Korlu's friend, a scholar of the Arcane Society, an official wizard...
These were the three identities Lynn bestowed upon himself, capable of dissolving most potential troubles into nothingness.
Exposing these lies wasn't easy either. To the people of the Land of Wizards, Korlu's experiences after heading to the Secas Empire were a complete mystery. Even if communication through magic was possible, it was never comprehensive. Claiming to have recently met the other party was entirely plausible.
Besides, his mentor was already taken by the Church to the Holy City. At this point, he was either enduring severe interrogation or undergoing trial. It's hard to say how long he might survive, but he certainly wouldn't be able to refute Lynn's words.
The only one who knew the truth was Johnny, who had been saved by Lynn twice, creating a bond forged in life and death. More importantly, they were now intertwined in fate. Even to avoid being held accountable, Johnny had no choice but to remain silent.
And if Lynn could establish his identity during this time, who would take the words of a mere wizard apprentice seriously?
Sometimes, the truth is less convincing than a well-crafted lie.
No one would believe that an apprentice, who had been exposed to magic for barely half a year, could kill an archbishop, destroy half a harbor town, and possess such profound knowledge...
After a brief introduction, the professors exchanged glances. Theodore was the first to speak, his tone skeptical.
"You're not a Grand Wizard, are you?"
In Theodore's mind, such extensive destruction could only be caused by Fifth Circle magic, which only a Grand Wizard could wield against an army single-handedly.
But Lynn appeared far too young, likely only about twenty years old.
This was clearly unreasonable. The most talented wizard in the Land of Wizards, known as the "Star of Magic," August, had only become a Grand Wizard at the age of twenty-four. Now, he was considered the hope of the entire wizarding world, the one most likely to reach beyond the legendary wizard realm.
He couldn't believe that this unknown figure could surpass the talent of the "Star of Magic."
"I am not a Grand Wizard. Destroying the harbor town was merely a clever trick, thanks in large part to Mr. Laud's assistance," Lynn explained calmly, without the slightest change in his tone.
"A clever trick?" Theodore was momentarily taken aback, recalling that Laud had mentioned Lynn had ordered the collection of many basic materials before the full conflict with the Church erupted.
Was it some powerful alchemical array?
The professors pondered deeply but couldn't think of any alchemical array requiring such basic materials. Finally, they all looked toward Grand Wizard Helram.
After a moment of contemplation, Helram spoke. "I heard that a few years ago, alchemists in the Wizard's City discovered a unique alchemical formula that doesn't even require magic. As long as the quantity is sufficient, the resulting power could rival some high-level magic."
A look of surprise crossed Lynn's face. Had the alchemists in the Land of Wizards already discovered gunpowder technology?
But upon reflection, it made sense. After all, gunpowder wasn't something advanced. It had been discovered as early as the 9th century in his previous life, and its power was relatively moderate.
Back at the harbor town, the impressive effect was mainly due to the large quantity used, along with the addition of white phosphorus to increase the potency.
In truth, if he had more time, he could have orchestrated something even grander for these natives.
After Helram's explanation, Theodore and the others breathed a sigh of relief. It turned out to be some alchemical product, one that required the hiring of thousands and several days of preparation to unleash its power. It was only useful as a trap, certainly not something that could be deployed in battle.
Regardless of what the professors thought, Lynn continued his narrative.
"Korlu's journey to the capital of Nordland was actually to meet with another scholar from the Arcane Society to discuss a significant magical theory. As for the kidnapping—uh, the recruitment of apprentices—that was merely a cover. I didn't expect the Church to see through it…"
"Before leaving, Korlu begged me to organize a manuscript from the Arcane Society. He had foreseen that this meeting would not be easy. If he didn't return, he wanted me to deliver these precious manuscripts to Iyeta Harbor at all costs."
At this point, Lynn sighed regretfully, looking at the surrounding professors, his voice somber. "Korlu told me that the Land of Wizards is too isolated, and many of its magical theories are likely outdated! These new insights might bring change to our land!"
"Outrageous! How dare he say such a thing!" Kevin stood up immediately, his eyes wide with disbelief, nearly ready to explode.
What was the Land of Wizards? It was the birthplace of countless prestigious schools, the center of magical development, and the sanctuary of wizards!
They had spent centuries transforming this wild island into a paradise of magic. Here, every wizard pursued truth relentlessly, with new elements or magical theories being discovered almost weekly.
And now, someone dared to claim that their sacred land of magic was outdated and couldn't keep up with the times?
This was absurd!
"Korlu must have been away from the Land of Wizards for too long and doesn't fully understand our current magical theories…" Kevin sneered, convinced that Korlu's thinking was stuck in the past, likely from his first journey to the Secas Empire, where he must have encountered one or two novel theories that astonished him.
Unbeknownst to him, over the years, the magical theories developed by Grand Wizards and Legendary Wizards had filled entire bookshelves!
The other professors also criticized Korlu for his nonsense…
Lynn did not offer much explanation but instead took out the "research manuscripts" he had prepared and placed them on the table.
Kevin immediately grabbed a manuscript. He was eager to see what kind of novel theory had led Korlu to such unrealistic ideas.
"Law of Free Fall? Kinetic Energy Formula? Ha, I knew it. Korlu must not have read Master Yade's magic book when he was at Iyeta Academy. Two hundred years ago, Yade had already proposed that the speed of a falling object is directly proportional to its weight, which forms the basis of the gravity formula…"
Kevin began by shaking his head in disdain at the title, but as he continued to read the content, he froze.
The manuscript's law of free fall was entirely contrary to Master Yade's theory. It suggested that two objects of different weights, when subjected to free fall, would have the same acceleration and would land simultaneously.
"Absurd, utterly absurd!" Theodore laughed in exasperation. Did they really believe that if Mount Koggar and a pebble were thrown into the air, they would fall at the same time? How ridiculous!