In one of the many training sheds, class 1 listened attentively to their teacher, Roxy Clairus.
"In this way, focus on adding more mana to your attacks and altering their properties. Worry about efficiency later. For now, push yourself to shape the most powerful spell you can produce."
The students nodded, their faces serious—until two figures entered the training center, drawing everyone's attention.
"Rose, you're late. Yuki, were you the one who delayed her?" Roxy asked, her tone sharp but playful.
"Yes, we had some important business," Yukiko answered, his grin unmistakably smug.
"You seem unusually cheerful," Roxy observed, raising an eyebrow.
Meanwhile, Rose hurriedly bowed to Roxy. "Sorry I'm late, Teacher Roxy!"
Yukiko, however, wasn't done yet. With a sly smile, he clapped his hands to gather everyone's attention.
"Alright, listen up, class! I have an announcement to make!"
Groans erupted from the students.
"Ugh, what now? Is he going to do something weird again?"
"I'll keep it short," Yukiko continued. "Miss Rose here has officially become my very first disciple! Sorry to those of you who wanted the honor, but hey—you snooze, you lose."
"What?!"
The class exploded into whispers and gasps.
Rose froze. "Wait… I'm your first? You mean the first at the academy, right?"
"Nope!" Yukiko replied cheerfully. "I've taught a few things here and there, but I've never taken an official disciple before. You're my first one."
Rose's face turned beet red. So I'm the first? That means I'm... special?
Just as that thought crossed her mind, Rose became painfully aware that every student in the room was now staring at her. She panicked.
"Ah, um, you really didn't have to make such a big announcement..." she mumbled, trying to shrink into herself.
The students wasted no time commenting.
"She actually became his disciple?"
"Must be because she's a commoner. It's not like the top teachers would pay attention to her."
"Yeah, I've never even heard of her family name."
Frederica and Elia exchanged annoyed glances, ready to defend their friend, but before they could speak, another voice chimed in.
"Seriously?! Ahh, I'm so jealous!"
It was Mia Rosenfold, pouting dramatically.
"What are you talking about, Miss Rosenfold?" Melina Moscon asked, her expression stunned.
"I didn't know he'd never taken a student before!" Mia whined. "If I'd known, I'd have acted faster. You're a quick one, Miss Rose. Gotta give you that."
"Oh... am I?" Rose stammered, still overwhelmed by the attention.
Yukiko laughed. "Too bad, Mia! You missed your chance. First disciple gets special treatment, you know—like a firstborn child. I'll pamper her like you wouldn't believe."
"P-Pamper me?!" Rose stuttered, her entire face turning crimson.
Mia clasped her hands dramatically. "Miss Rose, please give me the position! Let me be the first disciple instead!"
"What?!" Rose exclaimed in disbelief.
"Hey, stop trying to get rid of my disciple!" Yukiko protested, half-jokingly. "I just got her, and you're already scheming?"
The students were left speechless by the bizarre conversation unfolding before them. Even Rose, at the center of it all, was utterly lost. Only Mia and Yukiko seemed to keep pace with the chaotic exchange.
"Guess I'll just have to be the second disciple," Mia said with a shrug.
Melina blinked, stunned. "Wait... what? Miss Rosenfold, you can't be serious."
"Oh, but I am," Mia replied, without a hint of hesitation. She turned to Yukiko, her expression determined. "Professor Yuki, please make me your second disciple!"
"Are you... joking?" Melina stammered, utterly baffled.
Mia tilted her head. "Why would I joke about something like this?"
Melina gawked. "This... can't be real."
Yukiko folded his arms, his expression serious for once. "You know the rule, Mia. I'll only accept students with a goal that satisfies me. If your goal isn't good enough, I'll dismiss you on the spot."
"You'd dismiss her?! She's from the Rosenfold family!" Melina blurted, disbelief written all over her face.
"I understand," Mia said calmly, ignoring Melina's outburst. "That's the rule, right?"
Yukiko nodded approvingly. "That's right. So, what's your goal, Mia? If it's too personal, you can tell me in private."
Mia smiled mischievously. "No need. I want everyone to hear it. In fact, it's better that they do—I need to mark my territory."
A tense silence fell over the room. Every student leaned in, their curiosity piqued. Even Roxy, who usually maintained a cool demeanor, was staring at Mia intently.
Rose watched nervously, silently rooting for her friend. She knew how demanding Yukiko could be. If Mia's goal wasn't up to his standards, he wouldn't hesitate to reject her.
Mia took a breath. The anticipation in the room was palpable.
"I want to be your disciple because..." Mia paused dramatically, letting the silence stretch just a little longer.
Everyone held their breath.
"...Because I think you're handsome."
"…"
Complete silence. Not a single sound could be heard in the room.
"I see… I can understand your point of view, Miss Mia."
"Don't agree with her, you idiot teacher! Are you messing with us?!"
The classroom erupted into a near chorus of outrage. The students' collective frustration filled the air, drowning out any hope of rational thought. Roxy massaged her temples, already regretting her life choices, while Rose stood frozen like a deer in headlights. The rest of the class oscillated between embarrassment, disbelief, and burning indignation. It was like watching an elaborate comedy skit unfold—and no one wanted to be part of it.
"But still, Miss Mia, I must admit…" Yukiko mused, stroking his chin dramatically. "You're not wrong. I am, after all, a little piece of heaven—especially in a school full of old and ugly teachers. But…" he added with a sly grin, "that's not a goal. That's just a statement."
"Yuki, I swear I'm going to punch you..." Roxy's voice was dangerously low, teetering on the edge of violence.
Yukiko, as always, was undeterred.
"You're right, Professor Yuki." Mia nodded sagely. "It's not my ultimate goal. I was just declaring my feelings to the entire room."
"You're so honest! I like that!" Yukiko beamed, as if she'd just confessed to saving kittens in her spare time. "Alright then, what's your real goal?"
Mia tilted her head in mock contemplation. "Well, I'm still very young, so I know I don't have a chance with you at the moment." She sighed dramatically. "Look at Professor Roxy—there's no way I'm her equal right now. I mean, just look at her! And then there's my aunt… No competition."
"What?" Roxy blinked, caught completely off guard. "What does that have to do with anything?"
Unfazed, Mia powered through her monologue with unwavering confidence.
"But in seven years, things will be different!" She pointed a finger at Yukiko, her smile brimming with mischief and determination. "I'll use this time to build a bond with you, brick by brick, until I finally conquer you! Seven years from now, Professor Yuki, I'll steal you from everyone else!"
Silence. Absolute, unbroken silence. The kind that only happens when reality temporarily malfunctions.
Roxy's expression hovered somewhere between disbelief and pure exhaustion. "She can't be serious…"
Rose, struggling between concern and secondhand embarrassment, muttered, "Mia, what... are you doing...?"
"I see, so that's your goal." Yukiko nodded, his face entirely serious—much to the growing horror of everyone around him.
"Yes, sir!" Mia saluted sharply, as if she'd just declared war.
"Mia, come on! Can't you think of a better goal? And why are you even saluting?!" Rose practically begged, clutching her head in disbelief. "If you rethink this, maybe Professor Yuki will give you a second chance—"
"I accept your goal, Mia Rosenfold," Yukiko interrupted, his voice unwavering. "It is a worthy one. I hereby accept you as my second disciple!"
"What?!"
"Thank you very much, Teacher Yuki!" Mia's smile was triumphant as she saluted again, ignoring the utter chaos she had just unleashed.
The classroom stood in stunned silence, incapable of processing what had just happened. Even Roxy, who had been ready to chew Mia out only moments ago, looked like she'd accidentally walked into the wrong universe.
And so, in a truly bizarre turn of events, Yukiko gained his second disciple—a peculiar, unpredictable, and very determined earth mage.
After some time, everyone gave up trying to inject reason into the eccentric duo of Yukiko and Mia. During the hands-on portion of the class, Roxy busied herself instructing most of the students while Yukiko lingered at the back of the shed, personally advising Rose and Mia. When practice finally wrapped up, Roxy dismissed the students.
"Let's finish here today. See you tomorrow at the same time."
"Yes, ma'am!" the class chorused before starting to leave.
As the other students filtered out, they glanced back, noticing Yukiko still chatting with Rose and Mia. Among those who lingered were Frederica and Elia, who exchanged determined glances before walking toward them.
"Ready?" Frederica asked, her tone firm. Elia nodded. "Yes."
Together, the two approached Yukiko, stopping directly in front of him.
"Hmm? Something on your mind, Frederica? Elia?" Yukiko tilted his head, curious.
"We want to become your disciples too," Frederica declared, straight to the point.
"Frederica! Elia!" Rose's eyes widened, her heart swelling with joy. The thought of her two best friends training alongside her made her grin from ear to ear.
"I see," Yukiko replied, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "I'd be happy to accept you both, but the same rule applies—you need a goal. What are your goals?"
Frederica glanced at Elia, silently encouraging her to go first. With a nod, Elia stepped forward, meeting Yukiko's gaze head-on. She hesitated for a moment, her eyes shifting toward Mia standing nearby.
"Is it personal?" Yukiko asked gently. "We can talk privately if you'd prefer."
Mia tilted her head with a playful smile. "Should I step out? It's me, isn't it? I'm making you uncomfortable."
Her usual teasing softened, carrying an undertone of genuine concern.
"No, it's fine!" Elia answered quickly, glancing between them. Then, turning to Mia, she added firmly, "I actually want you to hear this."
"Alright," Yukiko said with a small nod. "So, what's on your mind?"
Elia squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. "I want to study under you to gain power, Professor Yukiko. Power to... show all the noble families of the empire my worth. To prove to them that being born into a particular family doesn't make anyone special."
Mia and Rose both froze at Elia's words. For someone as calm and reserved as Elia to speak with such defiance—it was a bold challenge, one aimed directly at the noble elites.
"Elia…" Rose murmured, casting a worried glance toward Mia, who hailed from one of the most powerful noble families in the empire.
But Mia's reaction was anything but what Rose expected.
"That was amazing!" Mia beamed, her eyes sparkling. "I almost fell in love with you on the spot!"
"Huh?" Elia blinked in disbelief. "You're… not offended, Miss Mia?"
"Offended?" Mia scoffed. "Not even close. I hate that noble arrogance as much as you do. Just because of their bloodlines, some people think they own the world—it's ridiculous."
"M-Miss Mia…" Elia stammered, overwhelmed by Mia's unexpected support.
"Well, Professor Yuki?" Mia chimed. "You'll accept her, right?"
Elia tensed, holding her breath as she waited for Yukiko's response.
"Yes," Yukiko said with a satisfied nod. "It's a worthy goal. I accept you as my student, Elia."
"Thank you, teacher!" Elia beamed as Rose threw her arms around her in excitement. Mia joined in, wrapping her arms around both girls in a jubilant group hug.
Yukiko smiled at the heartwarming scene, then turned his attention to Frederica. "And you, Frederica? What's your goal?"
Now it was Frederica's turn. She stepped forward and locked eyes with Yukiko. Taller than Rose and Elia, she didn't need to raise her head much, but even so, the height difference made her tilt her chin upward slightly.
"My goal is the same, teacher Yukiko. Because of my origins, it was always humiliating to be dealing with nobles, but not being one of them. I wish to become strong and prove my worth to all of them. Please accept me as your disciple!"
Frederica bowed deeply, the weight of her words pressing down on her.
"Frederica!" Elia exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion. She understood better than most—the shame, the struggle, the suffocating need to prove your worth. She had lived it too.
Mia gave Frederica an approving smile, a playful yet knowing glint in her eyes. It was clear she agreed with Frederica's frustration at the nobles' arrogance.
Only Rose felt something strange stirring inside her.
Why does this feel... like before? she wondered. It's that same feeling… Like she's just...
Yukiko's expression remained calm, though his eyes seemed to sharpen. "Is that your goal, Frederica?"
"Yes, sir!" Frederica replied with conviction.
Yukiko paused, taking in her words for a moment before delivering his answer. "I see, then... I can't accept it. I'm sorry."
"Oh?"
The group froze, processing his unexpected response.
"But why?" Elia demanded, her voice cutting through the silence.
"I already told you," Yukiko said calmly, "I will only accept those who have worthy goals."
"But professor, my goal was accepted! Why not Frederica's?" Elia pressed, her frustration bubbling over.
Mia remained quiet, her usual playful demeanor gone, and Rose shifted uncomfortably, her gaze lingering on Frederica.
Why did she say that? And why do I feel like this again? Rose thought. The same feeling... like before... When she spoke to those nobles. The mana around her—it reacts differently, as if responding to anger, frustration, and...
"Yes, Elia," Yukiko replied. "Your goal was a worthy one."
"Then why not hers?"
Yukiko's gaze was unwavering as he answered, "Because Frederica is lying."
Yes, like she is lying… Rose thought.
"Lying?" Elia repeated, disbelief coloring her voice.
"Yes," Yukiko said simply. "That isn't her real goal. She said what she thought I wanted to hear. She even let you go first to see if your goal would be accepted. And if it hadn't been, she likely had another lie prepared. Isn't that right, Frederica?"
Frederica clenched her fists, her jaw tight as she fought to keep her composure.
The same feeling… Rose thought, watching the subtle swirl of mana particles around her friend. It's just like the other times—when she spoke to those nobles, her words laced with frustration and deception. It's as if the mana around her responds to it.
Finally, Frederica broke her silence, her voice low and measured. "What makes you so sure I'm lying?"
"One of the biggest influences on magic is emotion," Yukiko explained. "Some mages even use their emotions to amplify their spells. Just as mana particles can reflect a mage's elemental affinity, with enough observation, they can also reflect emotional states. It's subtle, but it's there. I've spent more than two weeks teaching all of you—I can tell when a child is lying."
Frederica's fists tightened, and she squeezed her shoulder in frustration, biting her lip hard enough to leave a mark.
"You should be able to feel it too, right, Rose?" Yukiko asked.
"What? Rose?" Elia turned to her friend, puzzled.
Rose hesitated but nodded slowly. "Um... yes, it's subtle, but... I can sense something off in your aura, Frederica. I'm sorry..."
"It's fine, Rose." Frederica gave a small, weary smile. "It was presumptuous of me to think I could deceive Professor Yukiko."
The others stared, stunned by her sudden admission.
"What do you really want, Frederica?" Yukiko asked, his voice steady but probing.
Frederica blinked, her mouth opening and closing as if the words refused to come out.
"No lies this time," Yukiko pressed. "Tell me the truth."
"I..."
"You came to me because you want power," Yukiko continued, his voice even. "That much is clear. But your goal isn't the same as Elia's. You don't seek recognition from those who humiliated you... So, what is it that you want?"
Frederica's fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. She bit her lip hard enough to draw a thin line of blood.
"What I want... isn't something beautiful like recognition," she whispered. "Nor is it something innocent, like love. It's ugly. It's not worthy."
"That's not for you to decide," Yukiko said gently. "What is your goal?"
Frederica closed her eyes, the memories flooding back—memories she had tried to bury but couldn't escape.
She remembered the scornful faces of the nobles who sneered at her, the heavy silence when her father walked out of their lives without a word. But the memory that burned brightest was that of a noblewoman confronting Frederica's mother—the wife of the man who had abused her.
Frederica's mother hadn't been able to fight back. She was powerless when the nobleman took advantage of her and equally powerless against the wrath of his wife. Even as the woman beat her, shattering bones with each blow, her mother had begged for forgiveness—not for herself, but for Frederica. Because she knew the cruel truth of this world: that without power, Frederica would be just another orphan cast aside, left to be crushed by those with noble blood.
"Frederica, don't worry about me. Your mother will be fine. Luckily, we escaped the worst... But listen, always respect those with noble blood. That's our only choice, my daughter."
"Why, Mom? Why do you get on your knees and beg for forgiveness when they're the ones in the wrong? Why do you humiliate yourself while they parade down the streets and treat us like dirt?"
"Frederica, my daughter, this is the natural order of the world. We weren't born with the same rights as they were. That's just the way things are, and we have to endure it."
"No... that's not... How is that fair?"
What is your goal?
My goal?
When this man stepped forward and humiliated those arrogant children… when he silenced those teachers from the great houses, the same ones who had looked down on us… When he, without a name, arrived and acted freely in this academy despite the protests from other teachers and the influential parents… just like the nobles always trampled on us... Yes, it felt good. It felt really good.For the first time, it was as if my screams—screams buried deep inside me for years—had been heard. As if someone had finally avenged us.
That's when I thought:Maybe this man... maybe this person... could understand me. Could understand my truest ambition, no matter how twisted and ugly it is.
Frederica raised her head and locked eyes with Yukiko.
Those eyes… She couldn't see mana the way Rose could, but she could feel something in his gaze. Somehow, some way, I know… those are the eyes of someone who's suffered more than anyone can bear. The kind of person who would understand me. Who would understand my hatred.
Her lips curled into a bitter smile. And then the words burst out.
"I want power," she whispered, but the venom in her voice was unmistakable. "Enough power to do whatever I damn well want. Enough power so the law of this rotten world doesn't apply to me. Enough power so that no noble—no one—dares to look down on me or question my actions!"
Her voice rose with every sentence, and her entire body trembled as if her rage couldn't be contained.
"And with that power, I will find them. I'll hunt down every last one of those who humiliated my mother—those filthy bastards who treated us like dirt. I'll kill them all. One by one. I'll gut them like pigs, tear their lives apart, and burn everything they hold dear until there's nothing left but ashes!"
Frederica's voice cracked, her words now laced with wild fury. "And those who stand by their side? The sycophants and lapdogs who helped them? I'll bury them too. I'll grind them into dust—no, into nothing. They're not people; they're nothing but worms—filthy, disgusting worms who deserve to rot underground!"
By the time she finished, Frederica was screaming, her voice hoarse, her face streaked with tears and saliva trailing from the corner of her mouth. Her entire body shook violently, fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned bone-white, as if her sheer hatred was tearing her apart from the inside, threatening to devour her whole.
The other girls—Mia, Elia, and Rose—stared at her in stunned silence. Rose could see it clearly. The particles around Frederica pulsed with the same violent energy as her words. This wasn't a simple outburst—it was a raw, unfiltered expression of the deepest truth inside her heart.
Yukiko, however, remained still. His expression was as calm and steady as ever, as though her outburst hadn't fazed him in the slightest.
Frederica, panting and trembling, gradually came to her senses. She wiped her eyes and mouth quickly, smoothed her hair, and forced her face back into an elegant, composed expression.
"I apologize for that shameful display, Professor Yukiko," she whispered, her voice once again polite and measured, as if nothing had happened. "I understand if you do not wish to accept me as your disciple. After all... it's a deplorable goal."
But Yukiko didn't scold her. Instead, he gave her a small, almost tired smile.
"I'm the one who decides that, Frederica. I already told you." Yukiko's voice remained calm, but a flicker of sadness crossed his expression. "Ah... This is exactly why I hate this empire. What kind of world does this to a 13-year-old girl? What have they done to you to make you carry such a grudge?"
Frederica blinked, stunned by the way Yukiko addressed her. He wasn't scolding her. He wasn't disgusted by her outburst or condemning her for the hatred she carried. Instead, he judged the empire—the very thing that had molded her into what she had become. For a fleeting moment, warmth bloomed in her chest.
Ah... This is nice. Even if I don't get to train under him, at least... at least he understands me, if only a little.
Yukiko shifted his weight, his calm gaze never leaving her. "Frederica, strong emotions are a powerful weapon for a mage. I've said it before—magic is deeply connected to both knowledge and emotion. Hatred, anger... they can give you strength."
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle. "But your hatred, as it stands now, is too much for you to wield. It's like a flame that's burning out of control—it'll consume you before you can control it. So toss it aside for now"
Frederica lowered her gaze, her fists still clenched at her sides. "I understand, Professor. Thank you for the advice."
"This is just the first of many lessons, Frederica."
"...What?"
"I accept your goal."
Her heart skipped a beat. She looked up sharply, eyes wide with disbelief.
"I'm not innocent enough to say that revenge isn't a valid answer," Yukiko continued. "Sometimes, it's the only way to calm a soul. If that's the only path left to you, then I won't stop you. But I'll ask one thing of you."
Frederica's throat felt dry. "What... what do you ask?"
"Don't let your hatred blind you to the people who still care about you."
Her breath caught in her throat.
"I understand that you want revenge for your mother and your family," Yukiko said softly. "And when you have the power, I won't stop you from taking it. But don't let that revenge make you forget about the ones who are still here. Don't let it poison the love you have left for the people who stand by your side."
He met her gaze, and in that moment, his expression was as kind as it was serious. "Because if you do, Frederica, when your revenge is complete... the only person left to hate will be yourself."
The shed fell into complete silence, Yukiko's words hanging heavy in the air.
Frederica clenched her fists tighter, her nails digging into her palms, but she nodded slowly. "I... I understand, Teacher."
"Then I accept you as my student, Frederica."
Her composure shattered for a brief moment as overwhelming relief and gratitude washed over her. She bowed deeply, her voice shaking.
"Thank you very much, Professor Yukiko."
With that, Yukiko finished the day with four new disciples, each carrying their own ambitions, each driven by their own pain, and each striving for power—no matter the cost.
"Let's finish for today. Everyone must be exhausted. I ask that you all refrain from discussing what you heard today. It wouldn't be good for Frederica's safety—but not that I expect any of you to do something so foolish. You're all dismissed."
"Thank you, teacher!"
The girls chorused together before gathering their things and trickling out of the shed. As the noise of their chatter faded, Yukiko lingered behind alone, waiting.
"You can come out now, Roxy."
A shadow shifted from the corner of the shed, and Roxy stepped into the light, her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.
"Are you sure about the last girl?" she asked, a skeptical glint in her eye.
Yukiko grinned. "Why were you hiding? Were you that curious about why so many of your students gave up on you and came running to me instead?"
Roxy huffed, rolling her eyes. "You only got four of them. Don't get cocky."
"Ha! Sounds like someone's getting competitive."
"It's not a competition, you idiot," Roxy grumbled, massaging her temple. "And I asked you a question—are you sure about her?"
"Hate is a dangerous weapon," Yukiko replied, his tone unusually calm. "But with the right guidance... it can become powerful. I think I can help her."
Roxy gave him a side glance, her usual confident demeanor slipping for a moment. "You sure you're up for that kind of challenge?"
Yukiko leaned back slightly, a smug grin creeping onto his face. "I helped you, didn't I?"
"Point taken," she muttered, looking away with a mixture of irritation and nostalgia.
After a brief pause, she changed the topic. "So… about Mia Rosenfold. Why did you choose to go along with her lie?"
Yukiko chuckled. "It wasn't entirely a lie. She does think I'm handsome."
Roxy shot him a look that could curdle milk. "She lied about her goal."
"Yes," Yukiko admitted. "But I already know her real purpose. I figured I'd let her keep it to herself for now."
Roxy sighed. "I see…"
"Roxy."
"Hmm?"
Yukiko's grin softened into something more genuine. "These kids are really something. I'm excited to see who they'll grow into."
Roxy blinked at him, a rare moment of surprise crossing her face before she gave him a small, knowing smirk. "You're finally starting to sound like a real teacher."
"Ha-ha! Careful, you're going to make me blush." Yukiko clapped his hands together. "How about some tea, Roxy? I feel like celebrating!"
"Hmm? Sure, I could go for tea."
"Great! Let's head to Maria's room. Camila can join us too."
"..."
Roxy gave him a blank stare.
"What?" Yukiko asked, blinking in confusion.
"I thought you were inviting me..."
"Wait, I wasn't?" Yukiko tilted his head, genuinely puzzled.
Roxy gave him a small, exasperated sigh. "Fine. Let's go."