Kapitel 112: Magic Theory

-Couple days later

The bright luminescence of the holographic screen illuminates the room, casting a spectral light on the various faces. Professor Feron, with his tall stature and sharp gaze, stands confidently at the front of the class.

"Everyone here is aware that you don't need a magic circle to cast spells," he begins, looking intently at the screen, his hands moving effortlessly to bring up various illustrations. "Simple spells can be cast without incantations or magic circles. In fact, if your affinity is high enough you might be able to cast low mid-tier ranking spells."

I glance over at Lysandra, half expecting her to be disinterested or even dozing off. To my surprise, she's fully attentive, her eyes keenly following Professor Feron's movements. Her unusual seriousness makes me smile. At least she's trying to learn. Though, given her unique circumstances, most human methods of circulating mana might not work for her. I make a mental note to help her find a suitable method. She doesn't really need it since she feels mana more naturally than others but it might help her gain some insight.

Professor Feron continues his demonstration, raising both hands. On one side, a vibrant flame bursts to life without any visible incantation or circle. On the other hand, with a slightly complex and time-consuming motion, another flame appears, this time with a glowing magic circle underneath.

"Notice the difference?" Feron asks rhetorically, looking around the class. "Casting with incantations or magic circles will have a slight delay. However, it can make a significant difference."

His gaze scans the room and, to my dismay, it lands squarely on me. "V," he calls, his voice carrying a hint of challenge, "please compare the flames on my hands."

I groan inwardly. Why couldn't he have chosen someone else? Why not pick on Isabella? Did he get tired of her answering every question right? My gaze flits to Lysandra, noticing her curious expression. I push away my initial reluctance and straighten up, preparing to answer.

Standing up, I begin, "The flame on your left hand was cast without a magic circle, while the one on the right utilized one. Although casting fire without a circle or incantation is faster and can be done more effortlessly, it doesn't hold the same power. When casting with a magic circle, the mana is stabilized, making it not only easier to cast but also significantly amplifying the power and range of the spell. This, of course, comes at the cost of slightly higher mana consumption and the time it takes to cast. You also need an understanding of mathematics in order to create magic circles."

I pause for a moment, catching my breath and checking Lysandra's reaction. She's still watching intently, absorbing every word. Ugh, I better explain it all while I'm standing. I continue, "Incantations, on the other hand, are completely different. Regardless of which of the ancient languages one uses, it takes considerably longer to cast, and enemies might be able to prevent an attack if they decipher the incantation in time. However, the real advantage of incantations lies in their application for high-ranking spells. They can greatly reduce the mana consumption needed for casting."

I finally finish, feeling a weight lift off my chest. The class is silent for a moment, many students staring at me with bewildered expressions, likely wondering how I could recall such a detailed analysis on the spot. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Isabella, her lips pursed in evident annoyance. That's expected, my response is not so different from the one she gave.

Feron nods slowly, his face unreadable. "An impressive breakdown, V. Take your seat."

Elara leans over, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief and admiration. "Wow, that was a perfect answer, V. I didn't expect you to know so much regarding magic."

I sigh, rubbing my temples. Did I say too much? I registered myself in swordsmanship. Most swordsmen don't really bother diving deep into magic beyond the basics, given their focus is on aura. So her reaction is understandable.

From my other side, Lysandra lets out a dramatic groan. "I don't get it," she says, her voice dripping with boredom. Despite her efforts to comprehend, it seems like every word I said just flew over her head.

The professor, breaking our little circle of reactions, adds, "Unless you're a stage one mage, the chances of creating a proper magic circle are extremely low. Some of you are adept at casting magic circles, but since many have only recently achieved stage-one mage status, I want you all to write a paper on the fundamentals." He pushes up his glasses. "I'll be ending the class now. I have some pressing matters to attend to."

I groan and stretch out my limbs. Ugh, this class is always so tedious.

Elara, with her ever-present cheerfulness, pops the question. "Hey V, do you want to study together? We can help each other with our assignment."

Seriously? Amongst the lot, she's pretty normal, but there's something about her vibe... it's just draining. I glance over at Lysandra, who is now trying to mold her mana into some shape, probably a steak or something equally stupid.

"I'm sorry, Elara," I say, shaking my head. "I'm already busy dealing with this new one here." I jerk my thumb toward Lysandra, who gives me an annoyed look in return.

Elara chuckles. "Sure thing. Just let me know when you're free."

I'm about to drag Lysandra out of the classroom when Isabella steps in our way, her piercing eyes fixated on me. "Oi, you barbarian, when did you learn all that? Only mages should be aware of those details. Since you're here for aura mastery, you should have just a basic understanding of this."

My temper flares. This damn annoying bitch! Will she ever learn to respect others? Holding back a sigh, I click my tongue in annoyance. "What I know has—"

"Your reaction to the question tells me that you understand magic theory quite well," Isabella interrupts me, her voice dripping with icy condescension. "This is not something you can just skim through. Oi, you bastard, what the hell is your deal? Are you looking down on magic, thinking you can master both aura and magic? Choose one." She sneers, her cold, egoistic tone making my blood boil. Fucking shit, I swear to God, this bitch needs a beating.

Before I can even retort, Lysandra, her temper already short and hunger evident in her eyes, slams her head back in annoyance. She clicks her tongue, her voice dripping with frustration. "Fuck! I just want to eat something good! Get your annoying ass out of our way!" In a swift motion, she grabs Isabella by the shirt collar, making several classmates gasp.

I'm internally screaming, praying she won't escalate the situation. But when Isabella fixes Lysandra with a chilling, disdainful gaze and shakes off her grip, declaring, "Oi, don't touch me, you dirty commoner. I'm asking this animal a question," my hopes are dashed.

Lysandra's face reddens with anger. "Blah Blah this! Blah Blah that! Why the hell do you give a fuck!? Did those damn breasts inflate that pathetic ego of yours!? Get the fuck out of my way before I beat your ass. That fucking face of yours pisses me off!"

She's hungry. That's the only explanation. She gets super cranky when she's hungry. Her stupid decleration that she wouldn't eat mana anymore has her acting like this.

Thinking on my feet, I quickly conjure up a fireball and hand it to Lysandra. She looks at the fireball, her anger momentarily forgotten, allowing me a quick breather.

But Isabella isn't done. She narrows her eyes, her expression darkening. "Oi, move you barbarian. I'm going to put her in her place."

Put her in her place? No way am I letting this escalate. The classroom would be destroyed, and I'd be left cleaning up the mess. I sigh, shaking my head. "I can't let you do that, Isabella."

She scoffs, her voice dripping with mockery. "Do you honestly think that with your pathetic abilities you can beat me?"

I can't help but grin. "Hahaha! No way. But she can." As I say this, I pull Isadora, who's just passing by in the hallway, into the scene. The timing couldn't have been more perfect.

Isadora's face remains as emotionless as ever, her aura radiating a sense of calm power. She doesn't say a word, but her presence alone is enough of a deterrent. Hehehe~ This is a perk for befriending the scariest girl in this grade... apart from Biana that is.

Hiding behind Isadora, I stick my tongue out childishly at Isabella, trying to lighten the mood. "I dare you to fight me."

Isabella clicks her tongue in annoyance. "You pathetic bastard," she mutters before turning on her heel and walking away, the classroom filled with the sound of her departing footsteps.

★

The next class has me feeling both relieved and tense. Relieved because, at least for now, Biana's deadly aura has been replaced by the drowsy, non-threatening demeanor of a sleepy cat. Tense, because despite that, I can still feel the lingering threat behind her messy hair and soft snores. Every so often, she mumbles something unintelligible, and I do my best to keep my eyes on the front. Thank god the potion wore off, I don't know what would happen between her and Lysandra if it didn't.

Behind me, Lysandra's presence is like a beacon, her constant shifting and restless energy never allowing me to forget she's there. Tsk, why does she keep playing with her mana? I glance sideways. On one side, there's Isadora, who seems to have finally decided to sit next to us, of course, I convinced her with a coconut. The other side, to my dread, is occupied by Biana. Her posture slouched, her long hair spilling over the table. I have to resist the urge to shove her off the table. Not only would that be suicidal, but the entire Academy would probably hate me for it.

A sudden tap on my arm jolts me from my internal lament. It's Biana. Her big, unfocused eyes stare at me for a moment before she yawns, causing her voice to be less lazily slurred than usual.

"Yo," she says, causing goosebumps to prickle up my arm.

"What do you want, Biana?" I ask warily.

She gives a slow grin, all teeth and mischief. "Hehe, don't worry, as long as you don't betray me again, I won't hurt you."

I rub my temples, irritated. You bitch. I think with a silent growl. I won't let it happen again. That is not something I will ever experience, ever again.

Before I can react or reply, Professor Ayla's voice rings out, silencing the entire class. "Tomorrow, you will all be sparring with Class B. This is a good opportunity to learn from each other. However, for today, I want you all to design a battle formation together. Your teamwork needs improvement. Class B has shown great teamwork compared to all of you."

The subtle jab doesn't go unnoticed, and I can't help but snort. Tsk, what the hell did she expect? I mean, look at this class. Two siblings constantly at each other's throats, fighting for the throne. A completely egoistic noble. Sure, Rai, Flora, Kaida, and Arin are normal, but the rest of us? We're a ticking time bomb.

Isabella strides over to my desk, cutting through the earlier discussion. With her customary condescension, she sneers down at me, "Oi, you commoner, come with me. You still haven't answered my questions."

Tsk, goddammit. Every fiber of my being screams to remain seated, to defy her yet again. But I glance at Lysandra, her eyes clearly warning of another explosive reaction, and I resign myself. I better get this over with before Lysandra sets the whole classroom on fire.

Sighing, I rise from my seat and follow her out of the classroom. The second we're alone, she wheels around to face me, her piercing eyes glaring holes into my soul. "Are you planning to become a mage or an aura master?"

Ah, this again? Why is she so damn curious all of a sudden? Her insistence makes my annoyance bubble up, and I reply with a simple, "I'll be both."

Her reaction is immediate. With a swift motion of her hand, several magical arrows manifest, encircling me menacingly. Her voice drips with a chilling threat. "Do you think this is a joke? Becoming a single one of those is already hard enough and you're saying you'll be both? Should I kill you here?"

My eyes narrow. This annoying, arrogant, ego-filled girl. Why did I design her character to be such a pain? Taking a deep breath, I respond, "What's the big deal? So what if I want to master both aura and magic? That's none of your damn business."

She clicks her tongue, and for a moment, her anger subsides, replaced by what almost looks like contemplation. "I read your file," she starts, making me internally groan. What now? "Your potential is not bad for a commoner," she continues, causing me to blink in surprise. An almost-compliment? From her? "To think you'd be stupid enough to choose both options, but I guess you are a barbarian so I'll let it go. I've been in need of a servant. No one seemed fit for the role, but you... your knowledge in magic theory is unexpected. Forget your ludicrous goal. Focus on magic and become my servant. Your attitude, however, requires refining, but with a bit of training, that can be handled."

Is she out of her mind? My jaw clenches, anger boiling beneath the surface. She wants me to become her pet? After all this disrespect?

"Hahaha," I chuckle incredulously. "You're something else. The audacity to belittle me constantly, and then have the nerve to ask me to work for you? I'd be mad to say yes. But your proposal did give me a good laugh. So, let's do this: You think I can't master both aura and magic, right? Let's make a bet. In two months, there will be duels in both the magic theory and swordsmanship classes. If I lose even one match, in either category, I'll serve you for a year. But if I win both matches, you will treat me as your equal. No more of this condescending crap."

Isabella looks taken aback, likely not expecting my counteroffer. Her eyes narrow as she considers it. The tension in the air is palpable, and I can't help but grin inwardly. I've finally caught her off guard.

She holds out her hand, sealing the deal. "Fine, it's a bet. Prepare to become my servant, commoner."