The Genius Tamer of the Academy

Chapter 5

“He’s really going with that?”

“What’s he thinking?”

“Hydrology would have been better. This seems like an even dumber choice.”

“Why on earth…?”

The students began murmuring among themselves at Han Siha’s selection.

Assistant Professor Selene, who was standing at the back observing the lecture, frowned.

‘What on earth is he thinking?’

After much deliberation, Han Siha had chosen two subjects:

Basic Taming Studies and Monster Anatomy.

Both were taming-related courses within the Magic Department.

After the second-year opening exams, all students would choose their majors.

So, it was typical for students to select subjects related to the major they wanted to pursue for these exams.

Ardel Academy had four main departments: Magic, Necromancy, Theology, and Natural Sciences.

The Magic Department included various types of white magic, such as elemental magic and taming studies.

“Out of the blue?”

While Han Siha had initially applied to be a tamer when he entered the academy, everyone who knew him was aware of one thing:

He had no talent for it whatsoever.

Due to his fundamentally malicious nature, whenever he attempted taming, monsters would get scared and run away.

That’s why he had desperately tried to learn black magic instead.

Had he chosen necromancy-related subjects in the Necromancy Department, it would have made sense. But to boldly choose taming, his weak point, was unexpected.

Han Siha was far from being a tamer.

So, it was even more puzzling.

‘Is he really planning to major in that?’

At this point?

But before that, would he even be able to pass the opening exams?

Selene looked at Han Siha with a questioning gaze.

“…”

Even amidst the commotion, Han Siha maintained a calm expression.

Whether he had a hidden card up his sleeve or simply wasn’t thinking, she couldn’t tell.

Professor Grint slowly stroked his chin before speaking.

“Both subjects are in the taming field. You must be confident.”

Though he spoke calmly, there was laughter among the students.

“Pfft. A guy who couldn’t even tame a slime is going to do taming?”

In the middle of the classroom, filled with mockery, Han Siha lifted his head again at Professor Grint’s words. His expression remained unreadable.

Professor Grint was known to appreciate students who took on challenges.

However, if the results of those challenges were poor,

He was more ruthless than anyone in dismissing them.

Even so, Professor Grint looked at Han Siha with a curious gaze.

Whatever the outcome, Han Siha’s actions had piqued his interest.

Though the outcome was somewhat predictable, there was no need to criticize the challenge itself.

That could wait until after the results were in.

With a stern yet oddly excited tone, Professor Grint spoke.

“This time, can I look forward to something, Student Han Siha?”

A calm provocation from the professor.

Han Siha smiled and responded.

What he said instantly plunged the noisy classroom into silence.

“Yes, I think it’s worth a try.”

* * *

Flap, flap.

If you lost focus for a moment, book covers would start hitting your head in the chaotic Ardel Academy library.

I pulled a book from a tall bookshelf that I had to crane my neck to see.

[Hydrology and the Study of Runes]

“Just the cover alone makes it look tough.”

It’s no wonder the others laughed. The thickness alone is daunting, and the complex mathematical symbols on the cover make it clear this isn’t a book for a 15-year-old.

…The only catch is, I’m not really 15.

Honestly, the cover is intimidating, but the content is simple.

“This is about the level of high school math.”

I nodded in satisfaction, smiling.

It just simplifies the magical formulas, following the basic math equations we’re familiar with.

Even second-class illusion magic constructs visible media by integrating the small particles in the air.

Back in the day, I was pretty good at math.

Though… after ten years, it’s a bit hazy.

“Calculus is a piece of cake.”

And since the exam is supposedly not too difficult, there’s no need to worry much.

It was definitely a wise choice.

“Alright, this one’s sorted.”

Satisfied, I closed the book and turned my attention to the other two.

The taming textbooks I had spent hours thoroughly studying.

[Monster Anatomy]

[Introduction to Basic Taming and Behavioral Studies]

I got a lot of flak for choosing these.

I chuckled, recalling the shocked look on Professor Grint’s face when I made my choice.

“This is basically my major.”

Though it’s my first time dealing with monsters.

“Coo?”

The little creature, understanding my words, poked its head out of my bag.

It must have been stifling, being stuck in there all through class.

Now I feel a bit guilty.

“Coo!”

“You want out?”

The creature flapped its small wings, trying to jump out of the bag.

Even though it was just a hatchling, a dragon’s strength was no joke. I almost dropped the bag and hurriedly blocked it with my arm, shaking my head.

No, there are too many eyes around.

Han Siha, who was rumored to be unable to handle even a slime, suddenly pulling out a dragon would be an odd sight.

If there ever comes a time when I really need to reveal it, it would be better to do it then.

Now wasn’t the time.

“…Just a little longer.”

I took out a piece of cheese I had stashed away and placed it in the bag. Better this than chewing on a padlock.

“…”

It went quiet almost immediately.

Munch, munch.

Watching the little creature tear into the cheese with such seriousness, as if it were hunting a monster, made me smile.

I slung the bag over my shoulder and muttered quietly to myself.

“Well then, shall we go practice?”

I’d skimmed through the theory.

Now it was time to let this little dragon loose.

* * *

Red lights dimly cast shadows overhead.

Unlike the bustling library, this area was nearly deserted.

As I descended to the third basement level, a long corridor stretched out before me.

“…”

This was the outdoor training area of Ardel Academy.

In simple terms, a training dungeon.

Designed specifically for training, the area had multiple dungeons with varying levels, making it an ideal place to practice real magic.

I had studied the theory hard, but theory alone wouldn’t get me through the practical exams.

I also needed to sync up with the little creature, which is why I came down here.

Anyway, the only people likely to visit this place were the staff, so as long as I didn’t run into any classmates, there wouldn’t be a problem.

I let the little creature out, freeing it from the confines of the bag.

“Let’s go.”

“Coo!”

Leading the way, I took slow, deliberate steps.

Drip, drip.

The sound of water dripping from the gaps in the brick walls echoed from the ceiling.

I headed to the desk on the left without hesitation.

The attendant smiled and spoke softly.

“Are you here to use the training area?”

“Yes.”

“Which section would you like to enter?”

Just like dungeons, the training areas were divided by difficulty levels. Since the training rooms were artificially constructed, the overall system was similar.

After glancing around, I replied.

“An entry pass for the beginner’s training area, please.”

Anything beyond that was out of my league for now.

The attendant hesitated for a moment, then glanced at the little creature by my side.

Since I couldn’t hide it, I had let it out in the open.

It was clear what she was thinking.

Even though it was just a hatchling, bringing a dragon into a beginner’s training area?

But considering her duties, she refrained from questioning me and instead continued with the formalities.

“Yes, the area allows up to two participants, and there is currently one person inside. This way, please.”

“Thank you.”

I followed the attendant down a corridor, our footsteps echoing in the silence.

A large wooden door on the right caught my eye.

Beginner’s Training Area.

I looked up at the large red letters above it, then reached into a basket and pulled out a practice wand and shield.

“A beginner’s slime dungeon, huh…”

It was an easy dungeon, with only a few slimes popping up here and there.

Even though the dungeon was maintained for safety, it was still a dungeon for students, so the attendant should have quickly gone over the precautions.

Instead, she smiled at me.

“…You can just go in.”

“Oh.”

“Your name?”

“Second-year, Han Siha.”

“And your dragon friend?”

Oh, right.

I hadn’t named it yet.

“What should I call you?”

“Coo?”

I lifted the creature and smiled, asking for its opinion.

“Calling you ‘Yonggari’ is too cliché. How about ‘Agari’?”

“Coo…”

It shot me a murderous glare, as if it wanted to kill me.

Tough crowd. After all, I’m the one who brought you here.

This little guy sure understands people well.

The attendant stared at me in disbelief.

She looked at me like I was crazy.

Sorry. I’m so used to this from my day job that it’s become a habit.

Now I’m sitting here talking to a dragon, not just a dog.

“Ah, are you having a conversation right now?”

“Yes, we’re deciding on a name.”

‘Agari’ seemed too harsh.

“How about ‘Basilus’?”

Does that one strike your fancy?

As soon as I threw out a fancier-sounding name, the dragon’s expression changed.

“Coo!”

Its wings flapped with excitement, so it must have liked it. Seeing the tiny hatchling puff up its chest proudly made me smile.

I wrote down the name on the paper the attendant handed me.

“We’ll go with Basilus.”

“Got it.”

The attendant nodded and gently pushed the wooden door open. A blast of cold air hit me as soon as the door opened.

Even though it was just a beginner dungeon, it was my first time entering one.

I took a deep breath and grabbed the door handle.

*Creak.*

The door groaned as it swung open.

“I’m entering now.”

I stepped inside.

* * *

A rather impressive sight unfolded before me.

Unintentionally, I let out a gasp of admiration.

“…Wow.”

It was hard to believe we were just indoors a moment ago.

The expansive view and the cave that stretched up so high it seemed to have no ceiling were stunning.

Was this why I’d felt the chill earlier?

I stepped onto the damp ground and took a deep breath.

The cave walls were densely covered in vines, almost blocking my view. I pushed through the vines and slowly walked forward.

Light from above illuminated a grassy patch on the other side of the swamp, and near it…

“Hold on.”

Bounce, bounce.

I wondered what had been bouncing around like a spring, and then I saw them.

Square slimes were gathered together.

This was the beginner’s slime dungeon.

All the monsters here were low-level.

They looked harmless enough that even I felt like I could take them on.

They were so unthreatening that they seemed more like green sugar cubes rolling around on the floor than actual monsters.

But even in a beginner’s training area, it was important to stay cautious. It was Basilus and my first time in a dungeon like this.

Caution was key.

Cautious yet bold.

After all, I had to get stronger during the limited time I had here.

Now, it was time for action.

“Phew.”

I lifted Basilus slightly and pointed my wand at the slimes across the way.

“See those cute little guys over there?”

“Coo!”

Nod, nod.

Maybe it was because I’d just named him, but his enthusiasm was off the charts.

Unexpected loyalty.

Basilus’s big eyes locked onto the slimes.

“Coo… coo…”

I patted his head as he watched the bouncing slimes intently and spoke calmly.

As a tamer, and thinking about my previous life, I wasn’t sure if this was the right thing to say.

“We’re going to go pop them now.”

“…!”