According to Cross, only two out of the six occupants of room 117 were sane. The others were obnoxious. Simon being one of the obnoxious roommates, and also the one that gave them more warning signals than the others, it would not be a good idea for him to rub off on the twins.
"You're right," Jarett said to Cross. He had seen enough of Simon to want to stay away from him. Though he didn't know the twins all too well, He couldn't shake off the unnerving feeling he got just seeing the three of them speaking to each other. 'I do hope this does not go past their liking for Teferi,' he said inwardly.
For the next class, they all had gone in different directions. Jarett, Cross, Wallace and Lecter went together this time. While Damien, Rodney, Kiyan, Raten and Simon went the same way. After the first week given for every student to choose a major, more students moved to the elemental and non-elemental classes. Those who hadn't found one yet, and didn't have affinity for a major were moved to potion teaching classes.
Since it had only been a week, the new students to join the two major classes were hardly behind in anything. The elemental ability's teacher, Professor Elvis after introducing himself to the newcomers did a little recap on his previous lesson as some were still yet to get it.
"This is rather easy," Rodney thought as he controlled his wind magic to a point good enough to impress Elvis for a beginner.
Elvis still had his eyes on the twins. As instructed, he watched their progression in class. "The number of students has increased. Time to get serious," Elvis said.
"Students!" He began. "Last week we focused on connecting our abilities with the outside world. Most of us got it, others, not quite. I do believe for the newcomers you have been told something of the same manner in your other class, so I don't have to dwell much on that."
His words were quite true. While they were still indecisive, the school still made sure they learnt around the same thing as the others so as to avoid a lag behind in lessons to cover. Although they didn't do so with abilities, they were taught the basics and when they made their choice, they practiced on their own with their abilities.
"Today's lesson is on mana growth. The larger your mana pool gets, the more you can use magic. They both are linked. If you able to tap into the mana flow inside and around you, only then can you grow as a wizard. Knowing this is a great advantage to you, but be warned, it can cost your life if you don't know how to properly utilize it."
"Of course there's a side effect of this manner," said Damien.
"You see, Mana gives us the ability to control our inner and external forces. It is our inner core where magic stems from, and it allows for the cultivation and possession of energy. Now, this power is mostly concentrated in our chest region."
"Every person has a limit to which they can absorb this mana from the surrounding and implement into their own. If you begin to force it into you, or try to build your mana affinity to a point more than your body can handle, you will just be doing nothing more than commiting suicide, in a very painful way. In the same way, if you expel too much mana by constant and prolonged usage of magic, it reduces your lifespan, in summary, you die."
"I think I have given enough warnings about the dangers of abusing your mana, time to start."
"Death, huh? That is way too extreme," Simon said while rubbing on his chin. His face showed a hint of worry, but changed immediately to one of nonchalance.
"You had plans of pushing your body to its limits?" Raten asked.
"Well, yes. I did think that was the way to grow. But, isn't it? Don't we grow through pain?" Asked Simon.
"Look over there," Raten pointed at Elvis. "That's the professor, you can ask him."
Simon just sighed. "I'll have to find another way. Death is not a risk I want to explore," he mumbled.
"To build your mana, you have to create a magical link between you and the supernatural force. I will only teach the basics, your third to fourth year will give more details on this. By then you must already have built increased your mana pool to a good level."
Elvis then stood up and said, "Magae-eghol Kashr." A large circle appeared in front of him, and hovered above the students. There was a smaller circle inside of it, with small symbols between both circles, following its curvy nature, and a singular large symbol in its centre.
Most of the students were amazed with what was now in front of them. "A magic circle!" One of them exclaimed.
"He didn't even need to draw it," another said in amazement.
"It just appeared after he spoke some words."
"As one of you just said, this is a magic circle. This particular one will help to keep you in sync with the supernatural forces within and surrounding you, while keeping its limit at your body's capacity," Elvis said.
"No matter how hard you try while repeating the words I just said, you can't produce a circle out of nowhere. This is practice beyond your present capacity, so you have to draw it out yourselves. After drawing, to activate it, just say 'Kashr.'" He began handing out chalks for them to draw the circle on the wooden floor.
"Considering how old this Professor is, it is safe to assume he has built his mana for years and yet, his circle is as big as this. He can still gather more. He must have a very large mana pool." Damien thought out loud.
"Indeed," Kiyan said.
After handing a chalk to everyone, Elvis carried on explaining what they needed to do. "Just as you did to unlock your mana shell, you have to concentrate. Imagine yourself going into the depths of your being. At first, you will see nothing but darkness. This link will guide you. Focus only on the flow of its energy and you will find your inner core glowing brightly or dimly, it depends on your body's capacity. You have to focus on both energies now. Slowly move the link's energy into your own," he said.
Everyone drew their circles carefully, whilst looking at the one in front of them.
"My circle is so beautiful," Raten said with a smile when he finished.
"You were the last to start drawing, how are you done already?" Damien asked and moved to take a peek. He was stunned by what he saw. He tried to control it, but he couldn't. He burst into laughter so hard the entire class turned to look at him.
"You call that a circle?!" He questioned in-between chuckles. "Even a toddler can draw better than that!"
"What do you mean? This is pure art," Raten said confidently looking at his magic circle.
Rodney also turned to take a peek and paused, "Your 'art' is an abomination," he said.
"Is it that bad?" Simon asked and looked at it. "Ha! And I thought I was bad at drawing." He began laughing as well.
"Kiyan, say the truth. They're all lying right? It's good," Raten turned to his brother.
"I've seen you draw before. I don't want my eyes to bleed again, so I won't even look at it," Kiyan responded.
"You all are just jealous," Raten huffed still confident in the 'beautiful' magical circle he drew.
"Quiet down!" Elvis calmly said.
"Sorry Professor," they apologized while trying to hold in their laughter.
Elvis moved to where they sat and took a look at their drawings. He then caught sight of Raten's circle and understood why they were laughing. "Boy, did you draw a magic circle or a curse?" He asked.
Damien laughed even harder this time.
"It's that bad?" Raten looked closer at his drawing.