A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 277: Your Responsibility (3)

Science was still alive and well on this continent. The Imperial University, where Epherene studied, even had an entire department dedicated to it—though most of its students were commoners, there were plenty who chose to learn.

However, most of those sciences ended up playing a support role—used more as a specialized language for spells than anything else—and that struck Epherene as oddly off. After all she’d learned from Deculein, the way they dismissed science seemed bizarre to Epherene—and harder than ever to understand.

“The reason science progressed so slowly on the continent is simple,” Deculein said. “No matter how far science may advance, even the most rudimentary magic easily surpasses it, and everyone agrees that science is inferior to magic.”

Of course, it wasn’t as if scientists or mathematicians were outright looked down upon. Even a commoner could earn a decent level of respect—especially if they worked for one of the Mage Tower’s affiliate institutions.

“However, science can still greatly serve the advancement of magic—both as a means of observing mana and as a framework for its refinement.”

Epherene swallowed as she watched Deculein speak, excitement burning in her chest, when suddenly a strong resistance to the current paradigm reared its head within her.

“As you didn’t come through the academy, Epherene, perhaps it’s easier for you to accept this.”

“Yes, without a doubt. Mana is an element—and it follows the principles of science,” Epherene replied, eyes bright with conviction.

However, Deculein’s brow gave the slightest twitch.

“But why did the Floating Island reject something so obvious?” Epherene asked, tapping the microscope on the laboratory bench. “This device shows it clearly—you can see the atoms of mana with this very lens.”

The microscope on the laboratory bench wasn’t ordinary—it had been touched by Deculein’s own Midas Touch, and now it was all but an artifact.

“The Floating Island is pathological. They will not tolerate the idea of mana being subjected to any scholarly discipline. Therefore, what you just said was dangerous.”

“… Sorry? What do you mean?” Epherene asked.

“That mana follows the principles of science,” Deculein replied, his tone like stone.

“But it’s true, isn’t it? Isn’t that exactly what you were lecturing me on, Professor?”

“No—make the distinction clearly. The principle of mana has not yet been defined.”

Saying that mana followed the laws of science was the kind of statement that, if heard by the Floating Island, would not just stun them—they’d come for blood.

“But that’s only not yet, right? If we look into it more closely, there’s more waiting to be found. Maybe even a way to harness mana through science—”

“That was a thoughtless statement, Epherene. When I spoke to you of science, it was only as a reference—to help your understanding of magic. But science must never be placed on equal footing with magic.”

“Why not? This theory,” Epherene said, her brow furrowing.

Epherene placed her hand on Deculein and Luna’s theory, within whose pages there was science in every line.

It began with Luna, Kagan’s brilliant idea of integrating magic and science, followed by Deculein’s genius in refining it to completion. Even now, every time Epherene read the theory, it challenged her and left her impressed, with one thing certain—it spoke clearly of the importance of science.

“The more I read through it, the more it seems like magic and science are standing side by side. Isn’t that what you thought as well, Professor?”

“No, I wrote of science only as a method,” Deculein replied, pointing to a passage in the theory.

The scientific approach, as presented in this thesis, serves as a foundational tool and a stepping stone for the closer observation and analysis of mana.

“And it is not something that applies only to magic itself, Epherene.”

Epherene tilted her head slightly, drawing her neck back in confusion.

“Oh~ I think I get it now,” Epherene said with a scoff. “It’s because of the academy, the House of Magic cartel, and the noble mages, isn’t it? If mana were ever proven to be part of science, they would lose their power and stuff like that.”

To commoners, mana was a miraculous and mysterious power beyond reach, granting those who could wield it a rare chance to change their fate—opportunities that ultimately ended up in the hands of nobles and the highborn.

But what if science—something commoners study—became as important as magic? What if they could use the mana they control through science? No wonder they hate the idea, Epherene thought.

“It doesn’t matter to me. I’ve lived my whole life being looked down on by nobles. Do you think something like that would scare me?”

“The Floating Island may well try to kill you,” Deculein said.

“… Sorry?”

At Deculein’s words, Epherene blinked, momentarily taken aback.

“But wouldn’t that be a crime?” Epherene asked, her lips parting then closing again—like she meant to say something else but chose the wrong question instead.

“If murder is not a crime, then what is?”

Epherene remained silent.

“Don’t stray too far on your own. We’ve spoken enough of science for now.”

Thud—!

Deculein set down a thick stack of papers—more than three hundred sheets—practice problems meant to help understand the spell structure and calculations behind the Mana Nanotube.

“Focus on your work—the calculation for the length-to-diameter ratio comes first,” Deculein concluded.

The length-to-diameter ratio—simple in name, the proportion between a cylinder’s height and its width—was key. The longer and thinner a Nanotube, the stronger it became. But push the ratio too far, and the structure would collapse on itself. That was why these calculations were essential.

“… Okay,” Epherene replied, lips pressing into a pout.

***

… After leaving Epherene behind in the laboratory, I returned to the Head Professor’s office and sat alone in the study, deep in thought.

“Hmm.”

Epherene’s reaction to science and mana wasn’t just bold—it was explosive, as I expected, clashing head-on with everything that defined me—elitism, the class system, and aristocracy—and her claim that mana follows the laws of science was dangerous, even arrogant, but exactly what I’d hoped for. I couldn’t help but be a little proud.

“The Floating Island would become troublesome,” I muttered.

However, it wasn’t an exaggeration to say the Floating Island might have tried to murder Epherene, as claiming that mana was part of science was the same as denying their entire foundation. Even if she had turned out to be right, they wouldn’t have accepted it, as they would have covered it up or, worse, erased her name from the world.

Therefore, I would not help Epherene, and if she submitted any theory tied to science from this day on, I would ignore it completely—because that was the only way to protect her.

However…

Skritch— Skritch—

I moved the pen with Telekinesis and began writing—an attempt to pull fragments of modern knowledge from the corners of my mind.

Of course, Kim Woo-Jin lacked a proper background in science, but with enough comprehension and the will to study again, I could refine that knowledge and perhaps produce something meaningful—something that might help Epherene.

Skritch— Skritch—

Of course, I didn’t write under the name Deculein, as publishing scientific work under the name Yukline wouldn’t be acceptable to me.

Skritch— Skritch—

While writing, I found myself hesitating as I stared at the blank space where the title should go, knowing that on this continent, where science was treated as little more than magic’s servant, the theory might seem new.

But in the modern world I came from, it was basic knowledge—long established and not mine—and I was merely translating someone else’s work, refining it and giving it a name feeling almost presumptuous.

“It would be best to keep the original,” I said, writing the title at the top of the page.

Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica

The original title was in Latin, a foundational masterpiece of modern natural science authored by none other than Isaac Newton, whose work my mind—cramped with schoolbook ideas of apples, gravity, and F = ma—barely scratched the surface of. I pushed through with every ounce of Comprehension I had—and in a single moment, I burned through a thousand mana.

“It’s still difficult.”

That same helplessness I felt when I first learned magic—I was feeling it all over again in the face of science.

***

The next morning, we returned to Yuren through the mirror. Epherene’s lips were pressed in a pout, but the way she held the Magicore tightly to her chest showed she was more determined than I’d ever seen her.

“Have you prepared yourself?” I inquired.

“… Yes, Professor,” Epherene replied, her voice flat.

I made my way into the underground passage beneath Yuren that led toward the Ashes, where I reunited with Arlos and encountered three robed women—Maho, Rose, and Charlotte—the pillars of the principality.

“Some of the guests at the expo reported they just felt a sudden tremor. I was thinking of starting an evacuation. What should we do…?” Maho asked, looking up with worry in her voice.

“It’s okay, we’ll take care of it,” Epherene replied, tapping her chest confidently. “Yuren, at least, will come to no harm.”

Maho gave a bitter smile and looked toward me.

“Princess, you should move upstairs,” I said with a nod. “It’s not safe to stay here.”

“… Yes… thank you… I won’t forget this favour—”

“It’s not a favor, since I asked for Carla as my price in return.”

At my words, Maho hesitated for a moment, then offered a polite bow, followed by Rose and Charlotte, who each mirrored the gesture.

With nothing more said, the three from Yuren turned and left the Ashes behind.

“Epherene.”

“Yes, Professor,” Epherene replied, watching their backs until they faded, then turning back to me.

“Let’s confirm it one final time. Show me,” I said.

Epherene’s face stiffened, and she began gathering mana into her palm.

Whoooooosh—

The barrier rising from her mana seemed perfect on the surface, its structure—shaped by a firm understanding of the theory—just as solid within, and in short, strong enough to withstand a volcanic eruption.

“It seems there is a possibility.”

“Whew,” Epherene murmured, the tension softening in her breath as she walked to the crater and set the Magicore down.

Epherene glanced at me as if searching for some sign, but I said nothing, and she turned her eyes to the Magicore with determination.

“… Magicore,” Epherene said, whispering as if to an old friend, her voice warm with trust and determination. “Protect this volcano for us.”

Booooom—!

At that moment, even as the ground groaned like a living beast beneath us and signs of a volcanic eruption became clear, Epherene didn’t flinch but reached out without hesitation and placed her hand on the Magicore.

“Let’s protect both the Ashes and Yuren—together. I’ll help you,” Epherene continued, her mana already beginning to gather.

An aura shimmered over Epherene’s shoulder as her mana took on an ashen hue, unrestricted by the four classical elements—water, wind, earth, or fire—a reflection of her own unique talent that flowed into the Magicore without hesitation.

Whooooosh…

Moments later, a delicate veil of mana rose over the entire volcano as Arlos and I stood there, watching in silence with our eyes resting on the sight.

“Hmm… that’s rather fascinating,” Arlos muttered.

First, the Magicore wrapped itself around the crater in multiple layers, filling every gap with Epherene’s carbon spell, and the barrier formed from Mana Nanotubes sealed the volcano entirely. It was complete—perfect not just under Comprehension but even to Sharp Eyesight—with nothing more to check.

“You’re leaving already?” Arlos asked as I began to turn away.

“Epherene has succeeded,” I replied, watching as she poured her mana into the Magicore.

“Hmm, you look almost disappointed. Is it because you missed your chance to wipe out the Ashes?”

“… I’m not that bloodthirsty.”

Ruuuuuuuuumble—!

In the next instant, a deafening roar surged up from the depths of the magma—an ominous sound signaling the volcano’s awakening—while Epherene tensed, her breath caught in her throat.

“Even if it fails, I’ll make sure your protégé makes it out alive. Trust me,” Arlos said with a smile.

“… That won’t be necessary.”

With those final words, I turned my back on the volcano and walked away.

***

“It worked—!” Epherene shouted, almost laughing. “It worked—! It worked—! It worked—!”

Epherene shouted those same words three times before finally collapsing to the ground.

Epherene had succeeded, and, as expected, the volcano erupted.

Ruuuuuuuuuumble—!

Though the volcano was still erupting, the Ashes and Yuren remained untouched, the disaster from her dream never came, the Magicore hadn’t been crushed, the spell hadn’t melted away, and no ash or magma consumed the world.

Looking around, it was only a little hot with steady bubbling here and there, as the Magicore—reinforced with Nanotubes—had completely sealed the volcanic eruption and even broken down the rising magma and ash at the atomic level.

I protected both the Ashes and Yuren! They are now safe! Epherene thought.

“… Has it succeeded?” Arlos asked as he stepped closer.

Epherene gave Arlos a bright smile, then looked around as if searching for someone.

“Umm, where is Professor?”

“He left.”

“… Sorry?”

Epherene felt a hint of disappointment, but she quickly understood—and nodded with acceptance.

“Is it because of the magical expo?” Epherene said, springing to her feet, the Magicore gathered tightly in her arms.

“You’re leaving already?” Arlos asked.

“Yes, this Magicore needs to be showcased at the expo—it’s an incredible invention.”

“I believe your spell is just as much an invention.”

“… Heh,” Epherene murmured, fingers brushing her nose—she didn’t argue about the compliment because she didn’t want to.

“Do you mind if I ask what kind of talent that was?”

“Oh~ well, if I borrow the Professor’s words for it—”

Ruuuuuuuumble—!

A sudden vibration from the volcano made both Epherene and Arlos flinch and glance back—but it seemed to be nothing more than a passing aftershock.

“… If I borrow the Professor’s words for it, it’s about using mana as mana itself,” Epherene said.

“Using mana as mana itself?”

“Yes—rather than tying mana to properties like water, fire, wind, or stone, consider it a scientific element no different from oxygen or carbon and… Well, I’ll be publishing a thesis on it soon. You’ll see what I mean.”

Epherene tried to take a step, but her legs gave out, drained by mana exhaustion; as she collapsed forward, Arlos caught her in her arms before she hit the ground.

“… Hehehe. The moment I get home, I’m going to read every science book.”

Epherene couldn’t quite remember what happened after that, only knowing the happiness of proving herself and the thrill of scientific ideas flooding her mind.

“Oh, I really hope this isn’t a dream,” Epherene muttered.

Also, Epherene hoped that this moment wasn’t just another prophetic dream, the thought that she might still be dreaming remained in her heart as she gave herself over to a peaceful sleep…

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