...
“...So, the seven listed above are the representative First-Tier spells for each of the seven magic elements. You must memorize these incantations well, as well as the mana circuits when casting the magic.”
Collette pointed her wand at the blackboard that had been brought out to the playground, speaking with a serious expression. The board was already covered with various mana circuit diagrams, representing the First-Tier spells of the seven attributes.
Because of the immense strength Collette had demonstrated earlier, the students had become quite convinced of her abilities and were listening intently. Even though she had initially given off an unreliable impression, that vibe was now being embraced as a charming quirk of her personality.
“Although you only need to master one of these elements in the end, grasping the basics of all magic will only bring you benefits, not harm. So, do your best, everyone~! By the way, this is also your main goal for this academic year. As long as you can master one of these spells before the end of the school year, you'll pass this year's magic class!”
Collette spoke with a sweet smile, delivering news that brought immense despair to most of the students.
“Eh?! Why is there an exam?”
“Ahhh! I hate exams and tests the most...”
“Teacher Collette, can we please not have an exam?”
Quite a few students began to wail in protest.
“No can do~! Even if you beg me, it won't work, because these are rules from above~!”
“Aw, how can you do this to us?”
Collette's reply dealt another blow to the students' spirits.
“Teacher Collette,” a student raised their hand and asked, “since we only need to master one magic element, is there no way for us to directly find out what our Magic Aptitudes are? Wouldn't that save a lot of time?”
“Oh, that's true! There's that option!”
Everyone instinctively turned their gaze toward Collette.
“Hmm... Well, I really want to tell you that there is indeed a way to test a person's Magic Aptitude or even their talent level...”
Collette answered hesitantly.
“Really? So there is one!”
The students instantly grew hopeful.
But before their excitement could peak, Collette immediately doused them with a bucket of cold water.
“But unfortunately, that method cannot be widely promoted.”
“Aw, why? Since there's a way, why can't we use it?”
The crowd felt disappointed yet deeply puzzled.
Collette explained, “This is mainly because the magic items capable of measuring talent are all excavated from certain special ancient ruins. Not only are these items rare, they are also extremely precious. Usually, they are kept and managed by the royal family in the royal capital, and it's absolutely impossible to bring them out unless it's an absolute necessity. Furthermore, because these magic items involve lost ancient magical techniques, we have absolutely no way to replicate them with our current technology, so this method of evaluation can't be put into general practice at all.”
“Sigh... I see.”
Everyone couldn't help but feel a wave of disappointment.
Lost ancient magical techniques?
Hearing this term, Shulim fell into deep thought.
Semilis must surely know what that technology is like. After all, she can use that kind of magic directly without even relying on magic items...
Just as the thought crossed her mind, Shulim immediately shook her head.
Even if she knew Semilis possessed this knowledge, she wouldn't ask Semilis to do anything because of it. It didn't suit her personality. Besides, did Semilis not know that a vast amount of ancient magical technology had been lost on the surface?
Of course she knew. Yet despite knowing, she had chosen not to interfere, which meant there must be reasons why she couldn't step in. When it came to understanding this world, the Six Gods of Tiramsuin were surely the ones who knew the most.
To claim that the Six Gods didn't care about the mortal realm's survival was pure nonsense. After all, the Six Gods had been protecting the entire world from beginning to end, and in this world, the mortal realm was the foundation of everything. Since the Six Gods hadn't done anything about this matter, it could only mean that rashly intervening in it carried some hidden drawbacks that went unnoticed by the common people...
“Alright, alright, don't be so quick to feel down! Just like I said before, if you want to go far on the path of magic, mastering the basic magical knowledge of all attribute elements will be of great help!”
“This is a process of laying a foundation. The sturdier your foundation is, the smoother your future progress will be. The other six elements of magic may seem useless to you now, but in truth, all magic is interconnected. Understanding other elements can help you draw connections, thereby giving you a deeper comprehension of your own magic.”
Collette's explanation made the students temporarily accept the requirement of memorizing the First-Tier magic of all attributes.
“Excellent~! It seems everyone understands my words now. Well, while we still have time today, all of you should try practicing these seven spells first. See if you can sense the magic elements. If there's anything about the magic itself that you don't understand, you can ask me anytime~!”
“Ah, right! Students who have already mastered magic can practice on their own to the side. Of course, if you have any questions regarding magic, feel free to ask me at any time too.”
“Teacher Collette, I have a question. I don't really understand this mana circuit.”
“Let me see... Oh, this one? It runs like this...”
“Teacher Collette, I also have a question. Are there any requirements for the syllables of this incantation?”
“No, there aren't. In fact, it's impossible to have strict requirements. Since everyone's physical constitution is different, there will be variations when chanting the same incantation. You'll just have to grasp it slowly on your own...”
“Teacher Collette, I have a question.”
“Teacher Collette, I have a question too.”
“Teacher Collette...”
Watching Collette weave through the crowd and tirelessly answer everyone's questions, Shulim suddenly realized the difference between her and Semilis.
If Semilis was an existence standing at the peak of magic who directly grasped its core essence, then a magic teacher like Collette was someone who possessed the ability to extract the most appropriate amount of knowledge from the vast magical archive for students to absorb.
By its very nature, any field of knowledge was bound to be profoundly deep. However, a beginner could not possibly absorb that depth all at once. That was why knowledge had to be divided into different levels—from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced—guiding learners from the shallow to the deep. This way, even beginners could step-by-step approach the core of knowledge.
Although the magic Semilis taught her was probably the most perfect version of those spells in this world, Semilis was not a teacher by trade, nor did she possess the ability to directly convey this profound knowledge to her.
Therefore, most of the magic Semilis taught her relied entirely on Shulim's own comprehension. As for how much the spells she cast differed from the true power they were supposed to hold, she didn't know.
However, Semilis did say that her talent was exceptional. Thinking about it, the magic she cast probably didn't differ too much from the original versions...
At this thought, Shulim realized this might be an opportunity. She could consult Collette, and perhaps the teacher could provide her with a standard of judgment.
And so, she also raised her hand.
“Teacher Collette, I have a question I'd like to ask...”
...
Soon, school was over.
Before dismissing the class, Collette had told everyone, “Students, if you want to learn a specific element of magic, going to a matching environment will make it much easier. You can look for such places after school.”
She really was a professional. Shulim herself had only realized this after her mother pointed it out, but to Collette, it was simply common teaching knowledge.
Shulim couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
The crowd gradually dispersed, and the students began to head out of the school.
“Shulim, please wait a moment.”
Hearing the voice from behind, Shulim stopped and turned around to see Collette standing behind her, cradling her staff.
“Teacher Collette? Is something the matter?”
“Hmm... Well, it's not a major issue, really. Shulim, do you have some time right now?”
“...As long as it doesn't take too long, that's fine,” Shulim replied.
“That's great. Don't worry, it won't take long.”
Shulim followed Collette to the staff lounge, where no one would disturb their conversation.
“Teacher Collette, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?” Shulim asked.
“Well, before that, may I ask you a question first, Shulim? It wasn't quite convenient to ask during class.”
“A question? Sure. I'm also curious about what you'd like to ask, Teacher Collette.”
“Ah, it's so wonderful that you're so easy to talk to~!” Collette said happily.
“Then... tell me, Shulim. What is Orubet Hayeral to you?”
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