......

  “......So, those seven spells are the representative first-tier incantations of each of the seven magic elements. You students must commit these spells and their corresponding magic circuits to memory.”

  Colette pointed her magic wand at the blackboard that had been hauled out to the training ground, her expression earnest. The board was covered in diagrams of magic circuits—one for each first-tier spell of the seven elemental affinities.

  Thanks to the awe-inspiring display of power Colette had put on earlier, the students now held her in full confidence, hanging on her every word. Even the initial impression that she was a bit flighty had faded, dismissed as nothing more than a quirky personality trait.

  “While you only need to master one spell to pass the class, having a solid grasp of all magic fundamentals will do you nothing but good. So, give it your best shot~! As a side note, this is also your primary goal for the school year. Master just one spell by the end of the term, and you’ll pass your magic course with flying colors!”

  Colette smiled as she delivered the news that filled most of the students with dread.

  “Huh?! There’s an exam too?!”

  “Ugh! I hate exams more than anything......”

  “Can’t you skip the exam, Ms. Colette?”

  A chorus of groans erupted from the crowd.

  “No can do~! Not even if you beg me! It’s a rule from the higher-ups~!”

  “Aww, why does it have to be like this?”

  Colette’s words dealt the students another crushing blow.

  “Ms. Colette?” A boy in the front row raised his hand, cutting her off. “If we only need to master one spell, is there no way to find out our magic affinity right away? Wouldn’t that save us a ton of time?”

  “Right! That’s a great idea!”

  All eyes turned to Colette in eager anticipation.

  “Well...... While I wish I could tell you there’s a way to test someone’s magic affinity—and even their talent level......”

  Colette replied, hesitating slightly.

  “Really? So there is a way!”

  The students’ faces lit up with hope.

  But their excitement was short-lived. Colette quickly doused their enthusiasm with a bucket of cold water.

  “Unfortunately, that method is impossible to popularize.”

  “Aww, why not? If there’s a way, why can’t we use it?”

  The students sighed in disappointment, confusion written all over their faces.

  Colette explained, “The main issue is that the Ancient Magical Artifacts capable of testing talent are all excavated from certain special Ancient Magical Ruins. These artifacts are not only extremely rare but also incredibly valuable. They’re usually kept and managed by the royal family in the Royal Capital, and they’re never taken out unless absolutely necessary.

  What’s more, these artifacts rely on Lost Ancient Magical Technology—a craft we have no hope of replicating with our current knowledge. That’s why this testing method can never be made available to the general public.”

  “Ah...... I see.”

  The students couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret.

  Lost Ancient Magical Technology?

  Upon hearing those words, Hulim fell into deep thought.

  Semiris definitely knows how that technology works. After all, she can wield magic like that without even needing a magical artifact......

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  But as soon as the thought crossed her mind, Hulim shook her head.

  Even if she knew Semiris possessed that knowledge, she would never ask her to intervene. It just wasn’t in her nature. Besides, how could Semiris not be aware that so much ancient magical technology has been lost in the mortal realm?

  Of course she knows. But even with that knowledge, she’s chosen not to meddle. That means there must be a reason she can’t get involved. And when it comes to understanding this world, the Six Gods of Tiramsuin are the ones who know the most.

  To say that the Six Gods don’t care about the fates of those in the mortal realm is pure nonsense. After all, the Six Gods have been protecting this world from the very beginning—and the mortal realm is the foundation of everything. If even the Six Gods have chosen not to act on this matter, then there must be unseen drawbacks to interfering with it......

  “Alright, alright, no need to mope!” Colette clapped her hands to get their attention. “As I said before, if you want to go far in the world of magic, mastering the basics of all elemental magics will be a huge help!

  This is a process of laying a solid foundation. The stronger your fundamentals, the smoother your journey ahead will be. And while the other six elements may seem useless to you now, all magic is interconnected. Understanding other elements will help you gain insights by analogy, leading to a deeper grasp of your own magic.”

  Colette’s explanation helped the students reluctantly accept the task of memorizing all seven first-tier spells.

  “Perfect~! It looks like everyone understands what I’m saying. Now, while we still have time today, I want all of you to try practicing these seven spells. See if you can sense the flow of Mana. If you have any questions about the magic itself, feel free to ask me anytime~!”

  “Oh, and one more thing! Students who already know how to cast spells can practice on the side. You’re welcome to ask me questions too, if you have any!”

  “Ms. Colette, I have a question! I don’t understand this magic circuit diagram.”

  “Show me where, dear. Oh, this one! It works like this......”

  “Ms. Colette, I have a question too! Are there any specific requirements for pronouncing the incantation syllables?”

  “Not at all! In fact, there can’t be. Everyone’s physical constitution is different, so the same incantation will sound slightly different when cast by different people. You’ll just have to find the rhythm that works best for you......”

  “Ms. Colette, I have a question!”

  “Ms. Colette, me too!”

  “Ms. Colette......”

  Watching Colette dart back and forth through the crowd, answering questions left and right, Hulim suddenly realized the difference between Colette and Semiris.

  If Semiris was a being who stands at the very pinnacle of magic, grasping its fundamental essence, then Colette—as a magic instructor—possessed the ability to distill that vast pool of knowledge into the most digestible portions for students.

  At its core, any field of knowledge is bound to be profound and complex. But that depth is far too much for beginners to handle all at once. That’s why knowledge must be broken down into levels—basic, intermediate, advanced, master—so that even novices can gradually work their way toward the core of the subject.

  While the magic Semiris taught her was likely the most perfect form of each spell in the world, Semiris was not a teacher by trade. She lacked the ability to convey that profound knowledge in a way that was easy to understand.

  Most of the time, Hulim had to rely on her own comprehension to master the magic Semiris imparted. She had no way of knowing how close her version of each spell was to its true, full potential.

  But Semiris had always said she had an exceptional talent. So Hulim supposed her grasp of the magic was probably not too far off the mark......

  As this thought crossed her mind, Hulim realized this might be a golden opportunity. She could ask Colette for advice—perhaps the teacher could give her a way to measure her own progress.

  So she raised her hand.

  “Ms. Colette, I have a question I’d like to ask you......”

  ......

  Before long, school was over for the day.

  Just before dismissing the class, Colette said to everyone, “Students, if you want to learn a particular type of magic, practicing in an environment that corresponds to that element will make things much easier! You can go look for such places after school!”

  Truly the mark of a professional, Hulim thought to herself with admiration. She herself hadn’t realized this until her mother had pointed it out to her. But to Colette, it was just basic teaching knowledge.

  The crowd of students began to disperse, filing out of the training ground and toward the school gate.

  “Hulim, please wait a moment.”

  Hearing a voice call out from behind her, Hulim stopped and turned around. She saw Colette standing there, holding her magic wand in her arms.

  “Ms. Colette? Did you need something?”

  “Well...... It’s not exactly a big deal, but do you have a little time right now, Hulim?”

  “......I do, as long as it doesn’t take too long.”

  Hulim replied.

  “Great! Don’t worry, it’ll be quick.”

  Hulim followed Colette to the teachers’ lounge—a quiet place where they wouldn’t be disturbed.

  “Ms. Colette, what did you want to talk to me about?”

  Hulim asked, cutting straight to the point.

  “Well...... Before we get to that, there’s something I’d like to ask you first. It wasn’t the right time to bring it up in class.”

  “A question? Sure. I’m curious to hear what it is.”

  “Oh, you’re so easygoing! That makes me happy~!”

  Colette said with a bright smile.

  “So...... Tell me, Hulim—what is your relationship to Olubert Heyerar?”