"So, kids…" An old magus with a kind face, wearing blue robes and a pointy hat, asked the classroom, "Who can tell me how many Schools of Magic there are?"
The majority of the first-year children were silent, while a select few hesitated to speak. At the front row, a young blonde girl with emerald eyes immediately raised her hand.
The old professor smiled warmly. "Yes, Lisa, go ahead."
This girl was none other than the one who had come in second place at the entrance exam, Lisa de Clare. She nudged her black-rimmed round glasses and spoke articulately.
"Professor, there are 8 schools of magic. They are the School of Warding, Summoning, Divination, Enchantment, Invocation, Illusion, Alteration, and finally Necromancy."
"Excellent!" The professor was very happy with Lisa's active participation in the classroom. He then looked at all the other students and added, "You all should strive to be a student like her. Look at how hardworking she is…"
As the professor continued to praise Lisa, Edward who was sitting towards the back of the classroom with Adam, softly grumbled, "This nerd… so annoying! Does she always need to answer every question?"
Adam, who was digging his nose, chuckled slightly as he saw his roommate secretly take out a sweet bun from his pocket and munch on it. Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to the professor.
"The Schools of Magic are also known as Schools of Philosophy. These are categories into which all spells are organized." The professor walked around the classroom as he continued his lecture.
"These 8 Schools of Magic have been developed over a period of hundreds of thousands of years. And through countless generations, Magi have created innumerable spells that fall under these categories."
The students nodded from time to time and continued to jot down notes. Seeing this, the professor nodded with gratification.
He continued, "The School of Warding focuses on protective, sealing, and defensive magic. When mastered to a high degree, Magi who major in this school can even banish targets to a different dimension!"
"Whoa!" The students were fascinated by the fact that different dimensions even existed. Even Adam and Edward were astonished by this revelation. Adam immediately thought of the Spirit World!
The professor allowed the students to digest this new information and continued, "The School of Summoning, like its namesake, focuses on summoning creatures, objects, and magical effects. The spells from this school are efficient at transporting people, objects, and energy."
A student raised his hand and curiously asked, "Professor, what exactly do you mean by transporting?"
The professor stroked his long white beard and smiled mysteriously. "Teleportation!"
A collective gasp resounded in the classroom. Seeing this, the professor chuckled. "Us Magi, not only have control over the elements of nature but even the more profound concepts such as space! Of course, only the mightiest of Magi can cast such powerful spells."
Adam recalled the scene he had witnessed when he had first acquired the white lotus. The black-armored Magus had used spells that froze space and disintegrated his enemies.
I see! So was that Magus using spells from the School of Summoning? Or could it be something else entirely? Adam speculated with shining eyes.
The professor continued his lecture. "The School of Divination is the most mysterious. Although it has fewer spells compared to other schools, it allows a Magus to see the unseen!"
"The unseen? Professor, what do you mean?" A young girl asked with curious and innocent eyes.
"Spells from this school allow a Magus to see the future, gain insights, and uncover hidden information," The professor replied patiently.
See the future!? Isn't that too overpowered?! All the students had the exact same thought.
The professor, knowing exactly what everyone was thinking, chuckled. "Of course, to perform an accurate divination, the Magus also needs to gather the relevant information."
He then took out his pocket watch from inside his robes to check the time. Seeing that very little time was left, he accelerated the pace of the lecture a little.
"Next up is the School of Enchantment. This school focuses on manipulating minds and influencing the thoughts and actions of the targets. Magi who major in this school have a keen sense of observation and are adept at curses and hexes."
The professor walked back to his table and started to pack up his things. "Unfortunately, we don't have more time left. I have introduced four Schools of Magic to you all. Your homework will be to study the other four schools. Next class, I will ask you questions about it. So be prepared."
As he walked out of the classroom, he gently smiled at the children. "Moreover, next class I will teach you how to construct spell models and give you a thorough explanation of the components required to cast spells. After learning them, you will finally be able to cast spells. Class dismissed!"
"Thank you, professor!" The students got up from their seats and spoke in unison.
Edward stuffed the last of the sweet bun inside his mouth and muttered sadly, "It's combat training now… I hate it!"
Suddenly he thought of something and softly elbowed Adam. "Say, buddy, how about skipping class and going out to eat? I know a really good restaurant that serves delicious food."
Adam rolled his eyes and scolded, "You fatty! Do you think about nothing but food?"
"Of course not!" Edward replied without hesitation. He rubbed his palms together and spoke like a shady salesman, "Let's go, Adam! Attendance is not necessary for the next class. Besides… that restaurant also serves one of the best wines in the city."
Adam's eyes lit up and he laughed loudly. "Hahaha! You should have mentioned this in the beginning, you dummy. Let's go!"
Hehe, I know you too well, roomie, Edward thought with glee.
The two friends strutted out of the classroom, one thinking about delicious food, while the other thinking about fine wine. Their mouths were drooling, causing the other students to draw back from them.
But right as they were about to exit, a young girl stood in front of them and blocked their way.
Lisa de Clare!
Edward's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you want, nerd?"
However, Lisa completely ignored him and walked up to Adam. She looked him dead in the eye and spoke with determination.
"Adam Constantine, I challenge you to a duel!"