Chapter 76: To Infinity (Part 1)

After learning about Alpheas’s past, Shirone and the others sat in stunned silence. The story was shocking—a heartbreaking tale of love and loss.

“So that’s what happened to the principal…”

He had always seemed like the epitome of success: a certified 4th-class mage and principal of a prestigious academy. But according to Arcane’s story, Alpheas in his youth had been nothing short of extraordinary—a Gold Circle recipient who had proven the photon theory at just ten years old. Most groundbreaking of all was the memory transfer experiment, an idea so ahead of its time that only now had the magical world begun exploring its potential.

“Alpheas was a genius, no doubt. But I was weak,” Arcane said bitterly. “Everything could have been different if I had just endured a little longer. But I let a sliver of affection ruin it all. I can never forgive the Alpheas who made that choice.”

Shirone found himself deep in thought. Arcane was undeniably a villain in the eyes of the world, yet he was also a mage—someone who had once stood at the frontier of magical discovery. In Erina’s experiment, at least, Arcane had simply been a brilliant assistant.

“I understand. Maybe the principal was hypocritical in destroying your research,” Shirone said carefully.

Arcane’s murderous aura had lessened, allowing Shirone to speak more freely.

“But… I would’ve made the same decision.”

Arcane’s expression twisted in disdain.

“You say that even after seeing what Alpheas became? You admire him because he’s a certified 4th-class? If you let emotions rule you, you’ll never reach the top. Erina’s death was tragic, but magic is magic. Alpheas wasn’t qualified.”

Shirone shook his head firmly. History would decide who was right, but he didn’t believe Alpheas had acted out of emotion. At least not in the way Arcane implied.