NOVPUB“You’re going, right, teacher?”
“I can’t exactly ignore a summons. Besides, I’m personally interested.”
“To think you’ll be visiting the so-called repository of knowledge... that’s amazing! I’ve always wanted to go there too.”
“You’ll definitely make it there, Arte.”
As Arte beamed with a silly grin, Ludger silently scanned the invitation.
The date was tomorrow.
There wasn’t much to prepare—he just needed to show up.
After all, what they really wanted was his knowledge.
They were probably curious about how he had solved that problem.
‘If I’m admitted to the academy, I might gain access to books not available anywhere else.’
His research had been stagnating lately, leaving him increasingly frustrated. This was a good opportunity.
If he visited that place, perhaps he could find a clue.
Casey crossed her arms as she watched Ludger.
‘So that’s it. This is how that man became a professor at Ordo University.’
She had always wondered how Ludger, who seemed to only be focused on solitary research, had ended up as a professor—never expecting this to be the backstory.
‘Still, his reaction is surprisingly lukewarm. Scholars would give a fortune just for a chance to step foot in that place, and he’s not even excited after being invited.’
And not just by anyone—the head of the academy himself had extended the invitation.
‘Also...’
Casey narrowed her eyes.
What interested her most was the research Ludger was conducting.
The documents covered in complex diagrams and formulas were so intricate that even she, after watching him for days, found them hard to understand.
Even if dream-time flowed faster than real time, it still wounded her pride.
‘I always thought I had a decent grasp of this field... but I have no clue what any of this means.’
The one thing she could infer was that Ludger’s research delved into an area no one had ever dared touch before.
Though centered on mathematics, it could be applied to magic.
‘Now that I think about it, during the James Moriarty era, he was considered the leading authority in topological mathematics.’
Topology.
Once seen as a subset of geometry and classified as a minor field, the subject had undergone a complete transformation in perception—thanks to one man.
Mathematics was traditionally perceived as a discipline dealing with logic and numerical intuitions.
But topology didn’t play with numbers like other fields.
It handled abstract structures through logic—closer to perception beyond reason than to mathematics itself.
‘If what he’s researching now is topology, then no wonder I can’t understand it.’
A field that defied comprehension.
For Casey Selmore, topology was precisely that.
Yet even so, after secretly peeking at Ludger’s research notes here and there, she came to an unexpected realization.
‘These figures I thought were just diagrams for topological space... now that I look again, they resemble magic formations.’
Geometry that manipulated space, and topology that went even further.
Magic rituals incorporating topology.
And then, the spatial-transcending magic James Moriarty once demonstrated.
‘Spatial movement, topological alteration, coordinate setting... what kind of magic is he trying to create?’
He had already created something similar.
She remembered the Kunst Auction incident—how James Moriarty had collapsed into a black dot and reappeared somewhere else.
It was unmistakably spatial teleportation.
‘Spatial teleportation magic. That’s what James Moriarty created.’
She recalled hearing a vague rumor about Ludger Cherish using a coordinate-designation spell.
A spell that could be cast not around the caster, but at a completely separate location within range.
Because it was hard to use, it hadn’t gained as much attention compared to more universal systems like Sourcecode.
But if that spell was the prototype of spatial teleportation, then its potential was boundless—perhaps even greater than Sourcecode itself.
‘But what exactly does he plan to do with magic like this?’
If his goal were riches or fame, he would’ve flaunted his abilities by now.
Yet all he had shown was the prototype coordinate-designation spell.
If spatial magic were commercialized, its impact on the world would be immeasurable.
Even just being its creator would immortalize him as one of the greatest mages in history.
And yet... he hadn’t.
He had not done that.
‘Creating spatial teleportation magic isn’t his main goal.’
For Ludger, spatial magic was merely a means to something else.
His true objective lay beyond it.
‘Just what is he trying to accomplish?’
To think that creating such magic was only a step in the process...
She couldn’t even begin to imagine the scale of what he was truly planning.
What had begun as a simple dive into the past now felt like it was spiraling into something far greater—far beyond her grasp.
Even so, Casey reminded herself to keep watching.
* * *
The next morning.
Ludger had finished preparing to go out.
“Wow, teacher! You look amazing!”
“Do I?”
Summoned by the academy, Ludger dressed more elegantly and formally than usual.
Polished shoes, immaculate black trousers.
A vest under a neatly tied necktie, with a black frock coat over it.
His long hair was slicked back, and he wore a hat atop his head.
A golden monocle adorned one eye.
‘That look...’
His sharp features, paired with his changed attire, gave off a completely different impression.
It was a look Casey remembered all too well from the past—
The image of Professor James Moriarty.
“I’ll be back.”
With farewells from Selly and Arte, Ludger stepped outside.
At the same time, he adjusted the light around his face, changing his entire aura.
‘Ah... that’s why I didn’t recognize him at first.’
Beyond simple disguise, his entire demeanor and presence shifted—from charismatic noble to cold-blooded consultant.
Thus, Ludger boarded the carriage that had come for him and headed to the academy’s main building.
His destination was the main building of the academic society located within Ordo University.
True to its reputation, the building was enormous and stately.
Clack, clack.
As he ascended the wide central steps, he arrived at Monas Hall.
A place where renowned scholars °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° gathered to debate and exchange ideas.
Ludger walked to the center of the hall.
“Is that him?”
“He’s the one who solved the problem? And he’s that young?”
In the center stood a lone chalkboard.
Ludger calmly removed his coat, hat, and monocle to simplify his attire.
The scholars already seated and waiting reacted in various ways to his composed demeanor.
“He gives off an unusual air. Is he from some noble house?”
“If so, we would’ve heard about it.”
“He doesn’t even bow? How arrogant.”
Surprise, admiration, curiosity, annoyance.
Most of them were either shocked by Ludger’s youth or unimpressed.
The majority present were at least in their mid-thirties, if not older.
“Silence. Please, silence.”
The voice from the head seat in Monas Hall silenced the entire space.
Satisfied with the hush, the headmaster opened his mouth.
“Pleased to meet you. I am Gord Himvel, the head of this institution. And you are...?”
“James Moriarty.”
Ludger introduced himself naturally using his alias.
“Moriarty? I’ve never heard of that house before.”
“Probably some nouveau riche who bought his title with money.”
Those unfamiliar with the name immediately assumed Ludger was insignificant.
Gord didn’t bother correcting them since Ludger had spoken so quietly.
“Very well, Mr. Moriarty. Do you know why you were summoned here?”
“Yes. To explain how I solved the [Némar Equation].”
“Would you be willing to teach us?”
“Gladly.”
And so, the explanation began.
The white chalk danced across the board, filling it with countless formulas.
Scholars who had initially looked down on him straightened in their seats.
Inside the grand, silent hall, only two sounds echoed:
Ludger’s calm voice and the crisp strokes of chalk against the board.
“That is all.”
Having completed the solution and explanation, Ludger glanced around the room, then fixed his gaze on the headmaster.
The elder Gord watched him, eyes gleaming.
“Excellent. Truly a flawless solution, Mr. Moriarty.”
Calling him “Mr. Moriarty” was a declaration of recognition.
“You flatter me.”
“It’s astonishing that someone this brilliant had remained unknown until now. Do you, by any chance, have a mentor?”
“No, I don’t. I simply come from a humble background and taught myself.”
“Hoo... To think you reached this level through self-study alone. Remarkable, truly remarkable. It seems the heavens themselves smiled upon today’s meeting. Do you wish for anything more?”
“Something more...?”
“Anything at all. Oh, of course, you’ll receive the prize money. But if there’s anything else you’d like, say so. When one encounters a person of your caliber, the urge to give something—anything—is only natural. It's the feeling of a fellow scholar walking the same path.”
Headmaster Gord Himvel gave a gentle smile, using his affable demeanor to his advantage.
Watching him, Casey shook her head.
‘So transparent. He wants to make sure Ludger owes him something and stays put.’
Ludger had solved a problem that none of them had managed to crack—of course the headmaster would want him.
And he had done it without formal education? Even if they didn’t entirely believe that, James Moriarty was undeniably a dazzling raw gem.
“If you’re offering, I won’t refuse. In that case, there is one thing I’d like to request.”
“Speak.”
“I would like to join this academy as a professor under the Academic Society of Ordo University.”
At those words, a murmur swept through the audience.
“He wants to become a professor? Does he think we just hand those positions out?”
“You need experience and reputation to even be considered for that. What arrogance.”
“Solving one problem and he's already this full of himself?”
Most in the audience thought Ludger was being unreasonably bold.
But Headmaster Gord narrowed his eyes, studying Ludger as if to test his sincerity.
Ludger met his gaze without flinching.
“Do you truly mean that?”
“Yes.”
“Very well.”
With that simple answer, a few of the scholars voiced their objections.
But the headmaster spoke in a solemn tone.
“Enough. I asked what he wanted, and I told him I would grant it. This is a decision made under my authority as headmaster.”
“But Headmaster! Appointing him to a professorship over one equation—this is going too far!”
“Too far? Then tell me—does anyone here think they can solve the Némar Equation more elegantly than James Moriarty?”
Silence blanketed the hall.
No one could. Ludger had been the only one to solve it in the first place.
“For scholars like us, walking the path of knowledge, even a single breakthrough like this is a monumental achievement. I trust no one here is ignorant of that.”
Don’t belittle his accomplishment as just solving one problem.
Respect the achievement. Offer the recognition it deserves.
That’s what the headmaster was saying.
“Of course, I’m not offering him a full professorship right away. It will be a provisional title at first.”
That statement quelled further protest.
A provisional role was conditional—it could be revoked if he didn’t prove himself.
‘The headmaster intended to bring him in from the start.’
Ludger was young, gifted, and unaffiliated.
Naturally, the headmaster would want to bring someone with such talent into the academic fold, for the sake of the society’s prestige.
‘In fact, he was probably hoping Ludger would ask to become a professor himself.’
And Ludger had done exactly that.
The headmaster must’ve felt delighted that Ludger had scratched his itch for him.
‘Without realizing it was part of Ludger’s plan all along.’
To Ludger, the title of professor was nothing more than a façade.
Even if it was only provisional, it didn’t matter.
What Ludger truly sought was access to the Central Library of Ordo University—where important and restricted research papers were kept.
The title was just a means to that end.
‘After all, to him, identities are just costumes to be changed at will.’
The headmaster, unaware of any of this, must have felt as if a golden pumpkin had rolled right into his lap.
And so, James Moriarty became a provisional professor at Ordo University.
* * *
One week passed since Ludger’s appointment as a provisional professor.
News of the new professor had spread among the university’s students.
And along with it, word that he would soon undergo a full professorship evaluation.
“Since he was handpicked by the headmaster, won’t he pass easily?”
“Nah, there are still other board members besides the headmaster. That’s not how it works.”
The students chattered as they made their way to Monas Hall.
The place was packed with people gathered for the professorship evaluation.
“It’s starting.”
The lights in the hall dimmed.
A spotlight illuminated the center, revealing a man.
Even with over a thousand people watching, he stood like steel—unshaken by pressure.
“Nice to meet you. I am provisional professor James Moriarty.”
He gave a small nod and picked up a piece of chalk.
“I won’t waste time. Let’s begin. This is part of my recent research in geometry.”
With that, he began writing formulas on the board.
The content was magically projected around the hall for everyone to see.
At first, people thought it was the desperate last gasp of an unqualified provisional professor.
The hall was full of hyenas waiting to tear him apart at the first sign of weakness.
And they had sharp fangs.
But as Ludger continued to write out his formulas, no one spoke.
Because there was nothing to criticize.
Even Casey, watching from nearby, had to admit it.
‘So that’s why.’
She now understood how a man of unknown background and vague credentials had become a full professor at Ordo University.
No one knew what he had done before. No one knew who he really was.
And yet he had gained fame and climbed to a high position.
The reason was simple and irrefutable.
He was simply that brilliant.
The reason he could become Professor James Moriarty was because—
He possessed the knowledge that the people of Ordo University desperately sought.
‘Knowledge and ability are power.’
Ludger had seized everything with his own talent alone.
‘And not in one narrow field—but across countless disciplines.’
What kind of past led someone like this to hide their identity and live a fabricated life?
He had the ability to be treated with respect no matter where he went.
“This concludes my presentation.”
Silence filled the hall.
He had only shared a small fraction of what he knew.
But it was enough for everyone to acknowledge it.
“Splendid.”
Headmaster Gord nodded with a satisfied expression.
The man he had selected had far surpassed expectations. He was practically glowing with joy.
“Are there any questions?”
To that, the audience responded with silence.
None? None indeed.
The headmaster’s cheerful voice echoed through the hall.
“Then it’s settled. Congratulations. I look forward to working with you—Professor James Moriarty.”
And so, the legend of the man called James Moriarty began.
