"Then, Yujin, we’ll be heading out now."

"Yes, take care."

After finishing the meal with Hugo’s party, Yujin accepted the share of their reward they insisted on giving him. Watching them leave, he returned to the inn.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Mary, who was clearing the dishes, he headed back to his room.

『So, assuming you’re really going to write that thesis, where exactly are you planning to conduct your research?』

Tiamat’s question broke the silence, her tone curious about his choice of location.

"I’ll do it inside the subspace. Judging by what’s stored there, it seems like I have plenty of research materials."

『That’s true, but...』

"Oh, but I’ll need paper and a pen first."

Fortunately, the inn had some basic supplies like paper and pens. Wasting no time, Yujin headed downstairs toward the innkeeper.

"Madam Mary!"

"Huh? What is it, Yujin?"

"Would it be all right if I borrowed some paper and a pen? I’ll pay for them, of course!"

"Pay? Nonsense! Just take them! Let me know if you need more!"

Mary cheerfully waved him off, allowing him to collect the supplies.

With that settled, Yujin retrieved the paper and pen from a nearby room and entered his subspace.

Inside, the black void stretched infinitely, littered with treasures Yujin had swept from Tiamat’s tomb. He sifted through the items, selecting a few that might be useful for his research.

"All right, let’s get started," Yujin said.

『Need a hand? You may be a dragon and naturally gifted with magic, but you’re lacking in the knowledge department.』

"I’ll try on my own for now. If I get stuck, I’ll ask for your help."

『That’s an admirable approach... but if it gets overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask.』

Tiamat, seemingly satisfied with his determination, quietly observed him from behind.

Of course, Yujin had his own thoughts about the matter.

Knowledge, huh...

Tiamat had indeed imparted some magical knowledge to him, but most of it revolved around the powers of dragons. He still lacked an understanding of the world’s magical framework or how it operated.

But that didn’t bother him.

"Let’s rely on science and intuition."

Combining his scientific background from Earth with the heightened intuition he gained as a dragon, Yujin aimed to approach the problem from a unique angle.

"[Gravity is the curvature of spacetime.]"

『Hmm?』

"Ah, nothing important," Yujin replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he recalled the principles of Earth’s physics.

General Relativity.

One of the most successful theories of modern physics, it redefined humanity’s understanding of gravity. Formulated by the genius scientist Albert Einstein, it interpreted gravity not as a classical force but as a phenomenon tied to the geometric properties of spacetime.

The relationship between gravity and spacetime could be summarized as follows:

Strong gravitational fields distort spacetime.

However, this was technically incorrect. More accurately, gravity was the result of spacetime distortion.

In essence, any object with mass, no matter how small, causes a slight curvature of spacetime around it.

Here, Yujin saw an opportunity.

『Tiamat, could you share some knowledge about gravity magic?』

『Of course.』

In this world, gravity magic already existed. It allowed mages to increase gravitational pull, reverse it, or even change its direction.

Interestingly, Earth had explored similar concepts.

Awakeners with gravity-aligned abilities had attempted to develop space-time magic, though they had ultimately failed.

But Yujin was different.

"Teleportation, subspace... the existence of these suggests..."

Mana, as a force beyond physical laws, enabled miracles that should have been impossible. In scientific terms, mana was akin to a singularity—a point where normal rules ceased to apply.

"I don’t need to rely solely on gravity magic."

Yujin believed in his intuition and newfound ability to calculate with unparalleled precision. As a dragon, he could now perceive the flow of time, the resonance of space, and other phenomena imperceptible to ordinary beings.

By combining these new insights with his scientific knowledge, he could bridge the gap between magic and science.

Though not a scientist, Yujin had a solid educational background. Before becoming an Awakener, he had completed his university studies, including courses in physics that had once seemed outdated in a world dominated by mana.

Perhaps his interest in physics had been fueled by nostalgia, a way to honor his parents who had valued such knowledge.

"No, that’s probably just nonsense."

Chuckling at his own musings, Yujin began jotting down notes on the paper.

Tiamat watched him with growing amazement.

"This is knowledge? Such an idea… I've never encountered it before."

Tiamat, born into a world overflowing with mana since its inception, found the concept of physics both unfamiliar and refreshing. Naturally, this was to be expected.

Mana, along with aura, divine power, and demonic energy—the four fundamental forces—far surpassed the physical laws that served as the foundation of physics. Dragons were masters of mana, after all.

Their very existence was proof that physical laws were rendered meaningless. How could a discipline like physics ever flourish under such conditions?

However, the knowledge Yujin brought from his otherworldly origins sparked something new within her. For the first time, she felt a more systematic understanding of the concept of space-time, which she had previously only grasped instinctively.

She spoke without thinking.

"Yujin, let me teach you about space-time magic."

"Huh? There’s no need to, at least not right now."

"It’s not about need. I’m just curious. If we could integrate this knowledge into existing magic, imagine how far it could develop."

"Well, if it’s for that reason..."

Following her words, Yujin absorbed Tiamat’s teachings on space-time magic. For the first time, he fully understood how techniques like the time-stopping spell he had previously used as a dragon could occur.

"This is interesting. Shall we continue?"

Space-time magic, fundamentally, was not something mortals could easily wield. However, Yujin started to think that perhaps it could be adapted into a form that even mortals might manage to use in its most basic aspects.

***

Three days later.

"It’s done."

"It’s done indeed."

Yujin murmured as he finished drafting his thesis, while Tiamat, observing from the side, echoed his sentiment.

The groundwork for a new branch of space-time magic had been laid.

On the desk he had conjured into existence, two piles of papers lay neatly separated. One stack contained the full and detailed documentation of this new branch of space-time magic. The other was a condensed, sanitized version, with only the theories and a handful of basic formulas included, prepared for submission.

Critical magic formulas and easily decipherable theoretical elements had been omitted. Even the foundational theories were structured in such a way that they would be incomprehensible without a proper understanding of modern physics.

As the stack labeled "submission copy" implied, Yujin intended to present it to the Magicians’ Association. This would safeguard against the theft or misuse of his magic.

Above all, Yujin had no intention of publicizing the full content of his research. Technology itself might be neutral, but those who used it were not. Humans were beings capable of both good and evil.

In a world where the misuse of his space-time magic could lead to unforeseeable consequences, there was no way he would recklessly allow it to become widespread.

"Well then, shall we head out?"

Yujin gathered the submission copy, smiled, and exited the dimensional pocket. As he prepared to leave the inn, he ran into Mary, who was cleaning.

"Yujin! Heading out to eat?"

She knew he had been locked in his room for the past few days, absorbed in some sort of research. She had even brought meals to his room on several occasions when he skipped eating altogether.

It seemed he was finally emerging for a meal.

"I’ll eat later. I need to deliver this to the Magicians’ Association first."

"Huh? What’s that?"

Mary asked, pointing to the thesis in his hand. Yujin smiled and replied.

"The results of three days of research."

"What? Already finished?"

"Yes. I’ll submit it quickly and then come back for dinner."

With that, Yujin left the inn and headed toward the Magicians’ Association building in the labyrinth city.

"The Magicians’ Association prioritizes the pursuit of knowledge above all. No matter how skilled a magician is, they are not recognized unless they meet academic standards."

That was why he had prepared. A card that could place the Association in a subordinate position.

With this, at least, he wouldn’t have to worry about the Association bothering him about magic-related matters within the labyrinth city. Surely, even Tiamat would be satisfied with this level of resolution.

Thinking as such, Yujin reached the Association building. A guard-like magician standing at the entrance stopped him.

"Halt! This is the headquarters of the Magicians’ Association. State your business."

"I’m here to submit a thesis."

"A thesis...?"

The magician glanced at the stack of papers in Yujin’s hand, then scrutinized Yujin’s appearance, his expression immediately souring.

"You’re from the East, aren’t you? What business does someone from a land with no ties to magic have submitting a thesis—"

"I am a magician, though."

Yujin casually lit a flame in his hand, making the guard’s expression shift slightly. But that was all.

"Fine. What’s the topic of your thesis?"

"Space-time magic."

"...What?"

The magician’s face contorted as if he had misheard. But seeing Yujin’s serious expression, he laughed in disbelief.

"Hah, this guy. Do you think magic is a joke? Just because you’re a magician doesn’t make you equal to others. Someone like you, with no affiliation, talking about space-time magic? Don’t make me laugh. Now get—"

"Would proof suffice?"

"What?"

Yujin pulled a gold coin from his dimensional pocket, and the magician’s eyes widened, realizing that Yujin could use such advanced magic. But what followed left the magician utterly speechless.

Yujin flicked the coin into the air, then pointed a finger at it.

A magic circle unfolded at his fingertip.

The coin froze in mid-air.

"....!!!"

Around the coin, a sphere of grayish light formed, halting not only its motion but also any detectable energy or air currents within it.

It was as if time itself had stopped.

"Uh, uh..."

"Now, do you believe me?"

Yujin smiled gently at the dumbfounded magician.

Not long after, the Magicians’ Association was in an uproar.