Chapter 9
Chapter 9
I had a bad dream.
A dream about rummaging through trash, stealing bread out of hunger.
I woke up with a slight dizziness and slowly raised my upper body. When I opened my eyes, my entire body was soaked in cold sweat.
Was it Beorne’s memories?
This was not the first time someone else’s memories appeared in the form of dreams.
Taking in an ability meant taking in memories as well.
But this was the first time such dark memories felt this real.
Somehow, I felt like I understood why he had been so obsessed with money.
If this was a nightmare, then maybe it really was one.
Thanks to that, my condition was at its worst. A perfect state to attend the academy.
I decided to wash my sweat-soaked body.
Basic Mana Studies.
A subject that teaches how to efficiently use the mana that composes the human body.
It is a mandatory first-year course regardless of department, and because of the large number of students, it is usually held in a large lecture hall.
Every human is born with mana.
The amount differs from person to person, but its universal presence makes it extremely important.
Depending on how efficiently one uses it, combat ability can change drastically.
“Good morning. I am Albert, the professor for Basic Mana Studies.”
A young man stood at the front of the lecture hall, addressing the students.
He had calm blue hair and wore glasses.
Perhaps due to workload, deep dark circles under his eyes gave him a sharp impression.
After a brief introduction, he adjusted his glasses and spoke again.
“I will be teaching you for the next year. Nice to meet you all.”
This subject spanned the entire first year, so they would be seeing each other for a long time.
Albert did not rush into the lesson on the first day.
“Today is the first class. Before we begin proper lessons, I will explain the course structure.”
Mana is the fundamental force used in combat.
It can be controlled and developed into unique abilities depending on the user.
This course would first teach how to control mana itself.
Most first-year students could not properly use their power yet because they lacked training and experience.
This resulted in inefficient mana usage.
Correcting that alone would significantly improve performance.
“Mana usage requires understanding your own capacity,” Albert said, pointing to a purple crystal sphere on the podium.
“This is a mana measuring device. Today, we will end class by measuring your total mana capacity. I will demonstrate first.”
He placed his hand on the crystal and poured mana into it.
Light spread through the sphere, projecting a number into the air.
37000
He removed his hand after checking the result.
“Place your hand on it and pour your mana into it. The average human has about 420 units of mana. Since you are all first-years, you likely won’t differ much.”
If someone had talent or experience, they might exceed 1000.
“Mana increases with use. There is a limit, but still. Just like intelligence differs between individuals, mana capacity also varies. Some grow faster depending on talent.”
Albert wiped his glasses with a handkerchief.
“Do not be discouraged by your results. You have simply not used mana yet. No one here is without talent. Even I do not know whose potential is the highest.”
He had seen cases where underperforming students suddenly rose to the top, and others who stagnated despite early promise.
Thus, today’s results meant nothing absolute.
Everyone here was still an uncut gem.
“Now, come up one by one in order.”
Students began stepping forward as names were called.
Most results were similar, though combat magic students generally scored higher than swordsmanship students.
Then some exceptional students appeared.
A from Class A, Rena, recorded 2700.
B from Class B, Wendy, recorded 3200.
The students began arguing.
“B Class is stronger than A Class? Wendy is on another level.”
“She’s ranked 4th in the year.”
“If she’s that strong, is she the top student?”
“No, the top entrance exam score came from A Class. They just haven’t measured yet.”
All eyes turned toward the final student.
Iria.
White hair flowed as she walked forward.
“She’s the one?”
“She’s insanely pretty.”
She stepped onto the stage without awareness of the attention she drew.
And placed her hand on the crystal.
[84]
Silence fell.
“…What?”
“…Seriously?”
It was still the highest in the back of the rankings, technically.
Someone muttered.
“What the hell is she?”
It was Spring.
After morning classes, during break time.
Iria sat outside when Rena approached and sat beside her.
“Don’t worry. It must be an error. Don’t be too upset.”
Iria said nothing.
She did not care.
As a monster, she could barely use mana at all. Even having any was fortunate.
It was likely due to having eaten a mage with mana regeneration ability.
This might even be the first case of a monster using mana.
So she was satisfied.
“I’m fine,” she said.
But Rena did not believe her and pinched her cheeks.
“Your face looks so sad!”
“I’m reahly fine…”
They stretched her cheeks until she could barely speak.
Eventually Rena let go.
“Just kidding. Let’s go to the next class.”
She pulled Iria away.
Watching them were Lucia and her attendants.
“So that’s the top first-year student?”
“It seems so.”
But they quickly lost interest.
There was no overwhelming presence.
No remarkable mana.
Lucia smirked.
“This should be easy to take.”
She expected more.
But perhaps the conclusion was simple.
Iria was not strong.
The others were simply weak.
A ranking match would likely be held soon.