The Villain Professor's Second Chance

But recent events had shaken her resolve. Draven had saved her life during the chaos at the banquet, an act that left her reeling with confusion. Was it possible that her father had been wrong? Or was Draven playing a deeper game, one she couldn't yet see? Amberine sighed, glancing around the room, searching for any sign of Draven. He wasn't present, but her anxiety didn't diminish.

Ignis, her familiar, hovered nearby, his fiery form flickering with concern. He had been with her through thick and thin, a constant source of support. "What's troubling you, Amberine?" Ignis asked, his voice soft but filled with an unspoken understanding.

Amberine bit her lip, trying to articulate the storm of emotions within her. "It's Draven," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "My father... he was so sure that Draven was dangerous, that he was the one who killed him. I've held onto that hatred for so long. But now, after what happened at the banquet...

I don't know what to think."

Ignis sighed, his flames dimming slightly. "It's hard to reconcile conflicting feelings, especially when they involve someone you hold a grudge against. But remember, Amberine, never believe 100% of what a person says, even if it's your parents. Believe in what you see and what you feel. People can change, and sometimes they're not who we expect them to be."

Amberine nodded, though her brow remained furrowed. "You're right, Ignis. But it's hard to let go of the anger. I was so sure that he was the villain in this story."

Ignis floated closer, his flames flickering gently. "Maybe he is, maybe he isn't. The important thing is to keep an open mind. Judge him by his actions, not just by what others say."

Before Amberine could respond, the door to the lecture hall opened, and the assistant professor Yuli entered. A petite woman with sharp features and a commanding presence, Yuli was known for her tight-lipped rule because of serving as the assistant of Draven. She tossed a piece of chalk into the air, and it began to write on the board with an uncanny precision.

Amberine watched as the title appeared: [Mana Efficiency and Conservation Techniques]. The board quickly filled with complex diagrams and equations, detailing a single magic circle. The assignment was clear: the students were to analyze the magic circle, designed to heat water equivalent to the weight of twenty people, and optimize its mana usage.

The goal was to enhance their practical skills in mana management, a crucial aspect of advanced magic. The task was to be completed by the end of the class, leaving no room for procrastination.

The room buzzed with murmurs as students exchanged glances, some looking confident, others visibly nervous. Amberine couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was a real test, one that required both skill and creativity.

Yuli's voice cut through the chatter, sharp and direct. "This assignment is not just about understanding the theory. It's about practical application. Your task is to optimize this magic circle for mana efficiency without compromising its functionality. Remember, efficiency is not just about using less mana—it's about using the right amount at the right time with the optimum output.

You have until the end of the class. Good luck."

With that, Yuli left the room, leaving the students to their task. Almost immediately, the room became a hive of activity. Groups formed quickly, with students clustering around those they perceived as the most knowledgeable. Amberine found herself the center of attention, and her reputation as a diligent and capable student preceded her.

"Amberine, can you help us?" one of her classmates pleaded, a hint of desperation in their voice. "We heard you're really good at this stuff."

Amberine raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "And why should I help you? What's in it for me?"

Another student, more confident, stepped forward. "We'll pay you, of course. Whatever you need, just name your price."

For a moment, Amberine's eyes widened, and she almost drooled at the prospect of earning some easy money. The temptation was palpable, the lure of quick cash hard to resist. She could feel the weight of her father's disapproval, even in her imagination, but the idea of making some extra money was undeniably appealing.

However, Ignis's voice broke through her thoughts. "Remember, Amberine, your own work comes first. You can't help them if you don't finish your own assignment."

Amberine snapped out of her reverie, nodding decisively. "You're right, Ignis." She turned back to her classmates, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Alright, here's the deal. I'll help you, but only after I've finished my own work. If I can't complete mine, how can I help you with yours?"

The group exchanged glances, clearly uncertain but willing to take what they could get. "Fair enough," one of them muttered, stepping back.

Amberine wasted no time, turning her attention back to the chalkboard. The magic circle was intricate, with multiple layers of symbols and strokes. Each component had a specific function, and the key was to understand how they interacted with each other. She quickly sketched out the circle on her parchment, noting the key elements.

"Alright, let's break this down," Amberine murmured, her eyes scanning the complex design. "The main goal is to heat water, so the focus should be on optimizing the thermal energy output while minimizing mana expenditure."

Ignis hovered closer, his flames flickering in thought. "The circle is well-designed for stability, but there are a few areas where the mana flow could be more efficient. Look at these strokes—they're channeling mana in a loop, which is good for maintaining a consistent temperature, but it's not the most efficient way to generate heat."

Amberine nodded, making a few quick notes. "Right. If we can streamline the mana flow, we can reduce the overall consumption without losing any of the circle's effectiveness."

She continued her analysis, focusing on the specific circles and symbols that controlled the heat generation. "This sequence here," she pointed to a series of interconnected symbols, "is where the mana is being converted into thermal energy. But the conversion rate isn't optimized. There's a lot of potential loss here."

Ignis flickered brighter, his interest piqued. "What if we adjusted the angle of these strokes? It would direct the mana more precisely, reducing waste."

Amberine considered the suggestion, then nodded. "Good idea. And if we add a secondary circuit here, we can create a feedback loop that conserves mana by recycling some of the energy back into the system."

She quickly sketched out the adjustments, her mind racing with calculations and possibilities. The more she delved into the intricacies of the magic circle, the more confident she felt. This wasn't just about completing an assignment; it was about pushing herself to new heights, testing her limits.

As the class worked, the room buzzed with focused energy. Some students struggled, their brows furrowed in concentration, while others moved with a practiced ease. Amberine noticed a few students casting furtive glances her way, clearly hoping to glean some insight from her work.

"Stay focused," Ignis whispered, sensing her distraction. "This is your moment to shine."

Amberine nodded, refocusing her attention. The final adjustments were crucial. If she could successfully integrate the feedback loop, it would not only enhance the efficiency but also showcase her ingenuity. She carefully traced the last few circles, ensuring that each line was precise and connected seamlessly.

Finally, she stepped back, admiring her work. The modified magic circle glowed softly on the parchment, the circles shimmering with potential. It was a masterpiece of mana efficiency, a testament to her skill and creativity.

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"Done," Amberine whispered, a sense of accomplishment washing over her.

Ignis hovered closer, his flames flickering with approval. "It's quite a unique touch, but you've outdone yourself, Amberine. This is exceptional work. Good job,"

She smiled, a mix of pride and relief filling her chest. "Thanks, Ignis. I couldn't have done it without your help."

As the class began to wind down, Yuli returned, her gentle eyes surveying the room. "Time's up," she announced, her voice cutting through the air. "Everyone, please submit your work to the front. I'll review each of your solutions."

Amberine then shifts her gaze towards Elara that is approaching the assistant professor Yuli with confidence. From that back alone, Amberine could know that she succeeded as well.

"I guess it's not a surprise for her to do so, huh? But that professor... I wonder where he is right now..."

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