The Professor paced back and forth, left then right. With his every step, the students grew increasingly nervous. He had made an example of Maxwell Platinus, and he would surely do it again if given the chance.
"Hmm... Alright then," he muttered before facing the class. "Once again, I am Professor Archeota Lancinox. I've been teaching at Rhodeia for more than ten years, but never have I stood before a class of this size. It is an honor for me, and I hope you feel the same way. Even from here, I can see the fiery passion flickering in a few of you. Some— well... You'd be better off in another class. But I shall be the one to determine that, and rest assured... you do not want that to happen."
With his arms behind his back, he walked to the left of the stage.
"As you can probably tell, I am a rather strict professor. As the top class of this year's greenhorns, there is a standard I expect you to uphold. Not only did you survive the full week in the orientation trial, but you also proved to us here at Rhodeia that you can rise to the top. Whether or not you can retain that momentum remains to be seen."
He then turned around and walked toward the right.
"Additionally, all of you will serve as the representatives of Rhodeia's first-year students. To us, to your upperclassmen, and to the countless organizations scattered across the world who will be looking to Rhodeia College as an example. Here, you will find opportunities like no other, and I do hope that you take advantage of them. But allow me to be abundantly clear."
He halted at the center of the stage, his gaze sweeping across the class like a blade.
"You will not endure Rhodeia's curriculum by dumb luck. You will endure it by sharpening yourselves — by honing your abilities and pressing forward. Only then will you pierce the ceiling of your potential. And when you do, I assure you... the achievements of the future will be yours to seize. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Professor!" the class echoed in unison.
"Good. Now, today was meant only for you to grow familiar with your schedules, so I had not prepared a formal lesson. Instead, I shall present you with two choices. One: You may take the next fifty minutes for yourselves. Or two: I will remain here and answer any questions you may ask. Provided that everyone listens."
Silence. Not a single voice dared rise. After his commanding display, none were bold enough to speak. Whether from fear or from awe, Professor Archeota had etched his presence into every mind in that hall.
Then, from one of the middle rows, a hand was raised.
"Yes?" Archeota said, pointing at him.
"Kain Diadalin, Professor."
"Well met, young Diadalin. What say you?"
"If today was meant for us to familiarize ourselves with our schedule, we should take care to ask questions pertaining to the college for those of us who may still tread the dark."
"A sound reason for your suggestion. I happen to agree. Some of you may have only heard about Rhodeia through second-hand sources. Headlines, public announcements, or word of mouth. It would certainly prove beneficial for you to understand what Rhodeia College truly stands for. Of course, that is only my opinion. If anyone else would like to argue otherwise, you may speak."
Obviously, no one refuted. The professor mentioned that here at Rhodeia, they would see many opportunities. This was one of them, so to pass it up in favor of leisure was very much unacceptable.
Archeota let out a faint chuckle, which surprised everyone.
"Very good. You impress me with your desire for knowledge. Then, I give the floor to you, my students. Raise your hands, and I will call for you one at a time. Speak your names, and state your question."
This time, a single hand was raised immediately.
"Mora Blaise, Professor."
"Eagerness is often a curse more than it is a blessing," Archeota said. "But in this case, I shall consider it a blessing. What is it you would like to ask, Mora?"
"Among the known academic institutions across the western continent of Obertas, where does Rhodeia rank?"
"A valid question that induces curiosity. Rhodeia is a fine college, but due to its abnormally high expulsion rate, it is not at the top. We rank second only to the Arcana Spire, the premier collegial institution of magic. As you can probably imagine, it is highly competitive there, perhaps even more so than Rhodeia."
"I see. Thank you, Professor."
"Of course. Next question."
Much to Archeota's surprise, three hands were raised. He pointed at the first student he saw, whose head was a familiar blonde, and just like Aria, his eyes gleamed emerald.
"Asta D'Angelica, Professor."
A dry scoff escaped the professor.
"Two Imperial Highnesses in one class. This year promises to be insufferably extravagant. Go on."
"I'm sure a lot of us here are still wondering which major we should choose. If you'd be willing to bestow upon us your wisdom..."
"Mm. Truly a cause for concern. You are correct, Young Highness. Picking a major can be difficult, so allow me to make it just a little bit easier for you."
He walked toward the lectern, where a scabbard rested. Without a moment of hesitation, he snatched it away, unsheathed the blade, and shoved it into the floor.
"Rhodeia College is unique because we are separated into two components. The Faculty of Swordsmanship, and the Faculty of Magic. Historically, mages have been categorized by their affinity. The elements react differently to individual people depending on their mana sensitivity, if any at all. For example..."
The professor conjured a crystal-blue rune circle in the palm of his hand. Frosted air swirled outward, the chill sharp enough that students in the front row pulled their cloaks tighter.
"I am a mage with a deep affinity for ice. It has been the element I have honed since childhood, and it continues to define me."
A student in the second row raised her hand.
"Philia Sieghart, Professor," she said diligently.
"Go ahead."
"Although every mage is defined by a certain element, does that mean a mage is locked into it whether they want to be or not? For example, you are an ice mage. Could you also wield fire or earth?"
"A very good question,"—he raised his other hand, summoning a burning-red rune circle. The blaze roared to life, its heat clashing with the chill until the air between his palms wavered—"And the answer is no. Affinity does not lock you out of the others. It simply makes one path easier to walk."
The flames crackled, then dimmed to embers.
"Think of it this way. Every one of you was born with ears for music. But not all of you will hear the same notes clearly. Some of you will sense lightning's crackle as naturally as breath. Others may strain for years to shape even a spark of fire. And some of you — no matter how hard you try — may never conjure this pristine blue rune circle in your lifetime."
With that, he crushed the rune circles within the palm of his hands, reducing them to their natural state once more.
"That is how you mages will select your major. Pick the element that calls out to you. If you can only wield one element, that makes it even easier."
The students awed in unison. For the professor to explain it was one thing, but for him to give a practical demonstration was nothing short of impressive. Without meaning to, he had swerved their initial fear into respect.
Then, a lone hand rose into the air.
"Jean, Professor. Regrettably, I do not have a last name."
"It matters not, so long as you know yourself," Archeota reassured. "You may speak."
"What about us prospecting swordsmen?"
The hall froze. Not out of tension, but sheer bewilderment. Even Archeota had to stop and think about it for a moment.
"What do you mean, Jean?" he asked carefully.
"The advice you gave to prospecting mages was clear and inspiring. That's why I wanted to know if you had anything for us who wish to wield the sword."
Once more, total silence. The professor, along with everyone else, was just as confused.
"Well... If you wish to wield the sword, then I suggest majoring in swordsmanship."
As if that wasn't the most obvious answer in the world, Jean flinched as if struck by divine revelation.
"I see!" he exclaimed. "Thank you for your wisdom, Professor!"
He sat down, more certain of his path than ever. How much more certain, no one could say.
Archeota pinched the bridge of his nose before clearing his throat.
"Right then... moving on. Anyone else?"