I’m Not the Mastermind

"I have a dream."

The sudden declaration was abrupt.

Yet, it was enough to capture the attention of everyone already focused on Yujin. Somehow, his words compelled them to listen.

"This dream is deeply rooted in my conviction and the noble work that all of you, esteemed professors, dedicate yourselves to."

Yujin glanced around the room, his voice uncharacteristically earnest as he continued.

"I have a dream. A dream that the students we teach here will one day lead humanity into a brighter future."

At first glance, his words seemed overly grandiose. However, there was an undeniable magnetism in his tone, a confidence that stirred the hearts of his audience. His speech awakened a sense of pride within the professors, instilling in them the belief that they were shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

"I have a dream. A dream that, one day, humanity—through its achievements—will prove to the great gods above that we are not merely pitiable beings in need of protection, but independent entities capable of standing tall on our own."

-...!!!

The statement sent shockwaves through the room.

What were the gods?
They were transcendent beings who had emerged victorious in the Great War and now watched over humanity. To suggest proving humanity’s worth to such beings was nothing short of revolutionary.

"I have a dream. That one day, the gods will recognize us for what we are, and that we can show them on this earth that human life can be both free and beautiful."

-.......

"I have a dream. That one day, humanity will achieve true greatness."

It was a speech that resonated deeply.

Borrowing from one of Earth’s most iconic orations—Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic address—Yujin subtly reshaped it, wielding its words to captivate the professors.

"This is humanity’s hope. It is the conviction I carry when I teach the students who seek knowledge. With this belief, I am certain we can realize this hope."

"Let us echo this hope across the land. Let us pray that this hope reaches the great gods above. Let us show those who deny it the limitless potential of humanity!"

"Our lives are not insignificant. Our lives can be free and beautiful. Let us remind countless others of this truth!"

"I have a dream!"

"That we will prove to the gods that they watch over us not out of pity, but because we are beings of worth!"

Even the theology professors, dedicated to studying the divine, found themselves entranced by his words.

A desire stirred within them—a yearning to prove humanity’s value to the gods they revered.

"I have a dream!"

With that powerful and resounding declaration, Yujin’s speech concluded. Bowing to the professors, he spoke again.

"Thank you for listening. I am Han Yujin, newly appointed professor of magical studies."

Then came silence.

For a moment, the conference room was blanketed in an eerie stillness. No one spoke. The silence, cold at first, began to feel like the calm before a storm—or perhaps the stillness before a volcanic eruption.

...Clap.

Someone began to applaud.

Clap, clap-clap.
Clap-clap-clap-clap.
Clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap!

What started as a single clap grew into a thunderous applause that filled the room. One by one, people—young and old, men and women alike—began to clap, their expressions dazed as though bewitched.

'What is this...'

Professor Reina Sahart felt chills run down her spine.

Each professor gathered here was a renowned expert in their field—individuals known for their pride and reluctance to easily recognize others. Yet, they were all applauding, seemingly spellbound by a single speech.

Of course, Yujin’s reputation as a leading authority on space-time magic likely played a role, but...

'To captivate people like this with just a speech?'

If she hadn’t known who he truly was, Reina thought she might have been clapping alongside them. The speech had been that moving, that invigorating.

'He’s dangerous. Incredibly dangerous...'

Regardless of his skills or power, anyone capable of manipulating others with nothing but words was an extraordinary threat. Reina felt her wariness toward Yujin heighten even further.

Meanwhile, the Headmistress, looking somewhat dazed herself, addressed Yujin.

"...That was... an impressive speech, Professor Yujin."

"Thank you, Headmistress," Yujin replied smoothly.

"Ahem... Well, it seems we've finished introducing Professor Yujin. Originally, we didn’t plan on recruiting a professor at this point in the term, but circumstances have led us to this urgent appointment. With that in mind, I’d like to create an opportunity for everyone to get acquainted. Does anyone have any questions for Professor Yujin?"

At this, a dozen or so professors hesitated, raising their hands before quickly lowering them when they noticed others doing the same.

Among them, Yujin pointed to the first professor who had raised his hand.

"Yes, you, the professor on the right who appears to have considerable experience. Do you have something to say?"

"Ahem, let me introduce myself first. I’m Professor Bern Cantona. I teach swordsmanship, though I’m not sure if I’m worthy of the title."

"Ah, Professor Cantona. I’ve heard of your achievements in defining part of the Leonhardt Kingdom’s swordsmanship system. It’s an honor."

At this, the old professor smiled warmly and replied, "I appreciate you recognizing the work of an old man. By the way, you seem older than you appear, don’t you?"@@novelbin@@

It was already widely speculated among the professors—except for those out of the loop—that Yujin might possess abilities surpassing those of the Archmage of the Wizard Association. Some even theorized he was a grand mage who had regained the physical condition of his prime.

However, Yujin merely gave a cryptic smile and said, "Haha, I’ll leave that to your imagination. But please, feel free to speak casually. After all, I’m just a newcomer here."

"Is that so? Then I’ll take you up on that. First, you’ve said you believe the students we’re teaching will lead humanity forward. What exactly do you plan to teach them? I heard you once declared at a Wizard Association lecture that your system of space-time magic is too advanced for current mages to comprehend, so you wouldn’t teach it."

"That’s an excellent question. Indeed, I haven’t come here to teach students my space-time magic."

"Then what?"

"I’m here to guide their direction. Unfortunately, I understand that many mages, even those at the association, struggle to grasp the concepts and theories outlined in various academic papers."

At this, several professors specializing in magic lowered their heads slightly in embarrassment. Yujin continued, "So, I plan to provide students with the foundational knowledge they lack. Once they’ve absorbed this knowledge, they may understand a fraction of the theories and concepts I’ve published."

"Doesn’t that amount to teaching space-time magic?"

"Not quite, Professor. Let me explain it like this... Imagine a tree."

"A tree?"

"Yes, a tree."

Yujin manipulated the mana floating in the air. He avoided using his own dragon mana to remain inconspicuous. Blue particles gathered and coalesced into the shape of a tree.

"Oh..."
"Impressive precision and control over mana."

The delicate manifestation drew murmurs of admiration from the magic professors. Yujin gestured to the tree.

"Do you see the roots?"

"Yes, I see them."

"These roots represent the foundational knowledge I intend to teach. When they converge, they form a trunk—a sturdy core."

"Hm..."

"The trunk, a common foundation, branches out into countless boughs, each representing new concepts. Then leaves and flowers bloom, eventually bearing fruit. Among those branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits, you’ll find the space-time magic formulas I developed."

"So, you’re saying..."

"Yes, discovering space-time magic lies in the hands of those who explore. My role is to provide the roots, guiding them toward the trunk and enabling them to seek out new concepts. Through this process, new magic—magic I didn’t create or even imagine—might emerge."

Yujin smiled softly as he concluded, "That’s what I hope for: genuine exploration. Right now, others are merely digging into barren soil, trying to grow something without even a seed. That’s not exploration."

"...I see. That’s quite clear."

Satisfied with the answer, Professor Bern Cantona nodded and sat back down. Yujin glanced around before continuing, "Anyone else? Ah, you there, the young professor. Please, go ahead."

"Yes, I’m Heizen Schneider. Professor, you mentioned..."

Yujin continued answering questions with ease, moving from one professor to the next.

"..."

Watching him, Reina Sahart’s expression darkened slightly. After a moment of silence, she raised her hand.

"...Yes, Professor Reina Sahart. Please, go ahead."

Although slightly startled by her sudden question, Yujin maintained his composure as he addressed her. Reina began speaking.

"First of all, let me commend you on an excellent speech, Professor Yujin, especially as an educator."

"...Haha, thank you."

"Given the circumstances, I’d like to ask: considering your rather unusual appointment mid-term, are you currently prepared to conduct lectures?"

"Regrettably, as you noted, I was appointed during an ambiguous period. As such, I currently have no lectures to conduct this semester. Instead, I’ll be focusing on administrative duties as a departmental chair."

"I see. Then, you are open to conducting lectures in the future?"

"Of course. But... is there something specific you’d like to discuss regarding that?"

Feeling a faint sense of unease, Yujin inquired cautiously. Reina responded, "As I understand it, you’ve been appointed Chair of the Magic Studies Department. As such, I’d like to propose co-hosting a lecture with you in the near future. Would that be acceptable?"

"......"

Her words, laced with the weight of authority, left no room for refusal. Her piercing gaze confirmed it.

Realizing he had officially earned her ire, Yujin forced himself to respond...