"Of course not." Shiller gave him a smile, adjusted his tie and said, "We share your opinion, the reconstruction of the Magic realm is inevitable. However, in order not to repeat the same mistakes as the Great Mage Alliance, the approach must be carefully considered."
Jim put down the cup he was wiping in his hand, propped his elbows on the counter, leaned forward, and asked Shiller, "So Professor Shearer, any insights?"
"Before that, I need to clarify a few things with you." Shiller gently said, "The Magic realm has always been an apprentice-based system, correct?"
Jim thought for a while and said, "If you are referring to the medieval-style apprenticeship, then yes, it's similar. Grand Mages occupy the Mage Towers and take in apprentices, who learn from them and also assist them."
"Has there ever been a formal academy?"
Jim frowned, as if guessing what Shiller was getting at, he sighed and said, "You mean an academy like modern universities? That's hard to achieve since each Grand Mage considers their connections with powerful entities a precious asset. Establishing an academy would mean revealing their own communication channels."
"This is exactly the problem with the apprentice system." Shiller took a glass of hot red wine from Jim and said, "Everyone worries about teaching the apprentice, who might starve the master. Teachers occupy important positions in the industry, so they inevitably worry that their apprentices will surpass them and take their place. However, full-time teachers do not have similar concerns."
"Are you thinking of establishing a Magic Academy?" Jim instantly understood and after a bit more thought he responded, "There are a few problems; first and foremost, magic in this world is not enhanced through practice, so what's the point of studying and training at a school?"
"If magic is obtained through contracts, then at least they should learn how to form contracts, instead of being deceived by those demons without knowing anything." Constantine said, holding his face in his hand. He continued, "They need to be aware whether they are sober when they face demons, then they can make decisions and take responsibility for them."
"They need to strengthen their basic understanding and demystify these powerful entities. It is hard to say whether the current state of the magic realm was influenced by religious factors," Shiller said, gently stroking his wrist with one hand.
"Many mages see the demons as their gods, not their trading partners. They unknowingly revere them while using their powers, gradually giving up their bottom lines. The first lesson for mages is to understand that they stand with the human race, not with these mysterious powerful entities."
"Negotiation also involves many techniques," Shiller explained in a soothing tone, "Most people without professional training cannot claim to be negotiation experts, many don't even know what negotiation is."
"They cannot determine the other party's mentality through their tone of voice, they do not know how to make an offer, or how to lower the other party's offer. They do not know how to continually explore the other party's bottom line during the negotiation process to secure an advantageous position."
"Negotiation skills are an interdisciplinary subject, including the essence of psychology, behavior, economics, and other disciplines. Without systematic study, it is difficult to understand the effective techniques and methods."
After pondering for a while, Jim said, "I think you have a point. I've heard many stories of contract fraud in bars. I've asked a few times, most scams are similar and not complicated, but people always fall for them. Sometimes I find it strange, but then when I think about how many mages are just high school kids, it makes sense."
"There's another problem." Jim held up a finger, "It's important to learn negotiation skills in advance, but ultimately they will have to select a contract partner and conclude a contract. How will that work? Who will guide them?"
"Of course, full-time teachers," Shiller replied, "Gather all the information of entities that can form contracts, hire negotiation professors for targeted research, and then match it with student characteristics."
"The learning up to that point is all foundational. Concluding contracts is kind of like the first targeted exam. After a lot of practice and preparation, students can naturally handle the exam. After forming the contract, they begin the second phase of learning on how to utilize their power more efficiently."
However, Jim shook his head, "It sounds simple, but the devils will not cooperate. The summoning formations in the hands of the Grand Mages have been passed down from generation to generation, their soul essences have been recorded by the devils. Unfamiliar identities will not get answered by the Demon Gods. It's very difficult to get them to recognize these so-called full-time teachers."
"Even if you could summon them forcibly, if they simply refuse to form a contract, nobody can force them."
When Jim looked at Shiller, he found that Shiller was also looking at him. Although his gaze was not focused, it was as if he had anticipated his question. Jim leaned forward, waiting for an answer.
Shiller remained silent, but Constantine spoke, "Do you think we would come to you without any preparation?"
Jim frowned, Constantine finished the wine in his glass and gently put the glass on the table before saying,
"We've already convinced Hell and Heaven. From today, they will only negotiate with the students selected by the Magic Academy. Any other acts of concluding contracts will not receive the protection of the human mystic world."
Jim opened his mouth in surprise, staring at Constantine, seemingly disbelieving his words, he then looked at Shiller, only to see Shiller nod in agreement.
"But, but how could they agree?" Jim asked, stammering in confusion, "Angels and devils are very arrogant, how could they be willing to submit to human constraints?"
"Of course, they will not be constrained by humans," Shiller shook his head, "They just don't want to fight a second Holy War."
"Approximately two days ago, Bruce found Michael and told him that he found Heaven boring. Considering God wasn't around, he wanted to sin, fall into Hell, and become Satan, then lead Hell to counterattack Heaven."
"One of my personalities was very supportive of his actions, assuring Michael they could manage Heaven's logistics."
"Before Michael made his decision, the Demon King Beelzebub and Azazel from Hell strongly protested, claiming they would pray to God about Michael maliciously poisoning Hell."
"However, after Bruce mediated and proposed regulations to transactions between Heaven, Hell, and the Human world, both sides responded positively, they even seemed excited to agree."