"That's it for today," Professor Burbank said, glancing at his watch. With less than 10 minutes remaining, this was a good time to end today's session.
"It seems my math skills need to improve," Zane thought as he closed his book and notebook before gently placing them in his bag. During the professor's demonstration, he believed the study of Mana Directives was a more intuitive subject, with only a few limited rules. However, the following hour and a half of class proved him wrong. For most of the class, Professor Burbank slowly introduced them to all the mathematics involved in studying the Mana Directive.
"There are a few minutes left before class ends. Any last-minute questions about anything we've covered?" Professor Burbank asked, but after looking around, no one raised their hands. "It's now or never. As I said before, this class will go quite fast, so if you miss a chance to ask a question about a topic, I might not answer it in another class."
"Professor, I have a question, but it's not a serious question; it's just something that made me curious."
"Well, this is as good as any time. Go ahead."
"What is the most powerful field?" the student asked.
"There is no most powerful field, just the most powerful mage," Professor Burbank immediately answered.
"Oh, come on. As far as I can tell, you, mages, seemed quite meticulous. Someone must have had the same thought as I did and tested it out."
"What I said is true: the field doesn't matter. All fields have given birth to [Sages], or mages who have reached the pinnacle of magic," Professor Burbank continued. "But to answer your question, yes, such an experiment does exist, as a matter of fact, many of them do. The official result stated that Chaos Magic is the most powerful, but unfortunately, even an Archmage might not be able to tell you what Chaos Magic is.
"As for the other ranking of this test? Well, the truth is that, among the accessible forms of magic for students like you, the spatial field is considered the most powerful. But they are also the weakest."
Professor Burbank saw the expression on these students' faces, so he asked, "Would you like me to explain?"
"Please."
"There are a few reasons. First, the lowest spatial attack spells are 3-ring. I'm not talking about spatial spells that use gravity or an indirect approach to cause damage, but spells that directly weaponize the very fabric of space-time itself. In other words, while most fields can directly build their fighting prowess at the Apprentice Stage, most Space Mages must wait until the third ring.
"Secondly, spatial mages use too much mana. Without any aid, the most powerful apprentice can cast 20-25 spells, whereas a space mage can cast only 5-10.
"Thirdly, and most importantly, spatial spells are too slow. Only one in a hundred million people will have a natural affinity for space magic, and of those, fewer than 1% can master [Instant Cast]. Without this ability, most space mages have weak fighting capabilities — at least, in one-to-one fights."
"Sir, I heard higher ring mages can instantly cast lower ring spells. Doesn't that apply to Space Mages?" Zane asked.
"Yes, and no," Professor Burbank replied. "You saw how many sub-runes spatial magic has. Even with a highly condensed mental energy, how many people can memorize and engrave them at the speed required to be considered [Instant Casting]? Not to mention the subsequent spell activation."
Professor Burbank shook his head, "In conclusion, Battle Space Mages are the most terrifying. Otherwise, they are more useful for war mobilization and the development of a civilization's inter-dimensional exploration."
His watch suddenly vibrated, and Professor Burbank checked the time. "Well, class is over. Don't forget your assignment. Five pages before tomorrow morning's class."
"I think I've found my favorite magic class," Tom Nguyen excitedly said as he packed up his bag.
"Oh, the math major likes math class," Evans rolled his eyes, and Zane chuckled.
"Zane, what do you have planned next?" Tom Nguyen asked.
"I'm feeling a little peckish, so I'll head to the cafeteria to eat something before heading to the library. I think I'll also check out the Virtual Learning Lab to sign up for some math classes."
Many students had departed, but despite sitting in the front, Zane was delayed, and the others—who waited for him—were also slowly falling behind.
"Hungry already?" Tom Nguyen asked. The class was only three hours long, and they had just eaten breakfast before coming.
"I was already a big eater, and one of my titles exacerbated the situation," Zane explained.
"That must be annoying. Well, I guess I can accompany you." Zane's plan was to his liking — the part about the library and the learning lab — so Tom Nguyen decided to tag along.
"I'll come as well."
"Are you sure?" Zane asked. He could tell Evans was not the studious type, and that spending hours in a library surrounded by a bunch of "nerds" was probably not his ideal way to pass the time.
"I am," Evans nodded firmly. His life needed a change, and there is no better opportunity than to follow these two geniuses.
"Alright, but give me a moment. There is something I need to ask the professor once we're alone." The three waited until every student had left before approaching Professor Burbank's desk.
"Mr. Skylar, Nguyen, and Aaronson — is there something I can do for you?" Burbank stated after closing the screen in front of him.
"There is something you said in class that I wanted to verify," Zane stated.
"You'll have to be more detailed than that."
"You mentioned that the tower's rules might be revoked."
"You caught that, did you?" Professor Burbank sighed.
"I did."
Professor Burbank paused for a few seconds, "What I'm about to say should remain between us, understand?"
"No worry, professor, our lips will be sealed," Tom Nguyen swiftly said.
"What do you think the tower's purpose toward Earth is?"
"Build our magical civilization," Zane answered without hesitation.
"Yes, so following this thought: why hasn't the tower just handed over advanced knowledge to Earth? Better yet, why not build their civilization for them? No, even better, why not take Earth as a subordinate? As a colony? The tower has nothing to fear from Demon Lord Shakurri, and with our protection, you should be safe, right? So, why do it in such a long and run-about manner?"
"Because there are rules that even the tower must follow," Evans replied.
"The Dimension Tower is essentially a business, and in our line of work, the interaction of a higher civilization with a weaker one is a complicated matter with strict protocols and guidelines. For now, we can place rules and restrictions on your development, but once you reach a certain stage, we must, as you Earthling say, let go of the wheels; be hands off."
"That's both reassuring and scary to think about," Tom Nguyen replied, his eyebrow raised. Currently, the world is in this state of calmness, and it's all because of the tower's existence, because of its deterrent. But one day, when this deterrent is no longer applicable, no one can predict what will happen.
"Who exactly set up these rules?" Zane asked.
"That's above both of our pay grades," Professor Burbank shook his head.
"I see."
"Is there anything else?"
"No, that's all."
"In that case, I'll see you for the afternoon class," Professor Burbank nodded.
Zane and the others slowly exited the classroom. "What do you think?"
"The world is about to be chaotic," Evans sighed.
"It won't be that bad," Tom Nguyen added.
"But it will. Even if governments across the world do a good enough job to stop the initial chaos, major change is inevitable once individual power is enough to dominate an entire nation."
"Yes, there will be a transition of power, but it can also be swift," Tom Nguyen countered.
"Will it?"
"What's the point of arguing? If we don't start working extra hard, we'll have no choice but to watch and accept whatever happens," Zane finally stated. The transition of power that Tom Nguyen spoke of won't occur until this dimension has given birth to a few Grand Mages. So, if they cannot reach such a stage of meditation, they will be mere passersby — observers — in determining Earth's fate.
"You have a point," Tom Nguyen chuckled.
Evans sighed, "I wish I had your ambition and drive."
The three soon reached the cafeteria, and Zane ordered two bacon-cheese hamburgers and onion rings for his lunch. While he ate, he also organized his class notes. Since the food was free, and Tom Nguyen did not want to just watch someone eat, he also ordered something to pass the time.
"It still amazes me," Tom uttered as the food materialized in front of him. "I wonder how it's done. Do you think they store the food in another dimension and teleport it after we order?"
"Then, how is the food still hot?" Evans asked.
"Maybe time has stopped in that dimension."
"There is a simpler explanation: they have a food heating spell," Evans rebutted. If technology can make a microwave, magic should have a spell of a similar effect.
"That's the boring answer," Tom Nguyen shook his head.
"But it's the most logical one."
"True," Tom Nguyen nodded. Since time was not a field that most can study, it makes more sense that there was a heating spell. "Zane, what do you think?"
"Alchemy," Zane replied while still compiling his notes and eating.
"Your logic?"
"Have you ever watched Star Trek and the concept of Matter Synthesizer?"
"That's right. How could I forget about such a simple and direct solution?" Evans said, slapping his leg. If the field transmutation is about manipulating atoms, then it is a simple matter to recreate any Earth Food, provided the Alchemist understands the molecular structure of what they are making.
"Well, while your method is feasible, I still think my approach is the best and the most likely."
"The best method is the one that is cheapest to the tower," Evans added.
"I agree with that," Zane nodded. Ultimately, the tower is a business, so they must also keep a strict handle on their expenses. So, if given the choice between the two, the tower will choose the approach that costs it the least.
"We still don't know whether my method is cheaper or not."
"It's easy to infer that anything related to space is expensive," Zane rebutted.
"Based on what? Based on Professor Burbank's biased views on spatial magic?"
"Okay, now I know you're arguing for the sake of arguing," Evans shook his head.
"Even worse — for pride," Zane added.
"No, I'm just trying to have an academic debate," Tom Nguyen countered. "So, indulge me: on what basis is your argument?"
"You want to do this?" Zane finally stopped multitasking.
"I do."
"Alright. My first proof is the hunting guild. Did you know that teleporting required paying a fee?"
"I didn't, but that doesn't prove anything. This could be their business model — the way they recoup costs."
"They have many ways to make money, but the teleportation price is highlighted. I asked the guild receptionist, and she mentioned that teleportation was expensive."
Tom Nguyen shook his head, "You are trying to prove to me that anything related to spatial magic is expensive. If that's all you have to go on, then you'll be disappointed."
"A bit stubborn, huh? I should expect nothing less from a mathematician," Zane said. "Alright, let me give you solid data. Evans!"
"Hmm? Why are you putting me in the middle of this?"
"You bought an inter-dimensional bag. How much did it cost?" Zane asked.
"I…I don't really want to say."
"Come on: out with it," Tom Nguyen said.
"Just tell us," Zane said. He knew the type of person Tom Nguyen was: stubborn, arrogant, and unwilling to admit his inferiority.
"It costs 1350 magic crystals."
"That's 1.35 million US dollars."
"I paid in gold, so it didn't amount to that much in the end," Evans explained.
Zane ignored his comment and asked, "Was that the most expensive one?"
"No, the most expensive one costs more than 5,000 magic crystals, and the dimension inside was the size of a tennis court."
"That seems rather small," Zane commented.
"Is it?"
"Anyway, was this the only spatial-related item you bought or know to exist?" Zane continued. Evans did not immediately answer.
"Well?" Zane asked.
"There was a ring enchanted with a Teleportation Spell. It cost 15,098 magic crystals."
Zane subtly looked at the silver ring on his right hand. Evans uncomfortably hid it away. "
"15,000 magic crystals, that's —"
"15 million US dollars," Tom Nguyen finished.
Zane glanced at him, noticing the unwillingness in his eyes. "Was it the most expensive one?"
"No. On the contrary, it was the least expensive one."
"Oh?" Zane asked. In his mind, Evans was not the kind of person who would buy the cheapest item. Maybe not the best — that's probably something James would do — but definitely not the cheapest.
"I could only buy this one," Evans said with a wry smile.