He made it as the 4th most powerful mage through hard work alone and no talent. He's the model of diligence for anyone who's low. I don't know what he's dismayed at.
I like the hints of natural philosophy from the cyclops. This manga would be better if they just went on doing experiments and figuring out the rules.
Also, the fox one was a she?
If you're going to be labelled a traitor anyway you might as well kill the rapist. Author shies away from portraying violence but is fine with explicit sexuality... I don't understand.