As the curtain lifted, the faculty of Asteris Academy stood revealed, arranged with precision on the stage. At the very center, nine chairs were aligned with meticulous symmetry. The director's seat occupied the middle, flanked by three professors and the vice principal on her left, and four more professors on her right. Although Asteris employed far more than seven teachers, these seven individuals were the most important—each responsible for one of the seven magic classes in the academy.
Since students spent seven years at the academy, these teachers played a vital role in their progression. They would closely monitor the students' growth and ultimately decide whether each student was ready to advance to the next class. Known as the best educators in the academy, the kingdom, and likely the entire world, these seven were both guardians and gatekeepers of magical excellence.
To the far right side of the stage stood the rest of the academy's faculty. On the left side stood other staff members, instructors, and, further still, the student council members, seated with pride.
In the audience, students—especially the younger ones—gazed in awe at the assembled faculty. For many of them, seeing the academy's professors together was like witnessing legends in person. It was said that any one of these teachers could single-handedly take on an army. Entire nations would hesitate to challenge this gathering of mages, even with the full strength of their militaries. This display of raw power embodied the pride of Asteris Academy, a jewel of the empire.
Yet, amid the admiration and awe, murmurs began to spread through the hall. Whispered conversations rippled among the students—particularly the older ones—and even the teachers exchanged curious glances. Rose, confused by the sudden buzz of discussion, turned to Frederica.
"Frederica, do you know what everyone is talking about?" Rose whispered.
Frederica glanced toward the stage, her expression thoughtful. "The man sitting next to the director... Do you recognize him?"
Rose followed her gaze. "Hmm? No... But I don't know any of the teachers yet."
Frederica leaned in, lowering her voice. "Remember the schedule they gave us? It had a list of all the academy's teachers. The seven lead professors even had their achievements and photos included. Do you recall who is supposed to be responsible for our class?"
"Emanoel Clairus, right?" Rose replied, trying to recall the details.
"Yes. But look closely. He's not up there."
Rose scanned the center of the stage, where the seven main professors were seated. "You're right. He's not there."
"And yet, all the chairs are filled," Frederica added, her voice hushed. "That younger man next to the director—he's not listed as one of the main teachers."
Finally understanding the source of the murmurs, Rose studied the unfamiliar figure. The man seated beside the director was noticeably younger than the others. He looked to be in his early twenties, with sharp features, a commanding presence, and an honest but charming expression. Yet it wasn't just his appearance that caught Rose's attention.
Since childhood, Rose had possessed the rare ability to see mana particles—tiny, glowing motes that swirled around people. Over the years, she had learned to interpret the way these particles moved. Around this man, the mana seemed to dance in perfect harmony, flickering and shifting as if it were part of him—synchronized with every breath, movement, and glance. It was as if he and the magic in the air were one and the same.
It's so... harmonious, Rose thought, captivated by the sight.
Before she could reflect further, one of the older students seated near the student council rose from his chair and approached the microphone. Instantly, the murmurs died down, and silence fell over the hall.
"My name is Csezar Clairus," the student announced, his voice amplified through the magical sound devices. "I am a fifth-year student and the president of the student council. On behalf of the council, I welcome you all to Asteris Academy!"
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the audience. "You who stand here today, in honor of your families and your noble heritage, are destined to become the greatest mages in history. Your efforts will bring glory to our empire and secure victory in our war against the Leviathan Empire!"
At his words, the hall erupted with a thunderous roar. Students cheered as one, their voices united in a deafening chant.
"Glory to the empire!" echoed through the hall, shaking the very walls with its force.
Csezar raised a hand, signaling for quiet. Once the room settled, he continued, "Now, I turn your attention to the absolute authority of Asteris Academy—one of the most powerful mages in our nation's history. Known on the battlefield as Titania, please welcome the academy's director, Saint Mage Maria Rosenfold!"
The applause and cheers swelled once again as Maria rose from her seat and approached the microphone. Csezar bowed deeply before stepping back to his place among the council members. Behind him, a large replica of the blue rose brooch—the symbol of nobility—stood proudly on display, the same size as a person. Many of the faculty members on stage wore the brooch on their arms, reinforcing the academy's connection to noble traditions. Yet, two people stood apart from this symbolism: the academy's director and the mysterious young man seated beside her, neither of whom wore the emblem.
Maria stood tall at the microphone, radiating an aura of strength and authority. The energy she projected was palpable, an overwhelming force that made even some of the teachers on stage swallow nervously. In that moment, Maria wasn't just a leader—she was a symbol of absolute power, someone who could command respect from anyone, even her peers.
"As the Director of the Academy of Magic and Military Mastery of Asteris, I, Maria Rosenfold, welcome you to this institution of magical learning," she declared, her voice steady and commanding. "Here, you will study the most advanced magic and receive the finest training to become the greatest mages in the world. Do not hold back your efforts—strive always for the top!"
Unlike Csezar's speech, Maria's words were free of rhetoric, but the sheer force behind them was undeniable. Her presence alone was enough to inspire both fear and admiration. Even the students in the back rows felt the weight of her authority pressing down on them.
So... this is a Saint Mage, Rose thought, her heart pounding as she stared at the woman on stage.
Rose was captivated by the aura radiating from Maria Rosenfold. It was unlike anything she had ever sensed—a force entirely different from anyone else in the room. Maria felt like a being beyond comprehension, an absolute presence. If she wished, she could erase everyone here in the blink of an eye, and no one—not even the empire—would dare hold her accountable. Saint Mages were more than individuals; they were weapons of immeasurable value in war, and the power of any kingdom rested heavily on the strength of its most elite mages. Maria was one of the pillars upon which the empire stood.
Maria's voice carried across the hall as she addressed the crowd. "As is tradition, each of the seven groups of students, from first-years to seventh-years, will be assigned a responsible teacher. This teacher will guide you throughout the year, evaluating your progress and determining whether you are ready to advance."
"The Asteris Academy accepts students starting at the age of 13, and since there are seven classes, completing your education here will take at least seven years. However, do not expect it to be easy. The path you walk will be long and arduous. Many give up along the way. But I can assure you of one thing: if you make it to the end and graduate, your efforts will not be in vain. You will stand among the most powerful mages in the empire."
Maria gave the students a steady, commanding gaze. "Now, by tradition, the seven responsible teachers will introduce themselves. Students, behold—these are the mages at the pinnacle of magic!"
After finishing her speech, Maria returned to her seat, and one by one, the responsible teachers stood and introduced themselves. Starting with the seventh-year teacher, each professor gave a brief introduction as they worked their way down to the second-year teacher.
As the second-year teacher finished and returned to his seat, the hall grew quiet. All eyes now turned to the mysterious young man seated beside the director. Students and faculty alike had been waiting for this moment, curious about who this unfamiliar man was and what his role would be.
However, just as the anticipation reached its peak, it was Maria who stood once more and approached the microphone.
"Attention, everyone. I must address a recent change in our faculty." Her voice remained calm but firm. "Professor Emanoel Clairus will no longer be responsible for the first-year class. I made this decision myself. If you have any questions or concerns, direct them to me. I stand by the qualifications of the new teacher, who is an old acquaintance of mine."
She gave a brief nod and returned to her seat, leaving the crowd buzzing with curiosity. An old acquaintance of a Saint Mage? And yet, he looked so young.
At last, the man stood and made his way to the microphone. He scanned the students calmly, his relaxed demeanor in stark contrast to the formality that had dominated the ceremony so far.
"Good morning, everyone," the man began, smiling. "And a special good morning to the new students! How are you all feeling today?"
His informal tone caught the audience off guard, leaving them stunned and silent. The room remained still, as if everyone was too shocked to respond.
"I'll take the silence as a sign that you're all doing well!" he continued cheerfully. "It's still early, so you should be fine. But if any of you aren't feeling great, come find me later. We can have some tea and talk about it."
A ripple of disbelief spread through the audience. Students and teachers exchanged bewildered glances. The laid-back way he spoke was unlike anything they had expected, and some teachers even began to glare at him, offended by what they saw as disrespect toward the academy's traditions.
"Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself!" the man said, lightly tapping his forehead as if remembering something trivial. "My name is Yukiko. No last name—it's just Yukiko. It's a pleasure to meet you all!"
His words sparked quiet murmurs throughout the hall.
"No last name?"
"Is he not a noble?"
"Don't slaves usually lack surnames?"
Ignoring the muttering, Yukiko continued. "I'm here as your teacher thanks to an agreement I made with Maria a few years ago. I look forward to working with all of you and helping you grow this year!"
The casual way he mentioned an agreement with a Saint Mage—and the fact that he called her by her first name—only deepened the confusion and intrigue. Who was this man?
Then, just as the murmurs were beginning to swell again, Yukiko smiled warmly at the students.
"Oh, and one more thing. Whether you come from noble or common origins, you are all destined to become the greatest mages in history. Your task is not to follow the path laid out by outdated elders clinging to an idiotic war. Instead, you'll build your own path—with your own hands!"
A wave of stunned silence followed his words. Yukiko's gaze shifted to the student council, his eyes landing on the large blue rose statue standing in front of their seats. With an almost playful expression, he pointed toward the rose.
"Don't get caught up in foolish ideas of superiority. Arrogance will only limit you."
With that, Yukiko gave the audience a final smile, turned away from the microphone, and strolled back to his seat. The hall remained in absolute silence, stunned by his audacity.
After a long pause, Maria rose once again and returned to the microphone.
"The school year will now officially begin. Students, please report to your classrooms and wait for your responsible teachers. You are dismissed."
And with that, another year at Asteris Academy began—a year destined to be unlike any other.
Rose stepped into the classroom, her eyes scanning for a place to sit. A moment later, Frederica followed closely behind.
"Frederica, do you know if there's a specific place for us to sit?" Rose asked hopefully.
"I believe it's open seating, Miss Rose. How about we sit at the back, near the window?"
"Ok!" Rose responded enthusiastically, relieved. She had hoped they could sit next to each other.
The classroom was shaped like a half-moon, with the teacher's podium at the center. Each row ascended higher than the one before it, giving everyone a clear view of the front. Rows were lined with wide tables, where students would sit together in groups, sharing the same space.
Frederica led the way toward a quiet area near the back.
"Miss Rose, what do you think of these seats?" Frederica asked, gesturing toward an empty section by the window.
"Looks perfect!" Rose replied, smiling.
Just as they were about to sit, an unfamiliar voice interrupted them.
"I wouldn't sit there if I were you."
Rose and Frederica turned to see a group of five girls—the same group that had been watching them earlier in the day. One of the girls, a tall brunette with a haughty expression, crossed her arms and tilted her head.
"We're saving these seats for ourselves and a few friends who will be arriving shortly. I suggest you find somewhere else to sit."
Rose froze for a moment, her mind racing. Then she took a step forward, trying to keep her voice steady.
"There's no one sitting here right now, and there are plenty of chairs. I don't see any reason why we can't sit here."
The tall girl scoffed. "That's the problem. Even if some seats are empty, you can't sit near us."
Another girl, a blonde with a smug grin, leaned in, her voice dripping with disdain. "If you sit close, we'll have to endure your... unpleasant scent. For everyone's sake, why don't you sit on the other side of the room? We're reserving this section for nobles."
"What?!" Rose's face flushed red with both anger and embarrassment.
Do I smell? But I showered this morning... Wait—they've got to be kidding. Even if I smelled bad, I know Frederica doesn't!
As Rose noticed the smug smiles spreading across the girls' faces, her frustration boiled over. She clenched her fists, ready to say something she might regret.
"Listen here, we—"
"Understood, Miss Moscon! We'll find other seats," Frederica interjected smoothly, grabbing Rose's arm and pulling her back.
"Oh? You know me?" The tall girl smirked, clearly pleased. "It's always refreshing to meet well-trained commoners. Be sure to pass along my compliments to your filth parents."
Frederica gave a shallow bow, her expression calm. "Of course. I'll let them know of your kindness."
Before Rose could protest, Frederica tugged her arm again, leading her across the room to a quieter area on the left side. Confused, Rose followed, glancing back at the sneering nobles.
When they finally reached a spot by the window, Frederica smiled. "What do you think? This is still close to the window, like we wanted."
Rose blinked, still processing what had just happened. "Um, Frederica... why did we leave?"
Frederica's tone remained calm but firm. "I'm sorry for making such a selfish decision, Miss Rose, but since you're unfamiliar with how things work here, I need you to trust me. We shouldn't provoke the noble students."
"But... the way they talked to you and your parents..." Rose trailed off, her voice thick with frustration.
Frederica's hand tightened gently around Rose's arm. "I know it wasn't pleasant. But if you had argued with them, you would've made them your enemies. And once you do that, they'll do everything in their power to make your life here miserable."
Rose sighed, realizing Frederica was right. "I see... You were just trying to protect me. Thank you, Frederica. I almost made a decision that could've hurt both of us."
Frederica smiled softly. "Think nothing of it. Now let's sit down before more students arrive."
The two sat down side by side at the empty table. As Rose settled into her seat, she glanced around the room, her eyes lingering on the students seated in different areas.
Most of the students in their section, she noticed, weren't wearing the blue rose brooch on their shoulders.
So even in the classroom, segregation reaches this far? Rose thought bitterly.
How can they feel so superior by excluding others like this?
As the room continued to fill, Rose silently observed the students around her. About thirty students were present in total, but only six—including herself and Frederica—were without brooches. The rest wore the blue rose, marking them as nobles.
Six non-noble students in the entire class... Rose clenched her fists beneath the table.
No matter how hard it is, I'll get through this. I'll prove I belong here, no matter what they think.
Elsewhere in the academy, tension buzzed through the air like static in Director Maria Rosenfold's office. Maria sat at her desk with an air of composure, her secretary, Camila, standing quietly at her side. Across from them, two men sat on opposite couches, a tea table separating them. One of the men, Yukiko, busied himself with preparing tea, while the other, Sir Clairus, was already mid-rant, his voice edging on desperation.
"Director Rosenfold, I must ask you to reconsider your decision! We had agreed—I was to be in charge of Class 1 this year! For you to change that on such short notice—it's not only unjust but also damages my standing!"
Maria exhaled softly, leaning back into her chair. "Sir Clairus, I apologize for the abrupt shift, but my decision is final. As I stated during the ceremony, Mr. Yukiko will be responsible for Class 1. I have full confidence in his abilities and believe he is perfectly suited to the task."
"This is simply unacceptable!" Clairus fumed. "Even if you trust him personally, we are talking about the children of the most influential families in the empire! Assigning an unknown teacher with no track record is reckless!"
Ugh... This is going to be such a headache. Maria suppressed a sigh, her inner thoughts running far less composed than her outward expression. I should've known this guy would start whining about Yukiko right away. And, of course, he just had to bring up the families. Not that the others won't complain too... but this guy only cares about his image. Getting replaced must really sting.
"I understand your concerns, Sir Clairus." Maria's tone was polite but carried the weight of finality. "However, my decision stands. I will handle any complaints from the other families personally, including from the Clairus family—if any arise officially."
"But—!"
Before Clairus could finish, Yukiko suddenly stood up, drawing everyone's attention. Even Camila, who had been looking down at the floor this entire time, perked up at the abrupt movement. All eyes were on Yukiko now, waiting to see what defense he might offer for himself.
Instead, he smiled warmly. "Well then, everyone—tea is ready." His voice was calm, as if the heated argument moments before had never happened. "Here you go, Sir Clairus."
He gracefully placed a cup of tea in front of the flustered man, who looked one vein away from exploding.
"And here's yours, Maria." Yukiko placed another cup gently on the director's desk. Then, turning toward Camila, he added with a soft smile, "Camila, I'll leave yours here, since you're still standing. These leaves are fresh—they do wonders for fatigue."
"Ah! Thank you so much, Mr. Yukiko! It smells amazing!" Camila exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "How thoughtful of you to notice I was tired!"
"Of course. I imagine Maria keeps you busy," Yukiko teased lightly. "Please, feel free to ask for more if you like. And really, just call me Yukiko, Miss Camila."
"Oh, no, I couldn't! I couldn't possibly call you that, Mr. Yukiko!"
"Come on now," Yukiko said with a playful grin. "We're not that far apart in age. It feels strange being called 'Mister' by you."
"Well then… how about Professor Yukiko?" Camila suggested with a sheepish smile.
"That works!" Yukiko responded cheerfully.
Camila accepted her tea with a grateful nod, taking a sip without hesitation. The aroma was rich, soothing her instantly.
"Oh wow! This tea is wonderful! The fragrance is divine—I already feel so much better!"
"I'm glad you like it. Here, let me pour you some more." Yukiko leaned over, topping off her cup with the same calm grace.
"Oh, thank you! You're too kind!"
Camila continued sipping her tea with a contented expression, chatting away casually with Yukiko. It wasn't until she noticed the heavy silence in the room that the realization struck her.
Uh-oh...
Maria's piercing gaze shot daggers at Camila, and Clairus's expression was practically murderous. Camila froze mid-sip, panic flashing in her eyes. With a clink, she hurriedly placed the cup back on the table, her hands shaking slightly.
"I-I apologize, Director Maria! That was terribly inappropriate of me!"
The annoyed headmistress gave Camila a subtle gesture, and the secretary quietly returned to her original position. Across from Maria, Professor Clairus—who had been too stunned to react earlier—finally gathered his thoughts. Meanwhile, Yukiko gracefully took his seat across from Clairus, as if nothing unusual had happened.
"This is still unacceptable, Principal Rosenfold," Clairus grumbled, his tone sharp with frustration. "I will not accept a less competent teacher than myself. He must demonstrate his value to me and the entire faculty!"
Maria's gaze turned icy. "Are you doubting my word, Professor Clairus?"
The moment those words left Maria's lips, the entire atmosphere in the room shifted drastically. To someone without magic, the air would feel heavy, laden with unspoken tension. But to the mages in the room, it was something far more intense—a suffocating, all-consuming pressure. It was as if the very color of the room dimmed, bent beneath the weight of Maria's displeasure. Every mana particle seemed to shiver, drawn toward the will of the powerful woman seated behind the desk.
Camila's breath hitched as her vision blurred, her chest tightening with each passing second.
So… this is what it feels like to stand before a Saint...
Clairus, now painfully aware that he'd crossed a line, swallowed hard.
"It was not my intention to offend you, Director Rosenfold. I do not doubt your word."
Maria's voice remained firm, unwavering. "When you doubt this man's abilities, you doubt my word. And I do not take kindly to that."
Clairus shifted nervously, beads of sweat forming along his brow. How do I get out of this? Should I apologize? But admitting the abilities of this… His mind spat the word like poison. ...commoner… would be unbearable. Damn it! What now?
The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of Maria's presence pressing down on everyone. Camila, struggling to breathe, could feel her legs trembling beneath her.
Huh? Why do I taste… earth? She blinked, dazed. Oh, it's Director Maria's affinity... She's gathering so many mana particles that I can literally taste the earth in the air. Amazing. I think… I think I'm blacking out...
Camila's legs finally gave out, and as she started to collapse, Yukiko appeared behind her, catching her by the shoulders and easing her fall.
"All right, all right—enough, Maria." Yukiko's playful voice cut through the tension like a breeze after a storm. "Professor Clairus, remember that there are other people in the room. Maria, if you keep going like that, you'll end up killing the poor girl."
Clairus's thoughts flickered in confusion. Wait… wasn't he sitting across from me just a second ago? How did he—?
"Ah, Camila!" Maria gasped, her harsh demeanor evaporating as guilt crept into her voice. "I'm so sorry, child. I forgot how young you are."
In an instant, the oppressive pressure lifted. The room's colors gradually returned to normal, and the air became breathable once again. Yukiko gently lowered Camila onto the couch next to him.
"Ah...ah..." Camila gasped, clutching her chest. "It's fine, Director Maria... I-I was just surprised, that's all."
Yukiko offered her a small smile. "Here, have a sip of tea. It'll help you feel better—oh, wait, she fainted."
Camila's head lolled to the side, resting awkwardly on the arm of the sofa.
Maria stood, her expression shifting from guilt to concern. "Is she all right?"
"She'll be fine." Yukiko inspected Camila with a quick, knowing glance. "Just exhausted. Nothing serious."
Relieved, Maria sank back into her chair, exhaling slowly. Then her gaze sharpened once more as she turned to Clairus.
"Professor Clairus."
"Yes?" Clairus responded, his voice wary.
"I know what you think of my decision," Maria began. "But let me make one thing clear— Yukiko is more than competent for this position."
"Still…"
"However," Yukiko interrupted with a sly grin, "I think Professor Clairus does have a point."
Clairus blinked, confused. "Hmm?"
Yukiko took a slow sip of his tea, then clicked his tongue in mock disappointment. "Even if we accept Maria's word—and of course you believe her, right? Otherwise, that could get very awkward—this earthy taste in the air has totally ruined my tea."
Maria shot him a withering glare, visibly frustrated. "So, the problem here is the tea, Yuki? Not the fact that my secretary almost died?"
"And Miss Camila's health, obviously," Yukiko replied, completely unfazed.
"Don't you dare put tea above my secretary's life!" Maria huffed, crossing her arms.
"Professor Clairus," Yukiko continued, turning back to the nobleman as if Maria's complaints were background noise. "I do understand your objection. Even if you believe Maria's judgment—and please, do say you do. We need to resolve this in a way that leaves no room for doubt."
"Yes, I agree," Clairus said, cautiously hopeful. Finally! This insolent worm might see reason. He's going to hand the position back to me!
"That's why…" Yukiko's grin widened. "A magic duel seems like the best solution."
"...What?"
A magic duel. An ancient tradition where magic users engage in formal combat, often to resolve disputes or showcase their strength. A public test of skill. And in many cases... a tool for resolving personal grudges.
Ahh... So this was his plan all along, huh? Maria thought, suppressing a chuckle.
The room's atmosphere shifted again—this time, a subtle warmth spread through the air, raising the temperature ever so slightly. It was barely noticeable, just enough to make Camila's sleep a bit more comfortable.
Clairus's expression darkened, his voice lowering to a growl. "Boy... I suggest you tread carefully. Even in Saint Maria's presence, I cannot ignore such insolence."
Yukiko's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Oh, come now, Professor Clairus. I would never joke about something like this. A duel will settle everything, once and for all."
"Boy..."
"And why not make it a public event? That way, all the students and teachers can witness the outcome firsthand. No more doubts, no more complaints."
Clairus's hands clenched into fists, trembling with barely restrained rage. This... this worm... Does he know who he's speaking to?! A lowly commoner—nameless and insignificant—dares mock me? If not for the headmistress's presence, I would kill him on the spot! No one would dare challenge the Clairus family over the death of a bug like him. But that's why... Yes, that must be it. He knows Maria will protect him. That's the only reason this bastard has the audacity to speak like this!
"You dare insult me like that, boy? Do you even know who I am? My name is Emanoel Clairus, Gold Rank 1 fire mage. I reached the Gold rank at the age of 35! Don't you dare underestimate me, child!"
"For a magic duel, both parties must agree and have permission from a competent observer," Yukiko replied with a faint smile. "Am I correct in assuming that you're refusing the duel, Professor Clairus?"
"Boy!"
"That's enough!" Maria's sharp voice cut through the tension, making Clairus freeze in place, his clenched fists trembling at his sides. Meanwhile, Camila, still lying against the sofa, tried to stay still.
What do I do?! I just woke up from the yelling, but this doesn't seem like the right time to pop up with a cheerful 'Good morning, everyone! Camila is back!' Should I pretend to stay asleep? Is Yukiko really going to be okay? Does he even know how strong Professor Clairus is?
Her thoughts raced as she nervously cracked one eye open, sneaking a glance at Yukiko. Although he looks young, maybe he's older than he seems? Could he be one of those powerful beings nearing 100 years old, just like the headmistress? He did say we were close in age... but maybe he was just joking to mess with me.
"How old are you, boy?" Clairus demanded, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"I'm 21 this year. Why do you ask, Professor Clairus?"
Camila blinked in disbelief. Ah... Is he younger than me? Somehow... that feels off.
"Insolent brat!"
"I said that's enough!" Maria snapped, her voice like a whip. Silence blanketed the room, thick and heavy.
Maria turned her gaze to Yukiko, her voice steady. "Yukiko, are you certain about this duel?"
"Yes," Yukiko replied casually, as if it were no big deal.
"Very well. I authorize it and will personally serve as the observer."
"Director!" Clairus protested, desperation leaking into his voice. "I cannot guarantee that I'll be able to control myself if I kill this boy. I don't want to offend you."
"That won't be a problem," Yukiko said, his smile unwavering. "We both agree to the duel, and Maria will bear witness. Any serious injury—or even death—won't result in retaliation from either party. Isn't that right, Maria?"
Maria gave a solemn nod. "I, Maria Rosenfold, give my word."
Clairus gritted his teeth. "...Very well, then. I accept the boy's challenge. When?"
"In a month. I want time to get to know my students and familiarize myself with the academy."
Clairus's eyes narrowed. Is this brat mocking me? I'll kill him with everything I have!
"Fine," Clairus growled.
Yukiko then continues. "Exactly 30 days from now, during the event after the first month of classes. It's the perfect occasion—students and teachers will be gathered to discuss their experiences at the academy. We'll settle it then."
"I agree," Clairus muttered reluctantly.
"Good. It's decided then," Maria said, massaging her temples. "Now, get back to your tasks. I have a lot to take care of, and Yukiko—you're already late for class."
"Excuse me, Principal Rosenfold." Clairus stormed out of the room, leaving only the trio behind.
"Well then, time to meet my adorable students!" Yukiko said cheerfully.
Maria let out a weary sigh. "Are you really sure about this, Yukiko?"
"Yes," Yukiko said, still grinning. "One month is enough time to prepare for the fallout. Honestly, it's the longest I could keep things under control anyway."
Maria shook her head with a small, tired smile. "You're probably right. If this is your decision, I won't argue."
"Thanks, Maria." Yukiko gave her a wink. "Just hang in there for the next month with the nobles and the other teachers, okay?"
"Ahhh, this is going to be hell..." Maria muttered under her breath.
"Haha, isn't this fun? It's been a while since we've worked together!"
"I'm the one doing all the work here..." Maria grumbled.
"Well then," Yukiko said, motioning toward the tea, "we'd better finish this before it gets cold."
"Don't try to change the subject..." Maria muttered, eyeing him suspiciously.
Yukiko turned to Camila with his usual playful smile. "Miss Camila, care for another cup?"
"Oh, yes! Thank you!" Camila said, sitting up a little too quickly.
Oh no... I got up without thinking!
Yukiko chuckled softly as he poured tea into her cup. "Why were you pretending to sleep?"
Camila scratched her cheek awkwardly. "Well, I wasn't sure how to get up in that situation... Sorry."
"No worries." Yukiko smiled warmly. "It's all good."
"Professor Yukiko... you're so kind..." Camila mumbled, her eyes growing misty.
Then, as if remembering Maria's presence, she quickly turned toward the headmistress. "Principal Maria, I'm so sorry!"
Maria gave her a tired smile. "I lost control for a moment. If it weren't for Yuki, I could've hurt you. I'm sorry, Camila."
"Oh, please don't worry about it, Director! I'm perfectly fine!"
Yukiko leaned closer, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You should take the day off, Camila. Consider it compensation for almost getting crushed by her mana."
"I-I couldn't possibly ask that from Director Maria! But... it does sound tempting..."
"Don't give her ideas, Yukiko," Maria warned, shooting him a tired glare. "I need her to handle some tasks for me today, and you've already delayed me enough."
"Haha, sorry, Camila. Looks like my plan didn't work." Yukiko laughed, and the three of them shared a quiet, comfortable moment of laughter.
These two are really something... Camila thought, observing the strange dynamic between Yukiko and Maria. I don't know what happened between them, but I can tell they're really close. Just who is this man, anyway?
"Yukiko," Maria said, glancing at the clock, "your class started 30 minutes ago. Shouldn't you be going?"
"Seriously?" Yukiko blinked in surprise. "Well, guess I'm already making a terrible first impression. I better get moving!"
"Good luck," Maria said with a small wave.
"Good luck, Professor Yukiko!" Camila added brightly. "And thanks for the tea!"
In Classroom 1, the room responsible for housing the first-year students…
"He's 30 minutes late…"
"You've got to be kidding me."
"Seriously? He still hasn't shown up? Maybe he got replaced by Professor Clairus! That would be amazing."
"Don't give me hope like that!"
A group of students grumbled impatiently, especially the nobles, who found the mysterious new teacher's absence irritating. Unfamiliar with the man called Yukiko, they speculated wildly about his identity—or lack thereof—and even talked about filing complaints with the director if he continued his no-show.
"Frederica."
"Yes?"
"Do you know who this Yukiko guy is?"
"No. I've never heard of him before. Yukiko isn't exactly a common name around here, either. I don't think he's from this region. And since he hasn't even given us his family name—if he even has one—it makes things even more confusing."
"I see. If you don't know him, he must really be a mystery."
"You give my knowledge far too much credit, Miss Rose."
Before Rose could reply, a soft voice interrupted from her left.
"Excuse me? I couldn't help overhearing your conversation about our unknown teacher. Do you happen to know anything more about him?"
Rose turned to see the speaker: a petite girl with light blue hair and matching blue eyes, her demeanor delicate and graceful. She seemed so light, so ethereal, that Rose couldn't stop the word from slipping out.
"A fairy?"
The girl blinked in confusion.
"Hmm?"
Frederica gave Rose a gentle nudge. "Miss Rose, this is Miss Elia Kutz."
"Oh! I apologize." Rose smiled warmly. "My name is Rose Stevans. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Elia."
"The pleasure is mine, Miss Rose!" Elia replied with a bright smile.
"Do you two know each other?" Rose asked, glancing between Frederica and Elia.
"We've met a few times," Frederica answered. "Our families both work in commerce, so we've crossed paths here and there."
"I see."
"It's nice to meet you again, Miss Frederica," Elia said politely. "How is your family?"
"They are well, thank you. I hope yours is too, Miss Elia."
Ah, merchants' daughters… They really know how to lay the politeness on thick.
"So, what were you saying about the mysterious teacher?" Frederica asked, nudging Elia back on topic.
"I just wanted to join the conversation," Elia admitted. "I thought you might know more about him."
"I wish we did," Frederica sighed. "Unfortunately, we only know what they told us this morning."
"Hmm… I see..."
Before the conversation could continue, a cheerful voice boomed through the room.
"Good morning, everyone!"
The class jumped, startled by the sudden greeting. On the stage, where the teacher was supposed to introduce himself, stood the very man they had been gossiping about.
"When did he get here?"
"Did anyone see him walk in?"
"No... I didn't see him either..."
The confused students scrambled back to their seats, those who had been standing rushing to sit properly. Yukiko stood there patiently, waiting until everyone was seated before speaking again.
"Finally." He sighed, dramatically rubbing the back of his neck. "Took you guys long enough. How long were you planning to make me wait?"
The room erupted in outrage.
"You were the one who was late! Over 30 minutes!"
Yukiko grinned. "Well then, I guess we're even."
"AS IF IT'S THE SAME THING!"
Completely unfazed by the class's protests, Yukiko clapped his hands together. "Right! Let me introduce myself properly this time."
"Is he just going to ignore us?" someone muttered.
"My name is Yukiko," he continued with a relaxed smile. "You can call me whatever you like—'Teacher,' 'Yukiko,' or even 'Hey, you.' I'll be responsible for Class 1 this year, which means I'll be your teacher. I hope we all get along."
His casual introduction, accompanied by that disarming smile, took the class by surprise.
"What a beautiful person..." Rose murmured under her breath.
"Miss Rose?" Frederica whispered, leaning closer.
"Hmm?" Rose blinked, only to find both Frederica and Elia staring at her with identical looks of curiosity.
"Miss Rose," Frederica said gently, "he is quite charming, but that was a rather... spontaneous comment."
"Oh no, that's not what I meant!" Rose stammered, her face turning red.
"It's because of his aura..."
"His aura?" Frederica asked, tilting her head.
"Yes. I've always been sensitive to mana particles. Sometimes I can see them clearly in certain situations. During the event, I noticed something about him, but he was too far away for me to tell exactly what. But now..." Rose's eyes softened as she glanced toward Yukiko. "Now, I can see it. The particles... it's like they're dancing around him, moving as if he's one with the environment. It's so... beautiful."
"I see. He does leave a certain impression," Frederica admitted. "I can't see these particles like you can, but... he does give off a sense of admiration, somehow."
Their conversation was cut short as Yukiko's gaze landed directly on them—more specifically, on Rose.
"The blonde water mage in the back," Yukiko called out with a grin. "What's your name?"
Rose stiffened, startled by the sudden attention. "It's Rose, sir. Rose Stevans."
Expecting a scolding for talking during class, she responded quickly, her voice tense.
"You have good eyes, Rose," Yukiko said smoothly.
"Uh... thanks?"
He kept his gaze locked on her, smiling until Rose's blush deepened, and she finally looked down, flustered.
"Well then," Yukiko continued, clapping his hands together. "I've introduced myself, and I know you probably have a ton of questions. Since this is an introduction class with no set end time, we've got as long as we need... though you already wasted a lot of it just trying to sit down."
"WHAT?!" The entire class cried in outrage.
"Anyway!" Yukiko carried on, unfazed by their frustration. "I'll answer a few of your questions now. Anyone want to ask something?"
"I do!"
A girl from the group of five that had taken Rose and Frederica's seats earlier raised her hand.
"What's your name, Miss Wind Mage?" Yukiko asked casually.
"Melina Moscon."
"And what's your question?"
"You've only given us your first name, both now and at the opening event. What's your full name?"
Yukiko raised a hand to his face, pretending to blush. "Miss Melina, that's such a personal question! I feel embarrassed..."
"How is that a personal question?!" the class shouted in unison, as if choreographed.
"Anyone else?" Yukiko asked, ignoring the outburst entirely.
"He's just going to ignore her?!"
"Aren't you going to answer my question?" Melina pressed, clearly annoyed.
"Maybe another day, Miss Melina," Yukiko said with a teasing smile.
"I have a question!"
"What's your name, Miss Fire Mage?"
"Elia Kutz, sir!"
"And what's your question?"
"What's your rank?"
The room fell silent, tension filling the air. This was the question they had all been wondering. For Yukiko to replace someone as powerful as Professor Clairus—a Gold Rank 1 mage, no less—he had to be incredibly strong.
Yukiko brought a hand to his face again, exhaling dramatically. "Miss Elia, you're such a bold girl, asking a question like that..."
This time, he exaggerated the gesture, covering part of his face with his hand as if genuinely embarrassed.
"You're toying with us!"
"No more personal questions, please," Yukiko said with mock sincerity.
"HEY! You're just going to answer whatever you feel like, aren't you?!"
Another hand shot up before the class could descend into chaos again. This time, it was Frederica.
"What's your name, Miss Wind Mage?"
"Frederica Menston, sir."
"And what's your question, Frederica?"
"May I know your age?"
The class fell silent once more, instantly grasping Frederica's intent. In magical circles, a mage's age could often give clues about their rank. The older the mage, the higher their likely experience and strength. Some of the academy's teachers were over 100 years old. A teacher who appeared young but was actually much older would naturally be assumed to be powerful.
However, considering how Yukiko had dodged the previous questions, no one expected a real answer.
"Twenty-one," Yukiko answered casually.
The class erupted in shock.
"What?!"
"Did he just say twenty-one?!"
"He's younger than my brother!"
"How is it even possible for someone that young to be a teacher at this academy?"
Frederica, too, looked visibly shaken.
"How can this be?"
Rose tilted her head, curious. "Is it really that strange, Frederica?"
"Yes, Miss Rose. It's highly unusual. A mage's strength is often measured by their age. Most teachers here are far older—some over a hundred. A 21-year-old being a teacher... he's practically the same age as a graduate."
"I see. That is strange..."
As the students buzzed with confusion, Yukiko clapped his hands again, effortlessly redirecting their attention.
"Any more questions?"
"I have one!"
A boy with gray hair and red eyes raised his hand. His sharp expression immediately drew attention from the rest of the students.
"What's your name, Mr. Fire Mage?"
"Onix Clairus."
The room murmured in recognition.
"He's a Clairus?"
"So he's the youngest of the Clairus family..."
"Isn't his uncle the one who lost the position as our teacher?"
Yukiko smiled, cutting through the whispers. "And what would your question be, Mr. Onix?"
"How are you able to tell the elemental affinity of every student?"
The class fell silent once again. Slowly, the students began to realize something peculiar—since the start of the lesson, Yukiko had been correctly identifying their elemental affinities.
One by one, the students exchanged bewildered glances, realizing the same thing.
"Well," Yukiko began, leaning back with a lazy grin, "I may be from a little far, but I know the names of some of the traditional families of Asteris—like the Moscon and Clairus families, for example."
Onix, not convinced, furrowed his brows. "That doesn't make sense. You knew the affinities of even the non-noble students. And while it's likely that descendants of a family inherit common affinities, it's not guaranteed. I don't think you'd risk making a mistake like that."
Yukiko gave a light chuckle. "Well, I did receive the personal information of each student. I just happened to memorize some of it. My memory is pretty sharp, you know."
Onix's frown deepened. "That doesn't make sense either. If that were the case, why would you ask for our names? And I don't think they gave you our photos alongside the affinity data."
The entire class began to murmur, slowly starting to see Onix's point. It was too strange for Yukiko to know everyone's affinity just by looking at them. Yukiko, however, simply laughed, his amusement clear.
"You're an interesting boy," he said, smirking.
"Thank you," Onix replied, still determined. "But I'd really like an answer if possible."
Yukiko's playful grin softened into something more serious, and the room's atmosphere shifted slightly. The students were once again captivated by his presence as he leaned forward with a different air entirely.
"Let me ask you something first," Yukiko said, his voice calm but commanding. "How do you think I determined your affinities?"
"Aren't you the one who's supposed to answer that?" Onix shot back, clearly annoyed.
Yukiko waved a finger, his smirk returning. "Ah, but a teacher's job is to guide students toward the answer, not hand it over effortlessly."
The class exchanged bewildered looks as they began murmuring amongst themselves, trying to piece together how Yukiko could have figured out their affinities. After a few minutes, Yukiko interrupted their side conversations.
"What are affinities?"
Onix was the first to respond. "Affinity represents the type of magic a mage can use."
Yukiko shook his head, a disappointed sigh escaping his lips. "That's a pretty weak definition. It wouldn't even pass a test here at the academy, and it definitely doesn't explain how I discovered everyone's affinity."
Onix frowned. "It's not enough?"
"You're getting there," Yukiko said, "but you're missing the big picture."
Rose, who had been quietly thinking, timidly raised her hand. "Isn't it... the element we can best identify in the environment?"
The entire class turned to look at her, which made Rose's face flush pink. Yukiko smiled, appreciating her effort.
"Not the best definition, but you're heading in the right direction," Yukiko said.
The students began murmuring again, considering the idea more carefully.
Finally, Yukiko broke the silence, his tone more serious. "Affinity is the ability to interact with and influence the mana present in the world around you."
"How so?" Onix asked, clearly intrigued.
Yukiko raised an eyebrow. "How can mana in the world be divided?"
Onix was quick to respond, reciting from memory. "Mana is divided into four composition elements and two opposites: fire, wind, earth, and water. The opposites are light and dark."
Yukiko sighed, shaking his head slightly. "Another shallow answer. But you're on the right track. Now let me ask you this—why is that definition slightly wrong?"
Onix looked baffled. "How could it be wrong? That's the definition from all the magic study books!"
"Ah, but not everything in books is entirely correct," Yukiko teased, wagging his finger. "It's close, but not quite there."
"What do you mean?" Onix asked, growing more curious.
"The more accurate, traditional definition would be: 'Mana can be divided and manifest in four composition elements and two opposites. Fire, wind, earth, and water. Light and dark as opposites,'" Yukiko explained.
"How is that different from what I said?" Onix asked, confused.
"The key word is manifest," Yukiko continued. "Mana is not a fixed resource. There aren't a set number of water or fire mana particles in the world. If there were, why is it that on a rainy day, there's a stronger presence of water mana, making it easier for a water mage to cast spells? And on a sunny day, a fire mage finds the same ease with fire spells?"
The class fell silent, processing his words. What Yukiko was saying made sense. If mana particles were fixed, weather conditions wouldn't affect the elements so strongly.
"Mana isn't rigid," Yukiko explained further. "It manifests. A mana particle of the fire element can become a water particle if the conditions are right."
"But this is still theory and nice-sounding definitions," Onix protested. "How does that answer my original question?!"
Yukiko smiled. "Imagine a person with a high affinity for a specific element—let's say fire—and they have a natural reserve of fire mana within them. What do you think happens to the mana particles in the environment near that person? How would they manifest?"
Onix's eyes widened as he began to understand. "Oh... you mean..."
Yukiko gestured for him to continue. "Go on."
"The mana particles in the environment normally have various affinities... but when they're near someone with a strong affinity for fire, those particles are influenced and start manifesting as fire particles."
"Exactly," Yukiko confirmed with a grin.
"But is that even possible to see?" Onix asked, still incredulous. "I can feel better when I'm near a lot of fire particles—like near a volcano—but visualizing them around a person?"
"It's possible," Yukiko confirmed, tilting his head thoughtfully, "but it's not that simple. The weaker your core, the less influence you have over the environment. That makes it tricky to determine the affinity of weaker mages. For more powerful mages, though? It's much easier. Although," he added with a sly smile, "most high-level mages can suppress their influence when they want, hiding both their element and their rank."
"And... how can we learn to do that?" Onix asked, curiosity burning in his voice.
"You need to become one with the world," Yukiko said in a low, thoughtful tone. "To the point where you can sense the essence of nature itself and see the very makeup of its mana."
"Hmm... I don't know if I fully understand," Onix admitted, scratching his head.
"Don't worry. It's something that takes years of training to develop. It'll come naturally... eventually. Though," Yukiko added with a grin, "some people have an edge. You know, people with good eyes."
As he said this, his gaze shifted toward Rose, who sat entranced, mesmerized by Yukiko's words.
Rose blinked, her cheeks once again flushing with color. "I see... And are you saying that you can actually see mana like that?"
Yukiko's playful smile returned. "Yes."
Onyx continued. "I'd like to ask that same question... What's your rank?"
"Hmm?" Yukiko blinked, amused. "Getting more curious about me, are you?"
"Yes," Onix answered bluntly.
Yukiko chuckled, his laugh easy and genuine. "You're an honest boy. I like that." He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "But let's keep it fair. Let me follow the same method. So, tell me: what exactly is a rank, Mr. Onix?"
Onix gave a confident nod, ready with his answer. "A rank categorizes mages and allows them to be compared against each other."
"Exactly. It's a human-made system," Yukiko said with a shrug. "Since it's just a way to organize people, the textbook definition is good enough. Now, how are these ranks divided? Give me the full explanation."
Onix took a breath and began. "There are six major ranks: Intimus, Holder, Manipulator, Ruler, Saint, and Sage. They're listed in ascending order of power, with Intimus being the lowest and Sage the highest."
He paused, waiting to see if Yukiko approved. Yukiko gave him a small nod, urging him to continue.
"The word Intimus comes from an ancient language meaning 'the majority.' It refers to the most common rank for mages, though mages are still rare in the general population."
Onix looked around, noticing that the other students were listening attentively. He pressed on, encouraged by the attention.
"Only about 1% of the world's population develops an affinity for mana and gains access to magic. Around 10% can sense mana in some form, while the rest are completely unable to detect any element—they're completely ignorant of magic. The 1% who can use mana fall under the Intimus rank. Depending on their talent, affinity, and effort, they may eventually advance to higher ranks."
The class went silent, impressed by Onix's detailed explanation. Although everyone in the room had some knowledge of the subject—after all, they were attending one of the top magic academies in the world—few could have given such a thorough response.
"Well done. Now, let's dig a little deeper," Yukiko said, his playful tone resurfacing. "Explain the Intimus rank in more detail."
"Do we really need to? Everyone here should know this stuff already," Onix grumbled.
"I still want to hear it," Yukiko said with a grin. "But if you're not up for it... Miss Frederica, could you give us the answer?"
"It's not that I'm—"
"Yes, sir!" Frederica interrupted eagerly, cutting Onix off and jumping at the opportunity.
"The Intimus rank, unlike the higher ranks, is further divided into three sub-ranks. In the Levimus Empire, we use these sub-ranks to better organize our armies. The sub-ranks are Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each sub-rank is further divided into three levels. For example, the Bronze sub-rank includes Bronze 1, Bronze 2, and Bronze 3. Anyone born with the ability to interact with magic—meaning anyone with any affinity at all—automatically starts at Bronze 3, the lowest level."
"Perfect. Excellent explanation, Frederica," Yukiko said, giving her an approving nod.
A brief silence followed, but this time the atmosphere in the room shifted. While the students had admired Onix's explanation earlier, now a few noble students exchanged uncomfortable glances, muttering among themselves.
"Hmm... She's surprisingly well-trained."
"It's only natural. A commoner needs to be well-prepared to stand among us. Let's hope she remembers her place."
"If she forgets, we'll just have to remind her—"
"Miss Moscon," Yukiko said suddenly, his voice cutting through the room like a knife. "Do you have something you'd like to share with the class?"
Melina Moscon stiffened, clearly startled. "Hmm?! No, I have nothing to say..." she mumbled, her frustration evident as she avoided Yukiko's gaze.
"Good," Yukiko replied with a light smile. "Then perhaps you can explain how the Intimus rank and its sub-ranks classify a mage's abilities."
Melina huffed, visibly annoyed but unwilling to refuse. "The Bronze, Silver, and Gold sub-ranks measure the strength of a mage's inner mana core."
"Good start. Now give me more detail."
Melina faltered for a moment. "Um... More? Well... They indicate how powerful a mage is. A Gold-ranked mage, for example, is considered as valuable as an army of a thousand well-trained soldiers."
"That's not exactly the explanation I wanted," Yukiko said, his gaze shifting to another student. "Miss Elia, please explain the concept of the mana core and its relation to ranks."
Melina Moscon, frustrated and embarrassed by her failed attempt to answer earlier, bit her nails quietly, her face burning with shame. Elia, noticing the tension but keeping her focus, stood straighter as she began her explanation.
"Yes, sir. As Mr. Clairus mentioned, only about 1% of the population is born with an affinity for magic. These individuals possess a mana core at the center of their essence. The core allows them to use magic. For example, someone with a fire affinity will have a higher concentration of fire-element mana particles in their core. Through training, it's possible to purify the mana core, increasing its concentration of the mage's affinity and making it more potent. The purer the core becomes, the more powerful the spells that mage can cast and the greater their destructive potential."
She paused, looking around before continuing with more confidence. "A Bronze 3 mage has a heavily impure core, mixed with particles of other elements that hinder their magic. A fire mage with water particles in their core, for instance, cannot utilize them, and the mixed elements limit the efficiency of their magic. Through training, however, the mage can purify their core and eventually rise through the sub-ranks. A Gold Rank 1 mage possesses a core of near absolute purity, granting them access to the most advanced spells and unmatched destructive power."
"Very well, Miss Elia," Yukiko said, nodding approvingly.
The class fell into silence once again. This time, no one dared comment—especially after Melina Moscon's earlier embarrassment. The unease in the room hung heavy in the air, the tension palpable.
"You all emphasize power and destruction," Yukiko continued, breaking the silence. "But advancing in rank isn't just about that. I understand the nation's focus on war, but what other benefits does core advancement offer?"
The students exchanged uncertain glances until one of them timidly raised a hand.
"Life expectancy?"
Yukiko smiled. "And what's your name, earth mage?"
"Mia Rosenfold, sir."
"Rosenfold? Are you from Maria's family?"
"Yes, sir..."
The class buzzed with whispers at Yukiko's casual mention of the academy director by her first name. Few dared to speak about Saint Maria Rosenfold with such familiarity.
"Got it. Continue, Miss Mia."
"Yes. The purification of a mana core increases a person's lifespan. While the exact numbers aren't well documented, many Gold Rank mages live over 100 years with excellent physical condition, even in old age. The earlier a person reaches a high rank, the longer they can extend their lifespan. However, if someone achieves a high rank late in life, the increase in lifespan won't be as significant."
"Excellent explanation, Miss Mia," Yukiko said. "To give you a concrete example—our very own Director Maria Rosenfold doesn't like to talk about her age, but... she's close to 100 years old."
The class erupted in startled murmurs. Though everyone knew the director was a powerful mage whose appearance likely hid her true age, the revelation still shocked them. Based on her youthful appearance, most would have guessed she was in her late 20s or early 30s at most.
"However," Yukiko continued, "she reached Gold Rank at just 22 years old, and Saint Rank by the age of 90. With her talent, her life expectancy has been drastically extended. She'll likely remain the director of this academy for a few more centuries."
"Twenty-two?!"
"That's absurd!"
"Wait, didn't she reach Gold before Emperor Soltiem?"
"Yes! According to the books, the Emperor reached Gold at 25!"
The students broke into excited side conversations, overwhelmed by this new information.
Yukiko grinned. "So, children—how does it feel? Doesn't it sound wonderful? To remain youthful and live for centuries?"
The students, lost in their own imaginations, nodded eagerly at the idea of eternal youth and power.
"Don't fill our heads with foolish dreams," came a sharp voice.
Yukiko turned toward the speaker. "And what's your name, water mage?"
"Muher Iris," the boy replied coolly, his blue eyes narrowing.
"What do you mean by 'foolish dreams,' Mr. Muher?"
"You speak of Saint Maria with far too much informality," Muher said sharply. "You should show respect. And more importantly, you're feeding us nonsense. Reaching the Gold Rank isn't something everyone can achieve. Even the most talented mages take years just to move from Silver Rank 1 to Gold Rank 3—and that's not even considering the time it takes to reach Silver in the first place. Most Gold Rank mages only reach that level in their later years. To compare ourselves to legends like Saint Maria or the Emperor... it's irresponsible."
Realizing that his frustration had led him to speak out of turn, Muher quickly bowed in apology. His words, however, had the desired effect. The students, now grounded in reality, began to realize just how difficult the journey to the top truly was.
Yukiko's expression shifted. His usual playful grin vanished, replaced by a cold, serious look. The sudden change in his demeanor silenced the entire room, capturing the students' attention completely.
"If that's the case," Yukiko said quietly, his voice sharp as steel, "then why are you even here?"
"W-What?" Muher stammered, caught off guard.
"If you believe it's impossible to reach the apex of magic, then why waste your time here?" Yukiko's gaze swept across the room, his expression unwavering. "If not to reach the peak, then what are you doing at this academy?"
"Don't talk like it's so simple!" Muher shouted, his frustration boiling over. "You may see us as children, but we fought hard to be here! We're in the middle of a war with the Leviathan Empire—every day, Gold Rank mages die on the battlefield! We're here to train and fight for our people, to destroy the Leviathan barbarians!"
The room fell into silence once again, many students silently agreeing with Muher's words. Especially those from noble families—most were here to train for war.
Yukiko gave a quiet, almost pitying smile. "With that goal in mind... you'll never reach the top."
"What?!" Muher snapped, his anger flaring.
"I'll make this very clear," Yukiko said, his voice cold and firm. "I'm not here to train soldiers for a pointless war. I intend to be your teacher for the next seven years, and I'm not interested in producing mediocre mages destined to die on a battlefield."
Several students gasped, their faces pale with disbelief.
"What is your goal?Why are you here? To train for seven years and die in a stupid war? If your goal is to fight and die in a senseless war—find someone else to teach you. I have direct contact with the director, which gives me certain... privileges. I'll be with you every step of the way during your time here."
The room was deathly silent. No one dared interrupt him.
"However," Yukiko continued, his gaze sweeping over the students once more, "if you wish to reach the pinnacle of magic, to uncover the secrets of the natural world... I will guide you. Regardless of your birth, your family, or your noble titles. And I promise you this—by the end of these seven years, I will make you touch Gold."
The class was stunned into silence, unable to respond.
"I give you my word," Yukiko said, turning toward the door. "That's enough for today. We'll meet again tomorrow—same time. And don't forget, your other classes start tomorrow too."
With that, Yukiko left the classroom, leaving the students speechless and overwhelmed by his final statement.