Only Lucian and Tresca walked the familiar corridors toward the lecture hall. Because Lucelle's specialty lay in aura manipulation, she had been assigned to a completely different set of classes for the morning.
Today, they sat side by side in the classroom for Beginner Magic Theory. As the instructor prepared to speak at the front of the room, Lucian scanned the rows, noting several new faces among the students who had arrived for the lecture.
The lecture itself proved remarkably uneventful. Much of the material covered was foundational knowledge that both Lucian and Tresca had already thoroughly mastered back at the Evergard estate.
The instructor droned on through the standard three methodologies:
• Chant Magic: Spells cast by vocalizing the spell name. Effects and potency could be altered and enhanced depending on the inflection, cadence, and delivery of the chant.
• Circle Magic: Executed by visualizing a designated magic circle formula. These were commonly utilized to record magic scrolls, prepare spells in advance, or set up stationary traps.
• Gesture Magic: Magic cast through specific physical motions linked to the caster's memories, such as flicking a finger to trigger a blinding flash. This requires constant practice to associate the spell with that gesture.
The instructor tapped a piece of chalk against the blackboard, emphasizing a final point before dismissing the class.
"While these three are the most common methods," the instructor noted, "they are far from the only ones. Other, more specialized techniques exist, but mastery of chant, circle, and gesture forms the foundation of all magical study."
The instructor continued, writing a bold underline beneath the notes on the board.
"Regardless of the method you choose—chant, circle, or gesture—the single most important element of magic is conceptualization," the instructor stated, looking out over the class. "You must clearly visualize and define the spell in your mind before it can manifest into reality."
"That's all for today," the professor said, dismissing the students as the murmur of chatter filled the lecture hall and everyone began packing their things.
With their Beginner Magic Theory class ending, Lucian walked Lucelle to her next class, Beginner Mage Tactics. After that, he bid farewell to her and proceeded to his own class.
Lucian reached the room to find it largely empty. This was Introduction to Magical Engineering, the academy's newest course. He had chosen it primarily for practical reasons: it was conveniently located near Tresca's Beginner Mage Tactics class and started and ended around the same time.
After a short wait, the class began with fewer than ten students in attendance.
The professor appeared unbothered by the low head-count and launched directly into the lesson.
"As you all know, Magical Engineering is a relatively new field of study," the professor said. "It used to fall under the umbrella of Alchemy, but after years of debate, the two were separated due to fundamental differences in their principles and applications."
"First, let me define what Magical Engineering actually is," the professor said.
He turned to the board, wrote the term in bold letters, and drew a firm line beneath it: Magical Engineering.
"While alchemy focuses on potions, transmutation, and the alteration of existing matter, Magical Engineering is about designing, constructing, and integrating physical mechanisms with mana to create functional magical devices."
The professor tapped the chalk against the board for emphasis.
"To build these devices, we utilize the very materials alchemy produces—monster byproducts, refined metals, and many more."
"For example, this," the professor said, raising his arm to show a polished metal prosthetic.
"I was in an accident years ago, so I crafted this replacement using mithril, a material with high magic conductivity. By channeling my magic through it..."
He paused as the mechanical fingers opened and closed in a smooth, precise motion. "...I can control it just like a natural limb."
The quiet classroom shifted as a wave of intrigue washed over the students. Eyes widened, and subtle murmurs echoed through the room as everyone focused intently on the fluid motion of the mithril arm.
"This," the professor said, gesturing to his prosthetic limb, "is actually one of the relatively simple pieces of technology you can make once you gain proficiency with magical engineering."
"Its functions are quite limited—it can only extend, retract, open, and close, which makes it very simple in design."
"Some technology requires proficiency across multiple disciplines," the professor continued. "Take this energy signature measuring device, for instance. It was crafted by a magical engineer who specialized in energy research, requiring a deep understanding of both mechanical design and ambient mana behavior."
"The next example is this Energy Blaster—I'm sure you are all familiar with it, as it is the latest weapon released by the dwarves," the professor said, holding up the heavy firearm.
"The concept is simple: you load a metal sphere into the chamber, and when you pull this trigger, the mana stored within this crystal triggers a localized explosion, propelling the projectile forward at high speed."
"Sadly, unlike conventional weapons like staffs, wands, bows, or swords, this weapon lacks both the conductive properties and storage capacity required to channel energy effectively for complex magic or martial techniques," the professor said. "That is why this weapon is only effective at lower levels."
Lucian raised his hand. "Why are conductivity and storage capacity so important?"
"Because without high conductivity, the energy you channel bleeds off or destabilizes before it can form a complete spell," the professor explained. "And without storage capacity, you are forced to rely entirely on your own internal reserves—a massive disadvantage, as drawing solely on your own mana will leave you exhausted in a matter of minutes."
"Take wands and staffs, for example," the professor said.
"A wand is short and offers high conductivity, which allows you to cast spells much faster. However, because of its small size, it can only hold a few small energy crystals, giving it very low storage capacity."
He gestured toward a taller staff resting by the podium.
"A staff, on the other hand, has lower overall conductivity due to its length, which slows the time for you to cast spells. But its larger size allows for significantly greater energy storage. The energy lost from that lower conductivity is absorbed and stored within its larger amount of energy crystals, making it ideal for high-power, sustained casting."
Lucian raised his hand again. "What determines those properties in a weapon?"
"Two things," the professor replied. "The quality of materials used and the quality of the craftsmanship."
He set the Energy Blaster back down on the table. "This weapon is still a recent invention, and research on it is in its early stages. Because of that, we haven't determined the best materials to craft it or the best way to utilize it beyond treating it like a mobile cannon."
"But perhaps one of you will be the one to discover it," the professor added, looking across the quiet room.
"Magic Engineering, Alchemy, and other research-focused classes come with significant perks," the professor added, resting his hands on the podium.
"The first is full access to the academy's grand research library, containing centuries of specialized texts. The second is financial backing—if you present a project deemed worthy by the faculty, the academy will cover the entire cost of your research in exchange for partial rights to utilize the resulting discoveries."
"And lastly, if your research produces something that yields exceptional benefits, you may even receive direct rewards from both the academy board and the Royal Family."
"That is why, beyond simply studying the material, I strongly encourage you to pursue your own research," the professor said, addressing the class. "You may work independently, or you can join one of the official or unofficial research groups operating within the academy."
"Doing research will allow you to understand the subject far deeper than anything I can teach you in a lecture," the professor added.
The professor then handed out papers listing the various research groups active across the academy.
"With that," the professor said, stacking his remaining notes, "class is dismissed."
Lucian scanned the paper, his eyes stopping at one entry near the middle of the list: the Energy Blaster Research Group.
...
After the Magic Engineering class ended, Lucian made his way toward Tresca's classroom to fetch her.
Her class had also just finished, and students were filing out into the hallway. Lucian waited by the door until the crowd cleared, then walked inside.
He approached Tresca, taking her things to carry them for her, and greeted her simply. "Ready to go, My Lady?"
Tresca nodded and stood up from her seat.
They walked down the hallway, and Lucian broke the silence.
"My Lady, may I ask for permission regarding an academic matter?"
"What is it?" Tresca asked, looking over at him as they continued walking.
"I am interested in joining a research group," Lucian replied, "but doing so will take time away from my duties serving you."
Tresca smiled, reassuring him. "Just do it. I can hang out with Lucelle, join some clubs or research circles myself, and I'm not so helpless that I can't manage without you."
Lucian bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, My Lady."
"What is this research group you plan on joining?" she asked.
"It is called the Energy Blaster Research Group," Lucian replied. "I became interested after the professor showed us the weapon in class."
Tresca smiled. "It's good that you found something new that interests you."
"I also found the weapon weirdly familiar," Lucian replied. "Nostalgic, even."
Tresca looked at him, curious. "What do you mean by that? Have you used it before?"
Lucian shook his head. "No, that's impossible. It was only invented a few years ago."
"Maybe you have used it in your dreams," Tresca laughed lightly, "or maybe you've finally found the right weapon for you."
Lucian sighed softly. "Perhaps that's the case."