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Chapter 55 - Chapter 378: Professor Gauss

After spending some time with Gauss, he demonstrated a few spells.

As his mana flowed—and as the dragon power he wasn't deliberately suppressing seeped through—the expressions of the academy's instructors shifted. In an instant, they understood why Gauss's "talent" was so outrageous.

Such a powerful… such an overwhelming dragon-blood aura.

Many of the faculty had encountered human warlocks with dragon blood before, but none had ever carried dragon-blood so dense.

Most dragon-blood warlocks probably didn't even have one percent of what he had.

Was this man… or a dragon?

If not for reason telling them a true dragon had no need to act this conspicuously, they would've suspected an actual dragon had taken human form with shapeshifting magic.

"Lord Gauss, I have never seen bloodline purity like yours in my life."

As Gauss's mana surged and a pair of delicate, refined little dragon horns even rose from his forehead, the people around him couldn't help but praise him.

And that was exactly what Gauss intended.

Now that his absurd advancement speed had been exposed, he needed a convincing explanation.

Revealing a controlled amount of "abnormality" was actually safer.

Compared to the existence of the Adventurer's Manual, his racial trait [Dragonseed] was insignificant.

This world already had plenty of humans with unusual bloodlines.

And he, Gauss, was simply… a bit stronger than most in that regard.

If people started dissecting anyone with bloodline talent, the world would have collapsed into chaos long ago.

Besides, he was strong enough now.

Even if some professors here had levels comparable to his—or even higher—their combat power would not surpass his. If anyone wanted to lay hands on him, it would take a transcendent powerhouse.

And he wasn't an unknown nobody anymore.

The best time to uproot a plant is when it's still a seedling.

So even though the teachers were intensely curious about his bloodline and bodily changes, not a single one blurted out an inappropriate request.

Those who could reach Master-tier or beyond almost always had something unusual about them.

"If it's convenient, would you be willing to step into the lecture hall and say a few words to the students—share some of your cultivation experience?"

"Of course."

Gauss showed no fear. He agreed readily.

He might be a self-made, "wild path" spellcaster, but he did have insights into magic and spell models.

His magical aptitude, strengthened again and again by the Adventurer's Manual, had reached an inhuman level.

Spell structures that looked profound to ordinary casters were straightforward under his clear, penetrating thought.

It was like asking a top student from an elite prep class to tutor an elementary kid on homework—why would he doubt he could do it?

Soon, in the gilded lecture hall under warm amber mage-lamps, the seats were filled.

The academy hosted invited speakers every year, but never had the hall packed this quickly and spontaneously.

"He looks really young…"

"Duh. The paper said he's twenty—he's not even older than you."

"So that's who Director Victor was escorting."

"So handsome."

"So handsome."

"Level 7 caster… like a monster."

"Keep it down—he can hear you."

The students were intensely curious.

They'd heard of him, but before today, none of them had seen him in person.

He was a figure from stories; now that he sat on the stage, their fantasies finally overlapped with reality.

Most students knew at least a little about him, so no one made trouble just because he was young.

Before the lecture began, the entire hall fell silent.

Gauss stepped forward, cleared his throat lightly, and his voice carried through the room.

Then he began talking about magic—his understanding of spell models, plus practical tricks and insights he believed would help.

As he spoke, the students grew more and more absorbed.

Some even scribbled notes at speed.

He didn't stay purely theoretical; he tied everything to real combat.

How to cast the same Fireball in different environments—what to watch for, what height to choose, whether to use the standard model or adjust it.

How to self-direct Magic Missile and modulate output.

How to maintain and allocate Mage Armor mana.

To him, these were instinctive operations. To most spellcasters, they were extremely difficult.

Partly because his talent was exceptional, and partly because his spell proficiency was higher than everyone present—so his explanations were naturally clear.

Even many veteran instructors looked thoughtful.

They'd assumed Gauss leveled fast purely due to bloodline, but his depth of thinking about magic surpassed the norm by far.

"Magic is power—and also wisdom. Practice more. Read more. Think more. Angels and demons both hide in the details."

"Thank you, everyone."

The lecture ended.

Thunderous applause filled the hall.

It was sincere.

Much of what Gauss shared could inspire nearly anyone. Even absorbing a fraction could lead to major gains in casting technique and practical combat.

Students could tell which guests offered real substance and which were just empty platitudes.

Then came Q&A.

With a female instructor moderating, students stood to ask questions.

"Teacher Gauss, there's something I didn't understand…"

"Can I ask you a few questions?"

"Go ahead."

The Q&A lasted nearly two hours.

The variety of questions left Gauss constantly on his toes—magic mechanics, leveling speed, curiosity about his past, even questions about his love life…

It ended not because students ran out of questions, but because it was noon, and the teachers decided it was time to break for lunch.

Gauss and Ivan ate lunch in a private booth in the academy's luxurious dining hall.

Only after finishing did Gauss relax—quietly.

The students' enthusiasm was honestly hard to handle.

"Lord Gauss, your talk this morning was outstanding. It's obvious the students adore you," Vice Headmaster Kieran Zevier said with a kindly smile.

"I think some teachers are even jealous—students aren't nearly this proactive in their classes, haha."

"Maybe it's because I'm closer to their age, so they feel less pressure," Gauss joked.

Then the vice headmaster smoothly offered an invitation.

"Why not become a visiting instructor at our academy?"

Gauss had already sensed where the conversation was going.

His expression turned slightly troubled.

"Our stipend for visiting professors is quite generous. Don't worry," Zevier added.

"It's not about money. I think you misunderstood me."

"I'm not like most spellcasters. I take commissions very frequently, and I'm rarely in the city. My schedule isn't stable."

He'd stayed in Falrim longer lately because he was preparing his breakthrough from Level 6 to 7, and because Alia had gone out to break through as well.

But at his core, he was still a commission fanatic—and that wouldn't change.

Did he lack a visiting professor's pay?

He'd already poured over two thousand gold into building up the Red Dragon Company's compound—construction, transport wagons, shops, supply channels… all real money, without blinking.

"No problem. A visiting professor doesn't need to teach every day."

"Just one day a month is enough."

"Let me sweeten it—how about 100 gold per appearance?"

"And we'll open our library to you."

…How much?

Gauss blinked.

He'd heard a shocking number.

He kept his face neutral, but inwardly he was startled.

He'd just said it wasn't about money, but… to be fair—

It was just talking for a day. Like taking a break between commissions. And getting 100 gold each time.

Plus access to the library.

Why wouldn't he?

His lips curled into a faint smile.

He "thought hard" for a moment.

"Since you've considered me so carefully, refusing would feel impolite."

"I'm honored to join Karksa Magic Academy."

"Welcome, Professor Gauss."

Zevier clearly came prepared.

Gauss read the contract quickly, confirmed everything, and signed.

It was just paper, not a magical oath—mostly a formality.

They shook hands, both evidently pleased.

For Zevier, his family wanted him to connect with this rising star anyway—high pay or not, it was the academy's budget.

And a top academy in Falrim never worried about funds. Donations from graduates, institutions, the city government, merchants, and noble families piled up every year.

100 gold per lecture was nothing.

And Gauss truly had skill. Otherwise he couldn't be Level 7 at this age.

If students gained even a sliver from him, it could shape their whole future.

"Professor Gauss, shall we have an academy carriage take you back?"

"No need. My driver is still waiting outside."

Zevier escorted them to the gate and watched the carriage roll away, then sighed internally.

What had he been doing at twenty?

An unbelievable young man.

Inside the carriage, Ivan—who'd sat in silence the whole time—was completely stunned.

He'd expected his alma mater to treat his boss warmly, but becoming a visiting professor this fast?

And that salary!

Just a few sentences and it was settled—easier than buying potion ingredients from local shops.

Had the world changed… or was he out of date?

He'd graduated from the academy; Gauss was now a professor.

So did that mean Gauss was… his teacher?

Teacher Gauss, Professor Gauss… hehe…

Sounded pretty good.

Gauss glanced at Ivan, who was quietly grinning to himself.

He couldn't help feeling suspicious.

When did his "grand steward" start developing… in such a weird direction?

Who configured him like this?

Could someone return the stoic, tight-laced professional from the interview?

The carriage rolled into the Red Dragon Company's compound and stopped.

"We're here."

Ivan instantly wiped his face back into seriousness.

Good. Gauss finally relaxed.

"Captain, I'll get back to work."

"Alright. Go."

Gauss lifted his head and caught a familiar scent in the air.

He entered the residence and, sure enough, found Alia at the table.

"Back already? Looks like your breakthrough went smoothly."

"Mm."

After her class change and bloodline reawakening, her talent had only improved—breaking through was now simply inevitable.

She chewed, swallowed, then asked, "Where did you and Ivan go?"

"Picked up a good gig."

"Hmm?"

Gauss showed her the contract.

"Cough—"

"Wait, in just a few days… you're a magic academy professor now?"

Alia's eyes went wide.

She was genuinely surprised.

Even if she, at her level, could probably teach at smaller academies, this academy was famous—even to her.

And Gauss wasn't just "a teacher," he was a professor.

"Just a visiting professor," Gauss smiled.

Alia's gaze drifted to the pay, and she choked a little.

100 gold per appearance?

So much money…

She swallowed.

Jealous…

"Gauss… do you need a teaching assistant?"

~~~

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