As had been the case since he started meditating instead of simply sleeping, Phaistos woke up feeling refreshed.
However, he still hadn't felt the barrier of his elemental understanding break. Despite the fact that it seemed to be loosening little by little, it was still impossible for him to get that final push to improve.
Phaistos knew he had six days left to pass the test, but he was still stressed. Since what he learned yesterday, he thought he needed to show his talent faster.
Indeed, he feared that there would be higher rewards for those who showed better potential.
Coming downstairs, he encountered his comrades who didn't seem to be in better shape than he was. Except for Miki and Kibi, who were quietly discussing their breakthroughs.
Phaistos didn't want to scare Freya and Zara, but he decided to share his thoughts with them. "I've been thinking about what Kibi explained to us yesterday," he began, attracting his comrades' attention.
"I think Instructor Ferrax slipped some interesting elements into his speech. After thinking about it, I've found elements that I think will help us."
"First of all, Instructor Ferrax clearly stated that we would no longer have access to the training rooms. They are only open the first time someone enters a training hall. This means we no longer have a quick way to improve."
"Next, we clearly learned that there is a clear structure in the power dynamics at the academy, but also within the elemental halls. But at no point were we told that we couldn't contact the instructors for advice."
"Finally, I think the instructors want to test our intelligence because they are trying to drive us away from the elemental moons after just one hour of training."
Freya intervened, "I think I see where you're going with this. They gave us the idea that we couldn't return to the hall unless we were students, but they never said we couldn't go to the moon or ask for advice."
Phaistos smiled. "Exactly, that's what I meant. I think you've noticed that on each elemental moon, the elements are much more present than here. It would be more beneficial for us to meditate there to increase our strength."
With these thoughts in mind, they headed to their first class of the day: History of Magic. Entering the classroom, they sat in their usual seats and waited for the instructor to begin.
The instructor, an elderly man with a long gray beard and round glasses, stood in front of a board filled with notes. "Good morning, everyone, my name is Aldric," he began. "Today, we are going to explore the beginnings of magical civilization and the creation of the ranks of apprentices and magicians."
As he was about to start his lecture, he glanced furtively at Phaistos. In his gaze, the most observant could read complex intentions. This glance lasted only a tenth of a second before he refocused. Given the current level of the students, no one noticed this lapse in concentration.
He pointed his finger at the board, and holographic images appeared. "Since you come from different lower worlds, I will explain what this is. This is a film, a combination of images and sounds intended to show something. You can see it as the ultimate evolution of carvings, paintings, or even sculptures that you know from your home planets."
While they didn't fully understand what Aldric was talking about, they saw the images on the board start to play by themselves. The image began with a void. In reality, it would be wrong to say there was nothing, as they could observe a small black orb in its center. As they were all focused on this object, it imploded. Instantly, it was a deluge of matter spreading throughout the world, disseminating all the constitutive elements of magic.
"This is what we call the Magical Genesis," Aldric explained in a monotone voice. "This event marked the birth of the universe and magic. This event occurred 13.8 billion years ago. We still don't know if this event was natural or the work of a force beyond our understanding."
The holographic images evolved to show planets forming from this primordial matter, each imbued with one or more magical elements. Then, little by little, the gravitational attraction between the planets caused them to collide. This allowed the majority of the planets to have all the elements within them. This facilitated the emergence of intelligent species.
"At first, the emerging civilizations had absolutely no control over magic. Those who could use it often did so unconsciously. This demonstrated their immense talent in the field of magic."
"Over time, the first magical civilizations began to emerge. But there was still no revolution in the world of magic until a tipping point was reached 10 billion years ago. What do you think happened?" Aldric asked.
After a few moments, seeing that no one dared to raise their hand, Aldric decided to call on a student. He pointed his finger at Phaistos. "You, give me your idea."
Phaistos was taken aback by this sudden request, but he didn't dare disobey for fear of incurring the teacher's wrath. "I think the event that occurred is that someone must have surpassed the apprentice stage and reached a new height."
"Interesting response. I'd like to know what led you to think that," Aldric asked with a hint of interest in his voice. "It's very simple. I don't think the revolution was the invention of a spell or a new technique to enhance our spiritual affinities. If that were the case, how could a simple spell have spread throughout the universe when there were only a few magical civilizations? Unless you failed to mention that they were in contact with each other."
"I also don't think it was a utilitarian element, because not everyone could have benefited from it. However, with the advent of the first magician, a new perspective on magic appeared, as well as a new path of learning. I think that is more important than anything else." With these words, Phaistos decided to sit down, as he had nothing more to add.
"Your response is satisfactory and quite accurate overall. To be precise, the first magician wasn't born 10 billion years ago. But the one born at that time was the first to provide clear guidance on the path to advancement. His name was Althar, the Saint of Time."
The holographic images transformed to show a man in majestic robes, holding a staff shimmering with light. "Althar was a visionary and a pioneer. He not only mastered magic but also documented and shared his knowledge, laying the foundations for our modern understanding of magic. Thanks to him, magical civilizations were able to structure their learning and progress in an orderly manner."
Aldric continued, "Althar created the first grimoires, compiling spells, rituals, and techniques to channel magic. He also established the first ranks of apprentices and magicians, allowing for clear and methodical progression in the study of magic."
The holographic images transformed into a data chart showing the different levels of apprentices and the differences in magical power between each rank.
[Rank 1: Initiate: magic power 10: initial stage of elements]
[Rank 2: Apprentice: magic power 30: intermediate stage of elements]
[Rank 3: Disciple: magic power 50: final stage of elements]
[Rank 4: Adept: magic power 100: initial foundation of the spiritual core]
[Rank 5: Companion: magic power 200: intermediate foundation of the spiritual core]
[Rank 6: Conjuror: magic power 300: advanced foundation of the spiritual core]
[Rank 7: Invoker: magic power 400]
[Rank 8: Scholar Mage: magic power 500]
[Rank 9: Arcanist: magic power 1000: condensation of the spiritual book]
"You can see that there are clear requirements to progress through the different ranks of apprentices. Only ranks 7 and 8 have requirements solely in terms of spiritual power. For more specific details, you will have to wait until you reach that level to know them," Aldric specified. "On that note, the class is over. I invite you to ask me any questions if you wish."
As some students were leaving the class, Freya approached Professor Aldric. "Sir, I have a question for you," she asked.
"Of course, I'm listening."
"I would like to know if we can know the state of magic in our world. After all, maybe there are magicians on our planet."
"Unfortunately, only the observation of such a phenomenon could provide you with that answer. However, I can tell you that there is a chance there are apprentices on your planet. As for stronger individuals, it's impossible to know, as their rights are protected by the magical alliance. To be sure, you should keep an eye out when you return to your planet," he replied.
"I see, thank you for your answer," she said, leaving. Returning to her comrades, she shared the discussion she had just had with their professor. Zara quickly responded, "It seems that one day the academy will send us back home. But for that, I assume we have to pass the exams. After all, we've already seen that they don't offer any rewards to those who don't work." The idea of seeing their families again seemed to interest our protagonists.
With renewed determination, they left the classroom, ready to seize every opportunity to strengthen their magical skills and overcome the obstacles that lay ahead.