The Head Professor’s office was deathly quiet. Deculein focused intently on the scroll without saying a word. The scroll was covered with various lines and circles. Epherene swallowed hard and clenched her fists, watching Deculein with tense anticipation. Her heart pounded, cold sweat trickling down her temples as her breath grew ragged.0

“The knots connecting the magic circle are loose,” Deculein said, still examining the scroll. Behind him, a fountain pen floated up. “These sections here.”0

The pen marked eight different spots, and he soon instructed, “Observe the difference between a secure connection and a loose one.0

Sylvia compared the marked and unmarked areas with her eyes. The differences were subtle but noticeable. Epherene, for once, took his advice seriously.0

“The remainder of the work meets satisfactory standards,” Deculein noted with a nod.0

At that moment, Epherene felt a surge of joy rising from deep within her chest. His remark that the rest of the work was satisfactory meant he hadn’t detected her trap.0

“… Hmm~”0

In truth, it was only natural. Catalyst Magic involved inscribing runes onto the catalyst itself, dedicating 70% of the spell's power to the catalyst and only 30% to the caster. It was a burden-relief technique, with 70% of the spell concealed within the catalyst.1

“Proceed as you have been,” Deculein said, unaware of the trap.0

Epherene couldn't help but burst into laughter and said, “Aha-ha.”0

Deculein looked back at her, and she responded with a beaming smile, “Thank you, Professor. I feel so relieved now.”1

“If everything is complete, you may all leave,” he said.0

“Yes, sir!” Epherene exclaimed, jumping to her feet, her face lighting up with a broad smile.0

Sylvia cast a narrow-eyed glare at...2