Magic Class (1)
I've heard the news. Kael, you chose the Art Department? Our family is the shield that guards the Empire from the front lines as a border count family. And yet you dare to pick the Art Department over Swordsmanship or Magic? When you return to Lotus Territory, come have a talk with me.
I sighed. How was it that even after fleeing all the way to the capital, I couldn't escape my father's nagging?
I neatly folded the letter from my father and tossed it into the fireplace.
"Young master. Shall I prepare a reply?"
"Make something up. Something along the lines that the academy's great, and I'm doing just fine."
"Understood."
"Once it's done, bring it to me. I'll add my mana signature."
I let out a deep sigh and pondered my schedule ahead.
For starters, I had zero intention of returning to Lotus Territory until vacation hit.
Just hold out, and keep holding out. Then, at the right moment, hand over succession rights to Kael's little brother in one fell swoop.
Where was Kael's little brother, you ask? Probably swimming around in Kael's mother's belly right about now.
Anyway, with no name yet and no appearance even in the original story, I'd pass the territory to this unborn sibling of Kael's, pocket the cash, and bail cleanly.
I had no desire to shoulder the responsibility.
That said...
"Oh, right. And tell Father to start training the soldiers ahead of time."
Lotus Territory was so far from the Empire that the kingdom was actually closer than the capital.
It wasn't for nothing that our family held the border count title. We needed to prep for battle early. That way, even after the war, there'd be more to pack up and take with us.
"Um... young master. Even so, shouldn't you write that yourself...?"
"Give it here."
Academy maids, honestly...
I snatched the stationery and quill from the maids' hands.
And scrawled just two lines.
-Signs of war preparations in the kingdom.
-Lotus Countship must maintain high alert for at least 3 years.
This ought to do it.
I added the anti-forgery mana signature, slipped it into an envelope, and sealed it with wax.
"This is my reply. Send it."
Lotus Territory could prep slowly like this. Next up: getting the crown prince back on track.
Academy regular classes were basically divided by department.
But the academy was a place of free learning. If you wanted, you could audit classes from other departments.
You just needed permission from the professor in question, and it counted as "approved observer attendance."
The process was a pain, so hardly anyone used it—but I went ahead and did it anyway.
Or rather, I got roped into it.
"Pleased to meet you all! I am Professor Rafel Straht, here to lecture you on basic magic theory!"
Rafel Straht stood on the auditorium stage, arms spread wide.
The crowd in the auditorium immediately started murmuring.
As you might guess from the venue being the grand auditorium, this class was insanely popular.
Roughly 150 students—probably the entire Magic Department plus a few auditors.
And the fact that this pint-sized professor was running the show? Unbelievable.
"An elf?"
"Her qualifications as a professor seem... dubious."
The noble academy students tossed out guesses and impressions. Some figured she was an elf; others just saw an arrogant kid.
But the next instant, mouths snapped shut.
"Such disorder. Do you lot not know auditorium etiquette?"
A massive magic circle enveloped the entire auditorium, flashing with brilliant yellow light.
Then frost descended inside.
Dark ceiling blending with glowing blue frost—like gazing at a starry Milky Way.
Gasps of awe rippled through the students.
""Whoa...""
How the hell did she do that?
But the real shocker was her mana control.
How could anyone wield mana so freely? Incredible.
I hadn't even made a magic circle yet.
"Ready for the lecture now?"
At Professor Rafel's question, students nodded in stunned silence.
I was no different.
"As you know, magic books all start the same way. Borrowing the power of unseen spirits, or the great Creator. Power of the stars, or nature answering the call."
Expressions I'd heard plenty while self-studying magic.
But then Professor Rafel slammed the blackboard and bellowed.
"Forget that useless drivel from now on! It's just myths humans cooked up before understanding mana."
She declared it outright.
Then went further, demanding everyone discard every magic book they'd ever read or owned.
"Magic theory's been wrong from the start. It's just shoddy crutches for the average to chase geniuses. Geniuses don't babble about stars or Creators. They just cast. Past or present, results come from geniuses—and theory's just after-the-fact rationalizing by the masses."
And she denied it all.
Every magic theory to date.
"My job is turning you into magic geniuses. Wipe theory and mana formulas from your heads. I'll demonstrate spells, you imitate. That's the genius way. Any questions?"
"Professor, what if we're not geniuses?"
Fair question.
But Professor Rafel scoffed.
"Then become one. I told you—I'll make you geniuses. You can't without the genius method. Arrogant and irresponsible? Sure."
She held up one finger.
"But remember: the world doesn't wait for your efforts. Skip magic here? Fine. You've never had a shot at the genius way before—so etch this chance deep."
No sooner said than she moved to one corner of the stage.
Extended her hand opposite, deployed a magic circle.
Keeeng—!
A small red circle. Then a fireball shot out.
Slammed the wall—boom!—and exploded.
Thankfully, the auditorium's magic barriers kept damage at bay.
"First assignment: practice till you replicate it by next week. No restrictions on method—genius or average, your call. But remember: theory's trash. Cramming books? I guarantee you won't make it in a week."
She tapped her head firmly.
She clearly had no plans for stragglers. Only those who kept up.
Efficient, in a way. Coddling everyone just drags down the level. The world runs on elites anyway—might be right for cultivating them.
"Oh, and..."
Professor Rafel paused, eyes shifting quietly.
"...?"
Our gazes met.
She smiled faintly.
"Magic isn't memorization. Don't rote-copy circles—build your own originality. Orientation today, so class ends here. And Kael Lotus. You stay."
Class wrapped in under 30 minutes. Blink, and it was over.
And I got singled out by the professor for reasons unknown.
"Why'd you keep me?"
I eyed Professor Rafel, who'd called me out alone, with zero enthusiasm.
She pointed at the now-empty auditorium.
"Haven't seen your magic yet. Perfect quiet spot to focus, no?"
That jogged my memory.
Right. I'd never shown her any magic.
I closed my eyes, concentrated. Felt the thread-like mana flows, like when my hand was in the slime.
Whoosh—!
Flames bloomed over my hand.
Oh, bigger now.
Thanks to the slime fight in Professor Temiri's basement and diligent practice.
Tiny difference to most eyes, but...
"Ooh... incredible."
Fwoosh—
I cut the mana. Flames died.
"That enough? As you saw, nothing special. Could mimic a fireball or whatever, but it fizzles in seconds."
"Nonsense! This is momentous!"
"What?"
"You're a true genius! Geniuses do have their own way!"
She grabbed my shoulders and shook wildly.