Chapter 8 - SWORD

A few days later at Sheila's office, Layla was practicing spells. Based on yesterday's results, Sheila had devised a suitable curriculum to help her learn magic at a fast pace without fatally injuring herself.

At most, she could cast three spells without any aftermaths. If she cast more than one, she would start feeling lightheaded.

Nova was mostly right, learning magic was pretty easy. Except for the part where you'd have to get used to magic.

Looking up from the book she was reading, Layla decided to ask Sheila the questions that had been bothering her.

"Can I ask a question?"

"Of course.", She urged her with a warm smile.

"How am I able to heal people with magic? And how can I do it without potions? Am I the only one who can do that? "

"Why can you do that? I guess, it's because you're special Layla, a special mage. You are the only one capable of doing that. No other mage has been blessed by the hermits the same way you have been. The hermits even left a special spell book that contain spells only you can perform."

Layla nodded. Sheila's answer didn't really surprise her. She had just about guessed the answer. Sheila did mention her having special powers. Her question had been to confirm her guess.

"If I'm the only one capable of such spells, that means I should be stronger than most mages."

Sheila nodded in agreement. Activation of a spell didn't occur instantly. Even experienced mages couldn't activate spells instantly. The only thing that differentiated them from novices was that they could activate spells faster.

"Using that logic, the danger the prophecy mentioned might not be human. There's no way all the mages of the world wouldn't be stronger than a single mage, or even a group of mages. The fact that a special mage is required might mean that the danger might be something even far stronger than humans."

Layla looked at Sheila to get her response. She had a complicated expression. Like Layla had uncovered a secret she didn't want her to know.

Quickly smiling and ignoring her question, Sheila quickly dismissed her.

Did I say something wrong?

***

Layla was jogging somewhere away from the school zone. It was a large field anyone hardly used, so it was perfect for her. Jogging was part of her combat training. She wasn't supposed to be doing that now, but since her class with Sheila had been abruptly suspended, it was the only thing left for her to do.

She noticed someone coming from the other side. It was Harry. She stopped to offer a small bow.

"Aren't supposed to be with Sheila?"

Layla didn't miss the lack of the honorific Lady. Well, he was the Prince, so it was probably okay.

"The class was cancelled. I think I said something wrong."

She explained everything that happened to him.

"I don't really think you said anything wrong. And your theory does seem plausible. I don't think no one has noticed it yet, so I don't know why they might be trying to keep it a secret. Maybe she's trying to keep as much information from leaking out as possible. "

Layla understood what he was saying, but was it really a good idea to keep something like that from her? And Sheila's reaction made it seem like it was more than that.

She decided not to think too much about that part for now. She asked another question.

"Are there any creatures apart from humans that can use magic. And use it better than we can."

"No, apart from hermits, there's none."

"What about animals?"

"Animals have magic in them but they can't utilize it. The magic in them doesn't give them any physical advantage over us either. "

So only hermits. Maybe her theory was only a half-truth.

"Oh, I was supposed to tell you your sword is ready."

He took her to the blacksmith in the Academy. She didn't get to enter the entire building and was attended to in a room.

An attendant handed the sword to her. She examined it carefully. It was exactly as she had wanted it.

It was a longsword with its cruciform hilt measuring 25cm. Its straight double-edged blade measured 100cm and was gray in color. Its hilt was primarily brown in color. Its scabbard was also brown. Etched on the hilt and scabbard was the letter A decorated in gold.

With the sword, she could train better. She was already on the way to becoming a mage.