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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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The next day, Professor Neville’s magic lecture continued.
“Over the past few decades, the Empire has analyzed and reorganized the secret arts developed independently by royal and noble families of various nations, as well as ancient formulae, classifying them into two categories: ‘Ranked Magic’ and ‘Specialized Magic.’”
Two diagrams were drawn on the large blackboard.
Professor Neville pointed to a ladder-shaped diagram and explained,
“The characteristic of Ranked Magic is its standardization. The mana cost, required Mana Control, and resulting effects are clearly defined. This makes it relatively easy to disseminate and inherit knowledge, and it also has high developmental potential.”
He gestured to the empty space next to the ladder diagram.
“The name of a Ranked Magic formula includes three elements: ‘Formula Rank,’ ‘Formula Attribute,’ and ‘Formula Form.’ Let me give you a few examples.”
[Low-Rank: Flame Sphere]
Formula Rank: Low-Rank (consumes 1-9 mana)
Formula Attribute: Flame (possesses properties similar to physical flames)
Formula Form: Sphere (causes an omnidirectional explosion at the point of impact)
[Low-Rank: Healing Touch]
Formula Rank: Low-Rank (consumes 1-9 mana)
Formula Attribute: Healing (restores the target’s wounds)
Formula Form: Touch (takes effect when the target comes into contact with the light emanating from the user’s hand)
[Mid-Rank: Magic Arrow Rain]
Formula Rank: Mid-Rank (consumes 10-90 mana)
Formula Attribute: Magic (pure energy without specific attributes)
Formula Form: Arrow Rain (rains down countless magic arrows on a designated area according to the user’s will)
[Mid-Rank: Hardening Bestowment]
Formula Rank: Mid-Rank (consumes 10-90 mana)
Formula Attribute: Hardening (increases the hardness of a target object)
Formula Form: Bestowment (has no effect on its own; the effect must be bestowed upon a target object)
“On the other hand, Specialized Magic cannot be standardized in this way, and refers to formulae where various elements are intricately intertwined. Many secret arts passed down independently over long periods fall into this category. Most are flawed and can’t match the efficiency of Ranked Magic, but some are quite useful. However, they are also more dangerous, so it’s best to build your skills with Ranked Magic first—”
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After the morning classes ended, I searched for Lyla Everblaze Barhardt, the ‘Heir of Red and Blue Blood.’
I had initially hesitated after hearing Fiore’s suggestion, but I needed to establish a connection with Lyla anyway, so I figured this was a good opportunity.
It had been over a week since the Academy opened.
Students were gathered in groups, chatting amongst themselves.
At the center of the larger groups were invariably children from prominent families of various nations.
‘It’s only natural.’
Even if the Academy claimed not to discriminate based on social status, their social influence and power wouldn’t just vanish.
The fact that they were prevented from openly voicing their complaints or abusing their status only highlighted the exceptional authority of the Emperor and the previous Emperor.
Therefore, I expected Lyla, an Imperial princess, to be surrounded by a throng of people. However, to my surprise, the area around her, where she sat alone reading a book, was remarkably quiet.
It wasn’t that Lyla lacked popularity or that other students were reluctant to approach her.
Even at this moment, there were many who looked at her with admiration.
The reason they hesitated to approach her was the complex web of interests surrounding her and the subtle power plays between the involved parties.
Of course, that wasn’t my concern.
In fact, I needed to make my move before those watching from the sidelines decided to approach her.
“Greetings, Your Highness. If you’re not busy, could I borrow a moment of your time?”
Lyla looked surprised for a moment, but then she smiled gently and closed her book.
“Chrom Midas, was it? You can call me Lyla, not Your Highness. That’s the principle of this Academy.”
“Then, I’ll address you as Lyla-nim. My courage isn’t quite enough to address you by name alone.”
“I understand, Chrom. I look forward to the day you do.”
The unexpectedly amicable atmosphere drew some glares from the surrounding students, but I ignored them.
‘Oh, I’m just a vulgar nouveau riche with no noble blood or distinguished history, so I don’t understand complex politics. If you have a problem, feel free to interrupt.’
Anyway,
‘She’s more approachable and reasonable than I expected.’
Unlike the other main characters in “Planetarium,” whose personalities and backgrounds I knew from my past life, the personalities and appearances of the ‘Template’ members weren’t fixed.
While I could make guesses, they could easily differ from my expectations.
Even Regret was completely different from the ‘Nameless War Ghost’ I played.
‘She doesn’t seem like the type to flaunt her authority, at least outwardly, so this should be quick.’
With many ears listening, I explained Lavaul’s situation without mentioning specific names or characteristics, and Lyla listened attentively.
I finished explaining, noticing Lavaul and Pino pretending not to eavesdrop, and Lyla spoke,
“It’s not uncommon for one’s aspirations to clash with their innate talents. Even if one acknowledges their shortcomings, I believe the effort to overcome them has value.”
Pino’s expression twisted, while Lavaul’s brightened.
But Lyla wasn’t finished.
“However, before pursuing that path, one needs to clarify their position.”
I asked,
“Clarify their position? What do you mean?”
“Desiring wisdom is different from desiring to be seen as wise.”
“Don’t you agree?” Lyla added.
‘It seems like she already knows who I’m talking about.’
Glancing at the gray-haired young man, whose face had darkened, I said,
“Indeed, thank you for your insightful words. Could we perhaps converse again sometime?”
“Conversations with good friends enrich life. I look forward to it, Chrom.”
“I’ll be sure to prepare some entertaining topics that won’t disappoint, Lyla-nim.”
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After class, the four of us – myself, Lotto, Pino, and Lavaul – gathered, and Lavaul spoke,
“I will not give up on learning magic. But I will give up on obsessing over using formulae.”
Lotto asked cautiously,
“Uh… does magic have any meaning without using formulae?”
Pino replied,
“I think he means he’ll focus on the theoretical aspects, like the fundamental principles and structure of formulae. Even if he can’t use them himself, quickly understanding and analyzing what others use is also important. The professor agreed to let him continue attending classes after hearing that.”
“After hearing your advice and the princess’s words, I reflected on myself. I claimed to desire wisdom, but perhaps I was simply intoxicated by the image of myself being seen as wise. I can’t deny that completely. But I also couldn’t abandon the path I had chosen so easily.”
I shrugged at Lavaul’s words.
It was a compromise, but at least he wasn’t stubbornly insisting on using formulae, which was an improvement.
That kind of knowledge wouldn’t hurt.
Even if he later switched to martial combat, understanding the principles behind formulae would help him devise countermeasures more quickly.
‘It’s like a magic meta-build?’
While I wasn’t sure if I wanted to make it my main build, it wasn’t bad as a niche pick against certain bosses.
I already had Regret as a versatile physical attacker.
“I want to thank you again, Chrom Midas-nim. I feel like I’m always indebted to you.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m glad things worked out.”
The conversation ended amicably, and we parted ways in good spirits.
The next morning,
I narrowed my eyes at the message left in front of my room.
[Stop clinging to that noble person, you gnat. If you ignore this warning, both you and your sister will regret it.]
“Ha…”
I chuckled dryly.
I had expected this, but it seemed my peaceful school life was already over.
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