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Davey sighed, knowing that only this one outcome was possible.

This conference was no more than a place for a group fight. Whether it was against other towers or against the other factions that divided their own towers, opposition would be unsurprising. The mages would keep each other in check while protecting those who they sympathized with.

Even in the past, the theory, which had just started the debate, did not really matter that much. The mages did not care if it was right or wrong. All they cared about was criticizing the other person’s knowledge and standing. After all, it was the surefire way of proving how superior they were against that one person.

Of course, it was very ironic and funny to see a person so focused and absorbed in their own theoretical research trying their hardest to stop the other person from finding the loopholes in their theory.

Also, mages constantly participated in such brutal debates because they always got the result they wanted. If they had just been fighting a meaningless fight all this time, it was highly likely that this conference would not be taking place up until this age.

—Does this mean anything at all?

‘They have their own reasons.’

For example, a mage’s study could only be established as a complete theory if he could ward off all of the persistent and opposing attacks with his own knowledge and prove his new theory.

Regardless of that, the level of the mages present at this conference was quite high. There were quite a few 5th and 6th Circle mages. As for the majority of 3rd to 4th Circle mages, they were probably the disciples, successors, or acquaintances of the higher level mages.

The mages mostly questioned the existence of the 8th Circle because the Great Sage was only at the 7th Circle.

“According to the relative theory of the circle and the heart that was proposed by the now deceased elder of the Green Tower, Class 5 Fennel, the heart feels increasing pressure with the establishment of every additional circle. This creates an excessive burden on the heart.”

To build muscles, one had to repeatedly lift heavy dumbbells to work them out. This was similar to someone who ran every day to condition their body and strengthen their heart and endurance.

Mages needed to do the same. To develop the nucleus of their circle, they had to train and push their hearts and minds to the limits.

“Is your theory telling us that the 8th Circle cannot be physically reached? Impossible. Then, how can you explain the old records that have recorded details about the 8th Circle?”

Of course, this counter argument was bound to emerge. After all, the mage who was presenting had thrown out such a huge bait.

“Based on this world’s physical laws, the magnitude of the force would vary depending on the mass. Although our fist-sized hearts have a great potential for growth, it would eventually hit a limit to its strength. And according to the findings that our research group has gathered, we have predicted that the 7th Circle is the maximum level that a human heart can reach through metamorphosis.”

Simply put, they had concluded that even if a mage were to try to change their bones and undergo metamorphosis, their limit would be the 7th Circle. Basically, they were saying that no one would be able to reach the 8th Circle unless they were crazy and had a death wish.

After murmuring among themselves, the mages began shouting out their own counter arguments.

“Isn’t that conclusion too hasty? This is just a theory, no?”

“Absolutely. If we go by Class 6 Bram’s theory, there are still a lot of inconsistencies and questions that we won’t be able to explain yet.”

“Oho… The results of the study have not yet come out.”

Varying opinions rang out across the conference hall. The mages present were all divided into two camps: one agreeing with Class 6 Bram’s theory and the other opposing it.

As both sides were engaged in a very loud war of words, Winley watched everything unfold before her with widened eyes. She mumbled, “It’s worse…than I expected.”

To attend the mage tower’s conference had been Winley’s dream. Attending such a gathering meant that one had been fully acknowledged and recognized as a mage. However, after witnessing the scene in front of her, she was only left with a huge question in her mind.

She found out that it did not matter how important the issue was or whether a theory was true or not. All that mattered in the conference was that the mages had argued and debated over something.

“Brother.”

“Hmm?”

“Brother, you told me that this is a rubbish theory. Right?”

Davey nodded. “That’s right.”

“However, from what I can see, there’s no big problem with the theory in and of itself. Right?” Winley asked.

The raging war of words was slowly leaning toward an agreement with Class 6 Bram’s theory.

Aside from Davey, only two other people present at the conference would feel that something was wrong with the theory. The two people would be Yulis and Winley, both of whom had seen Davey use 8th Circle magic or higher.

Just as Davey was about to think of a better way to explain it to Winley…

“It seems like Prince Davey does not like listening to the conference.”

…a small voice rang out from somewhere in the hall. That statement alone plunged the entire hall into hostility and silence.

***

The mages fell silent, no longer arguing on whose opinion was right.

The most talented mages had gathered in this place. In all of the magic towers, a mage would only be recognized as a true mage after undergoing a ritual and being reborn as an independent mage who had flown from the nest of their masters.

There were cases where a mage would become independent before the age of 20, such as Yulis, and forge their own path. However, there were also cases where mages in their 30s and 40s would still remain with their masters and end up becoming their masters’ servants or assistants.

Only after their respective mage towers had recognized them as an individual mage would they be able to leave their previous positions and be treated as an equal, a member who would be able to receive their respective tower’s support.

So, why was this being mentioned? Because there was a man showing a disgusting smile and trying to pick a fight with Davey.

This man was none other than Class 4 Collin Vermils, who was one of the assistant mages who served Yulis. He had also been the one to have shown an unpleasant expression upon seeing Davey and Winley.

Although he was dressed in a robe that did not represent the Red Tower, Collin was obviously a mage who still had not grown independent of his master. The fact that he had become Yulis’ assistant mage was proof that he was still not an equal member of the tower that he was affiliated with. Simply put, he was using his master’s influence and position to pressure Davey.

Collin had openly shown, whether it was through the Abyss’ Authority or through his facial expressions, his hostility toward Davey from the very beginning. In fact, the man was so devoted to showing his emotions plainly that Davey, holding back a laugh, had to wonder what he was up to.

As the air around them became chilly and frigid, Winley felt anxious. She looked around and clenched her fists. Even Yulis looked troubled by the sudden turn of events.

Collin was confident, especially since the countless displeased mages all looked at Davey with unwelcome gazes.

Davey, observing the social cues, could decipher the meaning behind the mages’ gazes. They were intimidating him or feeling repulsed. They rejected his attendance at this sacred mage towers’ conference, especially since he was not a mage.

It was a fact that this conference was a very neutral and independent event, so no member of the royal family could simply participate at will

Davey had no goodwill toward the mages, but he had no intention of breaking their tradition. That was why he had chosen to stay silent all this time.

However, now that a mage had decided to challenge and humiliate him like that… Who was Davey to reject this opportunity to put them back in their place? He was going to play this game until he felt satisfied.

“Well… I understand. You are someone who simply borrows the power of God through holy mana. We are people who create our own path and do not need to ask for God’s love. Please bear with us even if you don’t understand what we’re talking about and are feeling bored.”

The mages were trying to say that they were pioneers of their own path, so Davey, as someone who merely gained great power by asking for God’s love, had no right to express his boredom during this conference.

Noticing that the old man was great at playing with words, Davey replied with a grin, “Of course, I understand. Mages are very stubborn people who think of themselves as the only people who easily understand the logic of this world through their own efforts alone…”

The old man frowned. “What do you mean…?”

“However, one has to express disagreement if they do not agree with what’s being presented in front of them. A chicken will never turn into a pheasant,” said Davey with a grin as he slowly unfolded his arms. “I don’t really care if you ignore and belittle me. However, the Holy Empire will not sit still if you belittle holy magic and God like that…”

The mages’ displeased frowns became even more prominent. They were already agitated enough by Davey’s comments to show their discomfort and annoyance.

“Those are words that one would generally say. As for me? I have a different opinion. I’m not a member of the Holy Empire, so I don’t need to make a stand for them and fight for their honor,” Davey said calmly as he stood up from his seat.

The mages should never expect Davey to be polite, because one of their own had decided to start this fight.

“But if I’m going to be honest, I’m a tad bit disappointed. It seems that all of the high and mighty mages here have already forgotten the very basics of magic.”

The spite and vitriol dripping from Davey’s words stung the mages’ pride.

“You… You think you can just say whatever you want to say, huh?!”

“You’re just a fake who imitates magic using holy mana!”

Just like Davey had expected, these mages had heard the rumors of him using magic. They all believed that he had been imitating elemental magic through holy magic. Well, none of the people present here were aware of the vast amount of mana that slumbered deep inside him.

“Ha… This is understandable. How can the results of all the hard-working people here be of interest to someone who suddenly gained great strength and status at a young age? Especially someone who has made contributions to the continent.”

“Hahahahahahaha! That’s right. Well, my grandchild is just like that. That’s how young people are. However, once they get older, they will definitely learn a harsh lesson. Hahahahahaha!!!”

Some of the hostile mages who did not have the justification of attacking Davey seized this opportunity to bully him.

Winley could not stand how the mages were openly showing their hostility. With clenched fists, she was about to stand up to say something. However, Davey stopped her.

Davey commented quietly, “I guess you don’t like my presence here.”

Some of the mages quickly answered with great sarcasm.

“Oh. Please do not misunderstand us. We’re just worried that you have been bored by us, Prince Davey. It’s obvious that the theory is a bit difficult for you to understand. But since you’re already sitting with us… I ask for your understanding. You see, we cannot lower our level to yours.”

Those using the harshest of words toward Davey were mages who agreed with Class 6 Bram’s theory. They probably all belonged to the same faction. As for those who had raised their suspicion against Class 6 Bram’s theory, they remained relatively silent by the sidelines.

“Tch… Even in this place, I still can’t escape from mindless politics.”

Unlike children, it was hard to change the minds and the opinions of older people. Not only were the older people hard-headed and stubborn, but their old age and pride also made it difficult for them to admit to mistakes and wrong judgment.

Davey calmly walked onto stage and called the old man, Class 6 Bram, who was standing on the podium. “Class 6 Bram.”

When the old man remained silent, Davey continued to speak. “This theory is quite novel, so I certainly commend that. I have no reason or intention to mock your efforts.”

“This is a theory that my colleagues and I have poured our efforts into for a very long time. I will never let you go if you decide to judge and criticize it without any justification.”

“That’s right. Anyone would be angry if someone rejects the conclusion that you have worked hard to reach. I am here because I’ve made a promise with the Great Sage. With that, I am going to get to work,” said Davey. Grabbing the white chalk, he approached the blackboard. “May I have your attention for a moment, please?”

When everyone turned to look at Davey silently, Winley sighed in relief. She relaxed her hands and her calm expression returned.

“First of all, I am telling you that I am very interested in magic these days. That’s why I have read a lot of the magic books that the mage towers have published,” Davey said calmly as he tapped some parts of the formula that Class 6 Bram had written down.

“This, this, and this.” Davey rewrote the formula on the blackboard before asking calmly, “Aren’t these parts all wrong?”

The revised formula had turned 1+1=2 to 1+1=0, a very different approach and formula to the formula that they had been debating earlier on.

A handful of mages sneered coldly before bursting out in laughter.

“Ha… Hahahahahahaha!”

“Hahaha! Prince Davey, you truly do not know anything. Yes, that is a formula. However, the alchemical formulas that are generally used by the school of alchemies and the magical formulas use different laws.”

That statement was true. When it came to magic, the answer to 1+1 would either be 0 or 2. In fact, the answer could even be 10. The answer to the formula would depend on the circumstances and the inverse of the calculation. Also, the standard that they used as the basis for the split followed the non-physical laws of this world.

“What else should I be worried about? Haha. Prince Davey, these formulas have their own separate justifications. Technically, they are not wrong if you look at them one by one,” said an old man, who sided with Class 6 Bram’s theory, on behalf of Bram.

The old man was being very sarcastic. Although he did not even understand what Davey was saying properly, he was already laughing at him and telling him that he was wrong.

In the end, the mages all laughed in ridicule, wondering if what Davey had to ask them was just something so trivial.

Of course, Davey had indeed presented a very simple formula that even a 2nd Circle mage would be able to easily solve.

Davey, with a calm smile, said, “Ah, is that so?”

Class 6 Bram coughed loudly and said, “Cough! I can’t say anything since this debate is being held in my stead, but… I have to say that this is making me a bit uncomfortable.”

The other mages quickly added their own opinions too.

“Haha. I did not expect Prince Davey to be very interested in magic. If you want, I will give you a magic book from our tower. I wrote it myself!”

“Hohohoho. Or, if you want, I can teach you the basics of magic myself.”

The mages showed no favor to Davey, blatantly showing their ridicule with sneers and harsh words.

Now, they were satisfied. After all, they were able to crush their opponent as they wanted and had shown how superior they were.

Davey, however, hadn’t attended this conference to watch this shitshow. He also had no intention of allowing Winley to learn the wrong thing.

Everyone in the conference hall continued laughing for a long time. Seeing this, Winley was so close to jumping up and saying something again.

After writing something beneath the formula that he had revised earlier, Davey slammed the chalk against the blackboard to catch everyone’s attention again. He said, “Then, why is there this formula?”

The entire conference hall fell silent as he continued, “It’s the same formula. However, non-physical laws are applied in this formula. As for the other formula, only physical laws are applied. So, you use the non-physical laws when you need them and discard the physical laws when you don’t need them? What? It is romance if you do it, then it is an affair when someone else does it?”

Humans had a tendency to interpret something that they did not know in a way that suited their own preferences. Needless to say, the provided formula could be wrong, but the mages would think themselves as right once common sense aligned with their theories. That was how they could make fatal mistakes without even realizing it.

The entire hall remained silent. It was as if they had been doused with cold water.

Ignoring the silent crowd, Davey turned the board around to write a simplified formula that was easy to understand.

Assuming that the formula that Class 6 Bram had explained was seen as correct, the simple formula that Davey was presenting could easily debunk it. Class 6 Bram’s theory was impossible to begin with.

The mages had never seen the formula that Davey had written before, but the formula was easy to understand. Looking at its simplicity and understanding it completely, they knew that Davey’s formula was accurate and true.

“See. You’re wrong.”

After being proven that they were wrong with a sudden and unexpected formula, the mages were rendered speechless for a very long time.