— Are you aware of what have you done? — The professor's gaze, fixed upon Richard, brimmed with genuine concern. He harbored a deep desire to prevent a young and promising student like Richard from facing the dire consequences of a single misstep.
Richard's admiration for his professor continued to swell, filling him with profound emotion. He felt a profound sense of gratitude for having the privilege of being mentored by such an exemplary figure during the formative stages of his education.
— I absolutely am. I had no other option but to act. It's been a full six months, and if I hadn't taken action, I might not be here today. — He uttered with a touch of irony, oblivious to the grim reality that the bullied boy had indeed perished. Alderick, misinterpreting his tone as a form of self-blame, remained unaware of the deeper truth.
— Well, we can't change the past. I'll make every effort to assist you. Your courage is something I truly admire, young man. — he affirmed. However, a sudden recollection jolted him, reminding him of the pressing matters he needed to discuss with the boy today.
— Now, let's delve into what we have scheduled for today. I'm curious, how did you manage to acquire this knowledge on your own? Just so you're aware, even individuals from esteemed backgrounds often grapple with the complexities of mastering ancient languages, which is why many emphasize the expansion of their magical cores. — Alderick regarded the boy with a stern and unwavering gaze, his scrutiny capable of discerning any lie that might pass the young student's lips. It was no mere presumption, for he had, in fact, cast a silent spell, a feat far beyond the boy's current level of skill.
"Wait, what's wrong with his eyes?" Alderick's eyes emanated a faint, otherworldly glow, a phenomenon not lost on Richard. An internal instinct stirred within him, cautioning against any falsehoods in the presence of this enigmatic individual, lest it lead to unforeseen consequences.
— Well, there's nothing much to say, I'm just talented. I don't know what else to say, I have just born this way. — He offered a nonchalant shrug as he uttered those words. Richard had mulled over the matter extensively, and after much contemplation, that response was the only conclusion he could reach, one that couldn't be readily unearthed through research.
The professor's eyes remained intent on the young man, focusing on him as if trying to discern any deception within his discourse. A palpable tension gripped the room, and the professor's heart quickened its pace, a telltale sign of the magical scrutiny he was applying in an effort to unveil any falsehoods. His forehead glistened with beads of perspiration, a clear indication of the heightened intensity of the magical examination, particularly when he employed the subtler, silent form of magic.
The boy remained unperturbed by the professor's probing scrutiny. His posture exuded confidence as he sat upright in the chair, his countenance unruffled and fearless. Alderick couldn't help but be struck by the young man's self-assured demeanor, as if he had already resolved to ascend to the pinnacle of the world.
— Sigh. It's a bit of a puzzle to me how you managed this, but I must commend your candor. It's important to recognize that everyone has their own private matters and secrets. — The professor's expression showed contentment with the boy's response, at least for the time being.
— Now that we dealt with that, I need to do something. As you should know, you're the first place in this semester test. So you will be ranked up to B class. Yet, before, you need to test your mana levels. — Alderick rose from his seat, his gaze sweeping across the disarray that was his cluttered desk. It was adorned with an assortment of books, papers containing extensive formulas, and a multitude of subjects linked to his personal research.
As Alderick delved into the chaos of his desk, his search eventually led him to a peculiar object buried within the clutter. It was a sphere, crafted from a translucent, opalescent crystal that seemed to emit an ethereal, pearly glow. Richard's curiosity was piqued as he examined the sphere, noticing his own reflection mirroring flawlessly within its lustrous surface. The crystal orb possessed an almost mystical quality, captivating his attention with its mesmerizing, pristine sheen.
— What's this? — Richard's eyes are full of curiosity, looking to something that seem to come directly from a fairy tail. He felt tempted to touch that crystal, as it was calling for his touch.
— This is a mana crystal. Its purpose lies in the measurement of mana levels, a tool particularly useful for individuals who have not yet attained the status of a novice mage. — A chuckle was the first thing to come out of the professor's mouth.
— Place your hand upon the crystal and infuse it with your mana. Once you've done that, I'll delve further into the knowledge and resources at your disposal now that you've ascended to the B class. — Upon hearing this, his hands swiftly reached for the crystal, channeling all of his mana into it.
The building anticipation of what his fate might hold, coupled with the palpable gravity in his teacher's presence, sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, hastening the rhythmic beats of his heart.
The crystal emitted a faint glow before reverting to its inert state. A few moments passed, and then the numbers "45" materialized within the crystal's depths. The teacher's countenance displayed both disappointment and surprise upon observing such a low number.
A deceptive sigh escaped from the professor's lips, betraying the hidden thought that perhaps this boy was harboring untapped potential. The harsh grip of reality, however, weighed heavily upon Alderick, leaving him with a sense of disappointment. Nevertheless, he endeavored to maintain a composed facade in the presence of his student.
"What does this number mean?" Richard watched closely his professor's reaction, and like someone who is used to deal with people in the past, he noticed his professor disappointment.
Observing the look of confusion etched upon his student's face, he hastened to provide a clarifying explanation, determined to ensure that the young one comprehended his current circumstances.
— As you may know, Mages are divided in 6 Levels, but the ones that matter for you are the Novice mage and apprentice mage. They may be only one realm apart, but don't think that only one realm is a little thing. One Apprentice mage can deal with ten Novice mages. — Alderick's countenance assumed a grave demeanor, a reflection of the seriousness demanded by the situation, while Richard remained fully attentive, hanging on to every word
—The assessment you've just completed holds a crucial role in quantifying your present mana levels.— the professor explained with a calm and measured tone. He leaned in, recognizing the earnestness in Richard's eyes, and continued.
— You see, Richard, the number of mana units you begin with as a mage can often serve as a significant indicator of your innate talent. Typically, those who are already naturally gifted tend to commence their journey as Novice mages, with a starting point of 100 mana units or more. — Alderick's words were intended to shed light on the unspoken reality of magical aptitude.
He added. — Consequently, to attain the esteemed status of a Novice mage, you'll need to invest additional effort and diligence to bridge the gap with your fellow students in the B class. It's a challenging but rewarding path, one where determination and relentless practice can sometimes outshine even natural-born talent. — Hearing this information, now Richard understands why the Professor displayed such disappointment. He's not even a Novice mage yet.
Alderick observed the unfolding scene with a sense of inquisitiveness, his eyes intent on Richard. In the meantime, Richard delved into the depths of his thoughts, seeking a pathway toward self-improvement. His furrowed brow and pensive expression were emblematic of the intellectual struggle transpiring within him. However, he grappled with the realization that he lacked even the rudimentary knowledge of how to accumulate mana within his core, rendering the prospect of progress all the more elusive.
— You don't need to worry about it, young man. It's well-known by me that you have not the resources to improve by yourself, that's why I made a deal with the dean himself to get you some resources. I hope you do not disappoint me. — The severity that had enveloped the recent moments dissipated, replaced by a warm and comforting sensation that enveloped Richard's heart.
He couldn't help but ponder why this teacher was extending such support. The extent of his assistance even included negotiating with the dean, leaving Richard with a growing sense of gratitude and intrigue.
From the depths of his blue cloak pocket, Alderick retrieved a simple iron ring. At first glance, it appeared utterly unremarkable. However, the sight of that ring stirred a distant memory within Richard. In texts, he had perused in his previous world, there was mention of a legendary spacial ring, said to have been used by the ancient Egyptians in the construction of the pyramids.
Richard had often regarded it as mere myth, but witnessing a multitude of items emerging from within that ring, it dawned upon him that this world and his previous one might share more connections than he had previously believed.
There are five items displayed in front of him, two of them are books. The first one is covered by a blue leather, the title is "Manual para acumulação de mana.". It's written in an Ancient language that he never heard of, but it's similar to some Latin languages he studied before.
The other book is also covered in blue leather, but it's written in the common language of the continent, Arcanese. He took his time looking at it, the title is "Basic understanding of magic.".
Beside the assortment of books, a pair of orbs, their surfaces bathed in a deep, earthy brown, lay on the surface. From these spheres, a profoundly rich medicinal fragrance permeated the surrounding space. The scent was akin to an exotic elixir, filling the air with a soothing, heady aroma that hinted at the secrets of ancient healing.
As the scent wafted into his nostrils, the mana within Richard's body stirred and surged with newfound vitality. It was as though the very act of inhaling this enigmatic fragrance served as a catalyst for the acceleration of his mana, causing it to course through his veins with greater speed and potency.
— This is a mana pill. It aids individuals who haven't yet embarked on the path of becoming mages in gathering sufficient mana to ascend to the realm of a Novice Mage. — Alderick explained, gesturing to the smaller pill.
He continued — And this one is a body-enhancing pill. It's designed to make your physique fitter and more adaptable to magic. While it's considered a lower-level enhancement, it's remarkably effective for those who have begun their journey to becoming magic casters at a later stage. — the professor added, pointing to the larger pill.
Richard's eyes darted between the two pills, his anxiety palpable, but he made a conscious effort to maintain a facade of composure. Alderick observed his student's reaction with satisfaction, his expectations seemingly unfolding as anticipated.
—The last item.— Alderick stated, drawing Richard's attention to a mysterious object resting on the table. It was a finely crafted sword, its blade shimmering with an almost ethereal quality. Richard's gaze fixed upon it, yet he found himself perplexed.
— Why would a mage need a sword? — he inquired, his brow furrowed in contemplation. He attempted to decipher the enigmatic purpose of the weapon, but a valid answer eluded him, leaving him in a state of bewildered curiosity.