveling usually includes a hot night spent at the accommodation.

Without that, it felt less fulfilling.

Anyway, we decided to rest today.

We had lunch at a restaurant, came back, and were sitting on the sofa.

The professor was skimming through the paper she would present, and I was lying there blankly before asking something that suddenly came to mind.

“Speaking of which, the conference presentation is causing quite a stir. Is there usually this much interest in you, Professor?”

It’s not just that; everyone from the news to random passersby is whispering.

I didn’t know Professor Im Sol was this popular.

“It’s probably because of him?”

“The conference chairman?”

“Yeah. When I said my disciple found something amazing this time, he said he’d blow it up.”

“Ah…”

I activated my smartwatch and checked the news.

• [Genius Mage Lee Hoyeon’s Mage Debut Match with Mage Im Sol]

• [This Presentation is a Major Discovery That Will Overturn the Mage Association!]

• [Genius Mages Im Sol and Lee Hoyeon Once Again Raise Korea’s Name!]

“It’s chaos.”

I chuckled, finding it amusing for some reason.

That conference chairman. He seems to really care about the professor.

“How’s the conference atmosphere? Is it similar to what you expected?”

“Yes. It’s my first time seeing so many mages gather like this, so it’s fascinating.”

Moreover, everyone is highly skilled.

Equal to me or even above.

Their level was higher than even the academy professors.

The professor smiled, seeing my expression.

“My disciple is cute.”

“There are things I find lacking, though. I wish there were places to practice magic, but there are no training grounds.”

“In the first place, most people don’t want to show their own training. And conferences are places to present papers and research.”

“So it’s a place only for people serious about magic research.”

I clicked my tongue regretfully.

Actually, I had complaints about staying with the professor constantly.

Of course, it was nice, but staying together 24/7 was too exhausting.

‘She’s so focused on her papers, she doesn’t do it for me.’

Sigh.

I clicked my tongue regretfully.

When you’re next to someone 24/7, a male creature inevitably finds it hard to endure.

But I can’t explain this to a woman, so it’s regrettable in many ways.

Just then, the professor spoke.

“Speaking of which, he said he wanted to see you today?”

“Today? Is it because of that secret magic order or something?”

“No. He said he wanted to see your magic.”

“Right. You promised to teach me magic.”

“So, he needs to see it once.”

“I’m fine with that.”

I have nothing else to do anyway.

Being with Professor Im Sol makes me anxious, so I can’t even research magic.

If I get caught, it’ll be a headache.

Or else, it would be nice if something like ‘Kyaaak- You walked in while I was showering-.’ happened, but she’s such a thorough person that such things never occurred.

“Then get ready right away. Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

I got up from the sofa and prepared to leave.

*

An auditorium a short distance from the hotel.

Chairman Arthur stood before me.

“Please take care of me.”

“Hmm. Okay. It’s been quite a while since I stepped down from active duty, but my heart is still young. Think of me as an older brother and feel free to treat me comfortably.”

“Ah… Yes.”

I already feel uncomfortable after just one sentence.

Could this also be magic?

Professor Im Sol was watching from the side, saying she wanted to see how I teach my disciple.

Arthur struck a pose and continued speaking.

“Lee Hoyeon student, you said your goal was to become stronger, right?”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

“Do you have a reason you want to become stronger? If not a reason, specific goals or aspirations are also good.”

“Of course, I do.”

There are many reasons to become stronger.

To ensure my own life and the safety of the women.

And to crush the Pandemic and the Demon King.

But the immediate goal is, of course, that.

“I have to beat Professor Im Sol.”

“…Sol-i?”

“Yes. I must win, no matter what it takes. Only then will the professor grant my wish, because she agreed to.”

Arthur’s eyes widened upon hearing my words, and he turned his head, chuckling.

Then he spoke to Professor Im Sol.

“Sol-i, you seem to be loved by student Hoyeon.”

“…What are you talking about. Really.”

“That’s strange. Didn’t you tell me you didn’t have feelings for your disciple? It might be better to reject him quickly.”

“…It’s not yet. Old man. I’m going to get really angry, so stop talking nonsense.”

“Alright, alright.”

The professor turned her slightly flushed face, which was incredibly cute.

Indeed, I must ask her tonight, no matter what it takes.

Arthur looked at me after teasing Professor Im Sol enough.

“Well, good. Since your goal is high, it makes teaching you worthwhile.”

“Yes. Please take care of me. Shall I show you my magic first?”

“No. The best lesson for a mage is sparring.”

“…What?”

“To catch the minor details, you need to spar first to know. Prepare yourself.”

“…”

I think I finally understand the reason for the professor’s love of sparring.

I summoned my magic power.

But at the same time, a question arose.

Arthur has already retired from active duty. He won’t be able to beat me even if he spars with me now.

Well, I don’t need to worry about that. The chairman probably has his own plans.

“Then, I’m going in!”

Thump-

I circulated my magic power and looked straight ahead.