"...In conclusion, based on the results of our replication experiments, we can reasonably determine that this paper failed to account for more complex practical applications. The Light orbs produced by this type of Spell Scroll cannot be readily moved or subjected to forceful contact.
They are far more fragile than those produced by the original spell, and all of this stems from their inherent instability..."
Roland continued reading the full article and discovered that it was not a mindless attack. The author had presented a reasoned argument supported by evidence.
"What he said actually seems to make some sense.
But that's also because they haven't fully grasped the meanings of the words or understood Eastern Philosophy.
Besides, laboratory spells and combat spells were different things to begin with!"
Roland became increasingly aware that he was unique, and so was Oracle.
He still had a long way to go before he could fit into this world.
Or... should I simply reshape this world instead?
Not long afterward, Roland, Froya, Skord, Yvonne, and the other senior students involved in the relevant experiments gathered in Laboratory 8003 to continue discussing the article.
After reading it, everyone agreed that the author was highly skilled and had picked out some particularly difficult flaws to address.
"There are many ways to cast spells. Scrolls fall under the category of item-based casting and are often used to compensate for a mage's limited spell allotment.
If a spell's structure is unstable, or its intended effect is unclear and prone to deviations, it really is hard to inspire confidence in its reliability."
"Those people have found a real weak spot!"
"Articles like this pose the greatest threat. If it were just a torrent of abuse and slander, it would actually be easier to counter."
There was no doubt that the other side had organized and planned its campaign against Roland and Oracle. After building momentum for so long, they had finally revealed their true intentions.
Everyone could not help feeling worried.
"They clearly came prepared. They want to attack these weaknesses before Oracle has established its standing.
If people form a negative first impression, even improvements later on might not win their acceptance."
Froya pinpointed their malicious intent with particular precision.
Roland silently nodded at her words.
That was probably their objective.
Oracle was certainly not flawless, nor was it necessarily a perfect fit for this world.
Although these discrepancies arose from differences in culture and ways of thinking, many people would choose to believe the article rather than trust Oracle the moment they read it.
The development of languages and writing systems did indeed have to account for the choices made by history. Some opportunities, once missed, were gone for good.
A moment later, however, he gave a calm smile.
"The way to counter an argument like this is, of course, with arcane results. Debating them is unlikely to accomplish much."
"Arcane results? You mean..."
Seeing that he remained so composed even now, everyone suddenly realized something.
Sure enough, Roland nodded with a smile. "As it happens, the earlier project has entered its final stages recently. The paper will be finished soon, and then I can submit it!"
During this time, Roland had not joined the debates on the magic network. Instead, driven by a determination to prove himself and Oracle, he had pushed the project forward.
His hard work had paid off. He had completed his research into rendering "Light" entirely in Oracle, leaving only a little finishing work.
The facts also proved that his original choice had been correct.
It was what gave him the confidence to respond when the other side finally revealed its intentions and posed a deadly threat.
"Exactly! Fight back with arcane results!"
Everyone wholeheartedly agreed.
"Our experiments are almost finished too. Let's put in a little extra effort and get them done in time for you to use!"
"The Archmage has provided plenty of funding. As long as we're willing to work a little harder, there won't be any problem!"
"Don't worry. We won't just avoid holding you back-we'll be able to help."
The connections he had made earlier proved their worth. The senior students were all willing to help their immensely promising junior bring the Spell Scroll improvement project funded by Archmage Ovesto to a successful conclusion.
Everyone immediately threw themselves into the final push, working overtime without complaint.
This was no longer Roland's concern alone. It also concerned the Orvisto Wizard Tower and the school they represented.
How could they possibly let those people ruin their brilliant junior?
Not a chance!
To that end, Roland made a special trip to the ninth floor to report to his teacher and seek his approval-confirming where his backer stood.
Ovesto readily encouraged him. "You're right. At a time like this, you should fight back with arcane results.
As far as I can see, there are no problems at all. It should pass review!"
In fact, he had been following the dispute in the arcane community from the very beginning. He had also privately arranged for people to rally public opinion against the attacks.
The results had not been particularly satisfactory, however. After all, the other side was not spewing mindless abuse; their arguments were supported by evidence.
As Roland's teacher, he was genuinely pleased that Roland had realized he needed to fight back with arcane results.
On platforms such as the Arcana Communications Journal and the Arcana Review, and everywhere on the magic network where people could voice their opinions, doubts and criticisms of Oracle continued.
Egged on by people with ulterior motives, they even grew more intense, gathering ever greater momentum.
"The single Oracle character for 'light' does not merely refer to such 'magical meanings' as radiance, brightness, and illumination. It can also refer to clearing away, being alone, smoothness, and other 'magical meanings.' Isn't that far too confusing?"
"Judging by its pictographic form in Oracle, 'light' resembles a person with fire above their head. It can readily resonate with the mana between heaven and earth, creating a chance that Light will carry a fire hazard!
The patterns involved are still unclear, but in principle, this is a cognitive mapping in which mental power influences mana. That falls under semiotics. Did the author never study semiotics before designing these characters? It should have been taught during his time as an apprentice student!"
"If the single runic character for 'light' is replaced with the two characters for 'bright light,' that would simply follow the old path of the Atrelin language, making the emergence of this writing system meaningless."
"Since other magical languages are already stable and useful enough, why choose Oracle at all?"
"This system devised by an apprentice mage has considerable merit as an academy graduation thesis, but talking about turning it into a magical language is simply far too ambitious..."
Amid the clamor of competing opinions, opposition and disparagement continued to mount.
Quite a few neutral mages were also influenced by the Orthodox Runes School's efforts to steer public opinion and came to believe that Oracle was nothing special.
As more and more "flaws" came to light, a "consensus" that Oracle was no good began to form.
Just then, however, the Arcana Review suddenly published an anonymous lead article. Someone had come forward to defend Roland.
"I've read yesterday's article criticizing Oracle. It was complete and utter bullshit!"
With that brief, pointed opening, he sounded the call to battle.
Before you continue