**Chapter 66: The Class Has Begun**
The classes at the Royal Academy are divided into mandatory subjects and elective subjects based on each department. For the Magic Department, the six mandatory subjects are *General Magic Theory*, *Magic Acquisition*, *Herbology*, *Magic History*, *Monster Studies*, and *Practical Magic*.
As for elective subjects, students can choose from *Alchemy*, *Magical Medicine*, *Barrier Magic*, *Astronomy*, *Magical Biology*, *Divination*, *Ancient Languages*, and more. Additionally, students have the option to take classes from other departments, as well as courses that teach essential skills for nobility, such as *Dance*, *Lady Education*, and *Etiquette*.
The first class that Rest and his classmates would face was *General Magic Theory*, one of the core subjects for the Magic Department.
“Let me introduce myself once again… I am Nephili Carder, the homeroom teacher for Class A and the instructor for *General Magic Theory* and *Practical Magic*! You may call me Ms. Carder, or simply ‘Mom’ if you prefer!”
The homeroom teacher who appeared in Class A was a woman named Ms. Carder. She had strong features and flaxen hair tied back, a familiar face from the orientation held on the day of the entrance ceremony.
“Now that I am your homeroom teacher, I will be strict with you all. If any of you perform poorly, don’t be surprised if you find yourselves dropped to Class B before the final exam!”
Class placements are primarily determined by the results of entrance exams and final tests, but teachers also have the discretion to promote or demote students. It seemed that Ms. Carder was quite a strict instructor.
“Now, let’s begin the lesson… Ruido Jistal, stand up!”
“Eh? Me!?”
Ms. Carder pointed her teaching stick at one of the students. Ruido, a boy who had been stifling a yawn, hurriedly stood up, flustered.
“I will now discuss *General Magic Theory*, so tell me about the five major types of magic in general magical studies!”
“Uh, um…”
Perhaps caught off guard by the sudden call, Ruido struggled to respond, even though the question was a basic one that had appeared in the entrance exam.
“Minus one point. You’re one step closer to being dropped to Class B.”
“W-What!?”
“Next… Primula Rosemary! Answer the question!”
“Yes, understood.”
The next student called upon was Primula, who sat next to Rest. She stood up calmly, took a light breath, and answered without hesitation.
“The five types are Elemental Magic, Bio Magic, Object Magic, Summoning Magic, and Faith Magic.”
“Excellent, that’s correct.”
As Primula answered with composure, Ms. Carder nodded approvingly.
“Elemental Magic utilizes attributes like fire and water. Bio Magic enhances the body and performs healing. Object Magic interferes with inanimate objects like rocks and metals. Summoning Magic involves commanding magical creatures summoned from other realms. Faith Magic involves offering magical power to deities, angels, or spirits in exchange for miracles. These are considered the five fundamental types of magic in modern practice. Additionally, remember that Alchemy, which creates potions and magical tools, and Barrier Magic, which interferes with space, are also important.”
Ms. Carder glared at the entire classroom before focusing on another student.
“Now, Jewel Easle. List all the types of magic that will be studied in this academy’s Magic Department!”
“Yes… Elemental Magic, Bio Magic, and Object Magic…”
A timid girl with glasses answered hesitantly.
“Correct. Now, do you know why the other two types are not covered in the Magic Department?”
“Um… Faith Magic is studied in the Priest Department. Summoning Magic can be dangerous if it fails, so only those with special permission can use it… right?”
“Good, that’s correct. Now, regarding the magical disasters caused by failed Summoning Magic… Rest, answer me.”
(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, demons were summoned for a war against a neighboring country, and the capital was 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. The Empire has not disclosed the details, but nearby residents reported seeing a giant of flames, suggesting that it may have been caused by a failure in Summoning Magic.”
“Excellent. That is correct.”
Ms. Carder seemed pleased with his answer, a satisfied smile curling at the corners of her mouth. Rest let out a sigh of relief and returned to his seat.
“Not only with Summoning Magic, but it is not uncommon for magic to injure the caster when it fails. To prevent such damage, it is beneficial to firmly grasp the fundamental aspects of magic. *General Magic Theory* may often be overlooked due to its basic nature, but remember that its importance lies precisely in that foundation.”
Ms. Carder struck the blackboard with her teaching stick and opened the textbook.
“Now, let’s continue with the lesson. Open your textbooks to page ten.”
Finally, it seemed the prelude to the class had come to an end. Ms. Carder began the lesson in earnest, and the students started copying the content written on the board into their notebooks. Though she appeared to be a strict teacher, Ms. Carder’s teaching style was clear and engaging, keeping the students from feeling bored. Rest and his classmates had completed their first class since entering the academy, filled with tension and anticipation.