Chapter 66: The Classes Have Begun
The classes at the Royal Academy are divided into mandatory subjects and elective courses based on each department. For the Magic Department, the six mandatory subjects are Introduction to Magic, Magic Acquisition, Herbology, History of Magic, Monster Studies, and Practical Magic.
As for elective courses, students can choose from Alchemy, Magic Medicine, Barrier Techniques, Astronomy, Magical Biology, Divination, Ancient Languages, and more. Additionally, students can also take classes from other departments, including those that teach the necessary refinements for nobility, such as Dance, Lady’s Education, and Etiquette.
The first class that Rest and the others would face was Introduction to Magic, one of the core subjects for the Magic Department.
“I will introduce myself once more… I am Nefili Kader, the homeroom teacher for Class A, and I will be in charge of Introduction to Magic and Practical Magic! You may call me Ms. Kader, or simply ‘Mom’!”
The teacher who appeared in the Class A classroom was a woman—Ms. Kader. She had strong features and flaxen hair tied back, a teacher they had seen during the guidance session on the day of the entrance ceremony.
“Now that I am your homeroom teacher, I will be strict with you. Those who do not meet my expectations may find themselves dropped to Class B before the final exams!”
Class assignments are primarily determined by the results of entrance exams and final tests, but there are cases where the discretion of the teacher can lead to promotions or demotions. It seemed that Ms. Kader was quite a strict type of instructor.
“Now, let’s begin the lesson… Ruid Jistal, stand up!”
“Huh? Me!?”
Ms. Kader pointed her teaching stick at one of the students. A boy who had been stifling a yawn stood up in a panic.
“I will now discuss Introduction to Magic, so tell me about the Five Great Magics in general magical studies!”
“Uh, um…”
Perhaps due to the surprise of being called out, he was unable to answer, even though the question was a basic one that had appeared on the entrance exam.
“One point deducted. You are one step closer to being dropped to Class B.”
“W-What!?”
“Next… Primula Rosemary! Please answer!”
“Yes, understood.”
The next student called upon was Primula, who sat next to Rest. She stood up calmly, taking a light breath before responding.
“The Five Great Magics are Elemental Magic, Biological Magic, Object Magic, Summoning Magic, and Faith Magic.”
“Excellent, correct.”
As Primula answered with composure, Ms. Kader nodded in approval.
“Elemental Magic uses attributes like fire and water. Biological Magic enhances the body and performs Healing. Object Magic interacts with inanimate objects like rock and metal. Summoning Magic involves calling forth magical creatures from other realms. Faith Magic involves offering magical power to deities, angels, or spirits in exchange for miracles. These are considered the foundational Five Great Magics in modern magic. Additionally, remember to study Alchemy, which involves creating potions and magical tools, and Barrier Techniques, which interact with space.”
Ms. Kader glared at the entire classroom before focusing on another student.
“Now, Jewel Ezel. List all the magics you will learn in the Magic Department from the Five Great Magics!”
“Um… Elemental Magic, Biological Magic, and Object Magic…”
A timid-looking girl with glasses answered cautiously.
“Very well. Do you know why the other two are not covered in the Magic Department?”
“Um… Faith Magic is studied in the Department of Clergy. Summoning Magic can summon dangerous magical creatures if it fails, so only those with special permission can use it… right?”
“Correct. Now, regarding the magical disasters caused by failures in Summoning Magic… Rest, please answer.”
(This is it…!)
Rest held his breath and stood up. It was a somewhat challenging question, but it was something he had studied during exam preparation.
“Fifteen hundred years ago, during the Ancient Diamond Dynasty, a Demon was summoned for war against a neighboring country, resulting in the capital being destroyed overnight by the army of demons that appeared. More recently, about twenty years ago, a research facility within the Geisel Empire mysteriously caught fire, resulting in the deaths of all the researchers. While the Empire has not disclosed the details, nearby residents reported seeing a Giant of Flames, suggesting that it may have been caused by a failure in Summoning Magic.”
“Very well. That is correct.”
It seemed Ms. Kader was pleased with his answer. A satisfied smile crept onto her lips. Rest let out a sigh of relief and sat back down.
“It is not uncommon for the caster to be injured when magic fails, not just in Summoning Magic. To prevent such damage, it is beneficial to firmly grasp the fundamental aspects of magic. Although Introduction to Magic is often overlooked due to its basic nature, do not forget that it is important precisely because it is foundational.”
Ms. Kader struck the blackboard with her teaching stick and opened the textbook.
“Now, let’s continue the lesson. Open your textbooks to page ten.”
Finally, it seemed the preliminary remarks for the class had concluded. Ms. Kader began the lesson in earnest, and the students started copying the content written on the board into their notebooks. Although she appeared to be a strict teacher, her teaching style was clear and engaging, preventing the students from becoming bored. Rest and the others completed their first class since entering the academy, filled with tension.